How to Disable Auto Start-Stop Function in BMW F and G Series Vehicles
In BMW F and G series vehicles, the auto start-stop function activates every time due to emission standards. With OBDThink, you can keep this feature disabled by default and save the last position to memory.
— Tekin Code
BMW's F and G series vehicles come with the auto start-stop function as a factory setting, in line with emission standards and fuel economy targets. However, this feature automatically activates every time the vehicle is started, which is annoying for many drivers. Having to press the dashboard button every time to disable it feels like doing an exercise routine or playing the piano.
With OBDThink, you can permanently solve this problem and save the last position of the auto start-stop function to memory. This means once you disable the feature, the system will start disabled on the next ignition cycle. You no longer need to press the button every time.
Why Does Auto Start-Stop Activate Every Time?
European emission standards (especially Euro 6 and later) require manufacturers to keep the auto start-stop system active by default to reduce CO₂ emissions. BMW has programmed the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) software to automatically activate the start-stop function on every ignition cycle to meet these legal requirements.
However, this negatively affects driver comfort in daily use. Especially in city traffic, constantly stopping and starting the engine during short stops can be frustrating for some drivers. It can also create long-term stress on older generation AGM batteries.
Start-Stop Memory Coding with OBDThink
The OBDThink mobile application allows you to access the DME module in BMW F and G series vehicles and change the memory settings of the start-stop function. This way, the last position you left it in (on or off) is preserved on the next ignition cycle.
This coding does not affect emission tests. It only saves driver preference to memory. The function can be manually turned on or off at any time.
Coding Steps for G Series Vehicles
Auto start-stop memory coding in BMW G series vehicles (G20, G30, G05, G11, G80, G82, etc.) is performed as follows:
• Open the OBDThink app and connect to your vehicle via ENET or OBD-II adapter
• Click on the 'Coding' option from the main menu
• Once the ECU scan is complete, select the 'Engine Control Unit (DME)' module
• Find the 'Auto Start Stop Function Memory' option in the parameters list
• Also check the 'Auto Start Stop Function' parameter just below it
• Set both parameters to 'active' or 'last_state' according to your preference
• Press the 'Code' button in the middle-bottom section to apply the coding
• Once complete, turn the ignition off and on to test the change
During coding, the vehicle's ignition must be ON, with the engine not running. It is recommended to turn off other electrical systems (air conditioning, radio, etc.) during the coding process.
Coding Steps for F Series Vehicles
The process is slightly simpler in BMW F series vehicles (F30, F10, F25, F15, F80, F87, etc.):
• Connect to the vehicle with OBDThink (ENET or K+DCAN adapter)
• Go to the 'Coding' section from the main menu
• Select the DME module and scan
• Find the 'Auto Start Stop Function' menu
• Configure the parameters inside (usually the 'Active' option)
• Press the 'Code' button to save changes
• Turn the ignition off and on to test
In F series vehicles, parameter names may vary slightly depending on the model and software version. Some models offer a direct memory option such as 'Auto Start Stop Last State'.
What Changes After Coding?
After successful coding:
• If you turn off the start-stop function, it will remain off on the next ignition cycle
• If you leave the function on, it will start on next time
• You can change it manually (via dashboard button) at any time
• The system no longer returns to factory settings (on every time)
• You won't have issues with emission tests, because the function is still available
Coding is completely reversible. You can return the same parameters to factory settings (default) through OBDThink.
Which Models Are Supported?
Start-stop memory coding with OBDThink is supported in the following BMW model families:
• F Series: F30, F31, F34, F10, F11, F07, F25, F26, F15, F16, F39, F45, F46, F48, F80, F82, F83, F87, F90 (produced 2011-2019)
• G Series: G20, G21, G28, G30, G31, G32, G05, G06, G07, G11, G12, G14, G15, G16, G29, G80, G81, G82, G83, G87 (2016 and later)
• MINI F Series: F54, F55, F56, F57, F60 (start-stop memory support varies by model year)
E series vehicles (E60, E90, etc.) do not have a start-stop system, so this coding cannot be applied. In I series electric vehicles (i3, i8), this function also works differently.
Important Considerations
When performing start-stop memory coding, pay attention to the following:
• The vehicle's battery charge level should be at least 60% (coding errors may occur at low voltage)
• Do not start the engine during coding, only have the ignition on (ignition ON, engine OFF)
• The process usually takes 10-30 seconds, do not interrupt
• In some G series models, a 'component protection' warning may appear after coding, this is normal and will disappear automatically
• In vehicles under warranty, authorized service can detect this coding but it does not void the warranty (emission function still works)
OBDThink is an independent aftermarket application and is not affiliated with BMW AG. Coding operations are at your own responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Will the start-stop function not work at all after coding?**
No. Coding only affects the function's memory. The dashboard button always works, you can turn it on or off at any time. The difference is that now the system returns to your last preferred position on every ignition cycle.
**Q: Will there be a problem during emission testing?**
No. During emission testing, the function can be manually activated. Also, the system has not been completely disabled, only the memory setting has been changed.
**Q: Does it work on vehicles other than F and G series?**
E series vehicles do not have a start-stop system, so this coding cannot be performed. In I series (i3, i8, iX) and some new electric/hybrid vehicles, the system works differently, so coding may not be supported through OBDThink.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Although the auto start-stop function is an environmentally friendly feature, it can negatively affect driver comfort in daily use. With a simple coding you can perform with OBDThink, you can get rid of the hassle of pressing the button on every ignition cycle and use the system the way you prefer.
This coding is completely reversible, does not affect the vehicle's warranty, and does not compromise compliance with emission standards. It simply improves the driver experience.
By downloading the OBDThink app, you can easily perform this and many other coding operations on your BMW. Free trial versions are available on iOS and Android platforms.
For more coding guides and BMW technical content, you can follow our blog page. You can submit your questions through the in-app support channel or our social media accounts.