[terrapen73]

Re: Hill-hold function.

This has been a standard feature on most manuals they have sold since the E46 series cars I think. My 2002 M Coupe (E36/8) did not have this function. My 2007 Z4 Coupe has it as did a couple of random 3 and 5 series stick shift cars I have driven from 2004ish on up. I don't know exactly when it started though.

If this is your first time having the function there are a couple of things to be aware of. It only holds the car approximately 3 seconds. Also it can go away if you sit at a light long enough, inching forward or whatever. It is not always there so DO NOT rely on that to save you on a hill. Worst case, use your emergency/parking brake to help hold you in place on a steep/tricky hill and release it as you engage the gear.