Page 11 of 179

Contents
At a glance
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning
lamps20
Hazard warning system22
Hazard warning triangle22
First-aid kit22
Refueling23
Fuel specification23
CARB OBD II interface24
Tire inflation pressures25
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic immobilizing device35
Doors31
Trunk lid33
Luggage compartment34
Power windows35
Sliding/tilt sunroof36
Convertible top operation37
Adjustments:
Seats43
Steering wheel45
Mirrors46
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts47
Child restraint system48
Installing child seats49
Airbags50
Child-safety locks52
Rollover protection system Ð
convertible52
Driving:
Steering/ignition lock54
Starting the engine54
Switching off the engine55
Parking brake56
Manual transmission57
Automatic transmission58
Turn signals/high beam60
Wiper/washer system61
Cruise control62
Everything under control:
Odometer63
Tachometer63
Energy control63
Fuel gauge64
Coolant temperature gauge64
Service Interval Display64
Multi-Information Display (MID)66
Outside temperature display
and digital clock68
Check Control71
Check Control with outside
temperature display and
digital clock74
Onboard computer77
Technology for driving comfort
and safety:
Automatic stability control
plus traction (ASC+T)84
Page 12 of 179

11
Contents
Controls and features
Care and maintenance
Lamps:
Parking lamps/low beams85
Instrument panel lighting85
Foglamps86
Interior lamps86
Reading lamps86
An inviting climate:
Heated seats87
Independent ventilation
system87
Automatic climate control88
Cabin convenience:
BMW Hi-Fi System93
Glove compartment93
Ashtray94
Coin box, cup holder94
Cigarette lighter94
Center arm rest, rear95
Through-loading system95
Ski bag95
Cargo loading98
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures100
Driving notes100
Catalytic converter102
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)103
Disc brakes104
Brake system105
Winter driving105
Roof-mounted luggage rack107
Radio reception108
Mobile phones108
Hardtop Ð Convertible109
Technical modifications
to the vehicle110
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures111
Tire tread111
Tire replacement112
Interaxle tire changes112
The right choice113
Winter tires114
Approved wheels and tires115
Under the hood:
Hood118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant127
Brake fluid128
Power steering fluid128
Vehicle Identification Number129
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System130
Caring for your car131
Cleaning and care
of the convertible top136
Vehicle storage137
Page 16 of 179
15
At a glance
Controls and featuresCare and maintenanceAdvanced technology
Technical data
Owner service procedure
Index
At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Hazard warning system 22
Hazard warning triangle 22
First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel specification 23
CARB OBD II interface 24
Tire inflation pressures 25
Page 26 of 179

At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
25
BCBC+C/$
BCBC
Tire inflation pressures If the driver's door is open, the infla-
tion pressures are also visible on the
door pillar. Inflation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar) with tires cold
(ambient temperature).
The inflation pressures apply to tires
from BMW-approved manufacturers;
your BMW Retailer will provide you
with this information. Higher pres-
sures may be required for tires from
other manufacturers.a
Periodically check the inflation
pressure Ð also of the spare tire Ð at
least twice each month and before
setting out on an extended trip. Failing
this, incorrect tire pressure may ren-
der the car unstable or cause tire
damage resulting in an accident.cSedan models
BMW
modelTire sizes
Inßation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar)
318i185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S
185/65 R 15 88 T 29
(2.0)35
(2.4)36
(2.5)44
(3.0)
205/60 R 15 91 H
225/55 R 15 92 V
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.2)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)
328i205/60 R 15 91 H
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)
See next page for additional models
Page 27 of 179
26
BCBC+C/$
BCBC
Tire inflation pressures (cont.)
Coupe models
BMW
modelTire sizes
Inßation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar)
318is
323is205/60 R 15 91 H
225/55 R 15 92 V
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)
185/65 R 15 88 Q M+S29
(2.0)35
(2.4)36
(2.5)44
(3.0)
328is205/60 R 15 91 H
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)
See next page for additional models
Page 28 of 179
At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
27
BCBC+$
BC-
max.
Tire inflation pressures (cont.)
Convertible models
BMW
modelTire sizes
Inßation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar)
318i
323i205/60 R 15 91 H
225/55 R 15 92 V
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)
328i205/60 R 15 91 H
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)
Page 49 of 179

48
Expectant mothers should always wear
their safety belts, taking care to position
the lap belt against the lower hips,
where it will not exert pressure against
the abdominal area.
Never attempt to modify the safety
belts.c
For care instructions refer to page 134.Never install a rear-facing child restraint
system in the front passenger's seat!
Never attempt to modify either the
safety belts or any child restraint sys-
tem.
Should the safety belts be damaged or
stretched in an accident, the entire belt
system - including safety belt tension-
ers - must be replaced and the anchor-
ing mounts inspected at a BMW
Retailer.
If the safety belt tensioner has been
activated, a distance of roughly 0.8 in
(20 mm) will remain between the safety
belt lock and the tensioner module.
Installing child restraintsTo install and secure child restraint sys-
tems, all rear safety belts (and the front
passenger's safety belt) are equipped
with a special locking mode.
A label with operating instructions is
attached to the belt next to the latch
plate.To lock the beltExtract the entire length of the belt from
the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the
reel to retract the belt somewhat and
engage the buckle, then tighten the belt
against the child restraint system. The
retraction mechanism is now locked.
Always observe the installation instruc-
tions provided by the manufacturer of
the child restraint system.360us125
Safety belts Child restraint system
Page 100 of 179
At a glance
Controls and featuresCare and maintenanceAdvanced technology
Technical data
Owner service procedure
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Index
99
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures100
Driving notes100
Catalytic converter102
Antilock Brake System (ABS)103
Disc brakes104
Brake system105
Winter driving105
Roof-mounted luggage rack107
Radio reception108
Cellular phones108
Hardtop Ð Convertible109
Technical modifications to
the vehicle110
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures111
Tire tread111
Tire replacement112
Interaxle tire changes112
The right choice113
Winter tires114
Approved wheels and tires115Under the hood:
Hood118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant127
Brake fluid128
Power steering fluid128
Vehicle Identification Number118
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System130
Caring for your car131
Cleaning and care of the
convertible top136
Vehicle storage137