
 
© 2000 BMW AG
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Part number 01 41 0 155 048
US Englisch I/00
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper 
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling) 
4n
 
Notes on the Owner's Manual
 
We have made every effort to ensure 
that you are able to find what you need 
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as 
possible. The fastest way to find certain 
topics is by using the detailed index at 
the end. If you wish to gain only an ini-
tial overview of your vehicle, you will 
find this in the first chapter.
The detailed list of contents that di-
rectly follows the summary of contents 
is intended to stimulate your curiosity 
regarding your BMW and to encourage 
you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at 
some time in the future, please remem-
ber to hand over the Owner's Manual to 
the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.
Should you have any further questions, 
your BMW center will be glad to assist 
at any time.
 
Symbols used
 
These sections contain vital infor-
mation – please read the accom-
panying text passages carefully, both 
for your own safety and to prevent 
damage to your BMW.
 
<
 
 
indicates notes that alert you to 
specific features of your vehicle.
 
<
 
 
Indicates special information on 
recycling.
 
<
 
 
 
<
 
  Indicates the end of a note.
 
* 
  Indicates special equipment, coun-
try-specific equipment and optional 
extras.
Alerts you to functions that can 
be adjusted by your BMW center 
("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer 
to page 60.
 
<
 
The individual vehicle
 
On purchasing your BMW, you have 
decided in favor of a model with individ-
ualized equipment and features. This 
Owner's Manual describes all models 
and equipment that BMW offers within 
the same range.
We hope you will understand that 
equipment and features are included 
which you might not have chosen for 
your vehicle. Any differences can easily 
be identified, since all optional acces-
sories and special equipment are 
marked with an asterisk 
 
* 
.
If your BMW features equipment which 
is not described in this Owner's Manual 
(car radio or telephone, for instance), 
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are 
enclosed. We ask you to read these 
manuals as well.
 
Notes
Symbols
The individual vehicle 

 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing – from 
outside34
Opening and closing – from 
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Manual convertible top45
The fully automatic convertible 
top49
Wind deflector51
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats53
Seat and mirror memory57
Steering wheel58
Mirrors58
Car Memory, Key Memory60
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts61
ISOFIX Attachment of the 
child seat62
Airbags63
Child restraints66
Installing a child restraint 
system67
Rollover protection system68
 
Driving:
 
Steering/Ignition lock70
Starting the engine70
Switch off the engine71
Parking brake72
Manual transmission73
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic74
Turn signal indicator/
Headlamp flasher77
Washer/Wiper system/
Rain sensor77
Rear window defroster79
Cruise control80
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer82
Tachometer82
Energy Control82
Fuel gauge83
Coolant temperature gauge83
Service Interval Display83
Check Control84
Clock84
Onboard computer85
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)88
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)89
 
Contents 

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Many of the systems of your BMW 
monitor themselves automatically, both 
during engine starts and while you are 
driving. Indicator and warning lamps 
that are identified by "
 
l
 
" are tested for 
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up 
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started, or 
it will light up while the vehicle is mov-
ing. You will see how to react to this 
below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge
 
 l 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. There is a malfunction 
of the alternator V-belt or in the charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do 
not continue driving. The engine 
could be damaged due to overheating. 
If the V-belt is defective, increased 
steering effort is also required.<
Engine oil pressure
 l 
Stop the vehicle immediately 
and switch off the engine. Check 
the engine oil level and refill as required. 
If the oil level is correct, please contact 
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do 
so, the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.< 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, an acoustic will go 
off: a tire failure has occurred. 
Reduce vehicle speed immediately to 
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake ap-
plications. Do not oversteer. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 89.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged, 
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to read the notes on 
pages 117 and 136.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models. 

25n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Hazard warning flashers  Warning triangle
* 
First-aid kit
* 
The button flashes intermittently when 
the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the button in an 
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the vehicle's lamps 
are on.
The turn signal indicator function 
takes priority over the hazard 
warning flasher function. This means 
that with the ignition key in position 1, 
you can still use the turn signal indica-
tor funtion, even if the hazard warning 
flashers are being used at the same 
time.< 460us002
For easy access, the hazard warning 
triangle is stored in the onboard tool kit 
in the luggage compartment lid.
To open it, loosen the wing nut screw.
Comply with legal requirements 
for keeping a hazard warning 
triangle in the vehicle.<46cde028
The first-aid kit is located under the 
passenger seat.
To open: press the button (arrow) and 
fold the lid downward.
To close: fold the lid up until it audibly 
engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid 
kit may be used within a limited 
time only. For this reason, check the 
expiration dates of each of the items 
regularly, and replace any with passed 
dates. You can purchase replacements 
in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply 
with legal requirements for keeping a 
first-aid kit in the vehicle.< 46cde084 

30n
Opening and closing:
Keys32
Electronic vehicle immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing – from 
outside34
Opening and closing – from 
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Manual convertible top45
The fully automatic 
convertible top49
Wind deflector51
Adjustments:
Seats53
Seat and mirror memory57
Steering wheel58
Mirrors58
Car Memory, Key Memory60
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts61
ISOFIX Attachment of 
the child seat62
Airbags63
Child restraints66
Installing a child restraint 
system67
Rollover protection system68
Controls 

32n
Keys1 The master keys with remote control 
determine the functions for the Key 
Memory, refer to page 60
There is an extended-life battery 
in every master key that is 
charged automatically in the steering 
lock as you drive.
If you have a master key that is not 
being used, use that key at least once a 
year by driving with it for an extended 
period to recharge the battery. Refer 
also to page 35.<
2 Keep your spare key in a safe place, 
such as in your wallet. This key is not 
intended for continuous use 46cde059
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and the glove compartment 
cannot be operated with this key – 
this is recommended for valet park-
ing, for instance.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Since 
the keys are part of a security system, 
vehicle ownership must be checked 
before a replacement key can be issued 
(refer to "Electronic Vehicle Immobi-
lizer" on page 33).
If possible, take all of the master 
keys that belong to the vehicle 
with you when you pick up your re-
placement key. After getting a replace-
ment key, turn it to position 2 in the 
ignition lock once (ignition switched on) 
and then back. This allows the passive 
anti-theft system to "learn" the new 
key.< 

33n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizer The key to securityYour BMW is equipped with a passive 
anti-theft system. This electronic immo-
bilization system reduces the likelihood 
of your vehicle being stolen by making 
it impossible to start the engine using 
any keys other than the ones furnished 
with the vehicle. Your BMW center can 
cancel the electronic system authoriza-
tion for individual keys (in the event of 
loss, for instance). A deactivated key 
can no longer be used to start the en-
gine.46cde060
How the electronics workAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the 
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device. While the 
engine is running, the circuitry in the 
ignition key and the vehicle's electronic 
system constantly exchange variable, 
vehicle-specific signals. The system will 
not release the ignition, fuel injection 
and starter unless it recognizes an 
"authorized" key.
Force applied to the key can dam-
age the integrated electronic cir-
cuitry. A damaged key can no longer be 
used to start the engine.< 

34n
Central locking system Opening and closing – from outside The conceptThe central locking system is ready for 
operation whenever the driver's door is 
closed. The system engages and re-
leases the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door
>glove compartment. 
The central locking system can be 
operated
>from outside via the door lock and 
using the remote control
>from inside by pressing a button.
Activating the central locking system 
from inside does not lock the fuel filler 
door (refer to page 38). Operating it 
from the outside simultaneously acti-
vates the anti-theft protection. Both the 
door locks and release handles remain 
locked. The alarm system
* is also 
armed or disarmed.
In the event of an accident, the central 
locking system unlocks automatically 
(only those doors that were not locked 
separately with the safety lock buttons). 
Refer to page 38. In addition, the ha-
zard warning flashers and interior lamps 
come on.
Using the keyTurning the key in the driver's door 
once unlocks the driver's door only. 
Turning the key a second time unlocks 
all of the remaining doors, the luggage 
compartment lid, the fuel filler door and 
the glove compartment.
You can have a signal set as an 
acknowledgement message that 
the vehicle is closed correctly.<460de006
Convenience operating modeYou can also operate the power win-
dows and the fully automatic convert-
ible top
* using the door lock.
>To open: with the door closed, turn 
the key to the "Unlock" position and 
hold it 
>To close: with the door closed, turn 
the key to the "Lock" position and 
hold it.
Watch during the closing process 
to make sure that nobody is in-
jured accidentally. Releasing the key 
stops the operation.<
Manual operation (in the event of electrical malfunction)
Turn the key all the way to the extreme 
left or right to unlock/lock the door.