
 
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 

 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
 
15n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 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  
Overview 

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp 
for fuel reserve83
2 Turn signal indicator lamp23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for 
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beams23
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil 
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control82
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator83
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)20
 
>
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)22 
 
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)
 
* 
20, 22
 
>
 
Rollover protection system68
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control23
8 Reset button for 
 
>
 
Clock849 Program display for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
76
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
22, 76
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability 
Control (DSC)22
11 Display for
 
>
 
Odometer82
 
>
 
Trip odometer82
 
>
 
Clock84
 
>
 
Service Interval83
Display for onboard computer
 
* 
, 
operation via the turn signal lever, 
refer to page 85:
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Cruising range 
 
>
 
Average speed
12 Display for Check Control84
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8214 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for 
 
>
 
Fog lamps23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Engine Power 
Control (EML)
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Engine22
You can display the outside tem-
perature and distance driven in 
different units of measurement.
 
< 

22n
Indicator and warning lampsOrange: consult the nearest 
BMW center
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the 
automatic transmission shifts 
only in the emergency program. Please 
consult the nearest BMW center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 76.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 115.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been switched off: check the 
engine oil level. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 133.
Brake pads l 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 117.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
Check the tire pressure. 
For additional information, refer 
to pages 27 and 89. 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) l 
DSC has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction or by 
means of the button. In the event of a 
malfunction, have the system checked 
by your BMW center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 88.
Add washer fluid 
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest op-
portunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 132.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. Al-
though the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked 
by your BMW center at the earliest pos-
sible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 149.
"Service Engine Soon" warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock70
Starting the engine70
Switching 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 
convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)88
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)89Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams91
Instrument lighting91
High beams/Parking lamps92
Fog lamps92
Interior lamps92
Reading lamps93
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control94
Seat heating99
Cabin conveniences:
Glove compartment99
BMW Universal 
Transmitter *100
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone103
Ashtray front103
Cigarette lighter104
Ashtray rear104
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag105
Cargo loading106
Luggage rack for the 
hardtop108 

83n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel gauge 
Coolant temperature gauge
Service Interval Display 
When you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an 
operation check. 
Once the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx. 2.1 gal-
lons (8 liters) of fuel left in the fuel tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to page 185.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended 
driving in mountainous areas, for exam-
ple), there may be slight fluctuations of 
the needle.
Please refuel early, since driving 
to the last drop of fuel can result in 
damage to the engine and/or catalytic 
converter.<462us020
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating 
the vehicle the engine is overheated. 
Shut off the engine immediately and 
allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to go as far as the 
edge of the red zone in response to 
high outside temperatures or severe 
operating conditions.Checking coolant level, refer to page 13 5.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration 
appear for a few seconds when the 
ignition key is in position 1 or after the 
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the 
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION, 
together with the remaining distance 
before scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of 
the remaining distance on the rate of 
fuel consumption in the period immedi-
ately preceding your data request.
A flashing display and a "–" in front of 
the number indicate that service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the 
distance shown in the display. Please 
contact your BMW center for an 
appointment.46cus006 

123n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Information for your safetyThe factory approved radial tires are 
matched to the vehicle and have been 
selected to provide optimum safety and 
driving comfort. 
It is not merely the tire's service life, but 
also driving comfort and – above all else 
– driving safety that depend on the con-
dition of the tires and the maintenance 
of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent 
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability 
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – including the space-saver 
spare tire – at least twice a month and 
before beginning a longer trip (see 
page 27). If this is not done, incorrect 
tire pressures can cause driving insta-
bility and tire damage, ultimately result-
ing in accidents.<
Tire tread – tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread 
wear, signs of damage and for foreign 
objects lodged in the tread. Check the 
tread depth. 
Tread depth should not be allowed to 
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though 
the legally specified minimum tread 
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a 
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread 
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base indicate that the legally-
permissible wear limit has been 
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread 
depth, there is an increased risk of 
aquaplaning, even at relatively moder-
ate speeds and with only small amounts 
of water on the road.390de331
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) 
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs 
steering and braking response, and can 
lead to complete loss of control over 
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that 
the permitted load on the tires is not ex-
ceeded. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which 
damage develops inside the tires. You 
could have a blowout as a result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during 
normal vehicle operation can indicate 
tire failure or some other vehicle defect. 
This is also true for irregularities in the 
vehicle's handling characteristics, such 
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the 
left or right. Should this occur, respond 
by immediately reducing your speed. 
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW 
center or professional tire center, or 
have the vehicle towed in to have it and 
its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including sud-
den and complete air loss) can endan-
ger the lives of both the vehicle occu-
pants and other drivers on the road.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition 

149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The interface socket for the onboard 
diagnostics is located on the driver's 
side at the left-hand bottom of the 
dashboard and under a cover. The 
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper emission control system 
operation for the life of the vehicle by 
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and 
malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs 
you of the need for service, not 
that you need to stop the vehicle. 
Your system should be checked by your 
BMW center at the earliest possible 
opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this 
indicates a high level of engine misfire. 
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe 
engine misfire over only a short period 
of time can seriously damage emission 
control components, especially the 
catalytic converter.
Warning lamp: "Service Engine 
Soon" for Canadian models
When the fuel filler cap is not pro-
perly tightened, the OBD system 
can detect the vapor leak and the indi-
cator will light up. If the fuel filler cap is 
then tightened, the indicator will usually 
go out after a short period of time.<