
 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp 
for fuel reserve74
2 Turn signal indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for 
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beams23
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil 
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control73
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator74
7 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)20
 
>
 
ABS22 
 
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)
 
* 
20, 22
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control
 
* 
23
8 Clock reset
 
>
 
Clock75
 
>
 
Service Interval749 Program display for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
65, 67
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
22, 65
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability 
Control (DSC)22
11 Indicator for
 
>
 
Odometer73
 
>
 
Trip odometer73
 
>
 
Clock75
 
>
 
Service Interval74
Display for onboard computer
 
* 
, 
operation via the turn signal lever: 
Refer to page 76. 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Range 
 
>
 
Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control75
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7314 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for 
 
>
 
Front fog lamps
 
* 
23
 
>
 
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.
 
< 

74n
Fuel gauge  Temperature gauge  Service Interval Display When you switch on the ignition, the in-
dicator lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is stationary. 
Once the indicator lamp begins to light 
up continuously, there are still approx. 
2.1 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel 
tank.
Tank capacity: page 175.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended 
driving in mountainous areas, for exam-
ple), there may be slight fluctuations of 
the needle.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is 
empty. Driving to the last drop of 
fuel can result in damage to the engine 
and/or the catalytic converter.<460us081
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator 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. 
Stop and switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to rise as far as the 
edge of the red zone in response to 
high outside temperatures or severe 
operating conditions.
Checking coolant level: page 128.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration 
appear for a few seconds when the 
ignition key is in positions 1 and 2 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 message and a "Ð" in front of 
the number mean that the service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the 
distance shown on the display. Please 
contact your BMW center for an 
appointment.460de112 

126n
Engine oil Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is ex-
tremely important for the function and 
life of an engine. Based on extensive 
testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain types of engine oils. 
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil." 
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High 
Performance Synthetic Oil," you may 
use small volumes of other approved 
synthetic oils for topping up between oil 
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher. 
Ask your BMW center for details 
concerning the specific "BMW 
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or 
other synthetic oils that have been 
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this 
information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class 
depends on the climatic conditions in 
the area where you drive your BMW.
BMW recommends the use of oils in 
SAE classes SAE 0W-X or SAE 5W-X 
("X" stands for a typical value such as 
30, 40, or 50).
These oils may be used for driving in all 
ambient temperatures.
530us050 

133n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your carExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at 
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion 
priming techniques are supplemented 
using special body-cavity protectants, 
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied 
to the undercarriage. Following this, a 
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is 
applied. Regular maintenance makes 
an important contribution to maintaining 
the safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of 
harmful environmental factors on vehi-
cle finishes have urged paint and vehi-
cle manufacturers to initiate ongoing 
programs designed to further improve 
the durability of their finishes. Despite 
this, environmental factors that occur 
locally or regionally can have negative 
effects on the finish of your vehicle. 
These should guide you in determining 
the frequency and extent of your efforts 
to maintain the vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type of 
impact (perforation of paint layer), phys-
ical stresses from sand, road salt, gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to 
start extending beneath the finish, start-
ing at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-
mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and 
tree excretions (resins and pollen) all 
contain substances capable of causing 
damage when allowed to remain on the 
finish of your vehicle for any period of 
time. This includes spots, etching, flak-
ing, and separations in the top coat.
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust, 
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing 
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the 
car's finish unless adequate care is pro-
vided Ð even though this is generally 
limited to the outside horizontal sur-
faces.
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote cor-
rosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over 
105 7 (40 6) in the shade prevail, in 
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation 
and high humidity. Under those condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures up to 175 7 (80 6) and dark 
paints up to 250 7 (120 6).
Caring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from 
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your 
vehicle in areas with high levels of air 
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately 
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to 
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled 
during refueling, oil, grease and brake 
fluid should always be cleaned away 
immediately, as should bird droppings.
Any contamination remaining on the 
surface of the vehicle will be especially 
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or 
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar spots 
with tar remover. After cleaning, the 
affected areas should be waxed to 
ensure continued protection.
Use cleaning and car-care 
products that you can obtain at 
your BMW center.< 

Everything from A to Z
181n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Clock75
refer also to the Radio 
or Onboard Computer 
Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Coin holder, cup holder93
Combination switch68
Compression172
Computer76
Configure settings53
Consumption77
Consumption display74
Coolant110, 128, 175
antifreeze110
Coolant temperature 
gauge74
Cooling system175
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)21, 107
Cruise control71
Cruising range77
Curb weight174DDash lighting82
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions173
engine172
weights174
Daytime-driving lamp 
switch82
Defrost position89Defroster, rear window90
Defrosting the windows89
Digital clock75
Dimensions173
Dipstick125
Disc brakes108
Displacement172
Display lighting82
Displays18
Distance warning78
Diversity Antenna164
Divided rear backrest97
Door key32
Door locks, care110
Doors
child-safety locks56
emergency operation34
unlocking and locking34
Draft-free ventilation90
Driving hints104
Driving in winter110
Driving lamps82
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)22, 79, 163
EElectric power windows44
Electrical accessories, 
failure154
Electrical system176
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16Emergency operation, 
doors34
Energy Control73
Engine
starting61
Engine compartment122
Engine coolant128, 175
Engine data172
Engine oil
capacity175
consumption125
pressure20
quality126
specifications126
viscosity126
Engine oil level21, 22
check125
Engine speed172
Exterior mirrors52
FFailure messages75
Fault
ABS107
Fault displays75
Filler cap cover26
Filling capacities175
Filling the washer 
reservoir175
First aid25
First-aid kit25
Fittings, towing and 
tow-starting158Flashlight92
Flat tire113, 149
Fog lamps83
Folding rear backrest97
Footbrake108
Footwell lamps83
bulb replacement148
Front fog lamps83
bulb replacement145
Front seat-adjustment47
Frost protection, 
radiator128
Fuel26
fuel injection172
Fuel consumption77
Fuel consumption 
display74
Fuel filler door
releasing following an 
electrical malfunction156
Fuel gauge74
Fuel quality26
Fuel reserve indicator 
lamp74
Fuel tank capacity175
Fuel tank gauge74
Functional status168
Fuses154
GGasoline26
Gasoline gauge74
Glove compartment92 

Everything from A to Z
183n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OOBD interface socket139
Obstruction protection44
Odometer73
Oil
capacity175
consumption125
dipstick125
quality126
specifications126
viscosity126
Oil additives125
Oil change intervals, see the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet
Oil filter change175
Oil level
check125
indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp20
OILSERVICE74
Onboard computer76
Onboard tool kit142
Outside temperature 
display76PPaint blemishes133
Paint, care133
Paintwork, minor 
repairs134Paintwork, waxing134
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)78
Parking brake63
Parking help78
Parking lamps83
Parking, winter111
PDC (Park Distance 
Control)78
Performance172
Pocket flashlight92
Pollen90
Power seat49
Power steering111
Power windows44
safety switch45
Pressure monitoring, 
tires80, 167
Pressure, tires27, 113
RRadiator175
Radio
refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Radio Data System 
(RDS)164
Radio reception112, 164
Rain sensor69, 166
RDC (Tire Pressure 
Control)80, 167
RDS (Radio Data 
System)164Reading lamps84
Rear backrest, folding97
Rear lamps145
Rear window 
defroster70, 90
Rearview mirror52
Reclining seat47
Refueling26
Remote control35
Removing condensation, 
windows89
Replacement key32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system59
Reverse17, 64
Roller blind, sun 
protection91
Roller sun blind91
Roof load capacity174
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack100
Rubber parts110
SSafety belt tensioner164
Safety belts54
height adjustment54
Safety feature44
Safety lock buttons38
Seat
mechanical47
power49
Seat adjustment47Seat heating91
Seat memory50
Securing cargo99
Securing loads99
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission65
Self-defrosting mirrors52
Self-diagnostics168
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet131
Service Interval 
Display74, 131
Shiftlock65
Side airbags56
Side impact Head Protection 
System56
Side lamps82
bulb replacement144
Ski bag98
Skid control111
Sliding/Tilt sunroof45
closing following an 
electrical malfunction156
convenience operation34
Slippery roads110
Snow chains110, 118
Space-saver spare tire149
Spare key32
Spare tire149
Spare wheel149
Spark plugs176
Speaker95
Speed control71 

Everything from A to ZSpeed display18
Speedometer18
Sports Seat49
Starting61
Starting assistance157
Starting problems105, 157
Starting the engine61
Steel wheels118
Steering111
Steering wheel lock61
Steptronic65
Stopping the vehicle62
Storage compartments93
Storing the vehicle137
Stroke172
Summer tires116
Sun visors52
Switching off the engine62
Symbols4, 153
Synthetic oils126TTachometer73
Tail lamp assembly
bulb replacement145
Tail lamps145
Tank capacity175
Technical data172
Technical 
modifications6, 138Telephone
refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup95
Temperature adjustment88
Temperature display
outside temperature76
Temperature gauge
engine coolant74
Temperature layering90
Third brake lamp147
Through-loading system97
Tilt alarm36, 43
remote control36
Tire codes116
Tire damage113
Tire inflation 
pressure27, 113
Tire pressure
checking27
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)80, 167
Tire pressure 
monitoring80, 167
Tire replacement114, 115
Tire specifications118
Tire tread113
Tools142
Torque172
Tow fittings158
Tow starting158Towing158
Track173
Traction Control System
refer to DSC79
Transmission64
Tread depth, tires113
Trip odometer73
Trunk39
Trunk lid, refer to luggage 
compartment lid39
Turn signal 
indicator23, 68, 144
bulb replacement144
Turning radius173
Two-way radios112
UUsed batteries154VVacuum cleaner, 
connecting96
Vanity mirror52
bulb replacement148
Vehicle battery152, 176
Vehicle care
exterior133
interior134
Vehicle identification130
Vehicle Identification 
Number (VIN)130Vehicle immobilizer33
Vehicle painting133
Vehicle storage137
Vehicle weight174
Ventilation86
draft-free90
Vinyl care135
WWarning lamp "Please fasten 
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warning messages75
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet131
Washer reservoir, filling124
Washing your car132
Water on roadways
deep water104
Waxing, paintwork134
Weights174
Wheel rims116
Wheelbase173
Wheels and tires116, 118
Width173
Windows, convenience 
operation34
Windshield washer nozzle 
adjustment124
Windshield washer reservoir, 
filling124, 175