136n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before re-
moving the cap from the expansion
tank. The coolant gauge needle in the
instrument cluster must be located in
the blue zone. If it is not, there is a
danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open
the cap
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every four years.If the warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem comes on and the parking brake
has been released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 117.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<
143n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleThe buildup of an electrostatic charge
on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-
spheric humidity is low, can give the
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
if they touch metal body parts after leav-
ing the vehicle. Although this not dan-
gerous in any way, it can be avoided by
touching a bare or polished metal part
of the vehicle while getting out.Leather care The leather upholstery
* used by BMW
is a natural product of the highest qual-
ity, processed using state-of-the-art
methods to ensure that it will maintain
its high quality for years to come, pro-
vided that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
and for the peculiarities of its use
and care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of
the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent
intervals.For cleaning, use BMW leather
cleaning foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
acts as an antistatic agent.
For protection against dampness or
moisture, treat the leather with an im-
pregnating agent made by BMW.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains by dab-
bing with spot remover. Avoid rubbing.
If the upholstery is to be exposed to in-
tense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover all
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-
dows) to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. For this reason,
always comply with the warnings and
danger labels on the packaging.
When cleaning the vehicle's interior,
open the doors or windows (if the con-
vertible top has been closed). Never
clean your vehicle with solvents or
other materials not specifically in-
tended for this purpose.<
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.<
Everything from A to Z
191n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cigarette lighter104
Clock84
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Coin box, cup holder103
Combination switch77
Compression182
Computer85
Configure settings60
Consumption86
Consumption display83
Convertible top
care144
electrical defect166
Convertible top
compartment panel41
Convertible top operation,
fully automatic convertible
top49
Coolant118, 135, 185
antifreeze118
Coolant temperature
gauge83
Cooling system185
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 115
Cruise control80
Cruising range86
Curb weight184
Current check indicator20
DDash lighting91
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions183
engine182
technical182
weights184
Daytime-driving lamp
switch91
Defrost setting97
Defrosting the
windows97, 98
Digital clock84
Dimensions183
Dipstick, engine oil133
Disc brakes116
Displacement182
Display lighting91
Displays18
Distance warning87
Diversity Antenna174
Door key32
Door locks, care118
Doors
emergency actuation34
remote control35
unlocking and locking34
Drive belts186
Driving hints113
Driving in winter118Driving lamps91
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 88, 173
EElectric power windows44
Electrical accessories,
failure165
Electrical system186
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16
Emergency actuation
doors34
fuel filler door165
fully automatic convertible
top166
Emergency closure166
Energy Control82
Engine compartment130
Engine coolant135, 185
Engine data182
Engine oil
capacity185
consumption133
pressure20
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Engine oil level21
check133Engine speed182
Engine, starting70
Entry to the rear56
Exterior mirrors58
Eyes169
FFailure messages84
Fault displays84
Fault, ABS115
Filler cap cover26
Filling capacities185
Filling the washer
reservoir185
First-aid kit25
Flashlight99
Flat tire123, 159
Fog lamps92
bulb replacement155
"Follow-Me-Home"
lamps91
Footbrake116
Footwell lamps92
bulb replacement158
Front seat adjustment53
Frost protection,
radiator135
Fuel27
gauge83
preparation182
quality27
Fuel consumption86
Everything from A to ZFuel consumption
display83
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp83
Fuel tank capacity185
Fuel tank gauge83
Fully automatic convertible
top
actuation49
emergency closure166
one-touch operation34
Functional status178
Fuses165GGarage-door opener100
Gasoline27
Gasoline gauge83
Glove compartment99
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158
Grills94
Gross vehicle weight184HHandbrake72
Hands-free system103
Hanging the luggage
compartment floor up by
the hook40
Hardtop121
Hazard warning flashers25Hazard warning triangle25
Head restraints54
Headlamp covers,
care139, 153
Headlamp flasher92
Headlamp washer
system79, 132, 185
Heated seats99
Heater and ventilation94
Heavy loads106
Height183
High beams23, 77, 92
bulb replacement153
Hood release129
Horn17
Hub cap160
IIce warning85
Identification, tires126
Ignition key32
Ignition lock70
Increasing the space in the
luggage compartment41
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure27, 123
Inflation pressure
monitoring89, 177
INSPECTION83
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting91Interaxle tire rotation125
Interface socket for On-
Board Diagnostics149
Interference
cellular phones120
Interior lamps37, 92
bulb replacement157
remote control37
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature59, 175
Interlock70
Intermittent wipe77
ISOFIX Attachment of the
child seat62
JJack159
Jets94
Jump starting168KKey32
Key Memory60
Key with remote control32L"Lamps on" warning91
Lashing eyes107
Leather care143
Length183License plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Light switch91
Light-alloy wheels128
Lighter104
Load-securing devices107
Low beams91
bulb replacement153
Lug bolts160
Luggage compartment39
capacity184
emergency release39
floor panel41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement158
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack108
Lumbar support56
MM+S tires127
Maintenance83, 138
Malfunction displays84
Manual convertible top
operation in the event of an
electrical malfunction166
Owner service proceduresAAdding brake fluid136
Adding engine coolant136
Adding engine oil133
Avoiding a false alarm43
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43BBackup lamps
bulb replacement155
Battery
add distilled water163
charging164
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155
Brakes, brake faults117CChanging the tire159
Check Control84
Checking engine oil
level133
Checking tire pressure27DDefrosting the windows97
Difficult steering120
Doors
emergency actuation34
EElectrical accessories,
failure165
Electrical failure
fuel filler door165
Emergency actuation
doors34
fully automatic convertible
top166
Emergency release
fuel filler door165
Engine oil
add133
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Eyes169FFailure messages84
Fault displays84
First-aid kit25
Flat tire159
Fog lamps
bulb replacement155
Footwell lamps
bulb replacement158
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault165
Fuses, replacing165
GGlove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158HHazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Headlamp cover, care153
High beams
bulb replacement153IIndicator lamps20
Inflation pressure27, 123
Interior lights
bulb replacement157JJack159LLicense plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Low beams
bulb replacement153
Luggage compartment
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement158
Luggage compartment lid
emergency release39
MMaintenance138
Malfunction displays84OOil
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Onboard tool kit152PParking lamps
bulb replacement154
Pressure, tires27RReleasing the hood129
Removing condensation
from the windows97
Replace windshield wiper
blades152
Replacement key32
Replacing lamp bulbs152
Return used batteries164
Rollover protection system
lowering68SSpace-saver spare tire159
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Owner service procedures