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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Alarm system
*
>If the indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is dis-
armed: An attempted entry has been
detected in the period since the sys-
tem was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unwanted alarm The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time. You can prevent triggering false
alarms in high-rise garages or if the
vehicle is transported on a car-carrier
train, for instance, by doing the
following:
Lock the vehicle twice (= arm the sys-
tem). Press button 2 on the remote con-
trol twice in succession or lock the vehi-
cle twice with the key (refer to page 36).
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
are deactivated as long as the system is
armed.
Interior motion sensorThe transmitter and receiver of the inte-
rior motion sensor are located in a trim
panel in the vehicle's headliner.
In order for the interior motion sensor to
function properly, the windows and
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely
closed.
But make sure to turn off the interior
motion sensor (see previous column),
if
>children or animals are left in the
vehicle
>the windows and/or sunroof are left
open.460de159
The tilt sensor and interior motion
sensor are deactivated if the con-
venience closing mode for the windows
and the sliding/tilt sunroof is interrupted
within the first 10 seconds and then
reinitiated. If this happens, you must
disarm the system and then re-arm it.<
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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Sliding/tilt sunroof
*
To prevent injuries, exercise care
when closing the sliding/tilt sun-
roof and keep it in your field of vision
until it is completely closed.
Remove the key from the ignition and
close the doors when you leave the
vehicle, so that children cannot operate
the sunroof and possibly injure them-
selves.<
To avoid pressure or drafts in the pas-
senger compartment when the sunroof
is open or raised, keep the air vents in
the dashboard open and increase the air
supply if necessary. Refer to page 91.
When competely opened, the sunroof
may cause unpleasant vibrations in the
vehicle interior. To eliminate these
vibrations, close the sunroof until this
natural effect disappears.
For the convenience operating mode
with the door lock or the remote con-
trol, refer to page 34 or 35.
Lifting – opening – closingIn ignition key position 1 or 2, press the
switch or slide it to the desired direction
until you feel resistance.
When lifting, the headliner retracts
several inches.
After the ignition has been switched off,
you can still operate the sunroof for up
to 15 minutes, as long as neither of the
front doors has been opened and then
closed.460de015
Automatic opening and closing>Press the switch past the resistance
point briefly: The sunroof travels to
either the fully-closed or fully-open
position
>With the sunroof open, press the
switch briefly toward "Lift": The sun-
roof automatically extends to its fully
raised position.
Pressing the switch again briefly stops
the motion immediately.
46n
Sliding/tilt sunroof
*
Safety featureIf the sliding/tilt sunroof encounters
resistance at a point roughly past the
middle of its travel when it is closing,
the closing cycle is interrupted and the
sunroof will open again slightly.
In spite of this safety feature,
always make sure that the sun-
roof's path is clear. Otherwise in some
cases (e. g. with thin objects) proper
contact with the contact strip is not en-
sured.
You can disable this safety feature by
pressing the switch beyond the resis-
tance point and holding it.<
Power loss or malfunctionIn the event of an electrical system mal-
function, the sliding/tilt sunroof can be
manually operated. Refer to page 155.
58n
Airbags
For your own safety, please ob-
serve the following precautions
concerning airbags, as otherwise their
protective function may be impaired
and your personal safety endangered.
The following information pertains to all
occupants:
The airbags are supplemental restraint
devices designed to provide extra pro-
tection; they are not a substitute for
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all
times. The airbags will not be triggered
in the event of a minor accident, a vehi-
cle roll-over, or collisions from the rear.
In this case, the safety belt offers the
best protection.
Airbags are located under the cover
panels in the steering wheel, in the in-
strument panel, in the side trim panels
in the front and rear
*, in the roof panels,
and in the sides of the inside roof lining.
Select a seat position that is comfort-
able and allows the greatest possible
distance from each of the applicable
airbags. Hold the steering wheel at the
rim (hands at the "9 o'clock and
3 o'clock" positions) in order to avoid
injuries to the hands or arms if the air-
bag is triggered.
Never allow any objects to obstruct the
area between the airbag and an occu-
pant.
Do not use the cover panel above the
front passenger airbag as a storage
area.
Never tape the airbag cover panels,
cover them over or alter them in any
other way.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint
device on the front passenger seat.
Children under 13 years of age and
children who are smaller than 5 feet
(150 cm), should only travel in the rear
seat.
If your vehicle is equipped with side air-
bags in the rear, be sure that child seats
are installed correctly and with the
greatest possible distance from the side
trim panels. Do not allow children to
lean out of the child's seat in the direc-
tion of the side trim panels. Otherwise,
serious injuries could occur if the airbag
is triggered.
At all times, occupants should sit up-
right and be properly restrained (infants
and small children in appropriate child
restraint systems; larger children and
adults using the safety belts). Never let
an occupant's head rest near or on a
side airbag because the inflating airbag
could cause a serious or fatal injury.
Please note that the word "Airbag" im-
printed on the door trim panel indicates
the airbag's location.Accident research shows that the saf-
est place for children in an automobile
is in the rear seat. However, a child
sitting in the rear seat and not properly
restrained may place his or her head on
or near the side airbag, if so equipped.
For example, a child – even though
belted – may fall asleep with his or her
head against the side airbag. It may be
difficult for a driver to ensure that chil-
dren in the rear seat will remain prop-
erly positioned at all times and not
place their heads on or near the side
airbag. Therefore, we recommend that
the rear seat side airbags, if provided,
be deactivated if you plan to transport
children in the rear seat.
The rear seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated, either at the
time of manufacture or by a BMW cen-
ter. Labels in the rear door opening
should indicate the status of your rear
seat side airbags. If you are uncertain of
their status, or wish to have the airbags
activated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW center.<
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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Always position and secure the
load correctly, otherwise it can en-
danger the passengers in the event of
braking or swerving.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and axle load (refer to page 172),
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
is no longer assured and you are in vio-
lation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment without first
securing them. Otherwise they would
be thrown around during braking and
evasive maneuvers and endanger the
occupants.<
AnchorsAccess to the anchors:
To open the cover (arrow) please use
the tool included with the luggage sys-
tem.
A special luggage system is available as
an option for your BMW. Please comply
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center
of gravity of the car when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 172.462de271
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first
(on the bottom). Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do
not project into the opening path of the
luggage compartment lid.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or
being lost during driving (danger to fol-
lowing traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden ac-
celeration or braking. Do not corner at
high speeds.
The roof load increases the aerody-
namic resistance. Increased fuel con-
sumption and additional strain on the
vehicle's body result from this.
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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost-effectively as
possible for you. With respect to the
previous version, maintenance costs
can clearly be reduced due to technical
innovations.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle. 462us022
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals. These are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under that the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different manners:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System in-
cludes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the car
covers every kind of operating situation.
Minimal use drivers – those who drive
significantly less than 6,000 miles
(10,000 km) per year – should neverthe-
less have the oil changed at least every
two years, since engine oil ages regard-
less of the load.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models)Please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models) for additional infor-
mation on maintenance intervals and
procedures.
As a precaution against rust, it might be
a good idea to have the body checked
for damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be
subject to wear is a permanent part of
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian mod-
els). These entries are your proof that
the vehicle has received regular mainte-
nance. They are also a prerequisite for
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System
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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Caring for your car Airbags
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore always
comply with the warnings and danger
notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically in-
tended for this application.<
1 Front airbag for driver and passenger
2 Side impact Head Protection System
(front)
3 Side airbags (front and rear
* side)
Important safety notices
Do not attempt to remove the gas
generators of the airbag supple-
mental restraint system from the vehi-
cle. Testing and service procedures are
to be performed exclusively by spe-
cially-qualified technicians. In the event
of a malfunction, deactivation or trig-
gered actuation (as a response to an
accident) of the airbag restraint system,
consult your authorized BMW center for
repairs or service operations.
462de207
Do not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in
the airbag system. These include the
padded steering wheel hub, the instru-
ment panel, the side trim panels of the
front or rear doors and the roof pillars or
the sides of the headliner. Never tape
the air bag cover panels, cover them
over or alter them in any other way. Do
not remove or dismantle the steering
wheel.
To ensure compliance with official
safety regulations, have an authorized
BMW center dispose of airbag genera-
tors.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal
injury.<
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
139n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit140
Windshield wiper blades140
Lamps and bulbs140
Remote control147
Changing tires148
Battery151
Fuses153
Microfilter154
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door155
Sliding/tilt sunroof155
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting156
Towing the vehicle157