
 
19n
 
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve75
2 Turn signal indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for 
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beam23
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/
Engine oil level20, 22
5 Tachometer and
Energy control74
6 Engine coolant thermometer with
"Coolant temperature too
high" indicator75
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
 
>
 
Clock77
 
>
 
Service Interval 769 Program display for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
68
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
22, 68
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability 
Control (DSC)22
11 Indicator for
 
>
 
Odometer74
 
>
 
Trip odometer74
 
>
 
Clock77
 
>
 
Service Interval76
Indicator for onboard computer,
for operation via the turn signal lever, 
refer to page 77: 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Range 
 
>
 
Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control77
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7414 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for 
 
>
 
Fog lamps
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Engine Power 
Control (EML)
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Engine Management system22
You can display the outside tem-
perature and distance driven in 
different units of measurement.
 
< 

22n
Indicator and warning lampsOrange: For the nearest BMW 
center
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the 
automatic transmission shifts 
only in the emergency program. Please 
consult the nearest authorized BMW 
center. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 68.
Yellow: Check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in re-
sponse to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your autho-
rized BMW center. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 107.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been turned off: Check the en-
gine oil level. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 123.
Brake pads l 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information: 
Refer to page 10 9.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
Check the tire pressure. Refer to 
page 27, 82.
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) l
The DSC has been switched off 
or has been deactivated because of a 
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your 
authorized BMW center. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 81.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest op-
portunity. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 122.
Service engine soon l 
There is a defect in the Engine 
Management system. It is im-
portant to note that an illuminated lamp 
is intended to inform the driver of the 
need for service, not of the need to 
stop the vehicle!
It can also be an indication that the filler 
cap was not properly tightened after 
refueling. Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized BMW 
center. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 137.
Engine Management warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 

104n
To ensure that your vehicle provides 
maximum economy throughout a long 
service life, we request that you ob-
serve the following: 
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and 
road speeds, but do not exceed the fol-
lowing engine or road speeds at this 
time: 4,500/min or 100 mph (160 km/h).
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid 
pressing the accelerator beyond the 
kickdown point.
After 1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can 
gradually increase the engine speed or 
road speed.
You should also observe these break-in 
procedures if the engine or differential 
is replaced later in the course of the 
vehicle service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with 
their manufacture, tires do not achieve 
their full traction potential until an initial 
break-in period has elapsed. For this 
reason, drive cautiously during the first 
200 miles (300 km).Brake systemBrake pads and disks do not attain their 
optimal wear patterns until after approx. 
300 miles (500 km).
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
car with the engine off – when towing, 
for example – substantially higher levels 
of pedal force will be required to brake 
the vehicle.<
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting 
on the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high 
temperatures, brake wear, and possibly 
to brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
A wedge of water can form between the 
tires and the road surface when you op-
erate the vehicle on wet or slushy roads. 
This phenomenon is referred to as 
aquaplaning or hydroplaning. It is char-
acterized by a partial or complete loss 
of contact between the tires and the 
road surface. The ultimate results are 
loss of steering and braking control.
Driving through water: 
Do not drive through water more than 
1 ft (30 cm) deep. Drive only at walking 
speed, otherwise damage to the engine, 
the electrical system and the transmis-
sion can occur.
Rear parcel tray:
Never use the rear parcel tray to store 
heavy or bulky objects. They could pose 
a danger to the occupants when the car 
is braked heavily.
Break-in procedures Driving notes  

108n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater 
fade resistance under heavy use. 
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when 
the vehicle is not used at all, and in op-
erating conditions where brakes appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an in-
creased tendency for corrosion of the 
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs be-
cause the minimal pressure that must 
be exerted by the pads to clean the 
rotors by brake applications is not 
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they 
will tend to respond to braking with a 
pulsating effect that even extended 
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: Only use 
brake linings that BMW has re-
leased for your particular vehicle model. 
BMW cannot vouch for driving safety or 
the suitability of brake linings other than 
those they have released.<
Driving notesWhile driving in wet conditions and in 
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light 
pressure to the brake pedal every few 
miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does 
not endanger other road users. The 
heat that is generated by the brake ap-
plications helps to dry the brake pads 
and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained 
while the wheels continue to rotate, 
peaking when the wheels remain on the 
verge of locking without actually doing 
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert 
to the staggered braking technique 
described on page 110.
Long or steep mountain descents do 
not necessarily lead to reduced braking 
efficiency if you drive downhill with the 
transmission in a gear that allows mini-
mal brake applications (or, with an auto-
matic transmission, in an appropriate 
lower range).
You can further increase the engine's 
braking effect by selecting a lower gear, 
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ing the selector lever in position (1).Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended, 
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over 
an extended period of time, you should 
decelerate the vehicle by applying more 
substantial force on the pedal (watch 
for following traffic!) and then pausing 
before repeating the application. This 
staggered braking technique allows the 
brakes to cool in the intervals between 
active braking phases, preventing over-
heating and ensuring that full braking 
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the transmission 
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive 
with the engine shut off. The engine 
provides no braking effect when the 
clutch pedal is depressed or the trans-
mission is in neutral, and there is no 
power-assist for brakes and steering 
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any 
other objects to protrude into the area 
around the accelerator, clutch and 
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.< 

109n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Brake systemBrake fluid level 
If the brake-warning lamp 
comes on with the parking brake 
released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the 
reservoir (refer to page 127).
If the brake fluid level is too low and 
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in 
one of the brake system's hydraulic 
circuits.
Brake-warning lamp for Cana-
dian model.
Proceed to the nearest authorized 
BMW center. Higher brake appli-
cation pressure may be necessary un-
der these conditions, and brake pedal 
travel may be significantly longer. 
Please remember to adapt your driving 
style accordingly.<
Brake pads
If the warning lamp for the brake 
pads lights up:
The brake pads have reached 
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed 
to the nearest authorized BMW center 
as soon as possible to have the pads 
replaced.
For your own safety: Only use 
brake linings that BMW has re-
leased for your particular vehicle model. 
BMW cannot vouch for driving safety or 
the suitability of brake linings other than 
those they have released.< 

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake 
System) 22, 106
Accessories 6
Activated charcoal 
filter 93, 154
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC) 66, 160
Adding engine oil 123
Adding washer fluid 173
Adjust the backrest 47
Adjust the temperature 90
Adjust the thigh support 
area 49
Adjusting steering wheel 51
Air distribution 90
Air outlets 88
Air pressure 113
Air supply 91
Airbags 21, 57, 135, 161
Alarm system 42
Antenna 112
Antenna, Diversity 162
Antifreeze 126
Antifreeze, radiator 110
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS) 22, 106
Anti-theft alarm system 42
Aquaplaning 104, 113
Armrest 95
Ashtray 96
Assisted rear entry 49AUC (Automatic 
recirculated-air 
control) 91
Automatic car washes 130
Automatic climate 
control 88
remove window 
condensation 91
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC) 91
Automatic speed control 72
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 22, 66
Average consumption 78
Average speed 79
Avoiding unwanted 
alarm 43
Axle loads 172
BBackrest
release 49
Backup lamps 65
bulb replacement 143
Battery 151, 174
capacity 174
charge 153
discharged 156
removal and 
installation 152
Battery charge current 20
Belts 55Blower 91
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil 124
BMW Sports Seat 49
Bore 170
Brake fluid 127
Brake hydraulic system 20
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 143
Brake pads 22
Brake-in procedure 104
Brakes 108
Brakes, brake faults 109
Breaking in the vehicle 104
Bulb replacement 140
CCar Memory 54
Car phone, please refer to 
the manufacturer's 
operating instructions
Car radio 112
reception 112, 162
refer also to the car radio 
operating instructions
Car vacuum cleaner, 
connecting 96
Car wash 130
Care
exterior 131
interior 132
Care of upholstery 133Care of wool velour 133
Cargo loading 100
Caring for the vehicle 
finish 131
Cassette operation, refer to 
the radio operating 
instructions
Catalytic converter 105
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control) 21, 107
CD mode, refer to the radio 
operating instructions
Cellular phones 95, 112
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp 145
Center armrest 95
Central locking system 34
key 38
Changing tires 148
Check air pressure 27
Check Control 77
Child restraint 
systems 56, 60
Child seat 56, 60
Cigarette lighter 96
Clock 77
refer also to the onboard 
computer operating 
instructions
Clothes hooks 97
Cockpit 16