
42n
Alarm system
*
The conceptThe vehicle's alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the lug-
gage compartment lid is opened 
>To motion within the passenger com-
partment (interior motion sensor) 
>To a change in the inclination of the 
vehicle, e. g. during an attempted 
wheel theft of unauthorized towing
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The alarm system signals unauthorized 
access to the vehicle or an attempted 
theft in different ways:
>Sounding an acoustical alarm for 
30 seconds
>Activating the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes
*.
To activate and deactivate the 
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
by using a key or with the remote con-
trol, the alarm system is also simulta-
neously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor is activated 
approx. 30 seconds after you have fin-
ished locking the car.
If the alarm system has been armed 
correctly, the hazard warning flashers 
cycle once. An acoustic warning signal 
sounds at the same time.
You can have various confirmation 
messages set to inform you that 
the alarm system has been armed or 
disarmed.<
You can also open the luggage com-
partment lid when the system is armed 
by pressing button 3 of the remote con-
trol (refer to page 37). When it is closed, 
the lid is once again secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the 
inside rearview mirror.
>When the indicator lamp flashes 
continuously: The system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes when it is 
armed: The door(s), the hood or lug-
gage compartment lid are not com-
pletely closed. Even if you do not 
close the alerted area, the system be-
gins to monitor the remaining areas, 
and the indicator lamp flashes contin-
uously after 10 seconds. However, 
the interior motion sensor is not 
activated
>If the indicator lamp goes out when 
the system is disarmed: No manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed460de105 

77n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Graphic display
 
The following information and/or condi-
tions are indicated using symbols, start-
ing with the ignition key position 2, until 
the interference has been fixed:
1 Inspect the low-beam and high-beam 
headlamps, as well as the side 
marker lamps 
2 Door open
3 Luggage compartment lid open
4 Check brake and taillamps. 
After the completion of a trip and when 
the driver's door is opened, an acousti-
cal signal is given for "Lamps on" if the 
lamps have not been switched off.462de272
Mode selectionIn ignition key positions 1 and 2, you 
can call up information from the on-
board computer using the button in the 
turn signal lever. By pressing the button 
briefly in the direction of the steering 
column, you can call up a new function 
for display. 
The displays appear in the following 
order:
Time, outside temperature, average fuel 
consumption, cruising range, average 
vehicle speed.
The function that was last selected will 
be indicated when the ignition is 
switched on.462de222
Set the clockIn ignition key position 1 and 2 
To set ahead: Turn the button to the 
right.
To set back: Turn the button to the left.
The adjustment speed will increase the 
longer you continue to hold the button.
To change the display mode: Press the 
knob briefly. 
Every time you press the knob, the 
clock display alternates between the 
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0 
The time is displayed for a few seconds 
after you press the left button (refer to 
"odometer", page 74).462us021
Check Control
 
Onboard computer
  

78n
Onboard computerOutside temperature You can change the units of measure 
(6/7) for the outside temperature dis-
play by pressing the right-hand reset 
button in the instrument cluster when 
the temperature display is active.462us023
Ice warning If the outside temperature sinks to 
approx. 37.57 (+ 36), a warning sig-
nal sounds and the display flashes 
briefly.
The warning is repeated whenever the 
temperature goes to at least 437 
(+ 66) and then drops again to 37.57 
(+ 36).
The ice warning does not alter the 
fact that surface ice can form at 
temperatures above 37.57 (+ 36), 
e. g. on bridges or shaded road sur-
faces.<
Average fuel consumption If you continue to hold the button on the 
turn signal lever, the average fuel con-
sumption last displayed is recalculated 
from that point in time.462us007 

116n
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter 
road conditions. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction 
than standard summer tires with H, V, 
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of 
performance as standard snow tires in 
winter driving. 
For of safe tracking and steering re-
sponse, install winter tires made by the 
same manufacturer having the same 
tread configuration on all four wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by 
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to 
provide you with information on the 
best winter tires for your particular driv-
ing conditions.Never exceed the maximum speed 
for that the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. Your BMW center 
will be glad to assist you with both their 
expertise and the proper equipment for 
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in 
their ability to cope with winter driving 
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be 
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures – and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away 
from light whenever possible. Protect 
the tires against contact with oil, grease 
and fuel.Snow chains
*
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on 
summer or winter tires only in pairs and 
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all 
manufacturer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. 

127n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Brake fluidIf the warning lamp for the brake hy-
draulic system lights up and the parking 
brake is released:
Check the brake fluid level and, if nec-
essary, refill it to the top mark. 
Should you determine that the brake 
fluid is low, refer the problem to your 
BMW center, who can trace and rectify 
any sources of leakage when refilling 
the reservoir.
Your BMW center is familiar with the 
specifications for approved brake fluids 
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended 
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 109.460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, 
it absorbs moisture from the air 
over time.
In order to safeguard the proper opera-
tion of your brake system, have the 
brake fluid changed every two years by 
your authorized BMW center; also refer 
to page 153 and to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models) 
or Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the ve-
hicle's paint. You should always store it 
in its original container and in a location 
that is out of reach of 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.< 

129n
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 

131n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
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 treatment 
with a wax-based protectant is applied. 
Regular maintenance makes an impor-
tant contribution to maintaining the 
safety and resale value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of 
harmful environmental factors on vehi-
cle finishes have led paint and vehicle 
manufacturers to initiate ongoing pro-
grams 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 fre-
quency and extent of your efforts to 
maintain the vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type 
of impact (perforation of paint layer), 
physical 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 concentra-
tion) and tree excretions (resins and 
pollen) all contain substances capable 
of causing damage when allowed to re-
main on the finish of your car for any 
period of time (spots, etching, flaking, 
separation 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 – even though this generally lim-
ited to the outside horizontal surfaces.
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote cor-
rosion.
In tropical zones temperatures of over 
1007 (406) in the shade prevail, in 
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation 
and high humidity. Under those circum-
stances light colored paints reach tem-
peratures of up to 1807 (806) and 
dark paints up to 2507 (1206).
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. 
All of these substances cause damage 
to the finish.
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.
A full range of car-care products is 
available from your BMW center.< 

151n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Changing tires Battery Driving with the space-saver 
spare tire
*
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 45 mph (80 km/h).
Be aware that vehicle handling will be 
altered. Slower brake response time, 
longer braking distances and changed 
steering characteristics may be antici-
pated when approaching limit condi-
tions. 
The changes in handling characteristics 
will be even more pronounced in con-
junction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted. Mount a wheel 
and tire with the same size and specifi-
cations as the others at the earliest 
possible opportunity. Maintain correct 
tire pressures. Refer to page 28.<
Battery location The battery is located at the right-rear 
of the luggage compartment. Raise the 
luggage compartment floor panel (refer 
to page 41), and give a screwdriver or a 
coin a 1/4-turn counterclockwise to 
release the two fasteners plus an addi-
tional fastener in the upper-center side 
trim panel. In order to remove the stor-
age tray, slide the side trim panel 
slightly upward.460de176
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on 
your car battery. To avoid injury, please 
comply with the corresponding precau-
tions whenever you work with or near 
the battery.
Before handling the battery, 
please read the following infor-
mation.
Wear eye protection. Do not al-
low particles containing battery 
acid or lead to come into con-
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your 
clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and 
protective gloves. Do not tip the 
battery. Battery acid can leak from the 
ventilation openings.
Ensure that children keep well 
away from batteries and battery 
acid.
Fire, sparks, an open flame and/
or smoking are not allowed in 
the vicinity of the battery. Avoid 
sparks from electrical cables or electri-
cal equipment. Turn the key to position 
0 in the steering lock when the battery 
is disconnected or connected. Never 
short-circuit the battery terminal, other-
wise you could be injured by electrical 
sparks.