Page 12 of 189

 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Multi-function steering wheel 24
Hazard warning system 25
Warning triangle 25
First-aid kit 25
Refueling 26
Fuel specifications 26
Tire inflation pressure 27
 
Locks and security systems:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle  immobilizer 33
Central locking system 34
Door locks – from outside 34
Using the key 34
Using the remote control 35
Door locks – from inside 38
Luggage compartment lid 39
Luggage compartment 41
Alarm system 42
Electric power windows 44
Sliding/tilt sunroof 45
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats47
Seat and mirror memory 50
Steering wheel 51
Mirrors 52
Car Memory, Key Memory 54
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts55
Child restraint systems 56
Airbags 57
 
Driving:
 
Steering/ignition lock 62
Starting the engine 62
Switching off the engine 63
Parking brake 64 Manual transmission
65
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 66
Turn signal/Headlamp flasher 69
Wiper/washer system/Rain  sensor 69
Rear window defroster 71
Cruise control 72
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer74
Tachometer 74
Energy control 74
Fuel gauge 75
Temperature gauge 75
Service Interval Display 76
Check Control 77
Clock 77
Onboard computer 77
 
Technology for safety and  
convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC) 80
Dynamic Stability Control  (DSC) 81
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 82 
     
        
        Page 13 of 189

 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Headlamps84
Instrument panel rheostat84
High beams/Parking lamps85
Fog lamps85
Interior lamps85
Reading lamps86
 
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
 
Automatic climate control88
Heated seats93
Roller sun blind93
 
Cabin convenience:
 
HiFi System94
Glove compartment94
Storage compartments95
Cellular phones95
Ashtray96
Cigarette lighter96
Clothes hooks97
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading facility98
Ski bag99
Cargo loading100
Roof-mounted luggage rack101
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation114
Wheel and tire 
combinations115
Winter tires116
Snow chains116
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications117
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood119
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Vehicle Identification
Number128
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System129
Caring for your car130
Airbags135
Vehicle storage136
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications 
to the vehicle136
OBD connector137 
     
        
        Page 17 of 189
 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
 
15n
 
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multi-function steering wheel24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications26
Tire inflation pressure27  
     
        
        Page 29 of 189

27n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Tire inflation pressure The inflation pressures are indicated on 
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind 
the driver's door (visible with door 
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are stated in 
psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = 
ambient temperature). Refer to the next 
page as well.
For trailer towing, the inflation pressure 
for heavier loads always applies.
For vehicles with RDC (Tire Pressure 
Control)
*:
After a correction of the tire inflation 
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer 
to page 82.
462de197
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks 
and before beginning a longer trip. In-
correct tire pressure can otherwise lead 
to tire damage and accidents.
Also check the inflation pressure of the 
space-saver tire or spare tire
*. Inflate 
the spare tire to the highest inflation 
specified for your vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval 
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table apply 
to tires from BMW-approved manufac-
turers. Your BMW center is familiar with 
these pressures. Higher pressures may 
be specified for tires from other manu-
facturers. You will find a list of approved 
tires beginning on page 117. 
     
        
        Page 30 of 189
28n
Tire inflation pressureBMW Tires
Inflation pressures in psi (kilopascal)
323CiSummer tires 29 (200) 33 (230) 33 (230) 41 (280)
Winter tires 32 (220) 36 (250) 36 (250) 44 (300)
328CiSummer tires 29 (200) 33 (230) 33 (230) 41 (280)
Winter tires 32 (220) 36 (250) 36 (250) 44 (300)
All Space-saver spare tire 61 (420) 61 (420) 61 (420) 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires. 
     
        
        Page 84 of 189

82n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptThe RDC monitors the tire pressures at 
all four wheels, even when the vehicle is 
moving. The system provides an alert 
whenever the inflation pressure drops 
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires. 
In order for the RDC to "learn" the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure, first check 
the tire inflation pressure in all tires. 
Then compare these pressures with the 
tire inflation pressure chart (page 28) 
and adjust if necessary. Then activate 
the system. 
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster informs you when-
ever the tire pressure is not nor-
mal.
Activate the system1 Turn ignition key to position 2 
2 Press the switch long enough for the 
indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter to light up yellow for a few seconds
3 After a few minutes of driving, the 
RDC sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target value to 
be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure if the tire inflation pressure must 
be corrected. Otherwise, the RDC func-
tions automatically when the ignition 
key is in position 2, and thus operates 
whenever the vehicle is driven.462de228
Loss of tire pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped too 
much over a period of time (which is 
normal for any tire), the indicator lamp 
will come on with a yellow lamp.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated 
to the specified pressures as soon as 
possible.
If you are prompted to check the 
tire pressure shortly after a cor-
rection has been made, this indicates 
that the corrected values were not ac-
curate. Please check the inflation pres-
sure again and make corrections ac-
cording to the inflation pressure table. 
Then activate the system once again.<  
     
        
        Page 105 of 189
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
103n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation114
Wheel and tire 
combinations115
Winter tires116
Snow chains116
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications117Under the hood:
Hood119
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Vehicle Identification 
Number128
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System129
Caring for your car130
Airbags135
Vehicle storage136
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle136
OBD connector137 
     
        
        Page 115 of 189

113n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are 
matched to the car and have been se-
lected to provide optimum safety and 
driving comfort on your car. 
It is not merely the tire's service life, but 
also driving comfort and – above all 
else – driving safety that depend on the 
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent 
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability 
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressure regu-
larly — including the space-saver 
and/or the spare tire — at least twice a 
month and before beginning a longer 
road trip. Incorrect tire pressure can 
otherwise lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.<
Tire tread – Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread 
wear, signs of damage and for foreign 
objects lodged in the tread. Check the 
tread depth. 
The tread depth should not be any shal-
lower than 0.12 in (3 mm).
Otherwise there is an increased risk of 
aquaplaning, even at relatively moder-
ate speeds and with only small amounts 
of water on the road.
We recommend that you always replace 
the tires once the tread wears to 0.12 in 
(3 mm). If you continue to use the tires, 
wear indicators appear in the tread at 
0.063 in (1.6 mm).390de331
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) tire. 
A flat tire greatly impairs steering 
and braking response, and can lead to 
complete loss of control over the 
vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that 
the permitted load on the tires is not 
exceeded. Overloading can lead to 
overheating and increases the rate at 
which damage develops inside the tires. 
The ultimate result can assume the form 
of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during 
normal vehicle operation can indicate 
tire failure or some other vehicle defect, 
as can variations in normal vehicle 
response, such as a pronounced ten-
dency to pull to the left or right. Should 
this occur, respond by immediately 
reducing your speed and carefully pro-
ceeding to the nearest BMW center or 
professional tire center, or having the 
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires 
inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the 
vehicle occupants and other road 
users.<
Tire inflation pressures Tire condition