
 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Many of the systems of your BMW mon-
itor themselves automatically, both dur-
ing engine starts and while you are driv-
ing. Indicator and warning lamps that 
are identified by "
 
l
 
" are tested for 
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up 
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started or 
it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see how to react to this below.
 
Red: Stop immediately
 
Battery charge current
 
 
 
l
 
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. There is a malfunction 
of the alternator ribbed V-belt or in the 
charging circuit of the alternator. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do 
not continue driving. The engine 
could be damaged due to overheating. 
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, in-
creased steering effort is also re-
quired.
 
<
 
Engine oil pressure
 
  
l
 
  
Stop vehicle and switch off en-
gine immediately. Check level of 
oil in engine, top up as required. If oil 
level is correct: Please contact the 
nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because 
of inadequate lubrication.
 
< 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, there is an acousti-
cal warning signal: A tire failure 
has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed 
immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid 
hard brake applications. Do not over-
steer. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 82.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged: 
Check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to read the notes on 
pages 109 and 127.
Brake-warning lamp for Cana-
dian models. 

32n
Keys1 Master key with transmitter for the 
remote control determines the Key 
Memory functions, see page 54.
Every key contains a long-life re-
chargeable battery which is auto-
matically recharged from the ignition 
lock, while the car is being driven.
If you have spare master keys which are 
not otherwise in regular service, it is ad-
visable to use them about once a year 
for a journey of some distance, so that 
their batteries are recharged. Also see 
page 35.<
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place, 
such as in your wallet. This key is not 
intended for continuous use.463de023
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and glove compartment can-
not be operated with this key – this 
may be beneficial for valet parking, 
for instance.
Replacement keysare available exclusively through your 
authorized BMW center. Your BMW 
center is obligated to ensure that a per-
son requesting a key is authorized to do 
so, since the keys belong to a security 
system (refer to "Electronic vehicle im-
mobilizer" on page 33).
Whenever you have been handed 
a replacement key, insert it into 
the ignition lock and turn it once to 
position 2 (ignition switched on), then 
back to the home position, so that the 
electronic immobiliser "accepts" the 
new key.<
See also "New transmitter", page 147. 

35n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Door locks – from outsideUsing the remote control The remote control makes opening and 
locking the doors of your vehicle very 
convenient. Furthermore, it provides 
two additional functions that can only 
be executed by means of the remote 
control:
>To switch on interior lamps 
With this function, you can also 
"search for" your vehicle, when 
parked in an underground garage, 
for instance.
>To open luggage compartment
The luggage compartment lid will 
open slightly, regardless of whether 
the lid was previously locked or un-
locked.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated/activated simultaneously with 
the unlocking or locking of the vehicle, 
and the alarm system
* is disarmed/
armed, and the interior lamps are 
turned on/off.
You can have a confirmation mes-
sage set to inform you that the car 
has been properly locked.<
Master keysKeys with a transmitter for remote con-
trol are master keys. Refer to page 32.
Children might be able to lock the 
doors from the inside. For this rea-
son, always take the vehicle keys with 
you so that the vehicle can be opened 
again from the outside at any time.<463de024
Transmitters that are in regular use 
will always be operational, as the 
rechargeable battery in the transmitter 
is automatically recharged in the ignition 
lock while the car is being driven.
If it should prove impossible to lock the 
car with a particular transmitter via the 
remote control, the battery is in need of 
recharging. Use this transmitter for a 
lengthy journey, to recharge its battery. 
Also see page 32.< 

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 

86n
Reading lamps
 
The reading lamps are located in the 
front near the interior lamp and in the 
rear of the vehicle (illustration). They 
can be switched on and off with the 
switch adjacent to each lamp.
In order to keep the battery from 
draining, all of the lamps in the 
vehicle are switched off automatically 
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition 
key is turned to position 0.< 460de155 

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. 

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    

Everything from A to ZService and Warranty 
Information Booklet 129
Service Interval 
Display 76, 129
Shiftlock 66
Side airbags 57
Side impact Head Protection 
System 57
Ski bag 99
Sliding 111
Sliding/tilt sunroof 45
closing after electrical 
fault 155
ease of use actuation 34
remote control 35
Slippery roads 110
Snow chains 110, 117
Space-saver spare tire 148
Spare key 32
Spare key with radio remote 
control 32
Spare tire 148
Spark plugs 174
Special oils 124
Speed control 72
Speedometer 18
Sports Seat 49
Start 62
Starting problems 105, 156
Steel wheels 117
Steering 112
Steering wheel lock 62Steptronic 66
Stopping the vehicle 63
Storage shelf 95
Stroke 170
Summer tires 115
Sun roller blind 93
Sun visors 52
Switching off the engine 63
Symbols 4, 151
TTachometer 74
Tail lamps 143
bulb replacement 143
Tank capacity 173
Tank cover
unlock in case of electrical 
fault 155
Technical data 170
Technical 
modifications 6, 136
Telephone prep 95
Telephone, please refer to 
the manufacturer's 
operating instructions
Temperature display
outside temperature 78
Temperature gauge
engine coolant 75
Temperature 
stratification 92
Third brake lamp 145Through-loading facility 98
Tilt alarm 36
Tilt sensor alarm 
system 36, 43
Tire codes 115
Tire damages 113
Tire inflation 
pressure 27, 113
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC) 82, 164
Tire pressure 
monitoring 82, 164
Tire replacement 114
Tire specifications 117
Tire tread 113
Tools 140
Top off washer fluid 
reservoir 122
Top off windshield washer 
fluid reservoir 122
Torque 170
Tow fittings 157
Tow starting 157
Towing 157
Track 171
Trailer loads 172
Transmission 65
Tread depth, tires 113
Trip odometer 74
Trunk 39
capacity 172
locking separately 39Trunk lamps
bulb replacement 146
Trunk lid, refer to luggage 
compartment lid 39
Turn signal 23
bulb replacement 142
Turn signals 69
Turning radius 171
Two-way radios 112
UUsed batteries 153VVacuum cleaner, 
connecting 96
Vanity mirror 52
bulb replacement 146
Vehicle
engage 62
Vehicle battery 151, 174
Vehicle care
exterior 131
interior 132
Vehicle identification 128
Vehicle Identification 
Number (VIN) 128
Vehicle immobilizer 33
Vehicle painting 131
Vehicle removal from 
service 136
Vehicle weight 172