
 
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.
 
< 

 
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. 

21n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: Stop immediately
Engine oil level
 
Comes on while driving: Stop 
vehicle and switch off engine 
immediately. The oil level is at the abso-
lute minimum.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because 
of inadequate lubrication.< 
Red and yellow: Continue driving 
cautiously 
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) l
Comes on together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS and 
DSC: 
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
 
system has been deactivated. 
Continue driving cautiously and 
defensively. Avoid hard brake 
applications. Please have the system 
checked by your authorized BMW cen-
ter as soon as possible. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 81, 107.
Warning lamps CBC, ABS and 
DSC for Canadian models.
Red: An important reminder
Parking brake 
Comes on when the parking 
brake is applied – an additional 
acoustical signal sounds when starting 
off. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 64. 
Parking brake lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts l 
An acoustical warning signal 
sounds simultaneously. Lights 
up for a few seconds or until the safety 
belt is fastened. 
For additional information on safety 
belts: Refer to page 55.
Airbags l 
Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized 
BMW center. 
For additional information: Refer to 
page 57, 161. 

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. 

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. 

123n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oilChecking oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface 
2 Shut the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean 
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar 
material
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the 
guide tube and pull it out again
5 The oil level should be between the 
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption 
is directly influenced by your driving 
style and vehicle operating conditions.462de244
The space between the two marks on 
the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1  US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess 
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just 
above the lower mark before adding oil. 
But never let the oil drop below the 
lower mark. 
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives; the use 
of additives could lead to damage in 
some cases. This also applies for the 
manual transmission, automatic trans-
mission, differential and the power 
steering system.<462de245 

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.< 

Everything from A to Z
179n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Code, refer to the radio 
operating instructions
Coin holder, cup holder 95
Combination switch 69
Compression 170
Computer 77
Configure settings 54
Consumption 78
Consumption display 75
Coolant 110, 126, 173
Coolant thermometer 75
Coolant, antifreeze 110
Cooling system 173
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC) 21, 107
Cruise control 72
Cruising range 79
Curb weight 172
Current check indicator 20DDashboard 16
Data
dimensions 171
engine 170
technical 170
weights 172
Daytime-driving light 
switch 84
Defrost setting 91
Defrost windows 91
Defroster, rear window 92Digital clock 77
Dimensions 171
Dipstick 123
Disc brakes 108
Displacement 170
Display lighting 84
Displays 18
Distance warning 80
Diversity, antenna 162
Divided rear backrest 98
Door key 32
Door locks, care 110
Doors
emergency actuation 34
remote control 35
unlocking and locking 34
Drawbar load 172
Drive belts 174
Driving hints 104
Driving lamps 84
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control) 22, 81, 161
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) 22, 81, 161
EElectric power seat 50
Electric power windows 44
Electrical accessories, 
failure 153
Electrical system 174Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer 33
Elements of operation 16
Emergency actuation
doors 34
tank cover 155
Energy Control 74
Engage 62
Engine
engage 62
Engine compartment 120
Engine coolant 126, 173
Engine data 170
Engine oil
filling capacity 173
quality 124
viscosity 124
Engine oil consumption 123
Engine oil level 21
check 123
Engine oil pressure 20
Engine oil 
specifications 124
Engine speed 170
Entry from the rear 49
Exterior mirrors 52
FFailure messages 77
Fault
ABS 107
Fault displays 77Filler cap cover 26
Filling capacities 173
Filling the washer 
reservoir 173
First aid 25
First aid kit 25
Fittings, towing 157
Flashlight 94
Flat tire 113, 148
Fog lamps 85
bulb replacement 143
Fog lights 85
Folding rear backrest 98
Follow-Me-Home lamps 84
Footbrake 108
Footwell lamps 85
bulb replacement 146
Front seat adjustment 47
Frost protection, 
radiator 126
Fuel 26
preparation 170
Fuel consumption 78
Fuel consumption 
display 75
Fuel gauge 75
Fuel quality 26
Fuel tank capacity 173
Fuel tank gauge 75
Functional status 166
Fuses 153