Page 22 of 189

 
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. 
     
        
        Page 107 of 189

105n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the 
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct 
the driver's vision. In order to avoid per-
sonal injuries during braking maneu-
vers, do not hang heavy objects on the 
hooks.
exhaust emissions, and is designed for 
use with unleaded fuel only.
Even minute quantities of lead would be 
enough to permanently damage both 
the catalytic converter and the system 
oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine 
operation and avoid potential damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled 
maintenance requirements
>Do not drive until the fuel tank is 
empty
>Tow-start only when the engine is 
cold, otherwise unburned, residual 
fuel in the catalytic converter could 
ignite and cause damage. It is better 
to start the vehicle with an outside 
starting aid
>Avoid other situations in which the 
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter 
frequently or for extended periods, or 
repeated start attempts in which the 
engine does not start (stopping and 
restarting an engine that is running 
properly does not present a problem). 
Never let the engine run with any of 
the spark plug cables disconnected.Be sure to comply with the in-
structions above to prevent un-
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic 
converter. Otherwise, the catalytic con-
verter could respond by overheating, 
leading to serious damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the cat-
alytic converter. Heat shields are in-
stalled adjacent to some sections of the 
exhaust system. Never remove these 
shields; do not apply undercoating to 
their surfaces. When driving, standing 
at idle, and parking the vehicle, take 
care to avoid contact between the ex-
haust system and flammable materials 
(grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact 
could lead to a fire, resulting in serious 
injury and property damage.
     
        
        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