
 
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 

 
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  

 
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.
 
< 

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. 

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 

137n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
OBD connector The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) connec-
tor is on the driver's side, underneath 
the left-hand side of the instrument 
panel, under a cover. The cover has the 
letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
assure proper emission control system 
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by 
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and 
malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs you of 
the need for service, not that you need 
to stop the vehicle. Your system should 
be checked, however, at the earliest 
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this 
indicates a high level of engine misfire. 
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe 
engine misfire over only a short period 
of time can seriously damage emission 
control components, especially the cat-
alytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can detect 
the vapor leak and the indicator will 
light up. If the fuel filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should 
extinguish after a short time. 

Everything from A to Z
181n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
NNavigation system, refer to 
the radio operating 
instructions
Neckrest 48
New transmitter, radio 
remote control 147
Non-smokers package 96
Nozzles 122OOBD connector 137
Obstruction protection 44
Odometer 74
Oil
filling capacity 173
quality 124
viscosity 124
Oil additives 123
Oil change intervals, see the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet
Oil consumption 123
Oil dipstick 123
Oil filter change 173
Oil level
check 123
indicator lamp 21
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp 20
Oil specifications 124
OILSERVICE 76Onboard computer 77
Onboard computer, refer to 
the radio operating 
instructions
Onboard tool kit 140
Opening and closing
from inside 38
from outside 34
Outlets, ventilation 88
Outside temperature 
display 78
PPaint blemishes 131
Paint, care 131
Paintwork
minor repairs 132
waxing 132
Park Distance Control 
(PDC) 80
Parking brake 64
Parking help 80
Parking lamps 84, 85
bulb replacement 142
Parking, winter 111
PDC (Park Distance 
Control) 80
Performance 170
Pocket lamp 94
Pollen 93
Power steering 112
Power windows 44Preheat 62
Pressure monitoring, 
tires 82, 164
Pressure, tires 27, 113
RRadiator 173
Radio Data System 
(RDS) 162
Radio reception 112, 162
Radio remote control, new 
transmitter 147
Radio, refer also to the radio 
operating instructions
Rain sensor 70, 165
RDC (Tire Pressure 
Control) 82, 164
RDS (Radio Data 
System) 162
Reading lamps 86
Rear backrest, folding 98
Rear lamps 143
Rear window 
defroster 71, 92
Rear-view mirror 52
Reclining seat 47
Refueling 26
Remote control 35
Removal of the vehicle from 
service 136
Remove condensation, 
windows 91Replenish washer fluid 122
Reporting safety defects 7
Reserve control lamp 75
Restraint system 56, 60
Reverse 17, 65
Roller blind, sun 
protection 93
Roof load 172
Roof luggage rack 101
Rubber parts 110
SSafety belt height 
adjustment 55
Safety belt tensioner 162
Safety belts 55
safety belt height 
adjustment 55
Safety buttons 38
Safety feature 44
Seat
electric power 50
mechanical 47
Seat adjustment 47
Seat heating 93
Seat memory 51
Securing cargo 100
Securing loads 100
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission 66
Self-diagnostics 166 

Owner service procedures from A to ZAActivated charcoal filter, 
changing 154
Add brake fluid 127
Add coolant 126
Add engine coolant 126
Adjust washer nozzles 122
Avoiding a false alarm 43
Avoiding unwanted 
alarm 43BBackup lamps
bulb replacement 143
Battery
add distilled water 152
charging 153
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 143
Brakes, brake faults 109CChanging tires 148
Check air pressure 27
Check Control 77
Check engine oil level 123
Check oil level 123
DDefrost windshields 91
Difficult steering 112
Doors
emergency actuation 34EElectrical accessories, 
failure 153
Electrical failure
fuel filler door 155
Electrical fault
sliding/tilt sunroof 155
Emergency actuation
doors 34
Emergency closing
sliding/tilt sunroof 155
Emergency release
fuel filler door 155
Engine oil
add 123
quality 124
specifications 124
viscosity 124FFailure messages 77
Fault displays 77
First aid 25
First aid kit 25Fittings, towing 157
Flat tire 148
Fog lamps
bulb replacement 143
Footwell lamps
bulb replacement 146
Fuel filler door
manual release after 
electrical fault 155
Fuses, replacing 153
GGlove compartment lamp
bulb replacement 146HHazard warning flashers 25
Hazard warning triangle 25
Headlamp cover, care 141
High beams, bulb 
replacement 141IIndicator lamps 20
Inflated pressure 27
Interior lamps
bulb replacement 145JJack 148
LLicense plate light
bulb replacement 145
Low beams, bulb 
replacement 141
Luggage compartment
emergency release 39
Luggage compartment 
lamps
bulb replacement 146
Luggage compartment lid
emergency release 39MMaintenance 129
Malfunction displays 77
Microfilter, changing 154NNew transmitter, radio 
remote control 147OOil
quality 124
specifications 124
viscosity 124
Onboard tool kit 140