
 
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. 

68n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
The Steptronic will "think" for you in the 
following situations:
>In order to keep the engine from 
overrevving, it will automatically shift 
into the next higher gear shortly be-
fore the governed speed.
>If you do not do anything to interfere, 
it will automatically downshift at 
lower speeds.
>In kickdown, it will downshift into the 
lowest gear possible, depending on 
the engine speed.
Available displays 
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5462us019
Electronic transmission control 
module
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the 
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select trans-
mission position "P", set the parking 
brake and turn the engine off (ignition 
key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a few 
seconds, normal transmission perfor-
mance has been restored. Drive off 
normally.
If the indicator lamp does not go out, all 
selector lever positions can still be se-
lected; however in the forward positions 
the vehicle has limited performance as 
it drives only in 3
rd and 4
th gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine 
loads and consult the nearest authorized 
BMW center.
Do not carry out any work on the 
car in the engine compartment 
without first making sure that the selector 
lever is in position P or N, and that 
the parking brake has been set.<
For towing, tow-starting or jump-start-
ing the vehicle, refer to the information 
beginning on page 156. 

91n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic climate control Air supply
 
By pressing the left or right half 
of the button, you can vary the 
air supply. By doing this, you switch off 
the automatic control of the air supply. 
Nevertheless, the automatic air distribu-
tion remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed 
by pressing the left half of the button, 
all of the displays are canceled: The 
blower, heating and air conditioner are 
switched off, and the air supply is 
stopped. You can reactivate the system 
by pressing any button of the automatic 
climate control.
To defrost windshield and side 
windows 
This program quickly removes 
ice and condensation from the 
windshield and the side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the 
temperature setting – rewarmed when 
the air conditioner system is switched 
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the 
engine is started.
Use the button to switch off the air con-
ditioner at outside temperatures below 
approx. + 407 (+ 56). This will help to 
prevent the windows from fogging up. 
If the windows fog over after switching 
the air conditioner off, switch it back on.
Condensation forms in the air con-
ditioner system during operation, 
that then exits under the vehicle. Traces 
of condensed water of this kind are thus 
normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
external odors by temporarily 
blocking outside air. The system then 
recirculates the air already within the 
vehicle. 
If the windows fog over in the re-
circulated air mode, switch this 
mode off and increase the air supply as 
required.< 

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.
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.

110n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. Adap-
tations in driving style should be accom-
panied by preparations on the vehicle 
itself to ensure that your progress 
through the winter remains safe and 
trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture is kept 
at the year-round ratio of 50:50 of water 
and antifreeze/corrosion protection. 
This mixture provides protection against 
freezing down to approx. – 347 
(– 376). Replace the coolant every four 
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to 
free them if frozen. This deicer also 
contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW 
lock barrel grease is recommended.Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from 
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood 
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car-care products is 
available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains BMW snow chains
* can be mounted on 
both summer and winter tires. Mount 
them in pairs on the rear wheels only 
and comply with the manufacturer's 
safety precautions. Do not exceed a 
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). 
In this situation (snow chains mounted), 
deactivate the DSC. Refer to page 81.
Starting offWe recommend that you use the man-
ual control switch to deactivate DSC 
when starting off in deep snow or when 
rocking the car to free it (refer to 
page 81).Driving on low-traction road 
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control 
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive 
engine speeds and shift to the next 
higher gear at an early point. Adapt 
your speed and driving style when ap-
proaching grades or slopes. Maintain 
an adequate distance between yourself 
and the car ahead.
BrakesWinter road conditions substantially 
reduce the traction available between 
the tires and the road surface. 
Remember that braking distances will 
be significantly longer as a result.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels 
from locking during brake applications, 
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability 
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical 
braking situation and the wheels lock: 
Reduce the pressure on the brake 
pedal until the wheels just start to roll 
again while still maintaining enough 
force to continue braking. Then in-
crease the pressure, reduce the pres-
sure when the wheels lock, reapply 
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will 
reduce stopping distances while help-
ing you maintain steering control. 
You can then attempt to steer around 
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal. 

132n
Caring for your carWaxing your car Protect the finish using carnauba or 
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the 
finish needs to be waxed is by noting 
when water stops beading on the sur-
face.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove 
any wax or silicone that may have been 
left on the windows during waxing.
A full range of car-care products is 
available from your BMW center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of paint 
damage with a BMW spray paint or a 
BMW touch-up stick. 
The paint color code for your car is pro-
vided on a sticker located next to the 
type plate and on the first page of your 
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet.
Damage caused by flying stones, 
scratches, etc., must be touched up 
without delay to prevent rust from form-
ing.
If corrosion has started to form in an 
area with paint damage, remove all rust 
and clean the area. Then prime the area 
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply 
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then 
polish the repaired area. Finish by ap-
plying a wax preservative.
More extensive paint damage should be 
professionally repaired in accordance 
with the manufacturer's instructions. 
Your BMW center uses original BMW 
finish materials in accordance with offi-
cial repair procedures.
Caring for other vehicle 
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated 
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-
ing the winter months. However, do not 
use aggressive products containing ac-
ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not 
use steam cleaners operating at tem-
peratures above 1407 (606). Follow 
the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chrome parts
* such 
as the window frames and door handles, 
be especially careful about cleaning 
them with plenty of water and possibly a 
shampoo supplement as well after the 
roads have been salted. Use chrome 
polish as an additional treatment.
You can use window and glass cleaner 
to clean inside window surfaces and 
mirrors without smearing and streaking. 
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive 
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses. 

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