
 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Headlamps84
Instrument panel rheostat84
High beams/Parking lamps85
Fog lamps85
Interior lamps85
Reading lamps86
 
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
 
Automatic climate control88
Heated seats93
Roller sun blind93
 
Cabin convenience:
 
HiFi System94
Glove compartment94
Storage compartments95
Cellular phones95
Ashtray96
Cigarette lighter96
Clothes hooks97
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading facility98
Ski bag99
Cargo loading100
Roof-mounted luggage rack101
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation114
Wheel and tire 
combinations115
Winter tires116
Snow chains116
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications117
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood119
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Vehicle Identification
Number128
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System129
Caring for your car130
Airbags135
Vehicle storage136
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications 
to the vehicle136
OBD connector137 

 
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  

101n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
* 
Always position and secure the 
load correctly, otherwise it can en-
danger the passengers in the event of 
braking or swerving.
Do not exceed the permissible gross 
weight and axle load (refer to page 172), 
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety 
is no longer assured and you are in vio-
lation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the 
passenger compartment without first 
securing them. Otherwise they would 
be thrown around during braking and 
evasive maneuvers and endanger the 
occupants.<
AnchorsAccess to the anchors:
To open the cover (arrow) please use 
the tool included with the luggage sys-
tem.
A special luggage system is available as 
an option for your BMW. Please comply 
with the precautions included with the 
installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center 
of gravity of the car when loaded, they 
exercise a major effect on its handling 
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember 
not to exceed the approved roof weight, 
the approved gross vehicle weight or 
the axle weights when loading the rack. 
You will find the specifications under 
"Technical Data"  on page 172.462de271
Make sure that the load is not too heavy, 
and attempt to distribute it evenly. 
Always load the heaviest pieces first 
(on the bottom). Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the 
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do 
not project into the opening path of the 
luggage compartment lid.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or 
being lost during driving (danger to fol-
lowing traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden ac-
celeration or braking. Do not corner at 
high speeds. 
The roof load increases the aerody-
namic resistance. Increased fuel con-
sumption and additional strain on the 
vehicle's body result from this. 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
103n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation114
Wheel and tire 
combinations115
Winter tires116
Snow chains116
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications117Under the hood:
Hood119
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Vehicle Identification 
Number128
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System129
Caring for your car130
Airbags135
Vehicle storage136
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle136
OBD connector137 

129n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you. With respect to the 
previous version, maintenance costs 
can clearly be reduced due to technical 
innovations. 
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the 
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a 
significant role in maintaining the resale 
value of the vehicle. 462us022
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to 
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals. These are then indicated in the 
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled 
alone to determine when service is due, 
the BMW Maintenance System has for 
years considered the actual conditions 
under that the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many 
different manners:
From the point of view of maintenance, 
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated 
in short-distance urban driving are not 
the equivalent of the same distance 
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System in-
cludes the Engine Oil Service and 
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual loads on the car 
covers every kind of operating situation. 
Minimal use drivers – those who drive 
significantly less than 6,000 miles 
(10,000 km) per year – should neverthe-
less have the oil changed at least every 
two years, since engine oil ages regard-
less of the load.
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models)
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian models)Please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models) 
or Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) for additional infor-
mation on maintenance intervals and 
procedures.
As a precaution against rust, it might be 
a good idea to have the body checked 
for damage from rocks or gravel at the 
same time, depending upon operating 
conditions.
Have your BMW center do the 
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on 
the latest maintenance work and repair 
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be 
subject to wear is a permanent part of 
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is 
confirmed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet or the Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian mod-
els). These entries are your proof that 
the vehicle has received regular mainte-
nance. They are also a prerequisite for 
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System 

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 

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