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The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you. Technical innovations 
have made it possible to reduce main-
tenance costs significantly compared to 
earlier models. 
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. 460us112
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 which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many 
different ways.
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 In-
spections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual use of the car 
covers every kind of operating situation. 
Minimal use drivers Ð those who drive 
significantly less than 6,000 miles 
(10,000 km) per year Ð should neverthe-
less have the oil changed at least every 
two years, since engine oil ages regard-
less of use.
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 perform 
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 (US models) or War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). These entries are your 
verification for the regular maintenance 
of your vehicle and are required for the 
performance of warranty repairs.<
The BMW Maintenance System 
         
        
        
     
        
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit142
Windshield wiper blades142
Lamps and bulbs142
Changing a wheel149
Battery152
Fuses154
Microfilter155
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
Fuel filler door156
Sliding/Tilt sunroof156
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
Jump-starting157
Towing the vehicle158
Repairs 
         
        
        
     
        
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)162
Airbags163
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)163
Radio reception164
Safety belt tensioner164
Interior rearview mirror 
with automatic dimming 
feature165
Rain sensor166
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)167
Self-diagnostics168
Xenon lamps169
Technol- 
         
        
        
     
        
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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Engine data172
Dimensions173
Weights174
Capacities175
Electrical system176
Ribbed V-belt176 
Data
Owner service procedures 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 179 of 189
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Everything from A to Z180
Owner service procedures186
Index 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 184 of 189

Everything from A to ZSpeed display18
Speedometer18
Sports Seat49
Starting61
Starting assistance157
Starting problems105, 157
Starting the engine61
Steel wheels118
Steering111
Steering wheel lock61
Steptronic65
Stopping the vehicle62
Storage compartments93
Storing the vehicle137
Stroke172
Summer tires116
Sun visors52
Switching off the engine62
Symbols4, 153
Synthetic oils126TTachometer73
Tail lamp assembly
bulb replacement145
Tail lamps145
Tank capacity175
Technical data172
Technical 
modifications6, 138Telephone
refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup95
Temperature adjustment88
Temperature display
outside temperature76
Temperature gauge
engine coolant74
Temperature layering90
Third brake lamp147
Through-loading system97
Tilt alarm36, 43
remote control36
Tire codes116
Tire damage113
Tire inflation 
pressure27, 113
Tire pressure
checking27
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)80, 167
Tire pressure 
monitoring80, 167
Tire replacement114, 115
Tire specifications118
Tire tread113
Tools142
Torque172
Tow fittings158
Tow starting158Towing158
Track173
Traction Control System
refer to DSC79
Transmission64
Tread depth, tires113
Trip odometer73
Trunk39
Trunk lid, refer to luggage 
compartment lid39
Turn signal 
indicator23, 68, 144
bulb replacement144
Turning radius173
Two-way radios112
UUsed batteries154VVacuum cleaner, 
connecting96
Vanity mirror52
bulb replacement148
Vehicle battery152, 176
Vehicle care
exterior133
interior134
Vehicle identification130
Vehicle Identification 
Number (VIN)130Vehicle immobilizer33
Vehicle painting133
Vehicle storage137
Vehicle weight174
Ventilation86
draft-free90
Vinyl care135
WWarning lamp "Please fasten 
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warning messages75
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet131
Washer reservoir, filling124
Washing your car132
Water on roadways
deep water104
Waxing, paintwork134
Weights174
Wheel rims116
Wheelbase173
Wheels and tires116, 118
Width173
Windows, convenience 
operation34
Windshield washer nozzle 
adjustment124
Windshield washer reservoir, 
filling124, 175