120n
Antilock Brake System (ABS) should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose sur-
face layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow,
for example), braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.This is
also true if snow chains are mounted.
However, ABS continues to provide en-
hanced vehicle stability and steering re-
sponse under these conditions. Information for your safety Not even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS alone cannot prevent
accidents when the brakes are applied
without an adequate safety distance
between vehicles, if the vehicle is
driven with excessive speed, or if aqua-
planing occurs. Responsibility for these
types of situations remains in the hands
(and at the feet) of the driver. You
should never allow the added safety of
ABS to lull you into a false sense of
security, or mislead you into taking
increased risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering de-
sign of the ABS. When braking during
cornering with high lateral accelera-
tion, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is further im-
proved and the steering response is
enhanced. Electronic Brake Force Distribu-
tion (EBV) EBV governs brake application pres-
sure at the rear wheels to achieve sta-
ble brake response.
If the EBV fails (refer to the next
page), avoid full or "panic" brake
applications. Full or panic brake appli-
cations can result in overbraking at the
rear axle, and braking stability is no
longer ensured.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-
tem automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow warning lamp comes
on. Have the system checked
and repaired at your BMW cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Refer to the "Information for your
safety" covering the ABS system.
This information also applies in general
for DBC.<
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
121n
Antilock Brake System (ABS) In the event of a fault
If the brake warning lamp
comes on red together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC (refer to pages 22
and 24), ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC,
EBV and HDC have failed. You
may continue driving, but drive
defensively and with extra cau-
tion. Avoid full brake applications be-
cause the vehicle could become unsta-
ble and go out of control.
Have the system checked by the near-
est BMW center.
If all all three warning lamps come on
yellow:
ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC and HDC have
failed. The effect of the EBV Brake
Force Distribution at the rear wheels,
which achieves stable brake response,
is largely preserved. Optimum brake
force and braking stability are no longer
assured. Continue to drive; drive cau-
tiously and defensively and avoid full
brake applications.
Have the system checked by your
authorized BMW center as soon as
possible.
Following an interruption in bat-
tery power, the ABS, CBC, DSC,
DBC and HDC systems are no longer
available. After you drive for only a few
yards or meters or if you turn the steer-
ing wheel from stop to stop while the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is
running, the functions are activated
again and the three warning lamps will
go out.<
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
137n
Engine oil Checking oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material.
4 Push the dipstick carefully all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again.
5 The oil level should be in between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions. 530us100
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine. 460de189
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil level
drops below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives; the use
of additives could lead to damage in
some cases. This is also true for the au-
tomatic transmission, the transfer box,
the differential, and the power steering
system.< 530us101
140n
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than fac-
tory-approved, nitrite and amino-free
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Your authorized BMW center
is familiar with the factory specifica-
tions.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original container
and in a location which is inaccessible
to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethyleneÐglycol. For this rea-
son, do not spill antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It
could ignite and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant level Correct coolant level when the engine
is cold approx. 68 7/20 6:
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with the
upper edge of the filler opening (refer to
the arrow in the illustration), or max.
0.8 in (2 cm) higher, i. e. up to the mark
on the float (see also the schematic
diagramm next to the cap). 530us102
Adding coolant Wait until the engine cools before re-
moving the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be lo-
cated in the blue zone. If it is not, there
is a danger of scalding.
1 Start by turning the cap counter-
clockwise. Pause to allow any accu-
mulated pressure to escape, then
open the cap.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ñ do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are re-
quired.
Replace the coolant every four years.
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
141n
Brake fluid Vehicle IdentiÞcation No.
If the indicator lamp for the
brake hydraulic system appears
or if the CHECK BRAKE FLUID
warning appears in the Check
Control
*: the brake fluid level is
too low in the reservoir.
The brake fluid reservoir is located un-
der the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW center. Your
BMW center is familiar with the specifi-
cations for factory-approved brake
fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 123.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
an authorized BMW center. Refer also
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<
In the engine compartment, stamped
on the right-hand strut dome (arrow)
and on the upper edge of the instru-
ment panel on the left-hand side. 530us103
142n
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.
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.
Service Interval Display Advanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals, which are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. Conventional
systems rely solely on distance traveled
to determine when service is due. The
BMW maintenance system, on the 390us008
other hand, began many years ago to
take the actual conditions under which
the vehicle is driven into consideration.
After all, different drivers can accumu-
late mileage in very 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 loads on the ve-
hicle covers every kind of operating sit-
uation. However, even those who drive
only short distances Ð significantly less
than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annually Ð
should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use. Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models) For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
As a precaution against corrosion, 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 (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System
150n
OBD interface socket The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover.
The cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicle's
lifetime. The system monitors emission-
related components and systems for
deterioration and malfunction. 530us105
An illuminated lamp informs you
of the need for service, not of
the need to stop the vehicle.
However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When
this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire
over only a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
Warning lamp, Service Engine
Soon for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.<
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
155n
Lamps and bulbs The lamps and bulbs are essential fac-
tors contributing to the safety of your
vehicle. For this reason, follow the in-
structions below carefully when replac-
ing a bulb. If you are not familiar with
any of the procedures, consult your au-
thorized BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of a
new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the electri-
cal system, switch off the electri-
cal accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, com-
ply with any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.<
The illustration shows the right-hand
engine compartment.
For checking and adjusting head-
lamp aim, please contact your
BMW center.< 1 Low beams H7 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during re-
placement.<
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow)
and remove.
2 Remove and replace the bulb. 530us107
2 High beams HB3 bulb, 60 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during re-
placement.<
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove.
2 Disconnect the plug.
3 Plug the new bulb holder with bulb
into the plug connector. Be sure that
it is securely engaged.
4 Install in the opposite order.
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth (scratches). Never use abra-
sives or strong solvents to clean the
covers.
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water.
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never
use a scraper.<