
9n
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams67
Instrument lighting67
High beams/Parking lamps68
Rear foglamp68
Interior lamps68
Reading lamps69
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioning70
Seat heating75
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment76
Storage compartments76
Beverage can holder78
Cellular phone79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading81
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures84
Driving notes85
Catalytic converter85
Antilock Brake System (ABS)86
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)88
Disc brakes88
Brake system89
Winter operation90
Power steering92
Cellular phone92
Radio reception92
Wind protection93
Hardtop94
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure96
Tire condition97
Tire replacement98
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Winter tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103
Under the hood:
Hood104
Engine compartment106
Washer fluids108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113
Maintenance and care:
The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags121
Storing your vehicle122
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications123
California Proposition 65
Warning123
OBD interface socket124

18n
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems for your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. 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
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
in the alternator V-belt or in the charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
V-belt is defective, increased steering
effort is also required.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop vehicle and switch off en-
gine immediately. Check the en-
gine oil level and top off as required. If
the 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 Warning (RDW)
l
Flashing warning lamp in addi-
tion to an acoustic signal: a tire
failure has occurred. Carefully reduce
speed to less than 50 mph (80 km/h),
thus preventing any hard braking or
steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.
Brake warning indicator
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 89 and 112.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the
vehicle when the hood is warm, or dur-
ing or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
In order to protect your convertible top,
do not have any special waxing pro-
gram done to your vehicle. The small
amount of beading wax always used in
automatic car washes will not harm the
convertible top.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car wash operator if necessary >The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer Ð such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ð
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
further damage. In addition, moisture
could penetrate to vehicle components,
leading to long-term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth. Never use abrasives 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.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle

122n
Storing your vehicle
If you plan on parking the vehicle
for more than three months,
please adhere the maintenance opera-
tions described below.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in accor-
dance with approved repair proce-
dures. Wash the vehicle, clean the
interior and treat painted and
chromed parts. Clean the weather-
stripping around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top off
if necessary
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated area. Place the
transmission in first gear or, if neces-
sary, chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling. Do not engage
the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 95
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge a battery that has been taken
out of the car every six months. If it is
not recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black, refer to page 136.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement, if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19,86
Accessories4
Activated charcoal filter73
Adding engine oil109
Adding washer
fluid108,157
Adjusting the
temperature72
Adusting seats43
Air conditioner70
Air distribution72
Air nozzles70
Air outlets70
Air pressure96
Air supply72
Airbags19,49,121,148
Alarm system36
Antenna92
Antifreeze111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19,86
Anti-theft alarm system36
Anti-theft protection30
Aquaplaning85,97
Ashtray79
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner80
Automatic car washes115
Automatic speed control59 Automatic windshield
washer58
Avoiding unwanted
alarm37
Axle loads156
B
Backrest, unlock44
Backup lamps56
bulb replacement130
Battery136,158
charge137
discharged143
Battery capacity158
Battery charge current18
Belts48
Beverage can holder78
Blower72
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Bore154
Brake fluid112
Brake hydraulic system18
Brake pads20
Brakes88
brake faults89
Breaking in the vehicle84
Bulb replacement129 C
California Proposition 65
Warning123 Can holder78
Car Memory46
Car radio62,92
refer also to the car radio
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception92,148
Car telephone79
Car wash115
Care
exterior117
interior119
Caring for the vehicle
finish118
Catalytic converter85
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)19
CD mode, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Cellular phone92
refer also to "Radio and
Information Systems
Owner's Manual"
Central locking system30
key34
Changing the oil filter157
Check air pressure24
Child restraint systems51
Child seat safety52
Child seats51
Cigarette lighter80
Clock62
Cockpit14 Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch56
Compartments76,77
Compartments for stowing
items76
Compression154
Configuring the settings46
Connector for On-Board-
Diagnostics124
Consumption display60
Controls14
Convertible top39
closing after an electrical
malfunction141
Coolant111,157
Coolant temperature
gauge61
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)19
Cruise control59
Curb weight156
Current check indicator18
D
Dashboard14
Data
dimensions155
engine154
technical154
weights156
A-Z

Everything from A to Z
163n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Daytime running lamps
switch67
Daytime-driving lamp
switch67
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)88
Defrost position73
Defroster, rear
window58,73
Defrosting the windows73
Dimensions155
Dipstick109
Disc brakes88
Displacement154
Display lighting67
Displays16
Door keys28
Door warning lamp
bulb replacement132
Doors
emergency actuation30
remote control31
unlocking and locking30
DOT Quality Grades98
Draft-free ventilation73
Drive belts158
Driving hints85
Driving lamps67
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)20,63,149
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)88 Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)20,63,149
E
Electric power seat
adjustment43
Electric power windows38
Electrical defect
passenger-side door141
Electrical equipment
failure138
Electrical system158
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer29
Emergency actuation
doors30
Emergency operation
fuel filler door140
passenger-side door141
Engine compartment106
Engine coolant111
Engine cooling157
Engine data154
Engine oil109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Engine oil level19
check109
Engine oil pressure18 Engine output154
Engine speed154
Engine, starting54
Exit lamps
bulb replacement132
Exterior mirrors45
F
Fault, ABS87
Fill capacities157
Filler cap cover23
Filling capacities157
Filling the washer
reservoir157
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir157
First aid22
First-aid kit22
Fittings, tow starting and
towing144
Flashlight77
Flat tire135
Foglamps
bulb replacement131
Follow-Me-Home lamps67
Footbrake88
Footwell lamps68
bulb replacement132
For car phones and
telephones, please refer to
the manufacturer's
Owner's Manual Front seat adjustment43
Frost protection,
radiator111
Fuel24
preparation154
Fuel filler door
release after an electrical
defect140
Fuel gauge60
Fuel indicator60
Fuel quality24
Fuel tank capacity157
Fuses138
G
Gasoline24
Glove compartment76
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement133
Gross vehicle weight156 H
Handbrake55
Handsfree system79
Hardtop94
Hazard warning flashers22
Hazard warning triangle22
Head restraint44
Headlamp covers,
care115,129
Headlamp flasher68

Everything from A to ZHeadlamp washer
system108,157
Headlamp washers58
Heating and ventilation70
Heating, rapid75
Heavy loads81
Height155
High beams21,56,68
Holder for beverage
cans78
Hood release104
Horn15 I
Identification, tires101
Ignition keys28
Ignition lock53
Indicator lamps18
Inflation pressure24,96
monitoring65
INSPECTION61
Instrument cluster16
Instrument lighting67
Instruments16
Interaxle tire rotation100
Interface socket for On-
Board-Diagnostics124
Interference
cellular phone92
Interior lamps32,68
bulb replacement133
remote control32 Interior motion sensor36
Interior rearview mirror
with automatic
dimmer46,150
Intermittent wipe57
J
Jump starting143 K
Key Memory46
Key with remote control28
Keys28 L
Lamps on warning67
Leather care120
Length155
License plate lamp
bulb replacement131
Light switch67
Light-alloy wheels103
Lighter80
Loading81
Louvers70
Low beam headlamps67
Low beam light inside
rearview mirror46
Low traction road
surfaces91 Luggage compartment
capacity156
emergency release35
remote control33
Luggage compartment lamp
bulb replacement134
Luggage compartment
lid35
emergency release35
M
M+S tires102
Maintenance61,114
Manual transmission56
Microfilter73
MID (Multi-Information
Radio)62
Mirrors45
Mobile cellular phones92
Modifications,
technical4,123
Multi-Information Radio
(MID)62 N
Navigation system, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Neckrest44 O
OBD interface socket124 Odometer60
Oil
additives109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick109
Oil level
check109
indicator lamp19
Oil pressure
indicator lamp18
OILSERVICE61
Onboard tool kit128
Opening and closing
from inside34
from outside30
Outlets, ventilation70
Outside temperature
display62
P
Paint blemishes117
Paint, care117