
 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Sports steering wheel with 
multifunction buttons25
Hazard warning flashers26
Warning triangle26
First-aid kit26
Refueling27
Fuel specifications28
Tire inflation pressure28
 
Locks and security systems:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð from the 
outside34
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment41
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Sliding/tilt sunroof45
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats47
Seat and mirror memory50
Steering wheel51
Mirrors52
Car Memory, Key Memory53
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts54
Airbags55
Transporting children safely59 
 
Driving:
 
Steering/Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake64
Manual transmission65
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic66
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher69
Wiper/Washer system69
Rear window defroster71
Cruise control72
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer74
Tachometer74
Energy Control74
Fuel gauge75
Temperature gauge75
Service Interval Display75
Check Control76
Clock76
Computer77
 
Technology for safety and 
convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)79
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)80
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)82
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)86
 
Contents 

 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Side lamps/Headlamps88
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Parking lamps89
Fog lamps89
Interior lamps89
 
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioner92
Automatic climate control98
Seat heating103
Roller sun blind103
 
Interior conveniences:
 
HiFi system104
Glove compartment104
Storage compartments105
Cellular phones107
Ashtray, front107
Cigarette lighter108
Ashtray, rear108
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading system109
Ski bag110
Cargo loading112
Roof-mounted luggage rack113
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures116
Driving notes117
Catalytic converter117
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)118
Disc brakes120
Brake system121
Winter operation121
Power steering123
Cellular phones124
Radio reception124
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressures125
Tire condition125
Tire replacement126
Tire rotation127
Wheel and tire 
combinations128
Winter tires129
Snow chains129
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications130
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood134
Engine compartment136
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Engine oil139
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Vehicle Identification 
Number144
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System145
Caring for your vehicle146
Airbags151
Vehicle storage152
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle153
California Proposition 
65 Warning153
OBD interface socket154 

 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit158
Windshield wiper blades158
Lamps and bulbs158
Changing a wheel165
Battery168
Fuses170
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter171
 
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door172
Sliding/Tilt sunroof172
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting173
Towing the vehicle174Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)178
Airbags179
Automatic Stability Control plus 
traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)180
Radio reception181
Four-wheel drive182
Safety belt tensioner183
Interior rearview mirror with 
automatic dimming 
feature184
Rain sensor185
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)186
Self-diagnostics187
Xenon lamps188Engine data192
Dimensions193
Weights194
Capacities195
Electrical system196
V-belts196 

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp 
for fuel reserve75
2 Indicator lamp for turn signal 
indicators23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for: 
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beams23
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil 
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control74
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator75
7 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for:
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC/DBC)20
 
>
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)22 
 
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)
 
* 
20, 22
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control
 
* 
23
8 Set button for the clock769 Program display for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
66, 68
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
21, 66
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic 
Stability Control plus Traction 
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)
 
* 
 or DSC
 
* 
 and ADB
 
* 
/
ADB-X
 
* 
22
11 Indicator for:
 
>
 
Odometer74
 
>
 
Trip odometer74
 
>
 
Clock76
 
>
 
Service Interval76
Display for computer
 
* 
, operation via 
the turn signal lever, refer to 
page 77: 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Range 
 
>
 
Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control76
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7414 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for: 
 
>
 
Front fog lamps
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Engine Power Control 
(EML)
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Service Engine Soon23
You can display the outside 
temperature and distance driven 
in different units of measurement.
 
< 

 
20n
Indicator and warning lamps Technology that monitors itself Many of the systems of 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 l 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. There is a malfunction 
of the alternator V-belt or in the 
charging circuit of the alternator. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not 
continue driving. If you do so, the 
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective, 
increased steering effort is also 
required.<
Engine oil pressure
 l 
Stop the vehicle and switch off 
the engine immediately. Check 
the engine oil and top off as required. If 
the oil level is correct, please contact 
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do 
so, the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.< 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, an acoustic signal is 
sounded: a tire failure has 
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. Do not oversteer. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 86.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged: 
Check the brake fluid level. Before 
driving further, be sure to read the 
notes on pages 121 and 143.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models. 

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 119.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level 
Comes on while driving: the oil 
level is at the absolute 
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as 
soon as possible. Do not drive more 
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 139.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: Add more engine 
oil the next time you stop for gas. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 139.
Brake pads l
 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 121.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check the tire inflation pressure. 
Refer to pages 28 and 86.
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes: 
The system is active and governs drive 
force and braking force. 
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off via the 
button, or it is defective, or, the DSC 
has been turned off, ADB is in ready 
mode.
Please consult the nearest BMW center 
in the event of a system malfunction. 
For additional information, refer to 
ASC+T beginning on page 80.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
The DSC has either been turned off or 
is defective. ADB-X is in ready mode. If 
the warning lamp does not go out after 
pressing the DSC button repeatedly, 
then both the DSC
 and ADB-X are 
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 84.
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) and 
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC and ADB/DBC have 
been switched off by means of the 
button or are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 82.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective. ADB-X 
cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 81.
Indicator and warning lamps 
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC for 
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid 
The washer fluid is too low, refill 
at the earliest opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 138. 

23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Service Engine Soon l 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 154.  
"Service Engine Soon" warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
* l 
There is a fault in the engine's 
electronic control system. The 
electronics allow for continued driving 
with reduced engine output or rpms. 
Please have the system inspected by 
your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top 
up the coolant at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 142.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal 
indicator is actuated. Rapid 
flashing indicates a system malfunction. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 69.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise 
control is activated. Available for 
operation by using the multifunction 
steering wheel.
For additional information, refer to 
page 72.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the front fog lamps. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 89.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated. 
For additional information, refer to 
pages 69 and 89. 

27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the 
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot 
flow into the tank and the "Service 
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler 
door to open and close it.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the 
central locking system malfunctions, 
refer to page 172.
When handling fuels, comply with 
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels. 
Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, 
these containers can leak, cause an 
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of 
a collision.<
460de004
Simple and environmentally 
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to 
prevent fuel from spraying out. 
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket 
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling 
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling 
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full, whenever the fuel 
nozzle shuts off the first time, as is 
specified for proper service.
Tank capacity: refer to page 195.
460de005
Close the fuel cap carefully after 
refueling until a "click" is heard. 
While closing, be sure not to squeeze 
the strap which is fastened to the cap. 
A loose or missing cap will activate the 
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<