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Hazard warning flashers  Warning triangle
* 
First-aid kit
* 
The button flashes on and off when the 
hazard warning flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an 
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the vehicle's lamps are 
on.
The turn signal indicator function 
takes precedence over the hazard 
warning flashers function. Starting from 
ignition key position 1, you are there-
fore able to use the turn signal 
indicators, even if the hazard warning 
flashers have been activated.< 460us002
The warning triangle is stored in a 
recess on the left-hand side of the 
luggage compartment where it is 
quickly available.
To open the container, loosen the wing 
nut.
Comply with legal requirements 
that cover the availability of a 
warning triangle in the vehicle.<46cde028
The first-aid kit is located under the 
passenger seat.
To open: reach into the recess and pull 
the cover down.
To close: raise the cover until it clicks 
into place.
Some of the articles in the first-aid 
kit may be used within a limited 
time only. For this reason, check the 
expiration dates of each of the items 
regularly, and replace any with passed 
dates. You can purchase replacements 
in any drugstore or pharmacy. 
Comply with legal requirements that 
cover the availability of a first aid-kit in 
the vehicle.< 46cde084 
         
        
        
     
        
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Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only.
Required fuel: 
Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI. 
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use 
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen 
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
Proper inflation pressures are on a 
sticker attached to the B-pillar and 
visible with the driver's door open.Check tire pressuresOn the next page you will find all the tire 
pressure and ambient air temperature 
specifications stated in the units usually 
used in your country (psi; kilopascal).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC): 
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reactivate the system. Refer to 
page 91.462de197
Check tire inflation pressures, 
including the space-saver spare 
tire, regularly, at least every two weeks 
and before beginning any extended 
driving. Otherwise, incorrect tire pres-
sure can lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.< 
         
        
        
     
        
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine70
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic73
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher76
Washer/Wiper system76
Rear window defroster78
Cruise control79
Everything under control:
Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy Control81
Fuel gauge82
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer83
Technology for driving comfort 
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Automatic Stability Control plus 
traction (ASC+T)88
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)89
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)91Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams93
Instrument panel lighting93
High beams/Parking lamps94
Fog lamps94
Interior lamps94
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner96
Automatic climate control102
Seat heating107
Interior convenience:
Glove compartment107
BMW Universal Transmitter108
Storage facilities110
Cellular phone111
Ashtray, front111
Cigarette lighter112
Ashtray rear112
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag113
Cargo loading114
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
hardtop116 
         
        
        
     
        
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Electronic vehicle immobilizer The key to securityYour BMW is equipped with a passive 
antiÐtheft system. This electronic immo-
bilization system is designed to reduce 
the susceptibility of the vehicle to theft 
by making it impossible to start the 
engine using any means other than the 
special keys furnished with the vehicle. 
Your BMW center can cancel the elec-
tronic system authorization for indi-
vidual keys (in the event of loss, for 
instance). A deactivated key can no 
longer be used to start the engine.46cde060
How the electronics workAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the 
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, serving as a 
communications interface designed to 
allow the vehicle's electronics system 
to maintain a continuous stream of vari-
able, vehicle-specific signals with the 
electronic circuitry in the key. The 
system will not release the ignition, fuel 
injection and starter unless it recog-
nizes an "authorized" key.
Force applied to the key can 
damage the integrated electronic 
circuitry. A damaged key can no longer 
be used to start the engine.< 
         
        
        
     
        
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Opening and closing Ð from the outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for 
unlocking and locking your vehicle. 
Furthermore, it provides two additional 
functions that can only be executed by 
means of the remote control:
>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to 
page 36.
With this function, you can also 
"search for" your vehicle Ñ when 
parked in an underground garage for 
instance.
>To open the luggage compartment, 
refer to page 36
The luggage compartment lid will 
open slightly, regardless of whether it 
was locked or unlocked. 
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated simultaneously when you unlock 
the vehicle, the alarm system is 
disarmed, and the interior lamps are 
turned on. When you lock the vehicle, 
the systems are activated and armed, 
and the lamps go off.
You can have a signal set as an 
acknowledgment message that 
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
Master keysKeys with remote control are master 
keys. Refer to page 32.
Children might be able to lock the 
doors from the inside. For this 
reason, always take the vehicle keys 
with you so that the vehicle can be 
opened again from the outside at any 
time.<46cde020
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is 
charged automatically in the ignition 
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the 
vehicle using the remote control, the 
battery is discharged. Use this key 
while driving for an extended period in 
order to recharge the battery. Refer 
also to page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the 
remote control, surrender only the door 
and ignition key or the spare key (refer 
to page 32) e. g. whenever leaving the 
vehicle for valet parking.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your BMW center. You 
can also obtain replacement keys 
there.< 
         
        
        
     
        
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Opening and closing Ð from the outsidePanic mode (triggering alarm)By pressing button 3 for 2 to 5 seconds, 
the alarm can be sounded in the event 
of danger, if the alarm system is armed. 
Pressing button 1 will turn the alarm off. 
The LED (light-emitting diode) will light 
up briefly whenever you press the indi-
vidual buttons.Non-BMW systemsThe proper functioning of the remote 
control system may be affected by 
other devices or equipment operating in 
the immediate vicinity of your vehicle.
If this should occur, you can still open 
and close the vehicle using the master 
key in either the door or luggage 
compartment lock.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units 
comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal 
Communication Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the 
following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement: 
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful 
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference 
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could 
void the user's authority to operate this 
equipment.<  
         
        
        
     
        
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Luggage compartment lid The lock Only the master keys (refer to page 32) 
fit in the lock for the luggage compart-
ment lid.To secure separatelyTurn the master key to the right past the 
resistance point and then pull it out in 
the horizontal position.
This locks the luggage compartment lid 
and disconnects it from the central 
locking system. If you surrender only 
the door and ignition key, for valet 
parking, for instance (refer to page 32), 
this will prevent unauthorized access to 
the luggage compartment.46cde001
Opening from outsidePress the button in the handle recess 
(arrow): 
The luggage compartment lid opens 
slightly.
The luggage compartment is lit when 
the lid is opened. Manual operation(in the event of electrical malfunction) 
Turn the master key to the right as far 
as possible Ð the luggage compartment 
lid will open slightly. 
The luggage compartment is locked 
again as soon as you close the lid.06cde01046cde003
Opening from the insideIf the luggage compartment lid has not 
been locked separately, you can open it 
with this button in the footwell on the 
driver's side when the vehicle is 
stationary.460de011