
11n
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams87
Instrument panel lighting87
High beams/Parking lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps88
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner90
Automatic climate control96
Seat heating101
Roller sun blind101
Interior convenience:
HiFi system101
Glove compartment102
Storage facilities102
Cellular phone104
Ashtray, front104
Cigarette lighter105
Ashtray, rear105
Clothes hooks105
Loading and transporting:
Through-loading system106
Ski bag107
Cargo loading108
Roof-mounted luggage rack109
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115
Disc brakes117
Brake system118
Winter operation119
Power steering121
Cellular phones121
Radio reception121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure122
Tire condition122
Tire replacement123
Tire rotation124
Wheel and tire
combinations125
Winter tires126
Snow chains126
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127
Under the hood:
Hood130
Engine compartment132
Washer fluids134
Washer nozzles134
Engine oil135
Coolant137
Brake fluid138
Vehicle Identification
Number139
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System140
Caring for your vehicle141
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications148
California Proposition
65 Warning148
ODB interface socket149

19n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve76
2 Indicator lamp for turn signal
indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:
>
Battery charge current20
>
High beams23
>
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy control75
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator76
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 control23
8 Set button for the clock789 Program display for automatic
transmission
*
69
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission
*
21, 69
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
*
and ADB22
11 Indicator for:
>
Odometer75
>
Trip odometer75
>
Clock78
>
Service Interval76
Indicator for computer, operation
using the turn signal lever, refer to
page 77:
>
Clock
>
Outside temperature
>
Average fuel consumption
> Range >
Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control77
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7514 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:
>
Front fog lamps23
>
Add washer fluid22
>
Coolant level23
>
Electronic Throttle Control
(EML)
*
23
>
Service Engine Soon22
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, otherwise, 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 immediately
and switch off the engine.
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 to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.
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 118 and 138.
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 116.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Lights up 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 135.
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 135.
Brake pads l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 118.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check tire inflation pressure:
refer to pages 27, 85.
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 by
means of the switch or it is defective,
or, the DSC has been turned off, ADB is
operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
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 are switched
off by means of the switch or are defec-
tive.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Indicator and warning lamps
DSC and ADB for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 134.
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 149.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115
Disc brakes117
Brake system118
Winter operation119
Power steering121
Cellular phones121
Radio reception121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure122
Tire condition122
Tire replacement123
Tire rotation124
Wheel and tire
combinations125
Winter tires126
Snow chains126
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127Under the hood:
Hood130
Engine compartment132
Washer fluids134
Washer nozzles134
Engine oil135
Coolant137
Brake fluid138
Vehicle Identification
Number139
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System140
Caring for your vehicle141
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications148
California Proposition
65 Warning148
OBD interface socket149
Car care

126n
Winter tires
Choosing the right tire
BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires that have the H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Mount only winter tires which have
been approved by BMW. Any BMW
center will be glad to provide you with
information on the best winter tires for
your particular driving conditions.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.
<
Tire condition, tire pressure
Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and therefore in
the interest of safety, should be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
Storage
Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains
*
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
on
winter tires only in pairs and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when mount-
ing the chains.

141n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your BMW washed in
an automatic car wash, even when it
is new. 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
during or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
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.Vehicles with rain sensor:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects
can cause malfunctions in the function
of the rain sensor.
Deactivate the rain sensor when
going through car washes (refer to
page 71), as otherwise the wipers could
be damaged if they inadvertently start
working.<
Parts of the vehicle that 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 be sure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also damage 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
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to subsequent attack.
In addition, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following: do
not wipe dry with a cloth (scratches).
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

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)22,115
ABS, fault116
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter100,166
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)67,174
Adding
engine oil135
washer fluid134,187
Adjusting
backrest48
head restraints48
lumbar support49
steering wheel52
temperature92,98
Air conditioner90
Air distribution92,98
Air nozzles90,96
Air outlets90,96
ventilation90,96
Air pressure122
Air supply92,99
Airbags21,57,146,175
sitting properly58
Alarm system42
Antenna121
Diversity176
Antifreeze137
radiator119 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22,115
Anti-theft alarm system42
Approved weight and load
capacities186
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127
Aquaplaning113,122
Armrest102
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction)22,82,175
Ashtray
front104
rear105
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)67,174
Attach vacuum cleaner105
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)99
Automatic car washes141
Automatic climate
control96
remove window
condensation99
Automatic cruise control73
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)99 Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T)22,82,175
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic21,67
Automatic windshield
washer71
Average consumption79
Average speed80
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43
Axle loads186
B
Backrest, releasing49
Backup lamps66
bulb replacement155
Battery163,188
capacity188
charge current20
charging165
discharged168
removal and
installation164
Battery safety terminal164
Battery terminal164
Belts55
Blower92,99
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil136
BMW Maintenance
System140 BMW sports seat49
Bore184
Brake fluid138
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement155
Brake pads22
Brake system118
Brakes117
malfunctions118
Break-in procedures112
Bulb replacement152
Bulbs152
C
California Proposition
65 Warning148
Capacities187
Car Memory54
Car radio121
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception121,176
Car vacuum cleaner105
Car wash141
Care
exterior142
interior144
Care of upholstery145
Care of wool velour145