Page 25 of 203

25n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Sports steering wheel
*
The controls integrated in the sports
steering wheel are provided so that you
can operate a number of accessories
quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions.
You can operate:
>Selected radio functions,
>the cruise control,
>selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the sports steering wheel, the
corresponding system controls must be
activated.<
Refer to the individual accessory
manuals for more detailed descriptions.
1 Radio/Cellular phone: select
2 Press briefly:
Receive a call, start dialing, terminate
a call
Press longer:
Voice recognition
*: switch on and off
3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
463de057
6 Horn: the entire surface
7 Cruise control: resume stored setting
8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate
and store (Ð)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate
Page 26 of 203

26n
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle
*
First-aid kit
*
The button flashes intermittently when
the hazard 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 priority over the hazard
warning function. This means that with
the ignition key in position 1, you can
still use the turn signal indicator funtion,
even if the hazard warning flashers are
being used at the same time.< 460us002
The hazard warning triangle is stored
on the left-hand side of the luggage
compartment behind the cover panel.
To open: press the button (arrow) and
remove the cover.
Comply with legal requirements
for keeping a hazard warning
triangle in the vehicle.<463de035
The first-aid kit is located under the front
passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To close: fold the cover up.
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 acquire replacements
in any drugstore or pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements for
keeping a first-aid kit in the vehicle.< 460de003
Page 27 of 203

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 166.
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.<
Place 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
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is operated correctly,
the fuel tank will be full when it shuts off
for the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 187.
460de005
Close the filler 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 lamp.<
Page 28 of 203

28n
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.<
You will find the inflation pressures on
the inside door pillar (visible with door
open).Check tire pressures On 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 85.460de163
Check tire inflation pressures Ð
including the space-saver spare
wheel, or spare wheel Ð regularly, at
least every two weeks and before
beginning any extended driving. Incor-
rect tire pressure can otherwise lead to
tire damage and accidents.
Inflate the spare tire to the highest tire
inflation pressure specified for your
vehicle.<
Page 29 of 203

29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
325
325xiAll summer tires and
the all season tire
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S32 (220) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
All winter tires and
the all season tire
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S
35 (240) 41 (280) 41 (280) 48 (330)
Space-saver tire in the luggage
compartment61 (420)
For all season tires use the same inflation pressure as for summer tires.
For extra load tires 205/50 R 17 93 W use the same tire inflation pressure as for
winter tires.
Tire inflation pressureObserve tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. You will
find a list of approved tires beginning
on page 129.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.
Page 30 of 203
30n
Opening and closing:
Keys32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð
from the outside34
Opening and closing Ð
from the inside38
Tailgate39
Cargo area40
Alarm system41
Electric power windows43
Sliding/tilt sunroof44
Adjustments:
Seats46
Seat and mirror memory49
Steering wheel50
Mirrors51
Car Memory, Key Memory52
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts53
Airbags55
Transporting children safely58
Controls
Page 31 of 203

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock61
Starting the engine61
Switching off the engine62
Parking brake63
Manual transmission64
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic65
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher68
Washer/Wiper system68
Rear window defroster70
Cruise control71
Everything under control:
Odometer73
Tachometer73
Energy Control73
Fuel gauge74
Coolant temperature gauge74
Service Interval Display74
Check Control75
Clock75
Computer76
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)78
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)79
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)80
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)85Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams87
Instrument lighting87
High beams/Parking lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps88
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner90
Automatic climate control96
Seat heating100
Cabin convenience:
HiFi system101
Glove compartment101
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone103
Ashtray, front104
Cigarette lighter104
Ashtray, rear105
Power outlet105
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag106
Cargo area107
Cargo loading110
Roof-mounted luggage rack111
Page 32 of 203

32n
Keys1 The master keys with remote control
determine the functions for the Key
Memory; refer to page 52
There is an extended-life battery in
every master key that is charged
automatically in the steering lock as you
drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key
that is otherwise not used, use that key
at least once every year while driving for
an extended period to charge the
battery. Refer also to page 35.<
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for constant use 46cde059
3 Door and ignition key
The lock for the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key,
which is an advantage when using for
valet parking, for instance
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your authorized BMW
center. Since the keys belong to a
security system, your BMW center is
obligated to ensure that a person
requesting a key is authorized to do so
(refer to "Electronic vehicle immobilizer"
on page 35).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn that key to position 2 in
the ignition lock once (ignition switched
on) and then back. This allows the elec-
tronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the
new key.<