
 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Sports steering wheel25
Hazard warning flashers26
Warning triangle26
First-aid kit26
Refueling27
Fuel specifications28
Tire inflation pressure28
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð 
from the outside34
Opening and closing Ð 
from the inside38
Tailgate38
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
 
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)85 

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for 
fuel reserve74
2 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 Control73
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator74
7 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for:
 > Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)/(DBC)20, 21 >
 Antilock Brake System (ABS)22  
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)20, 22
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control
 
* 23
8 Adjusting knob for the clock759 Program display for automatic 
transmission65, 67
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission21, 65, 67
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic 
Stability Control plus Traction 
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) or DSC and 
ADB/ADB-X22
11 Indicator for: 
>
 
Odometer73
 
>
 
Trip odometer73
 
>
 
Clock75
 
>
 
Service Interval74
Display for computer, operation 
via the turn signal lever, refer to 
page 76: 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 > Cruising range  >
 Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control75
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7314 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for:  
>
 
Fog lamps23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Throttle 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 will light up while the vehicle is 
moving. You will see how to react to 
this below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current 
 
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. 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 the vehicle immediately 
and switch off the engine. Check 
the engine oil level and refill as required. 
If the oil level is correct, please contact 
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, otherwise, 
the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.
 
< 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
In addition, an acoustic signal 
will go off: 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 85.
Brake warning lamp 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 122 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 117.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil 
level is at the absolute 
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do 
not drive more than approx. 30 miles 
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information, refer to 
page 135.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: add oil at the 
earliest opportunity (when you stop to 
refuel). 
For additional information, refer to 
page 135
Brake pads l
 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 120.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check the tire pressure. Refer to 
pages 28 and 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 remains on:
ASC+T has been switched off via the 
button or it is defective, or the DSC has 
been switched off, the ADB is opera-
tional.
In the event of a fault, please consult 
the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer 
page 79. 
BMW 325xi:
The DSC has been either 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 the both the DSC and ADB-X are 
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information, refer to 
page 80.
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 are 
switched off by means of the button or 
are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information, refer to 
page 79.
BMW 325xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective. 
ADB-X cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information, refer to 
page 83.
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC indi-
cator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid 
The washer fluid level is too low. 
Top up at the earliest opportu-
nity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 134. 

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 149.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
* 
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 
off the coolant at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 137.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator 
Flashes when the turn signal is 
operated. Rapid flashing indi-
cates a system malfunction. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 68.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise 
control is activated. Available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 71.
Fog lamps
Comes on whenever you switch 
on the fog lamps. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 88.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated. 
For additional information, refer to 
pages 68, 88. 

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.< 

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 

73n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
1 Odometer You can activate the displays shown in 
the illustration with the ignition key in 
position 0 by pressing the button in the 
instrument cluster (arrow).2 Trip odometerTo reset the trip odometer to zero, 
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1 and up.460us144
Avoid engine speeds in the red warning 
zone of the gauge.
To protect the engine, the engine-
management system automatically 
interrupts the fuel supply in this range; 
the resulting effect resembles that 
associated with a sudden loss of 
power.460us079
Indicates current fuel consumption in 
mpg (in liters per 100 km on Canadian 
vehicles). You can check your current 
driving style to see whether it is condu-
cive to economy and minimum exhaust 
emissions.
When the vehicle is stationary, the 
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on 
Canadian models).460us080
Odometer Tachometer Energy Control