
42n
Alarm system
*
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the 
luggage compartment lid is opened.
>To movement inside the vehicle 
(interior motion sensor).
>To a change of the vehicle's tilt Ð if 
someone attempts to steal the 
wheels or tow the vehicle without 
authorization, for example.
>If there is an interruption in battery 
voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized 
vehicle entry and attempted theft by 
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an alarm for 30 seconds.
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes.
>The high beams flash on and off in the 
same rhythm.
To activate and deactivate the 
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
by using a key or with the remote 
control, the alarm system is also simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and the tilt 
alarm sensor are activated approx. 
30 seconds after you have finished 
locking the vehicle.
If the alarm system has been armed 
correctly, the hazard warning flashers 
flash once.
You can have a signal set as 
acknowledgment for both arming 
and disarming the alarm system.<
You can also open the luggage 
compartment lid when the system is 
armed by pressing button 3 of the 
remote control (refer to page 36). When 
it is closed, the lid is once again 
secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the 
interior rearview mirror.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes while the 
system is being armed: the door(s), 
the hood or luggage compartment lid 
are not completely closed. Even if 
you do not close the alerted area(s), 
the remaining areas are secure, and 
the indicator lamp will flash continu-
ously after 10 seconds. However, the 
interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp goes out when the 
system is disarmed: no manipulation 
or attempted intrusions have been 
detected in the period since the 
system was armed.46cus033 

43n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Alarm system
*
>The indicator lamp flashes for 
10 seconds when the system is 
disarmed: an attempted entry has 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the 
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarms The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. You can do this to prevent a false 
alarm from being triggered (in garages 
with elevator ramps, for instance, or 
when the vehicle is transported by 
trailer or train):
Lock the vehicle (= arm the system) 
twice. Press button 2 on the remote 
control twice in succession or lock the 
vehicle twice with the key. Refer to 
page 34.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and the interior motion sensor 
are deactivated as long as the system is 
armed.
Reset the alarm to reactivate the tilt 
alarm sensor and the interior motion 
sensor.
Interior motion sensor Transmitter and receiver for the interior 
motion sensor are located in the front 
area of the center console, invisible to 
the driver, and in the back area of the 
center console under a rack.
However, be sure to deactivate the 
interior motion sensor (see previous 
column) if children or animals are to 
remain in the vehicle.
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: LTQSDR2G5
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 to 
these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.< 

108n
BMW Universal Transmitter
*
The concept The BMW Universal Transmitter 
replaces up to three handheld transmit-
ters of different devices such as 
garage-door openers, alarm systems, 
or door locking systems. The BMW 
Universal Transmitter recognizes and 
"learns" the transmitted signal of each 
of the original handheld transmitters. 
The signal of an original handheld 
transmitter can be programmed on one 
of the three channel keys. Following 
that, each of the devices can be actu-
ated with the appropriately-
programmed channel key. The indicator 
lamp flashes to confirm transmission of 
the signal. 
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the 
channel keys should be cleared as 
described on page 110. 
During programming and before 
every remote actuation of a 
programmed device by the BMW 
Universal Transmitter, check to be sure 
that there are no persons, animals or 
objects within the actuation range of 
the device in order to prevent possible 
injuries or damage. Also, comply with 
the safety precautions of the original 
handheld transmitter.< 
To Canadian residents: 
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop 
transmitting after two seconds. This 
may not be long enough to program the 
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are 
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's light may begin to flash in a 
series of double-blinks. If this occurs, 
continue to hold the button of the 
Universal Transmitter while you reacti-
vate your hand-held transmitter. You 
may have to repeat this function several 
times while programming.< 
Before programming, read the 
"User information" section on 
page 110.< 
Original handheld transmitter
If this symbol is present on the 
packaging or in the instructions 
of the original handheld trans-
mitter, it may be assumed that this 
handheld transmitter is compatible with 
the BMW Universal Transmitter. 
Checking for the conversion code To determine whether the original 
handheld transmitter is provided with a 
conversion-code system, you may 
either read the instructions for the orig-
inal handheld transmitter or program a 
channel key as described on the next 
page (left-hand column under 
"Programming"). 
Then press and hold the programmed 
channel key of the BMW Universal 
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of the 
BMW Universal Transmitter flashes for 
two seconds and then comes on 
steadily, the original handheld trans-
mitter is provided with a conversion-
code system. With a conversion code 
system, program the channel keys as 
described on the next page (right-hand 
column under "Programming a hand-
held transmitter with conversion code").
If you have additional questions, 
please consult your BMW center 
or call 1-800-355-3515. 
You can also visit this website 
www.bmwusa.com.<  

Everything from A to Z
A 
ABS (Antilock Brake  System) 22,122  
Accessories 6 
Activated-charcoal  filter 106,180  
Adaptive Transmission  Control (ATC) 73,188  
Adding engine oil 145 
Adding washer  fluid 144,199  
Adjusting backrest 52 
Adjusting headrests 53 
Adjusting the steering  wheel 57 
Adjusting the  temperature 98,104  
Adjusting thigh support 54 
Air conditioner 96 
Air distribution 98,104  
Air nozzles 96,102  
Air outlets 96,102  
ventilation 96,102  
Air pressure, tires 27,132  
Air supply 98,105  
Airbags 21,61 ,159 ,189  
sitting properly with 62 
Alarm system 42 
Antenna 129 
Antenna, Diversity 190  Antifreeze
147 
radiator 127 
Antilock Brake System  (ABS) 22,122  
Anti-theft alarm system 42 
Aquaplaning 121,132  
Armrest 110 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability  Control plus  
Traction) 22,88  
Ashtray  front 111 
rear 112 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission  Control) 73,188  
Attach vacuum cleaner 112 
AUC (Automatic  recirculated-air 
control) 105 
Automatic car washes 151 
Automatic climate  control 102 
remove window 
condensation 105 
Automatic cruise control 79 
Automatic dimming, interior  rearview mirror 58 
Automatic recirculated-air  control (AUC) 105 
Automatic Stability Control  plus Traction 
(ASC+T) 22,88   Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 21,73  
Automatic windshield  washer 77 
Average consumption 85 
Average speed 86 
Avoiding unwanted  alarm 43 
Axle loads 198 
B 
Backrest  adjusting 52 
locking 21,55  
releasing 55 
Backup lamps 72 
bulb replacement 169 
Battery 176,200  
capacity 200 
charge current 20,176  
charging 178 
discharged 183 
removal and 
installation 178 
Belts 60 
Beverage holder 111 
Blower 98,105  
BMW High Performance  Synthetic Oils 146 
BMW Maintenance  System 150  BMW sports seat
54 
Bore 196 
Brake fluid 148 
Brake hydraulic system 20 
Brake lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Brake pads 22,126  
Brake system 126 
Brakes 125 
malfunctions 126 
Break-in procedures 120 
Bulb replacement 166 
C 
California Proposition  65 Warning 161 
Capacities 199 
Car Memory 59 
Car radio 129 
reception 129,190  
refer also to the Radio 
Owner's Manual 
Car washes 151 
Care  convertible top 157 
exterior 152 
interior 154 
leather upholstery 155 
rubber seals and 
components 127  

Everything from A to Z
209n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Temperature 
adjusting98,104 
layering99,106 
Temperature display 
outside temperature84 
Thigh support, adjusting54 
Third brake lamp171 
Tilt sensor alarm 
system36,43 
remote control36 
Tire changing173 
Tire codes135 
Tire condition27,132 
Tire damage132 
Tire inflation 
pressure27,132 
Tire pressure 
monitoring91,192 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)91,192 
Tire Quality Grading133 
Tire replacement133,134 
Tire rotation134 
Tire specifications137 
Tire tread132 
Tools166 
Torque196 
Towing eyelets184 
Towing the vehicle184 
Track197 
Traction Control System, 
refer to DSC88 Transmission72 
Transmitter key32 
Transporting children 
safely64 
Tread depth, tires132 
Tread wear indicator132 
Trip odometer81 
Trunk, refer to luggage 
compartment39 
Turn signal indicator23,76 
bulb replacement168 
Turning radius197 
Two-way radios129 
U 
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading133 
Used batteries, 
disposal178 V 
Vacuum cleaner, 
connecting112 
V-belts200 
Vehicle battery176,200 
Vehicle care 
exterior152 
interior154 
Vehicle Identification 
Number (VIN)149 
Vehicle immobilizer33 Vehicle painting152 
Vehicle start69 
Vehicle storage160 
Vehicle vacuum cleaner, 
attaching112 
Vehicle weight198 
Ventilation96,99,102 
draft-free99,106 
Vinyl upholstery, care154 
W
 
Warning flashers25 
Warning lamps20 
Warning messages83 
Warning triangle25 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet150 
Washer fluids144,199 
Washer nozzles144 
Washer reservoir, filling144 
Washer system76 
Washing your vehicle151 
Water on roadways121 
Waxing, paintwork153 
Wear indicator in the 
tires132 
Weights198 
Wheel changing173 
Wheel lug wrench173 
Wheel rims135 
Wheel specifications137 
Wheelbase197 Wheels and tires135,137 
Width197 
Windows 
convenience operation34 
remote control35 
remove 
condensation105 
Windshield washer, 
automatic77 
Windshield washer nozzle 
adjustment144 
Windshield washer reservoir, 
filling144,199 
Windshield wiper76 
blade replacement166 
Winter operation127 
Winter tires135,136 
Wiper blade, 
replacement166 
Wiper system76 
Work in the engine 
compartment140 
X 
Xenon lamps167,193  

Owner service procedures
A 
Activated-charcoal  filter 180 
Adding brake fluid 148 
Adding engine coolant 148 
Adding engine oil 145 
Air pressure, checking 27 
Antifreeze 147 
Avoiding unwanted  alarm 43 
B 
Backup lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Battery  add distilled water 177 
charging 178 
Brake faults 126 
Brake fluid, adding 148 
Brake lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Brakes, brake faults 126 
C 
Changing a tire 173 
Changing a wheel 173 
Changing the 
microfilter 180  Checking air pressure
27 
Checking engine oil  level 145 
D 
Defrost setting 100,105  
Defrosting the  windows 100,105  
Difficult steering 129 
Doors, emergency  actuation 34 
E 
Electrical accessories,  failure 179 
Emergency operation  convertible top 181 
doors 34 
fuel filler door 180 
Engine coolant, adding 148 
Engine oil  add 145 
level checking 145 
quality 146 
specifications 146 
viscosity 146 
Eyelets, towing 184 
F 
False alarm, avoiding 43 
First-aid kit 25 
Flat tire 173 
Fog lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Footwell lamps, bulb  replacement 172 
Fuel filler door  manual release after  
electrical fault 180 
Fuses, replacing 179 
G 
Glove compartment lamp,  bulb replacement 172 
H 
Hazard warning flashers 25 
Hazard warning triangle 25 
Headlamp cover, care 167 
High beam headlamps, bulb  replacement 167 
Hood release 140 
I 
Indicator lamps 20 
Inflation pressures 27,132  Interior lamps, bulb 
replacement 171 
Interior motion sensor,  switching off 43 
J 
Jack 173 
L 
License plate lamp, bulb  replacement 171 
Low beam headlamps, bulb  replacement 167 
Luggage compartment  emergency release 39 
Luggage compartment  lamps, bulb 
replacement 172 
Luggage compartment lid  emergency release 39 
M 
Maintenance 150 
Microfilter, changing 180 
Motion sensor, switching  off 43  

Owner service procedures
211n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
O 
Oil 
level145 
quality146 
specifications146 
viscosity146 
Onboard tool kit166 P 
Parking lamps, bulb 
replacement168 
Pressure, tires27 R 
Rear lamps169 
Releasing the fuel filler door 
following an electrical 
malfunction180 
Releasing the hood140 
Removing condensation 
from the 
windows100,105 
Replacement key32 
Replacing bulbs166 
Replacing windshield wiper 
blades166 
Return used batteries178 
Rotating the tires173 
S 
Space-saver spare tire173 
Spare key32 
Spare tire173 
Starting problems70,121 
Switching off the tilt sensor 
alarm system43 T 
Tail lamp assembly, bulb 
replacement169 
Tail lamps, bulb 
replacement169 
Tilt alarm, switching off43 
Tire damage132 
Tires, changing27,173 
Tools166 
Towing eyelets184 
Towing the vehicle184 
Turn signal indicator 
bulb replacement168 U 
Use of antifreeze, 
radiator148 
W
 
Warning lamps20 
Washer fluid, adding144 
Washer nozzles, 
adjusting144 
Washer reservoir, filling144 
Wheel lug wrench173 
Wheel, changing173 
Windows, 
defrosting100,105 
Windshield washer, 
filling144 
Windshield wiper blades, 
replacing166 
Work in the engine 
compartment140