Page 148 of 215

148n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before 
removing the cap from the expansion 
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
ature gauge in the instrument cluster 
must be located in the blue zone. If it 
is not, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated 
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add 
coolant until the correct level is 
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and 
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion 
inhibitor. Always maintain the 
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture 
ratio for year-round protection against 
internal corrosion. No other additives 
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.The brake warning lamp comes on 
when the parking brake has been 
released: 
Check the brake fluid level and if 
necessary, top up to the "MAX" mark. 
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of 
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW 
center. Your BMW center is familiar 
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended 
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 126.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, 
it absorbs moisture from the air 
over time. 
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the 
brake fluid changed every two years by 
an authorized BMW center. Refer also 
to the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian 
models). Brake fluid is hazardous to 
health and damages the vehicle's paint. 
You should always store it in its original 
container and in a location that is 
inaccessible to children. 
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the 
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX" 
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon 
contact with hot engine parts and 
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable 
environmental laws regulating 
the disposal of brake fluid.< 
     
        
        Page 177 of 215

177n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryBattery careThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original 
electrolyte will normally last for the 
service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions. 
For all questions that regard the 
battery, please consult your BMW 
center. Since the battery is absolutely 
maintenance free, the following is for 
your information only.<
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on 
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury, 
please comply with the corresponding 
precautions whenever you work with or 
near the battery.
Before handling the battery, 
please read the following infor-
mation.
Wear eye protection. Do not 
allow particles containing 
battery  acid or lead to come into 
contact with your eyes, your skin, or 
your clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and 
protective gloves. Do not tip the 
battery. Battery acid can leak from the 
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children access to 
batteries and battery acid. 
Never allow sparks or open 
flame in the vicinity of the 
battery. Avoid sparks from elec-
trical cables or electrical equipment. 
Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition 
lock when disconnecting or connecting 
the battery. Do not short circuit the 
battery terminals. This creates a risk of 
injury from high-energy sparks.
A highly explosive gas is gener-
ated when the battery is 
charged.
If you happen to get acid in your 
eyes, rinse thoroughly for 
15 minutes with clear water. 
Consult a physician immediately. If you 
get acid spray on your skin or clothing, 
rinse with plenty of water. If electrolyte 
is accidentally ingested, consult a 
physician immediately.
In order to protect the battery 
case from ultraviolet radiation, 
do not place it in direct sunlight. 
A discharged battery can freeze. Store 
the battery in areas where temperature 
remains above freezing. 
     
        
        Page 205 of 215

Everything from A to Z
205n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
upholstery155 
vinyl upholstery154 
wool velour155 
Cargo 
loading114 
securing114 
Caring for the vehicle's 
finish153 
Cassette operation, refer 
also to the Radio Owner's 
Manual 
Catalytic converter121 
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)21,123 
CD operation, refer also to 
the Radio Owner's Manual 
Cellular phone111,129 
refer to also the separate 
Owner's Manual 
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp171 
Center armrest110 
Central locking system34 
button38 
Changing a tire173 
Changing a wheel173 
Check Control83 
Child restraints64 
Child restraint
systems61,64 
Child seat security65 
Child's seat61,64 
Cigarette lighter112 Cleaning headlamps78 
Cleaning windshield77 
Clock84 
Cockpit16 
Code, refer to the radio 
Owner's Manual 
Coin box, cup holder111 
Combination switch76 
Compression196 
Computer83 
refer also to the separate 
Owner's Manual 
Configure settings59 
Consumption85 
Contents10 
Convertible top45 
cleaning and care157 
closing following an 
electrical malfunction181 
compartment panel41 
convenience operation34 
electrical fault181 
emergency closure181 
Coolant127,147,199 
antifreeze127 
Cooling system199 
Copyright4 
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)21,123 
Cruise control79 
Cruising range85 
Curb weight198 
Current check indicator20 
D 
Data 
dimensions197 
engine196 
technical196 
weights198 
Daytime-driving lamp 
switch93 
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)124 
Deep water121 
Defrost setting100,105 
Defrostable rear 
window98,106 
Defrosting the 
windows100,105 
Digital clock84 
Dimensions197 
Dipstick145 
Disc brakes125 
Displacement196 
Display lighting93 
Displays18 
Disposal 
batteries178 
engine oil147 
Distance warning87 
Diversity Antenna190 
Door key32 
Door locks, care127 Doors 
emergency operation34 
remote control35 
unlocking and locking34 
DOT Quality Grades133 
Draft-free 
ventilation99,106 
Drive belts200 
Driving hints121 
Driving in winter127 
Driving lamps93 
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control)22,88,189 
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC)124 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)22,88,189 
E 
Electric power windows44 
Electrical accessories, 
failure179 
Electrical system200 
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33 
Elements of operation16 
Emergency closure181 
Emergency operation 
convertible top181 
doors34 
fuel filler door180 
Energy Control81  
     
        
        Page 207 of 215

Everything from A to Z
207n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interlock69 
Intermittent mode, wiper 
system76 J 
Jack173 
Jump-starting183 K 
Key Memory59 
Keys32 
with remote control32 L 
Lamps and bulbs166 
LAMPS ON warning93 
Lashing eyes115 
LATCH attachment of the 
child seat64 
Leather care155 
Length197 
License plate lamp, bulb 
replacement171 
Light-alloy wheels137 
Lighter112 
Loads, securing114 
Load-securing devices115 
Low beam headlamps93 
bulb replacement167 
Lug bolts174 Luggage 
compartment40,41 
capacity198 
emergency release39 
floor panel40 
lid39 
lighting39 
lock separately39 
remote control36 
Luggage compartment 
lamps, bulb 
replacement172 
Luggage rack116 
Lumbar support55 
M 
M+S tires136 
Maintenance82,150 
Malfunction displays83 
Manual convertible top, 
operating45 
Manual transmission72 
Manually controlled 
recirculated-air105 
Memory57 
MFL (Multi-function steering 
wheel)24 
Microfilter99,180 
Mirror memory57 
Mirrors57 
Mobile phones129 Modifications, 
technical6,161 
Motion sensor, interior43 
Mounting child safety 
seat64 
Mounting the roof 
carrier130 
Multi-function steering 
wheel (MFL)24 
N 
Navigation system, refer to 
the radio Owner's Manual O 
OBD interface socket162 
Odometer81 
Oil 
additives145 
capacity199 
consumption145 
dipstick145 
quality146 
specifications146 
viscosity146 
Oil change intervals, see the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models)/Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) Oil filter change199 
Oil level 
check145 
indicator lamp20 
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp20 
OILSERVICE82 
Onboard tool kit166 
Opening and closing 
from the inside38 
from the outside34 
Operating the convertible
top manually in the event 
of an electrical 
malfunction181 
Outside temperature 
display84 
P 
Paint blemishes152 
Paint, care152 
Paintwork 
minor repairs153 
waxing153 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)87 
Parking brake71 
Parking help87 
Parking lamps94 
Parking, winter128