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23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Engine electronics
* l 
There is a fault in the engine's 
electronic control system. The 
electronics will allow you to continue 
driving with reduced engine output or 
reduced engine speed. Please have the 
system inspected by your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top 
up the coolant at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 147.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator 
Flashes when the turn signal is 
on. 
Rapid flashing indicates a system 
malfunction. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 76.
Cruise control
 
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated: available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel.
For additional information, refer to 
page 79.
Front fog lamps 
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to 
page 94.
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 76, 94. 
     
        
        Page 76 of 215
76n
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher  Washer/Wiper system 1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator 
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator 
lamps accompanied by a periodic 
clicking sound from the relay) 
If the indicator lamp and the clicking 
from the relay are both faster than 
normal, one of the turn signal indicators 
has failed.46cde094
To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond 
the detent. It will then return to the 
center position when released.
0 Wipers retracted
1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor
2 Normal wipe
3 Fast wipe
4 Brief wipe
5 Cleaning windshield 
6 Rotary dial for controlling the wipe 
interval or the sensitivity of the rain 
sensor
46cde095 
     
        
        Page 82 of 215

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Fuel gauge  Coolant temperature Service Interval Display When you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp comes on briefly to 
confirm that the system is operational. 
Once the indicator lamp stays on 
continuously, there are still approx. 2 
gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the 
fuel tank.
For fuel tank capacity: refer to page 199.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended 
driving in mountainous areas, for 
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions of the needle.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is 
empty. Driving to the last drop of 
fuel can result in damage to the engine 
and/or the catalytic converter.<462us020
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at 
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp comes on briefly to 
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating 
the vehicle: the engine is overheated. 
Stop and switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not 
unusual for the needle to rise as far as 
the edge of the red zone in response to 
high outside temperatures or severe 
operating conditions. To check the 
coolant level: refer to page 147.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration 
appear for a few seconds when the 
ignition key is in position 1 or after the 
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the 
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION, 
together with the distance remaining 
before the next scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of 
the remaining distance on the 
preceding driving conditions.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of 
the number mean that the service 
interval has already been exceeded by 
the distance shown on the display. 
Please contact your BMW center for an 
appointment.46cus006 
     
        
        Page 94 of 215
94n
High beams/Parking lamps
 Fog lamps
 
Interior lamps 
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator 
lamp)
3 Parking lampsParking lamp, left or rightAs an additional feature, you can illumi-
nate your vehicle on either side for 
parking, if you wish to do so:
With the ignition key in position 0, push 
the lever in the appropriate direction. 
The lever engages in the turn signal 
position.46cde094
Fog lamps
A green indicator lamp appears 
in the instrument cluster to 
indicate that the fog lamps are 
on.
460us038
The interior lamps operate automati-
cally.To switch the interior lamps on 
and off manuallyPress the button briefly.
If you want the interior lamps to remain 
off all the time, press and hold the 
button for approx. 3 seconds.
To revert to normal operation, press the 
button briefly.Footwell lampsThe footwell lamps operate in the same 
way as the interior lamps.46cde026 
     
        
        Page 99 of 215

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Air conditionerDraft-free ventilation You can adjust the air outlets for the 
upper body area to select the optimum 
air flow rates and directions for your 
personal requirements:
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the 
air outlets through an infinitely-variable 
range. You can adjust the direction of 
the air flow with levers 2.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past 
you and is not directed straight at you.
Rotary dial 3 allows you to mix the air 
from the outlets for your upper body 
with more or less cool air..460de040
Microfilter An activated-charcoal microfilter, which 
traps incoming dust and pollen, has 
been installed in your vehicle. Your 
BMW center will replace it during regu-
larly scheduled maintenance. A 
substantial reduction in air supply indi-
cates that the filter must be replaced 
before normal maintenance.
For additional details on the filter 
change, refer to page 180.
Rapid ventilation1 Set the blower speed rotary dial for 
the air flow rate to position 4.
2 Switch on the air conditioner.
3 Turn the rotary temperature control 
completely to the left (blue). 
4 Rotary control for air distribution in 
position .
5 Open the air outlets for the upper 
body.463de018 
     
        
        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.<