
 
Contents
 
Repairs
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter180
 
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)188
Airbags189
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
Safety belt tensioner190
Interior rearview mirror with 
automatic dimming 
feature191
Rain sensor191
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)192
Self-diagnostics192
Rollover protection system193
Xenon lamps193Engine data196
Dimensions197
Weights198
Capacities199
Electrical system200
Drive belts200 

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp 
for fuel reserve82
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 control81
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator82
7 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)/DBC20
 
>
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)22 
 
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)
 
* 
20, 22
 
>
 
Rollover protection system67
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Adjust and lock backrest/Please 
fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control23
8 Set button for the clock849 Program display for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
75
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
21, 75
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic 
Stability Control plus Traction 
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)
 
*  
and ADB22
11 Indicator for:
 
>
 
Odometer81
 
>
 
Trip odometer81
 
>
 
Clock84
 
>
 
Service Interval82
Indicator for computer, 
operation using the turn signal lever, 
refer to page 83: 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Range 
 
>
 
Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control83
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8114 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for: 
 
>
 
Front fog lamps23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Throttle Control 
(EML)
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Service engine soon22
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 lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see how to react to this below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge 
 
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, otherwise, the 
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. 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 and top off as 
required. If the oil level is correct, 
please contact the nearest BMW 
center.
Do not continue driving. If you do 
so, the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.
 
< 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
In addition, an acoustic signal is 
sounded: a tire failure has 
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to 
page 91.
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 126 and 148.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models. 

32n
Keys1 The remote control master keys 
determine Key Memory functions. 
Refer to page 59 
There is an extended-life battery 
in every master key that is 
charged automatically in the ignition 
lock as you drive.
At least once a year, drive for an 
extended period with a master key that 
you do not use otherwise 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 locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and the glove compartment 
cannot be operated with this key Ð 
this is recommended for valet 
parking, for instance 
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. 
Checking vehicle ownership is manda-
tory, since the keys are part of a secu-
rity system. (Refer to "Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer" on page 33).
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.< 

35n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from the outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for 
unlocking and locking your vehicle. 
Furthermore, it provides two additional 
functions that can only be executed by 
means of the remote control:
>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to 
page 36.
With this function, you can also 
"search for" your vehicle Ñ when 
parked in an underground garage for 
instance.
>To open the luggage compartment, 
refer to page 36
The luggage compartment lid will 
open slightly, regardless of whether it 
was locked or unlocked. 
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated simultaneously when you unlock 
the vehicle, the alarm system is 
disarmed, and the interior lamps are 
turned on. When you lock the vehicle, 
the systems are activated and armed, 
and the lamps go off.
You can have a signal set as an 
acknowledgment message that 
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
Master keysKeys with remote control are master 
keys. Refer to page 32.
Children might be able to lock the 
doors from the inside. For this 
reason, always take the vehicle keys 
with you so that the vehicle can be 
opened again from the outside at any 
time.<46cde020
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is 
charged automatically in the ignition 
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the 
vehicle using the remote control, the 
battery is discharged. Use this key 
while driving for an extended period in 
order to recharge the battery. Refer 
also to page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the 
remote control, surrender only the door 
and ignition key or the spare key (refer 
to page 32) e. g. whenever leaving the 
vehicle for valet parking.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your BMW center. You 
can also obtain replacement keys 
there.< 

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 

48n
The manual convertible top
The fully automatic convertible top
*
At higher speeds, the ensuing 
vacuum in the passenger 
compartment can cause the convertible 
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air 
supply via the ventilation controls so 
that a vacuum does not occur in the 
vehicle.<
The completely automatically operated 
convertible top combines assured 
protection against the elements 
together with simple, convenient 
handling. So that you will get the most 
out of enjoying your convertible, here 
are a few tips:
It is advisable to close the convertible 
top when the vehicle is parked. The 
closed convertible top not only protects 
the passenger compartment from 
unforeseeable damage from the 
weather, it also provides a certain 
degree of theft protection. In addition, 
keep valuables only in the locked 
luggage compartment, even with the 
convertible top closed. 
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage 
rack on the convertible top. 
To prevent damage, do not operate the 
convertible top at temperatures below 
Ð 10 6. 
To conserve the battery, only operate 
the top with the engine running if 
possible.
The convertible top operation is 
completely automatic. You will hardly 
ever need to support it by hand, refer to 
page 49.
Operate the convertible top only if 
the vehicle is parked and do not 
start driving while the convertible top is 
in motion, because at certain points, 
this could possibly interrupt the 
process. A partially open convertible 
top can possibly lead to damage or 
injury. 
If you initiated convertible top operation 
while the vehicle was standing still, and 
then start to drive off, you can complete 
the process at a traffic light, for 
example, while traveling at a moderate 
rate of speed. To do this, keep pressing 
the proper switch. 
Traffic laws applicable in your area take 
precedence when you operate the 
convertible top, otherwise you may be 
breaking the law. 
Before closing the convertible top, 
remove any objects from the windshield 
frame that could keep the convertible 
top from closing properly. 
Do not lay objects on the convertible 
top, since they will fall off when the 
convertible top is in motion and cause 
damage or injuries. 
To close the electric power windows 
while driving, always be sure to close 
either the rear windows first, or all 
four windows at the same time, other-
wise, at high speeds, the windows may 
not close tightly.  

70n
Starting the engine Switching off the engine Do not press the accelerator pedal 
while starting the engine.
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time, but do not actuate it 
for more than approx. 20 seconds. 
Release the ignition key immediately 
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by 
leaving it running while the vehicle 
remains stationary. Instead, begin 
driving immediately at a moderate 
engine speed.<
If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for 
instance): 
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures, 
starting at about +57 (Ð156) and 
at high altitudes over 3,300 ft 
(1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the 
starter for a longer period (approx. 
10 seconds).
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the 
engine computer system. Increased 
speeds at start-up are normal and 
should decrease as the engine warms 
up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from 
discharging, always deactivate elec-
trical devices that are not in use. Switch 
the ignition off when the vehicle is not 
being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key 
while the vehicle is still moving. 
If you did so, the steering lock would 
engage when the steering wheel is 
turned. 
Whenever you leave the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key and lock the 
steering wheel. 
Vehicles with manual transmission: 
Always apply the parking brake 
when parking on slopes and inclined 
surfaces, since placing the shift lever 
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide 
adequate resistance to rolling. 
Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
Place the selector lever in "Park."<