
59n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car Memory, Key Memory How the system functionsYou have probably frequently wished 
that you could configure individual 
functions of your vehicle to reflect your 
own personal requirements. In engi-
neering your vehicle, BMW has 
included several user-defined func-
tions in the vehicle's design. Your BMW 
center can make these settings for you 
in accordance with your wishes. 
There are settings related to the vehicle 
("Car Memory") and settings related to 
individuals ("Key Memory"). You can 
have up to four different basic settings 
adjusted for four different persons. The 
only requirement is that each person 
uses his or her own remote control key. 463de029
When your vehicle is unlocked with the 
remote control, the vehicle recognizes 
the individual user by means of a data 
exchange with the key, and makes 
adjustments accordingly. 
In order for you to distinguish between 
different keys, colored decals are 
supplied together with the keys.
What the system can doYour BMW center can provide you with 
details on the capabilities of the Car 
Memory and Key Memory systems. 
A few examples follow below:
Examples for Car Memory:
>Various signals used as acknowl-
edgement when locking or unlocking 
your vehicle.
>Deactivating/activating the Follow-
Me-Home lamps function.
>Activating/deactivating daytime 
running lamps
*.
Examples for Key Memory:
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's 
power seat.
>Locking your vehicle after starting off.
>When unlocking your vehicle, first 
unlock the driver's door, then the rest 
of the vehicle.
You will see this symbol 
throughout the Owner's Manual. It 
is to remind you at appropriate places 
of the settings that are available to 
you.< 

84n
Computer ClockIf you wish to have a permanent time 
display, you can make this adjustment 
in the radio display (refer to the Radio 
Owner's Manual).
You can adjust the clock and the time 
display in the car radio as follows.
Adjustments From ignition key position 1:
To set ahead: turn the right button to 
the right.
To set back: turn the right button to the 
left. 
The adjustment speed will increase the 
longer you hold the button down.
To change the display mode: press the 
knob briefly. 
Every time you press the knob, the 
clock display alternates between the 
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0: the time is 
displayed for a few seconds after you 
press the left button (refer to "Odome-
ter" on page 81).46cus007
Outside temperature You can change the units of measure 
(6/7) for the outside temperature 
display by pressing the right-hand reset 
button in the instrument cluster while 
the temperature display is active.46cus008 

127n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. 
Adaptations in driving style should be 
accompanied by preparations on the 
vehicle itself to ensure that your 
progress through the winter remains 
safe and trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture 
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50 
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture 
provides protection against freezing 
down to approx. Ð34 7 (Ð37 6). 
Replace the coolant every four years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to 
free them if frozen. This deicer also 
contains lubricant. 
After using the deicer, we recommend 
you treat the door lock with BMW lock 
cylinder lubricant.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from 
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood 
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car care products is 
available from your BMW center.
BMW snow chains can be mounted on 
both summer and winter tires. Mount 
them in pairs on the rear wheels only 
and comply with the manufacturer's 
safety precautions. Do not exceed a 
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). 
In this rare situation, it may be effective 
to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC for a 
brief period of time. Refer to page 88.
Starting offWhen starting up from a full stop in 
deep snow or when "rocking" the 
vehicle to free it, it may be effective to 
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for 
a brief period of time. Refer to page 88.Driving on low-traction road 
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control 
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive 
engine speeds and shift to the next 
higher gear at an early point. On down-
hill grades or slopes, shift down to the 
next lower gear at an early point. Main-
tain an adequate distance between 
yourself and the vehicle ahead. 

136n
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter 
road conditions. So-called all-season 
tires with the M+S identification mark 
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires that have the H, 
V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, but they 
generally fail to provide the same levels 
of performance as winter tires. 
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer having 
the same tread configuration on all four 
wheels.
Mount only winter tires which have 
been approved by BMW. Any BMW 
center will be glad to provide you with 
information on the best winter tires for 
every particular driving condition.
Do not exceed specified 
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed 
for which the tires are rated. 
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents. 
Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in 
their ability to cope with winter driving 
conditions once the tread wears to 
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and therefore in 
the interest of safety, should be 
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures Ð and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place. 
Store them away from light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
 on 
winter tires only in pairs and only on the 
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. 

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.< 

150n
The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you. 
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the 
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a 
significant role in maintaining the resale 
value of the vehicle. 
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed 
to calculate the optimal maintenance 
intervals. These are then indicated in 
the Service Interval Display. While 
conventional systems rely on distance 
traveled alone to determine when 
service is due, the BMW Maintenance 
System has for years considered the 46cus018
actual conditions under which the 
vehicle operates, because miles can be 
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance point of view, 
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
distance urban driving are not equiva-
lent to the same distance covered at 
moderate speeds in long-distance 
highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System 
includes the Engine Oil Service and 
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual use of the 
vehicle covers every kind of operating 
situation. However, even those who 
drive only short distances Ð significantly 
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally Ð should have the engine oil 
changed at least every 2 years, since oil 
deteriorates over time, regardless of 
use.Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models)/Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please 
refer to the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models), or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for 
damage from rocks or gravel at the 
same time, depending upon operating 
conditions.
Have your BMW center perform 
maintenance and repair. 
Your BMW center is always informed on 
the latest maintenance work and repair 
techniques and equipped with the 
required special tools. In addition, 
checking parts known from experience 
to be subject to wear is a permanent 
part of the maintenance specifications. 
Be sure that all maintenance work is 
confirmed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models), or in 
the Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian models). These en-
tries are your verification for the regular 
maintenance of your vehicle and are 
required for the performance of 
warranty repairs.<
The BMW Maintenance System 

160n
Vehicle storage
If you plan on parking the vehicle 
for more than three months, have 
the maintenance operations described 
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the 
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent 
or other treatment to the engine, 
engine compartment, undercarriage, 
axles and major components in 
accordance with approved repair 
procedures. First wash the vehicle 
surface, then clean the interior, 
following up with paint and chrome 
care, after which you clean the 
rubber seals for the hood and doors.
2 Change the engine oil and oil filter at 
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure, 
an anticorrosive agent can be added 
to the engine in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions.
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top up if necessary.
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir and top 
up if necessary.
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation.
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to 
51 psi (350 kilopascal).
Before parking the vehicle1 To prevent the brake discs and 
drums from corroding, dry the park-
ing and footbrake by applying the 
brakes.
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry and 
well-ventilated space. Place the 
transmission in 1st gear or set the 
selector lever to the "P" position. 
Chock the wheels to prevent the 
vehicle from rolling if necessary. Do 
not set the parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, charge it 
completely and store it in a cool (but 
frost-free) room.
4 Remove the hardtop and store 
separately. Refer to page 130.
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge the battery every six months. 
If it is not recharged, it will not be 
serviceable. Every time the battery is 
drained, especially over extended 
periods, its service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from 
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic 
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 176.
Then have Inspection I performed by 
your BMW center, including a brake 
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer 
to the Service Manual. 

176n
Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Be aware that vehicle handling will be 
altered. Slower brake response time, 
longer braking distances and changed 
steering characteristics may be 
anticipated when approaching limit 
conditions. 
The changes in handling characteristics 
will be even more pronounced in 
conjunction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
* 
may be mounted at a time. Mount 
a wheel and tire with the same size 
and specifications as the others at the 
earliest possible opportunity. Maintain 
correct tire pressures. Refer to 
page 28.<
LocationThe battery is located at the right-rear 
of the luggage compartment. Remove 
the luggage compartment floor panel 
(refer to page 40), and give a screw-
driver or a coin a f-turn counter-clock-
wise to release and remove the two 
fasteners, plus an additional fastener in 
the top center side trim panel. In order 
to remove the storage tray, slide the 
side trim panel slightly upward.
Battery posts, terminals, and 
related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.<46cde045
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of 
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
* 
(a hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge.
>Black: not adequately charged. The 
battery must be recharged. Please 
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the 
battery can be achieved only if it is 
always kept adequately charged. If the 
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge 
state more often.<
46cde044