
 
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.
 
< 

62n
AirbagsOperational status
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster displays the opera-
tional status of the airbag 
system when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1 and higher.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly 
then goes out.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp fails to come on.
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly 
before going out, and then lights up 
again.
If there is a system malfunction, there is 
a risk that the airbags will not be trig-
gered within their normal response 
range, even if the level of impact would 
normally have triggered them.
Have your BMW center inspect the 
system immediately. 
The airbag indicator lamp also 
comes on if the safety belt 
tensioners have been triggered.<
Sitting correctly with airbags
For your safety, comply with the 
following instructions for the 
airbags. If you do not, the airbags may 
not be able to provide their maximum 
protection. All passengers in the vehicle 
should be aware of and comply with 
this information: 
The airbags are supplemental restraint 
devices designed to provide extra 
protection; they are not a substitute for 
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all 
times. The airbags will not be triggered 
in the event of a minor accident, a 
vehicle roll-over, or collisions from the 
rear. In these instances, the safety belt 
provides optimal protection. 
Airbags are located under cover panels 
in the steering wheel, in the dashboard 
and in the side trim panels in the front 
and rear
*. 
Adjust your seat to a position that 
provides a maximum distance between 
you and the steering wheel, the instru-
ment panel and the door while still 
allowing comfortable and safe access 
to all vehicle controls. 
To avoid sustaining hand and arm inju-
ries, always grasp the steering wheel 
on the rim with your hands at the 9 and 
3 o'clock positions. Do not place your 
hands on the center pad. 
Never allow any objects to obstruct the 
area between the airbag and an occu-
pant. 
Do not use the cover panel above the 
passenger-side airbag as a storage 
area. 
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them 
or modify them in any other way. 
Do not install a rear-facing child 
restraint system in the front passenger 
seat of this vehicle. 
Children under 13 years of age and 
children less than 5 ft (150 cm) tall 
should ride only in the rear seat. 
Infants or small children should never 
be held on the lap of a passenger. 
If your car is equipped with side airbags 
in the rear passenger area
*, be sure 
that child restraints are mounted 
correctly and provided with the grea-
test-possible distance between the 
airbags in the side trim panels. Do not 
allow children to lean out of the child's 
seat in the direction of the side trim 
panels. If they do so, serious injuries 
can occur if the airbag is triggered.< 

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 

98n
Air conditionerAir supply
You can select blower speeds 
from 1 to 4. The heating and 
ventilation become more and 
more effective as the air 
supply settings are increased. In posi-
tion 0, the blower and the heater are 
switched off. By using position 0, you 
can totally block the interior ventilation 
outlets by pressing the button for the 
recirculated-air mode.
Temperature
In order to increase the 
temperature of the passenger 
compartment, turn it to the 
right (red). Temperature regu-
lation will keep the interior temperature 
you have selected constant.
Air distribution 
You can direct air to flow onto 
the windows  , toward the 
upper body   and into the 
footwell  . All intermediate 
settings are possible. In the   setting, 
there is a low flow of air onto the 
windows to keep them free of conden-
sation. The "6 o'clock" setting is recom-
mended as a normal setting (refer also 
to the illustration and overview on 
page 96).
Rear window defroster 
When the rear window defroster 
is activated, the indicator lamp 
comes on. The rear window defroster 
switches off automatically. Refer to 
page 78.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the 
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when 
the air conditioner is switched on. 
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the 
engine is started. 
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures 
below approx. 41 7 (+5 6). This will 
help to prevent the windows from 
fogging up. 
If the windows fog over after switching 
the air conditioner off, switch it back 
on.
Condensation forms in the air 
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle. 
Traces of condensed water of this kind 
are thus normal.
<< < <
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
external odors by temporarily 
blocking the outside air. The system 
then recirculates the air already within 
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the 
recirculated air mode, switch this 
mode off and increase the air supply as 
required.<< < < 

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.< 

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 

181n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Convertible topClosing manually in the event of 
an electrical fault
The best way to close the convert-
ible top manually is to stand out-
side the car, keeping the driver door 
open and the driver seat folded 
forward. The rear seat must be empty.c
1 Remove the filler piece between the 
rear seats. Take the trim off of the 
guide rod and flip it forward. Press 
down hard on the emergency release 
(arrow). After a brief pause, the drive 
systems for the convertible top 
compartment will be unlocked.
46cde071
If the mechanisms for the convert-
ible top compartment lid do not 
unlock, then insert the Allen wrench (1) 
into the recess (2) and turn clockwise 
until the mechanisms unlock.c
46cus040
2 If the luggage compartment lid is 
closed, open the convertible top 
compartment lid up as far as 
possible.
3 Lift out the the convertible top by 
holding on to the lateral guide sec-
tion (1) and the front convertible top 
frame (2). Position the rear convert-
ible top bow vertically and close the 
convertible top compartment lid. Flip 
the rear convertible top bow down-
ward.46cus038 

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