
 
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.
 
< 

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. 

82n
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 

147n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant 
Always observe all environmental 
protection laws when disposing of 
used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil 
has caused cancer in laboratory 
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any 
areas of skin that come into contact 
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar 
materials so that they are inaccessible 
to children. Comply with warning labels 
and information on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns. 
To avoid the possibility of damage later 
on, never use anything other than 
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with 
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is 
familiar with the official specifications. 
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are 
hazardous to health. You should always 
store it in its original container and in a 
location that is inaccessible to children. 
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains ethylene glycol, a 
flammable substance. For this reason, 
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion 
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could 
ignite and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze 
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine 
(approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion 
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float is at least 
even with the upper edge of the filler 
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm) 
above it Ð that is, up to the second mark 
on the float (refer also to the schematic 
diagram next to the filler neck).46cde036 

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.< 

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. 

Everything from A to ZEngine 
compartment142,143 
Engine coolant147,199 
Engine data196 
Engine oil145 
adding145 
capacity199 
consumption145 
disposal147 
level check145 
pressure20 
quality146 
specifications146 
viscosity146 
Engine speed196 
Engine, starting69 
Engine, switching off70 
Enlarging the luggage 
compartment41 
Enter the rear55 
Entry to the rear55 
Exterior mirrors57 
Eyelets, towing184 F 
Failure messages83 
Fault, ABS123 
Filler cap cover26 
Filling capacities199 
Filling the washer 
reservoir199 
First-aid kit25 Fittings, towing and tow 
starting184 
Flashlight107 
Flat tire132,173 
Fog lamps94 
bulb replacement169 
Follow-Me-Home lamps93 
Footbrake125 
Footwell lamps94 
bulb replacement172 
Front seat adjusting52 
Frost protection, 
radiator147 
Fuel27 
consumption85 
gauge82 
preparation196 
quality27 
reserve indicator85 
specifications27 
tank capacity199 
Fuel filler door 
unlock in case of electrical 
fault180 
Functional status of 
electrical and electronic 
systems192 
Fuses179 
replacing179 
G 
Garage-door opener108 
Gasoline27 
Gasoline gauge82 
Glove compartment107 
Glove compartment lamp, 
bulb replacement172 
Gross vehicle weight198 H 
Handbrake71 
Handsfree system111 
Hazard warning flashers25 
Hazard warning triangle25 
Head restraints53 
Headlamp cover, 
care151,167 
Headlamp flasher76,94 
Headlamp washer 
system78,144,199 
Heated seats107 
Heating, rapid100 
Heavy loads114 
Height197 
High beams23,76,94 
bulb replacement167 
High Performance Synthetic 
Oils146 
High-mount brake lamp171 
Hood, release140 
Horn17 Hubcap174 
Hydraulic Brake assistant, 
refer to DBC 
I 
Ice warning85 
Identification, tires135 
Ignition key32 
Ignition lock69 
Imprint4 
Indicator lamps20 
Inflation pressure27,132 
monitoring91,192 
INSPECTION82 
Instrument cluster18 
Instrument panel16,18 
lighting93 
Interaxle tire rotation134 
Interface socket for Onboard 
Diagnostics162 
Interference 
cellular phones129 
Interior lamps36,94 
bulb replacement171 
remote control36 
Interior motion 
sensor36,43 
Interior rearview mirror58 
automatic dimming 
feature58,191  

Owner service procedures
A 
Activated-charcoal  filter 180 
Adding brake fluid 148 
Adding engine coolant 148 
Adding engine oil 145 
Air pressure, checking 27 
Antifreeze 147 
Avoiding unwanted  alarm 43 
B 
Backup lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Battery  add distilled water 177 
charging 178 
Brake faults 126 
Brake fluid, adding 148 
Brake lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Brakes, brake faults 126 
C 
Changing a tire 173 
Changing a wheel 173 
Changing the 
microfilter 180  Checking air pressure
27 
Checking engine oil  level 145 
D 
Defrost setting 100,105  
Defrosting the  windows 100,105  
Difficult steering 129 
Doors, emergency  actuation 34 
E 
Electrical accessories,  failure 179 
Emergency operation  convertible top 181 
doors 34 
fuel filler door 180 
Engine coolant, adding 148 
Engine oil  add 145 
level checking 145 
quality 146 
specifications 146 
viscosity 146 
Eyelets, towing 184 
F 
False alarm, avoiding 43 
First-aid kit 25 
Flat tire 173 
Fog lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Footwell lamps, bulb  replacement 172 
Fuel filler door  manual release after  
electrical fault 180 
Fuses, replacing 179 
G 
Glove compartment lamp,  bulb replacement 172 
H 
Hazard warning flashers 25 
Hazard warning triangle 25 
Headlamp cover, care 167 
High beam headlamps, bulb  replacement 167 
Hood release 140 
I 
Indicator lamps 20 
Inflation pressures 27,132  Interior lamps, bulb 
replacement 171 
Interior motion sensor,  switching off 43 
J 
Jack 173 
L 
License plate lamp, bulb  replacement 171 
Low beam headlamps, bulb  replacement 167 
Luggage compartment  emergency release 39 
Luggage compartment  lamps, bulb 
replacement 172 
Luggage compartment lid  emergency release 39 
M 
Maintenance 150 
Microfilter, changing 180 
Motion sensor, switching  off 43