
 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Side lamps/Low beams93
Instrument panel lighting93
High beams/Parking lamps94
Fog lamps94
Interior lamps94
 
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioner96
Automatic climate control102
Seat heating107
 
Interior convenience:
 
Glove compartment107
BMW Universal Transmitter108
Storage facilities110
Cellular phone111
Ashtray, front111
Cigarette lighter112
Ashtray, rear112
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag113
Cargo loading114
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
the hardtop116
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures120
Driving notes121
Catalytic converter121
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)122
Disc brakes125
Brake system126
Winter operation127
Power steering129
Cellular phone129
Radio reception129
Hardtop130
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure132
Tire condition132
Tire replacement133
Tire rotation134
Wheel and tire 
combinations135
Winter tires136
Snow chains136
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications137
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood140
Engine compartment142
Washer fluids144
Washer nozzles144
Engine oil145
Coolant147
Brake fluid148
Vehicle Identification 
Number149
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System150
Caring for your vehicle151
Cleaning and care of the 
convertible top157
Airbags159
Vehicle storage160
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications161
California Proposition 
65 Warning161
ODB interface socket162 

 
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. 

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 123.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level 
Lights up while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute 
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as 
soon as possible. Do not drive more 
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 145.
Engine oil level 
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: add oil at the 
earliest opportunity (when you stop to 
refuel).
For additional information, refer to 
page 145.
Brake pads l
 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 126.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l 
Check tire inflation pressure: 
refer to pages 27, 91.
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC l 
Indicator lamp flashes: 
The system is active and governs drive 
force and braking force. 
The indicator lamp remains on:
ASC+T has been switched off via the 
button or it is defective, or the DSC has 
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center 
in the event of a fault. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 88.
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) and 
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC
 and ADB/DBC are 
switched off via the button or are defec-
tive. 
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 88.
DSC and ADB/DBC indicator 
and warning lamps for Canadian 
models.
Add washer fluid. 
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
up the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 144.
Service Engine Soon l 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
inspected by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 162.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 

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. 

151n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your BMW washed in 
an automatic car wash, even when it 
is new. Car wash systems that do not 
employ brushes are preferable, refer to 
page 157.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and 
remove dead insects before washing 
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the 
vehicle when the hood is warm, or 
during or immediately after exposure to 
strong sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be 
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the 
dimensions of your vehicle.
>No damage will occur on vehicles 
with attached body accessories (such 
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the 
car wash operator if necessary.
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle 
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum 
brush pressure, and that ample water 
is available for washing and rinsing.Vehicles with rain sensor: 
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax 
from automatic car washes or insects 
can cause malfunctions in the function 
of the rain sensor.
Deactivate the rain sensor when 
going through car washes (refer to 
page 77) Ñ otherwise, the wipers could 
be damaged if they inadvertently start 
working.<
Parts of the vehicle that are inaccessi-
ble to the automatic washer Ð such as 
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ð 
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to be sure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to 
remove, and they also damage the 
vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure 
washers are used, be sure to 
maintain an adequate distance between 
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken 
the finish, making it more susceptible to 
subsequent attack. In addition, 
moisture could penetrate to vehicle 
components, leading to long-term 
damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps, 
please observe the following: do 
not wipe dry with a cloth (scratches). 
Never use abrasives or strong solvents 
to clean the covers. Remove dirt and 
contamination (such as insects) by 
soaking with BMW Car Shampoo and 
then rinsing with plenty of water. 
Always use a deicer spray to remove 
accumulated ice and snow Ð never use 
a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply 
the brakes briefly to dry them. 
Braking efficiency might otherwise be 
reduced by the moisture and the brake 
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle  

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 Z
A 
ABS (Antilock Brake  System) 22,122  
Accessories 6 
Activated-charcoal  filter 106,180  
Adaptive Transmission  Control (ATC) 73,188  
Adding engine oil 145 
Adding washer  fluid 144,199  
Adjusting backrest 52 
Adjusting headrests 53 
Adjusting the steering  wheel 57 
Adjusting the  temperature 98,104  
Adjusting thigh support 54 
Air conditioner 96 
Air distribution 98,104  
Air nozzles 96,102  
Air outlets 96,102  
ventilation 96,102  
Air pressure, tires 27,132  
Air supply 98,105  
Airbags 21,61 ,159 ,189  
sitting properly with 62 
Alarm system 42 
Antenna 129 
Antenna, Diversity 190  Antifreeze
147 
radiator 127 
Antilock Brake System  (ABS) 22,122  
Anti-theft alarm system 42 
Aquaplaning 121,132  
Armrest 110 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability  Control plus  
Traction) 22,88  
Ashtray  front 111 
rear 112 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission  Control) 73,188  
Attach vacuum cleaner 112 
AUC (Automatic  recirculated-air 
control) 105 
Automatic car washes 151 
Automatic climate  control 102 
remove window 
condensation 105 
Automatic cruise control 79 
Automatic dimming, interior  rearview mirror 58 
Automatic recirculated-air  control (AUC) 105 
Automatic Stability Control  plus Traction 
(ASC+T) 22,88   Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 21,73  
Automatic windshield  washer 77 
Average consumption 85 
Average speed 86 
Avoiding unwanted  alarm 43 
Axle loads 198 
B 
Backrest  adjusting 52 
locking 21,55  
releasing 55 
Backup lamps 72 
bulb replacement 169 
Battery 176,200  
capacity 200 
charge current 20,176  
charging 178 
discharged 183 
removal and 
installation 178 
Belts 60 
Beverage holder 111 
Blower 98,105  
BMW High Performance  Synthetic Oils 146 
BMW Maintenance  System 150  BMW sports seat
54 
Bore 196 
Brake fluid 148 
Brake hydraulic system 20 
Brake lamps, bulb  replacement 169 
Brake pads 22,126  
Brake system 126 
Brakes 125 
malfunctions 126 
Break-in procedures 120 
Bulb replacement 166 
C 
California Proposition  65 Warning 161 
Capacities 199 
Car Memory 59 
Car radio 129 
reception 129,190  
refer also to the Radio 
Owner's Manual 
Car washes 151 
Care  convertible top 157 
exterior 152 
interior 154 
leather upholstery 155 
rubber seals and 
components 127  

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