
 
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.
 
< 

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 

146n
Engine oil Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is 
extremely important for the function 
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only 
certain types of engine oils. 
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil." 
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High 
Performance Synthetic Oil," you may 
use small volumes of other approved 
synthetic oils for topping up between oil 
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher. 
Ask your BMW center for details 
concerning the specific "BMW 
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or 
synthetic oils that have been 
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North 
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this 
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain 
this information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class 
depends on the climatic conditions in 
the area where you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These kinds of oil may be used for 
driving in all ambient temperatures.
530us200 

152n
Caring for your vehicleExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at 
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion 
priming techniques are supplemented 
using special body-cavity protectants, 
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials. 
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to 
the undercarriage. Following this, a 
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is 
applied. Regular maintenance makes 
an important contribution to maintaining 
the safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects 
of harmful environmental factors on 
vehicle finishes have led paint and 
vehicle manufacturers to initiate 
ongoing programs designed to further 
improve the durability of their finishes. 
Despite this, environmental factors that 
occur locally or regionally can have 
negative effects on the finish of your 
vehicle. Use the factors to determine 
the frequency and extent of your efforts 
to maintain the vehicle finish.Depending upon material and type of 
impact (perforation of paint layer), 
physical stresses from sand, road salt, 
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to 
start extending beneath the finish, 
starting at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, 
animal droppings (strong alkali effect) 
and tree excretions (resins and pollen) 
all contain substances capable of caus-
ing damage when allowed to remain on 
the finish of your vehicle for any period 
of time. This includes spots, etching, 
flaking, and separations in the top coat.
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust, 
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing 
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other 
environmental pollutants will damage 
the vehicle's finish unless adequate 
care is provided Ð even though this is 
generally limited to the outside 
horizontal surfaces.In coastal regions, high levels of 
atmospheric salt and humidity promote 
corrosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over 
105 7 (+40 6) in the shade prevail, in 
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation 
and high humidity. Under these condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures of up to 175 7 (+80 6) and dark 
paints up to 250 7 (+120 6). 

154n
Caring for your vehicleWindow careYou can use window and glass cleaner 
to clean inside window surfaces and 
mirrors without smearing and streaking. 
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive 
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.
Clean the wiper blades with soapy 
water. The wiper blades should be 
replaced twice a year Ð before and after 
the winter months. This is especially
important for vehicles with a rain 
sensor.
Use only wiper blades approved 
by BMW.<
Caring for other vehicle 
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated 
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially 
during the winter months. However, do 
not use aggressive products contain-
ing acids, strong alkalis or abrasive 
cleaning agents, nor steam cleaners 
operating at temperatures above 
140 7 (+60 6) (follow the manufac-
turer's instructions).
If your vehicle has chrome parts
*, such 
as the window frames and door handles, 
clean these parts carefully with ample 
clean water and a shampoo supplement 
if desired, especially if they have an 
accumulation of road salt. Use a chrome 
polish for an additional treatment.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery, 
headliners (hardtop), lamp lenses, the 
clear cover of the instrument panel and 
components with a sprayed dull black 
surface can be cleaned with water (add 
plastic shampoo as required). Do not 
allow moisture to soak through the 
seats or headliner (hardtop). Never use 
solvents such as lacquer thinner, 
heavy-duty grease remover, fuels, or 
similar substances. Rubber components should be cleaned 
with water only; a rubber treatment or 
silicone spray may also be applied.
Do not remove safety belts to clean 
them. Clean them with mild soapy 
water only. Do not use chemicals or dry 
cleaners to clean safety belts, since this 
could damage the belt fabric.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia 
reel to retract the belts until they are 
completely dry. Dirty safety belts 
prevent the inertia reel mechanism from 
retracting the strap properly, and thus 
constitute a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
* 
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner. 
The floor mats can be removed from 
the vehicle for cleaning.
Use only a damp cloth to clean trim 
panels made of real wood
* and other 
parts constructed of real wood
*. Follow 
up by drying with a soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care 
products available at your BMW 
center.< 

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 Z
207n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interlock69 
Intermittent mode, wiper 
system76 J 
Jack173 
Jump-starting183 K 
Key Memory59 
Keys32 
with remote control32 L 
Lamps and bulbs166 
LAMPS ON warning93 
Lashing eyes115 
LATCH attachment of the 
child seat64 
Leather care155 
Length197 
License plate lamp, bulb 
replacement171 
Light-alloy wheels137 
Lighter112 
Loads, securing114 
Load-securing devices115 
Low beam headlamps93 
bulb replacement167 
Lug bolts174 Luggage 
compartment40,41 
capacity198 
emergency release39 
floor panel40 
lid39 
lighting39 
lock separately39 
remote control36 
Luggage compartment 
lamps, bulb 
replacement172 
Luggage rack116 
Lumbar support55 
M 
M+S tires136 
Maintenance82,150 
Malfunction displays83 
Manual convertible top, 
operating45 
Manual transmission72 
Manually controlled 
recirculated-air105 
Memory57 
MFL (Multi-function steering 
wheel)24 
Microfilter99,180 
Mirror memory57 
Mirrors57 
Mobile phones129 Modifications, 
technical6,161 
Motion sensor, interior43 
Mounting child safety 
seat64 
Mounting the roof 
carrier130 
Multi-function steering 
wheel (MFL)24 
N 
Navigation system, refer to 
the radio Owner's Manual O 
OBD interface socket162 
Odometer81 
Oil 
additives145 
capacity199 
consumption145 
dipstick145 
quality146 
specifications146 
viscosity146 
Oil change intervals, see the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models)/Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) Oil filter change199 
Oil level 
check145 
indicator lamp20 
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp20 
OILSERVICE82 
Onboard tool kit166 
Opening and closing 
from the inside38 
from the outside34 
Operating the convertible
top manually in the event 
of an electrical 
malfunction181 
Outside temperature 
display84 
P 
Paint blemishes152 
Paint, care152 
Paintwork 
minor repairs153 
waxing153 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)87 
Parking brake71 
Parking help87 
Parking lamps94 
Parking, winter128