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