
 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð from the 
outside34
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
The manual convertible top45
The fully automatic convertible 
top48
Wind deflector50
 
Adjusting:
 
Seats52
Seat and mirror memory56
Steering wheel57
Mirrors57
Car Memory, Key Memory59
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts60
Airbags61
Transporting children safely64
Rollover protection system67
 
Driving:
 
Steering/Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine70
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic73
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher76
Washer/Wiper system76
Rear window defroster78
Cruise control79
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy Control81
Fuel temperature gauge82
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer83
 
Technology for driving comfort 
and safety:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)88
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)89 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)91
 
Contents 

 
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.
 
< 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine70
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic73
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher76
Washer/Wiper system76
Rear window defroster78
Cruise control79
Everything under control:
Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy Control81
Fuel gauge82
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer83
Technology for driving comfort 
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Automatic Stability Control plus 
traction (ASC+T)88
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)89
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)91Lamps:
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 
hardtop116 

68n
Rollover protection system3 Continue pressing down on the 
protective bar (1) from above until 
you hear it click into place. 
4 Replace the cover panel and press 
down firmly.
5 Press the rear section of the headrest 
closed (2).46cde035
Do the same for the second protective 
bar. If you are not familiar with these 
procedures, consult your BMW center.
Have the rollover protection system 
checked by your BMW center after it 
has been inadvertently triggered.
Do not move the convertible top 
under any circumstances if the 
rollover protection system has 
extended. 
Do not use the rear headrests as 
storage shelves. 
Absolutely no modifications are to be 
made to any of the rollover protection 
system's individual components or any 
of its wiring. 
Only your BMW center is to carry out 
any work on the rollover protection 
system. 
Work done on the system that is carried 
out improperly could lead to failure in 
an emergency or accidental airbag acti-
vation. 
To have the system checked and to 
ensure long-term operation: be sure to 
adhere to the Service Interval Display 
for maintenance intervals. Every 2 years 
at the latest, the rollover protection 
system must be inspected by a BMW 
center.c 

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 

134n
Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the 
sidewall: 
DOT ... 4100 means that the tire was 
manufactured in week 41of 2000.
BMW recommends the replacement of 
all tires when the tires are no more than 
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years 
is possible.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be 
used only in case of emergency. A tire 
in this condition should be replaced by 
a new tire immediately, and should not 
be mounted together with new tires.
Between the axlesThe tread wear patterns at the front end 
differ from those at the rear Ð the actual 
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal 
handling characteristics, tire rotation is 
not recommended.
If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires 
is based on economic considerations, 
one should consider whether the costs 
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life 
of the tires that might be realized. In 
principle, tire rotation must be 
performed at short intervals (maximum 
3,000 miles/5,000 km). Consult your 
BMW center for more information.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, 
it is essential to comply with the 
following: 
Rotate tires on the same side only, 
since braking characteristics and road 
grip could otherwise be adversely 
affected.
Following rotation, the tire inflation 
pressure should always be corrected.If different tire sizes are mounted 
on the front and rear axles (refer 
to page 137), the wheels may not be 
rotated from one axle to the other.< 

150n
The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you. 
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the 
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a 
significant role in maintaining the resale 
value of the vehicle. 
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed 
to calculate the optimal maintenance 
intervals. These are then indicated in 
the Service Interval Display. While 
conventional systems rely on distance 
traveled alone to determine when 
service is due, the BMW Maintenance 
System has for years considered the 46cus018
actual conditions under which the 
vehicle operates, because miles can be 
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance point of view, 
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
distance urban driving are not equiva-
lent to the same distance covered at 
moderate speeds in long-distance 
highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System 
includes the Engine Oil Service and 
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual use of the 
vehicle covers every kind of operating 
situation. However, even those who 
drive only short distances Ð significantly 
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally Ð should have the engine oil 
changed at least every 2 years, since oil 
deteriorates over time, regardless of 
use.Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models)/Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please 
refer to the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models), or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for 
damage from rocks or gravel at the 
same time, depending upon operating 
conditions.
Have your BMW center perform 
maintenance and repair. 
Your BMW center is always informed on 
the latest maintenance work and repair 
techniques and equipped with the 
required special tools. In addition, 
checking parts known from experience 
to be subject to wear is a permanent 
part of the maintenance specifications. 
Be sure that all maintenance work is 
confirmed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models), or in 
the Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian models). These en-
tries are your verification for the regular 
maintenance of your vehicle and are 
required for the performance of 
warranty repairs.<
The BMW Maintenance System 

178n
BatteryRemoval and installation 
Do not disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running. If you 
do so, the ensuing voltage surge will 
damage the vehicle's onboard 
electronics. 
Do not make any modifications in the 
wires to the positive terminal. If you do 
so, the protective function of the safety 
battery terminal is no longer ensured. 
Repair and disposal must be performed 
by trained technicians only.<
When removing the battery, disconnect 
the cable on the negative terminal first, 
then the cable on the positive terminal. 
Loosen the center adjusting screw on 
the battery retaining strap (use the 
screwdriver included with the onboard 
tool kit) and disconnect the strap.
When installing a battery, connect the 
positive terminal first, then connect the 
negative terminal.
When installing a battery, be sure 
that it is mounted properly and that 
the retaining bracket is installed with the 
center adjustment screw. If this is not 
done, the battery will not be adequately 
secured in case of an accident.<
Charging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only 
when the engine is not running. 
Before doing any work on the 
electrical system, be sure to 
unclamp the cable from the battery's 
negative terminal. Failure to do so can 
result in short circuits, a fire or personal 
injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer 
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery 
from the vehicle electrical system by 
disconnecting the cable at the negative 
terminal. Have the battery recharged 
with an appropriate battery charger.
If the vehicle is parked for more than 
12  weeks, remove the battery, recharge 
it and store it in a cool yet frost- and 
dust-free area. During storage, have the 
battery recharged every 3 months. 
Also, recharge the battery before it is 
reinstalled. If this is not done, the 
battery will not be serviceable. Every 
time the battery is discharged, espe-
cially over extended periods, its service 
life is reduced.
Return used batteries to a 
recycling center or your BMW 
center. Maintain the battery in an 
upright position for transport and 
storage. Secure the battery to prevent it 
from tilting during transport.< 
Storage periods during which the 
battery is disconnected are not 
taken into consideration by the Service 
Interval Display for changing the brake 
fluid. 
For this reason, be sure that the brake 
fluid is changed every two years, 
regardless of the information displayed. 
Please read the pertinent information 
on page 148.<