
 
Contents
 
Repairs
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter180
 
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)188
Airbags189
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
Safety belt tensioner190
Interior rearview mirror with 
automatic dimming 
feature191
Rain sensor191
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)192
Self-diagnostics192
Rollover protection system193
Xenon lamps193Engine data196
Dimensions197
Weights198
Capacities199
Electrical system200
Drive belts200 

75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual 
mode:
>In order to prevent the engine from 
overrevving, the transmission shifts 
automatically to the next higher gear 
just before the RPM cutoff point.
>At low speeds, the transmission 
shifts down automatically and you do 
not have to act
>In the "kickdown" mode, the trans-
mission shifts down to the lowest 
gear which is possible, depending on 
the engine speed.
>Depending on the situation Ñ when 
driving in adverse winter conditions, 
for example Ñ you may also start out 
in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Possible displays 
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control 
module
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the 
transmission system.
46cus005
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the 
transmission selector lever to "P." Set 
the parking brake and turn the engine 
off (ignition key to position 0). 
Wait a few seconds, then start the 
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a 
few seconds, normal transmission 
performance has been restored. You 
may continue to drive as usual. 
If the indicator lamp does not go out, 
you can place the selector lever in all 
positions. However, the vehicle will now 
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear. 
If this happens, avoid extreme engine 
loads and consult the nearest BMW 
center.
Do not work in the engine 
compartment when a drive gear 
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you 
do this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the 
information beginning on page 183. 

114n
Ski bag
*
Cargo loading
When reattaching the filler piece, 
guide both bars into the guide and 
press the filler piece back into place. 
Secure the safety belts in their holders 
again.<
46cde067
Stowing cargo If you are transporting a load in your 
BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as 
possible Ð directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment 
partition Ð and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.46cde063
With the convertible top closed, 
you can increase the space in 
your luggage compartment. Refer to 
page 41. 
We recommend that you always fold 
the convertible top compartment panel 
down as soon as you have removed 
your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that 
you can always operate the convertible 
top at any time. 
Conversely, when the convertible top is 
closed, raise the convertible top 
compartment panel before stowing 
your cargo in the luggage compartment 
to avoid any damage to the convertible 
top compartment or your load.< 

120n
To ensure that your vehicle provides 
maximum economy throughout a long 
service life, we request that you comply 
with the following recommendations: 
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km): 
Drive at varying engine and road 
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm 
or a speed of 100 mph (160 km/h):
Obey your local and state maximum 
speed limits.
Always avoid using the full throttle or 
"kickdown" position for the accelerator.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles 
(2,000 km), engine speed and vehicle 
speed can be gradually increased.
Follow the same break-in procedure if 
either the engine or the differential is 
replaced in the future.
TiresDue to technical factors associated 
with their manufacture, tires do not 
achieve their full traction potential until 
an initial break-in period has elapsed. 
For this reason drive cautiously during 
the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum 
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on 
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of 
water may form between the tire and 
the road surface. This phenomenon is 
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or 
complete loss of traction, vehicle 
control and braking effectiveness. 
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must 
elapse before the brake pads and discs 
achieve the optimal pad-surface and 
wear patterns required for trouble-free 
operation and long service life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance), provided that 
traffic conditions allow you to do so. 
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when the parking brake is set. 
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
vehicle with the engine off Ð when 
towing, for example Ð substantially 
higher levels of pedal force will be 
required to brake the vehicle.
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully 
during the break-in period.
Break-in procedures 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter180
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184
Repairs 

184n
Towing the vehicleTow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the 
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains 
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is 
designed for installation in the towing 
sockets located at the front and rear of 
the vehicle. It is intended for towing on 
paved road surfaces only. This fitting 
should not be used to pull a vehicle out 
of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always comply with all applicable 
towing laws and regulations.Access to towing socketFront: 
Use a screwdriver to press out the 
cover at the top of the recess.462de254
Rear: 
Use a screwdriver to press out the 
cover at the top of the recess.
Screw the tow fittings in 
completely and tightly. If you do 
not, the threads could be damaged. 
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them 
down in any way. If you do so, the 
components could be damaged, 
leading to possible accidents.<462de255
Towing with a commercial tow 
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
>Use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.
>Please comply with applicable state 
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason. 
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or towing hooks to tie rods, 
control arms, or any other part of the 
vehicle suspension, as severe damage 
to these components will occur, leading 
to possible accidents.c46cus031 

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  

Everything from A to Z
209n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Temperature 
adjusting98,104 
layering99,106 
Temperature display 
outside temperature84 
Thigh support, adjusting54 
Third brake lamp171 
Tilt sensor alarm 
system36,43 
remote control36 
Tire changing173 
Tire codes135 
Tire condition27,132 
Tire damage132 
Tire inflation 
pressure27,132 
Tire pressure 
monitoring91,192 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)91,192 
Tire Quality Grading133 
Tire replacement133,134 
Tire rotation134 
Tire specifications137 
Tire tread132 
Tools166 
Torque196 
Towing eyelets184 
Towing the vehicle184 
Track197 
Traction Control System, 
refer to DSC88 Transmission72 
Transmitter key32 
Transporting children 
safely64 
Tread depth, tires132 
Tread wear indicator132 
Trip odometer81 
Trunk, refer to luggage 
compartment39 
Turn signal indicator23,76 
bulb replacement168 
Turning radius197 
Two-way radios129 
U 
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading133 
Used batteries, 
disposal178 V 
Vacuum cleaner, 
connecting112 
V-belts200 
Vehicle battery176,200 
Vehicle care 
exterior152 
interior154 
Vehicle Identification 
Number (VIN)149 
Vehicle immobilizer33 Vehicle painting152 
Vehicle start69 
Vehicle storage160 
Vehicle vacuum cleaner, 
attaching112 
Vehicle weight198 
Ventilation96,99,102 
draft-free99,106 
Vinyl upholstery, care154 
W
 
Warning flashers25 
Warning lamps20 
Warning messages83 
Warning triangle25 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet150 
Washer fluids144,199 
Washer nozzles144 
Washer reservoir, filling144 
Washer system76 
Washing your vehicle151 
Water on roadways121 
Waxing, paintwork153 
Wear indicator in the 
tires132 
Weights198 
Wheel changing173 
Wheel lug wrench173 
Wheel rims135 
Wheel specifications137 
Wheelbase197 Wheels and tires135,137 
Width197 
Windows 
convenience operation34 
remote control35 
remove 
condensation105 
Windshield washer, 
automatic77 
Windshield washer nozzle 
adjustment144 
Windshield washer reservoir, 
filling144,199 
Windshield wiper76 
blade replacement166 
Winter operation127 
Winter tires135,136 
Wiper blade, 
replacement166 
Wiper system76 
Work in the engine 
compartment140 
X 
Xenon lamps167,193