
11n
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams87
Instrument panel lighting87
High beams/Parking lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps88
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner90
Automatic climate control96
Seat heating101
Roller sun blind101
Interior convenience:
HiFi system101
Glove compartment102
Storage facilities102
Cellular phone104
Ashtray, front104
Cigarette lighter105
Ashtray, rear105
Clothes hooks105
Loading and transporting:
Through-loading system106
Ski bag107
Cargo loading108
Roof-mounted luggage rack109
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115
Disc brakes117
Brake system118
Winter operation119
Power steering121
Cellular phones121
Radio reception121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure122
Tire condition122
Tire replacement123
Tire rotation124
Wheel and tire
combinations125
Winter tires126
Snow chains126
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127
Under the hood:
Hood130
Engine compartment132
Washer fluids134
Washer nozzles134
Engine oil135
Coolant137
Brake fluid138
Vehicle Identification
Number139
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System140
Caring for your vehicle141
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications148
California Proposition
65 Warning148
ODB interface socket149

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 85.
Brake hydraulic system 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 118 and 138.
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 116.
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 135.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add more engine
oil the next time you stop for gas.
For additional information, refer to
page 135.
Brake pads l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 118.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check tire inflation pressure:
refer to pages 27, 85.
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 stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off by
means of the switch or it is defective,
or, the DSC has been turned off, ADB is
operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC and ADB are switched
off by means of the switch or are defec-
tive.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Indicator and warning lamps
DSC and ADB for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 134.
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
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 149.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.

126n
Winter tires
Choosing the right tire
BMW 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, 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
your particular driving conditions.
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 pressure
Winter 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.
Storage
Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact 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 mount-
ing the chains.

141n
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.
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 71), as otherwise the wipers could
be damaged if they inadvertently start
working.<
Parts of the vehicle that are inacces-
sible 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
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive 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

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)22,115
ABS, fault116
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter100,166
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)67,174
Adding
engine oil135
washer fluid134,187
Adjusting
backrest48
head restraints48
lumbar support49
steering wheel52
temperature92,98
Air conditioner90
Air distribution92,98
Air nozzles90,96
Air outlets90,96
ventilation90,96
Air pressure122
Air supply92,99
Airbags21,57,146,175
sitting properly58
Alarm system42
Antenna121
Diversity176
Antifreeze137
radiator119 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22,115
Anti-theft alarm system42
Approved weight and load
capacities186
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127
Aquaplaning113,122
Armrest102
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction)22,82,175
Ashtray
front104
rear105
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)67,174
Attach vacuum cleaner105
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)99
Automatic car washes141
Automatic climate
control96
remove window
condensation99
Automatic cruise control73
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)99 Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T)22,82,175
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic21,67
Automatic windshield
washer71
Average consumption79
Average speed80
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43
Axle loads186
B
Backrest, releasing49
Backup lamps66
bulb replacement155
Battery163,188
capacity188
charge current20
charging165
discharged168
removal and
installation164
Battery safety terminal164
Battery terminal164
Belts55
Blower92,99
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil136
BMW Maintenance
System140 BMW sports seat49
Bore184
Brake fluid138
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement155
Brake pads22
Brake system118
Brakes117
malfunctions118
Break-in procedures112
Bulb replacement152
Bulbs152
C
California Proposition
65 Warning148
Capacities187
Car Memory54
Car radio121
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception121,176
Car vacuum cleaner105
Car wash141
Care
exterior142
interior144
Care of upholstery145
Care of wool velour145

Everything from A to ZEngine oil135
adding135
capacity187
consumption135
level check135
pressure20
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136
Engine speed184
Engine, starting63
Engine, switching off64
Entry to the rear49
Exterior mirrors52
Eyelets, towing169 F
Failure messages77
Fault displays77
Fault, ABS116
Filling capacities187
Filling the washer
reservoir187
First-aid kit25
Fittings, towing and tow
starting169
Flashlight102
Flat tire122,159
Floor mat41
Floor panel, lift and hook41
Fog lamps88 Folding rear backrest106
Follow-Me-Home lamps87
Footbrake117
Footwell lamps88
bulb replacement158
Front fog lamps, bulb
replacement155
Front seat, adjusting47
Frost protection,
radiator137
Fuel27
Fuel consumption79
Fuel consumption
display76
Fuel filler cap26
Fuel filler door26
unlock in case of electrical
fault167
Fuel gauge76
Fuel quality27
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp76
Fuel specifications27
Fuel tank capacity187
Fuel tank gauge76
Functional status180
Fuses166
G
Gasoline27
Gasoline gauge76
Glove compartment102
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158
Gross vehicle weight186 H
Handbrake65
Handsfree system104
Hazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Head restraints48
Headlamp cover,
care141,153
Headlamp flasher70,88
Headlamp washer
system72,134,187
Headlamps87
Heated seats101
Heating, rapid94
Heavy loads108
Height185
HiFi system Ð harman
kardon101
High beams23,70,88
bulb replacement153
High Performance Synthetic
Oil136
High-mount brake lamp157 Hood130
release130
Horn17
Hubcap161
Hydraulic Brake assistent,
refer to DBC
I
Ice warning79
Icy roads79
Identification,
tires125,127
Ignition key32
Ignition lock63
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20
Inflation
pressure27,85,122
monitoring27,85,179
INSPECTION76
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel16,18
Instrument panel lighting87
Interaxle tire rotation124
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics149
Interference, cellular
phones121
Interior lamps36,88
bulb replacement157
remote control36

Everything from A to Z
195n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interior motion
sensor36,43
Interior rearview mirror53
automatic dimming
feature53,177
Interlock63
Intermittent wipe70 J
Jack159
Jump-starting168 K
Key Memory54
Keys32
with remote control32 L
Lamp switch87
Lamps152
LAMPS ON warning87
Lashing eyes108
LATCH attachment of the
child seat60
Leather care145
Length185
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement157
Lift the floor panel up and
hook it41 Light switch87
Light-alloy wheel127
Lighter105
Loads, securing108
Load-securing devices108
Louvers90,96
Low beams87
bulb replacement153
Lug bolts161
Lug wrench160
Luggage compartment41
capacity186
floor mat41
remote control37
secure separately39
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement158
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack109
Lumbar support49
M
M+S tires126
Maintenance76
Malfunction displays77
Manual transmission66 Manually controlled
recirculated-air99
Memory51
MFL (Multi-function steering
wheel)24
Microfilter93,166
Mirror memory51
Mirrors52
Mobile phones121
Modifications,
technical6,148
Multi-function steering
wheel (MFL)24
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Onboard Monitor
Owner's Manual
Neckrest48 O
OBD interface socket149
Obstruction protection44
Odometer75
Oil
additives135
capacity187
consumption135
dipstick135
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136 Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet/
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet
Oil filter change187
Oil level
check135
indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE76
Onboard tool kit152
Opening and closing
from the inside38
from the outside34
Outside temperature
display78
P
Paint blemishes142
Paint, care142
Paintwork
minor repairs143
waxing143
Park Distance Control
(PDC)81
Parking aid81
Parking brake65
Parking lamps88
Parking, winter120