85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptThe RDC monitors the tire pressures at
all four wheels, even when the vehicle
is moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the RDC system to "learn"
the correct tire inflation pressure, first
check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires. Then compare these pressures
with the tire inflation pressure chart
(page 29) and adjust if necessary. Then
activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster informs you when-
ever the tire pressure is not
normal.
Activate the system Depending on the type of equipment,
the switch either has the letters RDC on
it or the RDC-symbol.
1 Turn the ignition key to position 2
(do not start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up yellow for a few
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, the
RDC sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target values
to be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, the RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.460us297
Loss of tire pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the indi-
cator lamp will come on with a yellow
lamp.
This alerts you that you should have the
tires inflated to the specified pressures
as soon as possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were
not accurate. Please check the inflation
pressure again and make corrections
according to the inflation pressure
table. Then activate the system once
again.<
88n
High beams/Parking lamps
Fog lamp Interior lamps
1 High beams
(blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher
(blue indicator lamp)
3 Parking lamp
Parking lamps, left or right
As an additional feature, you can illumi-
nate your vehicle on either side for
parking, if you wish to do so:
With the ignition key in position 0,
engage the lever in the appropriate
turn-signal position.460de085
Fog lamps
A green indicator lamp comes
on in the instrument cluster to
indicate that the front fog lamps
are on.
460us038
The illustration provides an example of
the interior lamps when equipped with
reading lamps.
The interior lamps operate
automatically.
To switch the interior lamps on
and off manually
Press the button briefly.
If you want the interior lamps to remain
off all the time, press and hold the
button for approx. 3 seconds.
To revert to normal operation, press the
button briefly.
Footwell lamps
*
The footwell lamps operate in the same
way as the interior lamps.460de039
117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Nevertheless, ABS possesses the
advantage of vehicle stability and
steering response.Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate clea-
rances for safety between vehicles,
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
occurs are always the responsibility of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.
opment of ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
system then reverts to conventional
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
However, have the brake system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible. To prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system,
refer any problems to your authorized
BMW center at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
model.
If the brake warning lamps light
up together with the indicator
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC
Ð refer to page 19 Ð then the
entire regulating system, the
ABS, CBC and ASC+T/DSC
and
ADB/ ADB-X/DBC have failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions. This could cause the vehicle to
lose stability and you might no longer
be able to control it.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
CBC, ABS und ASC+T/DSC
indicators and warning lamps
for Canadian models.
138n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be
located in the blue zone. If it is not,
there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape, then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been
released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 120.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
144n
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the windowsYou 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
winter. 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 abrasives.
Do not use steam cleaners operating at
temperatures above +140 7 (+60 6).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chrome parts
*, such
as the window frames and door
handles, be especially careful about
cleaning them with plenty of water and
possibly a shampoo supplement as well
after the roads have been salted.
Use a chrome polish for an additional
treatment.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover
of the instrument cluster and compo-
nents with a sprayed dull black surface
can be cleaned with water and a
synthetic cleaner (if necessary). Do not
allow moisture to soak through the
seats or headliner. 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.
Safety belts should be cleaned with a
mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the car. Never
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-
vent 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.<
Everything from A to ZFolding rear backrest108
Footbrake118
Footwell lamps88
bulb replacement158
Four-wheel drive175
Front fog lamps, bulb
replacement155
Front seat adjustment46
Frost protection,
radiator137
Fuel28
consumption77
consumption display74
gauge74
preparation184
quality28
Fuel filler door
releasing following an
electrical malfunction166
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp74
Fuel tank capacity187
Fuel tank gauge74
Functional status179
Fuses164 G
Gasoline28
Gasoline gauge74
Gasoline quality28
Glove compartment101 Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement158
Gross vehicle weight186
H
Handbrake63
Hands-free system103
Hazard warning flashers26
Hazard warning triangle26
Head restraint47
Headlamp covers,
care141,153
Headlamp flasher88
Headlamp washer
system70,134,187
Heated seats100
Heating, rapid94
Heavy loads110
Height185
HiFi system101
High beams23,68,88
bulb replacement153
High Performance Synthetic
Oils136
High-mount brake lamp157
Hood release130
Horn17
Hubcap160
Hydraulic Brake assistant,
refer to DBC118
I
Ice warning76
Icy roads76,121
Identification, tires127
Ignition key32,35
Ignition lock61
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressure28,124
monitoring85,178
INSPECTION74
Installation child restraint
systems60
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting87
Interaxle tire rotation126
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics149
Interference, cellular
phone123
Interior lamps36,88
bulb replacement158
remote control36
Interior motion sensor41
Interior rearview mirror51
automatic dimming
feature52,176
Interlock61
Intermittent wipe68
J
Jack159
Jump-starting167 K
Key32,35
Key Memory52 L
Lamps and bulbs153
Lashing eyes110
LATCH attachment of the
child seat58
Leather care145
Length185
License plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Light switch87
Light-alloy wheels129
Lighter104
Load-securing devices110
Louvers90,96
Low beam headlamps87
bulb replacement153
Lug bolts160
Lug wrench159