
Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit25
Refueling25
Fuel specifications26
Tire inflation pressure26
Tire inflation pressure (table)27
Opening and closing:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing from the
outside32
Opening and closing from the
inside33
Luggage compartment lid34
Electric power windows35
Sunroof – coupe36
Convertible top – roadster37
Adjustments:
Seats46
Mirrors47
Safety systems:
Safety belts49
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock55
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicators/High
beams58
Wiper/Washer system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Engine oil temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display64
Outside temperature64
Clock64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Contents
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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 current
l
The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive
belt is defective or there is a malfunc-
tion in the charging circuit of the alter-
nator. Please contact the nearest BMW
center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating.
Increased force is required to steer the
vehicle if the drive belt is defective.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level. Top up as
required. If oil level is correct: please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, other-
wise, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.
<
Brake hydraulic system
l
The brake fluid level is too low.
Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 92 and 112.
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.
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22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Yellow: 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 89.
Antilock Brake System warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine oil level
l
Comes on while driving: the
oil level is at the absolute
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do
not drive more than approx. 30 miles
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Engine oil level
l
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Engine oil level
l
Comes on for a short time
(approx. 15 seconds) after the
engine has been started: please have
the system checked by your BMW
center.
Brake pads
l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 92.
Tire Pressure Warning RDW
l
RDW has been switched off via
the button or has been deacti-
vated because of a malfunction. In the
event of a malfunction, have the system
checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 26, 67.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been switched off via the
button or has been deactivated
because of a malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.
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 125.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
l
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. You
can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center.
Check Filler Cap
l
If the indicator lamp lights up
with the filler cap properly
closed: there is a fault in the fuel
system. The system should be checked
at the earliest possible opportunity at
your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 25.
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Engine oil temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display64
Outside temperature64
Clock64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Storage boxes78
Beverage holder79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80
Loading and transporting
cargo:
coupe:
Roll-up cover81
Partition net81
Cargo loading82
Roof-mounted luggage
rack83
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116n
Caring for your vehicleWhen 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 ample water is
available for washing and rinsing.
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer – such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. –
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
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 rub dry (this causes scratches)
and 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 – 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
discs could also be corroded.<
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123n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Storing your vehicle
If you intend to store the vehicle
for longer than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparation for storageHave the following operations
performed by your BMW center:
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. Wash the vehicle, clean
the interior and treat painted and
chromed parts. Clean the rubber
seals around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors.
2 Change the engine oil and oil filter
with the engine at operating tempera-
ture. As an additional corrosion
protection measure, a corrosion
inhibitor can be added to the engine
in accordance with the manufac-
turer'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; top up if
necessary.
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion.
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle for
storage1 Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding.
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated room. Place the
transmission in 1st gear. Chock the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
rolling if necessary. Do not apply the
parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room.
M roadster:
4 Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately. Refer to page 97.
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
discharged, 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 141.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to
the Service Manual.
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Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)89
Accessories6
Adding
brake fluid112t
engine coolant112t
engine oil109
washer fluid108t
Additional storage areas78
Adjusting
backrest47
mirrors47
seat46
washer nozzles108t
Air conditioner74
Air distribution74
Air outlets72
ventilation73
Air pressure26, 98
checking26t
Air vents72
Airbags21, 51, 122, 150
Airflow rate74
Antenna95
Antifreeze112
Antifreeze protection,
radiator93, 112, 112t
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)89
Anti-theft protection32Approved gross vehicle
weight158
Aquaplaning87, 98
Ashtray79
Automatic car washes115
Automatic cruise control61
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror48
Automatic rear window
washer59
Automatic windshield
washer108
Axle weights158
BBackrest, adjusting47
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement131t
Battery140, 160
capacity160
charge condition141
charging141
discharged144
disposal141t
removal and
installation142
Battery change, keys134t
Battery safety terminal142
Beverage holder79
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Body-cavity protectant118Brake fluid112
adding112t
disposal113t
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb replace-
ment131t
Brake pads22, 92
Brake system92
add brake fluid112t
brake fluid112
fluid level92
Brakes
malfunctions92
winter road conditions93
Break-in procedure86
Bulb replacement129t
Bulbs and lamps129
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning124
Capacities159
Car care
exterior115
interior120
Car keys30
Car radio
reception95, 150
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car wash systems115, 117Care
exterior119
interior120
leather121
paint119
upholstery materials121
windows and glass120
Cargo loading82
Caring for the vehicle
finish119
Cassette mode, refer to the
Radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter88
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)90
Cellular phone95
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system32
Charge condition of the
battery141t
Charge indicator lamp20
Charging the battery141t
Chassis number113
Checking oil level109t
Checking tire
pressure26t, 98
Child restraint system53
installation54
M coupe with tether
strap54
Child seat53
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