
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW.
It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi-
mum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW.
The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to en-
hance operating and driving safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your
vehicle throughout an extended service life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We
recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW M
Preface
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© 2001 BMW M GmbH
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 026 955
US English XII/2000
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
4n
Notes on the Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish an initial overview
of your vehicle, this can be found in the
first chapter.
The detailed list of contents that
directly follows the summary of
contents is intended to stimulate your
curiosity regarding your BMW and to
encourage you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please
remember to pass the Owner's Manual
on to the new owner – the manual
represents a legally-required element of
the vehicle.
If you have additional questions, your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
Symbols used
Indicates instructions or precau-
tions that must be followed
precisely in order to avoid the possi-
bility of personal injury and serious
damage to the vehicle.
<
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
<
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.
<
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment,
country-specific equipment and
optional extras.
t
Identifies index entries that refer
to owner service procedures or topics
on car care.
Your individual vehicle
In buying your BMW, you have decided
in favor of a model with individualized
equipment and features. This Owner's
Manual describes all models and equip-
ment that BMW offers within the same
group.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
which you might not have chosen for
your vehicle. Any differences can easily
be identified, since all optional acces-
sories and special equipment are
marked with an asterisk
*
.
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(a car radio or telephone, for instance),
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are
enclosed. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
Notes
Symbols
The individual vehicle
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
9n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
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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
ProCarManuals.com

Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Master key with battery-
powered lamp134
Changing a wheel135
Repairing a flat tire135
Battery140
Fuses142
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Power convertible top143
Fuel filler door143
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting144
Towing the vehicle145Airbags150
Radio reception150
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)151
Safety belt tensioner151
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature152
Limited slip differential153Engine specifications156
Dimensions157
Weights158
Capacities159
Electrical system160
Drive belts160
ProCarManuals.com

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
15n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
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
Overview
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19n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for reserve range62
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Battery charge current20
>
High beams23
>
Engine oil pressure20
5 Tachometer62
6 Coolant temperature gauge63
Also refer to Engine oil temperature
gauge on page63
7 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Brake pad wear22
>
Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)20, 21
>
Parking brake21
>
Airbags21
8 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Service Engine Soon22
>
Check Filler Cap22
>
Safety belts21
>
Engine oil level22
>
Antilock Brake System (ABS)22
9 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)21, 2210 Trip odometer62
11 Service Interval Display64, 114
12 Odometer62
13 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Engine electronics22
>
Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW)21, 22
14 Trip odometer reset button62
The illustration shows the instrument
cluster in the US version. In the Cana-
dian models, some of the indicator and
warning lamps have a different appear-
ance. Refer to pages 20 to 23.
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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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