
173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming feature The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature reduces glare 
from following traffic by adapting the 
intensity of the reflected images to 
correspond to levels of light registered 
by the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts 
to its undimmed setting as soon as the 
light source disappears. One lamp 
sensor is mounted on the front of the 
mirror housing. This sensor, which is 
directed forward, measures light inten-
sity in the area ahead of the vehicle. 
The second sensor is integrated within 
the mirror's glass. The electronic 
control system compares the light 
intensity from front and rear. The differ-
ence provides the basic parameter 
used to modulate an electrical current 
and induce chemical changes in a 
semisolid layer incorporated in the lens. 
The semisolid reacts chemically to this 
electrical current, thus providing 
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromic 
technology). 
As a result, it is no longer necessary to 
dim the mirror manually, and the driver 
can concentrate completely on traffic 
conditions.  

175n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rollover protection systemThe rollover protection system offers 
protection in addition to the airbags and 
the safety belts. It uses highly sensitive 
sensors that respond immediately to 
any unstable vehicle condition encoun-
tered while driving, e. g. a steep angle 
or loss of wheel contact with the 
ground. The protective bar in each rear 
head restraint is triggered in this type of 
situation. 

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake 
System)21, 106
Acceleration181
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter92
replacing161t
Adding
brake fluid125t, 130t
coolant129t
engine oil127t
washer fluid126t, 181
Adjusting
clock76
head restraints50
interior temperature90
steering wheel55
thigh support area49
Adjusting seats
lumbar support49
Air conditioner91
Air distribution, 
automatic90
Air outlets88
Air pressure115
Air supply91
recirculated air mode91
vents91
Airbags61, 139, 168
warning lamp21, 22Alarm system42
avoiding unintentional 
alarms43
indicator lamp43
interior motion sensor42
tilt sensor alarm 
system42
Alcantara care136
Antenna112
Antenna, Diversity169
Antifreeze129
radiator110
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)21, 106
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection33
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications120
Aquaplaning105, 115
Armrest95
Ashtray
front96
rear97
AUC (Automatic recirculated 
air control)91
Automatic climate 
control88
Automatic cruise
 control71
Automatic recirculated air 
control (AUC)91Automatic windshield
washer70
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting125t
Average fuel 
consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads180
BBackrest
releasing51
Backup lamps68
replacing bulb149t
Battery157, 182
add distilled water157t
capacity182
charging159t
current check lamp20
removal and 
installation158
symbols158
Belts57
Beverage holder95
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oils128
BMW Maintenance 
System131
BMW Sports seat49
Bore178Bottle holder, refer to 
Beverage holder
Brake system20, 109
ABS21t, 106
brake faults109t
brake fluid change75
brake fluid level, warning 
lamp20, 109
brake lamp, center151
brake lamps, replacing 
bulb149t
brake pads, indicator 
lamp22, 109
disc brakes108
driving notes105
warning lamp20, 109
Break-in procedure104
Bulbs and lamps146
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning141
Can holder, refer to 
Beverage holder
Capacities181
Car battery182
Car Memory55
Car radio112
reception113, 169
refer also to the separate 
Owner's Manual 

Everything from A to Z
187n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car telephone96
Car wash132
Care
convertible top137
exterior133
interior134
upholstery135
wool velour135
Cargo loading100
Cassette operation, refer to 
the radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter105
starting problems105
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)107
warning lamp21
CD operation, refer to the 
radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone96, 112
refer also to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Center armrest95
Center brake lamp151
Central locking system33
key38
Check Control76t
Checking brake fluid 
level130t
Checking coolant 
level129t
Checking engine oil 
level127tChild restraint systems58
Child seat security60
Cigarette lighter97
Cleaning headlamps71
Cleaning windshield70
Clock76
refer to the "Radio and 
Information Systems" 
Owner's Manual or to the 
"Onboard Computer" 
Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Code, refer also to the radio 
Owner's Manual
Coin holder95
Combination switch69
Compression178
Computer77
refer to the "Onboard 
Computer" Owner's 
Manual
Configuring settings
car memory, key 
memory55
Connecting portable vacuum 
cleaner97
Consumption78
Consumption display74
Convertible top
compartment panel41
electrical defect162tfold down convertible top 
compartment base41
operation45
Coolant110, 125t, 129
antifreeze110
temperature gauge74
Cooling system181
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)107
warning lamp21
Cruise control71
Cruising range78
Cup holder, refer to 
Beverage holder
Curb weight180
DDash panel lighting84
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions179
engine178
technical178
vehicle performance181
weights180
Data link connector for 
onboard diagnosis142
Daylight driving lamps
switch84
Deep water105
Defrost position91tDefrostable rear window92
Defrosting, windows91t
Difficult steering112t
Digital clock76
Dimensions179
Dipstick127
Disarm tilt alarm 
sensor43t
Disc brakes108
Displacement178
Display lighting84
Displays18
Disposal of used 
batteries159t
Disposal of used engine 
oil128t
Distance warning79
Diversity Antenna169
Door locks, care110
Doors
emergency lock 
operation34t
keys32
manual opening and 
closing34
opening and closing via 
remote control35
unlocking and locking35
DOT Quality Grades116
Draft-free ventilation92
Drive belts182
Driving in winter110 

Everything from A to Z
189n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Headlamp flasher69, 85
Headlamp washer 
system125, 126, 181
Heated mirror52
Heated seats93
Heater and ventilation88
Heavy loads100
Height50, 179
High beam lamps69, 85
indicator lamps23
High Performance Synthetic 
Oils128
High-speed engine171
Holder for beverage
cans, refer to Beverage 
holder
Hood121
opening121
unlocking121
Horn17IIce warning77
Identification number, 
vehicle130
Identification, tires118, 120
Ignition key32
Ignition key position66
Ignition lock66
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20tIndividual settings
car memory, key 
memory55
Inflation pressures115t
INSPECTION75
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting84
Instruments18
Interference
cellular phone112
Interior lamps36, 86
bulb replacement151t
remote control36
Interior mirror
automatic dimming 
feature53
Interior motion sensor42
disarm43t
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming 
feature53, 173
Intermittent operation69
JJump-starting164KKey Memory55
Keys32
with remote control32
LLamp switch84
Lamps
footwell lamps86
high beam headlamps85
instrument lighting84
interior lamps86
parking lamp85
reading lamps86
Lamps and bulbs146
LAMPS ON warning84
Lashing eyes101
LATCH attachment for child 
seat59
Leather care136
Length179
License plate lamp
bulb replacement151t
Lighter97
Load-securing devices101
Low beam headlamps84
lamp malfunction147t
Lower rollover protection 
system64t
Luggage 
compartment40, 41
capacity180
emergency release39t
enlarging41
floor mat41
floor panel41fold down convertible top 
compartment base41
remote control37
Luggage compartment 
lamps39
bulb replacement152t
Luggage compartment 
lid39
emergency release39t
Luggage rack101
Lumbar support49
MM Engine dynamics 
control83
M Mobility system153
M+S-tires119
M3 engine concept171
Maintenance75, 131
Make-up mirror53
Malfunction of ABS107
Manual convertible
top operation in case of 
electrical defect162t
Manual transmission68
Manual-shift gear lever68
Master key32
Maximum speed181
Memory54
MFL (Multifunction steering 
wheel)24 

Everything from A to ZMicrofilter92
replacing161t
Mirrors52
automatic curb 
monitor52
heating52
memory54
outside52
Mobile phones112
Mobility system153
Modifications, 
technical6, 141
Mounting the hardtop113
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24NNavigation system, refer to 
the separate Owner's 
Manual
Nozzles88OOdometer73
Oil
additives127
capacity181
consumption127
dipstick127
filter change181level, indicator 
lamp20, 21
pressure, indicator 
lamp20
quality128t
specifications128t
viscosity128t
Oil change intervals, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models) or to the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models)
OILSERVICE75
Onboard tool kit146t
Opening and closing
from inside38
via the door lock34
via the remote control35
Opening the hood121t
Outlets, ventilation88
Outside mirror52
Outside temperature 
display77
PPaint blemishes133
Paint, care133
Paintwork
care133
minor repairs134
waxing134Park Distance Control 
(PDC)79
Parking brake67
Parking help79
Parking lamps84, 85
Parking, winter111
PDC (Park Distance 
Control)79
Performance178
Pollen from outside air92
Power steering112
Power windows44
Powerplant data178
Pressure, tires115
Prevent any unwanted 
alarm43t
RRadiator181
Radio Data System 
(RDS)169
Radio reception113, 169
Radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor70, 172
RDS (Radio Data 
System)169
RDW (Tire Pressure 
Warning)81
Reading lamps86
Rear entry51
aid51Rear fog lamps85
replacing bulb149t
Rear lamps149t
Rear window 
defroster71, 92
Rearview mirror52
Recirculated air mode91
Reclining seat48
Refueling26
Remote control35
Removing condensation, 
windows91t
Replacement keys32
Replacing bulbs146t
Replacing microfilter and 
activated-charcoal 
filter161
Replacing windshield wiper 
blades146t
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system58
Returning used 
batteries159t
Reverse68
Rollover protection 
system64, 175
indicator lamp22
lower64t
Roof load capacity180
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack101
Rubber components110