
 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)23
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel specifications26
Tire inflation pressure26
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys30
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer31
Central locking system31
Opening and closing Ð 
via the door lock32
Opening and closing Ð 
via the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð 
from the inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Luggage compartment39
Alarm system40
Electric power windows42
Sliding/tilt sunroof43
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats45
Mirrors49
Seat and mirror memory51
Steering wheel52
Car Memory, Key Memory52
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts54
Airbags56
Transporting children safely59
 
Driving:
 
Steering/Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake63
Manual transmission64
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher65
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor65
Rear window defroster67
Cruise control67
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer69
Tachometer69
Engine oil temperature gauge69
Fuel gauge70
Coolant temperature gauge70
Service Interval Display71
Check Control72
Computer72
 
Technology for driving comfort 
and safety:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)75
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)76
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)78
M Engine dynamics control80
 
Contents 

 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Side lamps/Low beams81
Instrument lightning81
High beams/Parking lamps82
Fog lamps82
Interior lamps82
Reading lamps83
 
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
 
Automatic climate control84
Heated seats89
Roller sun blind89
 
Interior conveniences:
 
HiFi system90
Glove compartment90
Storage compartments91
Cellular phone92
Ashtray, front92
Cigarette lighter93
Ashtray, rear93
Clothes hooks94
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading system95
Ski bag96
Cargo loading97
Roof-mounted luggage rack98
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures102
Driving notes103
Catalytic converter103
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)104
Disk brakes106
Brake system107
Winter operation108
Power steering110
Cellular phones110
Radio reception110
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure111
Tire condition111
Tire replacement112
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire 
combinations114
Winter tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications116
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification 
Number126
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System127
Caring for your vehicle128
Airbags133
Vehicle storage133
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications134
California Proposition 
65 Warning134
OBD connector135 

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for 
fuel reserve70
2 Turn signal indicator22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for: 
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beams22
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 21
5 Tachometer and engine oil 
temperature gauge69, 69
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too  high" 
indicator70
7 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for:
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)20
 
>
 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)21 
 
>
 
Brake pads21
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Warning 
(RDW)20, 22
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control22
8 Set button for the clock73
9 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability 
Control (DSC)2210 Indicator for:
 
>
 
Odometer69
 
>
 
Trip odometer69
 
>
 
Clock73
 
>
 
Service Interval71
Indicator for computer, operation 
using the turn signal lever, refer to 
page 72: 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Crusing range 
 
>
 
Average speed
11 Indicator for Check Control72
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero6913 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for: 
 
>
 
Fog lamps22
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level22
 
>
 
Electronic Throttle Control 
(EML)22
 
>
 
Service engine soon22
You can have the outside temper-
ature and distance traveled shown 
in other units of measurement.
 
< 

22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) l 
RDW has been switched off or 
has been deactivated 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, 78.
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) l 
The indicator lamp flashes when 
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 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 76 and on.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. 
Top up the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 122.
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 135.
Warning lamp: Service Engine 
Soon for Canadian models.
Engine electronics l 
There is a fault in the engine's 
electronic control system. The 
electronics allow for continued driving 
with reduced engine output or speed. 
Please have the system inspected by 
your BMW center. 
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. 
Add coolant at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 125.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is 
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a 
system malfunction. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 65.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated. Available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel (MFL). 
For additional information, refer to 
page 67.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever fog lamps 
are on. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 82.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated. 
For additional information, refer to 
pages 65, 82. 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake63
Manual transmission64
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher65
Wiper/Washer system/Rain 
sensor65
Rear window defroster67
Cruise control67
Everything under control:
Odometer69
Tachometer69
Engine oil temperature gauge69
Fuel gauge70
Coolant temperature gauge70
Service Interval Display71
Check Control72
Computer72
Technology for driving comfort 
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)75
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)76
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)78
M Engine dynamics control80Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams81
Instrument lighting81
High beams/Parking lamp82
Fog lamps82
Interior lamps82
Reading lamps83
Controlling the climate 
for pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control84
Heated seats89
Roller sun blind89
Interior conveniences:
HiFi system90
Glove compartment90
Storage compartments91
Cellular phone92
Ashtray, front92
Cigarette lighter93
Ashtray rear 93
Clothes hooks94
Loading and transporting 
cargo:
Through-loading system95
Ski bag96
Cargo loading97
Roof-mounted luggage rack98 

70n
Fuel gauge  Coolant temperature gauge Once the indicator lamp stays on 
continuously, there are still approx. 
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel 
tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to 
page 169.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (when you 
are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example), the needle may fluctuate 
slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving 
to the last drop of fuel can result in 
damage to the engine and/or catalytic 
converter.< 
When the ignition is turned on, the indi-
cator lamp in the fuel display will light 
up briefly as a functional check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at 
moderate engine and vehicle speeds. RedTo check the function, the warning 
lamp in the coolant temperature gauge 
will light up briefly when the ignition is 
turned on.
If the lamp comes on while operating 
the vehicle, the engine has overheated. 
Switch the engine off immediately and 
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to 
page 125.
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not 
unusual for the needle to rise as far as 
the edge of the red zone in response to 
high outside temperatures or severe 
operating conditions.  

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures102
Driving notes103
Catalytic converter103
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)104
Disk brakes106
Brake system107
Winter operation108
Power steering110
Cellular phones110
Radio reception110
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure111
Tire condition111
Tire replacement112
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire 
combinations114
Winter tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications116Under the hood:
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification 
Number126
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System127
Caring for your vehicle128
Airbags133
Vehicle storage133
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications134
California Proposition 
65 Warning134
OBD connector135
Car care 

108n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. 
Adaptations in driving style should be 
accompanied by preparations on the 
vehicle itself to ensure that your 
progress through the winter remains 
safe and trouble-free. CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture 
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50 
water and antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. 
This mixture provides protection 
against freezing down to approx.
Ð34 7 (Ð37 6). Have the coolant 
replaced every 4 years. LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to 
free them if frozen. This deicer also 
contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW 
lock barrel grease is recommended. 
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from 
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood 
and luggage compartment lid seals. 
A full range of car-care products is 
available from your BMW center.< 
Snow chains Mount BMW snow chains
*, whether on 
summer or winter tires, in pairs on the 
rear wheels only, keeping the manufac-
turer's safety instructions in mind. Do 
not exceed a maximum speed of 
30 mph (50 km/h) with snow chains. In 
rare situations like these, it is advisable 
to turn off the DSC and RDW. Refer to 
page 76 or page 78.
Starting offWhen trying to drive out of deep snow, 
or when "rocking" the vehicle to free it, 
it may be advisable to temporarily 
deactivate the DSC system. Refer to 
page 76.Driving on low-traction road 
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control 
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive 
engine speeds and shift to the next 
higher gear at an early point. Adapt 
your speed and driving style when 
approaching grades or slopes. Maintain 
an adequate distance between yourself 
and the vehicle ahead.