Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
141nDriving notes
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires
and road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning or hydro-
planing. It is characterized by a partial
or complete loss of contact between
the tires and the road surface. The ulti-
mate results are loss of steering and
braking control.
Driving through water:
Do not drive through water more than
1 ft (30 cm) deep. Drive only at walking
speed. Driving at a faster speed could
cause damage to the engine, the elec-
trical system and the transmission.Rear parcel tray:
Do not use the rear parcel tray to store
heavy or bulky objects. They could
pose a danger to the occupants during
braking, evasive maneuvers, or in an
accident.
Clothes hooks:
Hang items of clothing from the hooks
so that they will not obstruct the driver's
vision. Do not hang any heavy objects
on the hooks, as otherwise passengers
could be injured, e.g. during any hard
braking or evasive maneuvers, or dur-
ing an accident. <
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
145nDisc brakes
Driving notes
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat which is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique
described below (refer to page 147).
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake applica-
tions is required. This avoids excessive
strain on the brakes and possible im-
pairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 76. Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic!), then releasing the
pedal, then repeating the application.
This staggered braking technique
allows the brakes to cool in the intervals
between active braking phases,
preventing overheating and ensuring
that full braking capacity remains avail-
able at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the transmission
or selector lever in Neutral. Do not
coast with the engine shut off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment. <
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction, the yellow
warning lamp comes on. Conventional
braking efficiency is available without
limitations.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
For "Information for your safety"
covering the ABS system, refer to
page 144. This information also gener-
ally applies for DBC. <
148nWinter operation Power steering Level control system*
Skid control
Release the accelerator pedal and
depress the clutch pedal. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.
Parking
Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park." On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake pads
from locking due to frost or corrosion,
dry them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic is
not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is
applied. <
If there is a change in steering behavior,
for instance greater steering effort or if
steering becomes lighter as speed
increases in vehicles equipped with
Servotronic
*:
Contact your BMW center for an
inspection.
If the power steering fails,
increased effort will be required
to steer the vehicle. <
The warning lamp for the level
control system comes on, or the
message "LEVEL CONTROL
INACTIVE" appears in the Check
Control
*: there is a malfunction in the
level control system.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is
riding significantly lower in the rear than
in the front, or if it is sitting at an incline
(left rear compared to right rear),
consult the nearest authorized BMW
center. Drive with appropriate caution
in the meantime. The vehicle has
reduced ground clearance or driving
comfort is noticeably reduced.
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is
normal, you should consult the nearest
BMW center if the warning lamp indi-
cates a system fault.
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
171nCaring for your car
Washing your car
You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When 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). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash.
> 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 that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing. Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally. <
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 im-
portant 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 sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage. < When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
> Do not wipe dry (scratches). 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 an ice scraper. <
After washing the car, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking
efficiency might otherwise be reduced
by the moisture, and the brake rotors
could also be corroded. <
202nTowing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response. <
Tow-starting
It is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 200.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission
1 Place the selector lever in position N.
2 Towing speed: Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance: Max. 95 miles (150 km).
4 Leave the ignition key in position 1 to ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard warning flash- ers (observe country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to pre-
vent the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking. <
Towing with a commercial
tow truck
> Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
> Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason. <
380us124
Everything from A to Z
229n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car jack190
t
Car keys36
Car Memory60
Car phones, refer to the
seperate Owner's Manual
Car radio reception149
Car telephone125
Car wash171
Care
vehicle exterior172
vehicle interior174
Cargo loading136
Caring for the vehicle
finish173
Catalytic converter142
Cellular phone149
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp, bulb
replacement187
Central locking
system38, 42
Changing a tire190
t
Changing a wheel190
t
Charge indicator lamp22
Charging the battery194
t
Check air pressure30
Check button86
Check Control86
t
Check engine oil
level165
t
Check tire pressures29
t
Child restraint systems62
Child seat62, 66Child seat security67
Child-safety locks67
Cigarette lighter126
Cleaning headlamps79
Cleaning windshield78, 79
Clock92
Clock, refer also to the
onboard monitor
Cockpit16
Code98
activating98
de-activating98
selecting98
Cold start69
Combination switch78
Comfort seat54
Compartments124
Computer89, 95
average fuel
consumption89
average speed89
cruising range89
outside temperature89
remote control99
Computer, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Configure settings60
Consumption display84
Consumption, fuel97
Contamination on
paintwork172Convenience operation
sliding/tilt sunroof38
windows38
Convenience starting
feature69
Coolant146, 167
antifreeze146
temperature gauge85
Copyright notice4
Courtesy lamp, bulb
replacement189
t
Cover, sun blinds120
Cruise control81
Cruising range89, 97
Cup holder125
Curb weight221
D
Dashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics178
Date
calling up92
changing92
Date, refer also to the
onboard monitor Owner's
Manual
Daytime-driving lamp105
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)23, 100, 145Deactivating99
interior motion
sensor40, 48
tilt sensor alarm
system40, 48
Deep water141
Defrost
rear window80
t
Defrost position113, 117
Defrost
windows113, 117
t
Difficult steering148
t
Digital clock92
Digital sound
processing211
Dimensions219
Dipstick, engine oil165
t
Disc brakes144
Disconnect the
battery195
t
Displacement218
Display lighting105
Displays18, 20
Distance96
Distance warning100
Diversity Antenna
system209
Divided rear-seat
backrest128
Door keys36
Everything from A to Z
Door locks, care146
Doors
emergency release38
manual operation38
t
remote control40
unlocking and locking38
DOT Quality Grades151
Drive belts224
Driving in winter146
Driving notes141
Driving through water141
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)24, 102, 208
DSP sound system211
refer also to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)23, 100, 145
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)24, 102, 208
E
Electric power seat52
Electric power windows49
Electrical defect
fuel filler door198
t
sliding/tilt sunroof198
t
tailgate199
Electrical heating, exterior
mirror57
Electrical steering wheel,
adjusting56Electrical system224
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer37
Elements of operation16
Emergency operation
doors38
t
fuel filler door198
t
luggage compartment lid/
tailgate43, 199
t
sliding/tilt sunroof198
t
Energy control84
Engine
compartment160
coolant167
Engine oil
consumption165
grades166
level23
pressure22
specifications166
t
Engine specifications218
Error indicators86
Estimated time of arrival97
Exterior finish172
Exterior mirror56
electrical heating57
Exterior mirror with
automatic dimming
feature211
F
Failure messages86
t
Failure of an electrical
accessory196
t
Failure warnings86
t
Filler cap cover28
Filling capacities223
Filling the washer
reservoir164
t
First-aid kit27
t
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing201
t
Flashlight124
Flat tire150, 190
t
Fog lamp, bulb
replacement185
t
Footbrake144
Footwell lamps107
bulb replacement189
t
Forward/backward
adjustment, seats52, 55
Front fog lamps106
Front seat adjustment52
Frost protection,
radiator167
Fuel29
gauge84
quality29
tank capacity223
Fuel consumption97
average97
indicator84Fuel filler door, release after
electrical fault198
t
Fuses196
t
, 197
G
Gasoline29
gauge84
quality29
Glove compartment124
bulb replacement189
t
Gross vehicle weight221
H
Handbrake23, 70
Hands-free system125
Hazard warning
flashers27
t
Hazard warning
triangle27
t
Head restraints53
Headlamp covers,
care171
t
, 183
t
Headlamp flasher78
Headlamp washer
system164
Heated seats119
Heated steering wheel120
Heating and
ventilation108, 114
Heating while stopped118
Heating, rapid113
Heavy loads136
Everything from A to Z
231n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Height219
Height adjustment
seats52
steering wheel56
Help with jump
starting200
t
HiFi system211
High beams24
bulb replacement183
t
High Performance Synthetic
Oils166
High-mount brake lamp187
Hood release159
t
Horn25
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to DBC23, 100, 145
I
Ice warning83
Identification number of the
vehicle169
Identification, tires153
Ignition key36
Ignition lock68
Imprint4
Independent
ventilation94, 120
Independent ventilation,
refer also to the onboard
monitor Owner's Manual
Indicator lamps22
t
Inflation
pressure29
t
, 30, 150
monitoring103, 213
INSPECTION85
Instrument cluster18, 20
Instrument lighting105
Instrument panel20
Instrument panel switch78
Instruments18
Integrated rear
suspension214
Intensive
cleaning78, 79, 164
Interaxle tire rotation152
Interference indicators86
Interference with
car phones149
Interior lamps106
bulb replacement188
t
remote control40
Interior mirror57
with automatic dimming
feature211
Interior motion sensor48
deactivation48
Interior rearview mirror
with automatic dimming
feature57
Interlock68
Intermittent mode78
J
Jack190
t
Jump starting200
t
KKey Memory60
Key, transmitter36
Keys36
Keys with remote control36
Kickdown73, 76LLashing eye136
Leather care175
Length219
Level control
system23, 214
inactive148t
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement188t
Light switch105
Light-alloy wheels156
Lighter126
Lights-on warning105
LIMIT95
Load-securing devices136
Locking and unlocking the
doors38
Louvers108, 114
Low beams105
bulb replacement183tLow-fuel warning lamp84
Lug bolts191
Lug wrench191t
Luggage compartment46
capacity221
hanger46
lamps106
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement189t
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate43
emergency actuation43
opening separately43
remote control41
secure separately43
unlock in case of electrical
fault43t
Luggage space46
Luggage straps46
Lumbar support54
MM+S tires154
Magic Eye194
Maintenance85t, 170t
Malfunction displays86t