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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the Service
Engine Soon lamp may come on.<
Press on the lower part of the button
to open (fuel pump symbol).
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 140.
Always observe all applicable
safety rules and precautions when
handling gasoline.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your
vehicle. Whether empty or full, these
containers can leak, cause an explosion,
or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
520de006
Simple and environmentally
friendly
When removing, twist the fuel filler
cap slowly to avoid the possibility
of fuel spray, which could cause injury.
Never continue refueling after the auto-
matic pump nozzle clicks off, or until
fuel starts to emerge from the filler pipe,
as gasoline spills could result.<
Store the cap in the holder provided on
the inside of the fuel filler door while
refueling.
520de007
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is used correctly, the
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the
first time.
Tank capacity, refer to page 157.
After refueling screw cap back on,
continuing until you hear a "click"
indicating that it is securely fastened.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
Service Engine Soon lamp.<
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Fuel quality Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
You will find the tire inflation pressures
on the door pillar (visible with door
open).Checking tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated
in psi (kilopascal) for cold tires at
ambient temperature (refer also to the
next page).
Reactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) after changing a
tire or a wheel. Refer to page 67.<520de008
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly Ð at least every two
weeks and before each extended
journey. Incorrect tire pressure can lead
to tire damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers.
You will find a list of approved tire sizes
on page 103.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW-approved
tires.
Page 27 of 170
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire inflation pressureBMW Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated in psi (kilopascal) for cold tires at
ambient temperature
Z8Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W 35 (240) Ð
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W Ð 35 (240)
245/45 R 18 96 H M+S 35 (240) 35 (240)
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Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside32
Using the key32
Using the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Alarm system38
Electric power windows40
The automatic convertible
top41
Adjustments:
Seats45
Steering wheel47
Mirrors47
Car Memory, Key Memory48
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts50
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
Controls
Page 29 of 170

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Ignition and steering lock55
Starting the engine56
Turning the engine off56
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher58
Washer/Wiper system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display63
Clock64
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Dynamic Performance
Control66
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams69
Instrument panel lighting69
High beams/Parking lamps70
Rear fog lamp70
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Drink holder80
Cellular phone81
Ashtray81
Cigarette lighter82
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading83
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Keys1 The key memory functions are stored
in the remote-control key, refer to
page 48
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master
key that is not in regular use, use that
key approximately once every year
while driving for an extended period to
charge the battery. Also refer to
page 33.< 520de142
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use
3 Door and ignition key
The lock for the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key.
This is recommended for valet
parking, etc.
There is a key case available for using
your master key on a regular basis.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Your
BMW center is obligated to ensure that
a person requesting a key is authorized
to do so, since the keys are an integral
element of the security system (refer to
"Electronic vehicle immobilizer" in the
following columns).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn it once to position 2 in
the ignition lock (ignition switched on)
and then back, so that the electronic
vehicle immobilizer can initialize the
new key.<
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizer The key to securityThe electronic vehicle immobilizer
reduces your BMW's susceptibility to
theft by rendering it impossible to start
the engine using any means other than
the car's own individual keys. The
system operates automatically, with no
action or intervention on your part. Your
BMW center can cancel the system
authorization for individual keys (for
instance, if a key is lost). A deactivated
key can no longer be used to start the
engine.520de146
Advanced electronics in actionAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, simulta-
neously serving as a communications
interface designed to allow the security
system to maintain a continuous stream
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
system will release the ignition, elec-
trical steering lock, fuel injection and
starter for use only if it detects an
"authorized" key.
Exposure to external force can
damage the key's integrated elec-
tronic circuitry and render it inoperative.
A damaged key can no longer be used
to start the engine or release the
steering lock.<
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Central locking system Opening and closing Ð from outside The conceptThe central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The system engages and
releases the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door
>glove compartment
>cellular phone holder.
The central locking system can be
operated
>from the outside via the driver's door
lock or by using the remote control
>from the inside by pressing a button.
If you initiate central locking from
inside, neither the fuel filler door, the
glove compartment, nor the cellular
phone holder are locked (refer to
page 36).
If you do set it from outside, the anti-
theft alarm is automatically activated as
well. This prevents the door handles
from unlocking the doors. The alarm
system is also activated or deactivated.
The central locking system unlocks
automatically in the event of an acci-
dent. In addition, the hazard warning
flashers and interior lamps come on.
Using the keySwing the door lock mechanism's cover
upward. Return it to its original position
and allow the detent to engage when
you have finished locking or unlocking
the doors.
Turn the key in the driver's door once to
unlock the driver's door only; turning
the key a second time will unlock the
passenger door, the luggage compart-
ment lid, the fuel filler door, the glove
compartment, and the cellular phone
holder.
If necessary, you can open the fuel filler
door by pressing the button inside the
vehicle; refer to page 25.
You can have various signals set
as an acknowledgment message
when locking.<520de100
Convenience operationYou can also operate the windows via
the door lock.
>To open: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Unlock" position and
hold it
>To close: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Lock" position and
hold it.
As the windows are closing you
should always monitor their path
and progress to ensure that no injuries
occur. Release the key to stop the
windows.
Turn the key to the extreme left or right
to unlock/lock the driver's door.
Refer to page 141 for operating the
passenger door.