Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26
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
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)67
Contents
28n
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
45n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
For maximum safety when adjusting the
seating position, please observe the
following:
Never try to adjust your seat while
driving the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected move-
ment, and the ensuing loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident.
Be sure that the safety belt remains
firmly against your body at all times. In
the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over the hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced
if the belt is worn loosely.
Never ride with the backrest reclined to
an extreme angle (especially important
for the passenger to remember). If you
do so, there is a risk that you will slide
under the safety belt in an accident,
thus reducing the protection provided
by the safety belt.<
Correct sitting postureTo reduce strain on the spinal column,
sit all the way back in the seat and rest
your back fully against the backrest.
The ideal sitting posture is achieved
with your head extending from your
spine in a straight line.
For long-distance driving, you may wish
to increase the backrest tilt-angle
slightly to reduce muscular tension.
You should be able to grasp the
steering wheel at its highest point with
your arms slightly bent.
1 Backward/Forward adjustment
2 Cushion height
3 Backrest angle
Adjust the head restraint manually.
Ensure that the backrest detent is
fully engaged before sliding the
seat to the rear. If the seat is moved
back with the backrest is folded
forward, the detents may not engage
during subsequent attempts to return
the backrest to its upright position.
Both the rear of the backrest and the
upholstery in the rear storage well may
sustain damage as a result. Always
ensure that the backrest is not reclined
to an excessively steep angle when
sliding the seat back: failure to observe
this precaution can result in damage to
both the upholstery in the rear storage
well and to the backrest itself.<
520de017
Seat adjustment
46n
Head restraints Seat backrest Belt guideAdjustments Upward: by pulling.
Downward: unlock by first pressing the
button located on the right under the
leather (arrow 1).
Head restraints reduce the risk
of spinal injury in the event of an
accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its
center is approximately level with your
ears.<520de016
To unlockPull on the outermost edge of the strap
and tip the backrest forward.
The strap for the driver's backrest is
located on the outside, while the
passenger's seat is equipped with
release straps on both the left and right
sides of the backrest.
Lock both backrests while driving,
otherwise there is a danger of an
unexpected movement causing an
accident.
Do not use the strap as a holder, e. g.
for newspapers or other items. This
could cause the backrests to unlock.<520de098
The strap for the belt guide can be
opened: release the push button.
This feature can be used to facilitate
access to the rear storage well for
loading and when using equipment
features on the rear bulkhead.
For further information regarding
loading, refer to page 83.
Before each trip, insert the safety
belt into the guide strap, other-
wise, it will not hold securely and lose
its effectiveness as a restraint device,
as it will be too loose.<520de099
47n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Adjusting the steering wheel
Mirrors
Press the button to move the steering
wheel forward or back to suit your
selected seating position.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected movement.<520de118
Exterior mirrors1 Switch for 4-way adjustment
2 Selection switch for changing
between mirrors, switch either all the
way to the left or the right 520de018
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.
When estimating the distance
between yourself and other traffic,
bear in mind that the objects reflected
in the mirror are closer than they
appear. This means that estimates of
the distance to following traffic should
not be regarded as precise.
Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)21, 88
Accessories6
Activated charcoal filter75
Add
brake fluid112t
engine coolant112t
engine oil109t
washer fluid108, 157
Adjust
seats45
temperature74
washer nozzles108t
Adjustment setting
configuration48
Air conditioner72
Air distribution74
Air outlets72
Air pressure98
Air supply74
Airbags21, 51, 121, 148
Alarm system38
Antenna94
Antifreeze111
radiator92
Antifreeze/corrosion
protection92
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21, 88
Anti-theft alarm system38
Anti-theft protection32Approved gross vehicle
weight156
Aquaplaning98
Ashtray81
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner82
Automatic car washes115
Automatic headlamp
washers60
Automatic windshield
washer60
Avoiding a false alarm39t
Axle loads156
BBackrest
adjusting45
unlock46
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement130t
Battery136, 158
add distilled water136t
capacity158
charge current20
charging137t
discharged143
recycling138t
removing and
installing137t
Belts50
Beverage can holder80
Blower74BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Bore154
Brake hydraulic
system20, 91
Brake system91
faults91t
fluid112t
pads22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure86
Bulbs and lamps129t
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning123
Can holder80
Car Memory48
Car phone81
Car radio64
reception94, 148
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Car wash115
Care
exterior117
for the vehicle finish118
interior119
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 89CD player, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system32
key36
Changing a wheel135t
Changing the oil filter157
Changing tires135t
Checking air pressure26t
Checking engine oil
level109t
Child restraint
systems53, 54
Child seat safety54
Child seats53
Cigarette lighter82
Clean headlamps60
Clock64
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn
signal indicator/headlamp
flasher58
Compartments79
for stowing items78
Compression154
Connector for On-Board-
Diagnostics124
Consumption display62
A-Z
Everything from A to ZFog lamp, bulb
replacement131t
Follow-Me-Home
lamps49, 69
Footbrake90
Footwell lamps70
bulb replacement132t
Front seat adjustment45
Frost protection,
radiator111
Fuel26
gauge62
indicator62
quality26
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault140t
Fuel tank capacity157
Fuel-injection system154
Fuses138GGasoline26
quality26
Glove compartment78
bulb replacement133t
Gross vehicle weight156
HHand lamp79
Handbrake57
Handsfree car phone
system81
Hardtop96
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning
triangle24t
Head restraint46
Headlamp covers,
care115t, 129t
Headlamp flasher70
Headlamp washer
system60, 108, 157
Headlamps70
Headlight glare in rearview
mirror48
Heated mirrors47
Heated seats77
Heating and ventilation72
Heating, rapid77
Heavy loads83
Height155
High beams23, 58, 70
Holder for beverage
cans80
Hood release104t, 104
Horn17
Hydraulic system88, 91
IIdentification, tires101
Ignition keys30
Ignition lock55
Imprint4
Incoming air mode74
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressure26t, 98
monitoring67
INSPECTION63
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel lighting69
Instruments18
Interaxle tire rotation100
Interface socket for On-
Board-Diagnostics124
Interference
cellular phone94
radio reception94
Interior lamps34, 70
bulb replacement133t
remote control34
Interior motion sensor38
deactivating34
Interior rearview mirror
with automatic
dimmer48, 150
Intermittent mode of wiper
system59
JJump starting143KKey Memory48
Key with remote control30
Keys30LLamps and bulbs129t
Leather care120
Length155
License plate, bulb
replacement131t
Light switch69
Light-alloy wheels103
Lighter82
Loading83
Lock deicer92
Louvers72
Low beam headlamps69
Low traction road
surfaces93
Luggage compartment37
bulb replacement134t
capacity156
remote control35
Luggage compartment
lid37
emergency release37t
Everything from A to Z
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
MM+S tires102
Maintenance63
Malfunction, ABS89
Manual transmission58
Map lamps71
Microfilter75
Mirrors47
Mobile phones94
Modifications,
technical6, 123
Multi-Information Radio
(MIR)64NNavigation system, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Neckrest46
Neon lamps129OOBD interface socket124
Odometer62
Oil
additives109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick109
Oil filter change157
Oil level
check109
indicator lamp21
Oil pressure
indicator lamp20
OILSERVICE63
Onboard tool kit128t
Opening and closing
from inside36
from outside32
Operation in winter92
Outlets, ventilation72
Outside temperature
display64
PPaint, care117
Paintwork
minor repairs118
waxing118
Parking brake57
Parking lamps70
Parking, winter93Performance154
Phone, refer to cellular
phone94
Pocket flashlight79
Pollen75
Power steering94
Power windows40
Pressure tires26t, 98
monitoring67
RRadio64, 94
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Radio reception94, 148
Rapid heating77
RDW (Tire Pressure
Warning)67
Reading lamps71
Rear fog lamp70
bulb replacement131t
Rear window
defroster60, 75
Rearview mirror47
Recirculated air mode74
Refill washer
reservoir108t
Refueling25
Remaining fuel indicator62
Remote control33Removing condensation
from the windows75t
Removing the vehicle from
storage122
Replacement keys30
Replacing fuses138t
Replacing lamps and
bulbs129t
Replacing windshield wiper
blades128t
Replenish washer
fluid108t
Reporting Safety Defects7
Restraint systems53
Return used
batteries138t
Reverse17, 58
Roof load capacity156
Rotating the tires100
Rubber parts92
SSafety belt tensioner149
Safety belts50
Safety buttons36
Seat adjustment45
Seat heating77
Securing cargo83
Self-defrosting mirrors47
Service Booklet114