
 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Hill Descent Control (HDC)77
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)78
Flat Tire Monitor80
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams82
Instrument lighting83
High beams/Standing lamps83
Fog lamps83
Interior lamps84
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning85
Automatic climate control88
Roller sun blind91
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Premium sound system91
Glove compartment92
Storage compartments92
Cellular phone94
Ashtray, front95
Ashtray, rear95
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading system96
Ski bag97
Cargo loading99
Roof-mounted luggage rack100
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)105
Brake system106
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressures107
Tire condition107
Tire replacement108
Wheel and tire 
combinations110
Winter tires111
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood112
Engine compartment 
essentials113
Washer fluids114
Engine oil115
Coolant117
Brake fluid118
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System119
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications120
California Proposition 
65 Warning120
OBD interface socket121 

 
15n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
1 Fuel gauge67
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals203 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning 
lamps17 to 205 Tachometer and Energy control66
6 Engine coolant temperature 
gauge67
 
Instrument cluster  

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity. For additional information: 
refer to page 114
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 at your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 121.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine electronics 
 
l
 
 
There is a fault in the electronic 
engine-management system. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output or engine speed. Please 
have the system inspected by your 
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add 
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity. For additional information: refer to 
page 117
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signals 
are on. 
Rapid flashing indicates a system 
malfunction.
For additional information: refer to 
page 61
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated: available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel.
For additional information: refer to 
page 64
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to 
page 83
 
Blue: for your information
 
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to 
pages 61, 83 

67n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Fuel gauge  Temperature gauge  Service Interval DisplayOnce the indicator lamp stays on 
continuously, there are still approx. 
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel 
tank.
For information on the fuel tank 
capacity, refer to page 143.
Certain operating conditions (such as 
those encountered in mountainous 
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving 
to the last drop of fuel can result in 
damage to the engine and/or catalytic 
converter.<
When you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an 
operation check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at 
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly to 
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on during normal 
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Shut off the engine immediately 
and allow it to cool down.
For instructions on checking the 
coolant level, refer to page 117.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle 
may rise as far as the edge of the red 
sector in normal operation.
Remaining distance to serviceThe displays shown in the illustration 
appear for a few seconds when the 
ignition key is in position 1 or after the 
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the 
message OIL SERVICE or INSPEC-
TION, together with the distance 
remaining in miles (kilometers) before 
the next scheduled service. The 
computer bases its calculations of the 
remaining distance on the preceding 
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of 
the number mean that the service 
interval has already been exceeded by 
the distance shown on the display. 
Please contact your BMW center for an 
appointment. 

113n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine compartment essentials1 Brake fluid reservoir118
2 Engine oil dipstick1153 Coolant expansion tank117
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and 
windshield washer system1145 Engine oil filler neck115
6 Auxiliary terminal for 
jump- starting134 

117n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later 
on, never use anything other than 
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with 
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is 
familiar with the official specifications. 
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents 
are hazardous to health. You should 
always store them in their original 
container and in a location which is out 
of reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable 
substance ethylene glycol. For this 
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot 
engine parts. It could ignite and cause 
serious burns.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine 
(approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank 
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure 
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float is at least 
even with the upper edge of the filler 
neck, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm) 
above it Ð that is, up to the second 
mark on the float (refer also to the 
schematic diagram next to the filler 
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the 
coolant is low, slowly add coolant 
until the correct level is reached Ð do 
not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze 
with corrosion inhibitor.< 

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 105 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter91 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)60 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)73 
Adding 
brake fluid118 
coolant117 
engine oil115 
washer fluid114 
Adjusting 
head restraints44 
lumbar support43 
manual seats42 
mirrors48 
power seat43 
steering wheel47 
thigh support42 
Air conditioning85 
temperature settings86 
Air distribution86, 89 
Air nozzles85 Air outlets, 
ventilation85, 88 
Air supply86, 89 
Airbags18, 49 
sitting correctly41 
Alarm system36 
Antifreeze117 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 105 
Anti-theft system36 
Aquaplaning104, 105 
Armrest92 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)72 
Ashtray 
front95 
rear95 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)60 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner95 
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90 
Automatic climate 
control88 
temperature settings89 
Automatic cruise control64 
Automatic curb monitor47 Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)73 
Automatic headlight 
control82 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)90 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)72 
Automatic transmission59 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 59 
Automatic-dimming feature, 
mirrors49 
Average consumption70 
Average speed70 
Axle loads142 
B 
Backrest, adjusting42 
Backup lamps58 
bulb replacement127 
Battery133 
care133 
charge current 
indicator17 
charging133 
Belts, safety45 
Beverage holder93 Blower86, 89 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil116 
BMW Maintenance 
System119 
BMW sports seat 
electrical adjustment43 
manual adjustment42 
Bore140 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder93 
Brake fluid118 
add118 
warning lamp17 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement127 
Brake system104, 106 
brake fluid118 
brake fluid level106 
brake pads106 
brake pads, indicator 
lamp19 
disc brakes106 
Break-in procedure104 
Bulbs and lamps, 
replacement124 
   
A-Z 

Everything from A to Z
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
C 
California Proposition 
65 Warning120 
Capacities143 
Car care, refer to the "Caring 
for your vehicle" manual 
Car key28 
Car phone94 
refer also to the separate 
"Owner's Manual" 
Car wash systems, refer to 
the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Care of upholstery materials, 
refer to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Cargo loading99 
Cassette operation, refer to 
the "Radio Owner's 
Manual" 
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)18, 73 
CD operation, refer to the 
"Radio Owner's Manual" 
Cellular phone94 
refer also to the separate 
"Owner's Manual"94 Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp128 
Center armrest92 
Central locking system28 
button32 
Changing a wheel/tire129 
Check Control68 
Checking coolant level117 
Checking engine oil 
level115 
Child-restraint systems52 
Clean the headlamps63 
Cleaning windshield63 
Clock68 
refer to the "Radio Owner's 
Manual" 
Cockpit14 
Coin box93 
Compartments92 
Compression ratio140 
Computer69 
refer also to the "Onboard 
Computer Owner's 
Manual"69 
Configuring individual 
settings via Vehicle and 
Key Memory55 Consumption70 
display67 
Convenience operation via 
the door lock 
sliding/tilt sunroof31 
windows31 
Coolant117 
add117 
capacity143 
checking level117 
Coolant temperature 
gauge67 
Cooling system including 
heater circuit, 
capacity143 
Copyright4 
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)18, 73 
Correct sitting posture41 
Cover, sun blinds91 
Cruise control64 
Cruising range70 
Cup holder, refer to 
beverage holder93 
Curb monitor47 
Curb weight142 
Current check indicator17 
D 
Data 
dimensions141 
engine140 
weights142 
Daytime driving lamps82 
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)73, 74 
Deep water105 
Defrost windows and 
remove 
condensation87, 89 
Defroster, rear 
window86, 90 
Digital clock68 
Dimensions141 
Dipstick, engine oil115 
Displacement140 
Display lighting83 
Displays15 
Distance warning71 
Divided rear-seat 
backrest96 
Door key28