
 
Contents
 
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 40 0 156 144
deutsch VIII/01
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper 
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling). 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps17
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)21
Hazard warning triangle22
Refueling22
Fuel specifications23
Tire inflation pressures24
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys28
Central locking system28
Opening and closing Ð via the 
remote control29
Opening and closing Ð via the 
door lock31
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside32
Luggage compartment lid33
Luggage compartment35
Alarm system36
Electric power windows37
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
 
Adjustments:
 
Correct sitting posture40
Seats40
Manual seat adjustment41
Power seat adjustment42
Lumbar support42
Head restraints43
Entering the rear43
Safety belts44
Seat and mirror memory45
Seat heating46
Steering wheel46
Mirrors47
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags48
Transporting children safely51
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory53
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock54
Starting the engine54
Switching off the engine55
Parking brake56
Manual transmission56
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
Indicator/Headlamp flasher59
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor60
Cruise control62
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer64
Tachometer64
Energy control64
Fuel gauge65
Temperature gauge65
Service Interval Display65
Check Control66
Computer66
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)69
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)70
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)71
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)73
Flat Tire Monitor75
 
Contents 

 
19n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
 
 l
 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking performance 
remains available without limitations. 
Please have the system inspected by 
your BMW center. For additional infor-
mation: refer to page 99
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the 
engine oil level has fallen to the 
absolute minimum; refill as soon as 
possible. Do not drive more than 
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 109
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: add more engine 
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time 
you stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to 
page 109
 
 
 
Brake pads 
 
l
 
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer 
to page 100
 
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/Flat 
Tire Monitor 
 
l
 
Check tire inflation pressures. 
Refer to pages 24, 73, 76
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)
 
  
l
 
Indicator lamp flashes: 
The system is actively regulating drive 
torque and braking force. 
The indicator lamp stays lit: 
ASC+T has been switched off with the 
button or it is defective, or the DSC has 
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center 
in case of a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on 
page 70
 
Indicator lamp for Automatic 
Stability Control plus Traction 
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability 
Control (DSC) and brake 
warning lamp 
 
l
 
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC
 
  
and ADB/DBC have been 
switched off manually or there is a 
system malfunction.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 71
DSC and ADB indicator and 
brake warning lamps for Cana-
dian models.
 
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
 
 l
 
  
Malfunction in the DBC system. 
Conventional braking efficiency 
is available without limitations.
Have the system repaired by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 72 

70n
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)
 
The conceptThis system optimizes vehicle stability 
and traction, especially when just 
starting off, when accelerating or when 
going through curves.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present 
in traction loss and will increase driving 
stability and traction by reducing the 
engine's output, and if necessary, by 
applying the brakes to the rear wheels.
ASC+T is ready each time you start the 
engine.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes: 
ASC+T controls the drive and braking 
forces.
The indicator lamp fails to go out 
after the engine is started, or it 
comes on during normal driving and 
stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the 
system was deactivated with the 
button. Consequently, interventions to 
increase driving stability (as described 
in the preceding column) are no longer 
available. You can still drive the vehicle 
perfectly well without ASC+T.
In the event of a fault, please consult 
your BMW center, refer to 
pages 18, 19.<
Deactivating the ASC+TPress the button; the indicator lamp 
comes on and stays on.
The illustration depicts the arrangement 
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully 
equipped. This may vary, depending on 
the equipment actually installed.
In the following rare situations, it may 
prove useful to deactivate the ASC+T 
for a brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible.< 

71n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
ASC+T Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
*
Reactivating the ASC+TPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with ASC+T. It will 
always be the driver's responsibility to 
drive in a manner that matches road 
conditions. This is why you should not 
use the additional safety margin the 
system provides as an excuse to take 
risks.<
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in 
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability 
during acceleration and when starting 
from a full stop, as well as optimizing 
traction. In addition, it recognizes 
unstable vehicle conditions, such as 
under- or oversteering, and, within 
physically feasible limits, helps keeping 
the vehicle on a steady course by 
reducing the engine speed and brake 
applications to the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you 
start the engine. DSC incorporates the 
ADB and CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control) functions.
The Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) 
relies on selective braking applications 
at the drive wheels to furnish the func-
tionality of a conventional limited-slip 
differential for enhanced traction in crit-
ical driving conditions such as those 
encountered on snow-covered road 
surfaces, etc.
The ADB is operational when DSC is 
switched off.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly 
after the ignition has been 
switched on, refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking 
forces. 
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the 
button; ADB is operational.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator and the brake 
warning lamps will remain on 
continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have 
been switched off with the 
button or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely 
operational, however, without DSC. In 
the event of a fault, please consult your 
BMW center, refer to pages 18, 19.
Indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models. 

72n
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
*
Deactivating the DSC/activate the 
ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC is deactivated; ADB is operational.
In the following rare situations, it may 
prove useful to activate the ADB for a 
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered 
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been 
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.
Under these special circumstances 
traction is increased by deactivating the 
control systems that enhance traction 
under normal conditions.
Deactivating the DSC and ADB Hold the DSC button down for at least 
3  seconds. The indicator and the yellow 
brake warning lamps will remain on 
continuously.
The systems for enhancing stability and 
traction are deactivated, and there is no 
active braking intervention or torque 
control.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated whenever possible.
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. It will 
always be the driver's responsibility to 
drive in a manner that matches road 
conditions. This is why you should not 
use the additional safety margin the 
system provides as an excuse to take 
risks.
When ADB is in its standby mode, DSC 
is deactivated; DSC does not intervene 
to enhance vehicle stability under these 
conditions.
Do not make any modifications to the 
DSC system. Allow only authorized 
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the 
DSC system.
The system responds to sudden, high-
intensity applications of force to the 
brake pedal by automatically braking 
the vehicle with maximum boost to 
achieve the shortest-possible braking 
distances during "panic stops." This 
system exploits all the benefits of ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure exerted 
against the brake pedal until the 
braking maneuver has been completed. 
DBC is deactivated when you release 
the brake pedal. 

98n
To ensure that your vehicle provides 
maximum economy throughout a long 
service life, we request that you comply 
with the following information.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km): 
Constantly vary both engine and vehicle 
speed, remembering not to exceed 
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h) 
during this period.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Do not use full throttle, and avoid 
pressing the accelerator beyond the 
kickdown point during these initial 
miles.
You can then proceed to increase both 
engine and vehicle speed once the 
initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have 
elapsed.
You should also observe the same 
break-in procedures if the engine or 
differential is replaced later in the 
course of the vehicle's life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated 
with their manufacture, tires do not 
achieve their full traction potential until 
after an initial break-in period. We thus 
ask you to drive with extra care during 
the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on 
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of 
water may form between the tire and 
the road surface. This phenomenon is 
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or 
complete loss of traction, vehicle 
control and braking effectiveness. 
Reduce your speed on wet roads.
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface 
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service 
life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance), provided that 
traffic conditions allow you to do so. 
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when the parking brake is set. 
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
vehicle with the engine off Ð when 
towing, for example Ð substantially 
higher levels of pedal force will be 
required to brake the vehicle.
operate at optimum efficiency. 
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures
  

102n
Tire condition Tire replacementTire damage (up to and including 
sudden and complete air loss) can 
endanger the lives of both the vehicle 
occupants and other road users.
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. 
DOT Quality GradesTread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C 
All passenger vehicle tires must 
conform to Federal Safety 
Requirements in addition to these 
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative 
rating based on the wear rate of the tire 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test 
course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would 
wear one and one-half (1 g) times as 
well on the government course as a tire 
graded 100. The relative performance 
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due 
to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to 
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability 
to stop on wet pavement as measured 
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of 
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to 
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does 
not include acceleration, cornering, 
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the 
highest), B, and C, representing the 
tire's resistance to the generation of 
heat and its ability to dissipate heat 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory 
test wheel. 
Sustained high temperature can cause 
the material of the tire to degenerate 
and reduce tire life, and excessive 
temperature can lead to sudden tire 
failure. The grade C corresponds to a 
level of performance which all 
passenger vehicle tires must meet  

103n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacementunder the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A 
represent higher levels of performance 
on the laboratory test wheel than the 
minimum required by law. 
The temperature grade for this tire 
is established for a tire that is 
properly inflated and not overloaded. 
Excessive speed, underinflation, or 
excessive loading, either separately or 
in combination, can cause heat buildup 
and possible tire failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where 
applicable on the tire sidewall between 
tread shoulder and maximum section 
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 
Traction AA 
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since 
driving safety may be impaired. 
This is due to the possible variations in 
casing structures and, in some cases, 
to their extreme age, which can lead to 
a decrease in their durability.<
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the 
sidewall:
DOT ... 4101 indicates that the tire was 
manufactured in week 41 of the year 
2001.
BMW recommends the replacement of 
all tires when the tires are no more than 
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years 
is possible.
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consists of self-contained 
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains 
some residual safety in the event of 
pressure drop and driving remains 
possible to a restricted degree. The 
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor, 
which indicate a flat tire.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor 
refer to pages 73 bzw. 75.
Safety tires are only possible in 
conjunction with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<