
 
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 

 
17n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
The system runs an operational check 
on the indicator and warning lamps 
identified with the 
 
l
 
 symbol each time 
you switch on the ignition. They each 
light up once for different periods of 
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started, or 
it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see how to react to this below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current
 
 
 
l
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. Indicates a defective 
alternator drive belt or a problem with 
the alternator's charge circuit. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop 
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and 
serious engine damage. If the drive belt 
is defective, increased steering effort is 
also required.
 
<
 
Engine oil pressure
 
  
l
 
Stop the vehicle immediately 
and switch off the engine. 
Check the engine oil level; top off as 
required. If the oil level is correct: 
please contact the nearest BMW 
center.
Do not continue driving, as the 
engine could sustain serious 
damage from inadequate lubrication.
 
<
 Brake warning lamp  
l 
 If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged: 
check the brake fluid level. Before 
driving further, be sure to comply with 
the instructions on pages 106 and 118
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor  
l
 In addition, an acoustic signal is 
sounded: a tire failure has occurred. 
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and 
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake 
applications. As you steer the vehicle, 
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to 
pages 78 and 80 

 
18n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Red and yellow: continue driving 
cautiously
 
The brake warning lamp comes 
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS and 
ASC+T/DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, ASC+T/
DSC and
 
  
ADB/ADB-X/DBC
 
  
control system has failed. 
Continue driving cautiously and 
defensively. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Please have the system checked 
by your BMW center as soon as 
possible.
For additional information: refer to 
pages 72, 73
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and 
ADB/ADB-X/DBC indicator and 
warning lamps for Canadian 
models.
 
Red: an important reminder
 
Parking brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking 
brake is applied Ð an additional 
acoustic signal sounds when starting 
off. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 58
Parking brake warning lamp for 
Canadian models.
Fasten safety belts 
 
l 
 
An acoustic warning also 
sounds in some versions. Lights 
up either for several seconds or until 
the belt is engaged, depending upon 
version.
For additional information on safety 
belts: refer to page 45
Airbags 
 
l
 
Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to 
page 49
 
Orange: consult the nearest 
BMW center
 
Automatic transmission
The transmission has 
responded to a malfunction by 
reverting to operation in its emergency 
default program. Please consult the 
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to 
page 59 

 
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 

29n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for 
unlocking and locking your vehicle. 
Furthermore, it provides two additional 
functions which you can only execute 
via the remote control:
>To switch on interior lamps, refer to 
page 30.
With this function, you can also 
search for the vehicle, when parked 
in an underground garage, for 
instance
>To open the luggage compartment 
lid, refer to page 30.
The luggage compartment lid will 
open slightly, regardless of whether it 
was previously locked or unlocked.
Whenever you unlock (lock) the vehicle, 
you simultaneously deactivate (activate) 
the anti-theft system, disarm (arm) the 
alarm system and switch the interior 
lamps on (off).
You can have a signal set to 
confirm that the vehicle's locks 
have engaged securely.<
Since children might be able to 
lock the doors from the inside, 
always take the vehicle keys with you 
so that the vehicle can be opened again 
from the outside at any time.<
If it is no longer possible to lock 
the vehicle via the remote control, 
the battery is discharged. Use this key 
while driving for an extended period in 
order to recharge the battery.
To prevent unauthorized use of the 
remote control, surrender only the door 
and ignition key or the spare key, for 
example when leaving the vehicle for 
valet parking, refer to page 28.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your BMW center. You 
can also obtain replacement keys 
there.<
1 Unlock and convenience opening 
2 Lock and secure, interior lamp activa-
tion, disarming tilt alarm sensor and 
interior monitor sensor
3 Open the luggage compartment lidTo unlockPress the button once to unlock the 
driver's door.
Press the button a second time to 
disengage all vehicle locks. 

30n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlConvenience opening modePress and hold button to open the elec-
tric power windows and sliding/tilt 
sunroof.To lock and securePress button.
Do not lock the vehicle if anyone 
will be remaining inside, as it 
would then be impossible for the occu-
pant(s) to disengage the locks from the 
inside.< To switch on the interior lampsAfter locking the vehicle, press button 
again.To switch off the tilt alarm sensor
* 
and the interior motion sensor
* 
Press button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to 
page 37.
To open the luggage 
compartment lidPress button.
The luggage compartment lid will open 
slightly, regardless of whether the lid 
was previously locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure 
that the luggage compartment lid 
has not been opened unintentionally.
danger by holding down the button for 
between two and five seconds. 
Press the button to cancel the alarm.External systemsThe remote control system's operation 
may be affected by other units or 
equipment operating in the immediate 
vicinity of your vehicle.
If this should occur, you can still open 
and close the vehicle using the master 
key in either the door or luggage 
compartment lid locks.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units 
comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal 
Communication Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the 
following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement: 
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful 
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference 
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to 
these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.<  

33n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Luggage compartment lid The lockOnly the master keys fit in the lock of 
the luggage compartment lid, refer to 
page 28.
To secure separatelyTurn the master key to the right past the 
resistance point and then pull it out in 
the horizontal position.
This locks the luggage compartment lid 
and disconnects it from the central 
locking system. This feature can be 
used to prevent unauthorized access to 
the luggage compartment, when you 
hand over the door and ignition key for 
valet parking, for instance, refer to 
page 28. 
To open from the outsidePress the button in the handle recess 
(arrow): the luggage compartment lid 
opens slightly.
The luggage compartment is lit when 
the luggage compartment lid is opened. Manual operation(in the event of electrical malfunction) 
Turn the master key all the way to the 
left Ð the luggage compartment lid will 
open slightly. 
The luggage compartment lid is locked 
again as soon as you close the lid.
Opening from the inside, refer to 
page 34. 

37n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Alarm system
*
Electric power windows
>If the indicator lamp goes out when 
the system is disarmed: no manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed
>If the indicator lamp flashes for 
10 seconds when the system is 
disarmed: an attempted entry has 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the 
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarmsThe tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. You can do this to prevent a false 
alarm from being triggered in garages 
with elevator ramps, for instance, or 
when the vehicle is transported by 
trailer or train:
Lock the vehicle twice (= arm the 
system). Press button on the remote 
control twice in succession or lock the 
vehicle twice with the key.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion sensor are 
deactivated for as long as the system 
remains armed.
Interior motion sensorIn order for the interior motion sensor to 
function properly, the windows and the 
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely 
closed.
Nevertheless, you should deactivate 
the interior motion sensor (refer to 
previous column) if 
>children or animals are left in the 
vehicle
>the windows or the sliding/tilt sunroof 
are being left open.
To open and close windowsWith ignition key in position 1 or 2.
>Press the switch up to the resistance 
point: the window retracts; it remains 
in motion for as long as you maintain 
pressure on the switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the window moves auto-
matically. Pressing the switch again 
stops the opening cycle.
You can close the windows in the same 
manner by pulling the switch.
Separate switches are located under 
the windows in the rear passenger 
area.