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Contents
 
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 41 0 156 156
US English 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
Tailgate33
Rear window34
Cargo area35
Alarm system35
Electric power windows37
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
 
Adjustments:
 
Correct sitting posture40
Seats40
Manual seat adjustment41
Power seat adjustment42
Lumbar support42
Head restraints43
Safety belts44
Seat and mirror memory45
Seat heating46
Steering wheel46
Mirrors47
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags48
Transporting children safely51Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory54
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock55
Starting the engine55
Switching off the engine56
Parking brake57
Manual transmission57
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
Indicator/Headlamp flasher60
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor61
Cruise control63
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer65
Tachometer65
Energy control65
Fuel gauge66
Coolant temperature gauge66
Service Interval Display66
Check Control67
Clock67
Computer68
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)70
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)71
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)73
 
Contents 
     
        
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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
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Sound system91
Glove compartment92
Storage compartments92
Cellular phone94
Ashtray, front94
Ashtray, rear95
Electrical power socket95
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag96
Cargo area97
Cargo loading99
Roof-mounted luggage rack100
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedure104
Driving notes105
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)105
Brake system106
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure107
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 
     
        
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15n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
1 Fuel gauge66
2 Indicator lamps for turn signals203 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning 
lamps 17 to 205 Tachometer and Energy control65
6 Engine coolant temperature 
gauge66
 
Instrument cluster  
     
        
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20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level 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 by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. 
For additional information refer to 
page 12 1.
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 at 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 60
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated: available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel.
For additional information refer to 
page 63
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 60, 83 
     
        
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66n
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 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. Switch off the engine immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to 
page 117.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating temperature. 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. 
     
        
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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 
     
        
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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 when the engine 
is cold (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.< 
     
        
        Page 146 of 155

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 105 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter91 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)59 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)73 
Adding 
brake fluid118 
coolant117 
engine oil115 
washer fluid114 
Adjusting 
backrest41 
manual seat41 
mirrors47 
power seat42 
steering wheel46 
thigh support41 
Air conditioning85 
Air distribution86, 89 
Air outlets, 
ventilation85, 88 
Air supply86, 89 Airbags18, 48 
sitting correctly40 
Alarm system35 
Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents117 
disposal117 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 105 
Anti-theft system35 
Approved gross vehicle 
weight142 
Aquaplaning105, 107 
Armrest92 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)71 
Ashtray 
front94 
rear95 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)59 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner94 
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90 Automatic climate 
control88, 89 
Automatic cruise control63 
Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)73 
Automatic headlight 
control82 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)90 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)71 
Automatic transmission58 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 58 
Average fuel 
consumption69 
Average speed69 
Axle loads142 
B 
Backrest41 
Backup lamps57 
bulb replacement127 
Battery133 
care133 
charging133 
disposal133 Battery charge current 
indicator17 
Beverage holder93 
Blower86, 89 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil116 
BMW Maintenance 
System119 
BMW sports seat 
manual adjustment41 
power adjustment42 
Bore140 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder93 
Brake fluid118 
disposal118 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement127 
Brake pads19 
Brake system 
brake fluid level106 
brake pads106 
brake rotors, 
corrosion106 
defect in hydraulic 
circuits106 
disc brakes106 
   
A-Z