
 
17n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Indicator and warning lamps that are 
identified by 
 
l
 
 are tested for proper 
functioning whenever the ignition key is 
turned. 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 in the 
following section.
 
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 and 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, 80 

28n
Keys Central locking systemThe key set1 Master keys with remote control unit, 
determine the functions of the Key 
Memory, refer to page 54.
You can mark individual keys for 
subsequent identification by applying 
the colored decals that you received 
when accepting delivery of your 
vehicle.
Each master key is equipped with 
an extended-life battery. This 
battery is recharged in the ignition lock 
during normal operation. 
For this reason, if you have master keys 
that are not being used you should use 
those keys approx. once a year while 
driving for an extended period to 
charge the battery, refer also to 
page 29.<
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place, 
such as in your wallet. This key is not 
intended for constant use 
3 Door and ignition key
The lock for the glove compartment 
cannot be operated with this key Ð 
this is useful for valet parking, for 
instance.
The conceptThe central locking system is ready for 
operation whenever the driver's door is 
closed. The system engages and 
releases the locks on the
>doors
>tailgate and rear window
>fuel filler door. 
The central locking system can be 
operated
>from outside via the remote control 
as well as via the driver's door lock
>from inside by pressing a button.
Operating it from inside does not lock 
the fuel filler door, refer to page 32. 
When the system is operated from the 
outside, the anti-theft system is acti-
vated simultaneously. Both the door 
locks and release handles remain 
locked. The alarm system is also armed 
or disarmed.
If locked from the inside, the central 
locking systems unlocks automatically 
in the event of an accident, but only 
doors which were not locked separately 
with the door lock buttons, refer to 
page 32. In addition, the hazard 
warning flashers and interior lamps 
come on. 

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
>Opening the rear window, refer to 
page 30.
The rear window will open slightly, 
regardless of whether it was previ-
ously 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 when 
leaving the vehicle for valet parking, for 
example, 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 
mode
2 Lock and secure, switch on interior 
lamps, deactivate tilt alarm sensor 
and interior motion sensor
3 Open rear windowTo unlockPress the button once to unlock the 
driver's door.
Press the button a second time to 
unlock all vehicle locks. 

56n
Starting the engine Switching off the engine 
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time, but do not actuate it 
for more than approx. 20 seconds. 
Release the ignition key immediately 
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by 
leaving it running while the vehicle 
remains stationary. Instead, drive off 
immediately at a moderate engine 
speed.<
If the engine does not start on the first 
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for 
instance): 
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at extremely cold tempera-
tures of approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) or below 
and at high altitude over 3,300 ft 
(1,000 m):
>On the first start attempt, engage the 
starter for a longer period (approx. 
10 seconds)
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
The engine's idle speed is controlled by 
the engine-management system. A high 
idle after starting is normal and should 
decrease as the engine warms up. If the 
idle speed does not decrease, service 
is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, 
always switch off electrical devices that 
are not in use. Switch the ignition off 
when the vehicle is not being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent 
or long periods with the starter 
engaged, can lead to damage to the 
catalytic converter.<
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
You should never remove the igni-
tion key when the vehicle is in 
motion, as the steering lock could 
engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key and engage the 
steering lock.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on hills and slopes, as first gear 
or reverse may not provide adequate 
resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park".< 

84n
Interior lampsThe interior lamps operate automati-
cally.Switching the interior lamps on 
and off manuallyPress button 1 briefly:
If you want the interior lamps to remain 
off all the times, press and hold the 
button for approx. 3 seconds.
Press the button briefly to revert to 
normal operation.Front reading lamps
*
Switch on and off with the button 2 
adjacent to each lamp.
Rear reading lampsSwitch on and off with the button 2 
adjacent to each lamp.
In order to prevent battery 
discharge, all of the lamps in the 
vehicle are automatically switched off 
approx. 15 minutes after you turn the 
ignition key to position 0.< 

Everything from A to Z
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Break-in procedures104 
Bulbs and lamps 
replacement125 C 
California Proposition 
65 Warning120 
Can holder, refer to 
beverage holder93 
Capacities143 
Car care, refer to the "Caring 
for your vehicle" manual 
Car phone94 
Car wash systems, refer to 
the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Care of upholstery materials, 
refer to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Cargo area35, 97 
capacity142 
Cargo area cover97 
Cargo area lighting33 
Cargo loading99 CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)18, 73 
Cellular phone94 
refer also to the separate 
"Owner's Manual"94 
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp128 
Center armrest92 
Central locking system28 
control button32 
Changing a wheel129 
Check Control67 
Checking engine oil 
level115 
Checking tire pressures24 
Child-restraint systems51 
Cigarette lighter94 
Cigarette lighter socket94 
Clean rear window62 
Clean the headlamps62 
Cleaning windshield62 
Clock67 
refer also to the "Radio 
Owner's Manual" Clothes hooks105 
Clutch104 
Cockpit14 
Coin box93 
Compartments92 
Compression ratio140 
Computer68 
refer also to the "Owner's 
Manual Onboard 
Computer" 
Configuring individual 
settings via Vehicle and 
Key Memory54 
Convenience operation via 
the door lock 
power windows31 
sliding/tilt sunroof31 
Coolant117, 143 
Coolant temperature 
gauge66 
Cooling system including 
heating circuit, 
capacity143 
Copyright4 
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)18, 73 Correct sitting posture40 
Cruise control63 
Cruising range69 
Curb weight142 
D 
Data 
dimensions141 
technical140 
weights142 
Daytime driving lamps82 
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)74 
Deep water105 
Defrost windows87, 89 
Defroster, rear 
window86, 90 
Digital clock67 
Dimming rearview mirror48 
Dipstick, engine oil115 
Displacement140 
Display lighting83 
Displays15 
Disposal 
antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents117 
battery133 
brake fluid118 
engine oil116