Page 3 of 155

 
Foreword
 
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and 
security when you drive it. Therefore we have one request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the 
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The 
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining 
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical 
features. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance 
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value 
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supple-
mental manuals.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It 
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important 
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). 
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed descriptions of these warranties are provided in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG 
     
        
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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 
     
        
        Page 6 of 155
 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit124
Windshield wiper blades124
Lamps and bulbs125
Changing a wheel129
Battery133
Fuses133
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting134
Towing the vehicle135Engine data140
Dimensions141
Weights142
Capacities143Everything from A to Z146 
     
        
        Page 13 of 155
 
13n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Overview
Controls in detail
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index Technical data
 
Overview 
     
        
        Page 16 of 155
 
16n
 
Instrument cluster
 
7 Indicator and warning 
lamps17 to 20
8 Reset trip odometer to zero65
9 Indicator for Check Control6710 Display for
 
>
 
Trip odometer/Odometer65
 
>
 
Clock67
 
>
 
Service Interval66
 
>
 
Computer6811 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission18, 60
12 Clock reset button67
13 Indicator and warning 
lamps17 to 20 
     
        
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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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22n
 
Hazard warning triangle
 
*  
Refueling 
 
The warning triangle is located on the 
left side of the cargo area behind the 
cover panel.
To open: press the button (arrow) and 
remove the cover.
Always observe all legal regula-
tions requiring a warning triangle 
to be carried in the vehicle.
 
<
 
Fuel filler door
 
Before filling the tank, switch off 
the engine. If you do not, fuel 
cannot be filled into the tank and the 
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp may 
come on.
 
<
 
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler 
door to open and close it.
Manual release: undo the trim panel on 
the right side of the cargo area. Pull the 
knob with the fuel pump symbol. 
 
Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station 
when handling fuel. Never carry spare 
fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether 
empty or full, these containers can leak, 
cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the 
event of a collision.< 
     
        
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23n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refuel Fuel specificationsSimple and environmentally 
friendly
Open the fuel filler cap carefully to 
prevent fuel from spraying out. 
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Put the filler cap in the bracket (arrow) 
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling 
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling 
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness of 
the vapor recovery system on the 
pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the 
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the 
catalytic converter; never attempt 
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the 
tank.<
Close the fuel filler cap carefully 
after refueling until a click is 
heard. While closing, be sure not to 
squeeze the strap which is fastened to 
the cap. A loose or missing cap will 
activate the CHECK FILLER CAP lamp 
or the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Tank capacity: approx. 16.6 gal. 
(63 liters), incl. a reserve capacity of 
approx. 2.1 gal. (8 liters).
The engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only.
Required fuel: 
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI. 
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would 
cause permanent and irreversible 
damage to the oxygen sensor and the 
catalytic converter.<