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
Page 4 of 155

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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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
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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.<