
 
10n
 
For your own safety
 
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels  
containing up to and including 
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with 
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 
15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will 
not void the applicable warranties 
covering defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel 
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, for example) among gasolines 
offered for sale in the United States and 
Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels 
may result in driveability, starting and 
stalling problems, especially under 
certain environmental conditions, such 
as high ambient temperature and high 
altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be 
related to the fuel you are using, we 
recommend that you respond by 
switching to a recognized high-quality 
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled 
maintenance.
Obey all applicable safety rules when 
handling gasoline.
 
<
 
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts  
and accessories approved by BMW. 
When you purchase accessories tested  
and approved by BMW and Original 
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire 
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure 
optimum performance when installed 
on your vehicle. 
BMW warrants these parts to be free  
from defects in material and workman-
ship. 
BMW will not accept any liability for  
damage resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by 
BMW. 
BMW cannot test every product on the  
market to determine whether it can be 
used on a BMW safely and without risk 
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its 
occupants. 
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories  
and other products approved by BMW, 
together with professional advice on 
using these items, are available from all 
BMW centers. 
Installation and operation of non-BMW  
approved accessories such as alarms, 
 
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,  
wheels, suspension components, brake 
dust shields, telephones (including 
operation of any portable cellular phone 
from within the vehicle without using an 
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause 
extensive damage to the vehicle, 
compromise its safety, interfere with 
the vehicle's electrical system or affect 
the validity of the BMW Limited 
Warranty. Contact your BMW center for 
additional information. 
Do not use key or remote control to  
lock doors or luggage compartment 
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to 
pages  29 and  31 for more details.
 
<
 
Maintenance, replacement, or 
repair of the emission control 
devices and systems may be performed 
by any automotive repair establishment 
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
 
<
 
Symbol on vehicle parts 
 
Indicates that you should consult 
the relevant section of this 
Owner's Manual for information on a 
particular part or assembly.  

 
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 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; 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 109 and 124
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 to avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information refer to 
pages 83, 85 

 
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 control system 
has failed. Continue driving 
cautiously and defensively. 
Avoid full brake applications. Please 
have the system checked by your BMW 
center as soon as possible.
For additional information refer to 
pages 80, 81
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and 
ADB/DBC indicator and warning 
lamps for Canadian models.
 
Red: an important reminder
 
Parking brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking 
brake is engaged Ð an additional 
acoustic signal sounds when you start 
off. 
For additional information refer to 
page 66
Parking brake warning lamp for 
Canadian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety 
belts 
 
l 
 
An acoustic warning also 
sounds in some versions. Flashes if the 
backrest is not locked. Lights up either 
for several seconds or until the belt is 
engaged, depending upon version.
For additional information on safety 
belts refer to page 52
Airbags 
 
l
 
Please have the system 
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information refer to 
page 56
 
Orange: consult the nearest 
BMW center
 
Automatic transmission
The automatic 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 67 

 
19n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
 
 l
 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking performance 
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system 
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information refer to 
page 109
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on during driving: the 
engine oil level has fallen to the 
absolute minimum; refill as soon as 
possible. Do not drive more than 
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information refer to 
page 121
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been switched off: add engine 
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time 
you stop to refuel).
For additional information refer to 
page 121
 
Brake pads 
 
l
 
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information refer 
to page 109
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor 
 
l
 
Check tire inflation pressures, 
refer to pages 24, 83, 85
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)
 
  
l
 
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive 
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off with the 
button or it is defective, or the DSC has 
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please contact a BMW center in case of 
a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on 
page 80
 
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) indicator 
lamp and brake warning lamp 
 
l
 
The indicator lamps remain on: 
the DSC
 
  
and ADB/DBC have 
been switched off with the button or are 
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information refer to 
page 81
DSC and ADB indicator and 
warning lamps for Canadian 
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 
 
l
 
Malfunction in DBC system. 
Conventional braking efficiency 
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information refer to 
page 82 

 
21n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)
 
* 
The buttons integrated in the multifunc-
tion steering wheel (MFL) are provided 
so that you can operate a number of 
accessories quickly and without being 
distracted from traffic conditions. You 
may operate:
 
>
 
Selected radio functions
 
>
 
The cruise control
 
>
 
Selected cellular phone functions.
The controls are active only when 
the corresponding systems and 
accessories are switched on.
 
< 
 
Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing, 
terminate a call.
 
Switch between phone, radio, cassette 
and CD.
Forward:
 
>
 
Radio
Press briefly: station scan in FM band
Extended pressure: search function
 
>
 
CD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function 
in track
 
>
 
Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast 
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
 
>
 
Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind/reverse: functions as fast 
forward.
 
Volume
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+) 
or decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate. 

30n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlTo lock and securePress the button.
Do not lock the vehicle if there are 
passengers still inside, because 
they would not be able to unlock the 
doors.
* 
and interior motion sensor
* 
Press the button a second time imme-
diately after locking.
For additional information refer to 
page 37.
To open the luggage 
compartment lidPress the button.
The luggage compartment lid will open 
slightly, regardless of whether it 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.<  

36n
Luggage compartment Alarm system
*
The fittings at the corners of the 
luggage compartment provide you with 
a convenient means of attaching 
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for 
securing luggage.
Refer also to Cargo loading on 
page 103.
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the 
luggage compartment lid is opened
>To movements inside the vehicle 
(interior motion sensor)
>To variations in the vehicle's tilt angle 
such as those occurring during 
attempts to steal the wheels or tow 
the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized 
vehicle entry and attempted theft by 
simultaneously activating the following:
>The acoustic alarm sounds for 
30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes
>The high beams flash on and off in 
rhythm with the hazard warning 
flashers.
To arm and disarm the alarm 
systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
via the driver's door lock or with the 
remote control, the alarm system is also 
simultaneously armed or disarmed.
You can have different acknowl-
edgment signals set to confirm 
arming and disarming.<
You can open the luggage compart-
ment lid even when the system is 
armed by pressing the button on the 
remote control, refer to page 30. When 
it is closed, the lid is once again 
secured. 

39n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Manual convertible topThe fabric top offers the perfect protec-
tion against weather and one person 
can open and close it easily and simply.
So that you will get the most out of 
enjoying your convertible, here are a 
few tips: it is advisable to close the 
convertible top when the vehicle is 
being parked. The closed convertible 
top not only protects the passenger 
compartment from unforeseeable 
damage from the weather, it also 
provides a certain degree of theft 
protection.
In addition, keep valuables only in the 
locked luggage compartment, even 
with the convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage 
rack on the convertible top.
Closing the electric power 
windows: to help ensure that the 
windows seal securely, you should 
either close the rear windows first or 
close all four windows at the same 
time.<
To open the convertible top
Never attempt to open or close 
the convertible top unless the 
vehicle is completely stationary. To 
prevent vehicle damage the top 
compartment's lock will not disengage 
unless the luggage compartment lid is 
closed.<
1. Flip the locking handle out (refer to 
illustration), and turn it as far as the 
end stop will allow 
2. Raise the convertible top a little bit 
(release the tension)
3. To unlock, press the button with igni-
tion key in position 1. The top 
compartment lid's lock disengages 
and the lid itself rises a small 
distance. The side windows will 
lower slightly
If the indicator lamp lights up 
when you press the button, this 
indicates that the top compartment's 
floor panel has been raised, preventing 
the lock from disengaging, refer to 
page 35. You should respond by folding 
the top compartment panel back to its 
original position and then reclosing the 
luggage compartment lid.<