
 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)81
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)83
Flat Tire Monitor85
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams87
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Standing lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps89
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning90
Automatic climate control93
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Glove compartment96
BMW Universal Transmitter97
Storage compartments99
Cellular phone100
Ashtray, front100
Ashtray, rear101
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag102
Cargo loading103
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
the hardtop105
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures108
Driving notes109
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)109
Brake system109
Hardtop110
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Wheel and tire 
combinations116
Winter tires116
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood118
Engine compartment 
essentials119
Washer fluids120
Engine oil121
Coolant123
Brake fluid124
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System125
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications126
California Proposition 
65 Warning126
OBD interface socket127 

 
15n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
1 Fuel gauge75
2 Indicator lamps for turn signals203 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning 
lamps17 to 205 Tachometer and Energy control74
6 Engine coolant temperature 
gauge75
 
Instrument cluster  

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity. For additional information 
refer to page 120
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 at your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. For addi-
tional information refer to page 127
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 123
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is 
operated. 
Rapid flashing indicates a system 
malfunction.
For additional information refer to 
page 69
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated: available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel.
For additional information refer to 
page 72
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the fog lamps.
For additional information refer to 
page 88
 
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 69, 88 

75n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 147.
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. Shut off the engine immediately 
and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to 
page 123.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. 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 operating 
conditions in the preceding period.
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. 

119n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine compartment essentials1 Brake fluid reservoir124
2 Engine oil dipstick1213 Coolant expansion tank123
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and 
windshield washer system1205 Engine oil filler neck121
6 Auxiliary terminal for 
jump-starting140 

123n
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.< 

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 109 
Access to the rear51 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter96 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)68 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)81 
Adding 
brake fluid124 
coolant123 
engine oil121 
washer fluids120 
Adjusting 
electric power seats49 
head restraints50 
lumbar support50 
mirrors55 
steering wheel54 
Air conditioning90 
temperature setting91 
Air distribution91, 94 
Air nozzles90 
Air outlets 
ventilation90, 93 Air supply91, 94 
Airbags18, 56 
sitting correctly48 
Alarm system28, 36 
Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents123 
disposal123 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 109 
Anti-theft system28, 29, 32 
Aquaplaning109 
Armrest99 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)80 
Ashtray 
front100 
rear101 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)68 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner101 
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)95 
Automatic climate 
control93, 94 
Automatic cruise control72 Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)81 
Automatic dimming feature, 
mirrors56 
Automatic headlight 
control87 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)95 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)80 
Automatic transmission67 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 67 
Average fuel 
consumption78 
Average speed78 
Axle loads146 
B 
Backup lamps66 
bulb replacement133 
Battery139 
care139 
charging139 
disposal139 
Battery charge current 
indicator17 Belts, safety52 
Beverage holder100 
Blower91, 94 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil122 
BMW Maintenance 
System125 
BMW sports seat, 
adjustment49 
BMW Universal 
Transmitter97 
Bore144 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder100 
Brake fluid124 
disposal124 
warning lamp17, 124 
Brake fluid level109 
Brake hydraulic system, 
warning lamp17 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement133 
Brake pads19 
   
A-Z 

Everything from A to Z
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake system108, 109 
brake pads110 
brake rotors, 
corrosion110 
defect in hydraulic 
circuits109 
disc brakes110 
Break-in procedure108 
Bulbs and lamps, 
replacement131 C 
California Proposition 
65 Warning126 
Canned beverage 
holder100 
Capacities147 
Car care, refer to the "Caring 
for your vehicle" manual 
Car phone100 
Car wash systems, refer to 
the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Care of upholstery materials, 
refer to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual Cargo loading103 
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)18, 81 
Cellular phone 
refer also to the 
"Telephone Owner's 
Manual" 
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp134 
Center armrest99 
Central locking system28 
inside control button32 
Changing a wheel135 
Charging the battery139 
Check Control76 
Check engine oil level121 
Checking coolant level123 
Checking tire pressures24 
Child-restraint systems59 
Cigarette lighter101 
Cleaning headlamps71 
Cleaning windshield71 Clock76 
refer also to the 
"Telephone Owner's 
Manual" 
Clutch108 
Cockpit14 
Coin box100 
Compartments99 
Compression ratio144 
Computer76 
refer also to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Configuring individual 
settings via Vehicle and 
Key Memory63 
Consumption78 
display75 
Convenience operation via 
driver's door lock 
fully-automatic convertible 
top31 
power windows31 
Convertible top 
compartment panel35 
Convertible top, fully 
automatic operation42 Coolant123 
capacity147 
Coolant temperature 
gauge75 
Cooling system, 
capacity147 
Copyright4 
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)18, 81 
Correct sitting posture48 
Cruise control72 
Cruising range78 
Cup holder, refer to 
beverage holder100 
Curb weight146 
D 
Data 
dimensions145 
engine144 
weights146 
Daytime driving lamps87 
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)82 
Defrost windows92, 94 
Digital clock76 
Dimensions145 
Dipstick, engine oil121 
Displacement144