
81n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
ASC+T Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
*
Switch the ASC+T back onPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with ASC+T. An 
appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
We therefore urge you to avoid using 
the additional safety margin of the 
system as an excuse for taking risks.<
The conceptThe Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 
maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability 
during acceleration and when starting 
from a full stop, as well as optimizing 
traction. In addition, it recognizes 
unstable vehicle conditions, such as 
under- or oversteering, and, as far as is 
possible within the laws of physics, 
helps keeping the vehicle on a steady 
course by reducing the engine speed 
and brake applications to the individual 
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start 
the engine. DSC incorporates the func-
tionality of the Automatic Differential 
Brake (ADB) and the Cornering Brake 
Control (CBC).
The Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) 
relies on selective braking applications 
at the drive wheels to furnish the func-
tionality of a conventional limited-slip 
differential for enhanced traction in crit-
ical driving conditions such as those 
encountered on snow-covered road 
surfaces, etc.
The ADB is in standby mode when DSC 
is deactivated.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly 
after the ignition has been 
switched on, refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is actively controlling drive torque 
and braking intervention. 
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been deactivated manually; 
ADB is operational.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator lamp and the 
brake warning lamps will remain 
on continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have 
been deactivated with the 
button or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely 
operational, however, without DSC. In 
the event of a fault, please consult your 
BMW center, refer to pages 18, 19.
Indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models. 

108n
To ensure that your vehicle continues to 
provide maximum economy throughout 
an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the 
following instructions. 
Engine and differentialThe first 1,200 miles (2,000 km): 
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle 
and engine speed during these initial 
miles while remembering to avoid 
engine speeds in excess of 4,500 rpm 
and/or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph 
(160 km/h):
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid 
pressing the accelerator beyond the 
kickdown point.
After the initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km) 
you can gradually increase both engine 
and vehicle speeds.
Please remember to observe the same 
break-in procedures if either the engine 
or the differential is replaced later in the 
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated 
with their manufacture, tires do not 
achieve their full traction potential until 
an initial break-in period has elapsed. 
We thus ask you to drive with extra care 
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on 
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of 
water may form between the tire and 
the road surface. This phenomenon is 
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or 
complete loss of traction, vehicle 
control and braking effectiveness. 
Reduce your speed on wet roads.
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface 
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service 
life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance); use caution to 
avoid posing a danger to other road 
users. You can prevent corrosion in the 
drums by periodically repeating this 
procedure.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when you engage the parking 
brake. 
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
vehicle with the engine off Ð when 
towing, for example Ð substantially 
higher levels of pedal force will be 
required to brake the vehicle.
operate at optimum efficiency. 
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures
  

121n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the 
dipstick out and wipe it off with a 
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or 
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the 
way into the guide tube and pull it 
out again
5. The oil level should be between the 
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption 
is directly influenced by your driving 
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks 
on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess 
oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has 
dropped to just above the lower mark 
before adding oil, you should never 
allow the oil level to fall below this 
mark. 
BMW engines are designed to 
operate without oil additives; the 
use of additives could lead to damage 
in some cases. This is also true for the 
manual transmission, the automatic 
transmission, the differential, and the 
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
at your BMW center. 

147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Capacities 
Notes
Fuel tank 
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63) 
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification, refer to 
page 23
Windshield/headlamp washer reservoir quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3) Specifications, refer to page 120
Cooling system including heating circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) Specifications, refer to page 123
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5) BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil 
Specifications, refer to page 121
Manual and automatic transmission 
and differentialÐ Lifetime lubricant, no oil change 
required 

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 ZDisplay lighting88 
Displays15 
Disposal 
antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents123 
battery139 
brake fluid124 
engine oil122 
Distance warning79 
Door keys28 
Doors 
electrical malfunction31 
locking and unlocking29 
manual operation31 
DOT Quality Grades, 
tires114 
Draft-free ventilation92, 95 
Drive belts17 
Driving notes109 
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control)81 
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control19, 81 
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC)82 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)19, 81 
E 
Easy access to the rear51 
Electric power seats, 
adjustment49 
Electric power windows38 
Electrical malfunction 
doors31 
fuel filler door22 
luggage compartment 
lid33 
Electrical malfunction, 
closing only 
fully-automatic convertible 
top44 
Elements of operation14 
Emergency release of 
luggage compartment lid 
from luggage 
compartment's interior34 
Energy Control74 
Engine and differential108 
Engine compartment 
essentials119 
Engine coolant, refer to 
coolant123 Engine data144 
Engine oil 
consumption121 
disposal122 
fluid capacity147 
quality122 
specifications122 
viscosity122 
Engine oil level121 
check121 
indicator19 
Engine oil pressure 
indicator17 
Engine speed144 
Engine, starting64 
Engine, switching off65 
Enlarging luggage 
compartment35 
Entering the rear51 
Exterior mirrors55 
F 
Failure messages76 
Filling capacities147 
Fittings, tow starting and 
towing141 
Flashlight96 Flat Tire 
Monitor85, 115, 138 
Flat tires113, 135, 138 
Floor panel, luggage 
compartment35 
Fog lamps88 
Follow me home lamps87 
Front fog lamps88 
Front reading lamps89 
Fuel consumption78 
Fuel consumption 
display75 
Fuel filler door22 
electrical malfunction22 
manual operation22 
Fuel gauge75 
Fuel reserve indicator75 
Fuel specifications23 
Fuel tank capacity147 
Fuel tank gauge75 
Fuel-injection system144 
Fully-automatic convertible 
top42 
electrical malfunction, 
closing only44 
manual closing44 
Fuses139