
 
Contents
 
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 41 0 156 190
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
Ð via the door lock31
Ð from the inside32
Luggage compartment lid33
Luggage compartment35
Alarm system36
Electric power windows38
Manual convertible top39
Fully-automatic convertible 
top42
Wind deflector46
 
Adjustments:
 
Correct sitting posture48
Seats48
Adjusting electric power 
seats49
Lumbar support50
Head restraints50
Entering the rear51
Safety belts52
Seat and mirror memory53
Seat heating54
Steering wheel54
Mirrors55
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags56
Transporting children safely59Rollover protection system61
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory63
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock64
Starting the engine64
Switching off the engine65
Parking brake66
Manual transmission66
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic67
Indicator/Headlamp flasher69
Washer/Wiper system/
Rain sensor70
Cruise control72
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer74
Tachometer74
Energy control74
Fuel gauge75
Temperature gauge75
Service Interval Display75
Check Control76
Computer76
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)79
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)80
 
Contents 

 
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 

117n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than 
summer tires with the load ratings H, V, 
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not 
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread configuration on all 
four wheels.Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in 
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope 
with winter driving conditions, and 
should be replaced in the interest of 
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, 
protecting them against light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are 
intended for mounting on summer or 
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels 
only. Comply with all manufacturer's 
safety precautions when mounting the 
chains.
You cannot mount snow chains with the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17 

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  

Everything from A to Z
153n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
G 
Garage-door opener97 
Gasoline gauge75 
Glove compartment97 
Gross vehicle weight146 H 
Handbrake66 
Hands-free system100 
microphone100 
Hardtop110 
Hazard warning triangle22 
Head restraints50 
Headlamp cover, care131 
Headlamp flasher88 
Headlamp washer 
system120 
capacity147 
Headlight control87 
Heated seats54 
Heavy cargo103 
Height145 
High beams20, 69, 88 
bulb replacement131 
High Performance Synthetic 
Oil122 
Holder for canned 
beverages100 
Hood118 
Horn14 
I 
Ice warning77 
Icy roads77 
Ignition keys28 
Ignition lock64 
Imprint4 
Indicator lamps17 
Inflation pressures, 
tires24, 113 
INSPECTION75 
Instrument cluster15 
Instrument lighting88 
Instrument panel15 
Interface socket for onboard 
diagnostics (OBD)127 
Interior lamps30, 89 
remote control30 
Interior motion sensor36 
operating via remote 
control30 
switching off37 
Interior rearview mirror55 
with automatic 
dimming56 
Interlock64 
J 
Jack135 
Jump-starting140 K 
Key Memory63 
Key set28 
Keys28 L 
Lamps and bulbs, 
replacement131 
Lashing eyes104 
LATCH child-restraint 
system59 
Length145 
License plate lamps, bulb 
replacement134 
LIGHTS ON warning87 
Load-securing devices104 
Lock buttons32 
Low beams87 
bulb replacement131 
Lug wrench135 
Luggage compartment35 
capacity146 
enlarging35 
floor panel35 
secure separately33 Luggage compartment lid 
electrical malfunction33 
manual operation33 
operate via remote 
control30 
Luggage compartment 
lighting33 
Luggage compartment's 
interior, emergency 
release34 
Luggage rack105 
Lumbar support50 
M 
M+S tires117 
Maintenance125 
Malfunction displays76 
Manual closing 
fully-automatic convertible 
top44 
Manual convertible top39 
close41 
open39 
Manual operation 
doors31 
fuel filler door22 
luggage compartment 
lid33  

Everything from A to ZManual transmission66 
Manually controlled recircu-
lated-air95 
Master keys28 
MFL (Multifunction steering 
wheel)22 
Microfilter92, 96 
Mirror defrosting55 
Mirror memory53 
Mirrors55 
Mobile phone, refer to 
cellular phone100 
Modifications, 
technical10, 126 
Motion sensor, refer to 
interior motion sensor36 
Mounting the roof rack110 
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)22 O 
OBD interface socket127 
Odometer74 
Oil 
additives121 
capacity147 
consumption121 
quality122 
specifications122 
viscosity122 Oil change intervals, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models) or the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) 
Oil dipstick121 
Oil filter change147 
OIL SERVICE75 
Onboard computer76 
refer also to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Onboard tool kit130 
Opening and closing 
from the inside32 
via the door lock31 
via the remote control29 
Original hand-held 
transmitter97 
Outside temperature 
display77 
P 
Paint care, refer to the 
"Caring for your vehicle" 
manual 
Park assistant79 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)79 Parking aid79 
Parking brake66 
Parking lamps 
bulb replacement131 
PDC (Park Distance 
Control)79 
Phone, refer to cellular 
phone100 
Pocket light96 
Power windows38 
Q 
Quality Grades, tires114 R 
Radiator147 
Rain sensor70 
RDC (Tire Pressure 
Monitor)83 
Reading lamps 
front89 
rear89 
Rear fog lamps 
bulb replacement133 
Rear lamps133 
Rear reading lamps89 
Rear window 
defroster91, 95 Rearview mirror55 
Recirculated-air mode91 
Refueling22 
Remote control29 
Remove window 
condensation92, 94 
Replace windshield wiper 
blades130 
Replacement keys28 
Replacing lamps and 
bulbs130 
Reporting safety defects11 
Reverse66 
Rollover protection 
system61 
Roof weight146 
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack105 
S 
Safe with safety belts48 
Safety belts48, 52 
seat-integrated51 
Safety defects, reporting11 
Safety tires115, 138 
Seat heating54 
Seat memory53 
Seat-integrated safety belt 
system (SGS)51  

To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information 
when you stop for fuel, we recommend 
that you fill out the adjoining chart by 
entering the data that apply to your 
vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations. 
Fuel Please enter your preferred fuel here. Engine oil The oil volume between the two marks 
on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressures 
Summer tires Winter tires 
Front Rear Front Rear
Up to 2 passengers 
4 passengers plus luggage
Refueling