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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 
     
        
        Page 14 of 159
 
14n
1 Parking lamps/Low beams87
2
 
>
 
Turn signal indicators69
 
>
 
Standing lamps88
 
>
 
High beams88
 
>
 
Headlamp flasher69
 
>
 
Computer763 Wiper/Washer system/Rain 
sensor70
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Central locking system286 Rear window defroster91, 95
7 Horn: the entire surface
8 Adjusting the steering wheel54
9 Fog lamps88
 
Cockpit 
     
        
        Page 20 of 159

 
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 
     
        
        Page 69 of 159

69n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Indicator/Headlamp ßasher
 
Available displays 
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control 
module
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the 
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the 
transmission selector lever to "P." 
Engage the parking brake and turn the 
engine off (ignition key to position 0). 
Wait a few seconds, then start the 
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a 
few seconds, normal transmission 
performance has been restored. You 
may continue to drive as usual. 
If the indicator lamp does not go out, 
you can place the selector lever in all 
positions. However, the vehicle will now 
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear. 
If this happens, avoid extreme engine 
loads and consult the nearest BMW 
center.
Do not work in the engine 
compartment when a drive gear 
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you 
do this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the 
information beginning on page 140.
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator 
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator 
lamps accompanied by a periodic 
clicking sound from the relay)To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond 
the detent. It then returns to the center 
position when released.
If the flashing of the turn signal 
indicators and the clicking from 
the relay are both faster than normal, 
one of the turn signal indicators has 
failed.< 
     
        
        Page 71 of 159
71n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer/Wiper system0 Wipers retracted
1 Clean the windshieldCleaning the windshield
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield, as your vision 
could be obscured. Always use a wind-
shield washer antifreeze in cold 
weather, refer to page 120.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage 
to the washer pump.<
The system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period.
Cleaning headlamps
*
When the vehicle's lighting system is 
switched on, the headlamps will also be 
cleaned every fifth time the automatic 
windshield washer is activated.Windshield washer nozzlesThe windshield washer nozzles are 
heated automatically
* when the ignition 
key is in position 2. 
     
        
        Page 87 of 159

87n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on. You can 
use the parking lamps for 
parking. For lighting on one side for 
parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page 88.
Low beams 
When the ignition is switched off 
while the low beams are on, the 
headlamps go out and only the 
parking lamps remain on.
Follow me home lamps:
When you activate the headlamp 
flasher after parking the vehicle with the 
lamps turned off, the low-beam head-
lamps will come on for a short time. You 
can also have this function deacti-
vated.<
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door 
after having turned the ignition key to 
position 0, you will hear an acoustic 
signal for a few seconds to remind you 
if the lamps have not been switched off.Daytime driving lamps
*
If you desire, the light switch can be left 
in the second position: 
When the ignition is switched off, the 
external lighting is also switched off.
You can have your vehicle's 
daytime driving lamps set to 
reflect your personal requirements.<
Automatic headlight control
* 
When the switch is set to this 
position the system automati-
cally activates and cancels the 
low beams in response to changes in 
ambient light ( in tunnels, at dusk, etc.) 
as well as rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights 
remain on constantly when you 
switch on the front fog lamps after the 
headlights have come on automati-
cally.< 
Automatic headlight control 
cannot serve as a substitute for 
the driver's judgement in determining 
when the vehicle lights should be 
switched on. For example, the sensors 
are not able to detect fog.  To avoid 
safety risks, you should respond to 
these kinds of low-visibility situations 
by switching the headlights on manu-
ally.<
You can have the sensitivity of 
your vehicle's automatic head-
light control adjusted.<  
     
        
        Page 88 of 159
88n
Instrument lighting
High beams/Standing lamps
Fog lamps
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator 
lamp)
3 Standing lampsStanding lamps, left or rightAs an additional feature, you can 
illuminate your vehicle on either side for 
parking:
With the ignition key in position 0, 
engage the lever in the appropriate 
turn-signal position.
Fog lamps
The green indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on to 
indicate that the front fog lamps 
are on.
If the automatic headlight control 
is on, the low beams will come on 
automatically whenever you switch on 
the front fog lamps.<  
     
        
        Page 119 of 159
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