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
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
54n
Seat and mirror memory
*
Seat heating
**Steering wheel
Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt
function(Automatic curb monitor
*)
1. Move the mirror selector switch 1 to
the "driver's mirror" position
2. When the selector lever is placed in
"Reverse," the passenger-side mirror
tilts downward. This allows the driver
to see the area directly adjacent to
the vehicle during parking (curbs,
etc.).
You can deactivate this automatic
feature by setting the mirror selection
switch to the "passenger side" position.
The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated with the ignition key in
position 2.
You can select different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the buttons.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press the button and hold it slightly
longer.
Adjustment1. Push the locking lever downward
2. Adjust the steering column's rake
and reach to suit your seat position
3. Pull the lever back in.
Never adjust the steering wheel
while the vehicle is moving, other-
wise you run the risk of an accident due
to unexpected movement.<
91n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Air conditioningAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The heating and
ventilation become more and
more effective as the air
supply settings are increased. In
position 0, the blower and the heater
are switched off. The outside air supply
is blocked in position 0.
Temperature
In order to increase the
temperature of the passenger
compartment, turn the
temperature control to the
right (red). The temperature of the
incoming air is kept constant.
Air distribution
You can direct the emerging
air toward the windows ,
toward your upper body or
into the footwell . All inter-
mediate settings are possible. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto
the windows to keep them free of
condensation.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically.
The rear window defroster auto-
matically assumes operation
within 5 minutes after the engine is
started at outside temperatures below
approx. 39 7 (+4 6).<
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. Switching on the air
conditioning will reduce condensation
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
suspending the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If the windows should fog over in
the recirculated-air mode, switch
it off and increase the air supply as
required.<
94n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system Ð switch on
with AUTO button 7. Select the desired
interior temperature.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program adjusts the
air distribution and the air
supply for you and Ð in addition to that Ð
adapts the temperature to external
influences (summer, winter) to meet
preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
While the AUTO program is then deacti-
vated, the automatic airflow control
remains in operation. The system
directs air to the windows , the upper
body and into the footwells . You
can reactivate the automatic air distri-
bution mode by selecting the AUTO
button.
Temperature
The interior temperature that
appears in the display panel is a
general figure intended for reference
purposes. We recommend 72 7
(+22 6) as a comfortable setting, even
if the air conditioning is on. When you
start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It then
maintains this temperature, regardless
of the season.
Air supply
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. This deactivates the auto-
matic control of the air supply, AUTO
disappears from the display panel.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged. You can
reactivate the automatic air distribution
mode by selecting the AUTO button.
When the lowest blower speed is set
and you press the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioning are
switched off. The outside air supply is
blocked. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and the side windows.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. Switching on the air
conditioning will reduce condensation
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.
<
113n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
a frequent cause of tire damage.
Tire pressure also has a major effect on
your BMW's handling response.
Be sure to check the tire pressures,
including the space-saver spare tire or
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at
least twice a month and before every
extended journey, refer to page 24.
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
lead to poor handling, to tire damage
and accidents.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the
base of the tire's tread. Their locations
are indicated by the legend TWI Ð Tread
Wear Indicator Ð at various points on
the tire's shoulder. When the tread
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm),
these indicators appear to signal that
the tires have worn to the minimum
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire inflation pressures
Tire condition
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 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