10n
 
For your own safety
 
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels  
containing up to and including 
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with 
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 
15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will 
not void the applicable warranties 
covering defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel 
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, for example) among gasolines 
offered for sale in the United States and 
Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels 
may result in driveability, starting and 
stalling problems, especially under 
certain environmental conditions, such 
as high ambient temperature and high 
altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be 
related to the fuel you are using, we 
recommend that you respond by 
switching to a recognized high-quality 
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled 
maintenance.
Obey all applicable safety rules when 
handling gasoline.
 
<
 
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts  
and accessories approved by BMW. 
When you purchase accessories tested  
and approved by BMW and Original 
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire 
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure 
optimum performance when installed 
on your vehicle. 
BMW warrants these parts to be free  
from defects in material and workman-
ship. 
BMW will not accept any liability for  
damage resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by 
BMW. 
BMW cannot test every product on the  
market to determine whether it can be 
used on a BMW safely and without risk 
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its 
occupants. 
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories  
and other products approved by BMW, 
together with professional advice on 
using these items, are available from all 
BMW centers. 
Installation and operation of non-BMW  
approved accessories such as alarms, 
 
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,  
wheels, suspension components, brake 
dust shields, telephones (including 
operation of any portable cellular phone 
from within the vehicle without using an 
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause 
extensive damage to the vehicle, 
compromise its safety, interfere with 
the vehicle's electrical system or affect 
the validity of the BMW Limited 
Warranty. Contact your BMW center for 
additional information. 
Do not use key or remote control to  
lock doors or luggage compartment 
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to 
pages  29 and  31 for more details.
 
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Maintenance, replacement, or 
repair of the emission control 
devices and systems may be performed 
by any automotive repair establishment 
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
 
<
 
Symbol on vehicle parts 
 
Indicates that you should consult 
the relevant section of this 
Owner's Manual for information on a 
particular part or assembly.  
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. 
92n
Air conditioningDraft-free ventilationYou can adjust the blower controls for 
the upper body area to obtain the 
optimum airflow rates and directions for 
your personal requirements:
1 Rotary dials for infinitely-variable 
opening and closing of the vent 
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the 
temperature of the airflow from these 
outlets as desired.
MicrofilterThe built-in microfilter removes dust 
and pollen from the incoming air. Your 
BMW center will replace it during 
routine maintenance. A substantial 
reduction in airflow indicates that the 
filter needs to be replaced before 
scheduled maintenance.
To defrost windows and remove 
condensation1. Set the blower speed control for the 
airflow rate to position 4
2. Turn the rotary temperature control 
completely to the right (red)
3. Rotary control for air distribution in 
position 
4. Switch on the rear window defroster 
to defrost the rear window. 
96n
Automatic climate control
*Glove compartment
Microfilter/activated-charcoal 
filterThe built-in microfilter removes dust 
and pollen from the incoming air. The 
activated-charcoal filter provides addi-
tional protection by filtering gaseous 
pollutants from the outside air. Your 
BMW center replaces this combined 
filter as a standard part of your sched-
uled maintenance. A substantial reduc-
tion in airflow indicates that the filter 
needs to be replaced before scheduled 
maintenance.
To openPull the handle. The lamp in the glove 
compartment comes on.To closeFold the cover back up.
To prevent injury in the event of an 
accident, close the glove 
compartment immediately after use.<
To lockLock with one of the master keys. A 
master key will also be required to 
unlock the glove compartment.
If you turn over only your door and 
ignition key for valet parking, for 
example, access to the glove compart-
ment is not possible, refer to page 28.
hand side of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload-protection, 
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
Be sure that the flashlight is 
switched off when it is inserted 
into its holder. Failure to comply with 
this precaution could lead to over-
charging and damage.<