
 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit130
Windshield wiper blades130
Lamps and bulbs130
Changing a wheel135
Battery139
Fuses139
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting140
Towing the vehicle141Engine data144
Dimensions145
Weights146
Capacities147Everything from A to Z150 

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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.< 

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Ski bag Cargo loading
When reattaching the cover, guide 
both bars into the guide and press 
the cover back into place. Secure the 
safety belts in their holders again.<
Stowing cargo If you are transporting cargo in your 
BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as 
possible Ð directly behind the 
luggage compartment partition Ð and 
as low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
With the convertible top closed, 
you can increase the space in the 
luggage compartment, refer to page 35.
We recommend that you always fold 
the convertible top compartment panel 
down as soon as you have removed 
your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that 
you can always operate your convert-
ible top at any time.
At the same time, when the top is 
raised you should fold the convertible 
top compartment panel back up before 
stowing large objects in the luggage 
compartment; this precaution will help 
reduce the likelihood of damage to 
either the convertible top compartment 
or your luggage.< 

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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
  

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Towing the vehicleTow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the 
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains 
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is 
designed for installation in the tow 
sockets located at the front and rear of 
the vehicle, and is intended for towing 
on paved road surfaces only. This fitting 
should not be used to pull a vehicle out 
of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always comply with all applicable 
towing laws and regulations.Access to tow socketsFront:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Rear:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Screw the tow fitting all the way 
in. Failure to screw the fitting all 
the way in can cause thread damage.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control 
arms, or any other part of the vehicle 
suspension, as severe damage to these 
components will occur, leading to 
possible accidents.<
Towing with a commercial tow 
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel-lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state 
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason. 
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control 
arms, or any other part of the vehicle 
suspension, as severe damage to these 
components will occur, leading to 
possible accidents.c 

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
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Seats48 
adjustment48 
adjustment 
precautions48 
Securing cargo103 
Securing child-restraint 
system59 
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission67 
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US 
models)125 
Service Interval 
Display75, 125 
Setting the temperature91 
Shiftlock67 
Side airbags56 
Sitting correctly with 
airbags48 
Ski bag102 
Socket for electrical 
appliances101 
Spare key28 
Spare tire135 
Speedometer15 
Sports seat, adjustment49 
Standing lamps88 
Starting the engine64 Steering wheel lock64 
Stopping the vehicle65 
Storage compartments99 
Stowing cargo103 
Stroke144 
Switching off the engine65 
Symbols8 
Synthetic oils122 
T 
Tail lamps 
bulb replacement133 
Tank capacity147 
Technical data144 
Technical 
modifications10, 126 
Telephone preparation100 
Temperature display 
outside temperature77 
Temperature gauge 
engine coolant75 
Temperature 
layering92, 95 
Temperature setting91, 94 
Third brake light134 Tilt alarm sensor37 
operating via remote 
control30 
switching off37 
Tire change135 
Tire condition113 
Tire inflation 
pressures24, 113 
checking24 
indicator83 
monitoring83 
Tire inflation pressures 
table25 
Tire Pressure Monitor 
(RDC)83, 115, 138 
Tire pressures24 
refer also to tire inflation 
pressures 
Tire replacement114 
Tire tread113 
Tires108 
Tools130 
Torque144 
Tow fittings141 
Towing the vehicle141 
Track145 
Transmission66 Transmitter keys28 
Transporting children 
safely59 
Tread depth, tires113 
Tread wear113 
Trip odometer74 
Trunk lid, refer to luggage 
compartment lid33 
Trunk, refer to luggage 
compartment35 
Turn signal 
indicators20, 69 
Turn signals 
bulb replacement132 
Turning radius145 
U 
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading115 
Universal Transmitter97 
Use antifreeze, radiator123 V 
Vehicle keys28 
Vehicle Memory63 
Vehicle weight146 
Vehicle, starting64 
Ventilation90, 93 
draft-free92, 95