
 
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 

61n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Transporting children safelyRollover protection systemTo lock the safety beltExtract the entire length of the belt from 
the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the 
reel to retract the belt somewhat and 
engage the buckle, then tighten the belt 
against the child-restraint system. The 
retraction mechanism is now locked. 
The belt cannot be extracted further. 
Always observe the installation instruc-
tions provided by the manufacturer of 
the child-restraint system.To release the safety beltRelease the safety belt, remove the 
child's seat and retract the safety belt to 
its end position on the belt retractor.In the event of an accident or some 
other critical driving situation (extreme 
tilting in the longitudinal or transverse 
axis, loss of contact with the ground), 
the rollover protection system will be 
automatically activated. The protective 
bars located in the rear head restraints 
extend within fractions of a second.
In addition to the integrated rollover bar 
in the windshield frame, the rollover 
protection system affords all the vehicle 
occupants necessary headroom.
Always keep the travel path for the 
rollover protection system free 
and clear. Under no circumstances 
should you cover the head restraints.
In the event of less serious accidents, 
the safety belt will protect you and, 
depending on the severity of the acci-
dent, so will the safety belt tensioner 
and the multi-stage airbag restraint 
system as well.<
If, after being automatically triggered, 
its protective function is not needed, 
then the rollover protection system can 
be lowered back into place. No special 
tool is needed for this.
1. Using a screwdriver from the on-
board tool kit, remove the cover 
panel; to do this, position the screw-
driver under the notch (arrow) 

80n
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)
 
The conceptThis system optimizes vehicle stability 
and traction, especially when you are 
starting off, accelerating or when going 
through curves.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present 
in traction loss and will increase driving 
stability and traction by reducing the 
engine's output, and if necessary, by 
applying the brakes to the rear wheels.
ASC+T is ready each time you start the 
engine.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes: 
ASC+T is actively controlling drive 
torque and braking intervention.
The indicator lamp fails to go out after 
the engine is started, or it comes on 
during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the 
system was deactivated with the 
button. Consequently, interventions to 
increase driving stability (as described 
in the preceding column) are no longer 
available. You can still drive the vehicle 
perfectly well without ASC+T
In the event of a fault, please contact 
your BMW center, refer to 
pages 18, 19.
Switch off the ASC+TPress the button; the indicator lamp 
comes on and stays on.
The illustration depicts the arrangement 
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully 
equipped. This may vary, depending on 
the equipment actually installed.
In the following rare situations, it may 
be effective to deactivate the ASC+T 
for a brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible.< 

81n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
ASC+T Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
*
Switch the ASC+T back onPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with ASC+T. An 
appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
We therefore urge you to avoid using 
the additional safety margin of the 
system as an excuse for taking risks.<
The conceptThe Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 
maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability 
during acceleration and when starting 
from a full stop, as well as optimizing 
traction. In addition, it recognizes 
unstable vehicle conditions, such as 
under- or oversteering, and, as far as is 
possible within the laws of physics, 
helps keeping the vehicle on a steady 
course by reducing the engine speed 
and brake applications to the individual 
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start 
the engine. DSC incorporates the func-
tionality of the Automatic Differential 
Brake (ADB) and the Cornering Brake 
Control (CBC).
The Automatic Differential Brake (ADB) 
relies on selective braking applications 
at the drive wheels to furnish the func-
tionality of a conventional limited-slip 
differential for enhanced traction in crit-
ical driving conditions such as those 
encountered on snow-covered road 
surfaces, etc.
The ADB is in standby mode when DSC 
is deactivated.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly 
after the ignition has been 
switched on, refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is actively controlling drive torque 
and braking intervention. 
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been deactivated manually; 
ADB is operational.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator lamp and the 
brake warning lamps will remain 
on continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have 
been deactivated with the 
button or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely 
operational, however, without DSC. In 
the event of a fault, please consult your 
BMW center, refer to pages 18, 19.
Indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models. 

82n
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
*
To switch DSC off/activate ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC is deactivated; ADB is operational. 
In the following rare situations, it may 
prove useful to deactivate the ADB for a 
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered 
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been 
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.
Under these special circumstances 
traction is increased by deactivating the 
control systems that enhance traction 
under normal conditions.
To switch DSC and ADB offHold the DSC button down for at least 
3 seconds. The indicator lamp and the 
yellow brake warning lamps light up 
and remain on continuously.
The systems for enhancing stability and 
traction are deactivated, and there is no 
active braking intervention or torque 
control.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the DSC 
switched on whenever possible.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. An 
appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
We therefore urge you to avoid using 
the additional safety margin of the 
system as an excuse for taking risks.
When ADB is in its standby mode, DSC 
is deactivated; DSC does not intervene 
to enhance vehicle stability under these 
conditions.
Do not make any modifications to the 
DSC system. Allow only authorized 
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the 
DSC system.
The system responds to sudden, high-
intensity applications of force to the 
brake pedal by automatically braking 
the vehicle with maximum boost to 
achieve the shortest-possible braking 
distances during "panic stops." This 
system exploits all the benefits of ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure exerted 
against the brake pedal until the 
braking maneuver has been completed. 
DBC is deactivated when you release 
the brake pedal. 

108n
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
  

114n
Tire condition Tire replacementTire damage (up to and including 
sudden and complete air loss) can 
endanger the lives of both the vehicle 
occupants and other road users.
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. 
DOT Quality GradesTread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C 
All passenger vehicle tires must 
conform to Federal Safety 
Requirements in addition to these 
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative 
rating based on the wear rate of the tire 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test 
course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would 
wear one and one-half (1 g) times as 
well on the government course as a tire 
graded 100. The relative performance 
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due 
to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to 
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability 
to stop on wet pavement as measured 
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of 
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to 
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does 
not include acceleration, cornering, 
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the 
highest), B, and C, representing the 
tire's resistance to the generation of 
heat and its ability to dissipate heat 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory 
test wheel. 
Sustained high temperature can cause 
the material of the tire to degenerate 
and reduce tire life, and excessive 
temperature can lead to sudden tire 
failure. The grade C corresponds to a 
level of performance which all 
passenger vehicle tires must meet