
73n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all 
four wheels while the vehicle is moving. 
The system provides an alert whenever 
the inflation pressure drops significantly 
below the specified pressure in one or 
more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the 
correct tire inflation pressure, check the 
inflation pressures in all tires according 
to the inflation pressure table on 
page 25 and make corrections as 
necessary. Then activate the system. 
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if 
the tire pressure is not correct.
To activate the system1. Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not 
start the engine)
2. Press the button long enough for the 
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few 
seconds
3. After a few minutes driving time, 
RDC sets the current inflation pres-
sures in the tires as the target values 
to be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire 
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC 
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.
In the event of loss in inflation 
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped 
significantly over a long period of time 
(which is normal for any tire), the yellow 
indicator lamp will come on.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated 
to the specified pressures as soon as 
possible.
If you are prompted to check the 
tire pressure shortly after a 
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were 
not accurate. Please check the inflation 
pressure again and make corrections 
according to the inflation pressure 
table. Then activate the system once 
again.< 

75n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Flat Tire Monitor
*
The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor 
keeps track of pressure levels in all four 
tires in order to detect and warn of any 
substantial pressure loss. 
The system actually detects pressure 
loss by monitoring differences in the 
relative speeds of the four wheels. It 
interprets variations outside specified 
limits as severe pressure loss, and then 
responds by generating a warning.
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the 
system with the correct inflation pres-
sure.
Repeat this process after any changes 
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or 
replacement. Do not carry out further 
system initialization after adjusting the 
inflation pressure and letting the system 
"learn" the correct pressures.
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in 
all the tires, comparing them with the 
inflation pressure chart on page 25 
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Press the button as long as you need 
to until the indicator lamp on the 
instrument cluster lights up. After a 
little while, the indicator lamp will go 
out by itself
4. After a few minutes driving time, the 
Flat Tire Monitor adopts the current 
pressure levels as the reference, and 
from that point on, can detect and 
report a flat tire. 

76n
Flat Tire Monitor
*
To activate/deactivate the systemThe Flat Tire Monitor automatically 
assumes operation whenever you turn 
the ignition key to position 2. Unless 
manually deactivated, it is always on 
during normal vehicle operation.
To deactivate the system: press the 
button, the yellow indicator lamp comes 
on.
To activate the system: press the 
button again, the indicator lamp goes 
out.
You should deactivate the system 
before driving with snow chains, as the 
chains can generate spurious warnings 
and/or prevent the system from 
detecting actual pressure loss. 
Flat tire warning
The red warning lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up to 
warn of pressure loss and tire 
failure. This visual alert is accompanied 
by an acoustic warning signal. Reduce 
your speed immediately, and steer and 
brake gently as you bring the vehicle to 
a stop. 
To reset the warning lamp: after 
replacing the damaged tire you will 
need to reset the red warning lamp 
manually: maintain pressure on the Flat 
Tire Monitor button until the warning 
lamp goes out. Then reinitialize the 
system.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot 
provide you with advance warning 
of sudden and severe tire damage 
caused by external factors.
The system also does not detect the 
gradual and minor loss of pressure that 
all tires display over extended periods 
of time.<
Check tire inflation pressures on a 
regular basis, correcting them as 
necessary, refer to page 24.
The system may respond to operation 
on slippery or snow-covered road 
surfaces with false warnings or delays 
in detecting actual pressure loss.
Performance-oriented driving (slip at 
the drive wheels, high rates of lateral 
acceleration) can also increase the time 
that the Flat Tire Monitor requires to 
detect a flat.<
System malfunctionsThe yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up and remains on 
until the problem is corrected.
Please refer the problem to your BMW 
center. 

78n
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 illumi-
nate your vehicle on either side for 
parking:
With the ignition key in position 0, 
engage the lever in the appropriate 
turn-signal position.
Front fog lamps
The green indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up 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 activate 
the front fog lamps.<  

115n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side 
of the driver's side, on the underside of 
the instrument panel and under a cover 
panel. The cover has the letters OBD on 
it.
This interface makes it possible to 
access data on emissions-related 
components using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs 
you of the need for service, not 
that you need to stop the 
vehicle. However, the systems should 
be checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this 
indicates a high level of engine misfire. 
Reduce speed and contact the nearest 
BMW center immediately. Severe 
engine misfiring over even a short 
period of time can seriously damage 
emission control system components, 
especially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight 
enough, the OBD system can 
detect leaking vapor and the indicator 
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then 
tightened, the indicator will usually go 
out after a short period of time.< 

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 99 
Acceleration traction control, 
refer to DSC71 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter86 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)58 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)71 
Adding 
brake fluid112 
coolant111 
engine oil109 
washer fluid108 
Adjusting 
head restraints43 
lumbar support42 
manual seat41 
power seat42 
steering wheel46 
thigh support41 
Air conditioning80 
temperature settings81 
Air distribution81, 84 Air nozzles80, 83 
Air outlets80, 83 
ventilation80 
Air supply81, 84 
Airbags18, 48 
sitting correctly40 
Alarm system36 
Antifreeze111 
radiator111 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 99 
Anti-theft system36 
Aquaplaning99 
Armrest87 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)70 
Ashtray 
front89 
rear90 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)58 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner89 
AUC (Automatic 
recirculated-air 
control)85 
Automatic climate 
control83 
temperature settings84 Automatic cruise control62 
Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)71 
Automatic headlight 
control77 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)85 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)70 
Automatic transmission57 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 57 
Automatic-dimming inside 
rearview mirror48 
Average consumption68 
Average speed68 
Axle loads134 
B 
Backrest 
adjusting41 
releasing43 
Backup lamps56 
bulb replacement121 
Battery127 
charge current indicator 
lamp17 
charging127 Beverage holder88 
Blower81, 84 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil110 
BMW Maintenance 
System113 
BMW sports seat 
manual adjustment41 
power adjustment42 
Bore132 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder88 
Brake fluid112 
Brake hydraulic system17 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement121 
Brake system100 
brake fluid level100 
brake pads100 
brake pads, indicator19 
disc brakes100 
Brake system, brake 
malfunction100 
Break-in procedure98 
Bulbs and lamps, 
replacement118 
   
A-Z 

Everything from A to Z
139n
OverviewControlsMaintenancRepairsDataIndex
C 
California Proposition 
65 Warning114 
Canned beverage holder88 
Capacities135 
Car care, refer to the "Caring 
for your vehicle" manual 
Car keys28 
Car wash systems, refer to 
the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Care of upholstery materials, 
refer to the "Caring for your 
vehicle" manual 
Cargo loading93 
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)18, 71 
Cellular phone89 
refer also to the separate 
"Owner's Manual" 
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp122 
Center 3-point belt in the 
rear91 
Center armrest87 
Central locking system28 
button32 Changing a wheel123 
Check Control66 
Check engine oil level109 
Checking tire inflation 
pressure24 
Child restraint 
installation52 
Child-restraint anchorage 
points51 
Clean the headlamps61 
Cleaning windshield61 
Clock66 
refer also to the "Radio 
Owner's Manual" or to the 
"Onboard Computer 
Owner's Manual" 
Clothes hooks90 
Cockpit14 
Coin box88 
Compartments87 
Compression132 
Computer refer also to the "Onboard 
Computer Owner's 
Manual" 
Configuring individual 
settings with Vehicle and 
Key Memory53 
Consumption68 
display65 
Convenience operation via 
the door lock 
sliding/tilt sunroof31 
windows31 
Coolant111 
Coolant temperature 
gauge65 
Cooling system, 
capacity135 
Copyright4 
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)18, 71 
Correct sitting posture40 
Cover, sun blinds86 
Cruise control62 
Cruising range68 
Cup holder, refer to 
beverage holder88 
Curb weight134 Current check indicator17 
D 
Dash lighting78 
Dashboard14 
Data 
dimensions133 
engine132 
technical132 
weights134 
Daytime driving lamp77 
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)19, 72 
Deep water99 
Defrost setting82, 84 
Defrost windows82, 84 
Defrostable rear 
window81, 85 
Digital clock66 
Dimensions133 
Dipstick, engine oil109 
Displacement132 
Display lighting78 
Displays15 
Distance warning69  

Everything from A to ZDivided rear-seat 
backrest91 
Door keys28 
Doors 
electrical malfunction31 
locking and unlocking29 
manual operation31 
DOT Quality Grades102 
Draft-free ventilation82, 85 
Driving notes99 
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control)19, 71 
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC)19, 72 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)19, 71 E 
Electric power windows38 
Electrical heating, exterior 
mirror47 
Electrical malfunction 
doors31 
fuel filler door22 
luggage compartment 
lid33 
sliding/tilt sunroof39 Elements of operation14 
Emergency release of 
luggage compartment lid 
from luggage 
compartment's interior35 
Energy control64 
Engine compartment 
essentials107 
Engine coolant, refer to 
coolant111 
Engine data132 
Engine oil 
capacity135 
consumption109 
level19 
level, check109 
level, indicator lamp17 
pressure17 
pressure, indicator 
lamp17 
quality110 
specifications110 
viscosity110 
Engine speed132 
Engine, starting54 
Engine, switching off55 
Entering the rear43 
Exterior mirrors47 
electrical heating47 
F 
Failure messages66 
Fault displays66 
Filling capacities135 
Finger guard38 
Fittings, tow starting and 
towing129 
Flashlight87 
Flat Tire 
Monitor75, 103, 126 
Flat tires101, 123, 126 
Floor mat, luggage 
compartment35 
Floor panel, luggage 
compartment35 
Fog lamps78 
Follow me home lamps77 
Fuel consumption68 
display65 
Fuel filler door22 
electrical malfunction22 
manual operation22 
Fuel gauge65 
Fuel preparation132 
Fuel reserve indicator 
lamp65 
Fuel specifications23 
Fuel tank capacity135 
Fuel tank gauge65 
Fuses127 
G 
Gasoline gauge65 
Glove compartment87 
Grilles83 
Gross vehicle weight134 H 
Handbrake56 
Hands-free system89 
Hazard warning triangle22 
Head restraints43 
Headlamp cover, care119 
Headlamp flasher78 
Headlamp washer 
system108 
capacity135 
Headlamps77 
Headlight control77 
Headrests43 
Heated seats46 
Heater and ventilation83 
Heavy cargo93 
Height133 
High beams20, 59, 78 
bulb replacement119 
Holder for canned 
beverages88 
Hood release106 
Horn14