
 
17n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Indicator and warning lamps that are 
identified by 
 
l
 
 are tested for proper 
functioning whenever the ignition key is 
turned. 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 to this below.
 
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 engine. Check 
the engine oil level and 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 100 and 112
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 to 
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake 
applications. As you steer the vehicle, 
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to 
pages 73, 75 

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity. For additional information: 
refer to page 108
SERVICE ENGINE SOON 
 
l 
 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 115
SERVICE ENGINE SOON 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine electronics 
 
l
 
There is a fault in the electronic 
engine-management system. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output or engine speed. Please 
have the system inspected at your 
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. 
Add coolant at the earliest 
opportunity. For additional information: 
refer to page 111
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is 
operated. 
Rapid flashing indicates a system 
malfunction.
For additional information: refer to 
page 59
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated. Available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel.
For additional information: refer to 
page 62
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to 
page 78
 
Blue: for your information
 
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to 
pages 59, 78 

65n
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 135.
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. Stop and switch the engine off 
immediately and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to 
page 111.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 INSPECTION, 
together with the distance remaining in 
miles (kilometers) before the next sched-
uled service. 
The computer bases its calculations of 
the remaining distance on the preceding 
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of 
the number mean that the service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the 
distance shown on the display. Please 
contact your BMW center for an 
appointment. 

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.< 

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later 
on, never use anything other than 
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with 
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is 
familiar with the official specifications. 
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents 
are hazardous to health. You should 
always store them in their original 
container and in a location which is out 
of reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable 
substance ethylene glycol. For this 
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot 
engine parts. It could ignite and cause 
serious burns.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine 
(approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank 
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure 
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float is at least 
even with the upper edge of the filler 
neck, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm) 
above it Ð that is, up to the second 
mark on the float (refer also to the 
schematic diagram next to the filler 
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the 
coolant is low, slowly add coolant 
until the correct level is reached Ð do 
not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze 
with corrosion inhibitor.< 

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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 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