Page 3 of 147

 
Preface
 
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and 
security when you drive it. Therefore, we have one request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the 
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The 
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining 
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical 
features. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance 
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value 
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supple-
mental manuals.
This OwnerÔs Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It 
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important 
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). 
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG 
     
        
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Contents
 
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 40 0 156 144
deutsch 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
Opening and closing Ð via the 
door lock31
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside32
Luggage compartment lid33
Luggage compartment35
Alarm system36
Electric power windows37
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
 
Adjustments:
 
Correct sitting posture40
Seats40
Manual seat adjustment41
Power seat adjustment42
Lumbar support42
Head restraints43
Entering the rear43
Safety belts44
Seat and mirror memory45
Seat heating46
Steering wheel46
Mirrors47
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags48
Transporting children safely51
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory53
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock54
Starting the engine54
Switching off the engine55
Parking brake56
Manual transmission56
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic57
Indicator/Headlamp flasher59
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor60
Cruise control62
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer64
Tachometer64
Energy control64
Fuel gauge65
Temperature gauge65
Service Interval Display65
Check Control66
Computer66
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)69
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)70
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)71
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)73
Flat Tire Monitor75
 
Contents 
     
        
        Page 6 of 147
 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit118
Windshield wiper blades118
Lamps and bulbs118
Changing a wheel123
Battery127
Fuses127
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting128
Towing the vehicle129Engine data132
Dimensions133
Weights134
Capacities135Everything from A to Z138 
     
        
        Page 13 of 147
 
13n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index Technical data
 
Overview 
     
        
        Page 16 of 147
 
16n
 
Instrument cluster
 
7 Indicator and warning 
lamps17 to 20
8 Reset trip odometer to zero
9 Indicator for Check Control6610 Display for
 
>
 
Trip odometer/odometer64
 
>
 
Clock66
 
>
 
Service Interval65
 
>
 
Computer6611 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission18, 59
12 Control button for the clock66
13 Indicator and warning 
lamps17 to 20 
     
        
        Page 20 of 147

 
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 
     
        
        Page 22 of 147
 
22n
 
Hazard warning triangle
 
*  
Refueling 
 
The hazard warning triangle is stored in 
a storage case on the left side of the 
luggage compartment.
Always observe all legal regula-
tions requiring a warning triangle 
to be carried in the vehicle.
 
<
 
Fuel filler door
 
Always switch off the engine 
before refueling, as it is not 
possible to add fuel with the engine 
running, and attempts may also trigger 
the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.
 
<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler 
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you 
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
1. Unlock the trim panel on the right 
side of the luggage compartment 
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump 
symbol. 
Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station 
when handling fuel. 
Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, 
these containers can leak, cause an 
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of 
a collision.< 
     
        
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23n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling Fuel specificationsSimple and environmentally 
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to 
prevent fuel from spraying out. 
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket (arrow) 
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
all the way into the filler pipe. Pulling 
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling 
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the 
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the 
catalytic converter; never attempt 
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the 
tank.<
Close the fuel cap carefully after 
refueling until a click is heard. 
While closing, be sure not to squeeze 
the strap which is fastened to the cap. 
A loose or missing cap will activate the 
CHECK FILLER CAP lamp or the 
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Tank capacity: approx. 16.6 gal. 
(63 liters), incl. a reserve capacity of 
approx. 2.1 gal. (8 liters).
The engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only.
Required fuel: 
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI. 
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would 
cause permanent and irreversible 
damage to the oxygen sensor and the 
catalytic converter.<