
 
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced security and 
control 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 more detailed information refer to the supplemental manuals.
This Owner's 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
 
Foreword 

 
Contents
 
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke 
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 41 0 156 213
US English VIII/2001
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper 
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling). 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps19
Steering wheel with multifunction 
buttons22
Warning triangle23
First-aid kit23
Refueling24
Fuel specifications25
Tire inflation pressure26
 
Locks and security systems:
 
Keys32
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð via the 
door lock33
Opening and closing Ð via the 
remote control34
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside37
Luggage compartment lid/
Tailgate38
Rear window40
Luggage compartment42
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Sliding/tilt sunroof46
 
Adjustments:
 
Correct sitting posture48
Seats48
Manually-adjusted seat49
Electric power seats50
Head restraints52
BMW actice seat52
Safety belts53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel 
memory54
Seat heating55
Adjusting steering wheel56
Heated steering wheel56
Mirrors57
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags58
Transporting children safely61
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory64
 
Driving:
 
Steering/Ignition lock66
Starting the engine66
Switching off the engine68
Parking brake68
Manual transmission69
Automatic transmission70
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic73
Indicator/Headlamp flasher76
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor76
Cruise control78
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer, outside temperature 
display80
Tachometer81
Energy control81
Fuel gauge81
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer86
Multi-Information Display 
(MID)87
Digital clock in the MID89
Computer in the MID91
 
Contents 

 
21n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Self-leveling suspension
 
*  
l
 
The level control system is inac-
tive. Please consult the nearest 
BMW center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 99
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)
 
*  
l
 
 
ASC+T/DSC has been deactivated, 
either manually at the button or auto-
matically in response to a system 
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your 
BMW center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 97
Engine-management system
 
* 
There is a fault in the electronic 
engine-management system. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output and engine speed. 
Please have the system inspected by 
your BMW center.
 
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 146
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
Check Filler Cap
 
* 
 
 
l 
 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
although the fuel cap is secured 
correctly: this indicates a malfunction in 
the fuel system. Have the system 
inspected at your BMW center at the 
earliest opportunity.
Additional information: refer to page 25
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal 
Flashes when the turn signal is 
on. Rapid flashing indicates a 
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to 
page 76
Cruise control 
Lights up when the system is 
switched on: available for oper-
ation via the multifunction steering 
wheel. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 78
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the front fog lamps. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 102
 
Blue: for your information
 
High beams
Lights up when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated. 
For additional information: refer to 
pages 76 and 102 

33n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Opening and closing Ð via the door lockUsing the keyOne turn of the key in the driver's door 
lock unlocks the driver's door only. 
Turning the key a second time unlocks 
all of the remaining doors, the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate and the fuel 
filler door.
You can have a signal set to 
confirm that the vehicle's locks 
have engaged securely.< 390de723
Convenience operationYou can also operate the windows and 
sliding/tilt sunroof via the door lock.
>To open: with the door closed, turn 
the key to the "Unlock" position and 
hold it
>To close: with the door closed, turn 
the key to the "Lock" position and 
hold it.
Watch the closing process care-
fully and be sure that no one is 
trapped by the closing motion. The 
closing process stops immediately 
when you release the key.< Manual operationin the event of an electrical malfunction
Turn the key to the extreme left or right 
to unlock/lock the driver's door. 

34n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control makes opening and 
locking the doors of your vehicle very 
convenient. Furthermore, it provides 
three additional functions which you 
can only execute via the remote control:
>To switch on interior lamps, refer to 
page 35.
With this function, you can also 
"search for" your vehicle, when 
parked in an underground garage, for 
instance
>To open the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate, refer to page 35.
The luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
will open slightly, regardless of 
whether it was previously locked or 
unlocked
>Panic mode
In case of danger, you can trigger the 
alarm.
Whenever you unlock (lock) the vehicle, 
you simultaneously deactivate (activate) 
the anti-theft system, disarm (arm) the 
alarm system and switch the interior 
lamps on (off).
You can have a signal set to 
confirm that the vehicle's locks 
have engaged securely.< 
1 Unlock, convenience opening and 
alarm system
2 Lock and secure, interior lamp activa-
tion, disarming tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
3 Open the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate, panic mode390de793
Master keys with remote control
Since passengers or animals 
remaining in the vehicle might be 
able to lock the doors from the inside, 
take the vehicle's keys with you so that 
the vehicle can be opened again from 
the outside at any time.< 
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion, since the battery in the key is 
charged automatically in the ignition 
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to lock the 
vehicle via the remote control, the 
battery is discharged. Use this key 
while driving for an extended period in 
order to charge the battery. Refer also 
to page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the 
remote control, surrender only the door 
and ignition key 3 or the spare key 2 
(refer to page 32) when leaving the 
vehicle for valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your BMW center. You 
can also obtain replacement keys 
there.<  

35n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlTo unlockPress button.
Press the button once to unlock the 
driver's door only; press a second time 
to unlock all remaining doors as well as 
the luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
and fuel filler door.Convenience opening modePress and hold button to open the elec-
tric power windows and sliding/tilt 
sunroof.
To lock and securePress button.
Vehicles without armored glass: 
do not lock the vehicle if anyone 
will be remaining inside, as it would 
then be impossible for the occupant(s) 
to disengage the locks from the 
inside.< To deactivate the tilt alarm sensor 
and interior motion sensorPress button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to 
page 43.To switch on the interior lampsWith the vehicle locked, press button.
To open the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgatePress button.
The luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
will open slightly, regardless of whether 
it was previously locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure 
that the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate has not been opened uninten-
tionally.< Panic modeProvided that the alarm system is 
armed, you can respond to imminent 
danger by holding down the button for 
between two and five seconds. 
To cancel alarm 
Press button. 

38n
Luggage compartment lid/TailgateLock Ð sedan onlyOnly the master keys (refer to page 32) 
fit in the lock in the luggage compart-
ment lid.Opening separatelyTurn the master key to the left in the 
luggage compartment lock, continuing 
until it stops Ð the luggage compart-
ment lid will open slightly.
The luggage compartment is locked 
again as soon as you close the lid.394de783
Secure separatelyTurn the master key to the right past the 
resistance point and then pull it out in 
the horizontal position.
This locks the luggage compartment lid 
and disconnects it from the central 
locking system. This feature can be 
used to prevent unauthorized access to 
the luggage compartment when you 
hand over the door and ignition key 
(refer to page 32) for valet parking, etc.394de731
Manual operationIn the event of an electrical malfunction, 
you can also open the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate manually:
sedan:
Turn the master key to the left in the 
luggage compartment lock, continuing 
all the way to the end of its travel Ð the 
luggage compartment lid will open 
slightly.
The luggage compartment is locked 
again as soon as you close the lid. 

42n
Luggage compartment Alarm systemLuggage strapsUse the straps on the floor of the 
luggage compartment to secure smaller 
items of luggage.
Movement is reduced when objects are 
placed on the straps.
The fittings at the corners of the 
luggage compartment provide you 
with a convenient means of attaching 
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for 
securing suitcases and luggage.
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on 
page 126.
394de302
HangerOn the left-hand side of the luggage 
compartment is a hanger for fastening 
shopping bags, packages and similar 
items.394de144
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds
>when a door, the hood, the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate or the rear 
window is opened
>to movement inside the vehicle (inte-
rior motion sensor)
>to variations in the vehicle's tilt angle 
such as those occurring during 
attempts to steal the wheels or tow 
the vehicle
>to interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized 
vehicle entry and attempted theft by 
simultaneously activating the following
>an acoustic alarm for 30 seconds
>the hazard warning flashers, for 
approx. five minutes
>the high beams flash on and off in the 
same rhythm as the hazard warning 
flashers.