
 
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 

 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood137
Engine compartment 
essentials138
Washer fluids139
Engine oil140
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
 
Maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System144
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications145
California Proposition 
65 Warning145
OBD interface socket146
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit150
Windshield wiper blades150
Lamps and bulbs151
Changing a wheel156
Battery160
Fuses160
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting162
Towing the vehicle163Engine specifications168
Dimensions169
Weights171
Capacities173 

 
19n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Technology that monitors itself
 
The system runs a check on the 
warning and indicator lamps marked by 
"
 
l
 
" each time you switch on the igni-
tion. 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. 
The following section describes how 
you should respond.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current 
 
l
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. This indicates a defect 
in the alternator drive belt or in the 
charging circuit of the alternator. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
Stop and switch off the engine 
immediately to prevent over-
heating and serious engine damage. If 
the drive belt is defective, increased 
steering effort is also required.
 
<
 
 
Engine oil pressure 
 
l
 
May be accompanied by the 
message "STOP!ENGINE 
OILPRESS" in the Check Control 
display panel
 
* 
: stop the vehicle imme-
diately and switch off the engine. Check 
the engine oil level; top up 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.
 
<
 
 
 
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
 
* 
 
 
l
 
Accompanied by an acoustic 
warning signal: a tire failure has 
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. Do not oversteer. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 98
Parking brake
 
* 
/
brake system hydraulic circuits 
 
l
 
Comes on when you engage the 
parking brake. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 68
Comes on although the parking brake 
is released: have the brake fluid level 
checked. Before continuing your 
journey, be sure to read the notes on 
pages 132 and 143
Also comes on with the message 
"CHECK BRAKE LININGS" in the 
Check Control.
Parking brake warning lamp
 
* 
/
brake system hydraulic circuits 
for Canadian models. 

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Red: as important reminder
 
Parking brake
 
* 
Comes on when you engage the 
parking brake. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 68
Parking brake warning lamp
 
*  
for 
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts 
 
l 
 
Accompanied by warning tone 
and message
 
* 
 in the Check 
Control panel. Remains on until the 
safety belts are fastened. 
For additional information on safety 
belts: refer to page 53.
Airbags 
 
l 
 
Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 58
 
Yellow: please have checked at 
your earliest opportunity
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 
 
l
 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 131
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
 
* 
Comes on while 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 140
Engine oil level
 
* 
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: add engine oil at 
your earliest opportunity (when you 
stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to 
page 140
 
Automatic transmission
 
* 
Because of a malfunction, the 
automatic transmission shifts 
only in the emergency program. Please 
consult the nearest BMW center. 
For additional information: refer to 
pages 72 and 75
Brake pads
 
* 
 
 
l 
 
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer 
to page 132
 
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
 
*
 
 l
 
  
Malfunction in DBC system. 
Conventional braking efficiency 
is available without limitations.
Have the system repaired by your BMW 
center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 98
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
 
* 
 
 
l
 
Check the tire inflation pressure. 
Refer to pages 26, 98 

 
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 

24n
RefuelingFuel 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.< 
To open the filler door, press on the 
front edge. 
In the event of an electrical malfunction, 
you can also open the fuel filler door 
manually:
sedan
1. Use the handle to lower the trim 
panel on the right side of the luggage 
compartment
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump 
symbol.
394de729
sport wagon
1. Release the right-hand panel in the 
luggage compartment with the 
button and fold the panel down
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump 
symbol.
If a subwoofer
* is installed, loosen the 
T-screw and swing the subwoofer to 
the side.
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.< 
Simple and environmentally 
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to 
prevent fuel from spraying out. 
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not attempt to continue adding fuel 
to the last drop, as this practice can 
cause fuel spillage.< 
Keep the filler cap in the bracket 
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling 
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling 
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness of 
the vapor recovery system on the 
pump.
390de603 

25n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling Fuel specificationsAs 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.<
Tank capacity: approximately 18.5 gal. 
(70 liters), with a reserve capacity of
>BMW 525i, 530i: 2.0 gal. (8 liters)
>BMW 540i: 2.5 gal. (10 liters).
After refueling, close the filler cap 
carefully, continuing until you hear 
the detent engage. While closing, be 
sure not to squeeze the strap which is 
fastened to the cap. A loose or missing 
cap will activate the message "CHECK 
FILLER CAP" in the Check Control
* or 
the Check Filler Cap lamp
*.< 
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.<  

46n
Sliding/tilt sunroof
*
To prevent injuries, exercise care 
when closing the sliding/tilt 
sunroof and keep it in your field of 
vision until it is shut.
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off 
the electric sunroof mechanism by 
taking out the ignition key. Do not leave 
children unattended in the vehicle with 
access to vehicle keys. The key could 
be used to start the engine and operate 
vehicle systems such as the power 
sunroof, etc. Unsupervised use of these 
systems can result in serious personal 
injury.< 
For the convenience mode via the door 
lock or the remote control, refer to 
page 33 or 35.
Raising Ð Opening Ð ClosingWith the ignition key in position 1 or 2, 
press the switch or slide it in the 
desired direction until you feel resis-
tance.
When lifting, the headliner retracts 
several inches.
The headliner insert can not be 
closed with the sunroof in its 
raised position.< 
After the ignition has been switched off, 
you can still operate the sliding/tilt 
sunroof as long as neither of the front 
doors has been opened.390de724
Automatic
* opening and closing
Press the switch past the resistance 
point and then release it.
Other automatic operations are:
>With the sunroof open, press the 
switch briefly toward "Lift:" the 
sunroof automatically extends to its 
fully-raised position
>With the sunroof lifted, press the 
switch briefly toward "Open:" the 
sunroof automatically opens all the 
way.
Pressing the switch again briefly stops 
the motion.Safety featureIf the sliding/tilt sunroof encounters 
resistance at a point roughly past the 
middle of its travel when it is closing, 
the closing cycle is interrupted and the 
sliding/tilt sunroof will open again 
slightly.