
 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)96
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)97
Level control system99
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)99
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams101
Instrument lighting102
High beams/Standing 
lamps102
Fog lamps102
Interior lamps103
Reading lamps103
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning104
Automatic climate control107
Roller sun blind112
Parked-car ventilation 
system112
 
Cabin convenience:
 
BMW Universal Transmitter113
Glove compartment116
Storage compartments116
Cellular phone117
Beverage holder117
Ashtray, front117
Cigarette lighter118
Ashtray, rear118
 
Loading and transporting 
cargo:
 
Through-loading system119
Ski bag120
sport wagon:
Luggage compartment123
Roll-up cover123
Partition net123
Storage areas in the luggage 
compartment124
Cargo loading126
Roof-mounted luggage rack127
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures130
Driving notes131
Antilock Brake System131
Brake system132
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure133
Tire condition133
Tire replacement134
Wheel and tire 
combinations135
Special characteristics of winter 
tires136
Snow chains136 

 
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 

85n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control>"CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS"
"CHECK SIDE LIGHTS"
"CHECK REAR LIGHTS"
"CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS"
"CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT"
"CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT"
"CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS"
Defective bulb or circuit. Refer to 
pages 151 and following, page 160 
or consult your BMW center.
>"TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG"
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. Refer to pages 72 and 75
>"CHECK BRAKE LININGS"
Have the brake pads inspected by 
your BMW center. Refer to page 132
>"CHECK COOLANT LEVEL"
Coolant too low, top up at the next 
opportunity. Refer to page 142
>"ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG"
*
Indicates a malfunction in the elec-
tronic engine-management system, 
which then reverts to an emergency 
default program allowing continued 
operation at reduced power and 
lower engine speeds.
Please have the system inspected at 
your BMW center.
Displays after completion of tripAll of the malfunctions registered during 
the trip appear consecutively when the 
ignition key is turned to position 0.
The following displays will appear when 
appropriate:
>"LIGHTS ON"
>"KEY IN IGNITION LOCK"
>"CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV"
Add engine oil at the next opportunity 
(next stop for fuel). Refer to 
page 140.
This display appears when you open 
the driver's door after parking the 
vehicle. A supplementary gong is also 
heard.
Status reports remain available for a 
period of approx. three minutes after 
the display goes out and the key is 
removed from the ignition. Press the 
CHECK button 3. If there were multiple 
reports, press the CHECK button 
repeatedly to view them all in 
sequence.
To check the Check ControlPress the CHECK button 3 with the 
ignition key in position 2: 
CHECK CONTROL OK appears in the 
display.
No malfunctions are present in the 
monitored systems.ComputerYou can find a description of the 
computer on pages 86 and 91 as well 
as in the "Owner's Manual for Onboard 
Computer."
You can select the language in 
which the Check Control displays 
and the status reports from the 
computer will appear.<  

101n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Parking lamps (side marker 
lamps)
With the switch in this position, 
the front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on.
For lighting on one side for parking as 
an additional feature, refer to page 102.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off 
while the low beams are on, the 
headlamps go out and only the 
parking lamps (side marker lamps) 
remain on.
390de732
"Follow me home":
When you activate the headlamp 
flasher after parking the vehicle and 
switching off the lights, the low beams 
will come on for a brief period. You may 
also have this function deactivated if 
you wish.< 
"LIGHTS ON" warningWhen the driver's door is opened with 
the ignition key at position 0 a chime 
will sound for several seconds to 
remind you that you have forgotten to 
switch off the lights
.
Vehicles with alphanumeric Check 
Control
*:
The reminder is provided by the Check 
Control, refer to page 85.
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically 
switched on for daytime driving at 
ignition key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When the switch is set to this 
position the system automati-
cally activates and cancels the 
low beams in response to changes in 
ambient light ( in tunnels, at dusk, etc.) 
as well as rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights 
remain on constantly when you 
switch on the front fog lamps after the 
headlamps have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlamp control 
cannot serve as a substitute for 
the driver's judgement in determining 
when the vehicle lights should be 
switched on. For example, the sensors 
are not able to detect fog. To avoid 
safety risks, you should respond to 
these kinds of low-visibility situations 
by switching the headlamps on manu-
ally.<
You can have the sensitivity of 
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Parking lamps/Low beams 

102n
Instrument lighting
High beams/Standing lamps
Fog lamps
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.390de733
1 High beams 
(blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher 
(blue indicator lamp)
3 Standing lampsStanding lamps, left or rightAs an additional feature, you can 
illuminate your vehicle on either side 
for parking, if you wish to do so:
With the ignition key in position 0, push 
the lever in the appropriate direction. 
The lever engages in the turn signal 
position.390de722
Front fog lamps
The green indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up to 
indicate that the front fog lamps 
are on.
If the high beams are switched on, the 
fog lamps go out.
If the automatic headlight control 
is on, the low beams will come on 
automatically whenever you activate 
the fog lamps.<
390us735 

152n
Lamps and bulbsXenon lamps
*
The operating life of these lamp units is 
extremely long and the likelihood of 
failure very low, provided that they are 
not switched on and off an excessive 
number of times. If one of these bulbs 
should nevertheless fail, it is possible to 
continue driving with great caution 
using the fog lamps, provided traffic 
laws in your area do not prohibit this.
Because of the extremely high 
voltages involved, any work on the 
lighting system should be carried out by 
technically-qualified personnel only. 
Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal 
injury.< 
Standing lamps10 watt bulb
The bulb holder and reflector are a 
single unit and are both changed 
at the same time.< 
1. Turn the bulb holder with reflector to 
the left and remove
2. Disconnect the plug
3. Plug the new bulb holder into the 
plug connector. Be sure that it is 
securely engaged
4. Insert the reflector with bulb holder 
and turn to the right as far as 
possible.390de669
Turn signal indicator/Parking 
lamps (side marker lamps)Dual-filament bulb, 21 watt
1. Turn the bulb to the left and remove
2. Remove and replace the bulb.390de670 

Everything from A to ZDistance from 
destination92 
Distance warning96 
Divided rear-seat 
backrest119 
Doors 
manual operation33 
opening and closing34 
opening/closing from the 
inside34 
operation via remote 
control34 
DOT Quality Grades134 
Driving notes131 
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control)21, 97 
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC)20 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)21, 97 E 
Electric power seat50 
Electric power windows44 
Electrical malfunction 
doors33 
fuel filler door24 
luggage compartment 
lid38 
sliding/tilt sunroof47 
tailgate39 Elements of operation14 
Emergency release of 
luggage compartment lid 
from luggage 
compartment's interior41 
Energy control81 
Engine compartment138 
Engine coolant82, 142 
Engine oil140 
consumption140 
disposal141t 
level20 
pressure19 
specifications141t 
viscosity ratings141 
Engine specifications168 
Estimated time of arrival93 
Exterior mirrors57 
F 
Failure messages83t 
Filling the washer 
reservoir139t 
First-aid kit23 
Fittings, tow-starting and 
towing163t 
Flashlight116 Flat tire133, 157t 
Fog lamps102 
bulb replacement153t 
Follow me home101 
Front ashtray117 
Front fog lamps102 
Front seat adjustment48 
Fuel25 
gauge81 
quality25 
specifications25 
tank capacity173 
Fuel consumption86, 93 
average86, 93 
indicator81 
Fuel filler door24 
electrical malfunction24 
manual release24 
Fuses160 
G 
Gasoline25 
gauge81 
quality25 
Glass moonroof47 
Glove compartment116 
Grilles107 
Gross vehicle weight171 
H 
Handbrake68 
Hands-free system117 
Hazard warning triangle23 
Head restraints50 
Headlamp covers, 
care151t 
Headlamp flasher76 
Headlight washer 
system139 
Heated steering wheel56 
Heating and 
ventilation104, 107 
Heating while stopped111 
Heavy cargo126 
Height adjustment 
seats50 
steering wheel56 
Height of vehicle169 
High beams21, 102 
bulb replacement151t 
High Performance Synthetic 
Oils141 
High-mount brake lamp155 
Holder for canned 
beverages117 
Hood137 
release137t 
Horn14 
Hydraulic Braking Assistant, 
refer to DBC20