
 
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 

 
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 

84n
Check Control>"RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE"
>"COOLANT TEMPERATURE"
The coolant is overheated. Stop the 
vehicle immediately and switch off 
the engine. Refer to pages 82 
and 142
>"STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS"
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the 
vehicle immediately and switch off 
the engine. Refer to pages 19, 140
>"CHECK BRAKE FLUID"
Indicates that brake fluid is down to 
roughly minimum level. Have the 
reservoir topped up at the earliest 
opportunity, refer to page 143. Have 
the source of the brake fluid loss 
repaired at your BMW center
>"TIRE DEFECT"
*
Reduce vehicle speed immediately 
and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. Do not oversteer. 
Refer to page 100
>"SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT"
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center. Refer to page 99
>"SPEED LIMIT"
*
Display if the programmed speed 
limit has been exceeded, refer to 
page 91Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds 
when the ignition key is turned to posi-
tion 2. The warning symbols remain 
after the message disappears. You can 
display the messages again by pressing 
the CHECK button 3:
>"TRUNKLID OPEN"
Message appears only when the 
vehicle is initially set in motion
>"DOOR OPEN"
This message appears after a defined 
road speed has been exceeded
>"FASTEN SEAT BELTS"
*
In addition to this message, a 
warning lamp with the safety belt icon 
appears and an acoustic signal 
sounds
>"WASHER FLUID LOW"
Too low; top up fluid at the next 
opportunity. Refer to page 139
>"CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV"
The engine oil level is at the absolute 
minimum. You should respond by 
topping up the oil as soon as 
possible, refer to page 140. Do not 
continue for more than approximately 
30 miles (50 km) before adding oil>"CHECK FILLER CAP"
Inspect the cap to make sure that it is 
closed properly, refer to page 24. If 
the cap is not closed securely it will 
trigger the "Service Engine Soon" 
lamp
>"OUTSIDE TEMP. +20  7 (Ð5 6)"
This display is only an example. The 
current temperature is displayed at 
outside temperatures of +37.5 7
(+3 6) and below. Refer also to 
page 80
>"SET TIRE PRESSURE"
*
The RDC has imported the current 
inflation pressure in the tires as the 
target values which the system will 
monitor.
Refer to page 99
>"CHECK TIRE PRESSURE"
*
Check and correct the tire inflation 
pressure to specifications at the 
earliest opportunity (next stop for 
fuel).
Refer to page 99
>"TIRECONTROL INACTIVE"
*
A temporary interference of the RDC 
or a system fault. Refer to page 100
>"CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS"
A lamp has failed or the electrical 
circuit has a fault. Refer to pages 154 
and 160 or consult a BMW center 

86n
ComputerMode selectionWhen the ignition key is in position 1 
or 2, you can press the button in the 
turn signal lever to retrieve information 
from the computer for display. Tap the 
button toward the steering column to 
scroll to the next status display in the 
sequence.
The displays appear in the following 
order: outside temperature, average 
fuel consumption, cruising range, 
average speed.
Starting with ignition key position 1, 
the last active setting is displayed.
The range of available displays varies 
according to your individual vehicle's 
equipment.390de700
Outside temperature and 
average fuel consumptionYou can change the units of measure 
(7/6) for the outside temperature 
display by
1. pressing and holding the trip 
odometer reset button (in ignition key 
position 1)
2. and then turning the ignition key to 0.
Refer also to page 80.Cruising range and average speedThe computer bases its calculations of 
the cruising range on the previous 
driving style and conditions.
The computer ignores any time spent 
when the vehicle is stationary and the 
engine is not running in its average 
speed calculations.390us126
To delete the displayPress the button in the turn signal lever 
while the average speed is being shown 
to cancel the display of computer infor-
mation.To restart calculationsYou can maintain pressure on the 
button within the turn signal lever to 
reset the computer and initiate new 
calculations of average speed and fuel 
consumption. This feature is only avail-
able when the engine is running.Computer with alphanumeric 
display
*
If you vehicle is equipped with Check 
Control featuring an alphanumeric 
display, a description of the corre-
sponding computer can be found 
starting on page 91 as well as in the 
"Owner's Manual for Onboard 
Computer." 

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)20, 131 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal 
filter112 
Active seat52 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)70, 73 
Add 
antifreeze142t 
brake fluid143t 
engine coolant142t 
engine oil140t 
washer fluid139t 
Adjusting 
backrest50 
head restraints52 
mirrors57 
seats48 
steering wheel56 
temperature105, 109 
thigh support50 
Air conditioning104 
Air distribution105, 109 
Air outlets104, 107 
Air pressure26t, 133 
Air supply105, 109 
Air vent104, 107 Airbags20, 58 
Alarm system42 
Anchorages to secure the 
load126 
Antifreeze, disposal142t 
Antifreeze, radiator142 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)20, 131 
Anti-theft alarm system42 
Anti-theft protection34 
Approved axle weight171 
Approved gross vehicle 
weight171 
Aquaplaning131, 133 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)21 
ASC+T/DSC (Automatic 
Stability Control plus 
Traction/Dynamic Stability 
Control)97 
Ashtray, front117 
Ashtray, rear118 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)70, 73 
Attach vacuum cleaner118 
AUC (Automatic 
recirculated-air 
control)110 Automatic climate 
control107 
removing condensation 
from windows109 
Automatic cruise control78 
Automatic curb monitor55 
Automatic rear window 
cleaning77 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)110 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)21 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction/Dynamic 
Stability Control (ASC+T/
DSC)97 
Automatic 
transmission20, 70 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic20, 73 
Average fuel 
consumption86 
Average speed86, 94 
Avoid false alarms43t 
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms44 
B 
Backrest, adjusting50 
Backup lamps 
bulb replacement154t 
Battery160 
care160t 
charging160t 
discharged162t 
disposal160t 
Belts53 
Beverage holder117 
Blower105, 109 
BMW active seat52 
BMW comfort seat51 
BMW Maintenance 
System144t 
BMW Universal 
Transmitter113 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder117 
Brake fluid143 
adding143 
Brake hydraulic system19 
Brake lamps, bulb 
replacement154t 
Brake malfunctions132 
       

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  

Everything from A to Z
179n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
I 
Ice warning80 
Identification, tires135 
Ignition lock66 
Immoblizer function94 
activating code94 
deactivating code94 
selecting code94 
Important in the engine 
compartment138 
Imprint4 
Independent ventilation 
system112 
Indicator and warning 
lamps19 
Inflation pressure26t 
monitoring99 
Inflation pressure, 
tires26, 133 
INSPECTION82 
Instrument 
cluster15, 16, 17 
Instrument displays15 
Instrument lighting102 
Instrument panel16, 17 
Instrument panel switch76 
Instruments15 
Intensive cleaning139 Interior lamps103 
Interior mirror58 
Interior motion sensor42 
avoiding unintentional 
alarms44 
deactivate35 
Interior rearview mirror57 
automatic dimmer58 
Interlock66 
J 
Jack157 
Jump-starting162t K 
Key Memory64 
Key with remote control32 
Keys32 
Kickdown71, 74 L 
Lamps and bulbs151t 
LATCH child-restraint 
system63 
LATCH child-restraint 
system, sport wagon64 Leather care, refer to the 
"Caring for your vehicle" 
manual 
Length of vehicle169 
Level control system21, 99 
inactive99t 
License plate lamps 
bulb replacement156t 
Liftgate, refer to tailgate40 
Light switch101 
Lighter118 
LIGHTS ON warning101 
LIMIT91 
Load-securing devices126 
Louvers104, 107 
Low beams101 
bulb replacement151t 
Low-fuel warning lamp81 
Lug bolts158 
Lug wrench157t 
Luggage 
compartment38, 42, 123 
capacity171 
manual operation38t 
Luggage compartment 
lid38 
electrical malfunction38 
emergency release from 
luggage compartment's 
interior41 opening from the 
outside39 
opening separately38 
remote control35 
secure separately38 
Luggage compartment's 
interior, emergency 
release41 
Luggage net42 
Luggage straps42 
Lumbar support50 
M 
M+S tires136 
Maintenance82, 144t 
Malfunction displays83t 
Manual operation 
doors33 
fuel filler door24 
luggage compartment 
lid38 
sliding/tilt sunroof47 
tailgate39 
Manual transmission69 
Manually controlled 
recirculated-air110 
Manually-adjusted seat50 
Master key32 
Maximum cooling110 
Memory settings  

Everything from A to Zfor seat, mirror and 
steering wheel54 
related to individuals ("Key 
Memory")64 
related to the vehicle 
("Vehicle Memory")64 
Microfilter106, 112 
MID (Multi-Information 
Display)87 
Mirrors57 
adjusting57 
defrosting57 
memory setting54 
Modifications, 
technical10, 145 
Monitoring inflation 
pressure, tires99 
Moonroof47 
Multifunction buttons, 
steering wheel22 
Multi-Information Display 
(MID)87 N 
Non-smoker's 
equipment118 O 
OBD interface socket146 
Odometer16, 80 
Oil additives140 Oil change interval, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models) or to the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) 
Oil consumption140 
Oil dipstick140t 
Oil level, indicator lamp20 
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp19 
Oil specifications141t 
Oil viscosity141 
Oils, disposal141t 
OILSERVICE82 
Old batteries160 
Onboard computer, refer to 
the "Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer" 
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) 
system146 
Onboard tool kit150t 
Opening and closing 
from the inside37 
from the outside33 
using the key33 
using the remote 
control33 
Opening the rear 
window40 Operating range86 
Outlets, 
ventilation104, 107 
Outside temperature 
display80, 86 
P 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)96 
Parked-car ventilation 
system112 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Parking aid96 
Parking brake20, 68 
Parking lamps101 
bulb replacement152t 
Partition net123 
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function55 
PDC (Park Distance 
Control)96 
Pocket light116 Pollen filter106, 112 
Power windows45 
safety switch45 
Power-slip control, refer to 
ASC+T/DSC97 
Q 
Quality Grades, tires134 R 
Rain sensor76 
RDC (Tire Pressure 
Monitor)99 
Reading lamps103 
Rear ashtray118 
Rear window40 
defroster105, 110 
sun blinds112 
wiper77 
Rear window cleaning77 
Rear-seat backrest 
folding119 
remove119 
Rearview mirror57 
Recirculated-air mode105 
Reclining seat48 
Refueling24 
Releasing hood137