
 
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 

 
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. 

55n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory Seat heating
*
Your BMW center can adjust your 
vehicle's systems in such a 
manner that your personalized settings 
are automatically called up for the seat, 
mirror and steering wheel positions 
when you unlock the vehicle with your 
personal remote control key.<
Before using the key memory 
feature to unlock the vehicle 
always ensure that no objects are 
stored in the footwell behind the 
driver's seat. If you fail to do so, 
persons or objects could be injured or 
damaged if the seat should move back-
ward.<
Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt 
function(automatic curb monitor)
1 Move the mirror selector switch 
(arrow) to the "driver's mirror" posi-
tion
2 When the selector lever is placed in 
"Reverse," the passenger-side mirror 
tilts downward to help the driver 
monitor the area directly adjacent to 
the vehicle during parking (curbs, 
etc.). 
You can deactivate this automatic 
feature by setting the mirror selection 
switch to the "passenger-side" posi-
tion.390de720
The seat cushion and backrest can be 
heated with the ignition key in 
position 2.
You can select from different heating 
modes by repeatedly pressing the keys.
You can also switch the higher heating 
modes off directly:
Press the key and hold it slightly longer.390us729 

56n
Adjusting steering wheel Heated steering wheel
*
The steering wheel can be moved in 
any of four directions. Adjust by moving 
the control lever in the desired direc-
tion.
Do not adjust the steering wheel 
while the vehicle is moving. There 
is a risk of accident from unexpected 
movement.< 
To store the steering wheel setting, 
refer to "Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory" on page 54.390de711
Automatic steering wheel 
adjustmentIn order to make it easier to get into and 
out of the vehicle, the steering wheel 
automatically moves into the top posi-
tion and returns to the driving (memory) 
position.
This automatic feature is controlled by 
the position of the ignition key and by 
the driver's door.
The heated steering wheel feature is 
available for operation when the ignition 
key is in position 2. 
Press the button to switch on and off.
The lamp within the button lights up 
when the steering wheel heater is in 
operation.
If you have a multifunction steering 
wheel without steering wheel heating, 
the button for the recirculated-air mode 
is in this location (refer to page 22).
390de708 

105n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Air conditioningTemperature
The numbers in the display 
panel are reference figures for 
general orientation. We 
recommend a setting of 70 7 
(22 6) for a congenial in-car climate. 
When you start the vehicle, this system 
adjusts the air to the selected tempera-
ture as quickly as possible, and then 
maintains that temperature constantly.
Air distribution 
You can direct the emerging 
air toward the windows  , 
toward your upper body   or 
into the footwell  . All inter-
mediate settings are also available. In 
the   setting, there is a low flow of air 
onto the windows to keep them free of 
condensation.
Air supply
You can control the emerging 
air's flow rate through an infi-
nitely-variable range. The 
heating and ventilation 
become more and more effective as the 
air supply settings are increased. In the 
"0" setting, the blower and climate 
control are switched off and the outside 
air supply is blocked. 
Rear window defroster 
The indicator lamp comes 
on to indicate that the rear 
window defroster is in operation. The 
rear window defroster switches off 
automatically.
Cooling
The air conditioning cools 
and dehumidifies the 
incoming air before reheating it to the 
selected temperature. Depending on 
the weather, the windshield may fog 
over briefly when the engine is started. 
You can reduce condensation forming 
on the windows by switching on the air 
conditioning.
Condensation forms in the air 
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle. 
Traces of condensed water of this kind 
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to 
unpleasant odors in the 
surrounding environment by using this 
mode to temporarily suspend the flow 
of outside air into the vehicle's interior. 
The system then recirculates the air 
currently within the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with a multi-
function steering wheel
 featuring a 
recirculated-air button then you can 
also select the recirculated-air mode 
from this location (refer to page 22).
If the windows should fog over in 
the recirculated-air mode, switch 
the recirculated-air mode off and 
increase the air supply as required.< 

108n
Automatic climate control
*
10 Temperature control Ð 
right-hand side109
11 To defrost windshield and 
windows10912 Air conditioning110
13 Automatic recirculated-air control 
(AUC)110
14 Rear window defroster11015 Air supply109
16 Maximum cooling110
Residual heating mode111
17 Air grill for interior temperature 
sensor Ð please keep clear and 
unobstructed
390us743 

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system, that is, 
press AUTO button 6. Select an interior 
temperature that you find comfortable.
Detailed setting options are described 
for you in the following section.
You can make the settings of your 
vehicle in such a manner that, 
when you unlock the vehicle with the 
remote control of your personal key, 
your own personalized setting for the 
automatic climate control is initiated.< Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program 
assumes the adjustment of 
the air distribution and the air supply for 
you and also adapts the temperature to 
external influences (summer, winter) to 
meet preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO 
program by selecting 
specific distribution patterns 
to suit your own individual 
requirements. While the 
AUTO program is then deactivated, the 
automatic airflow control remains in 
operation. The system directs air to the 
windows  , the upper body  and 
into the footwells  . You can reacti-
vate the automatic air distribution mode 
by selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
You can make individual 
temperature settings on the 
driver's side or the front 
passenger side. Your selection appears 
in display panel 7. The numbers that 
appear in the panel are reference 
figures for interior temperature. We 
recommend a setting of 72 7 (22 6) 
for a congenial interior climate, even 
when the air conditioner is in operation. 
When you start the vehicle, the system 
ensures that the selected temperature 
is achieved as quickly as possible. It 
then maintains this temperature, 
regardless of the season.
Air supply
AUTO appears in display 
panel 9, while the AUTO 
program automatically controls the flow 
of incoming air, refer to overview on 
page 107. You can use "+" and "Ð" to 
vary the airflow. When your setting is 
displayed by bars, the automatic airflow 
is switched off. Automatic air distribu-
tion maintains its setting. You can reac-
tivate the automatic airflow by pressing 
the AUTO button.
When you press  "Ð "  during operation at 
minimum blower speed all displays are 
canceled: the blower, heating and air 
conditioner are switched off. The 
outside air supply is deactivated. By 
pressing any button of the automatic 
climate control (except the MAX 
button 16), you can switch the system 
back on.
To defrost windshield and 
windows
This program quickly 
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side 
windows. 

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Residual heating mode
The heat which is stored in 
the engine is utilized for 
heating the interior when the engine 
has been switched off (while waiting at 
a railroad crossing, for instance).
In ignition key position 1, you can alter 
the settings of the automatic climate 
control. In ignition key position 0, the 
system automatically directs heated air 
to the windshield, side windows and 
footwells. 
This function is available for oper-
ation when the outside tempera-
ture is below approximately 59 7 
(15 6), with the engine warm from 
recent operation and an adequate 
charge in the battery. The LED on the 
button will light up when all conditions 
have been met.< 
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the air outlets for the 
upper body area completely for your 
personal comfort:
1 Rotary dials for infinitely-variable 
opening and closing of the vent 
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 Rotary dial allows you to control the 
temperature of the airflow as desired:
>Turn toward blue Ð colder
>Turn toward red Ð warmer.390de685
Rear passenger area ventilation1 Rotary dial for infinitely-variable 
opening and closing of the vent 
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 The rotary dial operates in the same 
way as the front dial to adjust the 
temperature of the emerging air.390de686