
 
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 

 
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 

 
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 

26n
Tire inflation pressureThe inflation pressures are indicated on 
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind 
the driver's door (visible with door 
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated 
in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient 
temperature (refer also to the next 
pages).
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor 
(RDC)
*:
After correcting tire inflation pressures, 
reactivate the system, refer to page 99.
390de697
Check your tire pressures on a 
regular basis Ð at least twice a 
month Ð and before every extended 
journey. Incorrect tire pressure can lead 
to driving instability, tire damage and 
accidents.
Check the inflation pressure of the 
spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to 
the highest pressure of any tire on your 
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval 
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the tables 
apply to BMW approved tires sizes and 
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center is 
familiar with these pressures. Higher 
pressures may be specified for tires 
from other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that 
not only meet US, but also European 
standards. We recommend the exclu-
sive use of BMW approved tires. 

27n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire inflation pressuresedan Tires
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in psi 
(kilopascal) with cold tires 
(cold = ambient temperature)
525i225/60 R 15 96 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
205/65 R 15 94 Q M+S
225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
29 (200)Ð
33 (230)33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
530i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
29 (200)Ð
33 (230)33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
(outside US/CDN)
(outside US/CDN)(US/CDN)
(US/CDN) 

28n
Tire inflation pressuresedan Tires
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in psi 
(kilopascal) with cold tires 
(cold = ambient temperature)
540i225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y35 (240) 39 (270) 41 (280) 48 (330)
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y35 (240)
ÐÐ
39 (270)41 (280)
ÐÐ
48 (330)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H M+S30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
540iA225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/Y30 (210)
ÐÐ
35 (240)36 (250)
ÐÐ
44 (300) 

29n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire inflation pressuresport 
wagonTires
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in psi 
(kilopascal) with cold tires 
(cold = ambient temperature)
525i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S
225/60 R 15 96 W
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
225/60 R 15 96 Q M+S
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S33 (230) 38 (260) 39 (270) 46 (320)
540i225/55 R 16 95 H M+S
225/55 R 16 95 W
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y30 (210) 35 (240) 36 (250) 44 (300)
225/55 R 16 95 Q M+S
235/45 R 17 94 Q M+S33 (230) 38 (260) 39 (270) 46 (320) 

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