
 
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. 

 
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 

43n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Alarm systemTo arm and disarm the alarm 
systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked 
with the key or the remote control, the 
alarm system is also simultaneously 
armed or disarmed.
You can have different acknowl-
edgment signals set to confirm 
arming and disarming.<
You can also open the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate when the 
system is armed by pressing the button 
on the remote control (refer to page 35). 
When you close the luggage compart-
ment lid/tailgate, the luggage compart-
ment is secured again.
Indicator lamp displays>The indicator lamp below the interior 
rearview mirror flashes continuously: 
the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during 
arming: door(s), the hood or luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate are not 
completely closed. Even if you do not 
secure the indicated area, the system 
begins to monitor the remaining 
areas, and the indicator lamp flashes 
continuously after 10 seconds. 
However, the interior motion sensor 
is not activated
>If the indicator lamp goes out when 
the system is disarmed: no manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed390de020
>If the indicator lamp flashes for 
10 seconds when the system is 
disarmed: an attempted entry has 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the 
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarmsThe tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. To prevent a false alarm from 
being triggered (in garages with 
elevator ramps, for instance), or when 
the vehicle is transported by trailer or 
train:
Lock the vehicle (arm the alarm system) 
twice in succession: press button 2 on 
the remote control transmitter twice 
(refer to page 35), or turn the key in the 
door lock to the right (lock) twice in 
succession (refer to page 33).
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and the interior motion sensor 
are deactivated as long as the system is 
armed. 

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 

68n
Switching off the engine Parking brakeTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key 
while the vehicle is rolling. The 
steering locks, making it impossible to 
steer the vehicle.
Always remove the ignition key and 
engage the steering lock before leaving 
the vehicle.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake 
when parking on hills and inclined 
surfaces, as first gear or reverse may 
not provide adequate resistance to 
rolling. 
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."< 
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The vehicle must be stationary and the 
selector lever in "Park" before you can 
remove the ignition key.
The parking brake is primarily designed 
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while 
parked. It operates on the rear wheels.To engageThe lever engages automatically and 
the "PARK BRAKE" or "BRAKE" (in 
Canada "P") indicator lamp comes on in 
the instrument cluster in ignition key 
position 2. Refer to pages 19 and 20.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the 
button and lower the lever.390de714
If, in exceptional circumstances, it 
should be necessary to engage 
the parking brake while the vehicle is in 
motion, do not pull it with excessive 
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed 
against the release button while care-
fully pulling up the lever to apply 
moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction (fishtailing) 
at the rear.
The brake lamps do not come on when 
the parking brake is applied.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake 
when parking on hills and inclined 
surfaces, as first gear or reverse may 
not provide adequate resistance to 
rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."< 
You can help prevent corrosion and 
avoid uneven braking response by 
gently engaging the parking brake from 
time to time when coasting to a stop at 
traffic lights (ensure that you will not 
pose a hazard to other road users).  

77n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer/Wiper system
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. Failure to do so 
could result in damage caused by 
undesired wiper activation.< 
Normal wiper speedThe system automatically reverts to 
operation in the intermittent mode 
whenever the vehicle is stationary (not 
on vehicles with rain sensor
*).
Fast wiper speedThe wipers revert to operation at stan-
dard speed when the vehicle stops (not 
on vehicles with rain sensor
*).
Clean the windshieldThe system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period.
Intensive cleaning
*
As in setting 5. In addition, an intensive-
action washer fluid is first sprayed on 
the windshield.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to 
page 150.Cleaning headlights
*
When the headlights are on, they are 
also cleaned automatically every fifth 
time you activate the clean the wind-
shield (5) or intensive cleaning (6) 
mode.
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield, as your vision 
could be obscured. Always use an anti-
freeze agent. Refer to page 139.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage 
to the washer pump.< Windshield washer jetsThe windshield washer jets are warmed 
automatically when the ignition key is in 
position 2.
Rear window wiper Ð sport wagon0 Retracted (home) position of the rear 
window wiper
1 Rear window wiper in intermittent 
operation. Automatically switches to 
continuos operation when reverse is 
engaged
2 Clean the rear window
You can also program the interval:
>Switch briefly from position 0 to posi-
tion 1
>The time until reactivation (from posi-
tion 0 to 1) is the programmed 
interval (max. 30 seconds).392de726 

82n
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval DisplayBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at 
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp
* comes on briefly to 
confirm that the system is operational.
If the warning lamp lights up during 
normal vehicle operation, or the 
message "COOLANT TEMPERATURE" 
appears in the Check Control
*, the 
engine is overheated. Shut off the 
engine immediately and allow it to cool 
down.
390de007
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle 
may rise as far as the edge of the red 
sector in normal operation.
Checking coolant level: refer to 
page 142.
The range of available displays varies 
according to your individual vehicle's 
equipment.
Green lampsThe number of illuminated lamps 
decreases as the time for your next 
maintenance visit approaches.Yellow lampThis field appears together with 
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
Maintenance is due. Please contact 
your BMW center for an appointment.Red lampThe maintenance deadline has been 
passed.390us702 

83n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check ControlGraphic display
*
The following alerts and status 
messages are displayed with icons from 
ignition key position 2 and remain in the 
display until the defects are corrected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid (goes out after 
approx. 1 minute)
3 Door open
4 Luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
open
5 Check brake and tail lamps. 
A defective center brake lamp is indi-
cated by the upper symbol
When you open the door after stopping, 
a warning signal sounds without a 
visual indicator for: 
>"LIGHTS ON" and
>"KEY IN IGNITION LOCK."390de121
Alphanumeric display
*
Text messages are used to alert the 
driver to system malfunctions when the 
ignition key is turned to position 2. The 
alert is accompanied by a gong.
1 Status report symbol
2 Display
3 CHECK button
Messages warning of system malfunc-
tions are assigned one of two priority 
levels:390us111
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by a gong and a flashing warning 
symbol 1. Simultaneous defects will be 
displayed consecutively. These status 
messages remain in the display until the 
defects are corrected. They cannot be 
deleted by pressing the CHECK 
button 3.