
 
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 

32n
Keys Central locking system1 Master key with remote control unit, 
for information on programming the 
key memory refer to page 64.
You can mark individual keys for 
subsequent identification by applying 
the colored decals that you received 
when accepting delivery of your 
vehicle
There is an extended-life battery 
in every master key that is 
charged automatically in the ignition 
lock as you drive. 
For this reason, if you have a master 
key that is not in regular use, you 
should use that key approx. once every 
year while driving for an extended 
period. This will charge the battery. 
Refer also to page 34.< 463de023
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place, 
such as in your wallet. This key is not 
intended for continuous use
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid/tailgate, rear backrest and 
glove compartment cannot be oper-
ated with this key. This is recom-
mended for valet parking, for 
instance
The conceptThe central locking system is ready for 
operation as soon as you close the front 
doors. The system engages and 
releases the locks on the 
>doors
>luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
and rear window
*
>fuel filler door. 
The central locking system can be 
operated 
>from outside via the driver's door lock 
as well as via the remote control
>from inside via the central locking 
system button. 
Activation from inside does not lock the 
fuel filler door (refer to page 37). Activa-
tion from outside simultaneously arms 
the anti-theft system. The alarm system 
is also activated or deactivated.
When you use the central locking 
system to lock the doors from inside 
the vehicle, it will automatically disen-
gage the locks if an accident occurs, 
except on doors that have been locked 
individually using the lock buttons, refer 
to page 37. The accident response 
routine also includes automatic activa-
tion of the hazard warning flashers and 
the interior lamps. 

34n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control makes opening and 
locking the doors of your vehicle very 
convenient. Furthermore, it provides 
three additional functions which you 
can only execute via the remote control:
>To switch on interior lamps, refer to 
page 35.
With this function, you can also 
"search for" your vehicle, when 
parked in an underground garage, for 
instance
>To open the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate, refer to page 35.
The luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
will open slightly, regardless of 
whether it was previously locked or 
unlocked
>Panic mode
In case of danger, you can trigger the 
alarm.
Whenever you unlock (lock) the vehicle, 
you simultaneously deactivate (activate) 
the anti-theft system, disarm (arm) the 
alarm system and switch the interior 
lamps on (off).
You can have a signal set to 
confirm that the vehicle's locks 
have engaged securely.< 
1 Unlock, convenience opening and 
alarm system
2 Lock and secure, interior lamp activa-
tion, disarming tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
3 Open the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate, panic mode390de793
Master keys with remote control
Since passengers or animals 
remaining in the vehicle might be 
able to lock the doors from the inside, 
take the vehicle's keys with you so that 
the vehicle can be opened again from 
the outside at any time.< 
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion, since the battery in the key is 
charged automatically in the ignition 
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to lock the 
vehicle via the remote control, the 
battery is discharged. Use this key 
while driving for an extended period in 
order to charge the battery. Refer also 
to page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the 
remote control, surrender only the door 
and ignition key 3 or the spare key 2 
(refer to page 32) when leaving the 
vehicle for valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your BMW center. You 
can also obtain replacement keys 
there.<  

35n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlTo unlockPress button.
Press the button once to unlock the 
driver's door only; press a second time 
to unlock all remaining doors as well as 
the luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
and fuel filler door.Convenience opening modePress and hold button to open the elec-
tric power windows and sliding/tilt 
sunroof.
To lock and securePress button.
Vehicles without armored glass: 
do not lock the vehicle if anyone 
will be remaining inside, as it would 
then be impossible for the occupant(s) 
to disengage the locks from the 
inside.< To deactivate the tilt alarm sensor 
and interior motion sensorPress button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to 
page 43.To switch on the interior lampsWith the vehicle locked, press button.
To open the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgatePress button.
The luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
will open slightly, regardless of whether 
it was previously locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure 
that the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate has not been opened uninten-
tionally.< Panic modeProvided that the alarm system is 
armed, you can respond to imminent 
danger by holding down the button for 
between two and five seconds. 
To cancel alarm 
Press button. 

36n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlExternal systemsThe remote control system may be 
affected by other units or equipment 
operating in the immediate vicinity of 
your vehicle.
If this should occur, you can unlock and 
lock the vehicle via the door lock with a 
master key.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units 
comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal 
Communication Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the 
following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful 
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference 
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to 
these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.<  

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. 

44n
Alarm system Electric power windowsInterior motion sensorIn order for the interior motion sensor to 
function properly, the windows and 
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely 
closed.
Nevertheless, you should deactivate 
the interior motion sensor (refer to 
"Avoiding unintentional alarms") if you
>leave children or animals in the 
vehicle
>intend to leave the windows or 
sliding/tilt sunroof open.
To open and close windowsFrom ignition key position 1:
>Depress the rocker switch until you 
feel resistance:
The window continues moving for as 
long as you maintain pressure on the 
switch
>Press the rocker switch beyond the 
resistance point:
The window moves automatically. 
Press the switch a second time to 
stop the window.390de055
After the ignition has been switched off:
>You can still operate the windows as 
long as neither of the front doors has 
been opened. To open the window, 
press the switch beyond the resis-
tance point.
When leaving the vehicle, always 
extract the ignition key from the 
lock and remember to close the doors 
to prevent children from operating the 
power windows and injuring them-
selves, etc.< 
For the convenience mode via the door 
lock or the remote control, refer to 
pages 33 or 35.Safety featureA contact strip is integrated into the 
inner side of each of the upper window 
frame sections. If pressure is exerted 
against this contact strip while a 
window is being raised, the system will 
respond by stopping the window and 
then retracting it a small distance. 

46n
Sliding/tilt sunroof
*
To prevent injuries, exercise care 
when closing the sliding/tilt 
sunroof and keep it in your field of 
vision until it is shut.
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off 
the electric sunroof mechanism by 
taking out the ignition key. Do not leave 
children unattended in the vehicle with 
access to vehicle keys. The key could 
be used to start the engine and operate 
vehicle systems such as the power 
sunroof, etc. Unsupervised use of these 
systems can result in serious personal 
injury.< 
For the convenience mode via the door 
lock or the remote control, refer to 
page 33 or 35.
Raising Ð Opening Ð ClosingWith the ignition key in position 1 or 2, 
press the switch or slide it in the 
desired direction until you feel resis-
tance.
When lifting, the headliner retracts 
several inches.
The headliner insert can not be 
closed with the sunroof in its 
raised position.< 
After the ignition has been switched off, 
you can still operate the sliding/tilt 
sunroof as long as neither of the front 
doors has been opened.390de724
Automatic
* opening and closing
Press the switch past the resistance 
point and then release it.
Other automatic operations are:
>With the sunroof open, press the 
switch briefly toward "Lift:" the 
sunroof automatically extends to its 
fully-raised position
>With the sunroof lifted, press the 
switch briefly toward "Open:" the 
sunroof automatically opens all the 
way.
Pressing the switch again briefly stops 
the motion.Safety featureIf the sliding/tilt sunroof encounters 
resistance at a point roughly past the 
middle of its travel when it is closing, 
the closing cycle is interrupted and the 
sliding/tilt sunroof will open again 
slightly.