
 
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 

 
15n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
1 Fuel gauge81
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals21
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for high beams215 Tachometer and Energy Control81
6 Coolant temperature gauge82
7 Indicator and warning 
lamps19 to 218 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission
 
* 
70, 73
9 Service Interval Display82
 
Instrument cluster
390us740 

 
18n
 
Instrument cluster
 
* 
10 Outside temperature display80
11 Indicator lamp for Automatic 
Stability Control plus Traction 
ASC+T/Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)
 
* 
2112 Trip odometer80
13 Check Control display83
14 Odometer8015 Service Interval Display82
16 Reset button for trip odometer80
17 Indicator and warning 
lamps19 to 21
390us741 

 
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 

133n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are 
matched to the vehicle and have been 
selected to provide optimum safety and 
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but 
also driving comfort and Ð above all else 
Ð driving safety which depend on the 
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressures are a 
frequent cause of tire problems 
and tire damage. Tire pressure also has 
a major effect on your BMW's handling 
response. We recommend that you 
check the tire pressure Ð remember to 
check the spare as well Ð before every 
extended trip, as well as at least every 
two weeks in normal use (refer to 
page 26). Failure to observe these 
precautions can result in incorrect tire 
pressures, which cause instable 
handling response as well as tire 
damage, and can ultimately lead to an 
accident.< 
Tire tread Ð Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread 
wear, signs of damage and for foreign 
objects lodged in the tread. Check the 
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to 
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though 
the legally specified minimum tread 
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear 
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the 
base of the tire's tread. Their locations 
are indicated by the legend "TWI" Ð 
Tread Wear Indicator Ð at various points 
on the tire's shoulder. When the tread 
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), 
these indicators appear to signal that 
the tires have worn to the minimum 
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread 
depth, there is an increased risk of 
aquaplaning, even at relatively 390de331
moderate speeds and with only small 
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) 
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs 
steering and braking response, and can 
lead to complete loss of control over 
the vehicle. 
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that 
the permitted load on the tires is not 
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the 
tires. The ultimate result can assume 
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during 
normal vehicle operation can indicate a 
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be 
caused by contact with curbs, etc.  This 
is also true for irregularities in the 
vehicle's handling characteristics, such 
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the 
left or right. Should this occur, respond 
by immediately reducing your speed. 
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW 
center or professional tire center, or 
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its 
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the 
vehicle occupants and other road 
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition 

146n
OBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the 
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The 
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicleÕs 
lifetime. The system monitors emis-
sions-related components and systems 
to detect deterioration and malfunction.390us739
An illuminated lamp informs you 
of the need for service, not of 
the need to stop the vehicle. 
However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather 
severe level of engine misfire. When 
this occurs, you should reduce speed 
and consult the nearest BMW center as 
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire 
over only a short period of time can 
seriously damage emissions-control 
components, especially the catalytic 
converter.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can 
detect the vapor leak and the indicator 
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should 
go out within a few days.<  

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