
 
22n
Steering wheel with multifunction buttonsThe controls integrated within the multi-
function steering wheel (MFL) and the 
sports steering wheel
* have been 
designed to allow you to operate a 
number of accessories both quickly and 
safely, without taking your eyes from 
the road:
>selected control functions for the 
radio along with CD, MD and 
cassette player
>recirculated-air control of the air 
conditioner system or the heated 
steering wheel
* (MFL only)
>the cruise control
>various phone functions
* and
>voice entry
*.
The controls are active only when 
the corresponding systems and 
accessories are switched on.< 
Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing, 
terminate a call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice entry.
Switch between phone and radio, 
cassette, CD and MD.
Forward:
>Radio
Press briefly: station scan in FM band
Extended pressure: search function
>CD/MD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function 
in track
>Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast 
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
>Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind: functions as forward.
Volume
Cruise control: to select a stored 
setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+) 
or decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate.
Recirculated-air mode and automatic 
recirculated-air control (AUC) or heated 
steering wheel: activate/deactivate. 

71n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission
*
Before leaving the vehicle when 
the engine is running, shift the 
selector lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" 
position and apply the parking brake to 
prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Never leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard. 
If you should accidentally select 
"Neutral" while traveling at high speed, 
remove your foot from the accelerator 
pedal immediately. Allow the engine 
speed to drop to idle before selecting 
the desired drive position. Damage 
could otherwise occur due to excessive 
engine speed.< 
P ParkSelect only when the vehicle is 
completely stopped. The transmission 
locks to prevent the rear wheels from 
turning.R ReverseSelect only when the vehicle is 
completely stopped.
N NeutralSelect only if your journey is interrupted 
for a longer period.D Drive 
(automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving 
under all normal operating conditions. 
All forward gears are available.4 Ð Sport ProgramThe Sport Program is designed for 
performance-oriented driving.
3 and 2 Ð shift limiterSelect this range when you wish to limit 
gear changes (on steep uphill or down-
hill slopes, for instance). The transmis-
sion shifts up only as far as the selected 
gear."Kickdown" In the "kickdown" mode, you achieve 
maximum performance.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the 
detent at the full-throttle position. 

74n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
To prevent the vehicle from 
starting off on its own, always 
move the selector lever to position P or 
N and engage the parking brake before 
leaving your car with the engine 
running. Do not leave the vehicle unat-
tended with the engine running. An 
unattended vehicle with a running 
engine represents a potential safety 
hazard. 
P ParkSelect "Park" only when the vehicle is 
completely stopped. The transmission 
locks to prevent the rear wheels from 
turning.R ReverseSelect "Reverse" only when the vehicle 
is completely stopped.N NeutralSelect "Neutral" only if your journey is 
interrupted for a longer period.
D Drive 
(automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving 
under all normal operating conditions. 
All forward gears are available."Kickdown"In the "kickdown" mode, you achieve 
maximum acceleration and top speed 
in position D.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the 
detent at the full-throttle position. 
M/S Manual mode and 
Sport ProgramWhen you change from "D" to "M/S," 
the Sport Program is activated. This is 
indicated by "D S" in the gear selection 
display. The Sport Program is designed 
for performance-oriented driving.
With the first brief touch, the automatic 
transmission shifts from the Sport 
Program to the manual mode. When-
ever you move the selector lever in the 
"+" direction, the transmission upshifts, 
and when you move it in the "Ð" direc-
tion, the transmission downshifts. 
M1...M5 will be displayed in the gear 
indicator.390de721 

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 

160n
Battery Fuses
Battery posts, terminals and other 
components contain lead and lead 
compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.< 
Battery careThe battery is maintenance-free, that is, 
the original electrolyte will normally last 
for the service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions that regard the 
battery, please consult your BMW 
center. The battery is completely main-
tenance-free; the following section is 
provided for your information only.<
Do not disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running, as the 
ensuing voltage surge would damage 
the vehicle's onboard electronics.<
Charging the batteryWhen charging the battery in the 
vehicle, leave the engine off at all times. 
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment (for 
terminal locations, refer to "Jump-
starting" on page 162.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center. 
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure 
the battery against tilting during trans-
port.<
In the glove compartmentOpen the glove compartment and turn 
the two white quick-release fasteners 
to the left.390de085 

Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Reminder signal (Memo)89 
Remote control34 
computer95 
Removable rear-seat 
backrest119 
Remove condensation from 
windows106, 109 
Replacing 
fuses160t 
lamps and bulbs151t 
wiper blades150t 
Reporting safety defects11 
Reservoir, washer 
system139t 
Residual heat111 
Rims135 
Roller sun blind112 
Roll-up cover123 
Roof load capacity171 
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack127 S 
Safety belts53 
Safety defects, reporting11 
Safety lock buttons37 
Seat belts53 
Seats electric power50 
manually-adjusted50 
memory setting54 
Secure the load126 
Securing cargo42, 126 
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission70, 73 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models)144 
Service Interval 
Display82, 144 
Shiftlock70, 73 
Shoulder support51 
Side airbags58 
Side Impact Head Protection 
System58 
Side lamps 
bulb replacement152t 
Side turn signal 
bulb replacement153t 
Ski bag120 
Ski bag in the sport 
wagon122 
Sliding/tilt sunroof46 
manual operation47 
with glass moonroof47 
Snow chains136 Socket for attaching 
electrical appliances118 
Spare tire157t 
Speaker117 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires136 
Special oil141t 
Speed94 
Speed limit91 
Speed, average86, 94 
Speedometer15, 16, 17 
sport wagon 
anchorages126 
compartments in the 
luggage 
compartment124 
cover in the luggage 
compartment124 
folding down the rear 
backrest123 
LATCH child-restraint 
system64 
load-securing 
devices126 
luggage 
compartment123 
opening the rear 
window40 
partition net123 rear window wiper, blade 
replacement150t 
releasing the tailgate after 
an electrical 
malfunction39 
roll-up cover123 
securing a load126 
ski bag122 
tail lamp assembly, bulb 
replacement154t 
transporting children 
safely64 
Standing lamps102 
Starting assistance162t 
Starting problems67t 
Starting the engine67 
Steering wheel 
heating56 
lock66 
memory setting54 
Steering wheel with 
multifunction buttons22 
Steptronic73 
Stopwatch89 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Storage compartments116 
in the cargo area124