
 
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 

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. 

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 

96n
The conceptPDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers by 
providing an acoustic signal to indicate 
the distance between your front and 
rear bumpers and the nearest object. 
The monitoring range for the front and 
two rear sensors extends outward 
roughly 2 ft (60 cm), while the rear 
bumper's two centrally located sensors 
detect objects at distances of up to 
approx. 5 ft (1.50 meters).Automatic functionThe system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you 
select reverse or move the selector 
lever into the "R" position with the igni-
tion key in position 2.
Manual activationPress the button, the indicator lamp 
lights up. 
When you subsequently drive a 
distance of more than approx. 160 ft 
(50 meters) or exceed a speed of 
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h), the system 
switches off and the indicator lamp 
goes out. Reactivate the system as 
required.390us727
Acoustic signalsThe distance from an obstacle is indi-
cated in front with a higher intermittent 
tone, at the rear with a lower intermit-
tent tone. As the distance between 
vehicle and object decreases, the inter-
vals between the tones become 
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the 
presence of an object less than 1 ft 
(30 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. three seconds if you are 
moving parallel to a wall.
If there is a malfunction of the system:
The indicator lamp flashes and a brief 
continuous signal tone is heard
>if you activate PDC with the button
>when you first select reverse or move 
the selector lever into the "R" posi-
tion after switching on the ignition
>if a malfunction occurs while the PDC 
system is active.
Switch the system off and have the 
cause of the malfunction corrected at 
your BMW center.
Park Distance Control (PDC)
* 

101n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Parking lamps (side marker 
lamps)
With the switch in this position, 
the front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on.
For lighting on one side for parking as 
an additional feature, refer to page 102.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off 
while the low beams are on, the 
headlamps go out and only the 
parking lamps (side marker lamps) 
remain on.
390de732
"Follow me home":
When you activate the headlamp 
flasher after parking the vehicle and 
switching off the lights, the low beams 
will come on for a brief period. You may 
also have this function deactivated if 
you wish.< 
"LIGHTS ON" warningWhen the driver's door is opened with 
the ignition key at position 0 a chime 
will sound for several seconds to 
remind you that you have forgotten to 
switch off the lights
.
Vehicles with alphanumeric Check 
Control
*:
The reminder is provided by the Check 
Control, refer to page 85.
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically 
switched on for daytime driving at 
ignition key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When the switch is set to this 
position the system automati-
cally activates and cancels the 
low beams in response to changes in 
ambient light ( in tunnels, at dusk, etc.) 
as well as rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights 
remain on constantly when you 
switch on the front fog lamps after the 
headlamps have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlamp control 
cannot serve as a substitute for 
the driver's judgement in determining 
when the vehicle lights should be 
switched on. For example, the sensors 
are not able to detect fog. To avoid 
safety risks, you should respond to 
these kinds of low-visibility situations 
by switching the headlamps on manu-
ally.<
You can have the sensitivity of 
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Parking lamps/Low beams 

Everything from A to Z
179n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
I 
Ice warning80 
Identification, tires135 
Ignition lock66 
Immoblizer function94 
activating code94 
deactivating code94 
selecting code94 
Important in the engine 
compartment138 
Imprint4 
Independent ventilation 
system112 
Indicator and warning 
lamps19 
Inflation pressure26t 
monitoring99 
Inflation pressure, 
tires26, 133 
INSPECTION82 
Instrument 
cluster15, 16, 17 
Instrument displays15 
Instrument lighting102 
Instrument panel16, 17 
Instrument panel switch76 
Instruments15 
Intensive cleaning139 Interior lamps103 
Interior mirror58 
Interior motion sensor42 
avoiding unintentional 
alarms44 
deactivate35 
Interior rearview mirror57 
automatic dimmer58 
Interlock66 
J 
Jack157 
Jump-starting162t K 
Key Memory64 
Key with remote control32 
Keys32 
Kickdown71, 74 L 
Lamps and bulbs151t 
LATCH child-restraint 
system63 
LATCH child-restraint 
system, sport wagon64 Leather care, refer to the 
"Caring for your vehicle" 
manual 
Length of vehicle169 
Level control system21, 99 
inactive99t 
License plate lamps 
bulb replacement156t 
Liftgate, refer to tailgate40 
Light switch101 
Lighter118 
LIGHTS ON warning101 
LIMIT91 
Load-securing devices126 
Louvers104, 107 
Low beams101 
bulb replacement151t 
Low-fuel warning lamp81 
Lug bolts158 
Lug wrench157t 
Luggage 
compartment38, 42, 123 
capacity171 
manual operation38t 
Luggage compartment 
lid38 
electrical malfunction38 
emergency release from 
luggage compartment's 
interior41 opening from the 
outside39 
opening separately38 
remote control35 
secure separately38 
Luggage compartment's 
interior, emergency 
release41 
Luggage net42 
Luggage straps42 
Lumbar support50 
M 
M+S tires136 
Maintenance82, 144t 
Malfunction displays83t 
Manual operation 
doors33 
fuel filler door24 
luggage compartment 
lid38 
sliding/tilt sunroof47 
tailgate39 
Manual transmission69 
Manually controlled 
recirculated-air110 
Manually-adjusted seat50 
Master key32 
Maximum cooling110 
Memory settings