Contents
© 2001 BMW M GmbH
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 237
US English VIII/01
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps17
Steering wheel with multifunction
buttons21
Warning triangle22
First-aid kit22
Refueling22
Fuel specifications24
Tire inflation pressures24
Opening and closing:
Keys28
Central locking system28
Opening and closing Ð via the
door lock29
Opening and closing Ð via the
remote control30
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside33
Luggage compartment lid34
Luggage compartment36
Alarm system37
Electric power windows39
Sliding/tilt sunroof40
Adjustments:
Correct sitting position42
Seats43
Head restraints44
Entering the rear45
Safety belts45
Seat and mirror memory46
Seat heating47
Steering wheel47
Mirrors48
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags49
Transporting children safely52
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory55
Driving:
Ignition lock56
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake58
Manual transmission58
Sequential M gearbox SMG II59
Indicator/Headlamp flasher65
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor66
Cruise control68
Everything under control:
Odometer70
Tachometer70
Temperature gauge70
Fuel gauge71
Temperature gauge71
Service Interval Display71
Check Control72
Computer72
Technology for driving comfort
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)75
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)76
Flat Tire Monitor77
M Engine dynamics control79
Contents
5n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams80
Instrument lighting81
High beams/Standing lamps81
Fog lamps82
Interior lamps82
Reading lamps82
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner83
Automatic climate control86
Roller sun blind89
Interior conveniences:
Sound system90
Glove compartment90
Storage compartments91
Cellular phone92
Ashtray, front92
Ashtray, rear93
Clothes hooks93
Loading and transporting:
Through-loading system94
Ski bag95
Cargo loading96
Roof-mounted luggage rack97
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure100
Driving notes101
Antilock Brake System101
Brake system102
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure103
Tire condition103
Tire replacement104
Wheel and tire
combinations105
Special characteristics of winter
tires106
Snow chains106
In the engine compartment:
Hood107
Engine compartment
essentials108
Washer fluids109
Engine oil110
Coolant112
Brake fluid113
Maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System114
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications115
California Proposition
65 Warning115
OBD interface socket116
10n
For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2,8 % oxygen by weight (i.e.
15 % MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will
not void the applicable warranties
respecting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, for example) among gasolines
offered for sale in the United States and
Canada. The use of poor quality fuels
may result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under
certain environmental conditions, such
as high ambient temperature and high
altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Obey all applicable safety rules when
you are handling gasoline.
<
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been
thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to ascertain
whether it can be used on a BMW
safely and without risk to either the
vehicle, its operation, or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle,
compromise its safety, interfere with
the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. See your BMW center for
additional information.
Do not use key or remote control to
lock doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to
page 33 for more details.
<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
17n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by "
l
" are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. 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.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
l
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from
overheating. If the drive belt is defec-
tive, increased steering effort is also
required.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check
the engine oil level and 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.
<
Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. As you steer the
vehicle, use caution and avoid overcor-
recting.
For additional information, refer to
page 77
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 102 and 113
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
18n
Indicator and warning lamps
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 58
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts
l
A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Lights up for a
few seconds or until the safety belt is
fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 45
Airbags
l
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 49
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system
has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 76, 101.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center
Sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine is started:
this indicates a malfunction in the
system. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 64
19n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
l
In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds: ABS has been deacti-
vated in response to system malfunc-
tion. Conventional braking efficiency is
available and unrestricted. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 101
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 110
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: refill engine
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time
you stop for gas).
For additional information, refer to
page 110
Brake pads
l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 102
Flat Tire Monitor
l
The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 24, 77
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
l
The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive force and
braking force. If the indicator lamp fails
to go out after the engine is started, or if
it comes on during normal driving and
stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system
malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, starting on
page 76
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
l
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 76
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
up the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 109
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 112
56n
Ignition key positions0 Steering locked
1 Steering unlocked
2 Ignition switched on
3 Starting engineSteering locked The key can be inserted or removed in
this position only.
After removing the key, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the left or right
until you hear the lock engage.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic
signal is sounded after the driver's door
has been opened.
The sound system remains operational
for approx. 20 minutes after you switch
off the ignition (ignition key in position 0
or key removed). Simply switch it back
on.Steering unlocked You will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering
wheel slightly to help disengage the
lock.
Individual electrical accessories are
ready for operation. 1. Engage the parking brake
2. Gearshift lever in idling position
3. Press the clutch pedal at low
temperatures
4. Start the engine. Do not press the
accelerator pedal. Do not actuate the
starter for too short a time. Do not
turn it for more than approx.
20 seconds. Release the ignition key
immediately when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate
engine speed.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II: refer to the instructions on
page 60.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas.
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an
extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unat-
tended vehicle with a running engine
represents a potential safety hazard.<
Ignition lock Starting the engine
57n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Starting the engine Switching off the engine If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (the engine is very hot or cold,
for instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
starting at about +57 (Ð156) and at
high altitudes over 3,300 ft (over
1,000 m):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds)
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to damage to the
catalytic converter.<
When driving, standing at idle,
and parking the vehicle, take care
to avoid contact between the exhaust
system and flammable materials (grass,
hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact could
lead to a fire, resulting in personal injury
and property damage.<
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always switch off electrical
devices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving.
If you did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Set the parking brake when parking on
steep hills, because under certain
conditions, putting the vehicle into first
or reverse gear may not be enough to
prevent it from rolling away.<
Vehicles with sequential M transmis-
sion
* SMG II: observe instructions on
page 60.