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
Contents
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Under the hood:
Hood137
Engine compartment
essentials138
Washer fluids139
Engine oil140
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System144
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications145
California Proposition
65 Warning145
OBD interface socket146
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit150
Windshield wiper blades150
Lamps and bulbs151
Changing a wheel156
Battery160
Fuses160
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting162
Towing the vehicle163Engine specifications168
Dimensions169
Weights171
Capacities173
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.
20n
Indicator and warning lamps
Red: as important reminder
Parking brake
*
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 68
Parking brake warning lamp
*
for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts
l
Accompanied by warning tone
and message
*
in the Check
Control panel. Remains on until the
safety belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 53.
Airbags
l
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 58
Yellow: please have checked at
your earliest opportunity
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 131
Antilock Brake System (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
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 140
Engine oil level
*
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 140
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 72 and 75
Brake pads
*
l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 132
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
*
l
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available without limitations.
Have the system repaired by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to
page 98
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
l
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 26, 98
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
24n
RefuelingFuel filler door
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not
possible to add fuel with the engine
running, and attempts may also trigger
the Service Engine Soon lamp.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also open the fuel filler door
manually:
sedan
1. Use the handle to lower the trim
panel on the right side of the luggage
compartment
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.
394de729
sport wagon
1. Release the right-hand panel in the
luggage compartment with the
button and fold the panel down
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.
If a subwoofer
* is installed, loosen the
T-screw and swing the subwoofer to
the side.
Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station
when handling fuel. Never carry spare
fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether
empty or full, these containers can leak,
cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not attempt to continue adding fuel
to the last drop, as this practice can
cause fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness of
the vapor recovery system on the
pump.
390de603
25n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling Fuel specificationsAs long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Tank capacity: approximately 18.5 gal.
(70 liters), with a reserve capacity of
>BMW 525i, 530i: 2.0 gal. (8 liters)
>BMW 540i: 2.5 gal. (10 liters).
After refueling, close the filler cap
carefully, continuing until you hear
the detent engage. While closing, be
sure not to squeeze the strap which is
fastened to the cap. A loose or missing
cap will activate the message "CHECK
FILLER CAP" in the Check Control
* or
the Check Filler Cap lamp
*.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<
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.