Contents
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order no. 01 41 0 156 416
US English IX/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 lamps18
Steering wheel with multifunction
buttons22
Warning triangle23
First-aid kit23
Refueling24
Fuel specifications25
Tire inflation pressures26
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Central locking system30
Opening and closing
Ð via the door lock31
Opening and closing
Ð via the remote control32
Opening and closing
Ð from the inside35
Liftgate36
Tailgate37
Alarm system39
Electric power windows40
Sliding/tilt sunroof with glass
moonroof42
Adjustments:
Correct sitting posture44
Seats44
Mechanical seat45
Power seat46
Head restraints47
Power rear-seat backrest
adjustment48
Safety belt49
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory50
Seat heating51
Adjusting steering wheel52
Steering wheel heating53
Mirrors53
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags55
Transporting children safely58
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Driving:
Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine64
Parking brake64
Manual transmission65
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
Indicator/Headlamp flasher68
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor69
Cruise control71
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display74
Tachometer75
Energy control75
Fuel gauge75
Coolant temperature gauge76
Service Interval Display76
Check Control77
Computer80
Multi-Information Display
(MID)82
Digital clock in the MID83
Computer in the MID86
Inhalt
18n
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 in the
following section.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
l
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
drive belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
Do not continue driving. The
engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.
<
Parking brake
* /
Brake hydraulic system
l
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake. For additional informa-
tion: refer to page 64.
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 135 and 146.
Also comes on in the Check Control
with the message "CHECK BRAKE
LININGS".
Parking brake warning lamp
*
/
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a flat tire has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. As you steer the
vehicle, use caution and avoid overcor-
recting.
For additional information: refer to
page 98
19n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Red or yellow: continue to drive;
drive cautiously
If the brake warning lamp
comes on red together with the
yellow warning lamps for ABS
and DSC:
Continue to drive; drive
cautiously and defensively and
avoid full brake applications.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 92 and 134.
If all three warning lamps come on
yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously and
defensively and avoid full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center as
soon as possible.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
*
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged.
For additional information: refer to
page 64.
Parking brake warning lamp
*
for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts
l
Together with an acoustic signal
or a message
*
in the Check
Control. Comes on until the safety belts
are fastened. For additional information
on safety belts: refer to page 49.
Airbags
l
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 55.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 134
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving:
The oil level is at 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 143.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity (when
you stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 143.
20n
Indicator and warning lamps
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 68.
Brake pads
*
l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 135.
Variable Ride Height
*
l
Variable Ride Height is inactive.
Please consult the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 95
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
l
Fault in the DBC system.
Conventional braking perfor-
mance remains available with no loss of
efficiency. Please have the system
checked and repaired by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 93
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
and braking force.
The warning lamp comes on and stays
on while driving:
DSC has been switched off with the
button. If, after repeatedly pressing the
DSC button, the warning lamp still does
not go off, then that means that the
DSC, HDC and the vehicle's road-
holding ability are defective.
Please have the system checked by the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 92 and 94.
Engine electronics
*
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. You
can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
l
Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 26, 98
Service Engine Soon
l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the
emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 149.
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 by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center at the earliest opportu-
nity.
Additional information: refer to page 25
25n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling Fuel specifications As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
To prevent damage to the cata-
lytic converter, do not drive until
the fuel tank is empty.<
Tank capacity: approx. 24.6 gal.
(approx. 93 liters), with a reserve
capacity of
>6-cylinder engine: approx. 2.0 gal.
(approx. 8 liters)
>8-cylinder engine: approx. 2.5 gal.
(approx. 10 liters).
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
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
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
68n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Indicator/Headlamp flasher
Upshifts or downshifts will only be
carried out at appropriate engine
speeds and road speeds. If the engine
speed is too high, for instance, the
downshift will not be executed. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the
current gear.
If you are driving in the manual
mode and wish to accelerate
rapidly Ð to pass another vehicle, for
example Ð shift down manually or with
the kickdown function.<
You can only change from M/S to
selector lever positions "P", "R" and "N"
via the "D" position.
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
or the message "TRANS.FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control
*, there is a fault in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to "P". Set
the parking brake and switch the engine
off (ignition key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission
performance has been restored. You
may continue to drive as usual. If the
indicator lamp does not go out, you can
place the selector lever in all positions.
However, the vehicle will now only drive
forward with limited gear selection.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Do not work in the engine
compartment when a drive gear
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you
do this, the vehicle could move.<
Information on jump-starting, tow-
starting and towing begins on
page 164.
76n
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display Blue The engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.Red When you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the warning lamp comes on while
driving or the message "COOLANT
TEMPERATURE" appears in the Check
Control
*: the engine is overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level: refer to
page 145.
390de007
Between the blue and red zones Normal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.
Green lamps The number of illuminated lamps
decreases as the time for your next
maintenance visit approaches.Yellow lamp This field appears together with
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
Maintenance is due. Please contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center for an appointment.Red lamp The maintenance deadline has been
passed.390us008
77n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control Graphic display
*
The following alerts or status messages
are displayed with icons from ignition
key position 2 and up until the defects
are corrected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid (goes out after
approx. 1 minute)
3 Door open
4 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 messages symbol
2 Display
3 CHECK button
Messages concerning system faults are
differentiated based on two priorities: 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:
>RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
>COOLANT TEMPERATURE
The coolant is overheated. Stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off
the engine, refer to pages 76 and 145
>STOP!ENGINE OILPRESS
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off
the engine, refer to pages 18 and 143