6n
For your 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 equiva-
lent amount of co-solvent) will not void
the applicable warranties respecting
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (i.e. vola-
tility, composition, additives, etc.)
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. Use of infe-
rior fuels can lead to poor starting,
driveability problems and stalling; these
difficulties can be aggravated by
extreme operating conditions such as
those encountered in extremely hot
weather and at high altitudes.
Should you encounter drivability 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.
Always observe all applicable safety
rules and precautions when 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 thor-
oughly 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
damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to confirm that
it can be used on a BMW safely and
withour 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.
<
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
<
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.
For your safety
11n
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Instrument lighting69
High beams/Standing lamps70
Rear fog lamp70
Interior lamps71
Reading lamps71
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Beverage holder80
Cellular phone81
Ashtray81
Cigarette lighter82
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading83
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter87
Antilock Brake System (ABS)88
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)90
Disc brakes90
Brake system92
Winter operation92
Power steering94
Cellular phone94
Car radio reception95
Wind deflector95
Hardtop96
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure99
Tire condition99
Tire replacement100
Tire rotation101
Wheel and tire
combinations102
Special features of winter
tires103
Snow chains103
Approved wheel and tire
specifications104
Under the hood:
Hood105
Engine compartment108
Washer fluids110
Washer nozzles110
Engine oil111
Coolant113
Brake fluid114
Vehicle Identification
Number115
Maintenance and care:
The BMW Maintenance
System116
Caring for your vehicle117
Airbags123
Vehicle storage124
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications125
California Proposition 65
Warning125
OBD interface socket126
21n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
comes on together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, DSC and
DBC 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 65, 88.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
l
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when the
vehicle is set in motion.
For additional information, refer to
page 57.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
l
Together with an acoustic
signal. Comes on until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 50.
Airbags
l
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 51, 150.
Yellow: check at the earliest
opportunity
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Unrestricted conventional brake system
performance remains available. Please
have the system inspected by your
BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute
minimum; add engine oil as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you add
oil.
For additional information, refer to
page 111.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
the earliest opportunity (when you stop
to refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 111.
22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Brake pads l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 92.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) l
Malfunction in the DBC system.
The brake system continues to
provide unrestricted conventional
performance.
For additional information, refer to
page 90.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating engine
torque and braking force.
If the indicator lamp does not go out
after the engine is started, or if it comes
on during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been switched off or has been
deactivated because of a malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuosly 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 126.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Electronic engine-management
system
Malfunction in the electronic
engine-management system. The elec-
tronics revert to a default mode permit-
ting continued operation, but at lower
than usual engine speeds and with
reduced power. Please have the
system inspected by your BMW center.
Yellow: for your information
Rear fog lamp
Lights up whenever the rear fog
lamp is turned on.
For additional information, refer to
page 70.
25n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the Service
Engine Soon lamp may come on.<
Press on the lower part of the button to
open (fuel pump symbol).
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 142.
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.<
520de006
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<
Store the cap in the holder provided on
the inside of the fuel filler door while
refueling.
520de007
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is used correctly, the
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the
first time.
Tank capacity, approx. 19.3 gal.
(73 liters), incl. a reserve capacity of
approx. 2.5 gal. (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
Service Engine Soon lamp.<
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Ignition and steering lock55
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher58
Washer/Wiper system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display63
Clock64
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Dynamic Performance
Control66
Flat Tire Monitor67Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Instrument lighting69
High beams/Standing lamps70
Rear fog lamp70
Interior lamps71
Reading lamps71
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Beverage holder80
Cellular phone81
Ashtray81
Cigarette lighter82
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading83
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizer The key to securityThe electronic vehicle immobilizer
reduces your BMW's susceptibility to
theft by rendering it impossible to start
the engine using any means other than
the car's own individual keys. The
system operates automatically, with no
action or intervention on your part. Your
BMW center can cancel the system
authorization for individual keys (for
instance, if a key is lost). A deactivated
key can no longer be used to start the
engine.520de146
Advanced electronics in actionAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, simulta-
neously serving as a communications
interface designed to allow the security
system to maintain a continuous stream
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
system will release the ignition, elec-
trical steering lock, fuel injection and
starter for use only if it detects an
"authorized" key.
Exposure to external force can
damage the key's integrated elec-
tronic circuitry and render it inoperative.
A damaged key can no longer be used
to start the engine or release the
steering lock.<
32n
Central locking system Opening and closing Ð from the outside The conceptThe central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The system engages and
releases the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door
>glove compartment
>cellular phone holder.
The central locking system can be
operated
>from the outside via the driver's door
lock or by using the remote control
>from the inside by pressing a button.
If you initiate central locking from
inside, neither the fuel filler door, the
glove compartment, nor the cellular
phone holder are locked (refer to
page 36).
If you do set it from outside, the anti-
theft alarm is automatically activated as
well. This prevents the door handles
from unlocking the doors. The alarm
system is also activated or deactivated.
The central locking system unlocks
automatically in the event of an acci-
dent. In addition, the hazard warning
flashers and interior lamps come on.
Using the keySwing the door lock mechanism's cover
upward. Return it to its original position
and allow the detent to engage when
you have finished locking or unlocking
the doors.
Turn the key in the driver's door once to
unlock the driver's door only; turning
the key a second time will unlock the
passenger door, the luggage compart-
ment lid, the fuel filler door, the glove
compartment, and the cellular phone
holder.
If necessary, you can open the fuel filler
door by pressing the button inside the
vehicle; refer to page 25.520de100
You can have various signals set
as an acknowledgment message
when locking.<
Convenience operationYou can also operate the windows via
the door lock.
>To open: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Unlock" position and
hold it
>To close: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Lock" position and
hold it.
As the windows are closing you
should always monitor their path
and progress to ensure that no injuries
occur. Release the key to stop the
windows.
to unlock/lock the driver's door.
Refer to page 143 for operating the
passenger door.