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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cruise controlYou can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Refrain from using the cruise
control on twisting roads, when
high traffic density prevents driving at a
constant speed, and when driving on
slippery (snow, rain, ice) or loose
(gravel, sand) road surfaces.<520de061
Store and maintain
speed/acceleratePress the lever briefly in direction 1:
The system maintains the current
vehicle speed. Every time you briefly
press the lever, the speed increases by
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold the lever in position 1:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the lever, the system main-
tains the current speed.
The vehicle may accelerate
beyond the preselected speed on
steep downhill stretches, where engine
braking alone may not be enough to
slow the vehicle. It can also slow when
the engine fails to maintain the prese-
lected speed when ascending steep
grades.< To decelerate Press the lever briefly in direction 2:
With the cruise control active, the
speed decreases by approx. 0.6 mph
(1 km/h) every time you briefly touch the
lever.
Press and hold the lever in position 2:
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the lever, the system
registers and maintains the current
speed. To cancel the cruise controlPress the lever briefly in direction 3:
The cruise control is immediately
canceled.
In addition, the system automatically
deactivates in response to the following
conditions:
>braking
>clutch disengagement
>when vehicle speed deviates from
the preset speed for an extended
period, for instance, as a result of
pressure on the accelerator pedal. To deactivate the system Turn ignition key to position 0.
62n
1 Odometer With the ignition key in position 0, you
can activate the displays shown in the
illustration by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster (arrow).2 Trip odometerTo reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1 and up.520us004
Never allow engine speed to climb until
the needle enters the tachometer's red
sector.
To protect the engine, the engine-
management system automatically
interrupts the fuel supply in this range,
producing the sensation of a sudden
loss of power.520de029
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
Once the indicator lamp comes on and
stays on, there are approx. 2.5 gallons
(10 liters) of fuel left in the fuel tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to
page 161.
Certain operating conditions (such
as those encountered in mountainous
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result
in damage to the engine or catalytic
converter.<520us005
Odometer Tachometer Fuel gauge
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display BlueThe 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 lamp comes on in the course of
normal vehicle operation, the engine
has overheated. Turn it off immediately
and let it cool down.520de031
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response
to high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
For checking coolant level, refer to
page 113.
Remaining distance before
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The remaining distance in miles and the
next scheduled service will appear
together with the display OILSERVICE
or INSPECTION.
The computer bases its calculations for
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing display and a "Ð" in front of
the number indicate that service is past
due by the number of miles displayed.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.520us006
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability even in
critical driving situations.
DSC maintains optimal, predictable
response while maximizing traction
when you accelerate from a standing
start or speed up while already
underway. The system recognizes any
tendency for the vehicle to assume an
instable attitude such as oversteer and
understeer, and counteracts this
tendency with a combination of gradu-
ated reductions in engine torque and
braking intervention at individually
selected wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability Ð within the limits defined by
the laws of physics.
The system automatically assumes
operational status each time the engine
is started.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 22.
The indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp does not go out
after the engine is started, or it comes
on during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the
button. You can continue to drive the
vehicle normally, but without DSC.
Please respond to any suspected
defects by referring the problem to your
BMW center.
To deactivate the systemPress the button, the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
When DSC is deactivated, you are
operating the vehicle in the conven-
tional drive mode.
In the following rare circumstances, it
may be effective to deactivate the DSC
for a short period of time:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on when possible.<520de035
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
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Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Dynamic Performance To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
Not even DSC can suspend the
laws of physics. Responsibility for
careless driving remains in the hands
(and feet) of the driver. Never use the
added safety provided by DSC as an
excuse for taking unnecessary risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Service procedures on
the system are to be performed by
authorized technicians only.<
For additional information concerning
DSC, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page 151.
The system reacts to current conditions
with an instantaneous recalibration. It
revises the accelerator's standard
response designed to furnish an ideal
combination of comfort and perfor-
mance orientation Ð with a more perfor-
mance-oriented response program. The
result is crisper, faster reaction to
throttle inputs (Sport mode).
The system resets to the standard
response mode, with its combination of
comfort and performance orientation,
each time the engine is restarted. 520de057
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Parking lamps (side marker
lamps)
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on.
When leaving the vehicle parked, you
also have the additional option of acti-
vating the lighting on just one side, refer
to page 70.
Low beams
If you switch off the ignition
while the low beams are on,
only the parking lamps (side
marker lamps) remain on.
520de036
"Follow me home" lamps:
If you actuate the headlamp
flasher after you have parked the
vehicle and shut off the engine, the low
beams will remain on for a brief period.
You may also have this function deacti-
vated if you wish.<
"LIGHTS ON" warningIf you turn the ignition key to position 0,
an acoustic signal will sound for a few
seconds after the driver's door has
been opened if the low beams have not
been switched off.Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daylight driving when
ignition key is in position 2.
Turn the knob to adjust the lighting
intensity.520us008
Parking lamps/Low beams Instrument lighting
74n
Heating and ventilation/Air conditionerAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The higher the
setting, the greater the
amount of heat and air supply.
In position 0, the blower, heating and
air conditioner are switched off.
Temperature
In order to increase the inte-
rior temperature, turn to the
right. For rapid heating, turn
completely to the right. Then
select an interior temperature that is
comfortable for you.
Air distribution
You can direct the airflow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . You can also
make all intermediate settings. The
"6 o'clock" setting is recommended for
normal conditions (refer also to the
illustration and overview on page 72).
Recirculated-air mode
If there are unpleasant odors
in the incoming air, you can
temporarily block the air
supply. The system then recir-
culates the air already within the
vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on
window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required, or press the button for
"Defrosting windows and removing
condensation".<
Incoming-air mode
Recommended when driving
with the convertible top down.
The degree to which the
passenger compartment is
heated depends on temperature selec-
tion and air distribution.
Air conditioner/Incoming-air
mode
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and Ð depending on
the temperature setting Ð
warmed again when the air
conditioner is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7(5 6). This will
help to prevent condensation from
forming on window surfaces.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Air conditioner/Recirculated-air
mode
You may find it useful to acti-
vate both systems to cool the
vehicle more rapidly after it
has been parked with the top
up on a hot day. This setting provides
the coldest possible airflow from the
vent outlets (with temperature selection
switch turned all the way to the left).
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car care 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
specifications104Under 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