Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside32
Using the key32
Using the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Alarm system38
Electric power windows40
The automatic convertible
top41
Adjustments:
Seats45
Steering wheel47
Mirrors47
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory49
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts50
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
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 Monitor67
Contents
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
39n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Alarm systemIndicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located in the
inside rear view mirror's rotary knob.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during
arming: a door, the hood or luggage
compartment lid is not completely
closed. Even if you do not respond by
securing the affected area, the system
starts to monitor all other points and
the indicator lamp reverts to contin-
uous, uninterrupted operation once
ten seconds have elapsed. The inte-
rior motion sensor remains off
>The indicator lamp goes out during
disarming: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed520de014
>The indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is
disarmed: an attempted entry has
been detected in the period since the
system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarms The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time to prevent a false alarm from being
triggered (in garages with elevator
ramps, for instance), or when the
vehicle is transported by trailer or train:
Lock the vehicle twice (= arm the
system) by pressing button 2 on the
remote control twice in succession
(refer to page 34), or lock the vehicle
twice with the key (refer to page 32).
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
remain deactivated for as long as the
system is armed.
Interior motion sensorIn order for the interior motion sensor to
function properly, the windows and the
luggage compartment lid must be
closed.
Nevertheless, you should deactivate
the interior motion sensor (refer to the
previous column) if
>children or animals are left in the
vehicle
>windows should remain open.
For US vehicles only:
The interior motion sensor is not
installed on US models as it has not
received FCC (Federal Communica-
tions Commission) approval.<
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
63n
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
64n
To set the clock From ignition key position 0 on:
To set ahead: turn the button to the
right.
To set back: turn the button to the left.
Hold the button turned continuously to
move the hands faster.520us007
The Multi-Information Radio allows you
to operate the navigation system and
various cellular phone functions as well
as your in-car sound system.
Please refer to the supplementary
Owner's Manual provided with your
sound system for detailed information
on adjusting and operating the Multi-
Information Radio.Outside temperature You can have the outside temperature
shown on the Multi-Information Radio
display. Refer to the supplementary
Owner's Manual.
Clock Multi-Information Radio (MIR)
68n
Flat Tire MonitorRepeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement.
Do not reactivate the system after peri-
odic corrections of inflation pressures
to maintain them at the levels stored
during an earlier initialization process. In the event of a flat tireThe red indicator lamp will flash in the
event of a flat tire.
A supplementary gong is also heard.
Carefully reduce speed to less than
50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding any hard
braking or steering maneuvers while
doing so.
For additional details, refer to
page 137.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert
you to severe and sudden tire
damage caused by external factors.
Another factor which the Flat Tire
Monitor does not recognize is the
balanced and very gradual pressure
loss that takes place in all tires over an
extended period of time.<
Check tire pressure on a regular
basis and correct it as required.
Refer to page 26.
Do not activate the system when driving
on snow chains or when operating the
vehicle on a closed racing circuit. False
alarms and undetected pressure loss
are both possible under these condi-
tions.
In certain circumstances, there could
be a delayed detection of any loss in
inflation pressure while driving on
snow-covered or slippery road
surfaces.
Performance-oriented driving (slip at
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral
acceleration) can also delay the
appearance of status reports in the Flat
Tire Monitor's display panel.<
System interferenceThe red indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster will stay on for as long as there
is a malfunction.
The indicator lamp will come on if the
system malfunctions.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.
116n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
ensuring that our customers enjoy
optimal vehicle safety and reliability
with only minimum effort and expense.
Please keep in mind that regular service
not only plays a vital role in ensuring
continued vehicle safety, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining your
vehicle's resale value.
520us006
Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are
calculated by using advanced tech-
nology; these then are indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates,
because miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From the maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
equivalent to the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System, which
is based on operating conditions,
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those drivers
who put significantly less than
6,000 miles (10,000 km) on their vehicle
anually should have the engine oil
changed at least every two years since
oil deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.
Service Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair work.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
These entries are your proof of regular
vehicle maintenance and the basis for
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System