Page 3 of 174

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced co\
ntrol and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yoursel\
f with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your ne\
w BMW. It
contains important data and instructions intended to help you derive max\
imum use
and satisfaction from your BMW's unique range of technical features. The\
manual
also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance op\
erating
safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your vehicle throughou\
t an
extended service life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Bookle\
t
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models)\
.
We recommend that you read the applicable publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information concerning these warranties is provided in the Serv\
ice and
Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Servic\
e Guide
Booklet (Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
Page 4 of 174

© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 337
US English VIII/2001
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
4n
Using this Owner's Manual
This Owner's Manual has been
specially compiled to provide you with
a quick and convenient reference
source. The fastest way to find informa-
tion on particular topics is by turning to
the comprehensive index at the back of
the manual. If you are looking for a brief
summary of the essentials, you can turn
immediately to the first section.
We hope that the detailed table of
contents provided on the pages
following the content summary will
stimulate your interest and encourage
you to explore the remainder of the
manual.
Should the day come when you decide
to sell your BMW, please remember to
ensure that the new owner receives this
manual. The manual is legally consid-
ered to be part of the vehicle. Your BMW center will be happy to
assist you with any additional questions
that may arise.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
and serious damage to the vehicle.
<
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
<
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.
<
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment,
country-specific equipment and
optional extras.
t
Identifies index entries that refer
to owner service procedures or topics
on car care.
Identifies systems or components,
which your BMW center can either
activate or adapt to suit individual
driver's requirements ("Vehicle
Memory", "Key Memory"). Refer to
page 49.
<
Notes
Symbols
Page 9 of 174
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
9n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Page 10 of 174

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
Page 12 of 174
Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit130
Windshield wiper blades130
Lamps and bulbs131
Changing a wheel137
Battery138
Fuses140
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door142
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment142
Passenger door143
Closing the convertible top143
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump-starting145
Towing the vehicle146Airbags150
Car radio reception151
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)152
Safety belt tensioner153
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer154
Xenon lamps155Engine data158
Dimensions159
Weights160
Capacities161
Electrical system162
Drive belts162
Page 15 of 174
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
15n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26
Overview
Page 19 of 174

19n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve62
2 Speedometer with indicator and
warning lamps for
>
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22
>
Engine electronics22
3 Instrument panel lighting69
4 Tachometer62
with indicator and warning lamps
for:
>
Battery charge current20
>
Convertible top operation41
>
Flat Tire Monitor20
>
Antilock Brake System (ABS)21
>
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)20
>
Service Engine Soon22
>
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 21
5 Coolant temperature gauge with
"Coolant temperature too high"
warning lamp63
6 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Rear fog lamp22
>
Turn signal, right23
7 Clock648 Control button for:
>
Clock64
>
Trip odometer, reset to zero62
9 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Please fasten safety belts21
>
High beams23
>
Airbags21
10 Indicator for:
>
Odometer62
>
Trip odometer62
>
Service Interval63
11 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Turn signal, left23
>
Brake pads22
Page 22 of 174

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.