
 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Indicator and warning lamps identified 
by "
 
l
 
" are tested for proper operation 
whenever the ignition key is turned. 
They each light up once for different 
periods of time.
The indicator lamps signal defects in 
monitored systems by either remaining 
lit after the engine is started or by 
coming on in the course of normal 
vehicle operation. Refer to the following 
section for detailed information on how 
to respond to the various types of warn-
ings.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being 
charged. Indicates a defect in 
the alternator drive belt or the charging 
circuit. Please contact the nearest 
BMW center. 
Never attempt to continue driving 
if the drive belt is defective: the 
engine could overheat and sustain 
serious damage. A broken or damaged 
drive belt will also lead to a sudden 
increase in steering effort.
 
<
 
Engine oil pressure 
 
l
 
Stop vehicle immediately and 
switch off engine. Check the 
engine oil level and top up as required. 
If the oil level is correct, please contact 
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The 
engine could sustain damage 
owing to inadequate lubrication.
 
<
 
 
 
Flat Tire Monitor 
 
l 
Flashing warning lamp in addi-
tion to an acoustic signal: a flat 
tire has occurred. Carefully reduce 
speed to less than 50 mph (80 km/h), 
and avoid hard braking or steering 
maneuvers. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 67.
Brake warning lamp 
 
l
 
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged, 
check the brake fluid level. Before 
driving further, be sure to read the 
notes on pages 92 and 114.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models. 

 
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. 

126n
OBD interface socket The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the driver's 
side at the bottom of the instrument 
panel and under a cover. The cover has 
the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system throughout the 
vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-
sions-related components and systems 
for deterioration and malfunction.520de130
An illuminated indicator informs 
you of the need for service, but 
not of the need to stop the 
vehicle. However, the systems should 
be checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather 
severe level of engine misfire. When 
this occurs, you should reduce speed 
and consult the nearest BMW center as 
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire 
over only a short period of time can 
seriously damage emission controll 
components, especially the catalytic 
converter.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can 
detect the vapor leak and the indicator 
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should 
go out within a few days.<  

Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 21, 88
Accessories 6
Activated charcoal filter 75
Add brake fluid 114t
engine coolant 114t
engine oil 111t
washer fluid 110, 161
Adjust seats 45
steering wheel 47
temperature 74
washer nozzles 110t
Adjustment setting  configuration 49
Air conditioner 72
Air distribution 74
Air outlets 72
Air pressure 99
Air supply 74
Airbags 21, 51 , 123 , 150
Alarm system 38
Antenna 94
Antifreeze 113
radiator 92
Antifreeze/corrosion protection 92
Antilock Brake System  (ABS) 21, 88 Anti-theft alarm system
38
Anti-theft protection 32
Approved gross vehicle  weight 160
Aquaplaning 99
Ashtray 81
Attach vehicle vacuum  cleaner 82
Automatic car washes 117
Automatic headlamp  washers 60
Automatic windshield  washer 60
Avoiding a false alarm 39t
Axle weights 160
B
Backrest
adjusting 45
unlock 46
Backup lamps 58
bulb replacement 133t
Battery 138, 162
add distilled water 138t
capacity 162
charge current 20
charging 139t
discharged 145t
recycling 140t
removing and  
installing 139t Belts
50
Beverage holder 80
Blower 74
BMW High Performance  Synthetic Oil 112
Bore 158
Brake hydraulic  system 20, 92
Brake system faults 92t
fluid 114t
pads 22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and 
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure 86
Bulbs and lamps 131tC
California Proposition 65 
Warning 125
Can holder 80
Car Memory 49
Car phone 81, 94
Car radio 64, 95
reception 95, 151
refer also to the radio  
Owner's Manual
Car wash 117
Care exterior 119
for the vehicle finish 120
interior 121 Catalytic converter
87
CBC (Cornering Brake  Control) 21, 89
CD player, refer to the radio  Owner's Manual
Cellular phone 94
refer also to separate  
Owner's Manual
Central locking system 32
key 36
Changing a wheel 137t
Changing the oil filter 161
Changing tires 137t
Checking air pressure 26t
Checking engine oil  level 111t
Child restraint systems 54
Child seat safety 54
Child seats 53
Child-restraint systems 53
Cigarette lighter 82
Clean headlamps 60
Clock 64
Cockpit 16
Code, refer to the radio 
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn  signal indicator/headlamp 
flasher 59
Compartments 79
for stowing items 78
Compression 158 

Everything from A to Z
167n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Connector for Onboard 
Diagnostic126
Consumption display62
Controls16
Convertible top41
closing in event of 
electrical 
malfunction143t
manual operation143t
Coolant113, 161
Coolant temperature 
gauge63
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)21, 89
Cruise control61
Curb weight160
Current check indicator20DDashboard16
Data
dimensions159
engine158
technical158
weights160
Daytime driving lamps69
DBC (Dynamic Brake 
Control)90
Deactivating the tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor34Deep water87
Defrosting the 
windows60, 75
Difficult steering20, 94
Dimensions159
Dipstick111
Disc brakes90
Displacement158
Display lighting69
Displays18
Disposal
engine oil113
used batteries140t
Door keys30
Door warning lamp, bulb 
replacement134t
Doors
emergency 
actuation32t
mirrors48
remote control33
unlocking and locking32
DOT Quality Grades100
Draft-free ventilation75
Drink holder78, 80
Drive belts162
Driving in winter92
Driving notes87
DSC (Dynamic Stability 
Control)22, 65, 152
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC)90Dynamic Performance 
Control66
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)22, 65, 152
EElectric defrosting of 
mirrors48
Electric power seats45
Electric power windows40
Electrical equipment 
failure140t
Electrical failure
convertible top143t
doors32t
fuel filler door142t
luggage 
compartment142t
passenger-side 
door143t
Electrical system162
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer31
Emergency operation
convertible top143t
doors32t
fuel filler door142t
luggage 
compartment142t
passenger-side 
door143tEmergency release from 
luggage compartment's 
interior38
Engine
coolant113, 161
data158
output158
speed158
starting56
switching off57
Engine compartment108
Engine oil111
add111t
consumption111
filling capacity161
filter change161
pressure indicator 
lamp20
quality112
specifications112
viscosity112
Engine oil level
check111
Equipment
options and accessories5
Exit lamps, bulb 
replacement134
Exterior finish119
Exterior mirrors48