
 
7n
The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
 
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
 
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash o\
r could cause injury or death, you should  
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (\
NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of 
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Tele\
phone (201) 307-4000. 
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and \
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a  
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, N\
HTSA cannot become involved in indi-
vidual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC. 
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free \
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in  
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transport\
ation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can 
also obtain other information about engine vehicle safety from the Hotli\
ne. 

 
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 

 
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 

 
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 

 
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 

 
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. 

 
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. 

 
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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.