
 
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 

 
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. 

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 

117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed 
in an automatic car wash. Car-wash 
systems that do not employ brushes 
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and 
remove dead insects before washing 
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the 
vehicle when the hood is warm, or 
during or immediately after exposure to 
strong sunlight.
In order to protect your convertible top, 
do not use washing programs featuring 
wax application on your vehicle. The 
small amount of beading wax always 
used in automatic car washes will not 
harm the convertible top.
When using an automatic car wash, be 
sure that
>the car-wash system is suited for the 
dimensions of your vehicle
>no damage will occur on vehicles 
with attached body accessories (such 
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the 
car-wash operator if necessary>the wheels and tires of your vehicle 
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car-wash system
>the vehicle is cleaned with minimum 
brush pressure, and that ample water 
is available for washing and rinsing.
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer Ð such as 
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ð 
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to 
remove, and they also cause damage to 
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure 
washers are used, be sure to 
maintain an adequate distance between 
the spray source and the vehicle's 
surface. Inadequate distance and 
excessive pressure can damage or 
weaken the finish, making it more 
susceptible to further damage. In addi-
tion, moisture could penetrate to 
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps, 
please observe the following: 
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry 
cloth. Never use abrasives or strong 
solvents to clean the covers
>Remove dirt and contamination (such 
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car 
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty 
of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove 
accumulated ice and snow Ð never 
use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply 
the brakes briefly to dry them. 
Braking efficiency might otherwise be 
reduced by the moisture and the brake 
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle  

124n
Vehicle storage
If the vehicle is to be stored for 
more than three months, ensure 
that the following service operations 
are carried out first.< 
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the 
following procedures:
1. Clean and apply a rust proofing 
agent or other treatment to the 
engine, engine compartment, under-
carriage, axles and major compo-
nents in accordance with approved 
repair procedures. Wash the vehicle, 
clean the interior and treat painted 
and chromed parts. Clean the 
weather-stripping around the hood, 
luggage compartment and doors
2. Change engine oil and oil filter at 
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure, 
an anticorrosive agent can be added 
to the engine in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions
3. Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4. Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top off 
if necessary
5. Fill the fuel tank completely to 
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion
6. Increase the tire inflation pressure to 
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle1. Dry the parking brake and footbrake 
by brake applications to prevent the 
brake discs and drums from 
corroding
2. Park the vehicle in a covered, dry, 
and well-ventilated area. Place the 
transmission in first gear or, if neces-
sary, chock the wheels to prevent the 
vehicle from rolling. Do not engage 
the parking brake
3. Remove the battery, charge it 
completely and store it in a cool (but 
frost-free) room
4. Remove the hardtop and store it 
separately, refer to page 96
5. Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge a battery that has been taken 
out of the vehicle every six months. If it 
is not recharged, it will not be service-
able. Every time the battery is 
discharged, especially over extended 
periods, its service life is reduced.Removing the vehicle from 
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye" 
turns black, refer to page 138.
Then have Inspection I performed by 
your BMW center, including a brake 
fluid replacement, if necessary. Refer to 
the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian 
models). 

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