Page 110 of 178

110
BMW Universal Transmitter*The conceptThe BMW Universal Transmitter 
replaces up to three hand-held trans-
mitters of different devices such as 
garage-door openers, alarm systems, 
or door locking systems. The BMW Uni-
versal Transmitter recognizes and 
learns the transmitted signal of each of 
the original hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held 
transmitter can be programmed on one 
of the three channel keys. Following 
that, each of the devices can be actu-
ated with the appropriately-pro-
grammed channel key. The indicator 
lamp flashes to confirm transmission of 
the signal.
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the 
channel keys should be cleared as 
described on page 112.
During programming and before 
every remote actuation of a pro-
grammed device by the BMW Universal 
Transmitter, check to be sure that there 
are no persons, animals or objects 
within the actuation range of the device 
in order to prevent possible injuries or 
damage. Also, comply with the safety 
precautions of the original hand-held 
transmitter.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop 
transmitting after two seconds. This 
may not be long enough to program the 
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are 
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's light may begin to flash in a 
series of double-blinks. If this occurs, 
continue to hold the key of the Univer-
sal Transmitter while you reactivate 
your hand-held transmitter. You may 
have to repeat this function several 
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the 
User information section on 
page 112.<
Original hand-held transmitter
If this symbol is present on the 
packaging or in the instructions 
of the original hand-held trans-
mitter, it may be assumed that this 
hand-held transmitter is compatible 
with the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Checking for the conversion codeTo determine whether the original 
hand-held transmitter is provided with a 
conversion-code system, you may 
either read the instructions for the origi-
nal hand-held transmitter or program a 
channel key as described on the next 
page, left-hand column under Program-
ming.
Then press and hold the programmed 
channel key of the BMW Universal 
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of the 
BMW Universal Transmitter flashes for 
two seconds and then comes on 
steadily, the original hand-held trans-
mitter is provided with a conversion-
code system. With a conversion-code 
system, program the channel keys as 
described on the next page, right-hand 
column under Programming a hand-
held transmitter with conversion code.
If you have additional questions, 
please consult your BMW center 
or call toll-free 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit the website 
www.bmwusa.com.<
handbook.book  Page 110  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 
     
        
        Page 112 of 178

112
If you have additional questions, 
please consult your BMW cen-
ter.<
Clearing the channel keys
Read and comply with the safety 
precautions on page 110.<
The memory of individual channel keys 
cannot be deleted. However, the three 
channel keys can be cleared together 
as follows:
>Press and hold both outside keys of 
the BMW Universal Transmitter until 
the indicator lamp flashes, and then 
release them.
All of the channel keys are cleared.
User informationDo not use this BMW Universal Trans-
mitter with any garage door opener that 
lacks safety stop and reverse features 
as required by federal safety standards, 
this includes any garage door opener 
model manufactured before April 1, 
1982.
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions: as defined in 
the regulations, this device may not 
cause harmful interference, and must 
accept any interference received, 
including interference that may cause 
undesired operation.
Storage compartmentsFront center armrestTo open: press the button – see arrow – 
and lift upward.Additional compartments and 
nets*You will find additional storage com-
partments in the front doors and in the 
center console. Storage nets are on the 
front seat backrests.
BMW Universal Transmitter*
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        Page 170 of 178

Everything from A to ZElectrical accessories, fail-
ure 156
Electrical malfunction
convertible top 48
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
Emergency operation
closing the convertible 
top 48
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
Emergency release
luggage compartment 
lid 36
Emissions, minimum, refer 
to Energy control 81
Energy control 81
Engine
displacement 162
power output 162
starting 70
switching off 72
torque 162
Engine compartment 134
Engine coolant 165
adding 138
temperature gauge 82
Engine data 162
Engine electronics
warning lamp 19Engine oil
adding 134, 136
capacity 165
consumption 136
quality 137
viscosity 137
Engine oil level
check 134
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
warning lamp 18
Engine oil types 137
Engine speed 162
Entering the rear
rear entry aid 55
Environmentally-friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
control 81
Exterior mirrors 59
Eyelet, towing 158
F
False alarm, avoiding 39
Fault displays 83
First-aid kit 23
Flashlight 109
Flat tire 127, 151
Flat Tire Monitor 93
indicator lamp 18, 19
Fog lamps 98
Follow me home lamps 96Footbrake 124
see Driving notes 123
Front fog lamps 98
indicator lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 52
Frost protection
radiator 138
Fuel 25
Fuel consumption 86
display 82
Fuel economy, refer to 
Energy control 81
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel gauge 82
Fuel specifications 25
Fuel tank
capacity 165
display 82
gauge 82
Fuel-injection system 162
Fully automatic convertible 
top 46
activation 46
opening, closing 47
Fuses 156
replacing 156
G
Garage-door opener 110Gasoline 25
gauge 82
Glove compartment 109
Grills 100, 104
Gross vehicle weight 164
H
Hands-free system 113
Hardtop 125
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 54
Headlamp flasher 97
Headlamp washer 
reservoir 134
Headlamp washer system 
136, 165
Headlamps 96
automatic control 96
Heated mirrors 59
Heated seats 58
Heavy loads 116
High beams 77, 97
indicator lamp 21
replacing bulb 147
Holder for beverages 113
Hood release 132
Horn 14
Hydraulic Brake assistant, 
see DBC
Hydroplaning 123, 127
handbook.book  Page 170  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM