Page 5 of 178

 
5
 
Notes
 
Status at time of printing
 
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, 
ongoing development conceived to 
ensure that our vehicles continue to 
embody the highest quality and safety 
standards combined with advanced, 
state-of-the-art technology. For this 
reason, the features described in this 
Owner's Manual could differ from those 
in your vehicle. Nor can errors and 
omissions be entirely ruled out. You are 
therefore asked to appreciate that no 
claims can be recognized on the basis 
of the data, illustrations or descriptions 
in this Owner's Manual.
 
For your own safety
 
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels 
containing up to and including 
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with 
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight – that is, 
15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent – will 
not void the applicable warranties 
respecting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel 
quality – volatility, composition, addi-
tives, etc. among gasolines offered for 
sale in the United States and Canada. 
The use of poor-quality fuels may result 
in driveability, starting and stalling 
problems, especially under certain 
environmental conditions, such as high 
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be 
related to the fuel you are using, we 
recommend that you respond by 
switching to a recognized high-quality 
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled 
maintenance.
Obey all applicable safety rules when 
handling gasoline.
 
<
 
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine 
parts and accessories approved by 
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested 
and approved by BMW and Original 
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire 
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on 
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free 
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for 
damage resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by 
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product on the 
market to determine whether it can be 
used on a BMW safely and without risk 
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its 
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories 
and other products approved by BMW, 
together with professional advice on 
using these items, are available from all 
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, 
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, 
wheels, suspension components, brake 
 
handbook.book  Page 5  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 
     
        
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158
Do not use spray starter fluids to 
start the engine.<
Towing the vehicleTowing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is stored in 
the onboard tool kit; be sure that it 
remains in the vehicle at all times. It is 
designed for installation in the tow 
sockets located at the front and rear of 
the vehicle, and is intended for towing 
on paved road surfaces only. The tow-
ing eyelet should not be used to pull a 
vehicle out of deep snow, mud, sand, 
etc. Always observe all applicable tow-
ing laws and regulations.Access to tow socketsFront:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Rear:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Make sure the towing eyelet is 
firmly screwed all the way in, oth-
erwise the thread could be damaged.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control 
arms, or any other part of the vehicle 
suspension, as severe damage to these 
components will occur, possibly lead-
ing to accidents.<
Jump-starting
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159
Towing with a commercial tow 
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel-lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state 
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control 
arms, or any other part of the vehicle 
suspension, as severe damage to these 
components will occur, possibly lead-
ing to accidents.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 159  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM