
68
To clean windshield and 
headlamps*0Wipers retracted
1Clean the windshield and headlamps
2Rear window wiper intermittent mode
3Clean the rear window
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield, as your vision 
could be obscured. Always use a wind-
shield washer antifreeze in cold 
weather. Refer to page 126.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage 
to the washer pump.<
The system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period. When the vehicle's 
lighting system is switched on, the 
headlamps will also be cleaned at rea-
sonable intervals.Rear window wiperRear window wiper in intermittent 
mode. When reverse gear is engaged, 
continuous operation is switched on 
automatically.
You can also program the interval:
>Briefly move the wiper lever from 
position 0 to position 2
>The period that elapses until the wip-
ers again start to move – from 
position 0 to 2 – is the programmed 
interval for intermittent operation – 
max. 30 seconds.Clean the rear windowThe system sprays washer fluid onto 
the rear window.
To change the wiper blades refer to 
page 136.
Windshield washer nozzlesThe windshield washer nozzles are 
heated automatically* when the ignition 
key is in position 2.
Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*
handbook.book  Page 68  Saturday, July 27, 2002  1:36 PM 

77 Technology for safety and driving convenience
Park Distance Control (PDC)*The conceptPDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers. 
Acoustic signals alert you to the 
momentary distance to an object 
behind your vehicle. The system fea-
tures four ultrasonic sensors mounted 
in your rear bumper. The monitoring 
range for the two corner sensors 
extends outward roughly 2 ft/60 cm, 
while two centrally located sensors 
detect objects at distances of up to 
approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can 
identify objects if they are 
approached slowly, as is generally the 
case when parking. Avoid driving 
towards objects rapidly; due to underly-
ing physical principles, the system may 
otherwise alert you too late for you to 
take evasive steps.<
The system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you 
select Reverse or move the selector 
lever into the R position with the igni-
tion key in position 2. 
Let this short period elapse before 
driving backwards.<
PDC is deactivated when you shift back 
out of reverse.
You can have a signal set to con-
firm that the PDC has been acti-
vated.
intervals. As the distance between vehi-
cle and object decreases, the intervals 
between the tones become shorter. A 
continuous tone indicates the pres-
ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm 
away.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. three seconds if the distance to 
the object remains constant during this 
time – if you are moving parallel to 
a wall, for instance.
System malfunctions will be indicated 
by a continuous high-pitched tone 
when the system is activated the first 
time. Please refer the problem to your 
BMW center.
PDC does not remove the driver's 
personal responsibility for evaluat-
ing the distance between the vehicle 
and any objects. Even when sensors 
are involved, there is a blind spot in 
which objects cannot be detected. This 
applies especially in those cases where 
the system approaches the physical 
limits of ultrasonic measurement, as 
occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, and in the vicinity of thin or 
wedge-shaped objects. Moreover, low 
objects that have already been 
detected – such as a curb edge – can 
disappear out of the detection range of 
the sensors before a continuous tone 
sounds.
Loud sources of sound from outside or 
inside the vehicle could drown out the 
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance of more 
than 4 in/10 cm.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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89 Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on. You can 
use the parking lamps to signal 
the position of the vehicle when it is 
parked. For lighting on one side for 
parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page 90.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off 
while the low beams are on, the 
headlamps go out and only the 
parking lamps remain on.
Follow me home lampsWhen you activate the headlamp 
flasher after parking the vehicle with the 
lamps turned off, the low-beam head-
lamps will come on for a short time. 
You can also have this function 
deactivated.
tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal 
for a few seconds to remind you that 
the lamps have not been switched off.Daytime driving lamps*If you desire, the lamp switch can be 
left in the second position: when the 
ignition is switched off, the external 
lighting is also switched off.
You can have the activation set-
tings for the daytime driving lamps 
programmed on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlight control*
When the switch is set to this 
position the system automati-
cally activates and cancels the 
low beams in response to changes in 
ambient light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. – 
and in the event of rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights 
remain on constantly when you 
switch on the front fog lamps after the 
headlights have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlight control can-
not serve as a substitute for the 
driver's judgement in determining when 
the vehicle lights should be switched 
on. For example, the sensors are not 
able to detect fog. To avoid safety risks, 
you should respond to these kinds of 
low-visibility situations by switching the 
headlights on manually.<
You can have the sensitivity of 
your vehicle's automatic head-
light control adjusted.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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97
1Air onto the windshield and the side 
windows
2Air for the upper body area99
3Air to the footwell99
4Outside air/Automatic recirculated-
air control (AUC)/Recirculated 
air99
5Air supply/Blower98
6Temperature98
7Automatic air distribution98
8Individual air distribution98
9Interior temperature sensor – please 
keep clear and unobstructed
10 Temperature display98, 
air supply98
11 To defrost windows and remove 
condensation98
12 Air conditioning98
13 Rear window defroster99Automatic climate control*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 97  Saturday, July 27, 2002  1:36 PM 

Everything from A to ZFrost protection
radiator 128
Fuel consumption 76
Fuel economy, refer to 
Energy control 71
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel gauge 71, 72
Fuel specifications 25
Fuel tank capacity 155
Fuel tank display 72
Fuel tank gauge 72
Fuel-injection system 152
Fuses, replacing 146
G
Gasoline 25
Gasoline gauge 72
Glove compartment 101
Grills 92, 96
Gross vehicle weight 154
H
Hands-free system 103
Harman Kardon premium 
sound system 101
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
HDC Hill Descent Control 84
Head airbags 52
Head restraints 47Headlamp flasher 90
Headlamp washer system 
126, 155
Headlamps
automatic control 89
Heated seats 49
Heating and ventilation 96
High beams 21, 66, 90
replacing bulb 137
Hill Descent Control 
(HDC) 84
Holder for
beverages 103
litter bag 103
Hood release 122
Horn 14
Hydroplaning 117
I
Ice warning 75
Icy roads 75
Ignition key 30
Ignition lock 59
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Inflation pressure 25, 117
monitoring 85
INSPECTION 73
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 90
Instrument panel 14, 16Interface socket for onboard 
diagnostics 132
Interior lamps 32, 91
remote control 32
Interior motion sensor 37
switching off 38
Interior rearview mirror 51
automatic dimming 
feature 51
Interlock 59
Intermittent mode 67
J
Jack 141
Jump-starting 147
K
Key Memory 58
Keys 30
with remote control 30
L
Lamp, replacing 137
Lashing fittings 110
LATCH child-restraint 
mounting system 56
Length 153
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 140
Light switch 89
Lighter 104
LIGHTS ON warning 89Litter bag holder 103
Lock, steering wheel 59
Low beams 89
automatic 89
replacing bulb 137
Lug wrench 141
Luggage area cover, see 
Cargo area cover 107
Luggage compartment
capacity 154
Lumbar support 46
M
M+S tires 120
Maintenance 73, 130
Malfunction displays 73
Manual transmission 62
MC operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
Memory 48
Memory settings 58
Microfilter 95, 100
Microphone 103
Mirror
automatic curb monitor 49
Mirror defrosting 50
Mirror memory 48
Mirrors 50
Modifications, technical 4, 5
Multifunction switch 66
handbook.book  Page 160  Saturday, July 27, 2002  1:36 PM 

Everything from A to Z
161
N
Navigation System, refer to 
the separate Owner's 
Manual
Neckrest 47
O
OBD interface socket 132
Obstruction protection 39
Odometer 71
Oil
capacity 155
quality 127
viscosity 127
Oil additives 127
Oil change intervals, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Oil consumption 126
Oil dipstick 126
Oil filter change 155
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 73
Oil types 127Onboard computer, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 92, 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 75
P
Panic mode 32
Park Distance Control 
(PDC) 77
Parking aid 77
Parking brake 61
Parking lamps 89
replacing bulb 138
Partition net 107
PDC Park Distance 
Control 77
Pocket flashlight 102
Pollen 95, 100
Power output 152
Power seat 46
Power windows
safety switch 40
Pressure, tires 25, 85, 117
monitoring 85
R
Radiator 155Radio, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 67
Range 76
Reading lamps
front 91
rear 91
Rear lamps 139
Rear window defroster 
94, 99
Rearview mirror 50
Recirculated-air mode 
94, 99
Reclining seat 44
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 72
Reverse 62
Roof load capacity 154
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack 111
Run Flat tires 119, 145
S
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 48
Safety feature 39
Safety instructions 5Seat adjustment 44
mechanical 44
power 46
Seat heating 49
Seat memory 48
Securing cargo 110
Securing devices 110
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission 63
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
Service interval display 
73, 130
Shiftlock 63
Side airbags 52
Size 153
Ski bag 106
Sliding/tilt sunroof 40
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 31
remote control 32
Snow chains 121
Socket 104
Spare key 30
Spare tire 141
Speedometer 16
Sports seat 45
Standing lamps 90
Starting problems 59
Starting the engine 59
Steering wheel lock 59
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 161  Saturday, July 27, 2002  1:36 PM 

Everything from A to ZSteering wheel with multi-
function buttons 22
Steering wheel, adjusting 50
Steptronic 63
Storage
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure 137
Storage compartments 102
Stroke 152
Switching off the engine 61
Synthetic oils 127
T
Tachometer 16, 71
Tail lamp assembly
replacing bulb 139
Tail lamps
replacing bulb 139
Tailgate 34
emergency operation 35
Tailgate lamp
replacing bulb 141
Tank capacity 155
Technical data 152
Technical modifications 4, 5
Telephone hookup 103
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Temperature adjustment 
94, 98Temperature display
engine coolant 72
outside temperature 75
Temperature layering 95, 99
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 45
Third brake lamp 140
Tilt alarm sensor 32, 38
remote control 32
switching off 38
Time 74
Tire change 141
Tire inflation pressure 
25, 117
Tire Pressure Monitor 
(TPM) 85
Tire replacement 118
Tools 136
Torque 152
Towing eyelet 148
Towing the vehicle 148
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor 85
Track 153
Transmission 62
Transporting children 
safely 54
Tread depth, tires 117
Tread wear indicator 117
Trip odometer 71
Turn signal indicator 20, 66
replacing bulb 138Turning circle 153
U
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading 119
V
Vacuum cleaner, connect-
ing 104
Vehicle
break-in procedures 114
starting 59
switching off 61
Vehicle Memory 58
Vehicle storage
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Vehicle weight 154
Ventilation 92, 96
draft-free 95, 99
Voice Control System, refer 
to the separate Owner's 
Manual
Voice recognition 22
W
Warning lamp Please fasten 
safety belts 18
Warning lamps 18
Warning messages 73
Warranty and Service 
Guide 130Warranty, refer to separate 
booklet 6
Washer fluid
refilling 126, 155
Washer reservoir
filling 126, 155
Washer/wiper system 67
Water on roadways
deep water 115
Wear indicator for tires 117
Weights 154
Wheel, changing 141
Wheelbase 153
Wheels and tires 120
Width 153
Window condensation
removing 95, 98
Windows
convenience operation 31
defrosting 95
power 39
remote control 32
Windows, defrosting 98
Windshield washer reser-
voir, filling 126, 155
Windshield wipers 67
Winter tires 120
Wiper blades
replacing 136
Work in the engine compart-
ment 122
handbook.book  Page 162  Saturday, July 27, 2002  1:36 PM