Page 130 of 178

130
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only 
wheels and tires that have been 
approved by BMW for your particular 
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result 
despite the use of the same nominal 
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires 
and wheels on the market, and is thus 
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will 
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are 
mounted.<
For each tire size, BMW has assessed 
the safe performance of specific tire 
brands and approved them for use. 
Consult any BMW center for details. 
Comply with any local/national regula-
tions, for example by recording the tire 
type in the vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems 
that would otherwise be impaired, for 
example ABS, ASC+T/DSC and 
ADB/DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the 
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for exam-
ple, remount the approved wheel and 
tire combination as soon as possible.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protect-
ing them against light whenever possi-
ble. Protect the tires against contact 
with oil, grease and fuel.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires – M+S 
tires – for operation under inclement 
winter driving conditions. While all-sea-
son tires – M+S designation – provide 
better winter traction than the corre-
sponding summer tires, they generally 
do not achieve the performance of win-
ter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread configuration on all 
four wheels.
Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.<
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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
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        Page 172 of 178

Everything from A to ZOil additives 137
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 136
Oil dipstick 136
Oil filter change 165
Oil level
checking 136
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Oil pressure
warning lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 83
Oil types 137
Onboard computer, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 146
Opening and closing
from the inside 34
via the door lock 33
via the remote control 31
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 104
Outside temperature dis-
play 85P
Panic mode, trigger alarm 
32
Park Distance Control 
(PDC) 87
Parking aid 87
Parking brake 72
Parking lamps 96
replacing bulb 148
PDC Park Distance 
Control 87
Pocket flashlight 109
Pollen 103, 108
Power output 162
Power seat 53
Pressure, tires 25, 92, 127
monitoring 92
R
Radiator 165
Radio, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 78
Range 86
Reading lamps
front 98
rear 98
Rear lamps 149
Rear window defroster 
102, 107
Rearview mirror 59Recirculated-air mode 
102, 107
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30, 31
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 82
Restraint system 63
Reverse 73
Rims 130
Rollover protection 
system 67
indicator lamp 19
lowering 67
Roof load capacity 164
Roof-mounted luggage rack 
118, 125
Run Flat tires 129, 155
S
Safe seating position 52
Safety belts 56
seat-integrated safety belt 
system (SGS) 55
Seat
rear entry aid 55
Seat adjustment 52
lumbar support 53
thigh support 53
Seat heating 58
Seat memory 57Securing cargo 116
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 65
Securing devices 117
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission 74
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 140
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display 
83, 140
Setting
clock 84
Shiftlock 74
Side airbags 61
Side turn signal indicators
replacing bulb 149
Size 163
Ski bag 115
Snow chains 131
Socket 114
Spare key 30
Spare tire 151
Speedometer 16
Standing lamps 97
Starting problems 70
Starting the engine 70
Steering wheel lock 70
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons 22
Steering wheel, adjusting 59
handbook.book  Page 172  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM