
88
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)*The conceptASC+T optimizes vehicle stability and 
traction, especially when you are start-
ing off, accelerating or when going 
through curves.
ASC+T is ready each time you start the 
engine. 
ASC+T contains the Automatic Differ-
ential Brake (ADB) and Cornering Brake 
Control (CBC) functions.
Additional information on ASC+T is 
found in the "Technology" brochure.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to page 19.
>The indicator lamp flashes: ASC+T is 
actively controlling drive torque and 
braking intervention
>The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC+T 
has been switched off with the but-
ton; ADB is operational. ADB control 
intervention is not indicated.
The indicator and the brake 
warning lamps will remain on 
continuously yellow:
The ASC+T and ADB have been 
switched off manually or there is 
a system malfunction.
You can still drive the vehicle as normal 
without ASC+T.
In the event of a fault, please consult 
your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models.
Switching off the 
ASC+T/activating the ADBPress the ASC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
ASC+T has been switched off; ADB is 
operational.
In the following rare situations, it may 
be effective to activate the ADB for a 
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible.<
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90
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in 
critical driving situations.
DSC is operational every time you start 
the engine. 
DSC contains the Dynamic Traction 
Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake 
Control (CBC) functions.
Additional information on DSC is found 
in the "Technology" brochure.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to page 19.
>The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is 
actively controlling drive torque and 
braking intervention
>The indicator lamp stays lit: DSC has 
been switched off with the button; 
DTC and DBC are operational. DTC 
control intervention is not indicated.
The indicator and the brake 
warning lamps will remain on 
continuously yellow:
The DSC, DTC and DBC have 
been switched off manually or 
there is a system malfunction.
The vehicle will remain completely 
operational, however, without DSC. In 
the event of a fault, please consult your 
BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models.
Deactivating the DSC/activating 
the DTCPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC is deactivated; DTC is operational.
In the following rare situations, it may 
prove useful to activate the DTC for a 
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains
>When driving on snow-covered 
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been 
packed down from being driven on.
handbook.book  Page 90  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

94
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the 
system with the correct inflation pres-
sures.
Repeat this process after any changes 
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or 
replacement. Do not carry out further 
system initialization after adjusting the 
inflation pressure and letting the system 
"learn" the correct pressures.
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in 
all the tires, comparing them with the 
inflation pressure chart on page 25 
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Press the button until the yellow indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster 
lights up. After a little while, the indi-
cator lamp will go out by itself
4. After a few minutes' driving time, the 
Flat Tire Monitor adopts the current 
pressure levels as the reference and 
from that point on, can detect and 
report a flat tire.
To activate/deactivate the systemThe Flat Tire Monitor automatically 
assumes operation whenever you turn 
the ignition key to position 2. Unless 
manually deactivated, it is always on 
during normal vehicle operation.
To deactivate the system: press the 
button, the yellow indicator lamp comes 
on.
To activate the system: press the but-
ton again, the indicator lamp goes out.
You should deactivate the system 
before driving with snow chains, as the 
chains can generate spurious warnings 
and/or prevent the system from detect-
ing actual pressure loss.
Flat Tire Monitor*
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131
Tire condition, tire pressureAt tread depths below approx. 
3/16 in/4 mm, winter tires display a per-
ceptible decrease in their ability to cope 
with winter driving conditions, and 
should be replaced in the interest of 
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures — and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assembly balanced 
every time you change a tire or wheel.Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been 
tested by BMW and determined and 
approved as roadworthy. Consult any 
BMW center for details. BMW recom-
mends using only these approved fine-
link snow chains. Use them in pairs on 
either summer or winter tires, but only 
on both rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains. 
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph / 
50 km/h when using snow chains.
You cannot mount snow chains with the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16
225/45 R 17
225/40 R 18245/40 R 17
255/35 R 18Winter tires
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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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
handbook.book  Page 158  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

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