
 
Contents
 
9
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags61
Transporting children safely63
Rollover protection system67
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory69
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock70
Starting the engine70
Switching off the engine72
Parking brake72
Manual transmission73
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*74
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher77
Washer/wiper system/Rain 
sensor*78
Cruise control*79
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy control81
Fuel gauge82
Engine coolant temperature 
gauge82
Service interval display83
Check Control83
Clock84
Computer85
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)*87
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)*88
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)*90
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)*92
Flat Tire Monitor*93
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams96
Instrument lighting97
High beams/Standing lamps97
Fog lamps*98
Interior lamps98
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning100
Automatic climate control*104
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Glove compartment109
BMW Universal Transmitter*110
Storage compartments112
Cellular phone*113
Ashtray, front*113
Ashtray, rear*114
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag*115
Cargo loading116
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
the hardtop*118
 
Controls and features
 
handbook.book  Page 9  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

 
19
 
Red and yellow: continue driving 
cautiously
 
The brake warning lamp comes 
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS
 
●
 
 and 
ASC+T/DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, 
ASC+T/DSC and ADB control 
system has failed. Continue 
driving cautiously and defen-
sively. Avoid full brake applications. 
Please have the system checked by 
your BMW center as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on 
page 88
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and 
ADB/DBC indicator and warning 
lamps for Canadian models.
 
Orange: consult the nearest BMW 
center
 
Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission has 
responded to a malfunction by 
reverting to operation in its emergency 
default program. Please consult the 
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to 
page 74
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible 
 
Engine oil level
If the lamp comes on during 
normal vehicle operation: the 
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible. 
Do not drive more than approx. 
30 miles/50 km before refilling.
For additional information: refer to 
page 136
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been switched off: add engine 
oil at the earliest opportunity, such as 
the next time you stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to 
page 136
 
Brake pads
 
●
 
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer 
to page 124
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)/Flat 
Tire Monitor
 
●
 
Check tire inflation pressures. 
Refer to pages 25, 92, 93
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)
 
●
 
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive 
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
The ASC+T has been switched off via 
the button, ADB is operational; or DSC 
has been switched off using the button, 
DTC is operational.
Please contact a BMW center in case of 
a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on 
page 88
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
handbook.book  Page 19  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

 
20
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) and brake 
warning lamp
 
●
 
The indicator lamps remain on:
The ASC+T/ADB or DSC/DTC 
have been switched off manually or 
there is a system malfunction.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Additional information beginning on 
page 88
DSC and ADB indicator and 
warning lamps for Canadian 
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
 
●
 
Malfunction in DBC system. 
Conventional braking efficiency 
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW 
center as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to 
page 123
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
 
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to 
page 136
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
 
●
 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to 
page 141
SERVICE ENGINE SOON warn-
ing lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
 
●
 
There is a fault in the electronic 
engine-management system. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output or engine speed. Please 
have the system inspected at your 
BMW center.
 
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add 
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to 
page 138
CHECK FILLER CAP
 
●
 
This indicator lamp comes on 
when the fuel filler cap is loose 
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to 
page 24
Rollover protection system
 
●
 
The rollover protection system 
has been deactivated due to a 
malfunction. Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW center at the 
earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to 
page 67
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is 
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information: refer to 
page 77
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
handbook.book  Page 20  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

65
dren should be secured in an appropri-
ate forward-facing child-restraint sys-
tem that has first been properly 
installed with a safety belt.
Never install a rear-facing child-
restraint system in the front passenger 
seat.
We strongly urge you to carefully read 
and comply with the instructions for 
installation and use provided by the 
child-restraint's manufacturer whenever 
you use such a device.
Do not attempt to modify child-restraint 
systems. If you do this, the protection 
provided by these systems could be 
impaired.
Be sure that all occupants – of all ages – 
remain properly and securely restrained 
at all times.<
All rear seating positions in your vehicle 
meet the recommendations of 
SAE J1819, an industry-recommended 
practice for securing child-restraint sys-
tems in motor vehicles.
Securing child-restraint systemAll of the rear belt retractors and the 
front passenger's safety belt can be 
locked for mounting and securing child-
restraint systems.
A label with the appropriate instructions 
is located in the immediate vicinity of 
the buckle of each safety belt.To lock the safety beltExtract the entire length of the belt from 
the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the 
reel to retract the belt somewhat and 
engage the buckle, then tighten the belt 
against the child-restraint system. The 
retraction mechanism is now locked. 
The belt cannot be extracted further. 
Always observe the installation instruc-
tions provided by the manufacturer of 
the child-restraint system.To unlock the safety belt Release the safety belt, remove the 
child seat and retract the safety belt to 
its end position on the belt retractor.
Transporting children safely
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 65  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

73
If exceptional circumstances 
make it necessary to engage the 
parking brake while the vehicle is in 
motion, do not pull it with excessive 
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed 
against the release button while care-
fully pulling the lever up.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction – fishtailing 
– at the rear axle.
The brake lamps do not come on when 
the parking brake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Placing the lever in gear may not 
provide adequate resistance to rolling. 
Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
place the selector lever in P.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided 
braking, apply the parking brake 
lightly from time to time when coasting 
to a standstill – at a traffic signal, for 
instance – provided that it is safe to do 
so.<
Manual transmission
Do not hold the vehicle in place on 
slopes by slipping or "riding" the 
clutch. Use the parking brake instead. 
Riding the clutch leads to severe and 
premature clutch wear.<
ReverseSelect only when the vehicle is station-
ary. Press the gearshift lever to the left 
to overcome the slight resistance.
When you select reverse the backup 
lamps will light up automatically when 
the ignition key is in position 2.
Parking brake
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 73  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

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.<
handbook.book  Page 88  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

89
Deactivating the ASC+T and ADBPress the ASC button for at least 3 sec-
onds; the indicator lamps and the yel-
low brake warning lamp come on and 
stay on.
The systems for enhancing stability and 
traction are deactivated, and there is no 
active braking intervention or torque 
control.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible.
out. ADB is deactivated.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed even with ASC+T. An 
appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
We therefore urge you to avoid using 
the additional safety margin of the sys-
tem as an excuse for taking risks.
handbook.book  Page 89  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

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