
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 39
the ignition key immediately when the 
engine starts.<
Extended starting attempts, charac-
terized by excessively frequent or 
long periods with the starter engaged, can 
damage the catalytic converter.<
If the engine fails to start on the first 
attempt – if it is very hot or cold, for 
instance: 
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down.
Cold starts at very low temperatures – 
starting at approx. +57 / –156
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter
>On the first start attempt, engage the 
starter for a longer period – 
approx. 10 seconds.
Manual transmission
1.Engage the parking brake
2.Gearshift lever in idling position
3.Depress clutch pedal
4.Start the engine.
Automatic transmission
1.Depress footbrake
2.Place selector lever in position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Before leaving the vehicle with the 
engine running, place the selector 
lever in position P and pull the parking 
brake.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with 
the engine running. An unattended vehicle 
with a running engine poses a safety haz-
ard.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key while 
the vehicle is still moving. If you did so, 
the steering lock would engage when the 
steering wheel is turned. 
When you leave the vehicle, always remove 
the ignition key and engage the steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake when park-
ing on downhill roads.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Place the selector lever in position P and 
turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Parking brake 
The parking brake is designed primarily to 
prevent the vehicle from rolling when 
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.
The brake warning lamp lights up 
when the parking brake is engaged; 
if you start driving, an acoustic sig-
nal is heard as well. 
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
To engage
The detent engages automatically and the 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster 
comes on when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-
ton and lower the lever.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it 
should be 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 carefully pulling up the lever.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking 
and loss of traction – fishtailing – at the rear 
axle. 

Refueling
70
Refueling
Fuel filler door
1.Open fuel filler door 
2.Turn the filler cap in a counter-clock-
wise direction
3.Place the filler cap in the bracket on the 
filler door.
Releasing manually
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can 
unlock the fuel filler door manually.
1.Remove the covers of the tail lamps by 
turning the lock to the right; refer also to 
page 87
2.Pull the luggage compartment trim 
panel slightly toward the interior.
The green button with the fuel pump 
symbol is revealed
3.Undo the adhesive strip and pull off
4.Pull on the knob
Fuel filler cap is released.
Fuel gas cap
Close the gas cap carefully after refu-
eling until a "click" is heard. While closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap 
which is fastened to the cap. A loose or 
missing cap will activate the "Check gas 
cap" lamp.<
Check gas cap
This indicator lamp comes on when 
the fuel gas cap is loose or missing. 
Close the gas cap tightly as described 
above.
Tank capacity: approx. 14.5 gallons / 
55 liters, of which approx. 2.1 gallons / 
8 liters are reserve capacity.
Simple and environmentally friendly
When handling fuels, comply with all 
of the applicable safety precautions 
posted at the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Pulling the nozzle 
out of the pipe during refueling 
>results in premature shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle 
shuts off the first time.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last drop 
of fuel can prevent the engine from operat-
ing properly and result in damage.<
Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel: 
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI. 
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of 
leaded fuels will cause permanent 
damage to the system's oxygen sensor and 
the catalytic converter.< 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 83
Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 
warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components 
contain or emit chemicals known to the 
State of California to cause cancer and 
birth defects and reproductive harm. In 
addition, certain fluids contained in vehi-
cles and certain products of component 
wear contain or emit chemicals known to 
the State of California to cause cancer and 
birth defects or other reproductive harm. 
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds. 
Wash your hands after handling. Used 
engine oil contains chemicals that have 
caused cancer in laboratory animals. 
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
OBD interface socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface 
socket is located on the left of the driver's 
side behind a specially marked cover 
located beneath the instrument panel. The 
cover has the letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to access 
data on emissions – related components 
using special equipment.If the Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp comes on either continuously 
or intermittently, this indicates a 
fault in the emissions-related electronic 
systems. Although the vehicle remains 
operational, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the earli-
est possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the 
need for service, not that you need to stop 
the vehicle. However, the systems should 
be checked by your BMW center at the 
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce 
speed and contact the nearest BMW center 
immediately. Severe engine misfiring over 
even a short period of time can seriously 
damage emission control system compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight 
enough, the OBD system can detect 
leaking vapor and the indicator will light up. 
If the fuel filler cap is then tightened, the 
indicator will usually go out after a short 
period of time.< 

Everything from A - Z
98 Brake system 65
– brake fluid level 81
– brake pads 66
– break-in procedures 64
– disc brakes 65
Brakes
– driving notes 65
Break-in procedures 64
– brake system 64
– clutch 64
– differential 64
– engine 64
– tires 64
Bulb
– defective 45
– replacement 84
C
California Proposition 65 
warning 83
Can holder 61
Capacities 94, 96
– luggage 
compartment 22, 94
Car battery 87
Car radio, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car wash, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure
Cargo loading 66
Cassette player operation, 
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to 
High temperatures 65
CD player operation, refer 
to the Owner's Manual for 
Radio
Cellular phone 
preparation 61
Cellular phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 87
Central locking system 18
– button 20
– interior 20
Charge indicator 
lamp 14, 88Check gas cap 70
– indicator lamp 14
Child seat 34
Child-restraint mounting 
system (LATCH) 36
Child-restraint systems 34
Cigarette lighter 61
Cleaning the headlamps 43
Cleaning the windshield 43
Clock
– 12/24-hour mode 49
– adjusting, refer also to the 
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
Clothes hooks 27
Cluster 13
Clutch
– break-in procedure 64
Cockpit 12
Code, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Combination switch, refer 
to Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher 42
Compartments 60
Compression ratio 94
Computer 49
– average fuel 
consumption 50
– average speed 50
– clock, 12/24-hour 
mode 49
– cruising range 50
– outside temperature 49
Condensation
– removing from 
windows 56, 58
Configuring adjustments, 
refer to Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory 37
Consumption 50
Convenience operation
– convertible top 20
– windows 20
Convertible top 23
– convenience operation 20
– electrical fault 25
– emergency operation 25
– malfunction 25
– manual operation 23
– mechanical 23Convertible top compart-
ment panel 22
Coolant 80, 96
– indicator lamp 14
Coolant thermometer 47
Cooling system 96
Cooling, maximum 58
Copyright 4, 6
Cruise control 44
Cruising range 50
Cup holder, refer to Bever-
age holder 61
Curb weight 94
Cylinders 94
D
Data 94
– engine 94
– filling capacities 96
– weights 94
Daytime driving lamps 45
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 52
Defects 8
Deflector for wind 26
Defrost setting 56, 58
Defroster, rear window
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 59
Defrosting
– windows 56, 58
Differential
– break-in procedures 64
Digital clock
Dimensions 95
Dimming mirror 33
Dipstick, engine oil 79
Disc brakes 65
Displacement 94
Displays, refer to Instru-
ment cluster 13
Door lock 20
Door lock buttons 21
Doors
– emergency operation 20
– locking 19
– unlocking 19
DOT quality grades 73
Drivelogic 42