
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 57
Automatic climate control*
1Air onto the windshield and the side 
windows
2Air for the upper body area59
3Air for the footwell
4Individual air distribution58
5Defrost windows and remove 
condensation58
6Automatic air distribution and air 
supply587Air supply/blower58
8Air conditioning56
9Maximum cooling58
10Temperature58
11Outside air/Automatic recirculated air 
control AUC/recirculated air mode58
12Rear window defroster59 

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving
58
Tips for pleasant driving
Use the automatic system – switch on with 
AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior 
temperature.
Detailed setting options are described for 
you below.
Automatic air distribution and
supply
The AUTO program assumes the 
adjustment of the air distribution 
and air supply for you and in addi-
tion adapts the temperature to 
external influences – summer, winter – to 
meet preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can also direct air flow onto 
the windows  , toward the 
upper body   and into the foot-
well   as you require. The arrow 
lights up. The automatic air supply remains 
unchanged. All intermediate settings are 
possible. By pressing the AUTO button, 
you can reactivate the air distribution.
Temperature 
The interior temperature that 
appears on the display panel is a 
general figure intended for refer-
ence purposes. When you start 
the vehicle, the system ensures that the 
selected temperature is reached as quickly 
as possible. It then maintains this tempera-
ture, regardless of the season.
Air supply/blower
You can set the blower through 
an infinitely variable range of 
speeds. This shuts off the auto-
matic air supply. The arrow lights 
up. The automatic air distribution remains 
unchanged. You can reactivate the auto-
matic air supply by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.
When you turn the rotary control toward 
zero: the blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off, and the air supply is stopped. You can reactivate the system by 
turning the control toward the right again.
To defrost windows and remove 
condensation 
This program quickly removes ice 
and condensation from the wind-
shield and the side windows.
Maximum cooling
This program gives you maximum 
cooling within a short period of 
time.
The temperature is set to the lowest possi-
ble value. The system switches into the 
recirculated air mode and air flows at max-
imum blower speed from the air outlets 
only. Therefore, the air outlets must always 
be open when you select this program.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the tem-
perature setting – rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the 
windshield may fog over briefly when the 
engine is started.
The air conditioning system is automati-
cally switched on when you use the AUTO 
program.
Condensation forms during operation 
of the air conditioning system, which 
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water on the ground underneath 
the vehicle are thus normal.<
Outside air/Automatic recirculated 
air control AUC/recirculated air 
mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
external odors or pollutants by 
temporarily stopping the flow of 
outside air. The system then 
recirculates the air currently within the 
vehicle. 
By repeatedly pressing the button, you can 
select one of three different operating 
modes. 

In the engine compartment
80 The oil volume between the two marks on 
the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts / 1 liter. Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil 
will damage the engine.
Adding engine oil
While you should wait until the level has 
dropped to just above the lower mark 
before adding oil, you should never allow 
the oil level to fall below this mark.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without oil additives; the use of 
additives could even lead to damage in 
some cases. This also applies to manual 
and automatic transmissions and to the dif-
ferential.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has 
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For 
this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of 
skin that come into contact with oil using 
soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar mate-
rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and the 
information on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of 
used oil.<
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely 
important for the function and life of an 
engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW 
has approved certain grades of engine oil. 
Use approved "BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil". 
If you are unable to obtain an approved 
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small volumes of other synthetic 
oils for topping up between oil changes. 
Use only oils with the specification API SH 
or higher. 
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils that 
have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America 
toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this 
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this 
information. 
Coolant
The yellow coolant indicator lamp 
lights up:
The coolant level is too low: top up 
as soon as possible.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. If you do, 
escaping coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are 
hazardous to health. You should always 
store them in their original containers and 
in a location inaccessible to children.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are 
flammable. For this reason, do not spill 
them on hot engine parts. They could ignite 
and cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Checking the coolant level
Correct coolant level when the engine is 
cold – at approx. 687 / 206:
1.Open the cap of the expansion tank by 
turning it slightly counterclockwise to  

Technical data
96
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank 
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 14.5/55
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specifications: 
page 70
Windshield washer reservoir
Headlamp washer reservoirquarts/liters
quarts/litersapprox. 3.2/3
approx. 5.3/5For details: page 79
For details: page 79
Cooling system including 
heating circuitquarts/liters 9.3/8.8 for manual 
transmission
9.5/9.0 for automatic 
transmissionFor details: page 80
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts/liters 6.9/6.5 For details: page 80
Manual transmission, 
automatic transmission and 
differential–Lifetime lubricant, no 
oil change required 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 97
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System 53
– indicator lamp 14
Accessories 7
Activated-charcoal filter 59
Air conditioning 55, 56
– air distribution 56
– air supply 56
– automatic climate 
control 58
– defrosting windows 
and removing 
condensation 56
– outside-air mode 56
– rear window defroster 56
– recirculated-air mode 56
– temperature 56
Air distribution
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 58
Air outlets 56, 59
Air pressure 71
– checking 71
Air supply
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 58
Airbags 33
– activation/deactivation 34
– indicator lamp 14, 33
– passenger airbags 
lamp 35
Alarm system 27
– arming/disarming 27
– indicator lamp 27
– tilt alarm sensor 28
– triggering 19
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires 76
Antifreeze
– coolant 81
– washer fluid 79Antilock Brake System ABS
– indicator lamp 14
Anti-theft alarm system, 
refer to Alarm system 27
Approved axle load 94
Approved gross vehicle 
weight 94
Ashtray 61
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated air control 58
Automatic
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– cruise control 44
– lamp control 45
Automatic car wash, refer 
to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate 
control 57, 58
– air conditioning 58
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– Automatic recirculated air 
control AUC 58
– defrosting windows 
and removing 
condensation 58
– maximum cooling 58
– outside air 58
– rear window defroster 59
– recirculated air mode 58
– temperature 58
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 40
– display 41
– electronic transmission 
control 41
– indicator lamp 14
– manual mode 41
– selector lever position 40
– sport program 41
Automatic windshield 
washer 44Average fuel 
consumption 50
Average speed 50
Axle load, approved 94
B
Backrest, refer to Seats 30
Backup lamps 40
– bulb replacement 86
Bandages 89
Battery 87
Battery charge current
– indicator lamp 14, 88
Belt tensioner, refer to 
Safety belts 31
Belts 31
Beverage holder 61
Blinker, refer to Turn signal 
indicators 42
Blower
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate 
control 58
BMW High Performance 
synthetic oils 80
BMW Maintenance 
System 82
Bore 94
Brake fluid 81
– indicator lamp 14, 81
– refilling 81
Brake Force Display 52
Brake hydraulic system 65
Brake hydraulics
– indicator lamp 14
Brake lamps
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb 14
Brake pads 66
– indicator lamp 14
Everything from A - Z
Index 

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 

Everything from A - Z
100 Indicator lamps
– airbag 33
– alarm system 27
– brake fluid 81
– engine temperature 47
– flat tire 75
– Flat Tire Monitor 53
– reserve tank 47
Inflation pressure 71
– monitor 53
INSPECTION 48
Instrument cluster 13
Instrument lighting 46
Instrument panel 12
Interior
– central locking system 20
Interior lamps 19, 46
– remote control 19
Interior mirror
– automatic dimming 
feature 33
Interior motion sensor 19
– deactivating 28
Interior rearview mirror 32
Interlock 38
Intermittent operation, 
windshield wipers 43
J
Jack 87
– jacking points 87
Jets, refer to 
Ventilation 56, 59
Jump-starting 89
K
Key Memory 37
Keys 18
– spare 18
– with remote control 18
Knee airbags 33
L
Lamp
– passenger airbags 35
Lamp control 45
Lamp replacement 84Lamps
– backup lamp 86
– brake lamp 86
– bulb replacement 84
– center high-mount brake 
lamp 87
– daytime driving lamps 45
– defective bulbs 45
– fog lamps 46
– headlamp flasher 46
– headlamps 84
– high beams 46, 85
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb 14
– instrument lighting 46
– interior lamps 46
– lamp replacement 84
– license plate lamps 87
– LIGHTS ON warning 45
– low beams 45, 85
– low beams, automatic 45
– parking lamps 45
– reading lamps 46
– rear lamp 86
– standing lamps 46
– turn signal indicators 86
– xenon lamps 85
LATCH child-restraint 
mounting system 36
Length 95
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 87
Light switch 45
Lighter 61
LIGHTS ON warning 45
Loads, securing 66
Lock
– door 20
Locking 19
Longlife oils 80
Low beams 45
– automatic 45
– bulb replacement 85
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb 14
Luggage 
compartment 22, 94
– capacity 94
– enlarging 22
– remote control 19Luggage compartment 
lid 21
– emergency release from 
luggage compartment's 
interior 22
– opening from the 
inside 21
– opening from the 
outside 21
– opening/closing 21
– remote control 19
M
M+S tires 76
Maintenance system 82
Malfunction
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 70
– remote control 19
– storage compartment 60
Malfunction of electrical 
accessory 88
Manual convertible top 23
Manual operation
– door lock 20
– electrical convertible 
top 25
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Manual transmission 40
Master key 18
Maximum cooling 58
MC operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical convertible 
top 23
Mechanical seat 29
Memory
– seats 30
Memory, refer to Key Mem-
ory, Vehicle Memory 37
Microfilter 59
Microphone, cellular 
phone 61
Mirrors 32
– heating 32
Modifications, 
technical 7