
Contents
Contents
Notes
6About this Owner's Manual
6Symbols used
6Symbol on vehicle parts
6Your individual vehicle
6Status at time of printing
7For your own safety
7Service and warranty
8Reporting safety defects
Overview
12Cockpit
13Instrument cluster
14Indicator and warning lamps
Opening and closing
18Keys
18Central locking system
18Remote control
20Door lock
20Interior
21Luggage compartment lid
22Luggage compartment 
22Electric power windows
23Manual convertible top
24Fully automatic convertible top*
26Wind deflector*
27Alarm system*
Adjustments
29Safe seating position
29Seats
30Seat memory*
 
31Seat heating*
31Safety belts
32Steering wheel 
32Mirrors 
33Airbags
34Transporting children safely
37Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 
Driving
38Ignition lock 
38Engine
39Parking brake 
40Manual transmission 
40Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*
42Electric Power Steering EPS
42Drivelogic*
42Turn signal indicators/Headlamp 
flasher 
43Washer/wiper system and 
rain sensor* 
44Cruise control* 
Lamps
45Parking lamps/Low beams
46High beams/Standing lamps
46Instrument lighting
46Fog lamps
46Interior lamps
© 2002 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 897
US English VIII/02
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper –
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling. 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 13
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps 14
3Tachometer47
with indicator and warning lamps 14
4Engine coolant temperature gauge47
5Fuel gauge47
6Button for 
>Time48
>Service interval display48 7Selector lever and program display for 
automatic transmission41
8Button for
>Trip odometer, reset to zero47
>Setting time48
9Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer47
>Clock48
>Service interval48
>Computer48 

Overview
14
Indicator and warning 
lamps
Technology that monitors itself 
Indicator and warning lamps that are iden-
tified by 
+ are tested for proper functioning 
whenever the ignition key is turned. They 
each light up once for different periods of 
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these sys-
tems, the corresponding lamp does not go 
out after the engine is started or it lights up 
again while the vehicle is moving. The indi-
cated pages provide information on what 
measures to take.
Please fasten safety belts 
+31
 Airbags 
+33
Battery charge current 
+87
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil level/
Engine oil sensor
 +79
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tem/Dynamic Brake Control/Brake 
fluid 
+39/ 51/ 52/ 81
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control system 
+53/ 51
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control system for Canadian 
modelsDynamic Stability Control DSC
 +51
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 
+51
Flat Tire Monitor 
+53
Automatic transmission 
+41
Brake pads 
+66
Add coolant80
Check Gas Cap 
+
Service engine soon +83
Service engine soon 
+
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Defective bulbs45
Turn signal indicators42
Fog lamps46
Headlamp flasher/
High beams42/ 46 

Technology for safety and driving convenience
52 For more information on the various 
systems, refer to the "Technology" 
brochure.<
Switching off DSC/Activating DTC
Press the DSC button briefly. The DTC indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC has been switched off; DTC is in ready 
mode.
In the following exceptional circumstances, 
it may be effective to activate the DTC for a 
short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting off 
in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered grades, 
in deep snow, or on a snow-covered 
surface that has been packed down 
from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.
The gain in traction is achieved by a reduc-
tion in stabilizing intervention.
Switching off DSC and DTC
Hold the DSC switch down for at least 
3 seconds. The DSC indicator lamp stays 
lit.
In this case, no interventions to increase 
stability and traction for the engine and 
brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability, drive 
with the DSC switched on whenever 
possible.<
Reactivating DSC and DTC
Press the button again.
The indicator lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed with DSC. It will always be the driver's responsibility to drive in a man-
ner that matches road conditions. We 
therefore urge you to avoid using the addi-
tional safety margin of the system as an 
excuse for taking risks. Stabilizing interven-
tion is only performed to a limited degree 
when the DTC is activated.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC 
system. Allow only authorized technicians 
to perform service procedures on the 
DSC.<
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
If you step on the brake rapidly, this system 
automatically produces maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the 
shortest possible braking distance during 
panic stops. All of the benefits of the ABS 
system are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake 
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released, the 
DBC is deactivated.
For more information on the system, refer 
to the "Technology" brochure.
Brake Force Display
The Brake Force Display indicates to the 
road user behind you how hard you are 
braking.
The display has two levels:
>Normal braking:
Brake lamp 1 lights up on both sides of 
the vehicle together with the center 
brake lamp. 

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
 81
allow accumulated pressure to escape, 
then open completely
2.The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float is at least 
even with the upper edge of the filler 
neck but no more than ι in / 2 cm 
above it, that is, up to the second mark 
on the float. Refer also to the schematic 
diagram next to the filler neck
3.If necessary, add coolant. Slowly add 
coolant until the correct level is reached 
– do not overfill.
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of 
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion 
inhibitor.<
Brake fluid
Indicator lamp
The brake warning lamp lights up 
red when the parking brake is not 
engaged: the brake fluid level is too 
low, refer to page 65.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Brake fluid, refilling
Brake fluid loss may result in extended 
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, also refer 
to the notes on page 65.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it 
absorbs moisture from the air over 
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's 
safety and reliability, have the brake fluid changed every two years by a BMW center. 
Refer also to page 48 and the Service Man-
ual.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the vehi-
cle's paint. You should always store it in the 
closed original container and in a location 
inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the brake 
fluid reservoir beyond the MAX mark. The 
brake fluid could ignite upon contact with 
hot engine parts and cause serious 
burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of 
brake fluid.<
Brake fluid level
Low brake fluid level in the reservoir com-
bined with extended pedal travel may indi-
cate a defect in one of the brake system's 
hydraulic circuits.
BMW recommends that you proceed 
to the nearest BMW center. Higher 
brake application pressure may be neces-
sary under these conditions, and braking 
distances may be significantly longer. 
Please remember to adapt your driving 
style accordingly.< 

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.< 

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
 99
Driving lamps
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb 14
Driving notes 65
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 51
– indicator lamp 14
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control 51
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC 52
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC 51
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC 51
– indicator lamp 14
E
Electric Power Steering 
EPS 42
– indicator lamp 15
Electric power windows 22
Electrical convertible 
top 25
Electrical fault
– convertible top 25
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Emergency operation
– convertible top 25
– doors 20
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Emergency release
– from inside luggage 
compartment 22
Engine 38
– break-in procedures 64
– starting 38
– switching off 39
Engine compartment 78
Engine coolant 96
– refilling 81Engine oil 79
– capacity 96
– quality 80
– refilling 79
Engine oil consumption 79
Engine oil level 79
– checking 79
Engine oil pressure 79
– indicator lamp 14
Engine oil sensor 79
– indicator lamp 14
Engine oil types 80
Engine output 94
Engine speed 94
EPS Electric Power 
Steering 42
ESP, refer to DSC 51
Exhaust system, refer to 
High temperatures 65
Exterior mirrors 32
– automatic dimming 
feature 33
Eyelet for tow-starting and 
towing 90
F
False alarm 28
Fault
– storage compartment 60
First-aid kit 89
Flat tire 73, 75
Flat Tire Monitor 53
– indicator lamp 14, 53
Fog lamps 46
– indicator lamp 14
Footbrake, refer to Driving 
notes 65
Front airbags 33
Fuel consumption 50
– display 47
Fuel filler door 70
– unlocking in case of elec-
trical fault 70
Fuel gas cap 70
Fuel gauge 47
Fuel specifications 70, 94
Fuel tank capacity 96
Fuses 88
G
Gasoline gauge, refer to 
Fuel gauge 47
Gasoline specifications, 
refer to Fuel 
specifications 70
Glove compartment 60
Gross vehicle weight, 
approved 94
Guide Booklet, Warranty 
and Service 82
H
Handbrake 39
Hands-free system 61
Hardtop preparation 67
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Hazard warning flashers 12
Hazard warning triangle 89
Head restraints 30
Headlamp flasher 42, 46
Headlamp washer 
system 79, 96
Headlamps 84
– access 84
– high beam 42
Heated seats 31
Heavy loads 66
Height 95
High beams 42, 46
– bulb replacement 85
– indicator lamp 14
High temperatures 65
Hood 77
Hood release 77
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to DBC
Hydroplaning 65
I
Ignition lock 38
Imprint 4, 6
Indicator and warning 
lamps 14