Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
47
High beams/Standing
lamps
1High beams: blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher: blue indicator lamp
3Standing lamps
Left or right standing lamps*
As an additional feature, you can illuminate
your vehicle on either side for parking:
1.Turn the ignition key to position 0 or
remove it
2.Turn off the low beams
3.Push the lever in the appropriate turn-
signal direction. The lever engages in
the turn signal position.
Instrument lighting
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumina-
tion intensity.
Fog lamps
Fog lamps*
A green indicator lamp comes on in
the instrument cluster to indicate
that the front fog lamps are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is
on, the low beams will automatically
come on whenever you activate the front
fog lamps.<
Interior lamps
The interior lamps operate automatically.
To switch the interior lamps on and
off manually
Press button 1 briefly.
If you would like the interior lamps to
remain off all the time, press and hold the
button for approx. 3 seconds.
Press the button briefly to revert to normal
operation.
Reading lamps*
Switch on and off with button 2 adjacent to
each lamp.
Everything under control
48
Everything under control
Odometer
1Odometer
2Trip odometer
Odometer
With the ignition key in position 0, you can
activate the displays shown in the illustra-
tion by pressing the button – see arrow – in
the instrument cluster.
Trip odometer
To set to zero
Ignition key position 1
Keep the button pressed until the trip
odometer counter is set to zero.
Tachometer
Never allow the engine to operate with the
needle in the red overspeed sector of the
gauge.
To protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted when you approach this sector.
Fuel gauge
When indicator lamp 1 begins to stay on
continuously, there are still approx.
2.1 gallons / 8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.
Tank capacity: approx. 14.5 gallons/
55 liters.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, for example
when you are driving in mountainous areas,
the needle may fluctuate slightly.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty. Driving to the last drop of fuel
can prevent the engine from operating
properly and result in damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the indi-
cator lamp comes on briefly to indicate an
operational check.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Between the blue and red zones
Normal operating range. The needle may
rise as far as the edge of the red sector dur-
ing normal operation.
Red
When you switch on the ignition, warning
lamp 1 comes on briefly to indicate an
operational check.
Comes on while driving:
The engine has overheated. Stop and
switch the engine off immediately and
allow it to cool down.
For checking the coolant level, refer to
page 84.
Service interval display
Remaining distance to next service
The displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the ignition
key is in position 1 or after the engine is
started.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the distance remaining in
miles – in kilometers in Canada – before the
next scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of the
remaining distance on the preceding driv-
ing style.
A flashing message and a minus sign in
front of the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by the
distance shown on the display. Please con-
tact your BMW center for an appointment.
Outside temperature
If the vehicle is not equipped with a com-
puter, the display in the instrument cluster
always shows the outside temperature.
Clock
If you wish to have a permanent time dis-
play, you can have it appear in the car radio
display, refer to the Owner's Manual for
Radio.
You can set the clock and the time display
in the car radio as follows.
To set
Ignition key in position 1 or higher:
Hours
1.Keep button 2 pressed for several sec-
onds until the hours are displayed and
the colon flashes
2.Press button 1 repeatedly until the
required hour is set
Minutes
3.Press button 2 to switch to the minutes
display
Everything under control
50 4.Press button 1 repeatedly until the
required minutes are set
5.Press button 2 to confirm the settings.
The set time of day is transferred to the car
radio display or appears in the instrument
cluster display.
Display mode
In ignition key position 0:
Press button 1.
The time of day is displayed for several
seconds.
Computer*
Mode selection
With the ignition key in position 1 or higher,
you can use the button in the turn signal
lever to retrieve information from the com-
puter for display in the instrument cluster.
Every time you press the button briefly in
the direction of the steering column, a new
function is called up for display.
The displays appear in the following order:
time of day, outside temperature, average
fuel consumption, cruising range, average
vehicle speed.
With the ignition key in position 1 or higher,
the last active setting is displayed.
If you wish, you can have all the dis-
plays of the following functions
shown in another unit of measure.<
Outside temperature
To change the units of measure,
°F/°C
While the temperature display is active,
keep the button in the turn signal lever
pressed until the display changes.
Ice warning
If the outside temperature drops to approx.
37.57/36, the computer automatically
switches to the outside temperature dis-
play.
In addition, a signal sounds and the display
flashes for a brief period.
Clock
Setting the 12-hour or 24-hour
mode*
If the vehicle is equipped with a computer,
you can have the time displayed in either a
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
While the time display is active, press the
computer button in the turn signal lever
until the display changes.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
57
them to be deactivated, the airbags have to
be deactivated with the vehicle ignition key
and the key switch on the outer passen-
ger's side of the instrument panel. Apart
from passengers, do not place any addi-
tional objects on the passenger seat. Do
not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding,
ball mats or other items to the passenger
seat unless they are specifically recom-
mended by BMW. Do not place any items
under the seat. Otherwise, the function of
the seat occupation detection could be
impaired.<
Indicator lamps
Airbag system operational
The airbag indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster indicates the operational readiness
of the entire airbag system and the safety
belt tensioners as of ignition key position 1.
The indicator lamp goes out after a few
seconds.
The indicator lamp in the central console
signals whether or not the passenger air-
bag system is activated or deactivated as
of ignition key position 1.
This lamp pertains only to the passen-
ger airbag system.<>The indicator lamp goes out after a few
seconds:
The passenger airbags are active, e. g.
when an adult is traveling in the vehicle
or the seat is unoccupied
>The indicator lamp lights up continu-
ously:
The passenger airbags are deactivated,
e. g. when a child is traveling in the vehi-
cle in the child-restraint system.
For more information on the operating prin-
ciple of the passenger airbag system and
seat occupation detection, refer to Auto-
matic deactivation of the passenger air-
bags.
Airbag system malfunction
A system malfunction could prevent
the system from responding in the
expected manner to an impact occurring
within its normal response range.
Please have the airbag system inspected
immediately at a BMW center.<
There is a fault in the airbag system
if the airbag indicator lamp behaves
as follows:
>The indicator lamp does not light up as
of ignition key position 1
>The indicator lamp remains on continu-
ously
>The indicator lamp lights up while the
vehicle is being driven.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
65
Beverage holder
A beverage holder is located on either side
beneath the air outlets.
1.Press the trim piece beneath the air
outlets; see arrow 1
2.Place the beverage into the holder
3.Adjust the holder to fit the size of the
beverage container; see arrow 2.
Do not place glass containers into the
beverage holders, as this increases
the risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent.<
Preparations for the cellular
phone*
Hands-free system
In vehicles with telephone preparation, the
cover for the hands-free microphone is
located on the trim of the steering column.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the Owner's Manual for the
telephone.
Ashtray*
To empty
1.Open cover
2.Pull out ashtray 1.
Cigarette lighter
Press in lighter 2. As soon as the lighter
springs back out, it can be removed.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter
by the knob only. Holding or touching
it in other areas could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational
even when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children should
never be left in the vehicle unattended.<
Cigarette lighter socket
This can be used for attaching power sup-
plies for flashlights, car vacuum cleaners
and other similar appliances up to a rating
of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts.
Do not damage the socket by insert-
ing plugs of a different shape or
size.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
Battery 91
– disposal 92
– indicator lamp 13, 91
– jump-starting 94
– remote control 17
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 30
Belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 30
Beverage holders 65
Blower
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
Blower, refer to Air
supply 59, 62
BMW 5
Bore, refer to Engine
data 100
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders 65
Brake fluid 85
– filling 85
– indicator/warning
lamp 13, 85
– level 85
Brake force display 53
Brake hydraulic system 85
– indicator/warning
lamp 13, 69, 85
Brake lamps
– bulb replacement 90
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp 13
Brake pads 70
– break-in procedures 68
– indicator lamp 70
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads 70
– indicator lamp 13
Brake rotors
– brake system 69
– break-in procedures 68
Brakes 69
– ABS 54
– brake fluid 85
– break-in procedures 68
– indicator/warning
lamps 13, 52, 53, 54
– parking brake 38Brake system 69
– brake fluid level 85
– brake pads 70
– break-in procedures 68
– disc brakes 69
– indicator lamp 13
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor 54
Break-in procedures 68
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 88
Buttons in steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition
65 warning 87
Can holders, refer to
Beverage holders 65
Capacities 103
Car battery 91
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– vehicle 70
Car keys, refer to Keys 16
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio
Car telephone, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Telephone
Car wash, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 69
CD player operation, refer
to Owner's Manual
for Radio
Center high-mount brake
lamp
– bulb replacement 90Central locking system 16
– interior 18
Changing a wheel 91
Charge indicator
lamp 13, 91
Check Gas Cap
– indicator lamp 13
Child-restraint mounting
system, LATCH 35
Child-restraint systems 33
Child seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 33
Chrome parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 65
Cigarette lighter socket 65
Cleaning the rear window,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the windshield 44
Clock 49, 50
– 12- or 24-hour mode 50
– refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting 49
Clothes hooks 25
Clutch
– break-in procedures 68
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine 36
Compact disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio
Compartments 64
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 100
Computer 50
– clock, 12- or 24-hour
mode 50
– refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
Computer, refer to
Onboard Computer 50
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 59, 62
Everything from A to Z
106 Condensation, removing
from windows
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate
control 62
Configuring settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 31
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Cigarette
lighter 65
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption 51
Consumption display, refer
to Fuel gauge 48
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– convertible top 18
– from outside 18
– windows 18
Convertible top 21, 22
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation 18
– electrical fault 23
– emergency closing 23
– fully automatic 22
– malfunction 23
– manual 21
Convertible top
compartment panel 20
Coolant 84
– indicator lamp 13
– level 84
– temperature 48
Coolant water, refer to
Coolant 84
Cooling, maximum 62
Cooling, refer to Air
conditioning mode 59, 62
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities 103
Cruise control 45
Cruising range 51
Cup holders, refer to
Beverage holders 65
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 101
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 100
D
Data, technical 100
– capacities 103
– dimensions 102
– engine data 100
– weights 101
Daytime driving lamps 46
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Defective bulb 46
Defrosting rear window
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Defrosting windows 60, 62
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate
control 62
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate
control 62
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 60, 62
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 60, 62
Differential
– break-in procedures 68
Digital clock 49
Dimensions 102
Dimming mirror 31
Dipstick, engine oil 83
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 43
Disc brakes 69
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 100
Display elements 12
Display lighting,
refer to Instrument
lighting 47
Displays, refer to
Instrument cluster 12Disposal
– oil 84
– vehicle battery 92
Distance remaining, refer to
Range 51
Door key 16
Door lock 18
Doors, unlocking and
locking
– from inside 18
– from outside 17, 18
DOT quality grades 77
Draft-free ventilation 59, 63
Driving Dynamic Control 42
Driving light, refer to
Parking lamps/Low
beams 46
Driving notes 69
– break-in procedures 68
– driving tips 69
Driving stability control 52
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning mode 59, 62
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
– convertible top 23
– door lock 18
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– luggage compartment
lid 19
– storage compartments 64