Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
33
Transporting children safely
Children on the passenger's
seat
Deactivating/reactivating passenger
airbags
The passenger airbags must be deacti-
vated before using a rear-facing child-
restraint system on the passenger seat, refer
also to page34 for explanation.
BMW also recommends that the passenger air-
bags be deactivated if a child is transported in a
front-facing child-restraint system, regardless
of the age of the child. If you transport a child in
the passenger seat, not an infant in a rear-fac-
ing seat, who is properly seated and seat-belted
at all times, the potential benefits of airbags
deploying in an accident generally outweigh the
risks of the child being injured by the force of a
deploying airbag.
Therefore, you should deactivate the passen-
ger airbags only if you find it difficult to ensure
that the child will remain properly seated and
seat-belted at all times.
Always position the passenger seat as far back
as possible and at the lowest level.
The above warning and recommendations are
compatible with regulations established by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
NHTSA, permitting the deactivation of passen-
ger airbags by means of an on-off switch for
members of certain at-risk groups.
Specifically, the at-risk groups are:
>Infants in rear-facing infant seats
>Persons with certain medical conditions
>Children aged 12 and under in the passen-
ger seat.
NHTSA provides this information via their web-
site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or via their Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123
in Washington, D.C. area.<
The concept
Passenger airbags can be deactivated/reacti-
vated with the vehicle ignition key. The key
switch is located on the outer passenger's side
of the instrument panel.
The passenger airbags can only be deactivated
or reactivated with the vehicle standing still,
ignition off and the passenger door open.
Deactivation
Deactivation of the passenger airbags system
deactivates the passenger front, knee and side
airbag. The airbags on the driver side remain
active.
Using the vehicle ignition key, turn the key
switch to the OFF position. Note, the passenger
airbags will remain deactivated with the switch
in this position.
As soon as the reason for the deactivation
of the passenger airbags no longer exists,
you must reactivate these airbags so that they
can deploy in an accident within their normal
deployment range.<
Reactivating
Using the vehicle ignition key, turn the key
switch to the ON position.
All airbags in the vehicle are activated and will
be triggered under appropriate conditions.
Technology for safety and driving convenience
54 For information on the correct seating position,
refer to page27.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to
remove the airbag retention system from the
vehicle. Never modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the
instrument panel, and the side trim panels on
the doors. Do not attempt to remove or disman-
tle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system malfunc-
tion, if you desire to have an airbag deactivated,
or if the airbag retention system is triggered in
response to an accident, you should always
entrust all inspection, repair and dismantling
operations to your BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or to
undesired airbag activation, either of which
could result in personal injury.
To ensure compliance with official safety regu-
lations, please also entrust disposal of airbag
generators to a BMW center.<
Airbag warning information is also provided on
the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
Before transporting a child on the pas-
senger seat be sure to observe the infor-
mation/instructions under Transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page33.<
Your BMW has a seat occupation detection
system. By evaluating the weight on the pas-
senger's seat, the system detects whether or
not the seat is occupied by a child in the child-
restraint system or an adult.
>When a child is seated in the child-restraint
system or in an empty seat, the front, side
and knee airbags are automatically deacti-
vated on the passenger's side>When an adult is traveling in the passen-
ger's seat, the front, side and knee airbags
remain active on the passenger's side.
Although not desired, it can occur in the
case of heavier children that the passen-
ger airbags remain active or, in the case of very
light adults or young persons, that the passen-
ger airbags are deactivated. The condition of
the passenger airbag system will be shown by
the indicator lamp in the central console, refer
to Passenger airbag status lamp below. If the
indicator lamp indicates that the passenger air-
bags are active and you want them to be deac-
tivated, the airbags have to be deactivated with
the vehicle ignition key and the key switch on
the outer passenger's side of the instrument
panel. Apart from passengers, do not place any
additional 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 recommended by
BMW. Do not place any items under the seat.
Otherwise, the function of the seat occupation
detection could be impaired.<
Operational readiness of the airbag
system
The airbag indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster indicates the operational readiness of
the entire airbag system and the safety belt ten-
sioners as of ignition key position 1.
The indicator lamp goes out after a few sec-
onds.
Airbag system malfunction
>The indicator lamp does not light up as of
ignition key position 1
>The warning lamp lights up continuously.
In the engine compartment
84
In the engine compartment
Do not attempt to service your vehicle if
you do not have the required technical
background. If you are not familiar with the reg-
ulations to be observed, have your vehicle ser-
viced only by a BMW center or a workshop that
works according to BMW requirements with the
appropriately trained personnel. Work that is
improperly carried out could result in conse-
quential damage and pose safety hazards.<
Hood
To release
Pull the lever located under the left-hand side of
the instrument panel.
To open
1.Reach under the engine hood
2.Push the release handle up
3.Open the hood.
To close
Allow the hood to fall from a low height and
push on both sides so that it audibly engages.
As in all closing procedures, avoid injuries
by making sure that the travel path of the
hood is clear when it is closed.
If you notice while driving that the hood is not
completely closed, stop immediately and close
it securely.<
Maintenance
90
OBD interface socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface socket
is located on the left of the driver's side under
the instrument panel and under a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure
proper operation of the emission control sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and mal-
function.
If the Service engine soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously or
intermittently, this indicates a fault in
the emission-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational, you
should have the systems checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
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 cente r a t t h e n e x t o p p o r -
tunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates 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 components, especially the cat-
alytic converter.Indication of the above-described mal-
function in Canadian models.
If the gas cap is not on tight enough, the
OBD system can detect leaking vapor
and the indicator will light up. If the gas cap is
then tightened, the indicator will usually go out
after a short period of time.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.
Care
Interesting facts about the care of your vehicle
are found in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.
Everything from A to Z
108 Clock47,48
– 12- or 24-hour mode48
– refer to Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
– setting47
Clothes hooks25
Clutch, break-in
procedures68
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine36
Compact disc operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Compartments64
Computer48
– clock, 12- or 24-hour
mode48
– refer to Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Computer, refer to Onboard
Computer48
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode59,62
Condensation, removing from
windows
– air conditioning60
– automatic climate control62
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory31
Connecting a vacuum cleaner,
refer to Power socket65
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption49
Consumption display, refer to
Fuel gauge46
Contents3
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit10
Controls, lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting57
Convenience operation
– convertible top18
– from outside18
– windows18Convertible top20,21
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation18
– electrical fault23
– emergency closing23
– fully automatic21
– malfunction23
– manual20
– mechanical20
Convertible top compartment
panel19
Coolant87
– indicator lamp13
– level88
– thermometer46
Coolant water, refer to
Coolant87
Cooling
– maximum62
– refer to Air conditioning
mode59,62
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities105
Copyright2
Correct tires82
Cruise control44
Cruising range49
Cup holders, refer to
Beverage holders64
Curb weight, refer to
Weights103
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data102
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical102
– capacities105
– dimensions104
– engine data102
– weights103
Daytime driving lamps56
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control50
– warning lamp13,51
Defective bulb56Defrosting rear window
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Defrosting windows60,62
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioning60
– automatic climate control62
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows60,62
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows60,62
Digital clock47
Dimensions104
Dimming mirrors70
Dipstick, engine oil86
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signal indicators42
Disc brakes69
Displacement, refer to Engine
data102
Display elements12
Display lighting,
refer to Instrument
lighting57
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Disposal
– of engine oil87
– vehicle battery95
Distance remaining, refer to
Range49
Door key16
Door lock17
Doors, unlocking and locking
– from inside18
– from outside16,17
DOT quality grades80
Draft-free ventilation59,63
Driving Dynamic Control41
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams56
Driving notes68
– break-in procedures68
– driving tips68
Driving stability control50
Driving stability control
systems50
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags54
– alarm system26
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– brakes13
– coolant temperature47
– DSC51
– engine temperature46
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– fog lamps57
– passenger airbags34
– please fasten safety belts30
– reserve46
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG41
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview12
Individual air
distribution59,62
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory31
Inflation pressure, tires78
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor52
Inspection47
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting57
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Interior lamps57
– remote control17
Interior motion sensor26
– deactivating26
Interior rearview mirror31
– automatic dimming
feature70
Interior temperature
adjusting59,62
Interlock, refer to
Steering lock36
Intermittent
– operation, wipers43
Interval
– display, service47J
Jack94
Jacking points94
Jets, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Jump-starting97
K
Key Memory31
Keys16
Key switch for passenger
airbags33
Kickdown39
Knock control76
L
Lamps and bulbs91
LATCH, child-restraint
mounting system35
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs Light-emitting
diodes94
Length, refer to
Dimensions104
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement94
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs94
Lighter65
Lighting
of the instruments57
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams56
LIGHTS ON warning56
Light switch56
Load, vehicle70
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading70
Loads, securing71
Lock buttons on doors,
refer to Locking18Locking the doors
– from inside18
– from outside17
Locking the vehicle
– from inside18
– from outside16
Low beams56
– automatic56
– bulb replacement92
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Lug bolts, wrench91
Luggage compartment19
– capacity103
– floor panel91
– increasing capacity19
– opening/closing,
refer to Luggage
compartment lid18
– opening from inside the
vehicle19
– opening from the outside18
– opening with remote
control17
Luggage compartment lid18
– emergency operation19
– opening from inside the
vehicle19
– opening from the outside18
– remote control17
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires82
Maintenance, refer to Service
interval display47,89
Maintenance System89
Making telephone calls, refer
to Owner's Manual for
Telephone
Malfunction
– convertible top23
– door lock18
– fuel filler door76
– storage compartments64
Malfunction of electrical
accessory95
Manual convertible top20