
 
Contents
 
9
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags51
Transporting children safely54
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory58
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock59
Starting the engine59
Switching off the engine61
Parking brake61
Manual transmission62
Sequential manual gearbox 
SMG*63
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*67
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher70
Washer/wiper system/Rain 
sensor*71
Cruise control*72
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer74
Tachometer74
Energy control74
Fuel gauge75
Engine coolant temperature 
gauge75
Service interval display76
Check Control76
Clock77
Computer78
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)*80
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)81
Flat Tire Monitor*82
Brake force display84
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams85
Adaptive headlights*86
Instrument lighting86
High beams/Standing lamps87
Front fog lamps87
Interior lamps88
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning90
Automatic climate control*94
Roller sun blind*98
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Premium sound system*99
Glove compartment99
Storage compartments100
Microphone*101
Ashtray, front*102
Ashtray, rear*102
Clothes hooks103
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Through-loading system104
Ski bag*105
Cargo loading106
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack*109
 
Controls and features 

 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures112
General driving notes113
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)115
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure116
Tire code118
Tire condition119
Run Flat tires*120
New wheels and tires121
Snow chains*122
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood123
Engine compartment 
essentials124
Washer fluids126
Engine oil126
Coolant128
Brake fluid128
 
Maintenance:
 
BMW Maintenance System130
 
Laws and regulations:
 
California laws132
OBD interface socket132
 
Owner service procedures
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit136
Windshield wiper blades136
Lamps and bulbs137
Changing a wheel141
Battery145
Fuses145
 
Giving and receiving 
assistance:
 
Receiving assistance146
Jump-starting147
Towing and tow-starting the 
vehicle149
 
Technical data
 
Engine data154
Dimensions155
Weights156
Capacities157 

 
17
1Fuel gauge75
2Indicator lamp for turn signals20
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps18
to20
5Tachometer and Energy Control74
6Engine coolant temperature 
gauge75
7Indicator and warning lamps18
to20
8Control button for the clock77
9Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox SMG, transmis-
sion indicator lamp19, 65, 69
10 Display for
 
>
 
Trip odometer/Odometer74
 
>
 
Clock77
 
>
 
Service interval76
 
>
 
Computer78
11 Check Control76
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero74
13 Indicator and warning lamps18
to20
 
Instrument cluster
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

 
18
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Technology that monitors itself
 
Indicator and warning lamps that are 
identified by 
 
●
 
 are tested for proper 
functioning whenever the ignition key is 
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started, or 
it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see how to react to this below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current
 
●
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. Indicates a defective 
alternator drive belt or a problem with 
the alternator's charge circuit. please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop 
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is 
defective, increased steering effort is 
also required.
 
<
 
Engine oil pressure
 
●
 
The engine oil pressure is too 
low. Stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the engine. It is not 
possible to continue driving. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the 
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.
 
<
 
Brake warning lamp
 
●
 
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged: 
check the brake fluid level. It is very 
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 128 before driving on. 
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Flat Tire Monitor
 
●
 
In addition, an acoustic signal is 
sounded: there is a flat tire. 
Reduce speed and carefully come to a 
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to 
page 83.
 
Red and yellow: continue driving 
cautiously
 
The brake warning lamp comes 
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS
 
●
 
 and 
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC 
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and 
defensively. Avoid hard brake 
applications. Please have the system 
checked by your BMW center as soon 
as possible.
Additional information beginning on 81.
CBC, ABS and DSC and DBC 
indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models.
 
Red: an important reminder
 
Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking 
brake is applied – an additional 
acoustic signal sounds when starting 
off.
For additional information, refer to 
page 61. 

 
19
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
 
●
 
Comes on together with an 
acoustic signal until the safety 
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety 
belts, refer to page 46.
Airbags
 
●
 
Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page 53.
 
Orange: consult the nearest BMW 
center
 
Automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox
The respective transmission has 
responded to a malfunction by reverting 
to operation in its emergency default 
program. Have the system checked 
immediately.
For additional information, refer to 
pages 65, 69.
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible
 
Engine oil level
If the lamp comes on during 
normal vehicle operation: the 
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible. 
Do not drive more than approx. 
30 miles/50 km before refilling.
For additional information, refer to 
page 126.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: add engine oil at 
the earliest opportunity, such as the 
next time you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to 
page 126.
Brake pads
 
●
 
Have the brake pads checked 
immediately.
For additional information, refer to 
page 114.
Flat Tire Monitor
 
●
 
The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-
tioning or out of order. If there is 
a malfunction, have the system 
checked. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 84.
 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)
 
●
 
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive 
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the 
button; DTC is operational.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
tem checked.
Additional information beginning on 81.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 
and brake warning lamp
The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC/DTC have been switched 
off with the button or are faulty.
If there is a malfunction, have 
the system checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Additional information beginning on 81.
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

 
20
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
 
●
 
Malfunction in the DBC system. 
Conventional braking efficiency 
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page 115.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low, 
top it up at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 126.
CHECK GAS CAP*
 
●
 
This indicator lamp comes on 
when the gas cap is loose or 
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to 
page 24.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
 
●
 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 132.
Service Engine Soon indicator 
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
 
●
 
There is a fault in the electronic 
engine-management system. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output or engine speed. Please 
have the system inspected at your 
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add 
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 128.
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is 
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information, refer to 
page 70.
 
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the buttons in the steering 
wheel.
For additional information, refer to 
page 72.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to 
page 87.
 
Blue: for your information
 
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to 
pages 70, 87.
 
Indicator and warning lamps 

23
RefuelingFuel filler door
Always switch off the engine 
before refueling, as it is not possi-
ble to add fuel with the engine running, 
and attempts may also trigger the 
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler 
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you 
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump sym-
bol, located on the right side wall of the 
luggage compartment.
Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station 
when handling fuel.
Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, 
these containers can leak, cause an 
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of 
a collision.<
Please observe while refuelling
Open the gas cap carefully to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out. Fuel 
spray may cause injury.<
Place the gas cap in the bracket 
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle in 
the filler pipe. Lifting the nozzle during 
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler noz-
zle shuts off the first time.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

24
Closing the gas capPlace the cap in position and turn it 
until a clearly audible click is heard.
Close the gas cap carefully after 
refueling 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.<
Warning lamp* lights up. The 
gas cap is not properly closed 
or is missing. Check if the gas 
cap is properly closed.Fuel tank capacity >Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which
>approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve 
capacity.
Do not drive to the last drop of 
fuel. This can prevent the engine 
from operating properly and result in 
damage.<
Fuel specificationsThe engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only.Required fuelPremium Unleaded Gasoline, 
Minimum Octane Rating: AKI 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to 
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is deter-
mined according to the so-called 
(R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as 
otherwise the lambda probe and 
catalytic converter will be permanently 
damaged.
cant differences in fuel quality: volatility, 
composition, additives, etc., among 
gasolines offered for sale in the United 
States and Canada. Fuels containing up 
to and including 10 % ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by 
weight, that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % meth-
anol plus an equivalent amount of co-
solvent, will not void the applicable 
warranties with respect to defects in 
materials or workmanship. 
The use of poor-quality fuels may 
result in drivability, starting and 
stalling problems especially under cer-
tain environmental conditions such as 
high ambient temperature and high alti-
tude. 
Should you encounter drivability prob-
lems which you suspect could be 
related to the fuel you are using, we 
recommend that you respond by 
switching to a recognized high-quality 
brand. 
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may also result in unsched-
uled maintenance.<
Refueling