
 
Contents
 
9
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags59
Transporting children safely62
Rollover protection system66
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory68
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine71
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Sequential manual gearbox 
SMG*73
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*77
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher80
Washer/wiper system/Rain 
sensor*81
Cruise control*82
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer84
Tachometer84
Energy control84
Fuel gauge85
Engine coolant temperature 
gauge85
Service interval display86
Check Control86
Clock87
Computer88
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)*90
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)91
Flat Tire Monitor*92
Brake force display94
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams95
Adaptive headlights*96
Instrument lighting96
High beams/Standing lamps97
Front fog lamps97
Interior lamps98
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning100
Automatic climate control*104
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Glove compartment109
Integrated universal remote 
control*110
Storage compartments112
Microphone*113
Ashtray, front*113
Ashtray, rear*114
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag*115
Cargo loading117
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
the hardtop*120
 
Controls and features 

 
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 in the follow-
ing section.
 
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.
 
<
 
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 93.
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 145 before driving on. 
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
 
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 full brake 
applications. Please have the 
system checked by your BMW center 
as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on 
page 91.
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 engaged – an additional 
acoustic signal sounds when you start 
off.
For additional information, refer to 
page 71. 

 
20
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
 
●
 
Malfunction in DBC system. 
Conventional braking efficiency 
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page 127.
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 142.
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 148.
 
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 144.
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.
Rollover protection system
 
●
 
The rollover protection system 
has been deactivated due to a 
malfunction. Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW center at the 
earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 66.
 
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 80.
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 82.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to 
page 97.
 
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 80, 97.
 
Indicator and warning lamps 

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 

85
Fuel gaugeOnce the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx. 2.1 gal-
lons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity approx. 
16.6 gallons/63 liters.
Certain operating conditions, such as 
those encountered in mountainous 
areas, may cause the needle to fluctu-
ate slightly.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely 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 
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an 
operation check.
Engine coolant temperature gaugeBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle 
may rise as far as the edge of the red 
sector during normal operation.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly as an 
operation check.
If the lamp comes on during normal 
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Shut off the engine immediately 
and allow it to cool down.
To check coolant level, refer to 
page 144.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

144
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water as well as an 
additive such as antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor. Not all commercially 
available additives are suitable for your 
BMW. Your BMW center knows which 
additives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, as 
the engine could otherwise be 
damaged. The additives are hazardous 
to your health; therefore, follow the 
instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze with corrosion inhib-
itor.<
Checking the coolant level and 
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the 
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank 
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure 
to escape, then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float rod – see 
arrow – is at least even with the 
upper edge of the filler neck, is at 
least even with the upper edge of the 
filler neck; see arrow. The end of the 
float may stick out by a maximum of 
3/4 in / 2 cm – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until 
the correct level is reached – do not 
overfill. 

163
Mobile Service*To establish contact with the BMW 
Group's Mobile Service:
Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp above the buttons 
lights up. As soon as a telephone con-
nection has been set up with the Mobile 
Service, the indicator lamp flashes.
Depending on the country you are in, 
your vehicle's current location will also 
be transmitted if your vehicle is 
equipped with an activated BMW Assist 
function.
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged you 
can use two jumper cables to start your 
vehicle with power from the battery in a 
second vehicle. You can also use the 
same method to help start another 
vehicle. Only use jumper cables with 
fully insulated handles on the terminal 
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring 
and cables on a running engine. 
Contact with components carrying high 
voltage can be harmful or fatal. Care-
fully observe the following instructions 
to avoid personal injury and/or damage 
to one or both vehicles.
approximately the same capacity – 
measured in Ah. This information is 
provided on the battery
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle
3. Switch off all electrical components 
in both vehicles.
Make absolutely certain that there 
is no contact between the body-
work of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a short circuit hazard.<
Connecting the jumper cables
Always adhere to this sequence 
when connecting jumper cables; 
failure to observe this procedure can 
lead to sparks at the battery terminals 
and pose an injury hazard.<
The auxiliary jump-starting terminal 
located in your BMW's engine compart-
ment acts as the positive battery termi-
nal. Refer to the engine compartment 
overview on page, 140. The cover of 
this auxiliary terminal is marked with 
a +.
1. Open the cover of the BMW auxiliary 
jump-starting terminal. Do so by pull-
ing the tab – see arrow 1
Receiving assistance
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

164
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive 
terminal of the battery or to an auxil-
iary jump-starting terminal of the 
support vehicle 
3. Connect the second terminal clamp 
of the plus/+ jumper cable to the 
positive terminal of the battery or to 
an auxiliary jump-starting terminal of 
the vehicle to be started
4. Your BMW is equipped with a special 
nut – see arrow 2 – to serve as the 
ground or negatvie terminal.
Attach a terminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative 
terminal of the support vehicle's bat-
tery or to a suitable ground on its 
engine or bodywork 
5. Attach the second terminal clamp of 
the minus/– jumper cable to the neg-
ative terminal of the battery or to a 
suitable ground on the engine or 
bodywork of the vehicle to be 
started.Starting the engine1. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes 
at a slightly elevated engine idle 
speed2. Start the engine of the other vehicle 
as usual. 
If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before 
another attempt in order to allow the 
discharged battery to recharge
3. Allow the engines to run for several 
minutes
4. Disconnect the jumper cables in 
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault, 
have the battery checked and 
recharged by your BMW center.
Do not use spray starter fluids to 
start the engine.