
 
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 

 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures124
General driving notes125
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)127
Hardtop*127
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure130
Tire code133
Tire condition134
Run Flat tires*135
New wheels and tires136
Snow chains*137
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood138
Engine compartment 
essentials140
Washer fluid142
Engine oil142
Coolant144
Brake fluid145
 
Maintenance:
 
BMW Maintenance System146
 
Laws and regulations:
 
California laws148
OBD interface socket148
 
Owner service procedures
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs153
Changing a wheel157
Battery161
Fuses161
 
Giving and receiving 
assistance:
 
Receiving assistance162
Jump-starting163
Towing and tow-starting the 
vehicle165
 
Technical data
 
Engine data170
Dimensions171
Weights172
Capacities173 

 
17
1Fuel gauge85
2Indicator lamp for turn signals20
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps18
to 20
5Tachometer and Energy Control84
6Engine coolant temperature 
gauge85
7Indicator and warning lamps18
to 20
8Control button for
 
>
 
Clock87
 
>
 
Units of measure for exterior tem-
perature display 88
9Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox SMG, transmis-
sion indicator lamp19, 73, 79
10 Display for
 
>
 
Trip odometer/Odometer84
 
>
 
Clock87
 
>
 
Service interval86
 
>
 
Computer88
11 Check Control86
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero84
13 Indicator and warning lamps18
to 20
 
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 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. 

 
19
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety 
belts
 
●
 
Comes on together with an 
acoustic signal until the safety belts are 
fastened. Flashes if the backrest is not 
locked. 
For additional information on locking 
the seat backrests, refer to page 53.
For additional information on safety 
belts, refer to page 54.
Airbags
 
●
 
Have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page 61.
 
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 75, 79.
 
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 142.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been switched off: add engine 
oil at the earliest opportunity, such as 
the next time you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to 
page 142.
Brake pads
 
●
 
Have the brake pads checked 
immediately.
For additional information, refer to 
page 126.
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 94.
 
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 as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on 
page 91.
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 
page 91.
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

 
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 

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.
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 
completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the 
nozzle during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness 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