
4
Notes
© 2004 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 158 118
US English II/04
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.
About this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find spe-
cific topics is by using the detailed
index at the end. If you wish to gain an
initial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remem-
ber to hand over this Owner's Manual
to the new owner; it is an important part
of the vehicle.
Additional sources of information
If you have any additional questions,
your BMW center will be glad to advise
you.
You can find more information about
BMW, for example on its technology,
on the Internet at www.bmw.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Indicates information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environ-
ment.
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
Indicates special equipment, coun-
try-specific equipment and optional
extras when available.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 68. Identifies func-
tions that can be specifically adapted
for a particular key or vehicle. These
adjustments can be performed by your
BMW center.
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.

Contents
Notes
About this Owner's Manual4
Additional sources of
information4
Symbols used4
Your individual vehicle5
Status at time of printing5
For your own safety5
Service and warranty6
Reporting safety defects7
Overview
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster16
Indicator and warning lamps18
Buttons in steering wheel*21
Hazard warning triangle*22
First-aid kit*22
Refueling23
Fuel specifications24
Controls and features
Opening and closing:
Keys28
Central locking system28
Opening and closing – via the
remote control29
Opening and closing – via the
door lock31
Opening and closing – from the
inside32
Luggage compartment lid33
Luggage compartment35
Alarm system*36
Electric power windows38
Manual convertible top39
Fully-automatic convertible
top*44
Wind deflector*48
To adjust:
Safe seating position50
Seats51
Adjusting electric power
seats51
Lumbar support*52
Head restraints52
Entering the rear53
Safety belts54
Seat and mirror memory*55
Seat heating*57
Mirrors57
Steering wheel58

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

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

21
Buttons in steering wheel*
These buttons let you operate the fol-
lowing functions quickly and without
being distracted from traffic conditions:
>
Selected radio functions
>
The cruise control
>
Selected telephone
*
functions
>
The voice recognition system.
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.
<
Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.
Extended pressure:
Switch voice recognition on and off.
Display/hide telephone book. Display
the entries one after another with the
forward/backward buttons.
Forward:
>
Radio
Press briefly: next station in station
memory
Extended pressure: station search
>
CD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function
in track
>
Cassette
Press briefly: jump to next track or
stop fast forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
>Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind/reverse: same functions as for-
ward.
Volume.
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate +
or decelerate and store –.
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex