BMW Automobile 325CI User Manual

Owner's Manual  
for Vehicle  
Contents  
A-Z  
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Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.  
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and  
security when you drive it. Therefore we have one request:  
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the  
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The  
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining  
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical fea-  
tures. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance  
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value  
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supple-  
mental manuals.  
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It  
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important  
operating, safety and maintenance information.  
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.  
BMW AG  
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4 Notes  
About this Owner's Manual  
Additional sources of information Symbols used  
We have made every effort to ensure  
If you have any additional questions,  
Indicates precautions that must  
that you are able to find what you need your BMW center will be glad to advise  
be followed precisely in order to  
avoid the possibility of personal injury  
and serious damage to the vehicle.  
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.  
you.  
You can find more information about  
BMW, for example on its technology,  
on the Internet at www.bmw.com.  
Contains information that will  
assist you in gaining the optimum  
benefit from your vehicle and enable  
you to care more effectively for your  
vehicle.  
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.  
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 70. Identifies func-  
tions that can be specifically adapted  
for a particular key or vehicle. These  
adjustments can be performed either by  
yourself or by your BMW center.  
© 2003 Bayerische Motoren Werke  
Aktiengesellschaft  
Munich, Germany  
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the  
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.  
Order No. 01 41 0 157 599  
US English VIII/03  
Printed in Germany  
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,  
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.  
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Notes  
5
Your individual vehicle  
On purchasing your BMW, you have  
decided in favor of a model with individ- ongoing development conceived to  
Status at time of printing  
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,  
For your own safety  
Fuels  
ualized equipment and features. This  
Owner's Manual describes all models  
and equipment that BMW offers within  
the same group.  
ensure that our vehicles continue to  
embody the highest quality and safety  
standards combined with advanced,  
state-of-the-art technology. For this  
reason, the features described in this  
Owner's Manual could differ from those  
in your vehicle. Nor can errors and  
omissions be entirely ruled out. You are  
therefore asked to appreciate that no  
claims can be recognized on the basis  
of the data, illustrations or descriptions  
in this Owner's Manual.  
Use unleaded gasoline only. 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% methanol plus an  
equivalent amount of co-solvent – will  
not void the applicable warranties  
We hope you will understand that  
equipment and features are included  
that you might not have chosen for your  
vehicle. You can easily identify any dif-  
ferences with the aid of the asterisk  
used to identify all optional equipment  
and accessories.  
respecting defects in materials or work-  
manship. Field experience has indi-  
cated significant differences in fuel  
quality – volatility, composition, addi-  
tives, etc. among gasolines offered for  
sale in the United States and Canada.  
The use of poor-quality fuels may result  
in driveability, starting and stalling  
problems, especially under certain  
environmental conditions, such as high  
ambient temperature and high altitude.  
Should you encounter driveability 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.  
If your BMW features equipment which  
is not described in this Owner's Man-  
ual, such as a car radio or telephone,  
supplementary Owner's Manuals are  
enclosed. We ask you to read these  
manuals as well.  
Failure to comply with these recom-  
mendations may result in unscheduled  
maintenance.  
Obey all applicable safety rules when  
handling gasoline.<  
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6 Notes  
wheels, suspension components, brake  
dust shields, telephones – including  
operation of any portable cellular phone  
from within the vehicle without using an  
externally mounted antenna – or trans-  
ceiver equipment, such as a CB,  
Maintenance and repair  
Parts and accessories  
Advanced technology, e.g. the  
use of modern materials and high-  
performance electronics, requires spe- parts and accessories approved by  
Important safety information!  
For your own safety, use genuine  
cially adapted maintenance and repair  
methods. Therefore, only have corre-  
sponding work on your BMW carried  
out by a BMW center or a workshop  
that works according to BMW repair  
procedures with correspondingly  
trained personnel. If work is carried out mum performance when installed on  
improperly there is a danger of conse- your vehicle.  
quential damage and the related safety BMW warrants these parts to be free  
BMW.  
When you purchase accessories tested  
and approved by BMW and Original  
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire  
the assurance that they have been thor-  
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-  
walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar  
accessories, may cause extensive dam-  
age to the vehicle, compromise its  
safety, interfere with the vehicle's elec-  
trical system or affect the validity of the  
BMW Limited Warranty. Contact your  
BMW center for additional information.  
Do not use key or remote control to  
lock doors or luggage compartment  
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to  
the Owner's Manual for more details.<  
risks.<  
from defects in material and workman-  
ship.  
BMW will not accept any liability for  
damage resulting from installation of  
parts and accessories not approved by  
BMW.  
BMW cannot test every product on the  
market to determine whether it can be  
used on a BMW safely and without risk  
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its  
occupants.  
Maintenance, replacement, or  
repair of the emission control  
devices and systems may be performed  
by any automotive repair establishment  
or individual using any certified auto-  
motive part.<  
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories  
and other products approved by BMW,  
together with professional advice on  
using these items, are available from all  
BMW centers.  
Symbol on vehicle parts  
Indicates that you should consult  
the relevant section of this  
Owner's Manual for information on a  
Installation and operation of non-BMW particular part or assembly.  
approved accessories such as alarms,  
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,  
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Notes  
7
Service and warranty  
Reporting safety defects  
This manual is supplemented by a Ser- The following only applies to vehicles  
vice and Warranty Information Booklet  
for US models or a Warranty and Ser-  
vice Guide Booklet for Canadian mod-  
els.  
owned and operated in the US.  
If you believe that your vehicle has a  
defect which could cause a crash or  
could cause injury or death, you should  
We recommend that you read this pub- immediately inform the National High-  
lication thoroughly.  
way Traffic Safety Administration  
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of  
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227,  
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227,  
telephone toll-free 1-800-831-1117.  
Your BMW is covered by the following  
warranties:  
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty  
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty  
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it  
may open an investigation, and if it  
finds that a safety defect exists in a  
group of vehicles, it may order a recall  
and remedy campaign. However,  
>Federal Emissions System Defect  
Warranty  
>Federal Emissions Performance War-  
ranty  
NHTSA cannot become involved in indi-  
vidual problems between you, your  
dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.  
>California Emission Control System  
Limited Warranty.  
Detailed information about these war-  
ranties is listed in the Service and War-  
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-  
els or in the Warranty and Service  
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.  
To contact NHTSA, you may either call  
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at  
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 in the  
Washington, D.C. area, or write to:  
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transpor-  
tation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You  
can also obtain other information about  
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.  
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Contents  
About this Owner's Manual 4  
Additional sources of  
information 4  
Cockpit 14  
Opening and closing:  
Keys 30  
Central locking system 30  
Opening and closing – via the  
remote control 31  
door lock 33  
inside 34  
Instrument cluster 16  
Indicator and warning lamps 18  
Buttons in steering wheel* 22  
Hazard warning triangle* 23  
Refueling 24  
Symbols used 4  
Your individual vehicle 5  
For your own safety 5  
Symbol on vehicle parts 6  
Service and warranty 7  
Luggage compartment 37  
Electric power windows 40  
Fully-automatic convertible  
top* 46  
Wind deflector* 50  
To adjust:  
Safe seating position 52  
Seats 53  
Adjusting electric power  
seats 53  
Lumbar support* 54  
Head restraints 54  
Entering the rear 55  
Safety belts 56  
Seat and mirror memory* 57  
Seat heating* 58  
Steering wheel 59  
Mirrors 59  
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Contents  
9
Passenger safety systems:  
Airbags 61  
Transporting children safely 64  
Rollover protection system 68  
Vehicle Memory, Key  
Memory 70  
Everything under control:  
Odometer 86  
Tachometer 86  
Energy control 86  
Fuel gauge 87  
Engine coolant temperature  
gauge 87  
Service interval display 88  
Check Control 88  
Clock 89  
Interior conveniences:  
Glove compartment 111  
Integrated universal remote  
control* 112  
Storage compartments 114  
Cellular phone* 115  
Ashtray, front* 115  
Driving:  
Ignition lock 71  
Starting the engine 71  
Switching off the engine 73  
Parking brake 73  
Ashtray, rear* 116  
Ski bag* 117  
Computer 90  
Manual transmission 74  
Sequential manual gearbox  
SMG* 75  
Automatic transmission with  
Steptronic* 79  
Technology for safety and  
driving convenience:  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 93  
the hardtop* 121  
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp  
flasher 82  
Flat Tire Monitor* 94  
Brake force display 96  
Washer/wiper system/Rain  
sensor* 83  
Cruise control* 84  
Lamps:  
Parking lamps/Low beams 97  
Adaptive headlights* 98  
Instrument lighting 98  
High beams/Standing lamps 99  
Fog lamps 99  
Interior lamps 100  
Controlling the climate for  
pleasant driving:  
Air conditioning 102  
Automatic climate control* 106  
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Contents  
Special operating instructions:  
Replacement procedures:  
Onboard tool kit 148  
Windshield wiper blades 148  
Lamps and bulbs 149  
Changing a wheel 153  
Battery 157  
Engine data 166  
Dimensions 167  
Weights 168  
Break-in procedures 124  
General driving notes 125  
Antilock Brake System  
(ABS) 125  
Brake system 126  
Hardtop* 127  
Capacities 169  
Fuses 157  
Wheels and tires:  
Tire inflation pressure 129  
Tire condition 129  
Tire replacement 130  
Wheel and tire  
Giving and receiving  
assistance:  
Receiving assistance 158  
Jump-starting 159  
Towing the vehicle 160  
combinations 132  
Winter tires 132  
In the engine compartment:  
Hood 134  
Engine compartment  
essentials 136  
Washer fluid 138  
Engine oil 138  
Coolant 140  
Brake fluid 141  
Maintenance:  
The BMW Maintenance  
System 142  
Laws and regulations:  
California Proposition 65  
warning 143  
OBD interface socket 143  
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Contents  
11  
Everything from A to Z 172  
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12  
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13  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Technical data  
Index  
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14 Cockpit  
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Cockpit  
15  
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 97  
2 >Turn signal indicators 82  
>Standing lamps 99  
>High beams 99  
>Headlamp flasher 82  
>Computer 90  
3 Washer/wiper system/Rain  
sensor 83  
4 Hazard warning flashers  
5 Central locking system 30  
6 >Initiating an emergency call 158  
>Mobile Service 158  
7 Rear window defroster 104, 109  
8 Horn: the entire surface  
9 Adjusting the steering wheel 59  
10 Fog lamps 99  
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16 Instrument cluster  
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Instrument cluster  
17  
1 Fuel gauge 87  
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 20  
3 Speedometer  
4 Indicator and warning lamps 18  
to 21  
5 Tachometer and Energy Control 86  
6 Engine coolant temperature  
gauge 87  
7 Indicator and warning lamps 18  
to 21  
8 Control button for  
>Clock 89  
>Units of measure for exterior tem-  
perature display 90  
9 Selector lever and program display  
for automatic transmission/sequen-  
tial manual gearbox SMG 19, 75,  
81  
10 Display for  
>Trip odometer/Odometer 86  
>Clock 89  
>Service interval 88  
>Computer 90  
11 Check Control 88  
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero 86  
13 Indicator and warning lamps 18  
to 21  
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18 Indicator and warning lamps  
Engine oil pressure ●  
Stop the vehicle immediately  
and switch off the engine.  
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.  
Red: an important reminder  
Brake warning lamp  
Comes on when the parking  
brake is engaged – an additional  
acoustic signal sounds when you start  
off.  
Check the engine oil level; top off as  
required. If the oil level is correct:  
please contact the nearest BMW cen-  
ter.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 73  
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.  
Do not continue driving, as the  
engine could sustain serious dam-  
age from inadequate lubrication.<  
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 55  
For additional information on safety  
belts: refer to page 56  
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.  
Red: stop immediately  
Battery charge current ●  
The battery is no longer being  
charged. Indicates a defective  
page 94  
alternator drive belt or a problem with  
the alternator's charge circuit. Please  
contact the nearest BMW center.  
Brake warning lamp ●  
If the lamp comes on when the  
parking brake is not engaged:  
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-  
ing further, be sure to comply with the  
instructions on pages 126 and 141.  
Airbags ●  
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.<  
Please have the system  
inspected at your BMW center.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 61  
Brake warning lamp for Cana-  
dian models.  
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Indicator and warning lamps  
19  
Brake pads ●  
Have the brake pads checked.  
For additional information: refer  
to page 126  
Red and yellow: continue driving Orange: consult the nearest BMW  
cautiously  
center  
The brake warning lamp comes  
Automatic transmission/sequen-  
tial manual gearbox  
The respective transmission has  
on together with the yellow indi-  
cator lamps for ABS and  
DSC:  
Flat Tire Monitor ●  
The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-  
tioning or out of order. Have the  
system checked by your BMW center.  
For additional information, refer to  
page 94  
responded to a malfunction by reverting  
to operation in its emergency default  
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC  
tinue driving cautiously and  
defensively. Avoid full brake  
applications. Please have the system  
checked by your BMW center as soon  
as possible.  
BMW center.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 77, 79  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) ●  
Indicator lamp flashes:  
Yellow: check as soon as possible  
Additional information beginning on  
page 93  
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.  
Please contact a BMW center in case of  
a malfunction.  
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 138  
CBC, ABS and DSC and DBC  
indicator and warning lamps for  
Canadian models.  
Additional information beginning on  
page 93  
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.  
Please consult the nearest BMW  
center.  
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 138  
Additional information beginning on  
page 93  
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20 Indicator and warning lamps  
DSC indicator and brake warn-  
ing lamps for Canadian models. tional, you should have the systems  
checked by your BMW center at the  
Although the vehicle remains opera-  
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.  
earliest possible opportunity.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 143  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) ●  
Malfunction in DBC system.  
Conventional braking efficiency  
For additional information: refer to  
page 68  
Service Engine Soon indicator  
lamp for Canadian models.  
is available and unrestricted.  
Green: for your information  
Have the system repaired at your BMW  
center as soon as possible.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 125  
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.  
Turn signal indicator  
Flashes when the turn signal is  
operated.  
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-  
function.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 82  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)  
warning lamp for Canadian  
models.  
Add coolant  
Cruise control  
Add washer fluid  
The washer fluid is too low. Top  
off the fluid at the earliest  
opportunity.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 138  
The coolant level is too low. Add  
coolant at the earliest opportu-  
nity.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 140  
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 84  
CHECK GAS CAP* ●  
This indicator lamp comes on  
when the gas cap is loose or  
missing.  
SERVICE ENGINE SOON ●  
If the indicator lamp comes on  
either continuously or intermit-  
Front fog lamps  
Lights up whenever you switch  
on the fog lamps.  
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis- Close the gas cap tightly: refer to  
sions-related electronic systems. page 24  
For additional information: refer to  
page 99  
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Indicator and warning lamps  
21  
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 82, 99  
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22 Buttons in steering wheel*  
These buttons let you operate the fol- >CD  
lowing functions quickly and without  
being distracted from traffic conditions:  
Press briefly: jump to next track  
Extended pressure: search function  
in track  
>Cassette  
Press briefly: jump to next track or  
stop fast forward  
>Selected radio functions  
>The cruise control  
>Selected telephone functions.  
Extended pressure: fast forward  
>Phone  
Scan personal phone book.  
The controls are active only when  
the corresponding systems and  
accessories are switched on.<  
Rewind/reverse: same functions as for-  
ward.  
Press briefly:  
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,  
terminate a call.  
Volume.  
Switch between phone, radio, cassette  
and CD.  
Cruise control: select a stored setting.  
Forward:  
>Radio  
Cruise control: store and accelerate +  
or decelerate and store –.  
Press briefly: next station in station  
memory  
Extended pressure: station search  
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-  
tivate.  
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Hazard warning triangle*  
First-aid kit*  
23  
The hazard warning triangle is stored in  
the luggage compartment lid inside the  
container for the onboard tools.  
The first-aid kit is located under the  
passenger seat.  
To open: pull the handle and fold the  
cover down.  
To open the container, loosen the wing  
nut.  
To close: fold the cover up and press it  
until the tab engages.  
Always observe all legal regula-  
tions requiring a warning triangle  
to be carried in the vehicle.<  
Some of the articles in the first-aid  
kit have a limited period of use  
before expiration. For this reason,  
check the expiration dates of each of  
the items regularly and replace any  
whose expiration dates have passed.  
You can purchase replacements in any  
drugstore or pharmacy. in any drug-  
store or pharmacy.  
Always observe all legal regulations  
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in  
the vehicle.<  
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24 Refueling  
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.<  
Fuel filler door  
Simple and environmentally  
friendly  
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.<  
Open the gas cap carefully to pre-  
vent fuel from spraying out. Fuel  
spray may cause injury.<  
Keep the gas cap in the bracket  
attached to the fuel filler door.  
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler  
door to open and close it.  
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle  
completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the  
nozzle during refueling  
Pull the knob with the fuel pump sym-  
bol, located on the right side wall of the  
luggage compartment.  
>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.  
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Refueling  
Fuel specifications  
Tire inflation pressure  
25  
Close the gas cap carefully after  
The engine uses lead-free gasoline  
only.  
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.<  
Required fuel:  
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,  
min. 91 AKI.  
AKI = Anti Knock Index  
Fuel tank capacity  
Never use leaded fuel, as it would  
cause permanent and irreversible  
damage to the oxygen sensor and the  
catalytic converter.<  
>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.<  
Checking tire pressures  
Tire pressures in psi/kilopascal are  
shown on the driver's door post and are  
visible when the door is open.  
Only check the tire inflation pressures  
of cold tires. This means after driving a  
maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or after  
the vehicle has been parked for at least  
2 hours. Warm tires have higher infla-  
tion pressures.  
In the following tire inflation pressure  
table, all pressures are specified in the  
standard units of pressure, psi and kilo-  
pascal, and apply to cold tires, i.e. tires  
at ambient temperature.  
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26 Tire inflation pressure  
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor:  
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that  
not only meet US standards, but also  
European standards. We recommend  
the exclusive use of BMW approved  
tires.  
After correcting the inflation pressures,  
reinitialize the system. Refer to  
page 94.  
Check the tire pressures on a reg-  
ular basis – at least twice a month  
– and before every extended journey. If  
this is not done, incorrect tire pressures  
can cause driving instability and tire  
damage, ultimately resulting in acci-  
dents.  
Remember to check the inflation pres-  
sure in the space-saver or standard  
spare tire.  
Inflate the spare tire to the highest infla-  
tion pressure specified for your vehi-  
cle.<  
Comply with tire approval  
specifications  
The inflation pressures in the table  
apply to BMW approved tire sizes and  
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center  
can provide you with more information  
about these. Other pressures may be  
required for tires made by other manu-  
facturers.  
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Tire inflation pressure  
27  
BMW  
Tires  
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated  
in psi/kilopascal with cold tires –  
cold = ambient temperature  
325Ci  
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S  
205/55 R 16 91 H  
225/50 R 16 92 W  
225/45 R 17 91 W  
29/200  
33/230  
36/250  
44/300  
225/45 ZR 17  
245/40 ZR 17  
29/200  
36/250  
33/230  
44/300  
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load  
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load  
205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S  
32/220  
36/250  
39/270  
46/320  
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S  
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load  
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S  
330Ci  
225/45 R 17 91 W  
32/220  
36/250  
39/270  
46/320  
225/45 ZR 17  
245/40 ZR 17  
225/40 ZR 18  
255/35 ZR 18  
32/220  
39/270  
32/220  
36/250  
36/250  
39/270  
46/320  
46/320  
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load  
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load  
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load  
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S  
32/220  
36/250  
39/270  
46/320  
All  
Space-saver spare tire  
61/420  
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28  
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29  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Technical data  
Index  
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Opening and closing  
30 Keys  
Central locking system  
In every master key with the  
remote control feature there is an  
extended-life battery that is charged  
automatically in the ignition lock as you  
drive.  
For this reason, if you have master keys  
with the remote control feature that are  
not being used otherwise, use those  
keys at least once a year while driving  
for an extended period to charge the  
battery.<  
The concept  
The central locking system engages  
and releases the following locks at the  
same time:  
>doors  
>luggage compartment lid  
>fuel filler door  
>glove compartment.  
The central locking system is ready for  
operation whenever the driver's door is  
closed.  
2 Spare key – for storage in a safe  
place, such as in your wallet. This key  
is not intended for constant use. The  
luggage compartment lid and the  
glove compartment cannot be locked  
and unlocked with this key. This is  
useful for valet parking, for example  
The central locking system can be  
operated  
The key set  
1 Master keys with remote control unit  
– these keys determine the functions  
of the Key Memory. Refer to page 70.  
You can mark the individual keys for  
subsequent identification by apply-  
ing the colored decals that you  
received when accepting delivery of  
your vehicle  
>from outside via the door lock as well  
as via the remote control  
>from inside by pressing a button.  
The fuel filler door is not locked when  
the central locking system is activated  
from the inside, refer to page 34.  
When the system is actuated from the  
outside, the anti-theft system is also  
activated. This prevents the doors from  
being unlocked via the lock buttons or  
the release handle. The alarm system is  
also activated or deactivated.  
The central locking system is automati-  
cally deactivated in the event of an  
accident. In addition, the hazard warn-  
ing flashers and interior lamps come on.  
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Opening and closing – via the remote control  
31  
The concept  
Master keys with remote control  
The remote control also provides two  
additional functions beyond the central  
locking feature:  
Persons or animals inside the  
vehicle may be able to lock the  
doors from the inside. For this reason,  
you should always take the vehicle keys  
with you so that the vehicle can be  
opened again from the outside at any  
time.<  
>To switch on interior lamps, refer to  
page 32.  
With this function you can also  
search for the vehicle when parked in  
an underground garage, for instance  
>To open the luggage compartment  
lid, refer to page 32.  
The luggage compartment lid will  
open slightly, regardless of whether it  
was previously locked or unlocked.  
If it is no longer possible to lock  
the vehicle via the remote control,  
the battery is discharged. Use this key  
while driving for an extended period in  
order to recharge the battery.  
To prevent unauthorized use of the  
remote control, surrender only the  
spare key when leaving the vehicle for  
valet parking, for example.  
In the event of a system malfunction,  
please contact your BMW center. You  
can also obtain replacement keys  
there.<  
1 Unlock, convenience opening mode,  
and disarm alarm system  
2 Lock and secure, arm alarm system,  
activate interior lamps, disarm tilt  
alarm sensor and interior motion sen-  
sor  
Whenever you unlock or lock the vehi-  
cle, you simultaneously deactivate/acti-  
vate the anti-theft system, disarm/arm  
the alarm system and switch the interior  
lamps on/off.  
3 Open the luggage compartment lid,  
Panic mode – trigger alarm  
You can have a signal set to con-  
firm that the vehicle's locks have  
engaged securely.<  
To release  
Press the button once to unlock the  
driver's door.  
Press the button a second time to  
disengage all vehicle locks.<  
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32 Opening and closing – via the remote control  
The luggage compartment lid will open If this should occur, you can still open  
Convenience opening mode*  
slightly, regardless of whether it was  
previously locked or unlocked.  
and close the vehicle using the master  
key in either the door or luggage com-  
partment lid locks.  
Press and hold button. The electric  
power windows and the fully-automatic  
convertible top open.  
If the luggage compartment lid  
was locked, it will be locked again  
after it is reclosed.  
Before and after a trip, be sure that the  
luggage compartment lid has not been  
opened unintentionally.<  
For US owners only  
To lock and secure  
The transmitter and receiver units com-  
ply with part 15 of the FCC Federal  
Communications Commission regula-  
tions. Operation is governed by the fol-  
lowing:  
Press the button.  
To switch on the interior lamps  
Panic mode – trigger alarm  
FCC ID:  
>LX8EWS  
>LX8FZVS  
>LX8FZVE.  
With the vehicle locked, press the but-  
ton.  
Provided that the alarm system is  
armed, you can respond to imminent  
danger by holding down the button for  
more than seconds.  
Compliance statement:  
To deactivate the tilt alarm* and  
interior motion sensors*  
This device complies with part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
To switch off the alarm:  
>This device may not cause harmful  
interference  
>This device must accept any interfer-  
ence received, including interference  
that may cause undesired operation.  
Press the button a second time imme-  
diately after locking.  
Press the button.  
For additional information, refer to  
page 39.  
External systems  
The remote control system's operation  
may be affected by other units or  
equipment operating in the immediate  
vicinity of your vehicle.  
To open the luggage  
compartment lid  
Any unauthorized modifications to  
these devices could void the  
user's authority to operate the equip-  
ment.<  
Press the button.  
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Opening and closing – via the door lock  
33  
Whenever closing the windows or  
sliding/tilt sunroof you should  
always monitor their path and progress  
to ensure that no one is injured. Releas-  
ing the key stops the operation.<  
Manual operation  
In the event of electrical malfunction  
Turn the key all the way to the left or  
right to unlock or lock the driver's door.  
One turn of the key in the driver's door  
lock unlocks the driver's door, the fuel  
filler door and the glove compartment.  
Turning the key a second time unlocks  
the passenger-side door and the lug-  
gage compartment lid.  
You can have a signal set to con-  
firm that the vehicle's locks have  
engaged securely.<  
Convenience operation  
You can also operate the power win-  
dows and the fully-automatic convert-  
ible top via the door lock.  
>To open: with the door closed, hold  
the key in the Unlock position  
>To close: with the door closed, hold  
the key in the Lock position.  
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34 Opening and closing – from the inside  
If you desire, the central locking  
system can be activated automati-  
cally as soon as you begin to drive. This  
can be adjusted to be key-specific.<  
To unlock and open the doors  
1. Press the button for the central lock-  
ing system  
2. Pull the release handle above the  
armrest on the door you wish to open  
or  
pull the release handle for any door  
twice: to unlock and open the door.  
You can use this button to control the  
central locking system whenever the  
doors are closed. The doors and lug-  
gage compartment lid are unlocked or  
locked only. The anti-theft system is not  
activated.  
To lock  
>Either use the central locking button  
to lock both doors at once or  
>press down the individual door lock  
buttons. In this case, the fuel filler  
door will stay unlocked. To prevent  
the driver from being inadvertently  
locked out of the vehicle, the driver's  
door lock button will not engage as  
long as the door is open.  
If only the driver's door was  
unlocked from the outside and  
you press the button, then, with the  
driver's door still open, the passenger-  
side door, the luggage compartment  
lid, the fuel filler door and the glove  
compartment will unlock, too.  
If the driver's door is closed, it will be  
locked.<  
Persons or animals inside the  
vehicle may be able to lock the  
doors from the inside. You should  
always take the vehicle's keys with you  
so that you can open the vehicle again  
from the outside at any time.<  
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Luggage compartment lid  
35  
The lock  
To open from the outside  
To open from the inside*  
Only the master keys fit in the lock for  
the luggage compartment lid, refer to  
page 30.  
Press the button in the handle recess:  
the luggage compartment lid opens  
slightly.  
If the luggage compartment lid has not  
been locked separately, you can open it  
with this button in the footwell on the  
driver's side when the vehicle is sta-  
tionary.  
The luggage compartment is lit when  
the luggage compartment lid is opened.  
To secure separately  
Lock the glove compartment using the  
master key.  
Manual operation  
This locks the luggage compartment lid In the event of electrical malfunction  
and disconnects it from the central  
Turn the master key all the way to the  
locking system. This feature can be  
left – the luggage compartment lid will  
used to prevent unauthorized access to  
open slightly.  
the luggage compartment when you  
The luggage compartment is locked  
surrender the spare key only, refer to  
again as soon as you close the lid.  
page 30. This can be advantageous for  
valet parking, for example.  
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36 Luggage compartment lid  
Should it be absolutely necessary to  
operate the vehicle with the luggage  
compartment lid open, with closed con-  
vertible top:  
1. Close all windows  
2. Greatly increase the quantity of air  
coming from the air conditioning or  
automatic climate control system,  
refer to page 102 or 106.  
To close  
Emergency release  
The handle recesses in the interior trim  
panel of the luggage compartment lid  
make it easier to pull the lid down.  
This lever releases the luggage com-  
partment lid from inside the luggage  
compartment.  
To avoid injuries, be sure that the  
travel path of the luggage com-  
partment lid is clear when it is closed,  
following the same precautions as with  
all closing procedures.<  
Operate the vehicle only when the  
luggage compartment lid is  
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes  
could penetrate the interior of the vehi-  
cle. <  
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Luggage compartment  
37  
To fold up and secure the floor  
panel  
3. Hook the handle into the rubber seal To enlarge the luggage  
of the drip rail.  
compartment  
1. Pull up at the handle and fold the  
panel up  
2. Press the button to release the  
hanger from the handle  
With the convertible top closed, you  
Carefully replace the hanger in its  
holder when lowering the floor  
panel back down.<  
can enlarge the luggage compartment.  
To do this, flip the handle outward and  
press it down and toward the front of  
the vehicle. The convertible top com-  
partment panel is now raised and  
secured.  
The fittings at the corners of the lug-  
gage compartment provide you with a  
convenient means of attaching luggage  
compartment nets* and flexible straps  
for securing luggage.  
To fold down the convertible top  
compartment panel  
The convertible top compartment lid  
must be folded down to open the con-  
vertible top. Swing out the handle and  
pull toward the back of the vehicle.  
Refer also to Cargo loading on  
page 118.  
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38 Luggage compartment  
Alarm system*  
Before lowering the convertible  
top, refer to page 41 or 46, always  
check to ensure that the luggage com-  
partment panel is folded down. Other-  
wise damage could occur.<  
You can have different acknowl-  
edgment signals set to confirm  
arming and disarming.<  
The concept  
The vehicle alarm system responds:  
>When a door, the hood or the lug-  
gage compartment lid is opened  
>To movements inside the vehicle –  
interior motion sensor  
such as those occurring during  
attempts to steal the wheels or tow  
the vehicle – tilt alarm sensor  
You can open the luggage compart-  
ment lid when the system is armed by  
pressing the remote control button,  
refer to page 32. The lid is once again  
secured when it is closed.  
>To interruption of battery voltage.  
Extended pressure on the button sets  
off the alarm – Panic mode, refer to  
page 32.  
The system responds to unauthorized  
vehicle entry and attempted theft by  
simultaneously activating the following:  
>The acoustic alarm sounds for  
30 seconds  
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-  
vated for approx. five minutes  
>The high beams flash on and off in  
rhythm with the hazard warning flash-  
ers.  
To arm and disarm the alarm  
system  
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked  
via the driver's door lock or with the  
remote control, the alarm system is also  
simultaneously armed or disarmed.  
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Alarm system*  
39  
armed: an attempted entry has been  
detected in the period since the sys-  
tem was armed.  
Interior motion sensor*  
Deactivate the interior motion sensor –  
refer to Avoiding unintentional alarms –  
if persons or animals are to remain in  
the vehicle.  
Following triggering of an alarm, the  
indicator lamp will flash continuously.  
Avoiding unintentional alarms  
The system deactivates the tilt-  
alarm sensor and the interior  
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion  
sensor may be switched off at the same  
time. You can do this to prevent a false  
alarm from being triggered in garages  
with elevator ramps, for instance, or  
when the vehicle is transported by train:  
motion sensor if the convenience clos-  
ing of windows is interrupted in the first  
10 seconds and then restarted. The  
alarm must then be disarmed and reac-  
tivated before it will resume opera-  
tion.<  
Indicator lamp displays  
>The indicator lamp below the interior  
rearview mirror flashes continuously:  
The system is armed  
Lock the vehicle twice to arm the sys-  
tem. Press the button on the remote  
control twice in succession or lock the  
vehicle twice with the key.  
>The indicator lamp flashes during  
arming: the door(s), the hood or the  
luggage compartment lid are not  
completely closed. Even if you do not  
close the alerted area(s), the remain-  
ing areas are secured, and the indi-  
cator lamp will flash continuously  
after 10 seconds. However, the inte-  
rior motion sensor is not activated  
>The indicator lamp goes out when the  
system is disarmed: no manipulation  
or attempted intrusions have been  
detected in the period since the sys-  
tem was armed  
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and  
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm  
sensor and the interior motion sensor  
are deactivated as long as the system is  
armed.  
You can have the tilt alarm sensor  
and the interior motion sensor  
permanently deactivated.<  
>The indicator lamp flashes for  
10 seconds when the system is dis-  
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40 Electric power windows  
You can close the windows in the same  
manner by pulling the switch. The rear  
windows do not close automatically.  
To open and close windows  
To operate all the side windows  
When leaving the vehicle, always  
remove the ignition key from the  
lock and remember to close the doors  
to prevent children from operating the  
power windows and injuring them-  
selves, etc.<  
With the ignition key in position 1 or  
higher  
>Press the switch until you feel resis-  
tance: the windows retract as long as  
you maintain pressure on the switch  
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-  
sure point: the windows move auto-  
matically. Pressing the switch again  
stops the opening cycle.  
With the ignition key in position 1 or  
higher  
>Press the switch until you feel resis-  
tance: the window retracts as long as  
you maintain pressure on the switch  
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-  
sure point: the windows move auto-  
matically. Pressing the switch again  
stops the opening cycle.  
You can close all windows in the same  
manner by pulling the switch. The win-  
dows cannot be closed automatically  
using this switch.  
For convenience operation via the  
remote control or the door lock, refer to  
page 32 or 33.  
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Electric power windows  
Manual convertible top 41  
The fabric top offers the perfect protec-  
tion against weather and one person  
can open and close it easily and simply.  
After the ignition has been  
switched off  
You can still use the electric power win-  
dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as  
no one opens any of the doors.  
To gain maximum satisfaction from your  
convertible, please observe the follow-  
ing: we strongly recommend that you  
close the convertible top before leaving  
the vehicle parked. When closed, the  
top not only guards the passenger  
compartment from unforeseeable dam-  
age from the weather, but also affords a  
degree of protection against theft.  
Safety feature  
If the closing force of a front window  
exceeds a certain value as the window  
is being closed, the closing procedure  
is immediately interrupted and the win-  
dow opens again slightly.  
However, even when the top is closed  
valuables should always be stored in  
the locked luggage compartment.  
Despite this protective function,  
you must still make sure that there  
are no obstacles within the closing  
range of the windows. Otherwise, it  
cannot be guaranteed that the closing  
procedure will be interrupted in certain  
cases, e.g. when very thin objects are  
in the closing range.  
Never attempt to mount any kind of roof  
rack or luggage carrier on the convert-  
ible top.  
Closing the electric power win-  
dows: to help ensure that the win-  
dows seal securely, you should either  
close the rear windows first or close all  
four windows at the same time.<  
This protective function is deactivated  
when the switch is pulled past the  
resistance point and held there.<  
After power loss  
After the battery has been discon-  
nected, the protective function must be  
reinitialized. Please refer the problem to  
your BMW center.  
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42 Manual convertible top  
To open the convertible top  
Never attempt to open or close  
the convertible top unless the  
vehicle is completely stationary. To pre-  
vent vehicle damage the top compart-  
ment lid's lock will not disengage  
unless the luggage compartment lid is  
closed.<  
1. Flip the locking handle out – refer to  
illustration – and turn it as far as the  
end stop will allow  
2. Raise the convertible top a little bit,  
release the tension  
3. To unlock, press the button with the  
ignition key in position 1 or higher.  
The top compartment lid's lock dis-  
engages and the lid itself rises a  
small distance. The side windows  
will lower slightly  
If the indicator lamp lights up  
when the button is pressed, the lid  
cannot be unlocked because the top  
compartment panel is raised, refer to  
page 37. Lower the top compartment  
panel and close the tailgate.<  
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Manual convertible top  
43  
7. Raise the front of the top and pull it  
back for storage  
Now finish pushing the convertible  
top all the way down into the con-  
vertible top compartment. This makes it  
easier to close the convertible top com-  
partment lid, especially at lower tem-  
peratures.<  
4. Position the rear convertible top  
frame vertically and grip it firmly  
5. Reach into the recess created when  
the convertible top compartment lid  
is lifted and pull it all the way by  
hand – see arrow 1  
6. Lay the rear convertible top frame in  
the convertible top compartment –  
see arrow 2  
You can make it easier to raise the  
rear convertible top frame by  
pressing the area indicated by the  
arrow.<  
Let go of the rear convertible top  
frame before laying the convert-  
ible top down, otherwise, the side trim  
panel could be damaged.<  
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44 Manual convertible top  
As soon as the convertible top com-  
partment lid closes the central locking  
system will release the lock to allow  
renewed access to the luggage com-  
partment.  
Never store the convertible top in  
its compartment for more than  
one day while it is wet to avoid perma-  
nent damage from moisture.<  
8. Press down slightly on the convert-  
ible top compartment lid from above  
– see arrow. The closing process will  
then be carried out automatically  
9. Either close the slightly lowered side  
windows or put them at the desired  
height.  
To close the convertible top  
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1  
2. Press the button to unlock it. The  
convertible top will be unlocked and  
the side windows will lower slightly  
3. Open the convertible top compart-  
ment lid all the way  
4. Lift the convertible top out by the lat-  
eral guide section – see arrow 1, and  
the front convertible top frame – see  
arrow 2, swinging it forward until you  
encounter perceptible resistance –  
until it stops  
Operate the convertible top com-  
partment lid from above only in  
order to avoid any pinching.  
An interlock device helps avoid damage  
to the vehicle by preventing the lug-  
gage compartment lid from opening  
unless the convertible top compartment  
lid is completely closed.<  
To avoid damaging the side trim,  
always fold the convertible top  
forward before folding the rear frame  
brace up into its vertical position.<  
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Manual convertible top  
45  
5. Either close the slightly lowered side  
windows or put them at the desired  
height  
At higher speeds, the ensuing  
vacuum in the passenger com-  
partment can cause the convertible top  
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-  
6. Press down slightly on the convert-  
ible top compartment lid from above. ply via the ventilation controls so that a  
The top then closes automatically,  
refer to page 41  
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<  
Operate the convertible top com-  
partment lid from above only in  
order to avoid any pinching.<  
As soon as the convertible top  
compartment lid closes the central  
locking system will release the lock to  
allow renewed access to the luggage  
compartment.<  
Position for cleaning  
To be able to access the convertible  
top compartment, lean the rear frame of  
the convertible top against the cover of  
the convertible top compartment.  
7. Holding on to the locking handle, pull  
the front part of the convertible top  
frame up onto the windshield frame,  
and lock the convertible top by turn-  
ing the handle until you hear the con-  
vertible top engage and lock.  
First, use the button for activating  
the convertible top to unlock the  
locks of the convertible top compart-  
ment. Refer to page 42.<  
For additional information on vehi-  
cle care, refer to the Caring for  
your vehicle brochure.<  
The system automatically presses the  
top's rear frame against the convertible  
top compartment lid, pretensioning it to  
ensure that it seals tightly.  
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46 Fully-automatic convertible top*  
The fully-automatic convertible top  
combines the benefits of effective pro-  
tection against the elements with sim-  
ple and convenient operation.  
Do not lay objects on the convert-  
ible top, as they could fall off  
when it moves, causing vehicle damage remember to either start by closing the  
When closing the electric power  
windows while underway, always  
or personal injury.<  
rear windows or to close all of them at  
once. Failure to adhere to this  
To gain maximum satisfaction from your  
convertible, please observe the follow-  
ing:  
Driving when the opening or clos- sequence can prevent the windows  
ing process has not been com-  
pleted can cause vehicle damage or  
personal injury.  
Always keep your hands and fingers  
well away from the top's mechanism  
while it is opening and closing. Ensure  
that children remain at a safe distance  
from sealing tightly at high speeds.<  
>We strongly recommend that you  
close the convertible top before leav-  
ing the vehicle parked. When closed,  
the top not only guards the passen-  
ger compartment from unforesee-  
able damage from the weather, but  
also affords a degree of protection  
against theft. In addition, keep valu-  
ables only in the locked luggage  
compartment, even when the con-  
vertible top is closed  
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage  
rack on the convertible top  
>To avoid damaging the convertible  
top, do not activate it at temperatures  
below 147/ –106.  
At higher speeds, the ensuing  
vacuum in the passenger com-  
partment can cause the convertible top  
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-  
ply via the ventilation controls so that a  
from the top's travel range while it is in vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<  
motion.<  
Try to make sure that the vehicle  
is completely stationary before  
using the fully-automatic convertible  
top. Otherwise the opening or closing  
procedure could be interrupted.  
If you set the convertible top in motion  
while the vehicle is stationary and then  
have to start suddenly – for instance, at  
a traffic light – you can still complete  
the procedure by driving as slowly as  
possible and again holding the corre-  
sponding button pressed.<  
Never store the convertible top in  
its compartment for more than  
one day while it is wet to avoid perma-  
nent damage from moisture.<  
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Fully-automatic convertible top*  
47  
2. Ensure that the convertible top com-  
After having been stored for an  
extended period of time in the  
convertible top compartment, e.g. dur-  
ing the winter months because the  
partment panel in the luggage com-  
partment is folded down, see  
page 37; otherwise, it will not be  
possible to open the convertible top hardtop was being used, you may have  
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-  
ment lid is closed  
to support the convertible top by hand  
when closing it for the first time.  
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-  
sponding button for the convertible  
top operation.  
If the convertible top should halt just  
before the closing phase is completed,  
press against the front section of the  
convertible top frame from the outside  
to help the closing process along. Con-  
The luggage compartment lid can- tinue pressing the switch while doing  
not be opened while the convert- so until the top starts up again on its  
Opening and closing  
1 To close  
ible top is in motion.<  
own.<  
2 To open  
While the convertible top is in  
motion, the rear window will move  
toward the passenger compartment. To  
avoid possible pinching, the area  
around the closing convertible top  
should be clear.<  
Indicator lamps  
To avoid placing unnecessary  
loads on the battery, you should  
avoid operating the top when the  
engine is switched off.  
Before closing the top, always ensure  
that the windshield frame is clear of any  
obstructions that could prevent the top  
from closing correctly.<  
>The red indicator lamp is lit whenever  
the convertible top mechanism is in  
motion. It goes out as soon as the  
opening or closing operation has  
been completed  
>If the red indicator lamp flashes after  
the control button is released, the  
convertible top has not yet been  
opened or closed completely. You  
can resume operation in the desired  
direction by pressing the button  
again  
With the ignition key in position 1 or  
higher, and with the vehicle stationary  
1. Read and comply with the preceding  
safety precautions  
>If the yellow indicator lamp lights up  
continuously with the button pressed,  
the convertible top compartment  
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48 Fully-automatic convertible top*  
panel has been raised and the top  
cannot be moved.  
If the opening or closing operation is  
interrupted by releasing the buttons,  
the convertible top remains in the  
respective position for 15 minutes  
before it slowly moves into a stable  
position. The operation can be contin-  
ued by pressing the buttons.  
The side windows move down slightly  
whenever the button for operating the  
convertible top is pressed.  
They will go back up if you keep holding  
the button down for more than  
2 seconds after the opening or closing  
process has been completed and the  
indicator lamp has gone out.  
Do not repeatedly interrupt and  
resume the closing procedure, as  
otherwise the fully-automatic convert-  
ible top mechanism could be dam-  
aged.<  
Interruption  
Manual closing in the event of an  
electrical malfunction  
1 Emergency operation  
2 Allen wrench  
3 Recess  
The convertible top stops moving  
immediately when the button is  
released. You can resume operation in  
the desired direction by pressing the  
button again  
In certain cases, the luggage compart-  
ment lid cannot be opened if the open-  
ing or closing operation has been inter-  
rupted.  
Do not close the side windows  
using the power window switches  
if the convertible top has not been  
closed completely. Otherwise, the side  
windows may not seal properly with the  
rubber seals of the convertible top.<  
Operate the convertible top manu-  
ally in emergency situations only  
to avoid causing damage due to incor-  
rect operation.<  
Only operate the convertible top  
manually when closing it. Never  
open it manually since the convertible  
top compartment lid cannot be locked,  
and would open while you are driving.<  
Convenience operation via  
remote control and driver's door  
lock  
Manual closing is best carried out  
by two persons from outside with  
the driver's door open and the driver's  
seat folded forward. No one is to be in  
the rear seat while you are doing this.<  
Refer to pages 32 and 33.  
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Fully-automatic convertible top*  
49  
1. Remove the insert between the rear  
seats. Take the trim off of the guide  
rod and flip it forward  
2. Press down hard on the emergency  
lock 1 – see previous illustration.  
After a brief pause, the mechanism  
for the convertible top compartment  
lid will be released  
If the mechanism for the convert-  
ible top compartment lid does not  
unlock, then insert the Allen wrench 2  
into the recess 3 and turn clockwise to  
release it.<  
4. Grasp the convertible top by the lat- 5. Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover  
eral guide section – see arrow 1 –  
and the front convertible top frame –  
see arrow 2. Lift out the top and  
swing it forward until you encounter  
a perceptible resistance – until it  
stops. Position the rear convertible  
top frame vertically and close the  
convertible top compartment lid.  
Fold down the rear convertible top  
frame  
panel that is in the center of the front  
convertible top frame  
3. If the luggage compartment lid is  
closed, open the convertible top  
compartment lid up as far as the stop  
will allow  
6. Insert the Allen wrench 2 – refer to  
page 48 – into the recess – see arrow  
7. Pull down on the front convertible  
top frame as far as possible. Com-  
plete the closing process by continu-  
ing to turn the wrench in a clockwise  
direction. Turn until the front convert-  
ible top frame has locked onto the  
windshield frame. The system auto-  
matically presses the top's rear  
frame against the convertible top  
compartment lid, pretensioning it to  
ensure that it seals tightly.  
To avoid damaging the side trim,  
always fold the convertible top  
forward before folding the rear frame  
brace up into its vertical position.<  
Always make sure the closing pro-  
cedure is completed to prevent  
vehicle damage or personal injury.<  
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50 Fully-automatic convertible top*  
Wind deflector*  
Please consult your BMW center  
to have the defect corrected.<  
With the convertible top open, the wind  
deflector keeps air movement in the  
passenger compartment to a minimum,  
thus providing you with a pleasant  
drive, even at higher speeds. The wind  
deflector comes in a protective sleeve,  
and because of its slim dimensions, can  
be easily stored in the luggage com-  
partment.  
Installation  
1. Remove wind deflector from the pro-  
tective sleeve  
Position for cleaning  
To be able to access the convertible  
top compartment, lean the rear frame of  
the convertible top against the cover of  
the convertible top compartment.  
First, use the button for activating  
the convertible top to unlock the  
locks of the convertible top compart-  
ment. Refer to page 47.<  
For additional information on vehi-  
cle care, refer to the Caring for  
your vehicle brochure.<  
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Wind deflector*  
51  
Operate the convertible top com-  
partment lid from above only in  
order to avoid any pinching.  
With the wind deflector in place: to  
avoid damaging the wind deflector  
never push the front seats all the way  
back.<  
Removal  
Follow the same procedure as when  
installing, just reverse the steps.  
2. Flip out both sides and lock into  
place. It is essential for the two com-  
ponents marked in the illustration to  
mesh at this point  
3. Hold the wind deflector so that the  
smaller half points toward the front  
and guide the mounting pin for the  
side piece into the proper opening  
4. Pull back on the mounting pin for the  
other side piece by using a slide, so  
that the mounting pin can be guided  
into the opening provided  
5. Unlock the convertible top compart-  
ment lid via the convertible top con-  
trol button, refer to page 47, and  
open the convertible top compart-  
ment lid  
6. Flip the back half of the wind deflec-  
tor backward, so that the mounts are  
lying on the vehicle  
7. Close the convertible top compart-  
ment lid via the convertible top con-  
trol button. The wind deflector is now  
attached so that it is theft-proof.  
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To adjust  
52 Safe seating position  
For driving that is relaxed and less likely For airbag locations and additional  
Never allow more than one person  
to wear a single safety belt. Never  
allow infants or small children to ride in  
a passenger's lap. Avoid twisting the  
belt while routing it firmly across the  
hips and shoulder, wear it as snugly  
against your body as possible. Do not  
allow the belt to rest against hard or  
fragile objects. Do not route the belt  
across your neck, or run it across sharp  
edges. Be sure that the belt does not  
become caught or jammed. Avoid  
wearing bulky clothing and pull on the  
lap belt periodically to retension it over  
your shoulders. In the event of a frontal  
impact, a loose lap belt could slide over  
your hips, leading to abdominal injury.  
In addition, the safety belt's restraint  
effectiveness is reduced if it is worn  
loosely. Expectant mothers should  
always wear their safety belts, taking  
care to position the lap belt against the  
lower hips, where it will not exert pres-  
sure against the abdominal area.<  
to cause fatigue, you should select a  
sitting position that reflects your per-  
sonal requirements. In combination  
with the safety belts and airbags, the  
correct seating position also plays an  
important role in enhancing occupant  
safety in the event of an accident. To  
ensure that the vehicle's safety systems  
provide you with optimal protection, we  
request that you direct your careful  
attention to the following section.  
information on airbags, refer to  
page 61.  
Sitting safely with safety belts  
Your vehicle is equipped with four  
seats, each of which is provided with a  
safety belt.  
transporting children, refer to page 64.  
Sitting safely with airbags  
Always maintain an adequate dis-  
tance between yourself and the  
airbags. Always hold the steering wheel  
by the rim to keep any chance of injury  
to hands or arms to an absolute mini-  
mum should the airbag be deployed.  
Never allow any objects, individuals or  
animals to obstruct the areas between  
passengers and airbags. Never use the  
front airbag's cover as a storage tray or  
support for objects of any kind. Never  
allow front passengers to rest their feet  
or legs on the airbag cover.<  
For information on using the safety  
belts, refer to page 56.  
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Seats  
Adjusting electric power seats  
53  
When adjusting your seat, always  
observe the following precautions  
Never try to adjust your seat while  
operating the vehicle. The seat  
could respond with unexpected move-  
ment, and the ensuing loss of vehicle  
control could lead to an accident. Never  
ride with the backrest reclined to an  
extreme angle. This is especially impor-  
tant for the front passenger to remem-  
ber. If you do so, there is a risk that you  
will slide under the safety belt in an  
accident, thus reducing the protection  
provided by the safety belt.  
Seat adjustment  
1 Tilt angle  
Please refer to the adjustment  
instructions on page 53 to reduce  
the risk of personal injury.<  
With the wind deflector in place:  
Do not push the front seats all the way  
back, otherwise the wind deflector will  
be damaged.<  
2 Backward/forward adjustment  
3 Height  
With the BMW sports seat* you can  
also adjust the thigh support. To do so,  
pull the lever and adjust the position of  
the cushion for thigh support as  
desired.  
4 Backrest angle  
Seat adjustment  
>Power seat adjustment, refer to  
page 53  
>Head restraint, refer to page 54  
>Entering the rear, refer to page 55.  
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54 Lumbar support*  
Head restraints  
To adjust  
Front head restraints  
1 Height  
Tilt angle: position the head restraints  
manually in the preferred position.  
You can adjust the backrest's contour  
for additional support in the curvature  
of your spine's lumbar region.  
Head restraints reduce the risk of  
spinal injury in the event of an  
accident.  
Adjust the head restraint so that its  
center is approximately at the height of  
your ears.  
When moving the head restraints up or  
down, avoid placing hands and fingers  
between the head restraint and the  
upper edge of the backrest to avoid the  
possibility of injury.<  
The upper hips and spinal column  
receive supplementary support to help  
you maintain a relaxed, upright posture.  
>Press front/rear of switch:  
increase/decrease curvature  
>Press the upper/lower end of the  
switch: increase the upper/lower cur-  
vature.  
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Head restraints  
Entering the rear  
55  
Do not remove the rear head  
restraints, as this would damage  
them.<  
For further information, please consult  
your BMW center.  
Do not use the rear head  
restraints as storage shelves.  
Always keep the travel path for the roll-  
over protection system free and clear.  
Never place protective covers or similar  
items on the head restraints. See also  
the labels on the head restraints.<  
Rear head restraints  
The seat-integrated safety belt system  
allows for easy access to the rear.  
To avoid possible violation of traf-  
fic laws, never retract the head  
restraints unless the rear seats are  
empty. Always ensure that the head  
restraints are raised before transporting  
passengers in the rear seat.<  
1. Lift lever 1 up and tilt the backrest  
forward  
2. Press and hold button 2 in driving  
direction until the seat moves to the  
desired position  
3. After entering the rear, fold back and  
lock the backrest  
To completely lower the rear head  
restraints:  
4. Press button 2 opposite the direction  
of travel and hold. The seat moves  
back into its previous position. If the  
button 2 is released beforehand, the  
seat stops in the respective position.  
1. Press the button and hold it down  
2. Push the head restraint down from  
above.  
Raising the rear head restraints  
Raise the head restraints until you hear  
them click into place.  
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56 Entering the rear  
Safety belts  
You can lock a backrest that has  
To release  
been tilted forward. This makes  
sense when, for instance, someone is  
climbing into the rear on an incline. To  
do this, press against the backrest until  
you hear it click into place. To move it  
back into place, you do not need to first  
unlock it by moving the lever 1.<  
1. Press the red button in the belt  
buckle  
2. Hold the belt  
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.  
Safety belt height  
The front belt system automatically  
adapts to your body size when the  
height of the head restraint is adjusted.  
Refer to page 54.  
Lock both backrests while driving,  
otherwise there is a danger of an  
unexpected movement causing an  
accident.<  
Always wear your safety belt  
If the safety belt system has been  
subjected to the stresses involved  
Always fasten your safety belt before  
starting off. As supplemental restraint  
devices, the airbags are designed to  
enhance the effectiveness of the safety  
belts, and not to replace them.  
The indicator lamp in the instru-  
ment cluster flashes when the  
backrest is not locked, refer to  
page 18.  
in an accident or otherwise damaged:  
have the entire safety belt mechanism  
replaced by your BMW center, includ-  
ing the safety belt tensioner. In addi-  
tion, have your BMW center inspect the  
safety belt anchors. If a child-restraint  
system was in the vehicle during an  
accident, consult the manufacturer's  
instructions regarding replacement.<  
Always detach the rear safety  
belts from their retainers before  
wearing.<  
To avoid undesired movement at  
high speeds, always store the rear  
safety belts in their retainers when they  
are not in use.<  
To close  
Make sure you hear the lock engage in  
the belt buckle.  
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Seat and mirror memory*  
57  
Before activating the programmed  
To select a stored setting  
adjustment feature, ensure that  
the footwell behind the driver's seat is  
empty and unobstructed. If you fail to  
do so, persons, animals or objects  
could be injured or damaged if the seat  
should move backward.<  
Do not select a memory position  
while the vehicle is moving. If you  
do so, there is a risk of accident from  
unexpected seat movement.<  
Ignition key in position 1:  
>Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,  
as desired.  
Movement stops immediately when  
one of the seat-adjustment or mem-  
ory buttons is activated during the  
adjustment process.  
You can store and recall three different  
driver's seat and exterior mirror posi-  
tions.  
The driver's door is closed and the igni-  
tion key is either removed or in position  
0 or 2:  
The lumbar support settings are  
not stored in the memory.<  
>Maintain pressure on the desired  
memory button – 1, 2 or 3 – until the  
adjustment process is completed.  
To store  
If you press the MEMORY button acci-  
dentally: press the button again; the  
indicator lamp goes out.  
1. Ignition key position 1 or 2  
2. Select the desired seat and exterior  
mirror positions  
3. Press the MEMORY button: the indica-  
tor lamp in the button lights up  
4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as  
desired: the indicator lamp goes out.  
You can have this feature pro-  
grammed so that when you use  
the remote control from your personal-  
ized key to unlock your door, your seat  
and the exterior mirrors will move into  
your own preferred positions.<  
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58 Seat and mirror memory*  
Seat heating*  
Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt  
function  
Automatic curb monitor*  
The seat cushion and backrest can be  
heated with the ignition key in  
position 2.  
You can select different heating modes  
by repeatedly pressing the buttons.  
1. Move mirror selector switch 1 to the  
driver's mirror position  
You can also switch the higher heating  
modes off directly:  
2. When shifting into Reverse, or plac-  
ing the selector lever in position R,  
the passenger-side mirror tilts down-  
ward. This allows the driver to see  
the area directly adjacent to the vehi-  
cle during parking – curbs, etc.  
Press the button and hold it slightly  
longer.  
How far the passenger mirror tilts  
can be set individually for each  
ignition key.<  
You can deactivate this automatic fea-  
ture by setting the mirror selection  
switch to the passenger side position.  
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Steering wheel  
Mirrors  
59  
The mirror on the passenger's  
side is convex. When estimating  
the distance between yourself and  
other traffic, bear in mind that the  
objects reflected in the mirror are closer  
than they appear. This means that esti-  
mates of the distance to following traffic  
should not be regarded as precise.<  
Electric defrosting  
Both mirrors are automatically heated  
when you turn the ignition key to posi-  
tion 2.  
To adjust  
To adjust exterior mirrors  
Never attempt to adjust the steer- 1 Switch for 4-way adjustment  
ing wheel while driving the vehicle  
2 Selection switch for changing  
– it could respond with unexpected  
between mirrors  
movement, posing a potential accident  
hazard.<  
To adjust manually  
The mirrors can also be adjusted manu-  
ally:  
1. Push the locking lever downward  
2. Adjust steering column reach and  
Press the edge of the lens.  
height for your selected seating posi-  
tion  
3. Pull the lever back up.  
For storing mirror settings, refer to Seat  
and mirror memory on page 57.  
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60 Mirrors  
rear of the mirror. Refrain from attach-  
ing stickers or other objects to the  
windshield in the area immediately  
behind the rearview mirror.  
Interior rearview mirror  
Interior rearview mirror with  
automatic dimming feature*  
To reduce glare from vehicles behind  
you when you are driving at night, tilt  
the mirror by turning the button.  
This mirror automatically responds to  
ambient light and headlamp glare from  
following vehicles by dimming through  
an infinitely variable range and auto-  
matically reverts to its clear, undimmed  
setting whenever you shift into Reverse  
or move the selector lever into position  
R.  
Vehicles without alarm system:  
Tilt the small lever forward.  
To ensure that the mirror continues to  
operate efficiently, ensure that the pho-  
tocells remain clear and unobstructed.  
One photocell is integrated in the mir-  
ror's lens – see arrow – while the other  
is located at an offset position on the  
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Passenger safety systems  
Airbags  
61  
Do not apply adhesive materials to  
The side airbags in the rear pas-  
senger area* of your vehicle may  
already have been deactivated by a  
the cover panels of the airbags,  
cover them or modify them in any other  
BMW center. You may have them acti- way. Do not remove the airbag restraint  
vated if you desire to do so. Please system. In the event of a malfunction,  
contact your BMW center for additional deactivation or triggered activation – as  
information.<  
a response to an accident – of the air-  
bag restraint system, consult your BMW  
center for inspection, repair or disas-  
The airbags do not deploy in  
response to minor collisions, rear sembly. Do not modify or tamper with  
impacts and certain kinds of vehicle  
rollover.<  
either the wiring or the individual com-  
ponents in the airbag system. These  
include the upholstered covers on the  
steering wheel, instrument panel, side  
trim panels of the doors and front roof  
pillars and on the sides of the headliner.  
Also, do not attempt to remove the  
steering wheel. Unprofessional  
1 Front airbags on the driver and pas-  
senger sides  
2 Side airbags on the driver and pas-  
senger sides – front and rear*  
Protective effect  
attempts to service the system could  
lead to failure in an emergency or  
undesired airbag activation, either of  
which could result in personal injury. Do  
not touch the individual components  
immediately after the system has been  
activated, as this could result in per-  
sonal injury.<  
The front airbags supplement the three-  
point safety belts by providing addi-  
tional protection in the event of a  
severe frontal collision in which the pro-  
tection afforded by the belts alone may  
no longer be sufficient. The side airbags  
provide protection in the event of a col-  
lision from the side. They help support  
the respective seat occupant's upper  
body.  
For information on the correct sitting  
posture, refer to page 52.  
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62 Airbags  
At all times, occupants should sit  
deactivated, please contact your BMW  
upright and be properly restrained center.<  
– infants and small children in appropri-  
ate child-restraint systems; larger chil-  
dren and adults using the safety belts.  
Even when all these guidelines are fol-  
lowed, there is still a small residual risk  
Never let an occupant's head rest near of injuries to the face, hands and arms  
or on a side airbag because the inflating occurring from airbag deployment in  
airbag could cause a serious or fatal  
injury. Please note that the word Airbag  
imprinted on the door trim panel indi-  
cates the airbag's location.  
isolated instances.  
In sensitive individuals, the ignition and  
inflation noise may induce a mild hear-  
ing loss that is temporary in most  
cases.  
Accident research shows that the saf-  
est place for children in an automobile  
is in the rear seat. However, a child sit-  
ting in the rear seat and not properly  
restrained could place his or her head  
on or near the airbag, if so equipped.  
For example, a child — even though  
belted in — may fall asleep with his or  
her head against the side airbag. It may  
be difficult for a driver to ensure that  
children in the rear seat will remain  
properly positioned at all times and not  
place their heads on or near the side  
airbag. Therefore, we recommend that  
the rear-seat side airbags, if installed in  
the vehicle, be deactivated if children  
will travel in the rear seat.  
This is the right way a child should sit in  
a child restraint when rear side airbags  
are provided.  
Corresponding airbag warning labels  
are located on both sun visors.  
The rear seat side airbags may already  
have been deactivated by a BMW cen-  
ter. If you are uncertain of their status,  
or wish to have the airbags activated or  
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Airbags  
63  
If there is a system malfunction,  
there is a risk that the airbags will  
not be triggered within their normal  
response range, even if the level of  
impact would normally have triggered  
them. Have your BMW center inspect  
the airbag system immediately.<  
This is the right way a larger child  
should sit wearing the seat belt when  
rear side airbags are provided.  
Indicator lamp  
The indicator lamp indicates the  
operational status of the airbag  
system when the ignition key is  
in position 1 or higher.  
System operational:  
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly  
when you turn the ignition key to  
position 1 or higher.  
System malfunction:  
>Indicator lamp does not come on or  
>indicator lamp lights up continuously.  
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64 Transporting children safely  
To avoid undesired movement at  
high speeds, always store the rear  
safety belts in their retainers when they  
are not in use.<  
Commercially available child-restraint  
systems are designed to be secured  
with a lap belt or with the lap belt por-  
tion of a combination lap/shoulder belt.  
Improperly or inadequately installed  
restraint systems can increase the risk  
of injury to children. Always read and  
follow the instructions that come with  
the system.  
Child-restraint system with  
tether strap  
a tether strap, two additional tether  
Depending on the location selected for  
seating in the rear passenger area,  
attach the tether strap to the corre-  
sponding anchorage point to secure the  
child-restraint system, as shown in the  
illustration.  
Correct location for installing  
In your BMW, all seats equipped with a  
three-point safety belt – except for the  
driver's seat – are suitable for installing  
universal child-restraint systems of all  
age classes and which have been  
1. Open the convertible top compart-  
ment lid, refer to page 41 or 46  
2. Lift the headrest and pass the tether  
strap between the headrest and the  
seat back. It is recommended that  
you return the head restraint back to  
its lowest possible position  
approved for the age group in question.  
3. Adjust the tether strap according to  
the child-restraint manufacturer's  
instructions  
4. Close the convertible top compart-  
ment panel.  
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Transporting children safely  
65  
It is recommended to cover the child-  
restraint attaching clip with a soft mate-  
rial to prevent damage to the stored  
soft top.  
Before installing any child-  
restraint device or child seat,  
please read the following:  
Never install a rearward-facing child-  
restraint system in the front passenger  
tem that has first been properly  
installed with a safety belt.  
Never install a rearward-facing child-  
restraint system in the front passenger  
seat.  
Should a hard top be installed, the seat of this vehicle.  
We strongly urge you to carefully read  
fitting of child harness tether  
strap/s – if child seat is required – is  
necessary before installation of the  
hard top.<  
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag and comply with the instructions for  
supplemental restraint system for the installation and use provided by the  
front passenger. Because the backrest child restraint's manufacturer when-  
on any rearward-facing child-restraint  
system – of the kind designed for  
infants under 1 year and 20 lbs/9 kg –  
would be within the airbag's deploy-  
ment range, you should never mount  
such a device in the front passenger  
seat, since the impact of the airbag  
against the child restraint's backrest  
could lead to serious or fatal injuries.  
If it is necessary for a child – not an  
ever you use such a device.  
Do not attempt to modify child-restraint  
systems. If you do this, the protection  
provided by these systems could be  
impaired.  
Be sure that all occupants – of all ages –  
remain properly and securely restrained  
at all times.<  
All rear seating positions in your vehicle  
infant – to ride in the front seat, certain meet the recommendations of  
precautions should be taken. First,  
move the passenger seat as far away  
from the dashboard as possible. This  
important precaution is intended to  
maximize the distance between the air-  
bag and the child. Older children  
SAE J1819, an industry-recommended  
practice for securing child-restraint sys-  
tems in motor vehicles.  
should be tightly secured with the  
safety belt after they have outgrown a  
booster seat that is appropriate for their  
age, height, and weight. Younger chil-  
dren should be secured in an appropri-  
ate forward-facing child-restraint sys-  
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66 Transporting children safely  
The belt cannot be extracted further.  
Always observe the installation instruc-  
tions provided by the manufacturer of  
the child-restraint system.  
To unlock the safety belt  
Release the safety belt, remove the  
child seat and retract the safety belt to  
its end position on the belt retractor.  
Securing child-restraint system  
LATCH child-restraint mounting  
system  
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for  
CHildren  
All of the rear belt retractors and the  
front passenger's safety belt can be  
locked for mounting and securing child-  
restraint systems.  
The left and right rear seats are both  
equipped with a LATCH child-restraint  
mounting system.  
A label with the appropriate instructions  
is located in the immediate vicinity of  
the buckle of each safety belt.  
To lock the safety belt  
Extract the entire length of the belt from  
the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the  
reel to retract the belt somewhat and  
engage the buckle, then tighten the belt  
against the child-restraint system. The  
retraction mechanism is now locked.  
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Transporting children safely  
67  
Canadian models only:  
Your BMW center can provide you with  
a special installation aid* that helps pre-  
vent damage to the upholstery.  
The LATCH anchorage points are iden-  
tified by buttons.  
Press the installation aid firmly in the  
crack between the seat and the back-  
rest upholstery until both funnels click  
onto the LATCH system bars in the  
seat.  
The anchorage points for the LATCH  
child-restraint system are located  
behind the upholstery at the positions  
indicated by the arrows.  
Carefully slide the brackets through the  
gaps in the upholstery at the indicated  
locations.  
The illustration is an example showing  
the anchorages for a LATCH child seat  
system on the right rear seat.  
Always follow all manufacturer's  
instructions and observe all safety  
precautions when installing the LATCH  
child-restraint mounting system.  
To avoid undesired movement at high  
speeds, always store the rear safety  
belts in their retainers when they are  
not in use.<  
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68 Rollover protection system  
In the event of an accident or some  
other critical driving situation – extreme  
tilting in the longitudinal or transverse  
axis, loss of contact with the ground –  
the rollover protection system will be  
automatically activated. The protective  
bars located in the rear head restraints  
extend within fractions of a second.  
In addition to the integrated rollover bar  
in the windshield frame, the rollover  
protection system affords all the vehicle  
occupants necessary headroom.  
1. Using a screwdriver from the  
onboard tool kit, remove the cover  
panel; to do this, position the screw-  
driver under the notch  
2. Push the lever toward the front of the  
vehicle and keep it in this position  
Always keep the travel path for the  
rollover protection system free  
and clear. Under no circumstances  
should you cover the head restraints.  
In the event of less serious accidents,  
the safety belt will protect you and,  
depending on the severity of the acci-  
dent, so will the safety belt tensioner  
and the multi-stage airbag restraint sys-  
tem as well.<  
If, after being automatically triggered,  
its protective function is not needed,  
then the rollover protection system can  
be lowered back into place. No special  
tool is needed for this.  
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Rollover protection system  
69  
Do not move the convertible top  
under any circumstances if the  
rollover protection system has  
extended.  
Do not use the rear head restraints as  
storage shelves.  
Absolutely no modifications are to be  
made to any of the rollover protection  
system's individual components or any  
of its wiring.  
Only your BMW center is to carry out  
any work on the rollover protection sys-  
tem.  
3. Keep pressing down on the protec-  
tive bar – see arrow 1 – from on top  
until you hear it click into place  
4. Put the cover panel back in place  
and press down firmly  
Work done on the system that is carried  
out improperly could lead to failure in  
an emergency or accidental activation.  
Regarding having the system checked  
to ensure long-term operation: be scru-  
pulous in adhering to the Service inter-  
val display for maintenance intervals.  
Every 2 years at the latest, the rollover  
protection system must be inspected at  
a BMW center.<  
5. Push the back panel of the head  
restraint closed – see arrow 2.  
Do the same for the second protective  
bar. If you are not familiar with any of  
the procedures, consult your BMW  
center.  
Have the rollover protection system  
checked out by your BMW center after  
it has been inadvertently triggered.  
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70 Vehicle Memory, Key Memory  
>Activates/deactivates the 'Follow me  
home' function, refer to page 97  
>Activates/deactivates daytime driv-  
ing lamps, refer to page 97  
>Sets the units of measure for display-  
ing time, outside temperature, dis-  
tance traveled and fuel consumption  
in the instrument cluster  
>When you shift into Reverse, an  
acoustic signal indicates that PDC  
has been activated, refer to page 92  
>Switches on rear window defroster  
automatically, refer to  
How the system functions  
No doubt you have reflected at one  
time or another on how great it would  
be if you could permanently configure  
your vehicle's various features and  
adjustments to mirror your own individ-  
ual preferences. In engineering your  
vehicle, BMW has provided for a num-  
ber of options for personal adjustment  
that can be programmed into your vehi-  
cle at your BMW center.  
Distinguishing between keys  
two categories, according to whether  
their primary orientation is the vehicle –  
Key Memory. Provided that each per-  
you can have your BMW center enter  
basic adjustment data for up to four  
individuals in the system.  
pages 104, 109  
Color-coded decals have been pro-  
vided to help you distinguish individual  
keys with different settings.  
>Activates/deactivates various alarm  
>After giving an ice warning, the  
the previous setting, refer to page 90.  
details on the capabilities of the Vehicle  
Memory and Key Memory systems.  
Examples for Key Memory:  
>Unlocks driver's door first, then the  
vehicle's remaining locks, refer to  
page 33  
>Locks the vehicle automatically after  
you start off, refer to page 34  
>Automatically adjusts the driver's  
seat to the personal programmed  
settings when the vehicle is  
unlocked, refer to page 57  
The system then relies on a bilateral  
data exchange to identify the individual  
user and executes the selected settings  
whenever the remote control unit is  
used to disengage the door locks.  
You will see this symbol through-  
out the Owner's Manual. It is to  
remind you at appropriate places of the  
settings that are available to you.<  
Examples for Vehicle Memory:  
>Various signals as acknowledgment  
when locking or unlocking your vehi-  
cle, refer to pages 31, 33  
>Automatic tilting of the passenger-  
side mirror, refer to Automatic curb  
monitor, page 58.  
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Driving  
Ignition lock  
Starting the engine  
71  
Vehicles with automatic transmis-  
sion:  
Do not move the selector lever from  
position P until the engine is running,  
ignition key position 2.  
Do not allow the engine to warm  
up by leaving it running while the  
vehicle remains stationary. Instead,  
drive off immediately at a moderate  
engine speed.<  
Your vehicle is equipped with an inter-  
lock. Therefore, the ignition key cannot  
be turned to position 0 or removed until  
the selector lever is in position P.<  
Do not allow the engine to run in  
enclosed spaces. Otherwise,  
breathing the exhaust fumes can lead  
to unconsciousness and death. The  
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-  
ide, an odorless and colorless, but  
Vehicles with manual transmis-  
sion:  
Step on the clutch when starting the  
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine  
from starting if the clutch is not  
depressed.<  
highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi-  
cle unattended with the engine running.  
An unattended vehicle with a running  
engine represents a safety hazard.  
When driving, standing at idle or park-  
ing the vehicle, take care to avoid con-  
tact between the hot exhaust system  
and flammable materials – grass, hay,  
leaves, etc. Such contact could lead to  
a fire, resulting in serious personal  
injury and property damage.<  
Ignition key positions  
0 Steering locked  
1 Steering unlocked  
2 Ignition on  
Steering unlocked  
3 Start engine  
You will find that it is often easier to turn  
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-  
tion 1 when you move the steering  
wheel slightly to help disengage the  
lock.  
Steering locked  
The key can only be inserted and  
removed in this position.  
After removing the key, turn the steer-  
ing wheel slightly to the left or right until  
you hear the lock engage.  
Individual electrical accessories are  
ready for operation.  
Start the engine. Do not press the  
accelerator pedal.  
If the key is not removed, an acoustic  
signal sounds when the driver door is  
opened.  
Do not actuate the starter for too  
short a time, but do not actuate it  
for more than approx. 20 seconds.  
Release the ignition key immediately  
when the engine starts.<  
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72 Starting the engine  
If the engine does not start on the first  
attempt – if it is very hot or cold, for  
instance:  
To prevent the battery from discharg-  
ing, always deactivate electrical  
devices that are not in use. Switch the  
ignition off when the vehicle is not  
being driven.  
3. Start the engine.  
If the engine does not start, reen-  
gage the gear last selected, refer  
to the gear indicator in the display, and  
move the selector lever into neutral  
position N again.  
The gearbox is automatically taken out  
of gear if the driver's door is opened  
while the engine is running and the  
driver does not actuate the pedals, the  
shift paddles or the selector lever. This  
is accompanied by a warning tone and  
the flashing gear indicator. The gear  
display N appears in the instrument  
cluster.<  
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway  
down while engaging the starter.  
Cold starts at extremely low tempera-  
tures below approx. +57/–156and at  
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:  
Manual transmission  
1. Engage the parking brake  
2. Gearshift lever in idling position  
3. Start the engine.  
>On the first start attempt, it may be  
necessary to engage the starter for a  
longer period – but no longer than  
20 seconds  
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway  
down while engaging the starter.  
Automatic transmission  
1. Depress footbrake  
2. Place the selector lever in position P  
or N  
3. Start the engine.  
Extended starting attempts, char-  
acterized by excessively frequent  
or long periods with the starter  
engaged can damage the catalytic con-  
verter.<  
Before exiting the vehicle with the  
engine running, move the selector  
lever into position N and apply the park-  
ing brake.  
Do not leave the vehicle unattended  
with the engine running. An unattended  
vehicle with a running engine repre-  
sents a safety hazard.<  
To prevent the vehicle from start-  
ing off on its own, always move  
the selector lever to position P and  
engage the parking brake before leav-  
ing your vehicle with the engine run-  
ning.  
Do not leave the vehicle unattended  
with the engine running. An unattended  
vehicle with a running engine repre-  
sents a safety hazard.<  
Engine idle speed is controlled by the  
engine computer system. Increased  
speeds at start-up are normal and  
should decrease as the engine warms  
up. If engine speed does not decrease,  
service is required.  
Sequential manual gearbox SMG  
1. Depress footbrake  
2. Move selector lever into position N  
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Switching off the engine  
Parking brake  
73  
You should never remove the igni- If you turn the ignition key to position 1  
tion key when the vehicle is in  
motion, as the steering lock could  
engage.  
or 0 with the selector lever in neutral  
position N, a warning tone and the  
flashing gear indicator in the display  
remind you that no gear is engaged to  
When you leave the vehicle, always  
remove the ignition key and engage the secure the vehicle against rolling.  
steering lock.  
Always engage the parking brake when  
parking on slopes and inclined sur-  
faces. Engaging a gear may not provide  
adequate resistance to rolling.<  
The warning stops after approx.  
9 seconds.  
Vehicles with manual  
transmission  
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.  
The parking brake is primarily designed  
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while  
parked. It operates on the rear wheels.  
To engage  
Automatic transmission  
The detent engages automatically and  
the indicator lamp in the instrument  
cluster comes on when the ignition key  
is in position 2, refer to page 18.  
Move the selector lever into position P,  
and turn the ignition key to position 1 or  
0.  
SMG gearbox  
To release  
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the  
button and lower the lever.  
If you turn the ignition key to position 1  
or 0 with the selector lever in position  
R, or in sequential mode, a gear auto-  
matically remains engaged.  
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74 Parking brake  
Manual transmission  
If exceptional circumstances  
Do not hold the vehicle in place on  
slopes by slipping or 'riding' the  
clutch. Use the parking brake instead.  
Riding the clutch leads to severe and  
premature clutch wear.<  
make it necessary to engage the  
parking brake while the vehicle is in  
motion, do not pull it with excessive  
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed  
against the release button while care-  
fully pulling the lever up.  
Excessive pressure can lead to over-  
braking and loss of traction – fishtailing  
– at the rear axle.  
The brake lamps do not come on when  
the parking brake is engaged.  
Vehicles with manual or SMG gearbox:  
Engage the parking brake when parking  
on downhill roads, since engaging a  
gear may not provide adequate resis-  
tance to rolling, not even in first or  
reverse gear.  
6-speed transmission*  
When changing gear in the 5th/6th gear  
plane, be sure to press the gearshift  
lever to the right to prevent inadvert-  
ently shifting to a gear of the 3rd/4th  
gear plane.  
Vehicles with automatic transmission:  
place the selector lever in P.<  
Reverse  
To avoid corrosion and one-sided  
braking, apply the parking brake  
from time to time when coasting to a  
standstill – at a traffic signal, for exam-  
ple – provided that it is safe to do so.<  
Select only when the vehicle is station-  
ary. Press the gearshift lever to the left  
to overcome the slight resistance.  
When you select reverse the backup  
lamps will light up automatically when  
the ignition key is in position 2.  
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Sequential manual gearbox SMG*  
75  
The gearbox is automatically  
placed in neutral gear if the  
driver's door is opened while the engine  
is running and the driver does not actu-  
ate the pedals, the shift paddles or the  
selector lever.  
This is accompanied by an acoustic  
signal and the flashing gear indicator.  
The gear display N appears in the  
instrument cluster.  
The concept  
The sequential manual gearbox SMG is  
an automated manual gearbox with  
which clutching and shifting is assumed  
by an electro-hydraulic system.  
The SMG is operated via the selector  
lever in the center console and two shift  
paddles on the steering wheel.  
It offers the following functions:  
A driving position can only be engaged  
when the driver's door is closed.  
When the vehicle is unlocked, a buzzer  
in the area of the transmission indicates  
that the system is ready for operation.<  
>Sequential mode: manual mode  
>Drive mode: automatic operation  
>Ability to choose between two differ-  
ent driving programs: Standard,  
Sport  
>Operating safety through protection  
against misshifting  
>Automatic upshifts and downshifts in  
the drive mode  
>Automatic downshifts at minimum  
engine rpm  
>Kickdown function in the drive mode.  
>Acceleration assistant, refer to  
page 78.  
Selector lever positions  
The current selector lever position is  
indicated by a light-emitting diode in  
the center console.  
Shiftlock  
R: Reverse  
N: Neutral  
When the car is at a standstill, a safety  
function requires you to depress the  
brake pedal if you want to move the  
selector lever from the neutral  
Position for forward driving with one-  
touch functions:  
position N to a driving position.  
Sequential mode  
+: manual upshifts  
—: manual downshifts  
D: drive mode.  
Driving precautions  
Use enough acceleration to pull  
away speedily when moving off on  
an uphill gradient. Never try to prevent  
the car from rolling back on an uphill  
gradient by depressing the accelerator  
pedal; always apply the handbrake.  
Otherwise you could overheat the SMG  
gearbox.<  
The SMG is ready for operation in igni-  
tion key position 2.  
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76 Sequential manual gearbox SMG*  
To switch back to sequential mode: tap  
R Reverse  
Select only when the vehicle is station-  
ary.  
the selector lever again to the right  
toward D or change the current gear via  
the shift paddles or the selector lever.  
N Neutral  
Kickdown  
You can achieve maximum acceleration  
using kickdown.  
Always engage before starting the  
engine, refer to Starting the engine on  
page 72.  
Depress the accelerator pedal past the  
increased resistance point at the full-  
throttle position.  
Sequential mode  
Each time the engine is started, the  
sequential mode is activated as soon as  
you move the selector lever into the for-  
ward driving position while the brake is  
depressed.  
Shifting gears  
With the selector lever:  
>To upshift, tap the selector lever  
toward +  
>To downshift, tap the lever toward —.  
The gears are shifted via the shift pad-  
dles or the selector lever.  
With the shift paddles on the steering  
wheel:  
It is also possible to drive off in second  
gear, e.g. on snow-covered roads.  
>To upshift, pull one of the shift pad-  
dles  
>To downshift, push the paddle.  
D Drive mode  
In the drive mode all forward gears are  
shifted automatically.  
You accelerate from higher gears, e.g.  
during passing, by manually downshift-  
ing.  
To switch from sequential to drive  
mode: tap the selector lever to the right  
toward D.  
In the following situations, the SMG in  
the sequential mode assists you:  
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during  
passing, depress the accelerator pedal  
completely: kickdown.  
>Upshifts and downshifts are only exe-  
cuted at appopriate combinations of  
engine rpm and vehicle speed. For  
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Sequential manual gearbox SMG*  
77  
instance, downshifts that would  
result in excessive engine speed can-  
not be executed.  
For information on jump-starting and  
towing the vehicle, refer to page 159.  
>When you brake the car to a stop, the  
transmission automatically shifts  
down to first gear  
>As speed diminishes the transmission  
will shift down automatically, without  
any action on your part, just before  
the vehicle slows to below each  
gear's minimum speed.  
Warning tone  
An acoustic signal sounds if the SMG  
gearbox overheats; if possible you  
should either stop or increase your pull-  
away speed so that the system can  
cool down.  
Available displays  
R N 1 2 3 4 5 6  
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6  
The currently engaged gear, the  
selected mode, and any malfunctions  
are displayed in the instrument cluster.  
Indicator lamp  
If the indicator lamp comes on,  
there is a malfunction in the  
transmission system.  
All selector lever positions can still be  
engaged, but in the forward driving  
positions only certain gears are actually  
available when the vehicle is driven.  
Avoid extreme loads and proceed to  
the nearest BMW center.  
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78 Sequential manual gearbox SMG*  
1. Activate the Sport program  
2. Press and hold the DSC button, refer  
to page 93, for more than three sec-  
onds  
3. Quickly press the accelerator pedal  
down fully: kickdown. The optimum  
rpm for driving off will be adjusted.  
To maintain vehicle stability,  
always drive with the DSC acti-  
vated whenever possible.<  
Sport program  
You can choose between two driving  
programs: smoothly dynamic or Sport.  
With the sport program, gearshifts are  
faster in sequential mode and the shift  
points are adapted in drive mode.  
To activate the Sport program: press  
the SPORT button. The LED in the but-  
ton lights up.  
Acceleration assistant  
The acceleration assistant permits opti-  
mum racing-style acceleration on roads  
with good grip.  
Do not use the acceleration assis-  
tant frequently as this could other-  
wise cause premature wear of the com-  
ponents.<  
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*  
79  
You can drive as with a normal auto-  
matic transmission. In addition, you can  
also shift manually.  
Hold the footbrake down until  
starting off. Otherwise the vehicle  
will 'creep' when a drive position is  
engaged. To prevent the vehicle from  
starting off on its own, always move the  
selector lever to position P and engage  
the parking brake before leaving your  
vehicle with the engine running.  
Do not leave the vehicle unattended  
with the engine running. An unattended  
vehicle with a running engine repre-  
sents a safety hazard.<  
When you move the selector lever from  
the D position to the left into the M/S  
range, the performance-oriented shift  
programs of the automatic transmission  
are engaged. Steptronic enters the  
manual selection mode and executes  
the desired shift whenever you tap the  
selector lever in the direction indicated  
by + or –. Whenever you want to use  
automatic again, just move the selector  
lever toward the right to position D.  
Range selection  
P Park  
A catch prevents inadvertent movement  
of the selector lever to positions R and  
P. To deactivate the catch, press the  
button on the front of the selector lever  
knob, see arrow.  
Select only when the vehicle is station-  
ary. Transmission locks to prevent rear  
wheels from turning.  
Under normal operating conditions, fuel  
consumption is lowest when driving in  
position D.  
R Reverse  
Selector lever positions  
While the vehicle is stationary and  
before shifting out of Park or Neu-  
tral, depress the footbrake in order to  
disengage the selector lever's lock  
mechanism – Shiftlock.<  
Select only when the vehicle is station-  
ary.  
P R N D M/S + –  
Starting the engine  
N Neutral  
Select only when stopping for an  
extended period.  
The engine can only be started in selec-  
tor lever positions P – for Park – or N –  
for Neutral.  
D Drive – automatic shift program  
This position is designed for driving  
under all normal operating conditions.  
All forward gears are available.  
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80 Automatic transmission with Steptronic*  
The transmission will only execute  
upshifts and downshifts that will result  
in an appropriate combination of vehi-  
cle speed and engine rpm. For  
instance, downshifts that would result  
in excessive engine speed are not exe-  
cuted. The desired, then the actual  
gear, briefly appear in the instrument  
cluster.  
Kickdown  
In the kickdown mode, you achieve  
maximum acceleration and top speed  
in position D.  
Depress the accelerator pedal past the  
increased resistance point at the full-  
throttle position.  
To accelerate quickly in the man-  
ual mode for maneuvers such as  
passing another vehicle, shift down  
manually or employ the kickdown  
mode.<  
M/S manual operation and Sport  
program  
Move the selector lever from D to M/S  
to activate the Sport program; SD  
appears in the display panel. The M/S  
mode is recommended for perfor-  
mance-oriented driving.  
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever  
positions P, R and N is possible only by  
going through D.  
Once in the M/S mode, you can tap the  
selector lever to switch the automatic  
transmission from the Sport program to  
its manual selection mode.  
This mode allows you to execute  
upshifts manually by tapping the lever  
toward +, while downshifts are selected  
by tapping in the – direction. The dis-  
plays M1 through M5 appear in the dis-  
play panel to indicate your current gear  
selection.  
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*  
81  
If the indicator lamp does not go out,  
positions. However, the vehicle will now  
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear.  
If this happens, avoid extreme engine  
loads and consult the nearest autho-  
rized BMW center.  
Never work in the engine com-  
partment when a drive gear – for-  
ward or reverse – is engaged. If you do  
this, the vehicle could move.<  
Available displays  
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5  
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the  
information beginning on page 159.  
Electronic transmission control  
module  
If the indicator lamp comes on,  
there is a malfunction in the  
transmission system.  
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the  
transmission selector lever to P. Set the  
parking brake and turn the engine off –  
ignition key to position 0.  
Wait a few seconds, then start the  
engine.  
If the indicator lamp goes out after a  
few seconds, normal transmission per-  
formance has been restored. You may  
continue to drive as usual.  
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82 Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher  
1 High beams – blue indicator lamp  
2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator  
lamp  
3 Turn signal indicator – green indicator  
lamps accompanied by a periodic  
clicking sound from the relay  
To signal briefly  
Press the lever up to but not beyond  
the detent. It then returns to the center  
position when released.  
If the flashing of the turn signal  
indicators and the clicking from  
the relay are both faster than normal,  
one of the turn signal indicators has  
failed.<  
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Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*  
83  
Rain sensor*  
Fast wiper speed  
The rain sensor is located on the wind- When the vehicle is stationary, the wip-  
shield directly behind the rearview mir- ers operate at normal speed – not on  
ror.  
vehicles with rain sensor.  
To activate the rain sensor:  
>With the ignition key in position 1  
or higher, move the lever to position  
1. The wipers will make at least one  
sweep across the windshield.  
You can leave the lever in position 1  
at all times. With the ignition key in  
position 1 or higher, all you then need  
to do to activate the rain sensor is  
>briefly turn the rotary dial 5, or  
>clean windshield 1, refer to page 84.  
0 Wipers retracted  
1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor  
2 Normal wipe  
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain sen-  
sor: turn rotary dial 5.  
3 Fast wipe  
4 Brief wipe  
To switch off the rain sensor:  
Return lever to position 0.  
5 Rotary dial for control of the wipe  
interval or the sensitivity of the rain  
sensor  
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-  
matic car washes. Failure to do so  
could result in damage caused by  
undesired wiper activation.<  
Intermittent mode  
Not on vehicles with rain sensor.  
You can select any of four sweep inter-  
vals with rotary dial 5.  
Normal wiper speed  
In addition, the wipe interval varies  
automatically depending on road  
speed.  
When the vehicle is stationary, the wip-  
ers switch automatically to intermittent  
wipe – not on vehicles with rain sensor.  
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84 Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*  
Cruise control*  
When the vehicle's lighting system is  
You can store and automatically main-  
switched on, the headlamps will also be tain any desired vehicle speed above  
cleaned at reasonable intervals.  
approx. 20 mph / 30 km/h.  
The cruise control is available whenever  
the engine is running and the system  
has been activated.  
Windshield washer nozzles  
The windshield washer nozzles are  
heated automatically* when the ignition  
key is in position 2.  
To activate the system  
In ignition key position 2:  
Press the button in the steering wheel.  
The indicator lamp in the instrument  
cluster comes on, refer to page 20. You  
can now use the cruise control.  
0 Wipers retracted  
1 Clean windshield and headlamps  
Cleaning windshield and  
headlamps*  
Do not use cruise control on twist-  
ing roads, when high traffic den-  
sity prevents driving at a constant  
speed, or when the road surface is slick  
– snow, rain, ice – or loose – rocks or  
gravel, sand.<  
Do not use the washers if there is  
any danger that the fluid will  
freeze on the windshield, as your vision  
could be obscured. Always use a wind-  
shield washer antifreeze in cold  
weather. Refer to page 138.  
Do not use the washers when the reser-  
voir is empty. This could cause damage  
to the washer pump.<  
To deactivate the system  
Press the button as often as needed  
until the indicator lamp in the instru-  
ment cluster goes out.  
The system sprays washer fluid against  
the windshield and activates the wipers  
for a brief period.  
Cruise control is also deactivated when  
the ignition key is in position 0.  
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Cruise control*  
85  
The speed stored in memory is deleted.  
>If you exceed or fall below the pro-  
grammed speed for an extended  
To decelerate  
period – by depressing the accelera-  
tor, for example.  
To store and maintain speed or to  
accelerate  
Press button – briefly:  
If you are already driving with activated  
cruise control, the speed is decreased  
by approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h every time  
you tap the button.  
To recall the stored setting  
Press button + briefly:  
The system maintains and stores the  
current vehicle speed. Every time you  
tap the button, the speed increases by  
approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h.  
Press the button:  
Press and hold button –:  
The vehicle accelerates to and main-  
tains the last speed stored.  
With the cruise control active, the sys-  
tem automatically reduces the throttle  
opening to slow the vehicle. When you  
release the button, the system main-  
tains and stores the current speed.  
Press and hold button +:  
The vehicle accelerates without pres-  
sure on the accelerator pedal. When  
you release the button, the system  
maintains and stores the current speed.  
To interrupt the cruise control  
If on a downhill gradient the  
engine braking effect is not suffi-  
cient, the controlled speed can be  
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill  
grades if the engine output is insuffi-  
cient.<  
When the system is activated, press the  
button. The indicator lamp stays on.  
You can use the cruise control again  
whenever you want by calling up the  
speed that was stored last.  
In addition, cruise control is interrupted  
automatically:  
>When the brakes are applied  
>When you apply pressure to the  
clutch pedal, or when you move the  
automatic transmission selector lever  
from D to N  
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Everything under control  
86 Odometer  
Tachometer  
Energy control  
1 Odometer  
Do not operate the engine with the nee- Indicates the current fuel consumption  
dle in the red overspeed zone of the  
gauge.  
in mpg – in liters/100 km on Canadian  
models. This allows you to see whether  
your current driving style is conducive  
to fuel economy with minimum exhaust  
emissions.  
2 Trip odometer  
To protect the engine, the fuel supply is  
interrupted when you approach this  
sector.  
Odometer  
You can activate the displays shown in  
the illustration with the ignition key in  
position 0 by pressing the left button in  
the instrument cluster.  
When the vehicle is stationary, the dis-  
play goes to Maximum – zero on Cana-  
dian models.  
Trip odometer  
To reset the trip odometer to zero,  
press the left button with the ignition  
key in position 1 or higher.  
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Fuel gauge  
Engine coolant temperature gauge  
87  
To check coolant level, refer to  
page 140.  
Once the indicator lamp stays on con-  
tinuously, there are still approx. 2.1 gal-  
lons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.  
Blue  
The engine is still cold. Drive at moder-  
ate engine and vehicle speeds.  
Fuel tank capacity approx.  
16.6 gallons/63 liters.  
Between the blue and red zones  
Certain operating conditions, such as  
those encountered in mountainous  
areas, may cause the needle to fluctu-  
ate slightly.  
Normal operating range. The needle  
may rise as far as the edge of the red  
sector during normal operation.  
Red  
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  
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.  
When you switch on the ignition, the  
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an  
operation check.  
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88 Service interval display  
Check Control  
A flashing message and a "–" in front of  
the number mean that the service inter-  
val has already been exceeded by the  
distance shown on the display. Please  
contact your BMW center for an  
appointment.  
Remaining distance to next  
service  
The displays shown in the illustration  
appear for a few seconds when the  
ignition key is in position 1 or higher or  
after the engine is started.  
Display  
When the ignition key is in position 2,  
the following information and/or condi-  
tions are indicated using symbols until  
the conditions have been corrected.  
1 Check the low and high beams as  
well as the parking lamps  
The next service due appears with the  
message OIL SERVICE or  
2 Door open  
INSPECTION, together with the dis-  
tance remaining in miles – in kilometers  
in Canada – before the next scheduled  
service.  
3 Luggage compartment lid open  
4 Check tail or brake lamps  
When you open the driver's door after  
having turned the ignition key to posi-  
tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal  
for a few seconds to remind you that  
the lamps have not been switched off.  
The computer bases its calculations of  
the remaining distance on the preced-  
ing driving style.  
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Clock  
89  
If you wish to have a permanent time  
display, you can make this setting in the  
radio display, refer to the Owner's Man-  
ual for Radio.  
Every time you press the button, the  
clock display alternates between the  
12-hour and 24-hour mode.  
In ignition key position 0: the time is  
displayed for a few seconds after you  
press the left button, refer to Odometer  
on page 86.  
You can set the clock and the time dis-  
play in the car radio as follows.  
Setting  
Before the clock can be set, the  
time must be showing in the  
instrument cluster display.<  
With the ignition key in position 1 or  
higher  
To set ahead: turn the right button to  
the right.  
To set back: turn the right button to the  
left.  
The adjustment speed will increase the  
longer you continue to hold the right  
button.  
To change the display mode: press the  
right button briefly.  
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90 Computer  
After giving an ice warning, the  
display returns to the previous  
setting.<  
The ice warning does not alter the  
fact that surface ice can form at  
temperatures above 37.57/+36, on  
bridges or shaded road surfaces, for  
instance.<  
Mode selection  
Outside temperature  
With the ignition key in position 1 or  
You can change the units of measure,  
higher, you can call up information from 6/7, for the outside temperature dis-  
the computer using the button in the play by pressing the right-hand reset  
turn signal lever. The information is dis- button in the instrument cluster while  
played in the instrument cluster. Each the temperature display is active. The  
time you press the button briefly toward units of measure, 6/7, in the temper-  
the steering column, a new function is  
called up in the display.  
ature display of the automatic climate  
control change automatically, refer to  
page 106.  
The displays appear in the following  
order:  
Ice warning  
Time of day, outside temperature, aver-  
age fuel consumption, cruising range,  
average vehicle speed.  
If the outside temperature drops to  
about 37.57/+36, then the computer  
will automatically switch to a display of  
the outside temperature. In addition, a  
signal sounds as a warning and the dis-  
play flashes for a brief period.  
When the ignition key is turned to posi-  
tion 1 or higher, the last active setting is  
displayed.  
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Computer  
91  
It is important that you refuel when  
the cruising range falls below  
approx. 35 miles / 50 kilometers. Other-  
wise, the engine cannot be guaranteed  
to operate properly and damage may  
result.<  
Average speed  
If you continue to press and hold the  
button on the turn signal lever, the aver-  
age speed being displayed is recalcu-  
lated from that point in time.  
Average fuel consumption  
Any time spent when the vehicle is sta-  
tionary and the engine is switched off is  
ignored for the calculation.  
If you continue to press and hold the  
button on the turn signal lever, the aver-  
age fuel consumption being displayed  
is recalculated from that point in time.  
If you wish, you can have the aver-  
age fuel consumption displayed in  
a different unit of measure.<  
Range  
The computer bases its calculations for  
the cruising range on the operating  
conditions in the preceding period and  
on the remaining fuel in the tank.  
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Technology for safety and driving convenience  
92 Park Distance Control (PDC)*  
PDC is deactivated when you shift back  
out of Reverse.  
PDC does not replace the driver's  
personal responsibility for evaluat-  
ing the distance between the vehicle  
The concept  
PDC assists you when you back into a  
parking space. Acoustic signals alert  
you to the momentary distance to an  
object behind your vehicle. The system  
features four ultrasonic sensors  
mounted in your rear bumper. The mon-  
itoring range for the two corner sensors  
extends outward roughly 2 ft/60 cm,  
while two centrally located sensors  
detect objects at distances of up to  
approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.  
You can have a signal set to con- and any objects. Always remember that  
firm that the PDC has been acti-  
vated. The signal then sounds when  
you shift into Reverse or move the  
selector lever into the R position.<  
the sensors can neither detect nor pro-  
vide warnings of obstacles located  
within their blind angles. This applies  
especially in those cases where the  
system approaches the physical limits  
of ultrasonic measurement, as occurs  
with tow bars and trailer couplings, and  
in the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped  
objects. Moreover, low objects that  
have already been detected – such as a  
curb edge – can disappear out of the  
detection range of the sensors before a  
continuous tone sounds.  
Acoustic signals  
The distance to the nearest object is  
indicated by a tone sounding at various  
intervals. As the distance between vehi-  
cle and object decreases, the intervals  
between the tones become shorter. A  
continuous tone indicates the pres-  
ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm  
PDC is a parking aid that can  
identify objects if they are  
approached slowly, as is generally the  
case when parking. Avoid driving  
Loud sources of sound from outside or  
inside the vehicle could drown out the  
PDC signal tone.<  
towards objects rapidly; due to underly- away.  
ing physical principles, the system may  
The warning signal is canceled after  
otherwise alert you too late for you to  
take evasive steps.<  
approx. three seconds if the distance to  
the object remains constant during this  
time – if you are moving parallel to  
a wall, for instance.  
Keep the sensors clean and free  
of ice or snow in order to ensure  
that they will continue to operate effec-  
tively.  
Do not apply high pressure spray to the  
sensors for a prolonged period of time.  
Always maintain a distance of more  
than 4 in/10 cm.<  
The system starts to operate automati-  
cally approx. one second after you shift  
into Reverse or move the selector lever  
into the R position with the ignition key  
in position 2.  
System malfunctions will be indicated  
by a continuous high-pitched tone  
when the system is activated the first  
time. Please have the problem fixed by  
your BMW center.  
Let this short period elapse before  
driving backwards.<  
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Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)  
93  
The vehicle will remain completely  
The concept  
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in  
critical driving situations.  
operational, however, without DSC. In  
the event of a fault, please consult your  
BMW center.  
DSC is operational every time you start  
the engine.  
Indicator and warning lamps for  
Canadian models.  
DSC contains the Dynamic Traction  
Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake  
Control (CBC) functions.  
Indicator lamps  
The indicator lamp in the instru-  
ment cluster goes out shortly  
after you switch on the ignition,  
refer to page 19.  
Deactivating the DSC/activating  
the DTC  
Press the DSC button briefly; the indi-  
cator lamp comes on and stays on.  
>The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is  
actively controlling drive torque and  
braking intervention  
>The indicator lamp stays lit: DSC has  
been switched off with the button;  
DTC and DBC are operational. DTC  
control intervention is not indicated.  
DSC is deactivated; DTC is operational.  
In the following rare situations, it may  
prove useful to activate the DTC for a  
brief period:  
>When rocking the vehicle or starting  
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces  
>When driving with snow chains  
>When driving on snow-covered  
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-  
covered surface that has been  
The indicator lamp and the  
brake warning lamp continu-  
ously light up in yellow:  
The DSC, DTC and DBC have  
been switched off manually or  
there is a system malfunction.  
packed down from being driven on.  
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94 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)  
Flat Tire Monitor*  
Under these special circumstances  
traction is increased by deactivating the  
control systems that enhance traction  
under normal conditions.  
The laws of physics cannot be  
The concept  
repealed even with DSC. An  
appropriate driving style always  
remains the responsibility of the driver.  
We therefore urge you to avoid using  
the additional safety margin of the sys-  
tem as an excuse for taking risks.  
Whenever the DTC is activated, the  
DSC is switched off and performs minor  
stabilizing intervention.  
Do not make any modifications to the  
DSC system. Allow only authorized  
technicians to perform service proce-  
dures on the DSC.<  
As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor  
keeps track of pressure levels in all four  
tires. The system alerts you whenever  
the inflation pressure of a tire falls sig-  
nificantly below the pressure of another  
tire.  
Deactivating the DSC and the  
DTC  
Hold the DSC button down for at least  
3 seconds. The indicator lamp and the  
yellow brake warning lamp light up and  
remain on continuously.  
The system actually detects pressure  
loss by monitoring differences in the  
relative speeds of the four wheels. It  
interprets variations outside specified  
limits as severe pressure loss, and then  
responds by generating a warning.  
The systems for enhancing stability and  
traction are deactivated, and there is no  
active braking intervention or torque  
control.  
Functional requirements  
In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn  
the correct tire inflation pressure,  
please do the following:  
To maintain vehicle stability,  
always drive with the DSC acti-  
vated whenever possible.<  
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in  
all tires  
2. Compare them with the tire inflation  
pressure table on page 25 and cor-  
rect them, if necessary  
Reactivating the DSC  
Press the button again; the indicator  
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.  
DTC is deactivated.  
3. Initialize the system.  
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Flat Tire Monitor*  
95  
When driving with snow chains or  
System limitations  
a space-saver spare tire, do not  
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-  
vide you with advance warning of  
initialize the system.<  
sudden and severe tire damage caused  
by external factors and does not detect  
the balanced and very gradual pressure  
loss that takes place in all four tires  
over an extended period of time.<  
Flat tire  
The indicator lamp in the instru-  
ment cluster lights up red. This  
visual alert is accompanied by  
an acoustic warning signal.  
On the other hand, the following situa-  
tions can lead to a delayed detection of  
pressure loss and even to the system  
not functioning:  
1. Carefully reduce speed and come to  
a stop. Avoid sudden braking and  
steering maneuvers  
Initializing the system  
2. Determine which wheel is damaged  
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery  
roads  
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at  
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral  
acceleration  
>When driving with snow chains, false  
warnings and undetected pressure  
losses may occur  
>When driving with a space-saver  
spare tire, the Flat Tire Monitor can-  
not function.  
Each time you correct the pres-  
sure in a tire, or change a wheel or  
tire, reinitialize the system immediately  
afterwards. This requires a bit of driv-  
ing.<  
If this cannot be determined, con-  
tact your BMW center.<  
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to  
Changing a wheel on page 153.  
1. Before driving off, start the engine  
but do not start driving  
2. Press the button as long as you need  
to until the yellow indicator lamp in  
the instrument cluster lights up for a  
few seconds  
After replacing the damaged tire, initial-  
ize the system.  
Vehicles with Run Flat tires:  
1. Carefully reduce your speed to under  
50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid sudden  
braking and steering maneuvers. Do  
not exceed a speed of 50 mph /  
80 km/h  
3. Drive off.  
It takes a few minutes before the Flat  
Tire Monitor can detect a flat tire and  
issue a warning.  
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96 Flat Tire Monitor*  
Brake force display  
Because the sides of Run Flat  
The brake force display indicates to the  
tires are reinforced, a drop in infla- driver of the vehicle behind you how  
tion pressure usually cannot be  
detected from the outside, refer to Run  
Flat tires, page 156.<  
hard you are braking your vehicle.  
The display has two levels:  
>Normal braking: the brake lamps  
among the rear lamps and the center  
brake lamp light up  
>Hard braking or use of ABS: the tail  
lamps light up with the same bright-  
ness as the brake lamps and thereby  
intensify the visual effect of the brake  
lamps.  
2. To continue driving, follow the  
instructions under Driving with a  
damaged tire on page 157.  
System malfunction  
The indicator lamp in the instru-  
ment cluster lights up yellow.  
The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-  
tioning or out of order. Please refer the  
problem to your BMW center.  
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Lamps  
Parking lamps/Low beams  
97  
ambient light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. –  
and in the event of rain and snow. If the  
low-beam headlamps are on, the LED  
next to the symbol lights up.  
Follow me home lamps  
When you activate the headlamp  
flasher after parking the vehicle with the  
lamps turned off, the low-beam head-  
lamps will come on for a short time.  
The vehicle's external lights  
remain on constantly when you  
switch on the front fog lamps after the  
headlamps have come on automati-  
cally.<  
You can also have this function  
deactivated.<  
LIGHTS ON warning  
When you open the driver's door after  
having turned the ignition key to posi-  
tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal  
for a few seconds to remind you that  
the lamps have not been switched off.  
Automatic headlamp control can-  
not serve as a substitute for the  
Parking lamps  
driver's judgement in determining when  
the vehicle lights should be switched  
on. For example, the sensors are not  
able to detect fog. To avoid safety risks,  
you should respond to these kinds of  
low-visibility situations by switching the  
headlamps on manually.<  
The front, rear and side vehicle  
lighting is switched on. You can  
use the parking lamps to signal  
the position of the vehicle when it is  
parked. For lighting on one side for  
parking as an additional feature, refer to  
page 99.  
Daytime driving lamps*  
If you desire, the light switch can be left  
in the second position: when the igni-  
tion is switched off, the external lighting  
is also switched off.  
You can have the sensitivity of  
your vehicle's automatic head-  
lamp control adjusted.<  
Low beams  
When the ignition is switched off  
while the low beams are on, the  
headlamps go out and only the  
parking lamps remain on.  
You can have the activation set-  
tings for the daytime driving lamps  
programmed on your vehicle.<  
Automatic headlamp control*  
When the switch is set to this  
position the system automati-  
cally activates and cancels the  
low beams in response to changes in  
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98 Adaptive headlights*  
Instrument lighting  
The concept  
Adaptive headlights is a variable head-  
lamp control system for dynamically  
illuminating the road. Depending on the  
steering angle and other factors the  
light from the headlamps follows the  
course of the road.  
Activating Adaptive headlights  
With the ignition key in position  
2, turn the light switch to the  
automatic headlamp control  
position, refer to page 97.  
Turn the rotary dial with the parking/  
low beam lamps on to adjust the illumi-  
nation intensity.  
Adaptive headlights is not active  
while reversing, and only in one  
direction while at a standstill.<  
System malfunction  
The LED above the symbol for the auto-  
matic headlamp control flashes, refer to  
page 97. Please have the system  
inspected at your BMW center.  
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High beams/Standing lamps  
Fog lamps  
99  
1 High beams – blue indicator lamp  
Front fog lamps  
2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator  
lamp  
The green indicator lamp in the  
instrument cluster lights up to  
indicate that the front fog lamps  
3 Standing lamps  
are on.  
Standing lamps, left or right  
If the automatic headlamp control  
is on, the low beams will come on  
automatically whenever you activate  
the front fog lamps.<  
As an additional feature, you can illumi-  
nate your vehicle on either side for  
parking:  
With the ignition key in position 0,  
engage the lever in the appropriate  
turn-signal position.  
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100 Interior lamps  
Light-emitting diodes  
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed  
behind translucent lenses serve as the  
light sources for many of the controls  
and displays in your vehicle. These  
light-emitting diodes are related to con-  
ventional lasers, and legislation defines  
them as light-emitting diodes, Class 1.  
Do not remove the protective lens  
and avoid staring directly at the  
unfiltered beam for several hours, as  
inflammation of the retina could  
result.<  
The interior lamps operate automati-  
cally.  
Rear reading lamps*  
Rear reading lamps are also provided  
for rear seat passengers when the  
hardtop is installed, refer to page 127.  
Switch on and off with the button adja-  
cent to each lamp.  
To switch the interior lamps on  
and off manually  
Press button 1 briefly:  
If you want the interior lamps to remain  
off all the time, press and hold the but-  
ton for approx. 3 seconds.  
In order to prevent battery dis-  
charge, all of the lamps in the  
vehicle are automatically switched off  
approx. 15 minutes after you turn the  
ignition key to position 0.<  
Press the button briefly to revert to nor-  
mal operation.  
Front reading lamps*  
Switch on and off with the button 2  
adjacent to each lamp.  
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101  
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Controlling the climate for pleasant driving  
102 Air conditioning  
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Air conditioning  
103  
1 Air onto the windshield and the side  
windows  
2 Air for the upper body area 105  
3 Air to the footwell  
4 Air supply/Blower 104  
5 Temperature 104  
6 Air distribution 104  
7 Rear window defroster 104  
8 Air conditioning 104  
9 Outside air/Recirculated-air  
mode 104  
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104 Air conditioning  
Air supply/Blower  
Rear window defroster  
Outside air/Recirculated-air mode  
You can select blower speeds  
from 1 to 4. The heating and  
When the rear window defroster  
is activated, the indicator lamp  
You can respond to unpleasant  
external odors by temporarily  
ventilation become more and comes on. The rear window defroster  
more effective as the air sup- switches off automatically.  
ply settings are increased. In position 0,  
blocking the supply of outside air. The  
system then recirculates the air cur-  
rently within the vehicle.  
the blower and the heater are switched  
off. The outside air supply is blocked in  
position 0.  
You can have your vehicle pro-  
grammed in such a way that the  
rear window defroster switches on  
If the windows should fog over in  
the recirculated-air mode, switch  
automatically. This occurs within 5 min- this mode off and increase the air sup-  
utes after starting the engine when out- ply as required.<  
side temperatures are below approx.  
Temperature  
In order to increase the tem-  
perature of the passenger  
compartment, turn to the right  
toward the red zone. The tem-  
perature of the incoming air is kept con-  
stant.  
397/+46.<  
Air conditioning  
The air is cooled and dehumidi-  
fied and – depending on the  
temperature setting – rewarmed.  
Air distribution  
Depending on the weather, the wind-  
shield may fog over briefly when the  
engine is started. Air conditioning helps  
prevent the windows from fogging up.  
You can direct air to flow onto  
the windows  
upper body  
, toward your  
or into the  
footwell  
. All intermediate  
Condensation forms during opera-  
tion of the air conditioning system,  
which then exits under the vehicle. It is  
thus not unusual for a small puddle to  
form under the car while the system is  
running.<  
settings are possible. In the setting  
there is a low flow of air onto the win-  
dows to keep them free of condensa-  
tion.  
,
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Air conditioning  
105  
Microfilter  
The built-in microfilter removes dust  
and pollen from the incoming air. Your  
BMW center will replace it during rou-  
tine maintenance. A substantial reduc-  
tion in airflow indicates that the filter  
needs to be replaced before scheduled  
maintenance.  
Draft-free ventilation  
To defrost windows and remove  
condensation  
1. Set the blower speed control for the  
airflow rate to position 4  
2. Turn the rotary temperature control  
completely to the right, toward the  
red zone  
3. Turn to the rotary control for air dis-  
tribution to position  
4. Switch on the rear window defroster  
to defrost the rear window.  
You can adjust the blower controls for  
the upper body area to obtain the opti-  
mum airflow rates and directions for  
your personal requirements:  
1 Rotary dials for infinitely variable  
opening and closing of the vent out-  
lets  
2 Levers for airflow direction  
3 Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the  
temperature of the airflow from these  
outlets as desired  
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106 Automatic climate control*  
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Automatic climate control*  
107  
1 Air onto the windshield and the side  
windows  
2 Air for the upper body area 109  
3 Air to the footwell  
4 Air inlet for interior temperature  
sensor – please keep clear and  
unobstructed  
5 Outside air/Automatic recirculated-  
air control (AUC)/Recirculated  
air 109  
6 Automatic air distribution and  
supply 108  
7 Individual air distribution 108  
8 Temperature 108  
9 Display for temperature 108  
and air supply 108  
10 Air supply/Blower 108  
11 To defrost windows and remove  
condensation 108  
12 Air conditioning 108  
13 Rear window defroster 109  
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108 Automatic climate control*  
the windows  
body , and into the footwell  
can reactivate the automatic air distri-  
bution mode by selecting the AUTO  
button.  
, toward the upper  
When the lowest blower speed is set  
Tips for pleasant driving  
. You and you press the lower button, all of  
Use the automatic mode – switch on  
with AUTO button 6. Select the desired  
interior temperature.  
the displays are canceled: the blower,  
heating and air conditioning are  
switched off. The outside air supply is  
blocked. You can reactivate the system  
by pressing any button for the auto-  
matic climate control.  
Detailed setting options are described  
for you in the following section.  
Temperature  
The interior temperature that  
appears in the display panel is a  
general figure intended for refer-  
ence purposes. We recommend 727/  
+226as a comfortable setting, even if  
the air conditioning is on. When you  
start the vehicle, the system ensures  
that the selected temperature is  
achieved as quickly as possible. It then  
maintains this temperature, regardless  
of the season.  
You can make the settings of your  
vehicle in such a manner that,  
when you unlock the vehicle with the  
remote control of your personal key,  
your own personalized setting for the  
automatic climate control is initiated.<  
To defrost windows and remove  
condensation  
This program quickly removes  
ice and condensation from the  
windshield and the side windows.  
Automatic air distribution and  
supply  
Air conditioning  
The air is cooled and dehumidi-  
fied and – depending on the  
temperature setting – rewarmed.  
The AUTO program adjusts the  
air distribution and the air sup-  
ply for you and in addition adapts the  
temperature to external influences –  
summer, winter – to meet preferences  
you can specify.  
To select the units of measure 6/7of  
the display, refer to page 90.  
Depending on the weather, the wind-  
shield may fog over briefly when the  
engine is started. Air conditioning helps  
prevent the windows from fogging up.  
Air supply/Blower  
By pressing the upper or lower  
button, you can vary the air sup-  
ply. This deactivates the auto-  
Individual air distribution  
Condensation forms during opera-  
tion of the air conditioning system,  
which then exits under the vehicle. It is  
thus not unusual for a small puddle to  
form under the car while the system is  
running.<  
You can cancel the AUTO pro-  
gram by selecting specific dis-  
tribution patterns to suit your  
matic control of the air supply, AUTO  
disappears from the display panel. Nev-  
ertheless, the automatic air distribution  
remains unchanged. You can reactivate  
the automatic air distribution mode by  
selecting the AUTO button.  
own individual requirements.  
While the AUTO program is then deacti-  
vated, the automatic airflow control  
remains in operation. Air flows onto  
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Automatic climate control*  
109  
If the windows should fog over in  
the recirculated-air mode, switch  
this mode off and increase the air sup-  
ply as required.<  
Outside air/Automatic  
recirculated-air control (AUC)/  
Recirculated air  
You can respond to unpleasant  
external odors or pollutants by  
temporarily stopping the flow of outside  
air. The system then recirculates the air  
currently within the vehicle.  
Rear window defroster  
With the convertible top closed  
or with the hardtop* mounted,  
press the button. The indicator lamp  
comes on. The rear window defroster  
switches off automatically.  
Press the button repeatedly to select  
one of three different operating modes.  
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow is  
on  
You can have your vehicle pro-  
grammed in such a way that the  
rear window defroster switches on  
automatically. This occurs within 5 min-  
utes after starting the engine when out-  
side temperatures are below approx.  
397/+46.<  
Draft-free ventilation  
>Left indicator lamp on – automatic  
mode: the system recognizes pollut-  
ants in the outside air and blocks the  
flow of air when necessary. The sys-  
tem then recirculates the air currently  
within the vehicle. Depending on the  
air quality, the automatic system then  
switches back and forth between  
outside air supply and recirculation of  
the air within the vehicle  
You can adjust the blower controls for  
the upper body area to obtain the opti-  
mum airflow rates and directions for  
your personal requirements:  
1 Rotary dials for infinitely variable  
opening and closing of the vent out-  
lets  
2 Levers for airflow direction  
3 Use the rotary dial to control the tem-  
perature of the airflow:  
>Rotate toward blue – colder  
>Turn toward red – warmer  
>Right indicator lamp on: the flow of  
outside air into the vehicle is perma-  
nently blocked. The system then  
recirculates the air currently within  
the vehicle.  
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110 Automatic climate control*  
Microfilter/activated-charcoal  
filter  
The built-in microfilter removes dust  
and pollen from the incoming air. The  
activated-charcoal filter provides addi-  
tional protection by filtering gaseous  
pollutants from the outside air. Your  
BMW center replaces this combined fil-  
ter as a standard part of your scheduled  
maintenance. A substantial reduction in  
airflow indicates that the filter needs to  
be replaced before scheduled mainte-  
nance.  
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Interior conveniences  
Glove compartment  
111  
If – for example for valet parking –  
you turn over only your spare key,  
refer to page 30, then access to the  
glove compartment and luggage com-  
partment is not possible.<  
Rechargeable flashlight  
The flashlight is located on the left-  
hand side of the glove compartment.  
It features integral overload-protection,  
so it can be left in its holder continu-  
ously.  
To open  
To avoid completely discharging  
and possibly damaging the flash-  
light, always ensure that it is switched  
off before inserting it in the socket.<  
Pull the handle. The lamp in the glove  
compartment comes on.  
To close  
Fold the cover back up.  
To prevent injury in the event of an  
accident, close the glove com-  
partment immediately after use.<  
To lock  
Lock with one of the master keys. A  
master key will also be required to  
unlock the glove compartment.  
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112 Integrated universal remote control*  
The concept  
Checking compatibility  
The integrated universal remote control  
takes the place of up to three different  
handheld transmitters belonging to var-  
If this symbol is depicted on the  
packaging or in the operating  
instructions of the original con-  
ious radio remote control devices, such trol device, it is safe to assume that the  
as door openers and home alarm sys-  
tems. The integrated universal remote  
remote-controlled system is compatible  
with the integrated universal remote  
control recognizes and learns the signal control.  
sent by each original control device.  
If you have additional questions,  
please consult your BMW center  
or call 1-800-355-3515.  
You can also visit these websites:  
www.bmwusa.com or  
www.homelink.com.  
The signal of an original control device  
can be programmed into one of the  
three memory buttons 1. Afterwards,  
the programmed memory button 1 can  
be used to operate the corresponding  
device. The signal transmission is indi-  
cated by the indicator lamp 2.  
1 Memory buttons  
2 Indicator lamp  
HomeLink is a registered trademark  
owned by Johnson Controls, Inc.<  
Programming a fixed-code  
control device  
Fixed-code control device  
Before selling the vehicle, clear the  
memory buttons 1, refer to page 114.  
1. Turn the ignition key to position 2  
2. Initial operation: press and hold  
down both outer buttons 1 for  
approx. 20 seconds until the indica-  
tor lamp 2 flashes. The three memory  
buttons 1 are cleared  
While programming is in progress  
and before operating any pro-  
grammed system by remote control  
using the integrated universal remote  
control, make sure that the area of  
movement of the system in question is  
clear of people, animals and inanimate  
obstructions, in order to avoid possible  
injury or damage. Also comply with the  
safety precautions issued for the origi-  
nal control device.<  
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Integrated universal remote control*  
113  
3. Hold the original control device  
approx. 2 to 8 in / 5 to 20 cm away  
from memory buttons 1.  
If the system cannot be operated  
on synchronization. Comply with the  
after repeated attempts at pro-  
gramming, check whether the original  
control device is equipped with an  
alternating-code system. You can either  
check the operating instructions of the  
original control device for this informa-  
following additional instructions when  
you program an alternating-code con-  
trol device:  
The required distance between  
the control device and the mem-  
ory buttons 1 may vary, depending on  
You will find programming easier if  
you have the assistance of  
another person.<  
the system of the original control device tion, or you can press and hold down  
in question.<  
the programmed memory button 1 of  
the integrated universal remote control. 1. Park the vehicle within range of the  
If indicator lamp 2 of the integrated uni- radio remote controlled device  
versal remote control flashes rapidly for 2. Program the integrated universal  
4. Simultaneously press the command  
button of the original control device  
and the desired memory button 1 on a brief period and then remains on for  
the integrated universal remote con- approx. 2 seconds, the original control  
remote control as described above in  
the section on fixed-code program-  
ming  
trol. Indicator lamp 2 starts to flash  
slowly. When indicator lamp 2  
flashes rapidly, release both but-  
device is equipped with an alternating-  
code system. In this case, you have to  
program the memory buttons 1 as  
3. Locate the button on the receiver of  
the target device, for example on the  
drive  
tons. If the indicator lamp 2 does not described below for an alternating-  
flash rapidly after approx.  
code control device.<  
4. Press the button on the receiver of  
the target device. Once you have  
completed step 4, you have approx.  
30 seconds to complete step 5  
5. Press the programmed memory  
button 1 of the integrated universal  
remote control three times.  
15 seconds, select a different dis-  
tance between the two devices  
5. To program other original control  
devices, repeat steps 3 and 4.  
Programming an alternating-code  
control device  
You will need to follow the operating  
instructions of the system in question in  
order to program the integrated univer-  
sal remote control. Read through the  
operating instructions for information  
The corresponding memory button 1 is  
now programmed with the signal of the  
original control device.  
The corresponding memory button 1 is  
now programmed with the signal of the  
original control device.  
The system can be operated from igni-  
tion key position 2.  
Please contact your BMW center  
if you have any questions.<  
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114 Integrated universal remote control*  
Storage compartments  
Deleting memory buttons  
Press and hold down both outer  
buttons 1 of the integrated universal  
remote control for approx. 20 seconds  
until the indicator lamp 2 flashes: All  
threee memory buttons are cleared.  
It is not possible to delete individual  
memory buttons 1.  
Front center armrest  
To open: press the button and fold up.  
Additional compartments and  
nets*  
You will find additional storage com-  
partments in the front doors and in the  
center console. Storage nets are on the  
front seat backrests.  
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Storage compartments  
Cellular phone*  
Ashtray, front*  
115  
Beverage holders, coin box  
Hands-free system  
To empty  
A coin box and two beverage holders  
are provided in the center console.  
On vehicles that are wired for a tele-  
phone* or equipped with a communica- The ashtray moves up and can be  
Press on the edge of the open cover.  
tions package*, the cover for the  
hands-free microphone is located in the  
headliner near the interior lamp.  
removed.  
Cigarette lighter  
For further information on using your  
cellular phone, refer to the separate  
Owner's Manual.  
Hold or touch the hot cigarette  
lighter by the knob only. Holding  
or touching it in other areas could result  
in burns.  
The cigarette lighter remains opera-  
tional when the ignition key has been  
removed. For this reason, children  
should never be left in the vehicle unat-  
tended.<  
Press the lighter 1 in. You can remove  
the lighter from its socket for use as  
soon as it springs back out.  
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116 Ashtray, front*  
Ashtray, rear*  
Cigarette lighter socket  
Suitable for attaching power supplies  
for flashlights, car vacuum cleaners,  
etc., up to a rating of approx. 200 watts  
at 12 volts. Avoid damage to the socket  
caused by inserting plugs of different  
shapes or sizes.  
To empty  
Press on the edge of the open cover in  
the opening direction. The ashtray  
moves up and can be removed.  
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Loading and transporting  
Ski bag*  
117  
The ski bag allows the safe and clean  
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard  
skis or up to two snowboards.  
The length of the ski bag and the addi-  
tional space provided in the luggage  
compartment make it possible to carry  
skis up to 6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m long.  
Because of the tapered shape of the  
bag, only two pairs of skis longer than  
6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m can be carried.  
Loading  
1. Take the safety belts out of their  
holders  
2. Press button downward and remove  
the filler piece by pulling it forward  
3. Extend the ski bag between the front  
seats. The zipper provides conve-  
nient access to stored items. It may  
be opened to allow the ski bag to dry  
4. Press the button in the luggage com-  
partment  
5. Use the magnetic holder to fasten  
the cover panel to the back wall.  
To store the ski bag, perform the above  
steps in reverse sequence.  
Securing cargo  
Secure skis and any other objects  
stored in the bag by tightening the  
retaining strap at the buckle.<  
Be sure that your skis are clean  
before loading them into the bag.  
Avoid damage from sharp edges during  
loading.<  
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118 Ski bag*  
Cargo loading  
Avoid overloading the vehicle so  
that the permitted load on the tires  
is not exceeded. Overloading can lead  
to overheating and internal tire damage.  
The ultimate result can assume the  
form of a sudden air loss.<  
When reattaching the cover, guide  
Determining the maximum load  
both bars into the guide and press  
the cover back into place. Secure the  
safety belts in their holders again.<  
1. Locate the following statement on  
your vehicle‘s placard*:  
The combined weight of occu-  
pants and cargo should never  
exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs., as this  
could otherwise result in damage to the  
vehicle or unstable driving conditions.<  
2. Determine the combined weight of  
the driver and passengers that will be  
riding in your vehicle  
3. Subtract the combined weight of the  
driver and passengers from  
XXX kilograms or YYY pounds  
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Cargo loading  
119  
With the convertible top closed,  
you can increase the space in the  
luggage compartment – refer to  
page 37 – by folding back the convert-  
ible top compartment panel.  
We recommend that you always fold  
the convertible top compartment panel  
down as soon as you have removed  
ment. This way, you can be sure that  
you can always operate your convert-  
ible top at any time.  
At the same time, when the top is  
raised you should fold the convertible  
top compartment panel back up before  
stowing large objects in the luggage  
compartment; this precaution will help  
reduce the likelihood of damage to  
either the convertible top compartment  
or your luggage.<  
4. The resulting figure equals the avail-  
able amount of cargo and luggage  
load capacity.  
For example, if the XXX amount  
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be  
five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehi-  
cle, the amount of available cargo  
and luggage load capacity is  
650 lbs.:  
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.  
5. Determine the combined weight of  
luggage and cargo being loaded on  
the vehicle. That weight may not  
safely exceed the available cargo  
and luggage load capacity calculated  
in Step 4  
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,  
load from your trailer will be trans-  
fered to your vehicle. Consult the  
manual for transporting a trailer to  
determine how this may reduce the  
available cargo and luggage load  
capacity of your vehicle.  
Stowing cargo  
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as  
possible – directly behind the lug-  
gage compartment partition – and as  
low as possible  
>Cover sharp edges and corners.  
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120 Cargo loading  
Always position and secure loads  
correctly. If you do not, the load  
can endanger the passengers during  
braking or evasive maneuvers.  
Do not exceed the approved gross  
vehicle weight or the approved axle  
loads, refer to page 168, otherwise the  
vehicle's operating safety is no longer  
assured and the vehicle will not be in  
compliance with the certification regu-  
lations.  
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in  
the passenger compartment without  
securing them. Otherwise they could be  
thrown around during braking and eva-  
sive maneuvers and could endanger the  
passengers.<  
Securing cargo  
>For small, light items, use the rubber-  
lined, non-skid side of the floor mat  
or secure using the luggage compart-  
ment net* or elastic straps  
>For large, heavy pieces, see your  
BMW center for load-securing  
devices*. Anchorages located in the  
luggage compartment can be used  
for fastening the load-securing  
devices.  
Read and comply with the information  
enclosed with the load-securing  
devices.  
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Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop*  
121  
You should therefore always remember  
not to exceed the approved roof load  
capacity, the approved gross vehicle  
weight or the maximum axle loads  
when loading the rack. These weights  
are listed under Technical data on  
page 168.  
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,  
and attempt to distribute it evenly.  
Always load the heaviest pieces first so  
that they are at the bottom. Make sure  
that no objects will be in the way when  
the luggage compartment lid is opening  
or closing.  
A special roof-rack system is available  
as an optional extra for your BMW.  
Please observe the precautions  
included with the installation instruc-  
tions.  
Secure the roof-mounted luggage cor-  
rectly and securely to prevent it from  
shifting or being lost during driving.  
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden  
acceleration or braking. Do not corner  
at high speeds.  
Anchorages  
Access to the anchorages:  
To fold up the covers, please use the  
tool provided with the roof-rack system.  
The roof-mounted luggage rack and the  
roof load increase the aerodynamic  
resistance: increased fuel consumption  
and additional stress on the vehicle's  
body are the result.  
Loading and driving notes  
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the  
center of gravity of the vehicle when  
they are loaded. For this reason, they  
exercise a major effect on the vehicle's  
handling and steering response.  
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122  
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123  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Technical data  
Index  
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Special operating instructions  
124 Break-in procedures  
To ensure that your vehicle continues to  
provide maximum economy throughout  
an extended service life, we request  
that you devote careful attention to the  
following instructions.  
To break in the separate parking brake  
drums, apply the parking brake lightly  
when coasting to a standstill – at a traf-  
fic signal, for instance; use caution to  
avoid posing a danger to other road  
users.  
Tires  
Owing to technical factors associated  
with their manufacture, tires do not  
achieve their full traction potential until  
an initial break-in period has elapsed.  
We thus ask you to drive with extra care  
during the first 200 miles/300 km.  
Engine and differential  
The first 1,250 miles/2,000 km:  
You can prevent corrosion in the drums  
by periodically repeating this proce-  
dure.  
Always obey all official speed limits.  
Constantly vary both vehicle and engine  
speeds, remembering not to exceed  
4,500 rpm or vehicle speeds of over  
100 mph / 160 km/h:  
When the vehicle is operated on  
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of  
water may form between the tire and  
the road surface. This phenomenon is  
referred to as hydroplaning, and can  
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-  
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-  
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet  
roads.<  
The brake lamps do not come on  
when the parking brake is set.  
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit  
on your BMW is available only when the  
engine is running. When you move the  
vehicle with the engine off – when tow-  
ing, for example – substantially higher  
levels of pedal force will be required to  
brake the vehicle.<  
Always obey all official speed limits.  
Do not use full throttle, and avoid  
pressing the accelerator beyond the  
kickdown point during these initial  
miles.  
You can then proceed to increase  
engine or vehicle speeds once the ini-  
tial 1,250 miles/2,000 km have elapsed.  
Brake system  
Clutch  
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse  
before the brake pads and rotors  
achieve the optimal pad-surface and  
wear patterns required for trouble-free  
operation and an extended service life  
later on.  
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse  
before the clutch starts to operate at  
optimum efficiency. Remember to  
engage the clutch carefully during this  
initial period.  
Please remember to observe the same  
break-in procedures if either the engine  
or the differential should have to be  
replaced later in the course of the vehi-  
cle's service life.  
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General driving notes  
Antilock Brake System (ABS)  
125  
Brakes: do not drive with your foot  
resting on the brake pedal. Even  
light but consistent pedal pressure can  
lead to high temperatures, brake wear  
and possibly even brake failure.  
exerted against the brake pedal until  
the braking maneuver has been com-  
pleted. DBC is deactivated when you  
release the brake pedal.  
The concept  
ABS keeps the wheels from locking  
during braking, thereby enhancing  
active driving safety.  
Hydroplaning: when driving on wet or  
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If  
you do not, a wedge of water may form  
between the tires and the road surface.  
This phenomenon can lead to partial or  
complete loss of contact between the  
tires and road surface, as well as loss of  
vehicle control and braking ability.  
Driving through water: do not drive  
through water on the road if it is deeper  
than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk-  
ing speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's  
engine, the electrical systems and the  
transmission may be damaged.  
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)  
Braking with ABS  
CBC is an advanced engineering devel-  
opment of ABS. When braking during  
cornering with high lateral accelera-  
tion, or when braking during a lane  
change, vehicle stability is improved  
and the steering response is enhanced.  
If you are in a situation that requires full  
braking, you will exploit the full benefits  
of ABS system if you apply maximum  
pedal pressure – panic stop.  
Since the vehicle maintains steering  
responsiveness, you can avoid possible  
obstacles with a minimum of steering  
effort, despite the full brake application.  
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined  
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits  
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its  
active mode.  
Clothes hooks, with hardtop: when  
hanging clothing from the hooks, be  
sure that they will not obstruct the  
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy  
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they  
could cause personal injury during  
braking or evasive maneuvers.<  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)  
DBC is included in the DSC, refer to  
page 93. The system responds to sud-  
den, high-intensity applications of force  
to the brake pedal by automatically  
braking the vehicle with maximum  
boost to achieve the shortest possible  
braking distances during panic stops.  
This system also exploits the benefits of  
ABS. Do not reduce the pressure  
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126 Brake system  
If the brake rotors are corroded, they  
will tend to respond to braking with a  
pulsating effect that even extended  
brake applications will fail to cure.  
Do not coast with the clutch  
depressed or with the transmis-  
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not  
coast with the engine shut off. The  
engine provides no braking effect when  
the clutch is depressed and there is no  
power-assist for braking or steering  
when the engine is not running.  
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any  
other objects to protrude into the area  
around the accelerator, clutch and  
brake pedals and obstruct their move-  
ment.<  
Brake fluid level  
If the brake fluid level is too low and  
brake pedal travel has become longer,  
there may be a defect in one of the  
brake system's hydraulic circuits.  
When driving in heavy rain and on wet  
roads it is useful to apply light pressure  
to the brake pedal every few miles.  
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that  
this maneuver does not pose a hazard  
to you or to other road users. The heat  
generated in this process helps dry the  
pads and rotors to ensure that your  
brake system will respond with undi-  
minished efficiency when you need it.  
Proceed to the nearest autho-  
rized BMW center. It may be nec-  
essary to apply higher levels of pres-  
sure to the pedal when stopping and  
braking distances may also be longer.  
Please remember to adapt your driving  
style accordingly.<  
Brake pads  
Disc brakes  
When descending steep hills and  
extended grades, downshift to a gear  
that will allow you to continue safely  
with only a minimal amount of braking.  
By minimizing the loads placed on the  
brake system, this strategy helps  
ensure that optimal brake system  
response will remain available at all  
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the  
approved engine-speed range, refer to  
page 86.  
For your own safety: use only  
brake pads that BMW has  
Limited vehicle use, extended periods  
with the vehicle parked or in storage,  
and operating conditions in which brak-  
ing is restricted to gentle, low-pressure  
applications will all increase the ten-  
dency for corrosion to form on the  
rotors; this is often accompanied by a  
simultaneous accumulation of contami-  
nation on the brake pads. The pads  
must exert a certain minimal level of  
pressure against the rotors for the disc  
brakes' inherent self-cleaning effect to  
remain effective.  
released for your particular vehicle  
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-  
approved brake pads to determine if  
they are suitable for use, and therefore  
cannot ensure the operating safety of  
the vehicle if they are installed.<  
Portable phone in the vehicle  
BMW recommends using mobile com-  
munications devices, e.g. portable  
phones, inside the vehicle with a suit-  
able outside antenna. Otherwise, it can-  
not be ruled out that the vehicle elec-  
tronics and portable phone may  
interfere with each other.  
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Hardtop*  
127  
It is not necessary to remove the fabric  
top even in the winter, when the hard-  
top is generally in constant use. But you  
can also remove it easily at any time.  
Before the fabric top is stored in the  
convertible top compartment, it must  
be absolutely dry in order to avoid  
water spots and mildew from forming.  
The hardtop offers reading lamps and  
clothes hooks that can be used just by  
pressing. It is also possible to mount a  
luggage rack on the roof. Please con-  
sult your BMW center.  
Storage  
Installation  
Storing the hardtop on the floor:  
1. Lower the side windows com-  
pletely and flip the sun blinds  
down. If necessary, remove the  
When hanging clothing from the  
hooks, be sure that they will not  
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang  
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do  
so, they could cause personal injury  
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<  
slide the styrofoam block that  
came with the hardtop onto its center.  
The arrow on top of the styrofoam block  
has to be pointing upward when you  
are doing this.<  
antenna rod to avoid any damage  
2. On vehicles with manual convert-  
ible top operation, first release the  
convertible top compartment lid,  
and, if necessary, open it some-  
what. On vehicles with fully-auto-  
matic convertible top operation,  
open the convertible top compart-  
ment lid slightly by pressing the  
button for the operation of the con-  
vertible top  
Two people are required for installation  
or removal. Work with extreme caution  
in order to avoid paint damage and  
damage to the body or hardtop.  
To facilitate hardtop installation or  
removal, you can obtain a specially  
designed hardtop lift* or hardtop rack*  
at your BMW center.  
3. Remove the trim pieces on both  
sides by pulling them off toward  
the back and reclose the convert-  
ible top compartment lid  
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128 Hardtop*  
7. Position the hardtop onto the sup-  
ports with the help of a second  
person. Be sure to put the mount-  
ings exactly into the proper brack-  
ets  
Lift the hardtop carefully. Be  
extremely careful not to shift the  
seals. Seals that have been shifted out  
of place or actually pulled out cause  
leaks.<  
8. In the back, close the red locking  
levers by turning to the inside as far  
as the stop located behind the trim  
will allow. Flip the cover panels  
back into place  
9. To lock the hardtop in the front,  
keep pressing on the front locking  
levers until you hear them engage  
10. Check the rubber weather-strip-  
ping between the windshield frame  
and the hardtop on both the left  
and right sides. If it is folded or  
bent out of place, you should  
smooth it back into position by  
hand to ensure secure and reliable  
sealing.  
4. Open the two locking levers at the  
5. Before installing, first flip the cover  
panels that are located underneath  
the left and right interior lamps  
down. To do this, press on the  
slight bump on the cover panel.  
There is a holder in the cover panel  
to securely store the trim pieces  
that have been removed – see  
arrow 1  
front. Press on the buttons to do  
so. The levers will release slightly.  
Open the levers as far as possible  
6. Open the red release levers as far  
as the stop will allow – see arrow 2  
Removal  
Follow the same procedure as when  
installing, just reverse the steps.  
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Wheels and tires  
Tire inflation pressure  
Tire condition  
129  
wall with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. At  
a tread depth of 1/16 in / 1.6 mm, the  
indicators signal that the legally permis-  
sible wear limit has been reached.  
Information for your safety  
The factory-approved tires are matched  
to your vehicle and have been selected  
to provide optimum safety and driving  
comfort when used properly.  
It is not merely the tire's service life, but  
also driving comfort and – above all else  
– driving safety that depend on the con-  
dition of the tires and the maintenance  
of the specified tire inflation pressure.  
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is  
a frequent cause of tire damage.  
Tire pressure also has a major effect on  
your BMW's handling response. Be  
sure to check the tire inflation pressure,  
including the space-saver spare tire or  
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at  
least twice a month and before every  
extended journey, refer to page 25. If  
this is not done, incorrect tire pressures  
can cause driving instability and tire  
damage, ultimately resulting in acci-  
dents.<  
Tire tread – tire damage  
Inspect your tires frequently for tread  
wear, signs of damage and for foreign  
objects lodged in the tread. Check the  
tread depth.  
Tread depth should not be allowed to  
go below 1/8 in / 3 mm, even though  
the legally specified minimum tread  
depth is 1/16 in / 1.6 mm.  
Below 1/8 in / 3 mm tread depth, there  
is a great risk of hydroplaning, even at  
relatively moderate speeds and with  
only small amounts of water on the  
road. Tread wear indicators in the  
tread-groove base – see arrow – are  
distributed around the wheel circumfer-  
ence and are labeled on the tire side-  
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130 Tire condition  
Tire replacement  
Do not drive on a deflated – flat –  
To maintain good handling and vehicle depart significantly from the norm due  
tire unless your vehicle is  
response, use only tires of a single  
to variations in driving habits, service  
equipped with Run Flat tires. A flat tire  
greatly impairs steering and braking  
response, and can lead to complete  
loss of control over the vehicle. Avoid  
overloading the vehicle so that the per-  
mitted load on the tires is not  
exceeded. Overloading can lead to  
overheating and internal tire damage.  
The ultimate result can assume the  
form of a sudden air loss.  
Unusual vibrations encountered during  
normal vehicle operation can indicate a  
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-  
tion. This type of problem can be  
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This  
is also true for irregularities in the vehi-  
cle's handling characteristics, such as a  
pronounced tendency to pull to the left  
or right. Should this occur, respond by  
immediately reducing your speed. Pro-  
ceed carefully to the nearest BMW cen-  
ter or professional tire center, or have  
the vehicle towed in to have it, its  
wheels or its tires inspected.  
tread configuration from a single manu- practices and differences in road char-  
facturer.  
acteristics and climate.  
Comply with the specified tire inflation  
pressures — and be sure to have the  
wheel and tire assembly balanced  
every time you change a tire or wheel.  
Traction  
The traction grades, from highest to  
lowest, are AA, A, B and C.  
Those grades represent the tire's ability  
to stop on wet pavement as measured  
under controlled conditions on speci-  
fied government test surfaces of  
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C  
may have poor traction performance.  
DOT quality grades  
Tread wear  
Traction AA A B C  
Temperature A B C  
All passenger car tires must con-  
form to Federal Safety Require-  
ments in addition to these grades.<  
The traction grade assigned to  
this tire is based on straight-  
ahead braking traction tests, and does  
not include acceleration, cornering,  
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-  
teristics.<  
Tread wear  
The tread wear grade is a comparative  
rating based on the wear rate of the tire  
when tested under controlled condi-  
tions on a specified government test  
course.  
Temperature  
The temperature grades are A – the  
highest – B and C, representing the  
tire's resistance to the generation of  
heat and its ability to dissipate heat  
when tested under controlled condi-  
tions on a specified indoor laboratory  
test wheel.  
For example, a tire graded 150 would  
Tire damage up to and including sud-  
den and complete air loss can endan-  
ger the lives of both the vehicle occu-  
pants and other road users.<  
1
wear one and one-half – 1 /2 – times as  
well on the government course as a tire  
graded 100. The relative performance  
of tires depends upon the actual condi-  
tions of their use, however, and may  
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Tire replacement  
131  
Sustained high temperature can cause  
the material of the tire to degenerate  
BMW advises against using  
retreaded tires, since driving  
For more information on Run Flat tires,  
refer to page 156.  
and reduce tire life, and excessive tem- safety may be impaired. This is due to  
perature can lead to sudden tire failure. the possible variations in casing struc-  
The grade C corresponds to a level of  
performance which all passenger car  
tires must meet under the Federal  
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.  
Grades B and A represent higher levels  
of performance on the laboratory test  
wheel than the minimum required by  
law.  
tures and, in some cases, to their  
extreme age, which can lead to a  
decrease in their durability.<  
Tire age  
The date on which the tire was manu-  
factured is indicated by the code on the  
sidewall:  
DOT... 3603 indicates that the tire was  
manufactured in week 36 of the year  
2003.  
The temperature grade for this tire  
is established for a tire that is  
properly inflated and not overloaded.  
Excessive speed, underinflation, or  
excessive loading, either separately or  
in combination, can cause heat buildup  
and possible tire failure.<  
BMW recommends the replacement of  
all tires – including the spare tire* –  
when the tires are no more than 6 years  
old, even if a tire life of 10 years is pos-  
sible.  
Uniform Tire Quality Grading  
Run Flat tires*  
Quality grades can be found where  
applicable on the tire sidewall between  
tread shoulder and maximum section  
width. For example:  
Before purchasing tires, check if your  
BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.  
These are indicated by a circular sym-  
bol containing the letters RSC on the  
tire sidewall, refer to Changing a wheel.  
In this case, use only Run Flat tires,  
since no spare wheel is available in the  
event of a flat.  
Tread wear 200  
Traction AA  
Temperature A  
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132 Wheel and tire combinations  
Winter tires  
The right choice  
Storage  
Choosing the right tire  
BMW recommends using only  
wheels and tires that have been  
Always store tires in a cool, dry place.  
Store them away from light whenever  
BMW recommends the use of winter  
tires for operation under winter road  
approved by BMW for your particular  
possible. Protect the tires against con- conditions. While all-season tires – with  
vehicle model, as otherwise body con- tact with oil, grease and fuel.  
M+S designation – provide better winter  
traction than the corresponding sum-  
mer tires, they generally do not achieve  
the performance of winter tires.  
tact and serious accidents can result  
despite the use of the same nominal  
tion pressures specified on the tire  
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-  
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-  
sidewall.  
ances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires  
and wheels on the market, and is thus  
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will  
continue to perform safely if unap-  
proved tires and/or wheels are  
mounted.<  
In the interest of safe tracking and  
steering response, install winter tires  
made by the same manufacturer and  
with the same tread configuration on all  
four wheels.  
Never exceed the maximum  
speed for which the winter tires  
are rated.  
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to  
service tires can lead to damage and  
accidents.  
Have this work performed by trained  
professionals only. Any BMW center  
has the required technical knowledge  
and the proper equipment and will be  
happy to assist you.<  
For each tire size, BMW has assessed  
the safe performance of specific tire  
brands and approved them for use.  
Consult any BMW center for details.  
Comply with any local/national regula-  
tions, for example by recording the tire  
type in the vehicle documents.  
The correct wheel and tire combi-  
nation affects various systems  
that would otherwise be impaired, for  
example ABS, DSC and DBC.  
For this reason, use only tires of the  
same manufacture and tread configura-  
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for exam-  
ple, remount the approved wheel and  
tire combination as soon as possible.<  
Run Flat tires  
Before purchasing winter tires, check if  
your BMW is eqipped with Run Flat  
tires. These are indicated by a circular  
symbol containing the letters RSC on  
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Winter tires  
133  
the tire sidewall, refer to Changing a  
wheel. In this case, use only Run Flat  
winter tires, since no spare tire is pro-  
vided in the event of a flat tire.  
You cannot mount snow chains with the  
following tires:  
225/50 R 16  
225/45 R 17  
225/40 R 18  
245/40 R 17  
255/35 R 18  
Tire condition, tire pressure  
At tread depths below approx. 3/16 in /  
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible  
decrease in their ability to cope with  
winter driving conditions, and should be  
replaced in the interest of safety.  
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-  
tor after mounting snow chains to  
the tires.  
When driving with snow chains, it may  
be useful to turn off the DSC for a short  
time, refer to page 94.<  
Comply with the specified tire inflation  
pressures — and be sure to have the  
wheel and tire assembly balanced  
every time you change a tire or wheel.  
Snow chains*  
Only certain snow chains have been  
tested by BMW and determined and  
approved as roadworthy. Consult any  
BMW center for details. BMW recom-  
mends using only these approved fine-  
link snow chains. Use them in pairs on  
either summer or winter tires, but only  
on both rear wheels.  
Comply with all manufacturer's safety  
precautions when mounting the chains.  
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /  
50 km/h when using snow chains.  
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In the engine compartment  
134 Hood  
To release  
To open  
To close  
Pull the lever located under the left-  
hand side of the instrument panel.  
Pull the release handle and open the  
hood.  
Allow the hood to fall from a height of  
about 1 ft/30 cm so that it audibly  
engages.  
Do not attempt to service your  
vehicle if you do not have the  
To avoid injuries, be sure that the  
travel path of the hood is clear  
when it is closed, following the same  
safety precautions used in all closing  
procedures.  
If you notice while driving that the hood  
is not completely closed, stop immedi-  
ately and close it securely.<  
required technical background. Failure  
to work in an informed, professional  
manner when servicing components  
and materials constitutes a safety haz-  
ard for vehicle occupants and other  
road users. If you are not familiar with  
the guidelines, BMW recommends that  
you have the operations performed by  
your BMW center.<  
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135  
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136 Engine compartment essentials  
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Engine compartment essentials  
137  
1 Brake fluid reservoir 141  
2 Engine oil dipstick 138  
3 Coolant expansion tank 140  
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and wind-  
shield washer system 138  
5 Engine oil filler neck 139  
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump-  
starting 159  
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138 Washer fluid  
Engine oil  
The oil volume between the two marks  
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.  
1.1 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond  
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess  
oil will damage the engine.  
Headlamp* and windshield  
washer system  
Approximate capacity is  
5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.  
Checking the oil level  
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface  
2. Switch the engine off after it has  
reached normal operating tempera-  
ture  
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-  
stick out and wipe it off with a clean  
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar  
material  
Fill with water and, if required, with a  
washer antifreeze additive according to  
manufacturer's recommendations.  
We recommend that you mix the  
washer fluid before adding it to  
the reservoir.<  
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the  
way into the guide tube and pull it  
out again  
5. The oil level should be between the  
two marks on the dipstick.  
Antifreeze agents for the washer  
fluid are highly flammable. For this  
reason, keep them away from sources  
of flame and store them only in closed  
original containers, inaccessible to chil-  
dren. Comply with the instructions on  
the containers.<  
As with fuel economy, oil consumption  
is directly influenced by your driving  
style and vehicle operating conditions.  
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Engine oil  
139  
Continuous exposure to used oil  
has caused cancer in laboratory  
Ask your BMW center for details  
concerning the specific BMW  
testing. For this reason, any skin areas High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-  
that come into contact with oil should  
be thoroughly washed with soap and  
water.  
thetic oils that have been approved.<  
You can also call BMW of North Amer-  
Store oils, grease and similar materials ica toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit  
so that they are inaccessible to chil-  
dren. Comply with warning labels and  
information on containers.<  
this website: www.bmwusa.com to  
obtain this information.  
Viscosity ratings  
Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-  
lished in SAE classes.  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the dis-  
posal of used oil.<  
Adding engine oil  
The selection of the correct SAE class  
depends on the climatic conditions in  
the area where you drive your BMW.  
Only add engine oil when the oil level  
has dropped to just above the lower  
mark on the dipstick.  
Specified engine oils  
The quality of the engine oil is  
extremely important for the operation  
and service life of an engine. Based on  
extensive testing, BMW has approved  
only certain grades of engine oil.  
Approved oils are in SAE classes  
5W-40 and 5W-30.<  
BMW engines are designed to  
operate without oil additives; the  
use of additives could lead to damage  
in some cases. This also applies to the  
manual transmission, the automatic  
transmission, the differential, and the  
power steering system.<  
These kinds of oil may be used for driv-  
ing in all ambient temperatures.  
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-  
mance Synthetic Oil.  
If an approved BMW High Performance  
Synthetic Oil should be unavailable, you  
may use small amounts of other syn-  
thetic oils for topping up between oil  
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-  
cation API SH or higher.  
Recommendation: have the oil changed  
at your BMW center.  
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140 Coolant  
Do not add coolant to the cooling  
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-  
ant is low, slowly add coolant until  
the correct level is reached – do not  
overfill.  
system when the engine is hot. If  
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant  
can cause burns.  
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents  
are hazardous to health. You should  
always store them in their closed origi-  
nal containers and in a location which is  
out of reach of children. Antifreeze and  
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.  
For this reason, do not spill them on hot  
engine parts. They could ignite and  
cause serious burns. Comply with the  
instructions on the containers.<  
Checking the coolant level and  
adding coolant  
Check the coolant level when the  
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the dis-  
posal of antifreeze with corrosion inhib-  
itor.<  
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  
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Brake fluid  
141  
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,  
it absorbs moisture from the air  
over time.  
In order to ensure the brake system's  
safety and reliability, have the brake  
fluid changed every two years by a  
BMW center. Refer also to page 88 and  
to the Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet for US models or the Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-  
dian models.  
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the  
vehicle's paint. You should always store  
it in its closed original container and in  
a location which is out of reach of chil-  
dren.  
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not  
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the  
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite  
upon contact with hot engine parts and  
cause serious burns.<  
Indicator lamp  
The brake warning lamp comes  
on when the parking brake is  
not engaged: the brake fluid  
level is too low, refer to page 18.  
Brake warning lamp for Cana-  
dian models.  
Adding brake fluid  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating  
the disposal of brake fluid.<  
For adding brake fluid or for determin-  
ing and correcting the cause of brake  
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.  
Your BMW center is familiar with the  
specifications for factory-approved  
brake fluids – DOT 4.  
Brake fluid loss results in extended  
pedal travel. Refer to the information on  
page 126.  
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Maintenance  
142 The BMW Maintenance System  
From a maintenance point of view,  
As a precaution against corrosion, if  
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated your vehicle is exposed to potential  
in short-distance urban driving are not  
the equivalent of the same distance  
damage from unimproved road sur-  
faces we suggest that you have the  
covered at moderate cruising speeds in body checked for damage from stone  
long-distance highway travel.  
chips and gravel at the same time.  
The BMW Maintenance System  
includes the Engine Oil Service and  
Inspections I and II.  
Have your BMW center perform  
maintenance and repair.  
Be sure that all maintenance work is  
recorded in the Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet for US models, or  
in the Warranty and Service Guide  
Booklet for Canadian models. These  
entries confirm that your vehicle has  
benefitted from regular maintenance,  
and are also required for warranty  
claims.<  
This service strategy accurately reflects  
your own vehicle's specific needs by  
defining maintenance intervals accord-  
ing to individual operating conditions.  
Minimal use drivers – those who drive  
significantly fewer than  
6,200 miles/10,000 km annually –  
should have the engine oil changed at  
least every 2 years since oil deterio-  
rates over time, regardless of use.  
The BMW Maintenance System has  
been designed as a reliable means of  
providing maximum driving and operat-  
ing safety – and as cost-effectively for  
you as possible.  
Please keep in mind that regular main-  
tenance is not only necessary for the  
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a  
significant role in maintaining its resale  
value.  
Care  
You can find everything you need to  
know on this topic by consulting the  
separate Caring for your vehicle bro-  
chure.  
Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet for US models/Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet for  
Canadian models  
Service interval display  
While conventional systems rely on  
milage alone to determine when service  
is due, the BMW Maintenance System  
reflects the actual conditions under  
which the vehicle is operated: some  
miles are more strenuous than others.  
For additional information on required  
maintenance intervals and procedures,  
please refer to the Service and War-  
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-  
els, or the Warranty and Service Guide  
Booklet for Canadian models.  
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Laws and regulations  
California Proposition 65 warning  
OBD interface socket  
143  
California laws require us to state the  
following warning:  
Engine exhaust and a wide variety  
of automobile components and  
parts, including components found in  
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-  
tain or emit chemicals known to the  
State of California to cause cancer and  
birth defects and reproductive harm. In  
addition, certain fluids contained in  
vehicles and certain products of com-  
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals  
known to the State of California to  
cause cancer and birth defects or other  
reproductive harm.  
Battery posts, terminals and related  
accessories contain lead and lead com-  
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-  
ling.  
Used engine oil contains chemicals that  
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-  
mals. Always protect your skin by  
washing thoroughly with soap and  
water.<  
The interface socket for onboard diag-  
nostics is located on the left-hand side  
of the driver's side, behind a specially  
marked cover located beneath the  
instrument panel. The cover has the let-  
ters OBD on it.  
This interface makes it possible to  
access data on emissions-related com-  
ponents using special equipment.  
An illuminated indicator informs  
you of the need for service, not  
that you need to stop the vehi-  
cle. However, the systems should be  
checked by your BMW center at the  
next opportunity.  
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this  
indicates a high level of engine misfire.  
Reduce speed and contact the nearest  
BMW center immediately. Severe  
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144 OBD interface socket  
engine misfiring for even a short period  
of time can seriously damage emission  
control system components, especially  
the catalytic converter.  
SERVICE ENGINE SOON warn-  
ing lamp for 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 tight-  
ened, the indicator will usually go out  
after a short period of time.<  
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145  
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146  
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147  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Technical data  
Index  
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Replacement procedures  
148 Onboard tool kit  
Windshield wiper blades  
The onboard tool kit is located in the  
luggage compartment lid.  
1. Switch off the engine  
2. Fold the wiper arm completely out  
from the windshield  
3. Position the wiper blade at an angle  
and pull the release spring – see  
arrow  
Loosen the wing nut to open.  
4. Fold the wiper blade down and  
unhook it toward the windshield  
5. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper  
arm toward the top  
6. Insert a new wiper blade and apply  
pressure until you hear it engage.  
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Lamps and bulbs  
149  
The lamps and bulbs make essential  
contributions to the safety of your vehi-  
cle. Therefore, proceed carefully when  
handling bulbs. BMW recommends that  
you have such work performed by your  
BMW center if you are not familiar with  
the procedures.  
When cleaning the headlamps,  
please follow the instructions in  
the Caring for your vehicle brochure.<  
Do not touch the glass portion of  
a new bulb with your bare hands  
since even small amounts of impurities  
burn in to the surface and reduce the  
service life of the bulb. Use a clean  
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-  
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic  
base.<  
Low beams  
H7 bulb, 55 watts  
Engine compartment, left side:  
A replacement bulb set is available from  
your BMW center.  
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-  
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-  
tective gloves. Failure to comply with  
this precaution could lead to injury if the  
bulb is damaged.<  
Before working on the electrical  
system, switch off the electrical  
accessory you are working on or dis-  
connect the cable from the negative  
terminal of the battery. Failure to  
observe this precaution could result in  
short circuits.  
1. Remove the cover of the headlamp  
by pressing the tab and lifting the  
cover off  
2. Pull off the plug  
To prevent injuries and damage, com-  
ply with any instructions provided by  
the bulb manufacturer.<  
3. Release the retaining wire  
4. Remove and replace the bulb.  
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150 Lamps and bulbs  
When cleaning the headlamps,  
please follow the instructions in  
the Caring for your vehicle brochure.<  
Xenon lamps*  
The service life of these bulbs is very  
long and the probability of a failure is  
very low, provided that they are not  
switched on and off an unusual number  
of times. If one of these bulbs should  
nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-  
tinue driving with great caution using  
the fog lamps, provided local traffic  
laws do not prohibit this.  
High beams  
H7 bulb, 55 watts  
Parking lamps  
5 watt bulb  
Engine compartment, left side:  
Engine compartment, left side:  
Because of the extremely high  
voltages involved, any work on the  
xenon lighting system, including bulb-  
changing, should be carried out by  
technically qualified personnel only.  
Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal  
injury.<  
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left and  
remove  
2. Pull the bulb off and replace it.  
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-  
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-  
tective gloves. Failure to comply with  
this precaution could lead to injury if the  
bulb is damaged.<  
1. Turn the cover to the left and remove  
2. Pull off the plug  
3. Release the retaining wire  
4. Remove and replace the bulb.  
Note the letters TOP when putting  
the cover in place.<  
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Lamps and bulbs  
151  
Front turn signal indicators  
Side turn signal indicators  
Rear lamps  
21 watt bulb  
1. Turn the bulb holder with the plug to  
the left and remove  
1. Press the front edge of the lamp  
toward the back with the tip of your  
finger and remove  
2. Pull off the plug and replace the  
entire lamp.  
1 Turn signal indicator  
2 Backup lamp  
21 watt bulb  
2. Pull the bulb off and replace it.  
3 Tail lamp/brake lamp  
When replacing the bulb on the  
right, loosen and lift the reservoir  
for the headlamp and windshield  
washer system if necessary.<  
All bulbs in the fender are  
The side turn signal indicator is  
designed using LED technology. If  
faulty, the entire side turn signal indica-  
tor must be replaced.<  
designed using LED technology.  
Please contact your BMW center in  
case of a malfunction.<  
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152 Lamps and bulbs  
Bulbs in the luggage compartment lid:  
1. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clip  
2. Swing trim panel down – see arrow 1. Center high-mount brake lamp  
Unlock bulb holder – see arrow 2 –  
LED strip on the rear window.  
and remove  
3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb  
Please contact your BMW center in  
case of a malfunction.  
to the left. Remove and exchange the  
bulb  
4. Press the bulb holder into place con-  
tinuing until you hear it engage  
5. Reinstall the trim panel with the clip.  
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Lamps and bulbs  
Changing a wheel  
153  
Safety precautions in the event of height and reduce its support capacity.  
a flat tire or wheel change: Do not lie under the vehicle or start the  
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from engine when the vehicle is supported  
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur- by the jack. There is otherwise a risk of  
face. Switch on the hazard warning  
fatal injury.<  
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the  
straight-ahead position and engage the Your BMW is equipped with a space-  
steering lock. Shift into 1st or Reverse, saver spare tire designed for temporary  
or if you have an automatic transmis-  
use in maintaining the vehicle's mobility  
sion position the selector lever in Park, in an emergency.  
and engage the parking brake.  
vehicle and well away from your imme-  
diate working area – behind a guardrail, gage compartment completely out,  
To remove the space-saver spare  
tire, lift the floor panel in the lug-  
License plate lamps  
5 watt bulb  
for example.  
refer to page 37.<  
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and  
press toward the left to release the  
lens  
If a warning triangle or portable hazard  
warning lamp is available, set it up on  
the roadside at an appropriate distance  
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply  
with all safety guidelines and regula-  
tions.  
2. Replace the bulb.  
Change the wheel only on a level, firm  
surface which is not slippery. Avoid  
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery  
support surface – snow, ice, loose  
gravel, etc. – as either the vehicle or the  
jack could slip sideways.  
Position the jack on a firm support sur-  
face.  
Do not place wooden blocks or similar  
objects under the jack. They could pre-  
vent the jack from extending to its full  
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154 Changing a wheel  
wheel must be changed on a sur-  
face with a more severe slope, take  
additional precautions to secure  
the vehicle from rolling  
3. Wheels with full wheel covers*:  
reach into the ventilation openings  
and pull the cover off  
4. Loosen the lug bolts by rotating  
half a turn  
What you will need  
>Space-saver spare tire – next to jack  
Loosen the wing nut by hand, remove  
the storage shelf and take the wheel  
out  
>Lug wrench – in the onboard tool kit  
on the underside of the luggage com-  
partment lid, refer to page 148.  
In order to avoid rattling noises later,  
note the position of the tools when you  
remove them and return them to their  
original position when you are through  
using them.  
>Jack 1  
Raise the floor panel in the luggage  
compartment, refer to page 37, and  
undo the jack.  
When you have completed work, fold  
the handle back and insert it in its  
holder  
Procedure  
1. Read and comply with the safety  
precautions provided on the previ-  
ous page  
2. Secure the vehicle to prevent it  
from rolling:  
>Chock 2  
Place the chock against the rear  
surface of the front tire on the side  
opposite the side being raised. If  
the vehicle is parked on a down-  
ward slope, place the chock  
securely in front of the tire. If the  
Located behind the jack on the wall  
in the luggage compartment. Loosen  
the wingnut to remove it  
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Changing a wheel  
155  
5. Position the jack at the jacking  
point closest to the flat tire with the  
jack base vertically below the jack-  
ing point. The entire surface of the  
head of the jack moves into the  
square recess of the jacking point –  
refer to the detail in the next illus-  
tration – when the jack is cranked  
6. Continue raising the vehicle up  
until the wheel you are changing is  
raised from the ground  
8. Remove accumulations of mud and 13. Wheels with full wheel covers*:  
dirt from the mounting surfaces of  
the wheel and hub. Clean the lug  
bolts  
place the wheel cover with the  
valve opening over the valve. Use  
both hands to press the cover  
securely onto the rim  
9. Position the new wheel or the  
space-saver spare tire on the hub  
and screw at least two lug bolts fin-  
ger-tight into opposite bolt holes  
10. Screw in the remaining lug bolts.  
Screw in all the bolts in a diagonal  
pattern  
14. Check and correct the tire inflation  
pressure at the earliest opportunity.  
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor:  
After mounting the spare tire or  
correcting the tire inflation pres-  
sure, reinitialize the system, refer to  
page 95.  
7. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove 11. Lower the jack and remove it from  
the wheel  
beneath the vehicle  
12. Tighten the lug bolts securely in a  
diagonal pattern  
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt  
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty  
valve stems frequently lead to slow  
pressure loss.  
Do not place the full wheel cover  
on the space-saver spare tire,  
since this could damage the cover.<  
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156 Changing a wheel  
Run Flat tires*  
The vehicle jack is designed for  
changing wheels only. Do not  
teristics when approaching limit  
conditions. These handling characteris-  
attempt to raise another vehicle model tics will be even more pronounced if  
with it or to raise any other type of load. winter tires are mounted.  
To do so could cause accidents and  
personal injury.  
Only one space-saver spare tire  
may be mounted at one time.  
Mount a wheel and tire of the original  
size at the earliest possible opportu-  
To ensure continued safety, have the  
tightness of the torque bolts checked  
with a calibrated lug wrench – torque  
specification: 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm – at the nity.<  
earliest opportunity.<  
When storing a wheel in the spare tire  
recess, take care to avoid bending the  
threaded rod.  
Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-  
wall with a circular symbol containing  
the letters RSC. Run Flat tires consist of  
self-supporting tires and special rims.  
The tire reinforcement ensures that  
driving remains possible to a restricted  
degree in the event of pressure drop or  
even if the tire is deflated.  
If light-alloy wheels other than original  
BMW light-alloy wheels have been  
mounted, it may be necessary to use  
different lug bolts for those wheels.  
Replace the defective tire as soon as  
possible and have the new wheel/tire  
balanced.  
When mounting or replacing sum-  
mer tires with winter tires, or vice  
versa, use Run Flat tires since no spare  
wheel is available in the event of a flat.  
In this event, BMW recommends con-  
sulting your BMW center. Your BMW  
center has the information needed for  
working with Run Flat tires and is  
equipped with the necessary special  
tools.<  
Driving with the space-saver  
spare tire  
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a  
speed of 45 mph / 80 km/h.  
Be aware that vehicle handling may be  
altered. Anticipate, e.g., reduced track-  
ing during braking, longer braking dis-  
tances and changed steering charac-  
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Run Flat tires*  
Battery  
Fuses  
157  
Driving with a damaged tire  
Maintenance  
Depending on the cargo load, Run Flat The battery is maintenance-free, that is,  
tires allow you to continue driving at a the original electrolyte will normally last  
maximum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. If for the service life of the battery under  
there is a total loss of tire inflation pres- moderate climatic conditions.  
sure, 0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire dam-  
age, you can determine the distance  
you may continue driving based on the  
following values:  
Please consult your BMW center  
whenever you have any questions  
concerning the battery.<  
>With a light load:  
Charging the battery  
1 to 2 persons without luggage:  
approx. 150 miles/250 km  
>With a medium load:  
2 persons, luggage compartment full;  
or 4 persons without luggage:  
approx. 100 miles/150 km  
>With a full load:  
When charging the battery in the vehi-  
cle, leave the engine off at all times.  
Connect the charge cables to the termi-  
nals in the engine compartment. For  
terminal locations, refer to Jump-start-  
ing on page 159.  
You will find the fuses and information  
on their respective allocation in the  
glove compartment behind a panel with  
two snap clips.  
Do not attempt to repair a blown  
fuse or replace it with a fuse  
having a different color or amperage  
rating. To do this could cause a fire in  
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-  
load.<  
4 persons, luggage compartment full:  
approx. 30 miles/50 km.  
Disposal  
Return used batteries to a recy-  
cling point or your BMW center.  
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-  
tion for transport and storage. Secure  
the battery against tilting during trans-  
port.<  
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a  
speed of 45 mph / 80 km/h. Be  
aware that vehicle handling will be  
altered when there is a loss in inflation  
pressure. Anticipate, e.g., reduced  
tracking during braking, longer braking  
distances and changed steering char-  
acteristics.  
For safety reasons, BMW recommends  
not having damaged Run Flat tires  
repaired. In this case, consult your  
BMW center.<  
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Giving and receiving assistance  
158 Receiving assistance  
The BMW Group's Mobile Service  
offers you 24-hour assistance in the  
event of a breakdown, even on week-  
ends and holidays.  
If the indicator lamp is flashing but you  
cannot hear the emergency call center,  
you may still be heard by the emer-  
gency call center.  
The telephone numbers of the Mobile  
Service control center in your country  
are listed in the BMW Dealer Directory.  
For technical reasons, the emer-  
gency call function cannot be  
guaranteed in certain unfavorable con-  
ditions.<  
If your vehicle has the necessary equip-  
ment, you can contact the Mobile Ser-  
vice or issue an emergency call using  
buttons in the interior rearview mirror.  
If certain requirements are met, an  
emergency call is automatically initiated  
after a serious accident. The automatic  
emergency call will not be hindered by  
pressing the button.  
When an emergency call is initiated, a  
telephone connection is established  
with the general emergency call center.  
Fold down the cover.  
1 Emergency call  
2 Mobile Service  
In vehicles with activated BMW Assist  
function, a telephone connection is set  
up to the BMW Assist emergency call  
center. If the current location of your  
vehicle can be determined, this location  
is transmitted to the BMW Assist emer-  
gency call center.  
Mobile Service*  
To establish contact with the BMW  
Group's Mobile Service:  
Requirements for initiating an emer-  
gency call or contacting Mobile Service:  
>The car phone is registered with a  
mobile network  
>The emergency call system is opera-  
tional.  
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.  
Initiating an emergency call*  
Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.  
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.  
The indicator lamp above the buttons  
lights up. As soon as a telephone con-  
nection has been set up to the main  
emergency call center, the indicator  
lamp flashes.  
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Jump-starting  
159  
When 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.  
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.  
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.<  
Connecting the jumper cables  
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  
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.<  
Preparations  
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.  
1. Check whether the battery of the  
support vehicle has 12 volts and  
approximately the same capacity –  
measured in Ah. This information is  
provided on the battery  
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  
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi- overview on page, 136. The cover of  
cle  
this auxiliary terminal is marked with  
a +.  
Starting the engine  
3. Switch off all electrical components  
in both vehicles.  
1. Start the engine of the support vehi-  
cle and let it run for several minutes  
at a slightly elevated engine idle  
speed  
1. Open the cover of the BMW auxiliary  
jump-starting terminal. Do so by pull-  
ing the tab – see arrow 1  
Make absolutely certain that there  
is no contact between the body-  
work of the two vehicles, otherwise  
there is a short circuit hazard.<  
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160 Jump-starting  
Towing the vehicle  
2. Start the engine of the other vehicle  
as usual.  
Always comply with all applicable  
towing laws and regulations.<  
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.  
Towing with a commercial tow  
truck  
>Use wheel lift or flat bed carrier  
>Do not tow with sling-type equip-  
ment.  
Do not use spray starter fluids to  
start the engine.<  
Never allow passengers to ride in  
a towed vehicle for any reason.  
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,  
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control  
arms, or any other part of the vehicle  
suspension, as severe damage to these  
components will occur, possibly lead-  
ing to accidents.<  
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Towing the vehicle  
161  
Towing the vehicle with the front  
axle raised  
Vehicles with automatic transmission:  
1. Towing speed: maximum 45 mph /  
70 km/h  
2. Towing distance: maximum  
90 miles/150 km.  
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-  
box SMG:  
While the ignition is on, move the selec-  
tor lever to position N, then turn off the  
ignition.  
Access to tow sockets  
Rear:  
Press out the cover panel with a screw-  
driver inserted in the recess at the top.  
Front:  
Towing eyelet  
Press out the cover panel with a screw-  
driver inserted in the recess at the top.  
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in  
the onboard tool kit; be sure that it  
remains in the vehicle at all times. It can  
be attached at the front or rear of the  
vehicle. It should not be used to pull a  
vehicle out of deep snow, mud, sand,  
etc.  
Use only the towing eyelet sup-  
plied with the vehicle and screw it  
in firmly until it stops. Use the towing  
eyelet for towing on paved roads only. If  
you do not follow these instructions, the  
towing eyelet could be torn out and  
vehicle damage could occur.  
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,  
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control  
arms, or any other part of the vehicle  
suspension, as severe damage to these  
components will occur, possibly lead-  
ing to accidents.<  
Always observe all applicable towing  
laws and regulations.  
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162 Towing the vehicle  
Avoid staggered towing and be  
careful that the towing strap is  
taut before starting to drive the vehicle  
doing the towing.<  
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow  
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-  
ience of this material helps protect both  
vehicles from sudden jerking move-  
ments.  
The towed vehicle should always  
be the lighter of the two vehicles.  
If this is not the case, it will not be pos-  
sible to control vehicle handling.<  
Tow-starting  
For instructions on jump-starting, refer  
to page 159.  
Never attempt to use your vehicle to  
push another car, since damage to the  
energy-absorbing bumpers could  
result.  
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163  
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164  
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165  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Technical data  
Index  
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166 Engine data  
325Ci  
330Ci  
3
Displacement  
Number of cylinders  
cu in/cm  
152.2/2,494  
6
181.8/2,979  
6
Maximum power output  
at engine speed  
hp  
rpm  
184  
6,000  
225  
5,900  
Maximum torque  
at engine speed  
lb ft/Nm  
rpm  
175/237  
3,500  
214/290  
3,500  
Compression ratio  
ε
10.5  
10.2  
Stroke  
Bore  
in/mm  
in/mm  
2.95/75  
3.31/84  
3.53/89.6  
3.31/84  
Fuel mixture preparation  
Digital electronic engine-management system (DME)  
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Dimensions  
167  
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168 Weights  
325Ci  
330Ci  
Curb weight  
with manual transmission/SMG  
with automatic transmission  
lbs/kg  
lbs/kg  
3,560/1,615  
3,627/1,645  
3,616/1,640  
3,704/1,675  
Approved gross vehicle weight  
with manual transmission/SMG  
with automatic transmission  
lbs/kg  
lbs/kg  
4,442/2,015  
4,509/2,045  
4,497/2,040  
4,575/2,075  
Approved front axle load  
lbs/kg  
lbs/kg  
lbs/kg  
2,083/945  
2,546/1,155  
165/75  
2,094/950  
2,579/1,170  
165/75  
Approved rear axle load  
Approved maximum roof load for the hardtop  
Luggage compartment capacity  
with the convertible top compartment raised  
cu ft/l  
cu ft/l  
9.2/260  
10.6/300  
9.2/260  
10.6/300  
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight must never be exceeded.  
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Capacities  
169  
Notes  
Fuel tank  
Reserve  
gal./liters  
gal./liters  
approx. 16.6/63  
approx. 2.1/8  
Fuel specification, refer to  
page 25  
Windshield/  
Headlamp washer reservoir  
Specifications, refer to  
page 138  
quarts/liters  
quarts/liters  
approx. 5.6/5.3  
approx. 6.9/6.5  
Engine oil and filter change  
BMW High Performance  
Synthetic Oil  
Specifications, refer to page 138  
Manual and automatic transmission and differential  
required  
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170  
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171  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Technical data  
Index  
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Everything from A to Z  
A
Air supply  
Armrest 114  
Steptronic 79  
interlock 71  
selector lever lock 79  
shiftlock 79  
Automatic windshield  
washer, refer to Rain sen-  
sor 83  
ABS Antilock Brake  
System 125  
control 108  
ditioning mode 104, 108  
deactivating 64  
indicator lamp 18, 63  
sitting safely 52  
Airing out, refer to Ventila-  
tion 102, 106  
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-  
tions 25  
Artificial leather, refer to the  
brochure  
Ashtray  
front 115  
indicator lamp 19  
Acceleration assistant 78  
Accessories, refer to For  
your own safety 5  
Accident, refer to Emer-  
gency call 158  
Activated-charcoal filter 110  
Adaptive headlights 98  
Adding brake fluid 141  
Additional sources of infor-  
mation 4  
rear 116  
Assistant systems, refer to  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 93  
AUC Automatic recircu-  
AUTO program, refer to  
Average fuel  
consumption 91  
Average speed 91  
Avoiding unintentional  
alarms 39  
Air conditioning 102  
Air conditioning mode 104  
automatic climate  
control 108  
alarms 39  
Winter tires 132  
Antifreeze 140  
coolant 140  
washer fluid 138  
Antilock Brake System  
(ABS) 125  
indicator lamp 19  
Anti-theft system 30  
Anti-theft warning system,  
refer to Alarm system 38  
Approved axle loads, refer  
to Weights 168  
distribution 108  
air distribution 108  
air supply 108  
cruise control 84  
headlamp control 97  
Automatic car wash, refer to  
the Caring for your vehicle  
brochure  
Axle loads, refer to  
Weights 168  
Air distribution  
Backrest  
unlock 55  
air conditioning 104  
automatic climate  
control 108  
Air distribution,  
individual 108  
Backrest, refer to Seat  
adjustment 53  
Backup lamps 74  
bulb replacement 151  
Bandages, refer to First-aid  
kit 23  
Automatic climate  
control 106  
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-  
tion 102, 106  
Automatic curb monitor 58  
Automatic dimming, interior  
rearview mirror 60  
Automatic recirculated-air  
control (AUC) 109  
Air pressure, refer to Tire  
inflation pressure 25, 129  
Air recirculation, refer to  
Recirculated-air mode  
104, 109  
Bar, towing 161  
Approved gross weight,  
refer to Weights 168  
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Everything from A to Z  
173  
Battery 157  
charge 157  
disposal 157  
Brake lights  
Car battery 157  
Center high-mount brake  
lamp  
button 34  
brake force display 96  
Brake pads 126  
18, 126, 141  
Car care, refer to the Caring  
Car radio, refer to the  
Owner's Manual for Radio  
Car telephone  
indicator lamp 18  
jump-starting 159  
remote control 30, 31  
Battery charge current 18  
Belts, refer to Safety  
belts 56  
Beverage holders 115  
Blower  
air conditioning 104  
automatic climate  
control 108  
BMW High Performance  
Synthetic Oils 139  
BMW Maintenance  
System 142  
BMW sports seat 53  
Bore, refer to Engine  
data 166  
Bottle holders, see Bever-  
age holders 115  
Brake fluid 141  
indicator lamp 18, 141  
level 141  
breaking in 124  
passenger  
disc brakes 126  
indicator lamp 19  
Brake rotors  
brake system 126  
breaking in 124  
Brake wear warning  
indicator lamp 19  
Brakes  
ABS 125  
breaking in 124  
18, 19  
parking brake 73  
Bulb replacement, refer to  
Lamps and bulbs 149  
Bulb, replacing 149  
Buttons in steering wheel 22  
compartment 34  
Changing a wheel 153  
Charge indicator lamp 18  
Check Control 88  
Check Gas Cap  
preparation 115  
Car telephone, refer to the  
separate Owner's Manual  
Car vacuum cleaner, con-  
necting 116  
Car wash, refer to the Caring  
for your vehicle brochure  
Caring for your vehicle  
brochure  
trol 125  
indicator lamp 19  
Child seats, refer to Child-  
restraint systems 64  
Child-restraint mounting  
system (LATCH) 66  
Child-restraint system 64  
Chock 154  
Cigarette lighter 115  
Cigarette lighter socket 116  
Cleaning chrome parts, refer  
to the Caring for your vehi-  
cle brochure  
Cleaning light alloy wheels,  
refer to the Caring for your  
vehicle brochure  
warning lamp 19  
CD changer, refer to the  
Owner's Manual for  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
CD operation, refer to the  
Owner's Manual for  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
Cellular phone 115  
Brake force display 96  
Brake hydraulic system 126  
Brake lamps  
bulb replacement 151  
indicator lamp, defective  
lamp 88  
C
Cleaning position, convert-  
ible top 45, 50  
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to  
the Caring for your vehicle  
brochure  
California Proposition  
65 warning 143  
Can holders, see Beverage  
holders 115  
Center armrest  
front 114  
Capacities 169  
Cleaning windshield 84  
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Everything from A to Z  
Clock 89  
Connecting a vacuum  
lighter 116  
Consumption  
display 86  
Consumption, refer to Aver-  
Control elements, refer to  
Cockpit 14  
Convenience operation  
from outside 33  
windows 32  
Convertible top  
cleaning position 45, 50  
electrical fault 48  
remote control 31  
Convertible top activation  
fully automatic top 46  
manual top 41  
Copyright 4  
(CBC) 125  
to Defrosting windows  
105, 108  
Defrosting and demisting  
windows  
air conditioning 105  
automatic climate  
control 108  
Defrosting windows  
105, 108  
to Defrosting windows  
105, 108  
Demisting windows  
air conditioning 105  
automatic climate  
control 108  
Determining the maximum  
load 118  
Differential  
12-/24-hour mode 89  
setting, refer also to the  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
Closing  
from inside 34  
from outside 31  
Clothes hooks 125  
Clutch  
breaking in 124  
warning lamp 19  
Cruise control 84  
Cup holders, see Beverage  
holders 115  
Curb weight, refer to  
Cockpit 14  
Current consumption, refer  
Adaptive headlights 98  
Cylinders, refer to Engine  
data 166  
Code, refer to the Owner's  
Computer  
Coin box 115  
Cold start, refer to Starting  
the engine 71  
Compact disc operation,  
refer to the Owner's Man-  
ual for Radio/Onboard  
Computer  
D
Dashboard, refer to  
Cockpit 14  
Data  
breaking in 124  
Digital clock 89  
Compartments 114  
Compression ratio, refer to  
Engine data 166  
Convertible top compart-  
ment panel 37  
Coolant 140  
indicator lamp 19, 87  
level 140  
temperature gauge 87  
Coolant water, refer to Cool- DBC Dynamic Brake Control  
ant 140  
Cooling, refer to Tempera-  
ture 104, 108  
capacities 169  
dimensions 167  
engine 166  
technical 166  
weights 168  
Daytime driving lamps 97  
Dimensions 167  
Dipstick, engine oil 138  
Disc brakes 126  
Displacement, refer to  
Engine data 166  
Display lighting, refer to  
Instrument lighting 98  
Displays, refer to Instrument  
cluster 16  
Computer 90  
Condensation, refer to Air  
conditioning mode  
104, 108  
Configuring settings, refer to  
Vehicle Memory, Key  
Memory 70  
19, 125  
Deep water, refer to Water  
on roadways 125  
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Everything from A to Z  
175  
Disposal  
oil 139  
vehicle battery 157  
(PDC) 92  
Door key 30  
Door lock 33  
Doors  
emergency operation 33  
Draft-free ventilation  
105, 109  
Driving light, refer to Parking  
lamps/Low beams 97  
Driving notes 125  
tioning mode 104, 108  
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-  
trol 93  
indicator lamp 19, 93  
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-  
trol 93  
indicator lamp 19, 93  
Dynamic Brake Control  
(DBC) 19, 125  
E
Engine  
data 166  
electronics 19  
indicator lamp 19  
speed 86, 166  
Environmentally-friendly  
driving, refer to Energy  
control 86  
the rear 55  
Electric power windows 40  
ure 157  
automatic transmission  
door lock 33  
the Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet for US  
models / Warranty and  
Service Guide Booklet for  
Canadian models  
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-  
gram, refer to Dynamic  
Stability Control (DSC) 93  
Exterior mirrors 59  
starting 71  
switching off 73  
Engine compartment 136  
Engine coolant 140  
adding 140  
Engine oil  
adding 139  
additives, refer to Adding  
engine oil 139  
capacity 169  
quality 139  
specified oils 139  
driver's door 33  
fuel filler door 24  
lid 35  
Eyelets, towing 161  
Emergency call 158  
closing the convertible  
top 48  
F
False alarm, refer to  
Avoiding unintentional  
alarms 39  
Fasten safety belts  
warning lamp 18, 56  
Fault displays 88  
Filling the windshield washer  
reservoir 169  
First aid, refer to First-aid  
kit 23  
First-aid kit 23  
Flashlight 111  
Flashlight, refer to  
Rechargeable  
doors 33  
driver's door 33  
Engine oil level 19  
check 138  
fuel filler door 24  
Emergency release  
luggage compartment lid  
35, 36  
Emissions, minimum, refer  
to Energy control 86  
Energy control 86  
indicator/warning lamp 18  
Engine oil pressure  
indicator/warning lamp 18  
Engine oil types 139  
Engine output, refer to  
Engine data 166  
Engine speed 86, 166  
Entering the rear 55  
indicator lamp 19  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 19, 93  
Dynamic Traction Control  
(DTC) 93  
indicator lamp 19, 93  
flashlight 111  
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Everything from A to Z  
Flat tire 153  
Heated rear window  
air conditioning 104  
automatic climate  
control 109  
Heated seats 58  
rear window 104, 109  
seats 58  
Heating and ventilation  
102, 106  
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo  
loading 119  
Height adjustment  
seats 53  
steering wheel 59  
Height, refer to  
High beams 82, 83, 99  
bulb replacement 150  
headlamp flasher 99  
indicator lamp 21  
Holder for beverages 115  
Hood release 134  
Horn 14  
Flat Tire Monitor 94  
space-saver spare tire 153  
Flat Tire Monitor 94  
indicator lamp 18, 19, 95  
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-  
tion 129  
Fluid reservoir for washer  
systems 138  
Fog lamps 99  
indicator lamp 20  
Follow me home lamps 97  
Footbrake, refer to General  
driving notes 125  
Front airbags 61  
Front fog lamps 99  
Front seat adjustment 53  
Fuel  
Fuel reserve indicator, refer  
Fully-automatic convertible  
Glove compartment 111  
Grills, refer to Ventilation  
102, 106  
Gross weight, refer to  
activation 46  
convenience operation  
32, 33  
opening, closing 47  
remote control 32  
Fuses 157  
Handbrake, refer to Parking  
brake 73  
Hardtop 127  
Hardtop preparation 127  
Hazard warning flashers 14  
cleaning headlamps 84  
washer fluid 138, 169  
G
tion 91  
display 87  
quality 25  
volume 169  
Fuel consumption  
display 91  
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec- Headlamp control, auto-  
ifications 25  
matic 97  
Gear indicator 77, 81  
Gear lever  
automatic transmission  
with Steptronic 79  
sequential manual gear-  
box SMG 75  
Headlamp flasher 99  
indicator lamp 21  
Headlamps  
bulb replacement 149  
care, refer to the Caring  
for your vehicle brochure  
Heated mirrors 59  
Fuel display, refer to Fuel  
gauge 87  
Fuel economy, refer to  
Energy control 86  
Fuel filler door 24  
release following an elec-  
trical malfunction 24  
Fuel level indicator, refer to  
Fuel gauge 87  
Hub cap 154  
Hydraulic brake assistant,  
refer to DBC 125  
Hydraulic system  
brakes 126  
Gearbox  
manual transmission 74  
Gearshift lever  
manual transmission 74  
Hydroplaning 125  
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Everything from A to Z  
177  
I
INSPECTION 88  
Keys 30  
with remote control 30  
Kickdown 76, 80  
Load, refer to Cargo  
loading 118  
Loading  
Ice warning 90  
Ignition 71  
Ignition key 30  
positions 71  
Ignition lock 71  
Imprint 4  
Indicator lamps 18  
Indicator/warning lamp  
airbags 18  
Integrated universal remote  
control 112  
diagnostics (OBD) 143  
Interior lamps 100  
remote control 32  
Interior motion sensor 38  
switching off 32, 39  
Interior rearview mirror 60  
feature 60  
vehicle 118  
L
Lock buttons on doors, refer  
Lock, steering wheel 71  
Locking  
Lamps and bulbs 149  
Lashing down loads, refer to  
Cargo loading 118  
Lashing eyelets, refer to  
Securing cargo 120  
Lashing fittings, refer to  
Securing cargo 120  
LATCH child-restraint  
mounting system 66  
brochure  
from inside 34  
alarm system 39  
brakes 18, 19  
Check Gas Cap 19  
coolant 19, 87  
DSC 19  
Fasten safety belts 18  
Flat Tire Monitor  
18, 19, 95  
from outside 31, 33  
Locking and unlocking  
doors  
from inside 34  
from outside 31, 33  
Low beams 97  
automatic 97  
bulb replacement 149  
indicator lamp, defective  
lamp 88  
ment 104, 108  
Interlock, refer to Steering  
wheel lock 71  
fog lamps 20  
reserve 87  
diodes 100  
Intermittent  
rollover protection  
system 19  
mode, wipers 83  
Interval  
Length, refer to  
Dimensions 167  
Lug bolts  
key 154  
Service Engine Soon 19  
Individual air distribution 108  
Individual settings, refer to  
Vehicle Memory, Key  
Memory 70  
Inflation pressure monitor-  
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-  
tor 94  
display, service 88  
License plate lamp  
bulb replacement 153  
Light switch 97  
Light-emitting diodes  
(LEDs) 100  
torque 154  
J
Jack 153  
Jacking points 154  
Jump-starting 159  
Lighter 115  
LIGHTS ON warning 97  
Lights, refer to Parking  
lamps/Low beams 97  
K
Inflation pressure, tires  
25, 129  
Key Memory 70  
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Everything from A to Z  
Luggage compartment  
capacity 168  
emergency operation,  
refer to Manual  
operation 35  
enlarge volume 37  
floor panel 37  
M
Microfilter  
automatic climate  
control 110  
Microphone, refer to Cellular  
phone 115  
Mini disc operation, refer to  
the Owner's Manual for  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
Mirrors 59  
Nozzles, refer to Ventilation  
102, 106  
Nylon rope, refer to Towing  
the vehicle 161  
Maintenance 88, 142  
Making telephone calls,  
Owner's Manual  
O
Malfunction  
Odometer 86  
Oil  
additives, refer to Adding  
capacity 169  
lid 35  
convertible top 48  
door lock 33  
opening from outside 35  
opening, remote  
control 32  
opening/closing, refer  
to Luggage compartment  
lid 35  
remote control 32  
volume 168  
emergency operation 35  
emergency release 36  
indicator lamp 88  
opening from inside the  
vehicle 35  
opening from outside 35  
remote control 32  
securing separately 35  
unlocking manually 35  
Luggage compartment light-  
ing 35  
fuel filler door 24  
Malfunction displays 88  
Manual convertible top 41  
closing 44  
heated 59  
dipstick 138  
quality 139  
opening 42  
Mobile Service 158  
Modifications, technical,  
refer to For your own  
safety 5  
wheel 22  
Multifunction switch  
turn signal indicator/head-  
lamp flasher 82, 83  
specified engine oils 139  
viscosity 139  
Oil change intervals, refer  
to Service interval  
display 142  
Oil change intervals, refer to  
the Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet for US  
models/Warranty and Ser-  
vice Guide Booklet for  
Canadian models  
Oil consumption 138  
Oil dipstick 138  
Manual operation  
driver's door 33  
fuel filler door 24  
luggage compartment  
lid 35  
power convertible top 48  
Manual transmission 74  
Master keys 30  
MC operation, refer to the  
Owner's Manual for  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
MD operation, refer to the  
Owner's Manual for  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
Memory, refer to Seat and  
mirror memory 57  
N
Navigation system, refer to  
the Owner's Manual for  
Radio/Onboard Computer  
Neck restraints, refer to  
Head restraints 54  
Nets 114  
Oil filter change 169  
Oil level  
checking 138  
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-  
mounted luggage rack 121  
Lumbar support 54  
indicator lamp 18  
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179  
Reclining seat, refer to Seat  
Oil pressure  
Parking brake 73  
R
indicator lamp 18  
OIL SERVICE 88  
Oil types 139  
Old batteries, refer to Dis-  
posal 157  
Parking lamps 97  
bulb replacement 150  
beams 97  
to Your individual vehicle 5 Raising the floor panel 37  
Passenger-side exterior mir- Range 91  
ror tilt function 58  
PDC Park Distance  
Control 92  
Plastic, refer to the Caring  
for your vehicle brochure  
Pollen, refer to  
Radio remote control key,  
remote control 30  
Manual for Radio  
adjustment 53  
Refueling 24  
fuel filler door 24  
Releasing  
hood 134  
Remaining distance to ser-  
vice 88  
Remaining distance, refer to  
Range 91  
Remote control 31  
garage door opener 112  
luggage compartment  
lid 32  
Onboard computer 90  
Onboard computer, refer to  
the Owner's Manual for  
Onboard Computer  
Onboard tool kit 148  
Opening and closing  
from outside 31  
from the inside 34  
via the door lock 33  
via the remote control 31  
Outlets, ventilation 102, 106  
Outside temperature dis-  
play 90  
Reading lamps  
front 100  
rear 100  
lamp 88  
air conditioning 104  
control 109  
Rear-entry assist 55  
Rearview mirror 59  
Receiving assistance 158  
Recirculated-air mode  
air conditioning 104  
automatic climate  
control 109  
malfunction 32  
Microfilter 105  
Replacing lamps, refer to  
Lamps and bulbs 149  
Replacing tires 130  
Reporting safety defects 7  
Restraint systems  
for children 64  
Restraint systems, refer to  
Safety belts 56  
Reverse  
ter 110  
Power output, refer to  
Engine data 166  
Power seat 53  
Power socket, cigarette  
lighter 116  
Pressure monitoring, tires  
Flat Tire Monitor 94  
Pressure, tires 25, 129  
Protective function  
changing unit of  
measure 90  
P
Paintwork care, refer to the  
Caring for your vehicle  
brochure  
Panic mode, trigger  
alarm 32  
Park Distance Control  
(PDC) 92  
Parking aid, refer to Park  
Distance Control (PDC) 92  
automatic transmission  
with Steptronic 79  
SMG gearbox 76  
Reverse gear  
electric power windows 41 Recirculating the air, refer to  
Recirculated-air mode  
104, 109  
manual transmission 74  
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Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 599 - 09/03 BMW AG  
Everything from A to Z  
Rollover protection  
system 68  
indicator lamp 19  
lowering 68  
Roof load capacity 168  
Roof-mounted luggage  
rack 121  
Rope, refer to Towing the  
vehicle 161  
Seat heating 58  
Specified oils 139  
Speed gauge, refer to  
Speedometer 16  
Speedometer 16  
Sport program  
automatic transmission  
with Steptronic 80  
Sports seat 53  
Stability control, refer to  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 93  
Seats 53  
Securing child-restraint sys-  
tem 66  
Securing the vehicle  
from inside 34  
from outside 31, 33  
Selector lever  
sequential manual gear-  
Shiftlock 75  
Shiftlock, refer to Range  
selection 79  
Side airbags 61  
Run Flat tires 131, 156  
Side turn signal indicators  
bulb replacement 151  
Sitting safely  
S
Safe seating position 52  
ment 56  
Safety belts 56  
seat-integrated safety belt  
system 55  
sitting safely 52  
warning lamp 18  
Safety systems, refer to  
Antilock Brake  
System 125  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 93  
automatic transmission 79  
Shiftlock 75, 79  
automatic transmission 79 SMG sequential manual  
Sequential manual gearbox  
SMG 75  
indicator lamp 19  
Service and Warranty Infor-  
mation Booklet 142  
Service Engine Soon  
warning lamp 19  
Service interval display  
88, 142  
Shift paddles 76  
with airbags 52  
with safety belts 52  
Size 167  
Ski bag 117  
Wind deflector 50  
Standing lamps 99  
Starting difficulties  
jump-starting 159  
Starting the engine 71  
Starting, refer to Starting the  
engine 71  
Status of the Owner's Man-  
ual 5  
Steering wheel lock 71  
Steering wheel, adjusting 59  
Steptronic, refer to Manual  
operation 80  
gearbox 75  
indicator lamp 19  
Smokers' package, refer to  
Ashtray 115  
Snow chains 133  
SOS, refer to Emergency  
call 158  
Space-saver spare tire  
changing a wheel 153  
Spare key 30  
Screwdriver, refer to  
Onboard tool kit 148  
Seat adjustment 53  
BMW sports seat 53  
power 53  
Storage compartments 114  
Storage nets 114  
Storing seat positions,  
refer to Seat and mirror  
memory 57  
Spare tire 153  
Spare wheel 156  
Special oils 139  
Seat belt tensioner, refer to  
Safety belts 56  
Storing tires 132  
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Everything from A to Z  
181  
Track width, refer to Dimen-  
sions 167  
Transmission  
automatic transmission  
with Steptronic 79  
sequential manual gear-  
box SMG 75  
Transmission lock, refer to P  
Park 79  
Stroke, refer to Engine  
data 166  
Surface ice, refer to Ice  
warning 90  
refer to Flat Tire  
Tire replacement 130, 153  
Tires  
age 131  
changing 153  
Temperature  
Switches, refer to  
Cockpit 14  
Switching off  
engine 73  
air conditioning 104  
automatic climate  
control 108  
Temperature adjustment  
104, 108  
vehicle 73  
damage 129  
Symbols 4  
Synthetic oils 139  
Temperature display  
engine coolant 87  
ice warning 90  
outside temperature 90  
Temperature layering  
105, 109  
control 84  
ing 53  
Third brake lamp, refer to  
Center high-mount brake  
lamp 152  
Three-point safety belt 56  
Tilt alarm sensor 32  
remote control 32  
switching off 32, 39  
Tilting passenger-side exte-  
rior mirror 58  
flat 153  
inflation pressure 25, 129  
replacing 130  
size, refer to Wheel and  
storing 132  
Transmission malfunction  
automatic transmission  
with Steptronic 81  
sequential manual gear-  
Transport securing devices,  
refer to Securing  
cargo 120  
Transporting children  
safely 64  
Trap protection  
electric power windows 41  
Tread depth, refer to Tire  
tread 129  
Tread depth, tires 129  
Tread wear indicator in the  
tires, refer to Tire tread –  
tire damage 129  
T
Tachometer 86  
Tail lamps  
bulb replacement 151  
lamps 151  
tank capacity 169  
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel  
gauge 87  
Technical data 166  
Technical modifications 5  
Technical modifications,  
refer to For your own  
safety 5  
Telephone hookup 115  
Telephone, refer to the sep-  
arate Owner's Manual  
tread 129  
tread wear indicator,  
damage 129  
winter tires 132  
Tools, refer to Onboard tool  
kit 148  
Torque  
engine 166  
lug bolts 154  
Tow sockets for towing eye-  
let 161  
Towing bar 161  
Towing eyelet 161  
Towing rope 161  
Towing the vehicle 161  
Trip distance recorder, refer  
to Trip odometer 86  
Trip meter, refer to Trip  
odometer 86  
Time 89  
Trip odometer 86  
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Everything from A to Z  
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage  
compartment lid 35  
Trunk lighting, refer to Lug-  
gage compartment light-  
ing 35  
Unlocking  
from inside 34  
from outside 31, 33  
Warning lamp 'Fasten safety  
belts' 18  
Warning messages 88  
Booklet 142  
convenience operation  
32, 33  
power 40  
remote control 31, 32  
V
Turn signal indicator 82, 83  
bulb replacement 151  
indicator lamp 20  
Turn signal indicator, side  
bulb replacement 151  
Turning circle, refer to  
Dimensions 167  
TV function, refer to the  
Owner's Manual for  
Onboard Computer  
Valve  
Vehicle  
battery 157  
break-in procedures 124  
dimensions 167  
loading 118  
nozzles 84  
Washer fluid  
adding 138, 169  
Windshield washer reservoir  
volume, see  
Washer fluid reservoir 138  
volume 138  
Capacities 169  
Winter tires 132  
Washer jets, refer to Wind-  
washer fluid 138  
storing 132  
starting 71  
Wiper blades, replacing 148  
Work in the engine compart-  
ment 134  
switching off 73  
washing, refer to the Car-  
ing for your vehicle bro-  
chure 83  
Ashtray 115  
Wrench, refer to Onboard  
tool kit 148  
U
Underbody protection, refer  
to the Caring for your vehi- Vehicle Memory 70  
weight 168  
water 125  
X
cle brochure  
Uniform Tire Quality  
Grading 131  
Units  
average fuel  
consumption 91  
temperature 90  
Universal garage door con-  
trol, refer to Integrated  
universal remote  
control 112  
Vehicle weight 168  
Ventilation 102, 106  
draft-free 105, 109  
Voice Input System 22  
Voice recognition, refer to  
separate Owner's Manual  
Volume  
luggage compartment 168 Width, refer to  
Dimensions 167  
W
Weights 168  
Wheel and tire  
Xenon lamps  
bulb replacement 150  
combinations 132  
Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-  
sions 167  
Wheels and tires 132  
Wheelslip control DSC 93  
Wind deflector 50  
Window condensation  
removing 105, 108  
Warning and indicator  
lamps 18  
Universal remote  
control 112  
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183  
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Refueling  
To ensure that you always have conve-  
nient access to all essential information  
when you stop for fuel, we recommend  
that you fill out the adjoining chart by  
entering the data that apply to your  
vehicle. Consult the index for individual  
specifications.  
Fuel  
Designation  
Please enter your preferred fuel here.  
Engine oil  
Quality  
The oil volume between the two marks  
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.  
1.1 US quarts/1 liter.  
Tire inflation pressure  
Summer tires  
Front Rear  
Winter tires  
Front Rear  
Up to 2 persons  
4 persons plus luggage  
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More about BMW  
bmwusa.com  
The Ultimate  
Driving Machine  
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