Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this 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 car. It
contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum
use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The
manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your vehicle throughout
an extended service life.
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.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you desire an initial overview
of your vehicle, this can be found in the
first chapter. The detailed table of contents that directly follows the summary
of contents is intended to stimulate
your curiosity regarding your BMW and
to encourage you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remember to hand over the Owner's Manual to
the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.
If you have any additional questions, an
authorized BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
tions that must be followed precisely in order to avoid the possibility of
personal injury and serious damage to
<
the vehicle.
Contains information that will as-
sist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-specific equipment and optional
extras.
t
Indicates index entries that refer to
owner service and maintenance procedures
Identifies systems or components,
which your BMW center can either
activate or adapt to suit an individual
driver's requirements ("Car Memory",
"Key Memory"). Refer to page 60.
<
<
<
The individual vehicle
On buying your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
which you might not have chosen for
your vehicle. Any differences can easily
be identified, since all optional accessories and special equipment are
*
marked with an asterisk
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(car radio, for instance), Supplementary
Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask
you to read these manuals as well.
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this
reason, it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor
can errors and omissions be entirely
ruled out. You are therefore asked to
appreciate that no legal claims can be
entertained on the basis of the data,
illustrations or descriptions in this
manual.
containing up to 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 with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel quality (volatility,
composition, additives, etc.) among gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. The use of poorquality 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 problems that you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to
a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
<
you are handling gasoline.
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been
thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from
other manufacturers to verify if it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
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.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
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 transceiver equipment (for instance, CBs,
walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar accessories) may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its
safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system, or affect the validity of the
BMW Limited Warranty. Visit your BMW
<
center for additional information.
Maintenance, replacement, or re-
pair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
<
motive part.
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
The following only applies to vehicles 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
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.
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, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your BMW center, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You
can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Safety belts 61
Airbags 62
Transporting children safely 66
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 68
Starting the engine 68
Switching off the engine 69
Parking brake 70
Manual transmission 70
Automatic transmission 72
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 75
Indicator/Headlamp flasher 78
Wiper/Washer system 78
Rear window defroster 80
Cruise control 81
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display 83
Tachometer 84
Energy control 84
Fuel gauge 84
Coolant temperature gauge 85
Service Interval Display 85
Check Control 86
Computer 89
Multi-information display
(MID) 91
Digital clock in the MID 92
Computer in the MID 95
Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. 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 different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current ●
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the charging circuit of the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. The engine
could be damaged due to overheating.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.<
Engine oil pressure ●
Comes on while the engine is
running and the "STOP!ENGINE
OILPRESS" message appears in the
Check Control: stop vehicle immediately and switch off engine. Check level
of oil in engine, top up as required. If oil
level is correct: please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The engine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*●
In addition, there is an acousti-
cal warning signal: a tire failure
has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid
hard brake applications. Do not oversteer. For additional information: refer
to page 103.
Parking brake
brake hydraulic system ●
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake. For additional information: refer to page 70.
Comes on although the parking brake is
released: have the brake fluid level
checked. Before driving further, be
sure to read the notes on pages 146
and 168.
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check
Control.
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 70.
Parking brake
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts ●
Together with an acoustic signal
or a message
Control. Comes on until the safety belts
are fastened. For additional information
on safety belts: refer to page 61.
Airbags ●
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 62.
* warning lampfor
* in the Check
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ●
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is available without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 143.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do not
drive more than approx. 30 miles
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information: refer to
page 165.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the
earliest opportunity (when you stop to
refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 165.
*
*
Automatic transmission*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 74, 77.
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 146.
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)
Fault in the DBC system. Conventional braking efficiency is available
without limitations.
For additional information: refer to
page 145.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 29, 103.
Level control system
The level control system is
inactive. Please consult the
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 148.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)
The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off
or has been deactivated because of a
malfunction. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 102.
Engine electronics
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics allow for continued driving
with reduced engine output or rpms.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Service Engine Soon ●
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 178.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
* ●
*
Green: for your information
Turn signal
Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 78.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 81.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 106.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 78 and 106.
The controls integrated in the multifunction steering wheel (MFL) are provided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions.
You may operate:
> Selected functions of the radio as
well as the CD and cassette modes,
> the recirculated air mode of the air
conditioner or
> the steering wheel heater
> the cruise control,
> selected cellular phone functions and
> the voice recognition
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding
systems must be switched on.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corresponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual
accessory manuals for more detailed
descriptions.
*,
*
380de702
1 Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.
Press longer:
Turn voice recognition on and off
2 Radio/Cellular phone: select
3 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Rewind on the CD and cassette
modes
4 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
25n
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Fast forward on the CD and cassette
modes
6 Horn: the entire surface
7 Cruise control: activate stored
The controls integrated in the sports
steering wheel are provided so that you
can operate a number of accessories
quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions. You may operate:
> Selected radio functions as well as
the CD and cassette modes,
> the cruise control,
> selected cellular phone functions and
> the voice recognition
*
46cde085
In order to operate a system via
the sports steering wheel, the corresponding systems must be activated.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corresponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual
accessory manuals for more detailed
descriptions.
1 Radio/Cellular phone: select
2 Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
and terminate a call.
Press longer:
Turn voice recognition on and off
3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Rewind on the CD and cassette
modes
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings.
Fast forward on the CD and cassette
modes
6 Horn: the entire surface
7 Cruise control: resume stored setting
8 Cruise control: store and
The button flashes rhythmically when
the hazard warning flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an
emergency, the button is also illuminated whenever the car's headlamps
are on.
394de053
The hazard warning triangle is quickly
available, stored in the onboard tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate.
To open the container, loosen the wing
screw.
Comply with legal requirements
which cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.<
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To remove: lift the release lever on the
front (arrow) and pull the first-aid kit forward out of its support.
To store: place the back of the kit into
the support, then push back until the lever engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
time only. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any whose expiration dates have passed. You can
acquire replacements in any drugstore
or pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements which
cover availability of a first-aid kit in your
vehicle.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 223.
Fuel filler door
Before refueling, shut the engine
off. If the engine is running, fuel
cannot be filled into the tank and the
Service Engine Soon lamp may come
on.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system fails, refer to page 198.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precautions and regulations pertaining to
fuels.
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.<
Simple and friendly to the environment
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message "CHECK FILLER CAP" in the
Check Control
Soon lamp.<
of leaded fuels will cause permanent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
390de351
The inflation pressures are indicated on
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind
the driver's door (visible with door
open).
Check tire pressures
All pressure specifications are indicated
in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient
temperature (refer also to the next
pages).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
*:
(RDC)
After a correction of the tire inflation
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer
to page 103.
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip.
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to tire
damage and accidents.
Check the inflation pressure of the
spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to
the highest inflation of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers. You will find
a list of approved tires beginning on
page 156.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US standards as well as European
standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW approved tires.