Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced security and
control 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
features. 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 more detailed information refer to the supplemental 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.
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 Rust Perforation Warranty
– 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
display 80
Tachometer 81
Energy control 81
Fuel gauge 81
Coolant temperature gauge 82
Service Interval Display 82
Check Control 83
Computer 86
Multi-Information Display
(MID) 87
Digital clock in the MID 89
Computer in the MID 91
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 are looking for a brief
initial summary of the essentials, please
turn to the first chapter.
We hope that the detailed table of
contents on the preceding pages will
stimulate your interest and encourage
you to explore the remainder of 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 questions, your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
<
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
<
vehicle.
ment.
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-
specific equipment and optional extras.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environ-
<
t
Identifies index entries that refer
to owner service procedures or topics
on vehicle maintenance.
Identifies systems or components,
which can either be activated or
adapted to suit an individual driver's
requirements ("Vehicle Memory", "Key
Memory"). Refer to page 64.
Remember that activation and adjustments on some of these systems can
only be performed at your BMW
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. You can easily identify any
differences with the aid of the asterisk
used to identify all optional equipment
and accessories.
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(car radio or telephone, for instance),
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are
enclosed. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
*
Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development designed 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. We therefore request your
understanding for the fact that we are
unable to recognize any legal claims
based on the data, illustrations or
descriptions in this manual.
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 15 %
MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent) will not void
the applicable warranties covering
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 all applicable 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 confirm that 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. See your BMW
<
center for additional information.
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.
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.
For your own safety
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that 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 dealer 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.
The system runs a check on the
warning and indicator lamps marked by
●
" each time you switch on the igni-
"
tion. 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.
The following section describes how
you should respond.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being
charged. This indicates a defect
in the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Stop and switch off the engine
immediately to prevent overheating and serious engine damage. If
the drive belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.
Engine oil pressure
May be accompanied by the
message "STOP!ENGINE
OILPRESS" in the Check Control
*
display panel
diately and switch off the engine. Check
the engine oil level; top up as required.
If the oil level is correct: please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.
: stop the vehicle imme-
●
<
●
<
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)*
Accompanied by an acoustic
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 98
*
Parking brake
brake system hydraulic circuits
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 68
Comes on although the parking brake
is released: have the brake fluid level
checked. Before continuing your
journey, be sure to read the notes on
pages 132 and 143
Also comes on with the message
"CHECK BRAKE LININGS" in the
Check Control.
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 68
Parking brake warning lamp
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts
Accompanied by warning tone
and message
Control panel. Remains on until the
safety belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 53.
Airbags
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 58
*
*
●
●
in the Check
Yellow: please have checked at
your earliest opportunity
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is available without limitations. Please have
*
for
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 131
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 140
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information: refer to
page 140
*
*
Automatic transmission
Because of a malfunction, the
●
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 72 and 75
to page 132
is available without limitations.
Have the system repaired by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 98
automatic transmission shifts
*
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
Dynamic Brake C ontrol (DBC)* ●
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 26, 98
Self-leveling suspension* ●
The level control system is inac-
tive. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 99
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
*
●
Stability Control (DSC)
ASC+T/DSC has been deactivated,
either manually at the button or automatically in response to a system
malfunction. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 97
Engine-management system
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output and engine speed.
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 146
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Check Filler Cap
If the indicator lamp comes on
although the fuel cap is secured
correctly: this indicates a malfunction in
the fuel system. Have the system
inspected at your BMW center at the
earliest opportunity.
Additional information: refer to page 25
●
*
●
Green: for your information
Turn signal
Flashes when the turn signal is
on. Rapid flashing indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 76
Cruise control
Lights up when the system is
switched on: available for operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 78
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 102
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 76 and 102
The controls integrated within the multifunction steering wheel (MFL) and the
sports steering wheel
designed to allow you to operate a
number of accessories both quickly and
safely, without taking your eyes from
the road:
> selected control functions for the
radio along with CD, MD and
cassette player
> recirculated-air control of the air
conditioner system or the heated
steering wheel
> the cruise control
> various phone functions
> voice entry
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.<
Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice entry.
*.
* have been
* (MFL only)
* and
Switch between phone and radio,
cassette, CD and MD.
Forward:
> Radio
Press briefly: station scan in FM band
Extended pressure: search function
> CD/MD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function
in track
> Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
> Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind: functions as forward.
Volume
Cruise control: to select a stored
setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+)
or decelerate and store (–).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deactivate.
Recirculated-air mode and automatic
recirculated-air control (AUC) or heated
steering wheel: activate/deactivate.
the first-aid kit have a limited
service life. 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.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
23n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
The hazard warning triangle is readily
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.
Always observe all legal regulations requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
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.
before refueling, as it is not
possible to add fuel with the engine
running, and attempts may also trigger
the Service Engine Soon lamp.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also open the fuel filler door
manually:
sedan
1. Use the handle to lower the trim
panel on the right side of the luggage
compartment
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.
sport wagon
1. Release the right-hand panel in the
luggage compartment with the
button and fold the panel down
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.
If a subwoofer
T-screw and swing the subwoofer to
the side.
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.<
* is installed, loosen the
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not attempt to continue adding fuel
to the last drop, as this practice can
cause fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
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 effectiveness of
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Tank capacity: approximately 18.5 gal.
(70 liters), with a reserve capacity of
> BMW 525i, 530i: 2.0 gal. (8 liters)
> BMW 540i: 2.5 gal. (10 liters).
After refueling, close the filler cap
carefully, continuing until you hear
the detent engage. 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
the Check Filler Cap lamp
*.<
* or
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
> Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<
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).
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*:
(RDC)
After correcting tire inflation pressures,
reactivate the system, refer to page 99.
Check your tire pressures on a
regular basis – at least twice a
month – and before every extended
journey. Incorrect tire pressure can lead
to driving instability, tire damage and
accidents.
Check the inflation pressure of the
spare tire also. Inflate the spare tire to
the highest pressure of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the tables
apply to BMW approved tires sizes and
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US, but also European
standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW approved tires.