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 vehicle.
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 BMW
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 wish to gain only an initial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
The detailed list 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.
Should you have any further questions,
your BMW center will be glad to assist
at any time.
mation – please read the accompanying text passages carefully, both
for your own safety and to prevent
<
damage to your BMW.
indicates notes that alert you to
specific features of your vehicle.
Indicates special information on
<
recycling.
<
Indicates the end of a note.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-specific equipment and optional
extras.
Alerts you to functions that can
be adjusted by your BMW center
("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer
to page 60.
<
<
The individual vehicle
On purchasing 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 range.
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 or telephone, 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
Owner's 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 respecting
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel quality (volatility,
composition, additives, for example)
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 problems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching
to a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these 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 made
by 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 (such as C.B., walkietalkie, ham radio or similar devices) 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 authorized 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 for vehicle parts
Denotes vehicle parts for which
you should consult this Owner's
Manual.
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, Inc., 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, Inc.
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.
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 "
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 will light up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this
below.
" are tested for
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge
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 V-belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.<
Engine oil pressure
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. Check
the engine oil level and refill as required.
If the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
●
●
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*●
In addition, an acoustic will go
off: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately to
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 89.
Brake hydraulic system ●
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged,
check the brake fluid level. Before driving further, be sure to read the notes on
pages 117 and 136.
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. The oil level
is at the absolute minimum.
For additional information, refer to
page 133.
Do not continue driving until you
have refilled the engine oil. If you
continue to drive, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate
lubrication.<
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) ●
If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the yellow indicator lamps for ABS and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Continue driving cautiously and defensively.
Avoid hard brake applications. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 88, 115.
CBC, ABS and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 72.
up for a few seconds or until the safety
belt is fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 61.
BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 63, 173.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts ●
An acoustic warning signal
sounds at the same time. Lights
Airbags ●
Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized
IndexDataT echnolog y RepairsCar careControlsOverview
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
page 76.
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 115.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: check the
engine oil level.
For additional information, refer to
page 133.
Brake pads ●
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 117.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
Check the tire pressure.
For additional information, refer
to pages 27 and 89.
* ●
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) ●
DSC has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction or by
means of the button. In the event of a
malfunction, have the system checked
by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 132.
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 149.
The buttons integrated in the multifunction steering wheel are provided so that
you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions. You can operate:
> selected radio functions
> the cruise control
> selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding sys-
The button flashes intermittently when
the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the button in an
emergency, the button is also illuminated whenever the vehicle's lamps
are on.
The turn signal indicator function
takes priority over the hazard
warning flasher function. This means
that with the ignition key in position 1,
you can still use the turn signal indicator funtion, even if the hazard warning
flashers are being used at the same
time.<
46cde028
For easy access, the hazard warning
triangle is stored in the onboard tool kit
in the luggage compartment lid.
To open it, loosen the wing nut screw.
Comply with legal requirements
for keeping a hazard warning
triangle in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the
passenger seat.
To open: press the button (arrow) and
fold the lid downward.
To close: fold the lid up until it audibly
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 with passed
dates. You can purchase replacements
in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply
with legal requirements for keeping a
first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
IndexDataT echnolog y RepairsCar careControlsOverview
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
Service Engine Soon lamp.<
462de275
Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system malfunctions, refer to
page 165.
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.<
460de005
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Place (or put) 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 effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank will be full whenever the
filler nozzle has been used properly and
shuts off the first time.
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Recommended fuel: premium with a
minimum octane rating of 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and will adapt automatically
to different octane ratings, provided
that the minimum octane requirement
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will
provide enhanced performance and
lower fuel consumption, while the use
of fuels with low octane ratings will have
the opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause permanent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
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You will find the inflation pressures on
the inside door pillar (visible with door
open).
Check tire pressures
All pressure specifications are stated
in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold =
ambient temperature). Refer to the next
page as well.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
*:
(RDC)
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reactivate the system. Refer to
page 89.
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip.
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
lead to driving instability or to tire damage and accidents.
Check the tire pressure in the spacesaver tire as well.<
IndexDataT echnolog y RepairsCar careControlsOverview
The inflation pressures in the table apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. Approved tire sizes are listed on
page 128.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.
BMWTires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
All summer tires as well as
323Ci
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.