Owner's Manual

for Vehicle
Contents
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
A-Z
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 525i Owner's Manual for Vehicle
530i Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
545i 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 your BMW's unique range of technical fea-
tures. The manual also contains information on maintenance
designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to main-
taining 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.
ProCarManuals.com

This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

ProCarManuals.com

© 2004 Bayerische Motoren Werke

Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts,
only with the written consent of
BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 158 518
US-English VIII/04, 09 04 500
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 At a glance
Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is to use Entertainment
the index on page 202. 132 On/off and tone
138 Radio
Using this Owner's Manual 145 CD player and CD changer

Controls
4 Notes
Reporting safety defects 7 Communications
152 Telephoning
At a glance
161 TeleService, BMW Assist
10 Cockpit
16 Control Center Mobility

Driving tips
22 Voice command system 168 Refueling
170 Wheels and tires
Controls
176 Under the hood
28 Opening and closing
180 Maintenance
38 Adjustments
182 Replacing components
47 Transporting children safely
ProCarManuals.com

189 Giving and receiving assistance

51 Driving

Navigation
65 Everything under control Reference
76 Technology for comfort, convenience 196 Technical data
and safety 199 Short commands of voice command
87 Lamps system
90 A congenial climate 202 Everything from A to Z

Entertainment
96 Practical interior accessories

Driving tips
106 Things to remember when driving

Navigation
114 Starting navigation system
115 Destination entry Communication
124 Destination guidance
128 What to do if …
Mobility
Reference

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Notes
Notes

Using this Owner's Manual Symbols used

We have made every effort to ensure that you Indicates precautions that must be fol-
are able to find what you need in this Owner's lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way sibility of personal injury and serious damage to
to find specific topics is to refer to the detailed the vehicle.
index at the back of the manual. If you wish to Indicates information that will assist you
gain an initial overview of your vehicle, you will in gaining the optimum benefit from your
find this in the first chapter. vehicle and enable you to care more effectively
Should you sell your BMW some day, please for your vehicle.
remember to hand over the Owner's Manual as Refers to measures that can be taken to
well; it is an important component of your vehi- help protect the environment.
cle.
<Marks the end of a specific item of informa-
tion.
Additional sources of information
* Indicates special equipment, country-spe-
ProCarManuals.com

Should you have any other questions, your

cific equipment and optional extras, as well as
BMW center will be glad to advise you at any
equipment and functions not yet available at the
time.
time of printing.
You can find information on BMW, e.g. technol-
"..." Identifies Control Display texts used to
ogy, on the Internet at www.bmwusa.com.
select individual functions.

Symbols on vehicle components

Indicates that you should consult the rel-
evant section of this Owner's Manual for
information on a particular part or assembly.

4
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
The individual vehicle Editorial notice
On purchasing your BMW, you have decided in BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing
favor of a model with individualized equipment development that is conceived to ensure that
and features. This Owner's Manual describes our vehicles continue to embody the highest
the entire array of options and equipment avail- quality and safety standards combined with
able with a specific BMW model. advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this
Please bear in mind that the manual may con- reason, it is possible that the features described

Controls
tain information on accessories and equipment in this Owner's Manual could differ from those
that you have not specified for your own vehicle. on your vehicle.
Sections describing options and special equip-
ment are marked by asterisks * to assist you in
identifying possible differences between the
descriptions in this manual and your own vehi-

Driving tips
cle's equipment.
If equipment in your BMW is not described in
this Owner's Manual, please refer to the accom-
panying Supplementary Owner's Manuals.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
Communication
Mobility
Reference

5
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 For your own safety Parts and accessories
Notes

For your own safety, use genuine parts

Maintenance and repair and accessories approved by BMW.
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of When you purchase accessories tested and
modern materials and high-performance approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts,
electronics, requires specially adapted mainte- you simultaneously acquire the assurance that
nance and repair methods. Therefore, have cor- they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to
responding work on your BMW carried out only ensure optimum performance when installed
by a BMW center or a workshop that works on your vehicle.
according to BMW repair procedures with cor- BMW warrants these parts to be free from
respondingly trained personnel. If work is car- defects in material and workmanship.
ried out improperly there is a danger of conse- BMW will not accept any liability for damage
quential damage and the related safety risks.< resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW.
California Proposition 65 Warning BMW cannot test every product made by other
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a
California law requires us to issue the following
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
warning:
cle, its operation, or its occupants.
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and
ProCarManuals.com

automobile components and parts, other products approved by BMW, together

including components found in the interior fur- with professional advice on using these items,
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals are available from all BMW centers.
known to the State of California to cause cancer Installation and operation of non-BMW
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In approved accessories such as alarms, radios,
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension
certain products of component wear contain or components, brake dust shields, telephones,
emit chemicals known to the State of California including operation of any portable phone from
to cause cancer and birth defects or other within the vehicle without using an externally
reproductive harm. mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso- instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Batter- similar accessories, may cause extensive dam-
ies also contain other chemicals known to the age to the vehicle, compromise its safety, inter-
State of California to cause cancer. Wash your fere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect
hands after handling. Used engine oil contains the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Refer
chemicals that have caused cancer in labora- to your BMW center for additional informa-
tory animals. Always protect your skin by wash- tion.<
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.<

6
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Service and warranty Reporting safety defects
We recommend that you read this publication The following applies only to vehicles owned
thoroughly. and operated in the US.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran- If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
ties: which could cause a crash or could cause injury
> New Vehicle Limited Warranty or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Controls
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North
> Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New
> Federal Emissions Performance Warranty Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (800) 831-
> California Emission Control System Limited 1117.
Warranty If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may

Driving tips
Detailed information about these warranties is open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
listed in the Service and Warranty Information defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and a recall and remedy campaign. However,
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of
North America, LLC.
ProCarManuals.com

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto

Navigation
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.

Entertainment
Communication
Mobility
Reference

7
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 At a glance
This overview of buttons, switches and displays
is intended to familiarize you with
your vehicle's operating environment.
ProCarManuals.com

The section will also assist you in becoming

acquainted with the control concepts
and options available for operating
the various systems.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Cockpit
Cockpit

Around the steering wheel: controls and displays

ProCarManuals.com

1 Rear window blind* 97 5

Turn signals 56
2 Rear window safety switch 35
3 Opening and closing windows 34
High beams, headlamp flasher 88
4 Adjusting exterior mirrors 45
Roadside parking lamps 88

Check Control 67

Computer 69

10
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
6 Buttons on steering wheel 10 Horn: the entire surface
Telephone* 153:
11
> Press: accept call or terminate Steering wheel heater* 46
call
as well as dialing if an entry has Steering wheel adjustment 45
been selected from "A - Z",
"Top 8", "Redial", "Received
12

Controls
calls" or "Missed calls" Cruise control*: 58
> press longer: redialing
Active cruise control* 59

Volume
13 Releasing hood 176

Driving tips
14 Opening luggage compartment lid 32
Activating/deactivating voice com-
mand system* 22 15
Head-Up Display* 84
Fast forward/reverse 132
> Radio
ProCarManuals.com

Press: change radio station 16

Press longer: manual search Parking lamps 87

Navigation
or automatic search scan
> CD Low beams 87
Press: select track
Automatic headlamp control* 87
Press longer: fast forward/
Adaptive Head Light 88*
reverse

Entertainment
> Telephone*
Press: select entry in "A - Z", 17
Instrument lighting 89
"Top 8", "Redial", "Received
calls" or "Missed calls"
Fog lamps* 88
Individually programmable* 46

Communication
Individually programmable 46

7 Instrument cluster 12

8
Windshield wipers 57

Rain sensor 57
Mobility

9 Ignition lock 51
Reference

11
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Instrument cluster
Cockpit
ProCarManuals.com

1 Indicator lamps for turn signals 13 7 Display for

2 Speedometer > Odometer and trip odometer 65
3 Indicator and warning lamps 13 > Computer 69
4 Display for active cruise control* 60 > Date and remaining travel distance for
5 Tachometer 65 service requirements 66
and Energy Control 66 > Automatic transmission with
6 Display for Steptronic 55

> Clock/date 65 > SMG Sequential manual

transmission* 53
> Outside temperature 65
> Check Control message present 67
> Indicator and warning lamps 68
8 Fuel gage 66
> Speed of cruise control* 58
9 Resetting trip odometer 65
> Desired speed for active cruise
control* 59

12
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Indicator and warning lamps What to do in case of a malfunction

The concept

Controls
All warning lamps and indicator lamps not yet
listed are also accompanied by text messages
Indicator and warning lamps and their combina- on the Control Display. These may contain

Driving tips
tions are displayed in the display region 1 and in more information as to the cause of a malfunc-
the display 2. To better differentiate between tion and instructions on what to do.
malfunctions, different symbols can be shown
on the display 2.
Some lights in the display region 1 are tested
ProCarManuals.com

for proper function by briefly lighting up during

Navigation
starting of the engine or when the ignition is
switched on.

Acknowledging active functions

The following indicator lamps in the display
region 1 indicate that the associated functions

Entertainment
Sometimes, warning lamps are also accompa-
are activated: nied by supplemental text messages on the
Control Display that are shown immediately.
Turn signals 56
Text messages that do not appear immediately
are stored and can be displayed subsequently.
Handbrake engaged 52 For further information on displaying these
messages later, refer to Check Control on
Handbrake engaged for Canadian page 67. Communication
models
Front fog lamps 88

DTC Dynamic Traction Control 78

High beams/headlamp flasher 88

Mobility

DSC Dynamic Stability Control 78

Reference

13
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Around the center console: controls and displays
Cockpit
ProCarManuals.com

14
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
1 Microphone for telephone* 153 15 Drive for audio CDs 132
2 Reading lamps 89 16 Switching audio sources on/off and
3 Initiating an emergency call* 189 adjusting volume 132

4 Interior lamps 89
17
5 Glass sunroof, electric* 35 Heated seats* 43

6 Passenger airbag status lamp 84

Active seat ventilation* 44

Controls
7 Microphone for voice command
system* 22 Active backrest width
8 Control Display 16 adjustment* 40
Displays for menu navigation
Active seat* 44
9 Hazard warning flashers

Driving tips
10 Central locking system 31 PDC Park Distance Control* 76
11 Automatic climate control 90
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 78
Temperature setting, left/right 91
18 Controller 16
Automatic air distribution and
ProCarManuals.com

volume 91 19 Activating voice command system* 22

Navigation
20 Opening start menu on Control Display 17
Cooling function 91
21 Dynamic Driving Control* 54
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control 91

Entertainment
Maximum cooling 91

Residual heat mode 92

Switching off automatic climate

control 92

Communication
Air volume 91

Defrosting windows 91

Rear window defroster 90

12 Starting search function

> for radio stations 132
Mobility

> for tracks 146

13 Ejecting
> navigation DVD* 114
> audio CD 132
Reference

14 Drive for navigation DVDs* 114

15
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Control Center
Control Center

The Control Center groups the functions of a to basic menu navigation. The control of the
large number of switches. This allows these individual functions is described in connection
functions to be operated from a central position. with the relevant equipment.
The following section provides an introduction

Controls
ProCarManuals.com

1 Controller navigate through the menus of the Control Cen-

2 button: open the start menu from ters and adjust settings.
any menu To avoid posing an unnecessary hazard
3 Control Display due to inattention, both to your own vehi-
cle's occupants and to other road users: never
By moving the controller 1 horizontally in four
attempt to use the controls or make entries
directions 4, rotating 5 and pressing 6, you can
unless traffic and road conditions allow.<

Menu overview
You can call up all the functions in the Control Navigation or onboard information
Center using five menu items. > Navigation system*
> Onboard information, e.g. for displaying the
Communication
average fuel consumption.
> Portable phone*
> BMW Assist* or TeleService*

16
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Entertainment Start menu
> Radio
> CD player and CD changer*

Climate
> Air distribution
> Seat air conditioning

Controls
> Independent ventilation*

menu
From the start menu, you can open four menus
> Switching off Control Display by moving the controller left, right, forward, or
> Tone and display settings back. Pressing the controller opens the menu.

Driving tips
> Settings for traffic information
Opening start menu
> Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for central
locking, or settings for your portable phone Press button.

> Display of service requirements and dates To open the start menu from the menu:
for statutory emission and vehicle inspec- Press the button twice.
ProCarManuals.com

tions.

Navigation
Displays in menu

Menu navigation
As of ignition key position 1, the following mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:

Entertainment
1 In menus, you can change fields to select

Communication
the menu items they contain or to make
adjustments. The current field is high-
lighted.
2 Menu items are usually grouped in horizon-
Confirm the message by pressing the control- tal or vertical lists.
ler; this opens the start menu.
3 In these lists, arrows indicate the possibility
of accessing other menu items that are not
currently visible.
4 Settings are displayed graphically, numeri-
Mobility

cally, or as text.
Reference

17
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 5 A symbol indicates the last selected menu
Control Center

item of the start menu:

Communication

Navigation or onboard information

Entertainment

Climate

menu
ProCarManuals.com

18
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Selecting menu items and making adjustments

Controls
Driving tips
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
1 Selecting individual menu items: turn the Changing directly to the last menu
controller. The highlight moves. Menu Move the controller in the corresponding direc-
items shown in white can be selected. tion and hold it for longer than approx. 2 sec- Communication
2 Activating highlighted menu items: press onds. The menu in the selected direction is
the controller. New menu items are dis- opened and the last menu item selected is dis-
played or a function is executed. played.
3 Changing the current field: move controller
left, right, forward, or back and release.
4 Selecting menu items: such as 1.
5 Adjusting settings: turn the controller. This
Mobility

causes the graphical display, numerical val-

ues or text displays to change. When you
change into another field or another menu,
the new setting is applied.
Reference

19
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Status information Assistance window*
Control Center

1 Display* for manual or automatic air distri- Additional information can be displayed in the
bution for the driver's side and passenger assistance window:
side > The computer or the trip computer*
2 Display for: > The route map or the arrow view in vehicles
> Entertainment: with navigation system*
Radio, CD or > The current position
entertainment sound output
Switching on assistance window:
> Telephone*:
ProCarManuals.com

Move the controller to the right to change to the

"Car Phone", "Portable" or no network
assistance window, and press the controller.
3 Display for:
To select the display in the assistance window:
> New entries present in "Missed calls"*
1. Move the controller to the right to change to
> Text message/SMS* received the assistance window, and press the con-
> Roaming active troller.
4 Telephone calls* or BMW Assist calls*
enabled
Reception strength for telephone,
depending on the portable phone
5 Time
Other displays:
The status information is temporarily hidden
when there are Check Control instructions or
inputs via the voice command system.
2. Select menu item.
3. Press the controller.

20
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Closing assistance window:
1. Move the controller to the right to change to
the assistance window, and press the con-
troller.
2. Select "Assist. window off" and press the
controller.

Controls
Driving tips
Switching Control Display on/off
To switch off the Control Display:
ProCarManuals.com

1. Press button.

Navigation
This opens the start menu.
2. Press controller to open menu.
3. Select "Display off" and press the control-
ler.

Entertainment
Communication

To switch off the Control Display:

Press the controller.
Mobility
Reference

21
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Voice command system *
ProCarManuals.comVoice command system

The concept Voice commands

The voice command system allows you to con-
Activating voice command system
trol operation of various vehicle systems with-
out ever removing your hands from the steering 1. Press the button in the center console
wheel. or on the steering wheel.

Individual menu items on the Control Display

can be spoken as commands. This frees you of
having to use the controller.
The voice command system transforms your
oral commands into control signals for the
selected systems and provides support in the
form of instructions or questions.
The voice command system uses a special
microphone located in the area of the interior
rearview mirror, refer to page 14. This symbol on the Control Display and
an acoustic signal tell you that the voice
Precondition command system can respond to com-
mands.
In the Control Center, set the language that
applies for the voice command system in order
to enable identification of the spoken com-
mands. Setting the language of the Control
Center, refer to page 74.

Symbol in the Owner's Manual

{...} Say the specified commands word for
word.
{{...}} Indicates responses of the voice
command system. 2. Say the command.
The text or numbers that the voice com-
mand system has registered will appear on
the Control Display.

22
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
This symbol appears on the Control Display Opening the start menu
when you can input additional voice com- {Main menu}
mands.
If no other voice commands are possible, then Example: selecting a track
operate the equipment using the Control Cen-
1. Press the button on the steering wheel
ter.
or in the center console.
Terminating or canceling voice 2. {Entertainment}

Controls
command system The system outputs:
{{Entertainment}}
Press the button on the steering wheel or
on the center console
or
{Cancel}

Driving tips
Voice commands

Having the possible voice commands

read aloud
You can have the system read aloud the possi-
ProCarManuals.com

ble voice commands related to the selected

Navigation
menu item on the Control Display. 3. {CD}
For example, if you have selected "CD", the The system outputs:
system will read aloud the possible voice com- {{CD}}
mands for operating the CD player and the CD
changer*:

Entertainment
{Options}

Opening help
{Help}

Using alternative voice commands

Communication
There are often a number of commands to run a
function, e.g.:
4. Select track, e.g.:
{Information menu} or {i menu} {Track 1}
The system outputs:
Calling up functions directly {{Track 1}}
With short commands you can carry out certain
functions directly, regardless of which menu
item is selected, refer to page 199.
Mobility
Reference

23
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Notes
ProCarManuals.comVoice command system

The portable phone can also be operated

by voice commands, refer to page 158.<
For voice commands, bear the following in
mind:
> Issue the commands smoothly and at nor-
mal volume, avoiding excessive emphasis
and pauses.
> Say the names of radio stations in the lan-
guage of the voice command system or the
customary pronunciation for the station.
> For entries in the voice-activated phone
book, only use names in the language of the
voice command system and no abbrevia-
tions
> Keep the doors, windows and glass sunroof
closed to prevent interference from ambi-
ent noise.
> Avoid making other noise in the vehicle
while speaking.

24
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

25
Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Controls
This chapter is intended to provide you with
information for complete control of your vehicle.
Its extensive array of features and accessories,
ProCarManuals.com

both for driving and for your own safety,

comfort and convenience, are described here.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Opening and closing
Opening and closing

The key set You can have up to four different basic settings
adjusted for four different persons for the spe-
cific keys. The only requirement is that each
person uses his or her own master key with
remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual
key by means of a data exchange and makes
adjustments accordingly.

Size of Key Memory

1 Every master key with remote control con- > When unlocking with the remote control,
tains an extended-life battery as a power either unlock only the driver's door or the
supply, which is charged automatically in entire vehicle, refer to page 29
the ignition lock as you drive. You should > Locking the vehicle after a short time or
ProCarManuals.com

use each master key at least twice a year in after starting off, refer to page 31
order to maintain the charge condition.
> Assigning the programmable function but-
Depending on which master key is detected
tons on the steering wheel, refer to page 46
by the vehicle during unlocking, different
settings in the vehicle are requested and > Settings for the display on the Control Dis-
executed, refer to Key Memory below. play:
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place, such > Brightness of the Control Display, refer
as in your wallet. to page 73
This key does not fit in the locks of the lug- > Measuring units for consumption, travel/
gage compartment lid and the glove com- distances, temperature, and pressure,
partment. This is an advantage when valet refer to page 73
parking, for example. The key is not > Voice commands in Control Display,
intended for regular use. refer to page 74
> 12h/24h mode of the clock, refer to
New key
page 74
Additional or replacement keys are available at
> Date format, refer to page 75
your BMW center.
> Showing optical warning for PDC Park
Distance Control*, refer to page 76
Key Memory > Selection and brightness of display in
Head-Up Display*, refer to page 85
How the system functions > Air distribution, temperature and intensity
Doubtless you have often reflected on how of the automatic air conditioning system,
great it would be if you could configure your refer to page 92
vehicle's various adjustment settings to meet > Setting voice instructions for destination
your own personal requirements. BMW has guidance in the navigation system*, refer to
designed several freely selectable options into page 125
the vehicle during its development. You can set
these as desired via the Control Center.

28
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
In addition, the following, most recently Opening and closing: from
selected settings are recalled during unlocking:
outside
> Positions of driver's seat, outside mirrors,
and steering wheel, refer to page 40 Using the remote control
> Audio sources, setting volume and tone, Protect the remote control against unau-
refer to page 133 thorized use by handing over only the
> Telephone, setting volume, refer to spare key, for example when using valet park-

Controls
pages 153, 159 ing.<
> Radio, displaying memorized stations, refer Because any persons or animals left unat-
to page 140 tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always keep
the remote control with you; this precaution
Central locking system ensures that you will remain able to unlock the

Driving tips
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
The concept
Unlocking
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. The Use the button to unlock the vehicle accord-
system simultaneously engages and releases ing to current settings.
ProCarManuals.com

the locks on the following: Control Center, for principle details, refer to

Navigation
> Doors page 16.
> Luggage compartment lid 1. Open the menu.
> Fuel filler door 2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
The central locking system can be operated
from the outside 3. Select "Door locks" and press the control-

Entertainment
ler.
> via the remote control
4. Select "Central locking" and press the con-
> via the door lock
troller.
and from inside via the button for the central
5. Select "Unlock button" and press the con-
locking system.
troller.
When actuated from the inside, the fuel filler
6. Select a menu item:
Communication
door is not locked, refer to page 31.
> "All doors"
The anti-theft system is automatically activated
Press the button once to unlock the
whenever you operate the central locking sys-
entire vehicle.
tem from outside the vehicle. It prevents the
doors from being unlocked using the lock but- > "Driver's door only"
tons or door handles. The alarm system is Press the button once to unlock only
armed/disarmed at the same time. The remote the driver's door and the fuel filler door.
control is also used to switch the interior lamps Press the button twice to unlock the
on and off. entire vehicle.
Mobility

You can find more detailed information on the

alarm system on page 33.
In an accident of sufficient severity, the central
locking system automatically unlocks the vehi-
cle. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and
Reference

interior lamps come on.

29
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Setting confirmation signals
Opening and closing

You can vary or also deactivate the acknowl-

edgment signals for locking or unlocking.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open the menu.
2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
3. Select "Door locks" and press the control-
7. Press the controller.
ler.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
4. Select "Confirmation" and press the con-
rently in use.
troller.
Convenience opening
Hold button down. The windows and the
glass sunroof open.

Locking
ProCarManuals.com

Press button.

Switching on interior lamps

If the vehicle is locked, press the but-
ton. 5. Select desired signal.
You can also use this function to locate your 6. Press the controller.
vehicle in parking garages etc. The signals are switched on.

Panic mode* Malfunctions

By pressing and holding the button for more The remote control may malfunction due to
than approx. two seconds, you can trigger the local radio waves.
alarm system in response to any impending Should the remote control fail to operate owing
danger. to interference of this kind, unlock and lock the
To switch off the alarm: press any of the but- vehicle via the door lock using the master key.
tons. If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle
using the remote control, then its battery is dis-
Opening luggage compartment lid charged. Use this remote control during an
Press button. extended drive; this will recharge the battery,
refer to page 28.
The luggage compartment lid opens, regard-
less of whether it was previously locked or
unlocked.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
During opening, the luggage compart-
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication
ment lid pivots back and up. Ensure that
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
adequate clearance is available before opening.
erned by the following:
A previously locked luggage compartment lid is
also locked again after closing.< FCC ID:
LX8766S

30
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
LX8766E Manual operation
LX8CAS If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can
Compliance statement: unlock or lock the driver's door with the key in
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC the end positions of the door lock.
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
> this device must not cause harmful interfer- Opening and closing: from
inside

Controls
ence, and
> this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the

Driving tips
user's authority to operate this equipment.<

Using door lock

ProCarManuals.com

This button serves to unlock or lock doors and

the luggage compartment lid, but does not acti-

Navigation
vate the anti-theft system. The fuel filler door
remains unlocked.
You can also make the following settings:
> The central locking system automatically
locks the vehicle after a short time when no

Entertainment
door has been opened.
One turn of the key in the driver's door lock
unlocks the driver's door only. > The central locking system automatically
Turning the key a second time unlocks all of the locks the vehicle as soon as you start to
remaining doors, the luggage compartment lid drive.
and the fuel filler door. Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
Convenience operation 1. Open the menu. Communication
You also have the option of operating the win- 2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
dows and the glass sunroof from the driver's controller.
door lock.
3. Select "Door locks" and press the control-
> Opening: ler.
With the door closed, turn the key to the
unlock position and hold it there.
> Closing:
With the door closed, turn the key to the
Mobility

lock position and hold it there.

Watch during the closing process to be
sure that no one is injured. Releasing the
key stops the operation.<
Reference

31
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 4. Select "Central locking" and press the con- Luggage compartment lid
Opening and closing

troller.
During opening, the luggage compart-
ment lid pivots back and up. Ensure that
adequate clearance is available before open-
ing.<

Opening from inside

5. Select "Relock door if not opened"

or
"Lock after driving".
6. Press the controller.
The setting is selected.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur- Press the button: the luggage compartment lid
rently in use. opens unless it has been locked.
ProCarManuals.com

Unlocking and opening doors Opening from outside

> Either unlock the doors together with the
button for the central locking system and
then pull the door handle above the armrest
or
> pull on the door handle of each door twice:
The first time unlocks the door, the second
time opens it.

Locking
> Use the central locking button to lock all of Press the button: the luggage compartment lid
the doors simultaneously, or opens.
> press down the lock button of the desired
door. To prevent you from being locked out,
the open driver's door cannot be locked
using the lock button.
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always take
the master key with remote control with you to
ensure that you will remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside whenever the need
arises.< Only the master keys with remote control, refer
to page 28, match the luggage compartment
lock.

32
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Locking separately Closing
Turn the master key with remote control in the
lock of the luggage compartment lid beyond a
resistance point to the right and withdraw it in
the horizontal position.
This locks the luggage compartment lid and
disconnects it from the central locking system.

Controls
If you then only hand over the spare key, refer to
page 28, no access is possible via the luggage
compartment lid. This is an advantage when
valet parking, for example. The handle recesses on the interior trim of the
luggage compartment lid make it easier to pull
Unlocking again and opening manually down.

Driving tips
Turn master key toward the left until the resis- Make sure that the closing path of the
tance point: the luggage compartment lid luggage compartment lid is clear, as oth-
opens. erwise injuries may result.<
If you use the key to unlock the luggage
compartment lid while the alarm system
ProCarManuals.com

is armed, the alarm will be triggered. You should Alarm system

therefore unlock the vehicle ahead of time.

Navigation
If the alarm is inadvertently triggered: switch off The concept
the alarm, refer to page 34.<
The vehicle alarm system responds:

Emergency release > When a door, the hood, or the luggage com-
partment lid is opened

Entertainment
> To movements inside the vehicle: Inner
motion sensor, see below
> To changes in the vehicle's tilt if someone
attempts to steal the wheels or tow the
vehicle
> To interruptions in battery voltage
The system responds to unauthorized vehicle Communication
entry and attempted theft by simultaneously
This lever releases the luggage compartment activating:
lid from inside the luggage compartment. > An acoustic alarm, which lasts for a period
of approx. 30 seconds
> The hazard warning flashers for approx. 5
minutes
> The high beams, which flash on and off in
the same rhythm
Mobility

Arming and disarming alarm system

When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
Reference

33
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 The system indicates that it has been correctly Tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
Opening and closing

armed by switching on the hazard warning sensor

flashers for a single cycle and by emitting an
acoustic signal. Tilt alarm sensor
You can also open the luggage compartment lid The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
with the system armed using the button on system reacts, e.g. in case of an attempted
the remote control, refer to page 30. When the wheel theft or towing.
luggage compartment lid is closed, it is locked
again and monitored. Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
Switching off alarm tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
> Unlock the vehicle using the remote control, must be completely closed.
refer to page 29
> or turn the ignition key to position 1, refer to Avoiding unintentional alarms
page 51. The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
Indicator lamp displays vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
ProCarManuals.com

> In stacking garages

> When transporting on car-carrying trains
> When animals are to remain in the vehicle

Switching off tilt alarm sensor and

interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote control
once again directly after locking.
> The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
tem is armed.
the interior motion sensor are switched off until
> The indicator lamp flashes after locking: the the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
doors or luggage compartment lid are not quently locked again.
properly closed. Even if you do not close the
alerted area, the system begins to monitor
the remaining areas, and the indicator lamp Windows
flashes continuously after approx. 10 sec-
onds. However, the interior motion sensor To prevent injuries, exercise care when
is not activated. closing the windows and keep them in
your field of vision until they are shut.
> The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and close the doors to prevent chil-
you were away.
dren from operating the windows and injuring
> The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking themselves etc.<
until the key is inserted into the lock, but can
blink for up to approx. 5 minutes: your vehi-
cle has been disturbed while you were
away.

34
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Opening and closing windows trapping mechanism. In this case, if the closing
force exceeds a defined threshold, the window
will only open a few inches/millimeters.
If the switch is pulled past the resistance point
again within approx. 4 seconds, the anti-trap-
ping mechanism will be deactivated.<

Safety switch

Controls
Ignition key in position 1, refer to page 51:
> Press switch to resistance point:
The window continues to open as long as

Driving tips
you keep the switch pressed.
> Press switch beyond resistance point:
The window opens automatically. Pressing
the switch again stops the opening move-
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear
ment.
windows from being opened or closed via the
ProCarManuals.com

You can close the windows in the same manner switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-

Navigation
by pulling the switch. dren, for example. The LED lights up when this
safety feature is activated.
After switching off ignition Always press the safety switch when chil-
You can still operate the windows: dren ride in the rear, as otherwise
> With the Ignition key in position 1 for unchecked closing of the windows could lead to

Entertainment
approx. 15 minutes injuries.<
> With the ignition key in position 0 or with the
ignition key removed, for approx. 1 minute, Accessories in window area
as long as a front door has not been opened. After installing any accessory – such as a
For information on using the convenience oper- clamp-on antenna for a portable phone – within
ation at the door lock or with the remote control, the window's travel range, you will need to have

Communication
refer to page 30 or 31. the system reinitialized for use under the new
conditions. BMW recommends having this
work done by your BMW center.
Anti-trapping mechanism
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
Glass sunroof, electric*
ing it slightly. To prevent injuries, exercise care when
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism closing the glass sunroof and keep it in
inspect the window's travel path prior to your field of vision until it is shut.
Mobility

closing it, as the safety system might fail to When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as ignition key and close the doors to prevent chil-
thin objects, and the window would continue dren from operating the sunroof and injuring
closing. themselves.<
Pulling the switch beyond the resistance point
Reference

and holding it limits the response of the anti-

35
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 After switching off ignition
Opening and closing

You can still operate the sunroof:

> With the Ignition key in position 1 for
approx. 15 minutes
> With the ignition key in position 0 or with the
ignition key removed, for approx. 1 minute,
as long as a front door has not been opened.

Automatic opening and closing

Ignition key in position 1, refer to page 51. Press the switch past the resistance point.
The following movements are also automatic:
Raising
> When the sunroof is open, press the switch
Press switch.
in the lifting direction: the sunroof is raised
> When the glass sunroof is closed, it is raised all the way.
slightly and the sliding visor opens slightly.
> When the sunroof is raised, press the
> When the glass sunroof is open, it automat- switch in the opening direction: the sunroof
ically travels into the raised position. The is opened all the way.
sliding visor remains completely open.
ProCarManuals.com

Pressing the switch again stops the motion.

Do not use force to close the headliner
insert with the glass sunroof in its raised Anti-trapping mechanism
position, as damage to the mechanism could
If the glass sunroof encounters resistance when
result.<
closing from roughly the center of the sunroof
opening or when closing from the raised posi-
Opening, Closing
tion, the closing action is interrupted and the
> Press switch back to the resistance point. glass sunroof reopens a short way.
The glass sunroof and the sliding visor open
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism
together for as long as you hold the switch
inspect the sunroof's travel path prior to
in position.
closing it, as the safety system might fail to
> Press switch back past the resistance point. detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as
The glass sunroof and the sliding visor open very thin objects, and the sunroof would con-
automatically. Briefly press the switch again tinue closing.
to stop the opening movement. Pressing the switch beyond the resistance
In a similar manner, the glass sunroof and the point and holding it there deactivates the anti-
sliding visor close when you slide the switch trapping mechanism.<
forward. The sliding visor remains open and
must be closed by hand. Following interruptions in electrical
For information on using the convenience oper- power supply
ation at the door lock or with the remote control, After a power loss, the sunroof may only
refer to page 30 or 31. respond to the lift command. The system must
be initialized. BMW recommends having this
work done by your BMW center.

36
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Manually opening and closing
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the glass sunroof manually:
1. Fold the cover panel down, if necessary
using screwdriver from onboard tool kit,
refer to page 182.

Controls
Driving tips
2. Insert the Allen wrench supplied with the
onboard tool kit, refer to page 182, into the
opening provided. Move the glass sunroof
ProCarManuals.com

in the desired direction. The arrow below

Navigation
indicates the rotation direction for closing.

Entertainment
Communication
Mobility
Reference

37
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Adjustments
Adjustments

Sitting safely Airbags complement the safety belt as an addi-

tional safety device, but they do not represent a
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con- substitute.
tribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. The sit-
At all times, occupants should sit upright
ting position of the occupants also plays an
and be properly restrained: infants and
important role for passive safety together with
small children in appropriate child-restraint sys-
the safety belts and airbags in an accident. To
tems; larger children and adults using the safety
ensure that the safety systems operate with
belts. Never allow more than one person to
optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow infants or
observe the instructions contained in the fol-
small children to ride in a passenger's lap.
lowing section.
Expectant mothers should always wear their
For additional information on transporting chil- safety belts, taking care to position the lap belt
dren safely, refer to page 47. against the lower hips, where it will not exert
pressure against the abdominal area. Do not
Airbags route the belt across your neck, or run it across
sharp edges. Be sure that the belt does not
ProCarManuals.com

Always maintain an adequate distance

between yourself and the airbags. Always become caught or jammed. Avoid twisting the
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at belt while routing it snugly across the hips and
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, to mini- shoulder. Do not allow the belt to rest against
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms hard or fragile objects. Otherwise, in the event
in the event of airbag deployment. No one and of a frontal impact, a loose lap belt could slide
nothing is to come between the airbags and the over your hips, leading to abdominal injury.
seat occupant. Do not use the cover of the front Avoid wearing clothing that prevents the belt
airbag on the front passenger side as a storage from fitting properly and pull the shoulder belt
area. Make sure that the front passenger is sit- periodically to readjust the tension across your
ting correctly and does not rest feet or legs on lap in order to avoid a reduction in the retention
the instrument panel, otherwise leg injuries can effect of the safety belt.<
occur if the front airbag is triggered. Never let an For instructions on operating safety belts, refer
occupant's head rest near or on a side airbag to page 42.
because the inflating airbag could cause a seri-
ous or fatal injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions, inju- Seats
ries resulting from contact with airbags cannot
be fully excluded, depending on the circum- Note before adjusting
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may Never attempt to adjust your seat while
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi- the vehicle is moving. The seat could
tive individuals. This effect is usually only tem- respond with unexpected movement, and the
porary. ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
For airbag locations and additional information accident. Also on the passenger side, do not
on airbags, refer to page 83. incline the backrest too far to the rear while the
vehicle is being driven, as otherwise there is a
Safety belt danger in the event of an accident of 'sliding
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts under' the safety belt, eliminating the protec-
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. tion normally provided by the belt.<

38
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Please observe the information on damage to Adjusting comfort seat*
safety belts provided on page 43 and the infor- In this seat, you can also adjust:
mation on the active front head restraints on
page 42.

Seat adjustment
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,

Controls
please observe the adjustment instructions on
page 38.<

1 Backrest width

Driving tips
2 Shoulder support
3 Thigh support
4 Lumbar support, see below.
Shoulder support: the adjustable upper back-
rest also supports the back in the shoulder
ProCarManuals.com

region. This provides a relaxed driving position

Navigation
1 Longitudinal direction and helps relieve stress on the shoulder mus-
2 Height cles.
3 Angle After making corrections in the forward/
backward adjustment of the seat, make
sure that the safety belt still fits snugly against

Entertainment
your body. Failure to do so may reduce the pro-
tection provided by the safety belt.<

Adjusting sport seat*

In this seat, you can also adjust the thigh sup-
port 3, see above.

Adjusting lumbar support* Communication

4 Backrest
Mobility

You can also adjust the contour of the backrest

to obtain additional support in the lumbar
region.
Reference

39
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 The upper hips and spinal column receive sup- Seat, mirror and steering
Adjustments

plementary support to help you maintain a

relaxed, upright sitting position.
wheel memory*
> Increase or decrease curvature: push
switch forward or back.
> Shift curvature up or down: push switch up
or down.

Adjusting active backrest width*

You can store and request two different posi-

tions for the driver's seat and passenger seat*,
external rearview mirrors, and steering wheel.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not
stored in the memory.
ProCarManuals.com

First set a comfortable backrest width, see Storing

above. Based on the backrest width set, the lat- 1. Turn ignition key to position 1 or 2, refer to
eral support is automatically adapted to the cur- page 51.
rent driving situation. 2. Set the desired seat, exterior mirror and
The adaptation of the backrest width and the steering wheel positions.
speed of the adjustment vary depending on the 3. Press button:
program. You can select from among three pro- The LED in the button lights up.
grams from comfort to sport.
4. Press the desired memory button 1 or 2.
Press program button once: The LED goes out.
> "Comfort" program: one LED
> "Normal" program: two LEDs Requesting
> "Sport" program: three LEDs Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving. There is a
To switch off: press button longer. risk of accident from unexpected movement of
the seat or steering wheel.<
Easy entry/exit*
To facilitate entry and exit, the backrest tempo- Convenience mode
rarily opens all the way. 1. Open the driver's door after unlocking or
turn the ignition key to position 1.
2. Briefly press the desired memory button 1
or 2.
The system immediately cancels the
adjustment procedure when you briefly
press one of the seat adjustment buttons or
one of the memory buttons.

40
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Safety feature so could cause injury or damage to persons or
1. Close the driver's door and turn the ignition objects behind the seat as a result of a rearward
key to position 0 or 2. movement of the seat.<

2. Press the desired memory button 1 or 2

Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
function*
process has been completed.
Automatic curb monitor
If the button was pressed inadvertently:

Controls
press the button again; the LED goes out.
Activating
Position stored in key 1. Slide mirror selector switch into the driver's
side mirror position 1.
The positions of the driver's seat, the external
rearview mirrors, and steering wheel are stored
for the remote key currently in use.

Driving tips
You can choose when the position is requested:
> Request when unlocking vehicle
> Request when opening driver's door
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
ProCarManuals.com

page 16.

Navigation
1. Open the menu.
2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 2. When you shift into reverse or move the
controller. selector lever into position R, the exterior
3. Select "Door locks" and press the control- mirror on the front passenger side tilts
ler. downward slightly. This allows the driver to
see the area immediately adjacent to the

Entertainment
4. Select "Central locking" and press the con- vehicle – such as a curb – when parking, etc.
troller.
5. Select "Last seat pos." and press the con- Deactivating
troller. Slide mirror selector switch into the passen-
6. Select "After unlocking" or "After opening ger's side mirror position 2.
door" and press the controller.
Communication
Head restraints
Head restraints reduce the risk of spinal
injury in the event of an accident. Adjust
the head restraints so that they are centered
roughly at the level of your ears.<
Mobility

To cancel the request:

Select "Deactivated" and press the controller.
When using this feature, always make
sure that the footwell behind the driver's
seat is empty and unobstructed. Failure to do
Reference

41
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Front seat: height adjustment > Do not install seat or head-restraint covers
Adjustments

> Never use the head restraints as supports

for suspending objects of any kind, such as
clothes hangers. Refrain from mounting
accessories on either the seat or the head
restraint.<

Rear seats: height adjustment

You can adjust the height of the head restraints

electrically.

Front seat: angle adjustment

Swivel the head restraint.
With the comfort seat, use the shoulder support
to set the distance to the back of the head.
Up: pull up.
ProCarManuals.com

Adjusting side extensions in the Down: press button 1 and slide the head
comfort seat restraint downward.

Safety belts
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please observe the adjustment instructions on
page 38.<
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. Air-
You can fold the side extensions on the head bags complement the safety belt as an addi-
restraint forward for increased lateral support in tional safety device, but they do not represent a
the resting position. substitute.

Front head restraints, active*

The comfort seats are equipped with an active
head restraint.
In the event of a rear-end collision of sufficient
severity, the active head restraint reduces the
distance to the head.
To ensure that the active head restraints
afford maximum protection, and to avoid
unnecessary risks to personal safety, we
request that you read and comply with the fol-
lowing:

42
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
The two rear safety belt buckles integrated into
the rear seat are for passengers sitting on the
left and right. The belt buckle embossed with
the word CENTER is intended exclusively for
use by passengers riding in the center position.

Damage to safety belts

If the safety belts are damaged or

Controls
stretched in an accident: Have the entire
belt system, including the tensioning mecha-
nisms, replaced at your BMW center or at a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-

Driving tips
sonnel. Have the belt anchorage points
inspected for damage at the same time. Failure
to observe this precaution may prevent the
safety belts from effectively providing optimal
protection when needed.<
ProCarManuals.com

Fastening Heated seats*

Navigation
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle. Front

Safety belt memory for driver's seat

and passenger seat*

Entertainment
The indicator lamp lights up, a signal
sounds, and a message appears on the
display. Please check whether safety
belts are correctly placed.
The safety belt memory is operative at speeds
above approx. 5 mph/8 km/h. It can also be acti-
vated if objects are placed onto the passenger The temperature setting progresses one step Communication
seat. through its control sequence each time you
press the button. When the maximum tempera-
Releasing ture is selected, three LEDs light up.
1. Grasp the belt firmly. To switch off: press the button longer.
2. Press the red button in the buckle.
3. Guide the belt into its reel.
The shoulder strap's anchorage point will be in
Mobility

the correct position for adult seat occupants of

every build if the seat is correctly adjusted, refer
to page 38.
Reference

43
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Rear Active seat ventilation*
Adjustments

The operating concept is the same as for the

front heated seats. The system progresses one step through the
control sequence each time you press the but-
Temperature distribution in front ton.

The heat output can be distributed variously in To switch off: press the button longer.
the seat cushion and the backrest. The highest position with three LEDs is
Control Center, for principle details, refer to used for rapid cooling, e.g. when the vehi-
page 16. cle has gotten heated up. After a short time, the
ProCarManuals.com

system is automatically switched down one

Ignition key in position 2:
position in order to prevent excessive cooling.<
1. Select "Climate".
2. Select "Seat heater distribution" and press
the controller. Active seat*
3. Move the controller to the left or right to
select "Driver" or "Passenger".

The seat cushion is actively varied by alter-

nately raising and lowering the right and left half
4. Turn the controller. The adjustment is of the seat cushion. This reduces muscular ten-
applied; the field can be changed. sion and fatigue to help prevent lower back
pain.
Press the button to switch on; the LED lights
up.
If you switch off the active seat, it can take up
to 1 minute before the two halves of the seat
cushion have returned to their initial position.

44
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Mirrors Interior rearview mirror

Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger side fea-
tures a lens with a more convex surface
than the mirror installed on the driver's side.
When estimating the distance between yourself
and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects

Controls
reflected in the mirror are closer than they
appear. This means that estimations of the dis-
tance to following traffic should not be regarded
To reduce the dazzle effect of following vehi-
as precise.<
cles at night, turn the knob.
Automatically dimming mirrors, refer to

Driving tips
page 107.

Steering wheel
ProCarManuals.com

Adjustments

Navigation
Do not adjust steering wheel while driv-
ing. There is a risk of accident from unex-
1 Adjustments pected movement of the steering wheel.<
2 Switching to the other mirror or to the auto-
matic parking function, refer to Tilting the

Entertainment
passenger-side mirror, page 41
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat, mir-
ror and steering wheel memory on page 40.

Manual adjustment
You can also adjust the mirrors manually if nec-
essary by pressing against the outer edges of
their mirror glass. Communication
The steering wheel can be adjusted in four
directions.
Folding mirrors in and out
Storing steering wheel positions, refer to Seat,
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this mirror and steering wheel memory on page 40.
vehicle from being damaged, always fold
them in by hand before entering an automatic Easy entry/exit*
car wash.<
To facilitate entry and exit, the steering wheel
temporarily moves into the uppermost position.
Automatic heating
Mobility

Both exterior mirrors are automatically heated

in ignition key position 2.
Reference

45
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Steering wheel heater* The various functions are displayed:
Adjustments

> "Nav. voice instructions"

Voice instructions for the navigation
system
> "Air recirculation on / off"
Permanently shutting off outside air,
refer to AUC Automatic recirculated air
control on page 91
> "Mute on / off"
Mutes the audio sources
Press the button with the ignition key in > "Monitor on / off"
position 2. Switches the Control Display on/off
When the steering wheel heater is operating, > "Telephone list"
the LED in the button lights up. Switching between Entertainment and
Telephone
Programmable buttons* on the > "Next entertainment source"
steering wheel Changes audio source
4. Select the desired function.
ProCarManuals.com

5. Press the controller.

6. Select button if necessary.

You can assign the function buttons individu-

ally.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open the menu. 7. Press the controller.
2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
controller. rently in use.
3. Select "Steering wheel buttons" and press You can operate the selected function using the
the controller. corresponding button.

Operating function
Press the corresponding button on the steering
wheel.
Voice instructions of navigation system:
> To switch voice instructions on/off: hold the
button down.
> To repeat the last voice instruction: press
button.

46
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Transporting children safely

The right place for children provided by the child-restraint's manufacturer

whenever you use such a device.
Children always in the rear All rear sitting positions in your vehicle meet the
Accident research shows that the safest place recommendations of SAE J1819, an industry-

Controls
for children in a vehicle is in the rear seat. recommended practice for securing child-
restraint systems in motor vehicles.
Older children should be tightly secured with a
safety belt, after they have outgrown a booster
Exception for front passenger seat
seat that is appropriate for their age, height and
weight. Should it be necessary to use a child-
restraint system on the front passenger

Driving tips
A child sitting in the rear seat and not
seat, the airbags on the front passenger side
properly restrained may place his or her
must be deactivated. Otherwise, there is a con-
head on or near the airbag, if so equipped. For
siderable risk of injury for the child when the air-
example, a child, even though belted, may fall
bags are triggered, even with a child-restraint
asleep with his or her head against the side air-
system. Your BMW center will be glad to advise
bag. It may be difficult for a driver to ensure that
ProCarManuals.com

you.<
children in the rear seat will remain properly

Navigation
positioned at all times and do not place their Never install a rearward-facing child-
heads on or near the side airbag. Therefore, we restraint system in the front passenger
recommend that the rear seat side airbags, if seat of this vehicle if the passenger's airbag is
provided, be deactivated if you plan to transport not deactivated. If you do so, the child could be
children in the rear seat.< severely injured when the airbag is trig-
gered.Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag

Entertainment
Deactivating rear seat side airbags supplemental restraint system for the front pas-
senger. Because the backrest on any rearward-
The rear seat side airbags may already have
facing child-restraint system – of the kind
been deactivated by a BMW center. Labels in
designed for infants under 1 year and 20 Ibs./
the rear door opening should indicate the status
9 kg – would be within the airbag's deployment
of your rear seat side airbags. If you are uncer-
range, you should never mount such a system
tain of their status, or wish to have the airbags
Communication
in the front passenger seat, since the impact of
activated or deactivated, please contact your
the airbag against the child restraint's backrest
BMW center.
could lead to serious or fatal injuries.<

Child-restraint system in the rear More information on automatic deactivation of

the front passenger airbags, refer to page 83.
Children under 13 years of age and chil-
dren less than 5 ft/150 cm tall should
Backrest width adjustment
always ride in the rear and the restraint systems
should be secured with the vehicle's safety The backrest width adjustment of the
belts.< passenger seat must be opened com-
Mobility

pletely. After the child's seat is installed, mem-

Younger children should be secured in an
ory positions must not be requested and the
appropriate forward-facing child-restraint sys-
active backrest width adjustment must be
tem that has first been properly restrained. We
deactivated, otherwise there is the risk of
strongly urge you to carefully read and comply
injury.<
with the instructions for installation and use
Reference

47
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 1. After the vehicle is unlocked, sit in the pas- Information regarding this is located near the
Transporting children safely

senger seat and close the door. buckle latch of each safety belt.
2. Open the backrest width adjustment com-
pletely, refer to page 39. To lock safety belt
3. Deactivate active backrest width adjust- Pull the entire length of the belt from the belt
ment, refer to page 40. retractor. Allow the reel to retract the belt
somewhat and engage the buckle, then tighten
4. Install child's seat.
the belt against the child-restraint system. The
retraction mechanism is now locked.

Installing child-restraint To unlock the safety belt

systems Release the buckle, remove the child-restraint
Before installing any child-restraint system or system and allow the belt retractor to reel the
child seat, read the following: belt completely in.
Observe the child-restraint system man-
ufacturer's instructions for installation
Child-restraint system with tether
and use. Otherwise the degree of protection
strap
may be reduced. After an accident, have all
ProCarManuals.com

parts of the child-restraint system and of the

relevant vehicle safety belt system checked and
replaced if necessary. Have this work done only
at your BMW center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. <
Commercially-available child-restraint systems
are designed to be secured with a lap belt or
with the lap belt portion of a combination lap/ If you use a child-restraint system with a tether
shoulder belt. Improperly or inadequately strap, three additional tether anchorage points
installed restraint systems can increase the risk have been provided, refer to the arrows in the
of injury to children. Always read and follow the illustration. Depending on the location selected
instructions that come with the system. for sitting in the rear passenger area, attach the
tether strap to the corresponding anchorage
Child seat security point to secure the child-restraint system, as
shown in the illustration below.

All of the rear belt retractors and the front pas-

senger safety belt can be locked for mounting
and securing child-restraint systems. Placement of the tether strap
Outer sitting positions:
Lift the head restraint and pass the tether strap

48
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
between the head restraint and the seat back. It The anchorage points for the LATCH child-
is recommended to readjust the head restraint restraint fixing system are located underneath
into the lowest possible position. the identifying symbols.
Center sitting position: Before attaching the LATCH child-restraint fix-
Pull the center armrest forward somewhat to ing system, pull the belt out of the region of the
guide the tether strap through the opening. child-restraint fixing system.
Then reengage the center armrest.
Access to anchorage points on rear

Controls
seat with through-loading system

Driving tips
Adjust the tether strap according to the
child-restraint manufacturer's instruc-
ProCarManuals.com

tions.< The illustration shows the right rear seat as an

example.

Navigation
LATCH child-restraint fixing system The anchorage points for the LATCH child-
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil- restraint fixing system are located behind the
dren. indicated protective caps.
The rear outer sitting positions are provided Before attaching the child-restraint fixing sys-

Entertainment
with anchors for a LATCH child-restraint fixing tem, remove the LATCH protective caps and
system. pull the belt away from the region of the child-
restraint fixing system.
To attach the LATCH child-restraint fix-
ing system, follow the operating and
safety instructions of the manufacturer.<
On journeys
Access to anchorage points on rear If the rear is equipped with side airbags,
seat with through-loading system make sure that children do not lean out of Communication
the child's seat towards the door panels. Other-
wise severe injuries can be caused if the side
airbags are triggered.<
Mobility

The illustration shows the left rear seat as an

example.
Reference

49
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Child-safety locks for rear doors
Transporting children safely

Slide down the safety lever on the rear doors:

The door can now be opened from the outside
only.

Safety switch for power windows

Always press the safety switch for the power
windows, refer to page 35, when children are
riding in the rear of the vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

50
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Driving

Ignition lock engine running, as such a vehicle represents a

potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select neutral position or position N and apply

Controls
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle with
the engine running.<
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.

Driving tips
Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moder-
0 Steering locked ate engine speed.

The key can only be inserted or removed in this

Special starting conditions
position.
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down when
ProCarManuals.com

After removing the key, turn the steering wheel

starting if
slightly until it locks.

Navigation
> the engine fails to start on the first attempt,
Interlock on automatic transmission for instance, if it is very hot or cold

> Only move the selector lever from posi- > the engine is started at very low tempera-
tion P when the engine is running. tures, below approx. 5 7/–15 6, at high
altitudes, over approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
> To turn the key back to position 0 or to

Entertainment
remove it, first place the selector lever in Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
position P. sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
1 Steering unlocked not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
alytic converter.<
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some vehicle systems are ready for operation. Manual transmission Communication
1. Apply the handbrake.
2 Ignition switched on
2. Gearshift lever in neutral position.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3. Press the clutch pedal.
3 Start engine If the clutch pedal is not depressed,
the engine will not start.<
4. Start the engine.
Starting engine Do not end the starting procedure too early,
Mobility

however after approx. 20 seconds at the lat-

Do not run the engine in closed rooms, as
est. Release the ignition key immediately as
otherwise the inhaling of toxic exhaust
soon as the engine starts.
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Reference

Never leave an unattended vehicle with the

51
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 SMG Sequential manual transmission Automatic transmission
Driving

and automatic transmission 1. Engage selector lever position P.

Your BMW is equipped with the convenience 2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
starting feature. It is sufficient to turn the igni-
tion key into position 3 for only a short time and
then release it again. The system responds by
Handbrake
automatically engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
starts, after which it then disengages automati- the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
cally. the rear wheels.

SMG Sequential manual transmission Indicator lamp

1. Press the brake pedal. The indicator lamp lights up, and an
2. Place selector lever in position N. acoustic signal also sounds when start-
ing off. The handbrake is applied.
3. Start the engine.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
If the engine does not start, shift back to
the last gear selected, refer to Instrument
cluster display, and then shift into position N.<
ProCarManuals.com

Applying
Automatic transmission
The lever locks in position automatically.
1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Place selector lever in position P or N. Releasing
3. Start the engine.

Switching off engine

Do not remove the ignition key while the
vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the steer-
ing wheel lock will immobilize the steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition
key and lock the steering. When parking on a
downhill incline, apply the handbrake, as other- Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
wise the vehicle could roll away.< lower the lever.
If it becomes necessary under special cir-
Manual transmission cumstances to use the handbrake while
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0. driving, it must not be pulled too sharply. In
2. Shift into first gear or reverse. doing so, continuously press the button of the
handbrake lever. Strong application of the
SMG Sequential manual transmission handbrake can lead to overbraking of the rear
axle and associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle
1. Engage a driving position.
rear end.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0. The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
A signal sounds if the transmission is in brake is applied.<
Neutral when the engine is switched off.
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-

52
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming > Automatic downshifting and prevention of
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.< incorrect shifting even in sequential opera-
tion
> Acceleration assistant, refer to page 55.
Manual transmission The SMG is operational when the ignition key is
in position 2.

Selector lever positions

Controls
Driving tips
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the
selector lever toward the right, otherwise
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could
damage the engine.< The current selector lever position is displayed
ProCarManuals.com

on the center console.

Navigation
Reverse gear > R: Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. > N: Neutral
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left,
> One-touch functions for Sequential mode:
overcome some resistance.
+: manual upshifting
The backup lamps switch on automatically –: manual downshifting

Entertainment
when the ignition key is in position 2.
> D: Drive mode
The transmission automatically shifts into
N if the driver's door is opened with the
SMG Sequential manual
engine running and neither the pedals, the shift
transmission* paddles nor the selector lever are operated.
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and the
The concept
Communication
flashing display N in the instrument cluster.<
The SMG Sequential manual transmission is an
automated manual transmission in which an Gear display
electrohydraulic system handles the clutching
and gear changes.
You operate the SMG using the selector lever in
the center console and two shift paddles on the
steering wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
Mobility

> Optional manual or automatic operation:

Sequential mode or Drive mode
> You have a choice of two driving programs:
Normal or Sport, refer to Dynamic Driving R N 1 to 6
Control page 54 The currently engaged gear is displayed, pre-
Reference

ceded by a D in Drive mode.

53
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Shiftlock Using shift paddles on steering wheel
Driving

Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N;

the shift command will not be executed unless
the brake is applied.

R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.

Sequential mode
After every engine start, as soon as the selector
lever is pushed to the right and the brake pedal > To upshift, pull one of the shift paddles.
is pressed, the Sequential mode is activated. > To downshift, press.
You can shift up and down using the shifting In the following situations, the SMG in Sequen-
paddles or the selector lever. You do not need tial mode assists you:
to remove your foot from the accelerator to do
> Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
so.
when they will result in a plausible combina-
It is also possible to start off in second gear, e.g. tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for
in slippery conditions. example, a downshift that would cause the
ProCarManuals.com

engine to overrev will not be executed by

D Drive mode the system.
In the Drive mode, all forward gears are shifted > When the vehicle is stationary, the trans-
automatically. mission automatically downshifts into first
Shifting from Sequential mode to Drive mode: gear.
press selector lever to the right toward D. > Shortly before dropping below a gear-
Kick-down: dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
For rapid acceleration, e.g. when passing, press sion downshifts automatically even without
the accelerator pedal as far down as it will go. your intervention.
You achieve maximum acceleration.
To switch back into the Sequential mode: press Dynamic Driving Control
selector lever to the right again toward D or shift The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible
using the shifting paddles or the selector lever. for your BMW to react in an even more perfor-
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold mance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel- > The engine responds more spontaneously
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other- to accelerator pedal movements.
wise overheating can occur in the transmission > Gearshifts are faster.
region.<
> The engine speed range is used optimally in
the Drive mode.
Gear changes
> Cruise control*:
Using selector lever The stored speed is reached more quickly
> To upshift, pull the selector lever back. when it is requested.

> To downshift, push the selector lever for-

ward.

54
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Activating system Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –

Displays in instrument cluster

Controls
Press the SPORT button with the ignition key in
position 2.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT is

Driving tips
displayed in the instrument cluster. P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is indicated, and in
Deactivating system
the manual mode the gear currently engaged.
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button and SPORT in the instru- Changing selector lever positions
ProCarManuals.com

ment cluster go out.

Navigation
Acceleration assistant
The acceleration assistant enables optimized
vehicle acceleration at racing car level on road
surfaces with good adhesion when starting off.

Entertainment
Do not use the acceleration assistant too
often, as otherwise components will wear
prematurely.<
1. Activate the Dynamic Traction Control. An interlock prevents inadvertent gearshifts
2. Press the DTC button, refer to page 78, for into selector lever positions R and P. To cancel
longer than 3 seconds. the interlock, press the button on the front of
the selector lever knob, refer to arrow.
Communication
3. Quickly press accelerator pedal all the way
down: kick-down. The ideal starting-off
engine speed is set.
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of P
To maintain driving stability, do not deac-
or N; the shift command will not be executed
tivate DSC if at all possible.<
unless the brake is applied.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
Automatic transmission with select a driving position, maintain pressure on
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.
Steptronic
Mobility

In addition to fully automatic operation, you can P Park

also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
page 56. The rear wheels are locked.
Reference

55
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 R Reverse To use the automatic function again, move the
Driving

Select only when the vehicle is stationary. selector lever to the right into position D.

N Neutral
For example, engage in automatic car washes.
Turn signals/
The vehicle can roll. headlamp flasher
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when driving in position D.

Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration: press the accelerator pedal beyond the
1 High beams
full-throttle resistance point.
2 Headlamp flasher
ProCarManuals.com

Manual operation and Sport program 3 Turn signals

M/S
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
needs to be replaced.
After switching off the ignition, make sure that
the roadside parking lamps are not switched
Move selector lever from position D toward the on.<
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The sport program is activated and DS appears Signaling for a short time
in the instrument cluster. This position is Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
recommended for a performance-oriented long as you wish to signal.
driving style.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or Triple turn signal activation
back, the manual mode is activated and the Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus- signal flashes three times.
ter shows M1 through M6.
You can activate or deactivate this function.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination Control Center, for principle details, refer to
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, page 16.
a downshift that would cause the engine to 1. Open the menu.
overrev will not be executed by the system. The 2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
selected gear appears briefly in the instrument controller.
cluster, followed by the current gear.
3. Select "Light" and press the controller.

56
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
4. Select "Triple turn signal activation" and Rain sensor
press the controller. The wiper operation is controlled automatically
as a function of the rain intensity. The rain sen-
sor is located on the windshield, directly in front
of the interior rearview mirror.

Activating the rain sensor

Controls
Triple turn signaling is activated.

Driving tips
Wiper system
Press button. The LED in the button lights up.
ProCarManuals.com

Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level

Navigation
Turn the serrated dial 5.

Deactivating the rain sensor

Press the button again. The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing

Entertainment
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
1 Switching on wipers
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
2 Switching off wipers or brief wipe ired wiper activation.<
3 Activating/deactivating rain sensor
4 Cleaning windshield and headlamps Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
The system sprays washer fluid against the
5 Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period. Communication
Switching on wipers
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
tion when released.
appropriate intervals.
Normal wiper speed Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
Press once.
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
tent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not use
Mobility

washing mechanisms when the washer fluid

Fast wiper speed
reservoir is empty, otherwise you will damage
Press twice or press beyond the resistance the washer pump.<
point.
The system reverts to normal speed when the
Reference

vehicle is stationary.

57
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Windshield washer nozzles Do not use the cruise control under driv-
Driving

The windshield washer nozzles are automati- ing conditions that do not permit a con-
cally heated in ignition key position 2. stant speed, e.g.when driving on winding roads,
in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions such
as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.<
Washer fluid
One lever for all functions
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks and
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always
observe the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<

Washer fluid reservoir

1 Maintaining speed, storing speed, and

accelerating
ProCarManuals.com

2 Maintaining speed, storing speed, and

decelerating
3 Interrupting cruise control
4 Resuming stored speed

Fill with water and – if required – with a washer Maintaining speed, storing speed, and
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom- accelerating
mendations. Press lever to resistance point 1:
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix The speed currently being driven is maintained
the washer fluid before filling.< and stored. The display 1 in the speedometer,
refer to page 59, indicates this regulated speed.
Capacity Every time you press the lever, the vehicle's
speed increases by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h.
3.2 US quarts/3 liters, in conjunction with head-
lamp washer system* approx. 5.3 US quarts/ Press lever to resistance point for a longer time:
5 liters. The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system maintains
and stores your current speed as soon as you
Cruise control* release the lever.
Press the lever beyond the resistance point:
The concept increase speed by 5 mph/10 km/h.
The cruise control is available for use at speeds The vehicle may accelerate beyond the regu-
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The lated speed on steep downhill stretches where
vehicle maintains and stores the speed that you the engine's braking effect alone may not be
set using the lever mounted on the steering col- sufficient to slow the vehicle. Speed can drop
umn. on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.

58
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Maintaining speed, storing speed, and Active cruise control*
decelerating
Pull the lever 2: The concept
Functions are the same as 1, only the vehicle With active cruise control, you can select a
speed is reduced. desired speed which is not only automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
Interrupting cruise control also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.

Controls
With the cruise control active, briefly press the
lever up or down 3. Active cruise control is a technological advance
In addition, cruise control is automatically deac- over the familiar cruise control and is a welcome
tivated: relief from the constant adjustment of speed
> When the brakes are applied that can accompany driving in traffic on free-
ways or other high-speed thoroughfares. Espe-

Driving tips
> When the clutch pedal is depressed or the
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce
automatic transmission/SMG is shifted into
fatigue and tension, while increasing your
the N position
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and
> When the DSC comes on responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed,
Resuming stored speed
ProCarManuals.com

if you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active

Press button 4: cruise control will, within the scope of given

Navigation
The stored speed is resumed and maintained. possibilities, adjust your vehicle's speed auto-
matically so that you can flow with the traffic
Deactivating system without having to make constant adjustments.
When the ignition is switched off, the system is If, for example, while cruising at the selected
deactivated and the stored speed is deleted. speed, you begin to approach a slower vehicle

Entertainment
ahead of you in the same lane, the system will
Displays in instrument cluster reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as that
of the vehicle ahead to maintain your selected
distance setting between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. There are four settings for dis-
tance, which are additionally speed-dependent.
Based on your selected distance setting, the
system automatically decreases the throttle Communication
setting and lightly applies the brakes if neces-
sary. The vehicle brake lamps will automatically
illuminate to signal a following driver to take
action. In addition, it may be necessary for the
1 Stored desired speed display vehicle or the driver to downshift, depending on
2 Digital speed display. the kind of transmission your vehicle is
Appears briefly when you select your equipped with, to maintain the distance setting
desired speed selected. If the vehicle ahead speeds up or
Mobility

when the lane ahead becomes clear, your vehi-

cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected by increasing the throttle setting and
shifting gears automatically or by the driver as
needed.
Reference

59
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Active cruise control is not and must not 4 Recall the stored speed and distance or
Driving

be used as a collision avoidance/warning increase desired speed by 1 mph/1 km/h

system.< with each press of the button
Since this active cruise control system is 5 Select distance to vehicle driving ahead.
a new technology and operates differ- You can choose from four available distance
ently from conventional cruise control systems settings. You will find more detailed infor-
which you may be accustomed to, you are mation on page 62.
strongly urged to read all of the pages relating Adjust your desired speed to the traffic
to this system before use. Pay special attention conditions and remain ready to brake at
to the information contained in the Things to all times. Great differences in speed to the vehi-
know about active cruise control section in this cles driving ahead, e.g. when quickly approach-
manual beginning on page 62.< ing a truck or when another vehicle swerves into
your lane, cannot be compensated for by the
Vehicles with manual transmission system.<
You can use the system in the 2nd to 6th gear
within a normal engine speed range and also Displays in instrument cluster
change gears. Continuous operation at very
high or very low engine speeds is not possible.
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the
ProCarManuals.com

system deactivates itself.

Vehicles with SMG

Continuous operation at very high engine
speeds is not possible in the Sequential mode.
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the
system deactivates itself.
1 Stored desired speed display
In the Drive mode, the SMG acts similarly to the
automatic transmission in the D position. 2 Detected vehicle display. Lights up when
vehicle driving ahead is detected
Operating active cruise control 3 Selected distance to vehicle driving ahead
4 Digital speed display.
Appears briefly when you select your
desired speed

The system is activated.

The display 3 appears as soon as
you activate the system and no
vehicle is detected driving ahead.

Vehicle detected.
1 Activate system, store and increase desired
The display 2 lights up yellow
speed
when a vehicle is detected driving
2 Activate system, store and decrease ahead.
desired speed
3 Deactivate system

60
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
The system requests that you Desired speed, store and decrease
intervene by braking or with an Pull back the lever 2:
evasive maneuver. The display 2 The current driving speed is rounded off to the
flashes red and a signal sounds. next multiple of 5 mph/10 km/h, displayed and
The active cruise control cannot stored.
automatically restore the distance to the vehicle Each time the lever is pulled back again, the
driving ahead. You will find more detailed infor- desired speed is decreased by another 5 mph/
mation on page. You will find more detailed 10 km/h until the minimum speed of 20 mph/

Controls
information on page 64. 30 km/h is reached. The speed then displayed
is stored and achieved, provided that the road is
Automatic intervention by ABS or clear.
DSC, or you actuate the handbrake
while driving. The display 2 flashes Deactivate system
yellow. The active cruise control

Driving tips
Press the lever up or down while the system is
now only intervenes by braking.
active 3. The displays in the instrument cluster
disappear. You can use the system again as
Desired speed, store and increase
required.
In addition, the system is deactivated automati-
cally:
ProCarManuals.com

> When you apply pressure to the brake pedal

Navigation
> When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG's neutral position N
> When the manual transmission is shifted
into neutral

Entertainment
> When you deactivate the DSC Dynamic
Press the lever forward 1 at a driving speed of Stability Control
more than approx. 20 mph/30 km/h: > When you actuate the handbrake during
The system applies and stores your current driving
speed as a desired speed. This speed is indi-
> When the system reduces the speed to
cated on the speedometer and displayed briefly
below 20 mph/30 km/h due to a traffic situ-
in the instrument cluster.
Communication
ation
Subsequently pressing forward increases the
desired speed to the next multiple of 5 mph/ The system deactivates automatically
10 km/h. Each time the lever is pressed forward when the speed is set to below 20 mph/
again, the desired speed is increased by 30 km/h. An acoustic signal sounds and a mes-
another 5 mph/10 km/h until a maximum of sage appears on the Control Display. The active
110 mph/180 km/h is reached. The speed then intervention of the driver is required.<
displayed is stored and achieved, provided that When you switch off the ignition, the stored
the road is clear. desired speed is deleted.
If the display ACC --- mph/km/h briefly
Mobility

appears in the instrument cluster, it might Resume stored desired speed and
be that conditions necessary for operation are distance setting
not currently being met. Press button 4 when the system is deactivated.
To call up Check Control messages, refer to The displays appear in the instrument cluster.
page 67.< The system is reactivated and uses the last
Reference

stored desired speed and distance setting.

61
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Fine adjustment of desired speed Distance 1
Driving

In the activated state, the desired speed

increases by 1 mph/1 km/h each time button 4
is pressed briefly.

Select distance Distance 2

Distance 3
This distance is always set when
the system is used for the first time
after starting the engine.

Distance 4
You can choose from four distance steps.
> Rotary switch downward:
Increase distance
ProCarManuals.com

> Rotary switch upward: Use good judgment to select the appro-
Decrease distance priate following distance given road con-
The selected distance is displayed in the instru- ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ment cluster. ommendations for safe following distance.<

Things to know about active cruise control

As with conventional cruise control sys- hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or
tems, active cruise control in no way roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own ramps; during inclement weather such as snow,
personal responsibility, alertness and aware- strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise changes, service/parking areas or toll booths.
controlling the vehicle. The driver should It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
decide when to use the system on the basis of speed and distance setting within applicable
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. legal limits. Always be ready to take action or
Active cruise control is intended for use on apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving the system is actively following a vehicle in front
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in of you.<
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush

62
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Always remember that the range and abil- intervene and resume manual braking. You
ity of the system does have physical limi- should then reactivate the system only when
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate you are fully aware of the prior speed and dis-
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi- tance settings.<
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead Active cruise control may brake when you
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a reduce the stored desired speed; however, the
parked vehicle. Also, the system does not react driver must constantly monitor traffic and inter-
to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other types vene if necessary.

Controls
of potential traffic such as a rider on horseback.
When you switch off the engine or ignition,
It is also possible that the system may not
active cruise control is fully switched off, too,
detect smaller moving objects such as motor-
and any settings you have selected are can-
cycles or bicycles. Be especially alert when
celed.
encountering any of these situations as the sys-
tem will neither automatically brake, nor provide

Driving tips
a warning to you. Also, be aware that every
Behavior in curves
decrease in the distance setting allows your
vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front of
you and requires a heightened amount of alert-
ness.<
ProCarManuals.com

If while your vehicle is actively following a vehi-

cle in front of you and the vehicle ahead speeds

Navigation
up or the lane ahead becomes clear, then your
vehicle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear,
unobstructed lane will also result in your vehicle Because of the limited range of the system, it is
accelerating. possible that in curves or on the peaks and val-

Entertainment
Be certain to deactivate the system when leys of hilly roads, a vehicle ahead may be rec-
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off- ognized late, or not at all. Therefore, it is up to
ramp.< the driver to select a speed that is prudent in
view of the curves and terrain of the roadway.
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause
Communication
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving,
the system will automatically deactivate.
In approaching a curve, it is possible that active
Remember, the system cannot stop your cruise control would react briefly to a vehicle in
Mobility

vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti- the adjacent lane. In addition, the system can
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle sense if your vehicle is in a curve and may not
brakes, shifts the transmission to neutral/N, or accelerate. If your vehicle decelerates in either
deactivates DSC. After any deactivation, the case, you can choose to overcome the deceler-
system will no longer automatically activate the ation by briefly pressing the accelerator pedal.
Reference

vehicle brakes, which means the driver must

63
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Driver interventions Swerving vehicles
Driving

Anytime the driver presses down on the

accelerator pedal, any automatic braking
action by the system is interrupted until the
pedal is fully released. After doing this, release
the accelerator and the system again controls
your cruising speed and distance setting. While
driving with activated system, resting your foot
on the accelerator pedal will cause the system
not to brake even if necessary. Be certain that
floormats or other objects on the vehicle floor
When a vehicle moves from an adjacent lane
do not interfere with movement of the accelera-
into your lane, active cruise control will not rec-
tor pedal.<
ognize this vehicle until it is fully in your lane
While active cruise control is capable of ahead of your vehicle.
braking your vehicle automatically when
you approach a slower vehicle ahead, it is
Malfunction
important to be aware that the ability of the sys-
The indicator lamp lights up and a mes-
tem to apply the brakes is also limited, particu-
sage appears on the Control Display.
larly if you are driving down a steep grade or
ProCarManuals.com

The build-up of foreign matter, e.g.,

when you reduce your desired speed sharply.
snow, ice, dirt, road debris etc., can lead to
The system cannot stop your vehicle. It uses
reduced detection performance of active cruise
only a portion of braking system capacity and
control. You should check the sensor under the
does not utilize the full capacity of the vehicle
front bumper and clean it as necessary prior to
braking system. Therefore, the system cannot
driving your vehicle. If the sensor becomes cov-
decrease your speed for large differences in
ered by foreign matter or has a malfunction, it is
speed between your vehicle and the vehicle
possible that the sensor will no longer be able to
ahead. Examples: during emergency braking,
detect vehicles in front of you. After the system
when you approach a vehicle traveling at a
recognizes that the sensor is no longer func-
much lower speed than your own speed such as
tional, a message is displayed on the Control
approaching a toll booth or when a much slower
Display and an acoustic signal is emitted.
vehicle cuts in front of you at close range.<
When the system does not recognize any
Whenever active cruise control
objects, e.g. on infrequently traveled roads
recognizes a situation that requires
without a shoulder or guard rails, the system
driver braking because the system
can automatically deactivate temporarily.
capacity has been reached or has
been exceeded, the system alerts
the driver by flashing this symbol in the instru-
ment cluster and sounding a signal.

64
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Everything under control

Odometer, outside Tachometer

temperature display, clock

Controls
Driving tips
When the ignition is off you can briefly activate
the time, outside temperature and odometer
displays by pressing the knob 3 in the instru-
ProCarManuals.com

ment cluster.

Navigation
1 Outside temperature display, time,
date
The outside temperature and the time are dis-
played as of ignition key position 1.
The white-striped advance warning field,

Entertainment
Date retrieval: arrow 1, changes depending on the engine
Press CHECK button on turn signal lever, refer temperature. The segments disappear in
to page 69. sequence as the engine warms to its normal
Time and date setting, refer to page 74. operating temperature. Avoid allowing the
You can set the measurement unit 7 or 6 on engine speed to rise as far as the orange warn-
the Control Display, refer to Measurement units ing sector whenever possible.

Communication
on page 73. Engine speeds in the red warning field, arrow 2,
must absolutely be avoided. In this range, the
Ice warning fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine.
A signal sounds when the outside temperature
falls to approx. +37.5 7/+3 6; this is accompa-
nied by a message.
Please bear in mind that the ice warning
does nothing to alter the fact that black
ice may be present on roads at temperatures
Mobility

higher than +37.57/+36, e.g. on bridges and

shaded roads.<

2 Odometer and trip odometer

Resetting trip odometer: press the knob 3 in the
Reference

instrument cluster.

65
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Energy Control Service requirements
Everything under control

Displays the current fuel consumption. This The remaining travel distance and the date for
allows you to see whether your current driving the next maintenance are displayed briefly
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini- when the ignition key is in position 2.
mum exhaust emissions. Your BMW Service Advisor can deter-
mine your vehicle's current service
requirements by reading out the data stored in
Fuel gage the master key.<
ProCarManuals.com

Additional information
You can view additional information on service
and maintenance procedures on the Control
Display.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open the menu.
2. Select "Service" and press the controller.
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 gallons/ 3. Select "Service requirements" and press
70 liters, including the reserve capacity of the controller.
approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters. You can find infor-
4. Select "Status" and press the controller
mation on refueling on page 168.
The display shows a list of selected service and
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
maintenance procedures, as well as legally
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
mandated inspections.
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
After the reserve quantity has been reached, a
message appears for a short time on the Con-
trol Display; the remaining range is shown in the
computer. With a range below approx. 30 miles/
50 km, the message remains on the Control
Display.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, as otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<

66
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Symbols 5. Select "Emission inspect." or "State
No service is currently required. inspection" and press the controller.

The deadline for service or a legally man-

dated inspection is approaching. Please
arrange a service appointment soon.
The service deadline has already passed.

Controls
You can request more detailed information on
every entry.

6. Select "Set service date" and press the

controller. The month is highlighted.

Driving tips
7. Turn the controller to make the adjustment.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Select the entry and press the controller.
To exit from the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.

Entering dates for state emission and 8. Press the controller to apply the setting.

Entertainment
vehicle inspections The year is highlighted.
Make sure the date on the Control Display is 9. Turn the controller to make the adjustment.
always set correctly, refer to page 74, as other- 10. Press the controller to apply the setting.
wise the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based The date entry is stored.
Service is not ensured.
To exit from the menu:
Control Center, for principle details, refer to Select the arrow and press the controller.
page 16. Communication
1. Open the menu.
2. Select "Service" and press the controller Check Control
3. Select "Service requirements" and press
the controller. The concept
The Check Control monitors functions in the
4. Select "Status" and press the controller
vehicle and issues a message if there is a mal-
function in the monitored systems.
Mobility

Supplementary messages on the Control Dis-

play are intended to assist you in assessing the
severity of malfunctions; they provide you with
the information you need to decide on the best
way to respond.
Reference

67
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 An example of a message is given below. Importance of messages
Everything under control

Important messages remain until the malfunc-

In the instrument cluster tions have been corrected. They cannot be
deleted. If a number of malfunctions occur
simultaneously, they are displayed in succes-
sion.
Less important messages are displayed for
approx. 20 seconds, but remain in memory.

This symbol means that a Check Control

message has been generated. The symbol
remains even if the message has been automat-
ically masked after a short time, but is still in
memory.

On the Control Display To blank out these messages during the display
ProCarManuals.com

period:
Press the CHECK button on turn signal lever.

Check Control symbol and information

on the Control Display
No malfunctions are present in the moni-
tored systems.
Malfunctions are present in the moni-
tored systems.
Depending on the malfunction, supple-
An acoustic signal sounds at the same time.
mentary information is shown on the
Control Display.
Supplementary instructions
The symbols also indicate the status of the ser-
Example: vice requirements display, refer to page 66.

Exit supplementary instructions:

Select the arrow and press the controller.

68
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Recalling stored messages 5. Select a message and press the controller.

Using CHECK button

1. Hold the button down:
The first stored message is displayed.

Controls
The display disappears automatically after a
short time.
In order to exit from the display immediately:

Driving tips
Select the arrow and press the controller.
2. Press the button:
When the button is pressed again, a differ- Displays after completion of trip
ent message is displayed. Malfunction reports generated during the trip
are shown consecutively when you switch off
ProCarManuals.com

Using Control Center the ignition.

Navigation
Control Center, for principle details, refer to Before the display disappears, you can display
page 16. the messages once again. Press the CHECK
1. Press button. button for approx. 2 seconds. If several mes-
This opens the start menu. sages are present, you can continue to press
the CHECK button to view them in succession.

Entertainment
The display goes out
> automatically after a brief period
> when you press the CHECK button again
for approximately 2 seconds.

Computer
Communication

2. Press the controller to open the menu. Requesting functions

3. Select "Service" and press the controller.
4. Select "Check Control messages" and
press the controller. The stored messages
appear on the display
Mobility

As of ignition key position 1, you can use the BC

button in the turn signal lever to call up com-
Reference

puter information in the instrument cluster.

69
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Further information appears each time you On the Control Display
Everything under control

press the BC button. You can also call up the computer via the Con-
trol Center, for principle details, refer to
In the instrument cluster page 16.
1. Press button.
This opens the start menu.

The display sequence:

> Cruising range
> Average speed 2. Move the controller to the right to open
> Average fuel consumption "Navigation".
In vehicles without navigation system:
ProCarManuals.com

Cruising range Open "Car Data".

Displays the estimated cruising range available 3. Select "Car Data" and press the controller
with the remaining fuel. It is projected based on You now have a choice between:
the driving style over the last 20 miles/30 km.
> Computer
Refuel as soon as possible once your
> Trip computer,
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
suitable e.g. for a vacation trip.
50 km, as otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Average speed Select "Onboard info" and press the controller.

Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine

switched off are not included in the calculations
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press BC button on
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.

Average fuel consumption

The average fuel consumption is calculated for
the time during which the engine is running.
You can use the Control Display to view your > Estimated time of arrival at destination:
fuel consumption rate over two different dis- > Entering a distance manually in the com-
tances, refer to Computer or Trip computer*. puter, see below.
To reset average fuel consumption: press BC > Entering a destination in the navigation
button on turn signal lever for approx. 2 sec- system*, refer to page 115.
onds. > Cruising range

70
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
> Distance to destination: 4. Select "Distance to dest." and press the
> Entering a distance manually in the com- controller.
puter, see below.
> Entering a destination in the navigation
system*, refer to page 115.
> Average speed
> Average fuel consumption

Controls
Trip computer*
Select "Trip computer" and press the control-
ler.
5. Turn the controller to select the distance to
your destination. If needed, hold it against a

Driving tips
slight resistance to enter a larger difference.
6. Press the controller to apply the setting.
The distance is automatically preset during the
destination guidance of the navigation sys-
tem*.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Display options
You can display the computer or the trip com-
> Departure time
puter in the assistance window.
> Driving time
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
> Distance traveled page 16.

Entertainment
> Average speed 1. Move the controller to the right to change to
> Average fuel consumption the assistance window and press the con-
Trip computer, starting, stopping, or resetting troller.
all values:
1. Select "Set" and press the controller.
2. Select the desired menu item.
Communication
3. Press the controller.

Entering a distance manually

Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open "Navigation". 2. Select a menu item:
In vehicles without a navigation system:
> "Onboard info"
Open "Car Data".
Mobility

> "Trip computer"

2. Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
3. Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.
Reference

71
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 3. Press the controller. Applying your current speed as limit
Everything under control

Control Center, for principle details, refer to

page 16.
1. Open "Navigation".
In vehicles without a navigation system:
Open "Car Data".
2. Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
3. Select "Limit" and press the controller.
4. Select "Select current speed" and press
the controller. The system adopts your cur-
rent speed as the limit.
Speed limit
Activating limit
You can enter a speed and a Check Control
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
message indicates when you have reached this
page 16.
speed. This enables you, for example, to
receive warnings if you exceed a speed limit in 1. Open "Navigation".
an urban area. In vehicles without a navigation system:
Open "Car Data".
ProCarManuals.com

You are only warned of reaching this speed a

second time if your vehicle speed falls below it 2. Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
again by at least 3 mph/5 km/h.
3. Select "Limit" and press the controller.

Entering, changing 4. Select "On" and press the controller.

Limit is activated.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open "Navigation". Stopwatch
In vehicles without a navigation system:
Open "Car Data". Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
2. Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
1. Open "Navigation".
3. Select "Limit" and press the controller.
In vehicles without a navigation system:
Open "Car Data".
2. Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
3. Select "Stopwatch" and press the control-
ler.

4. Select the speed and press the controller.

5. Turn the controller to set the limit. If
needed, hold it against a slight resistance to
enter a larger difference.
6. Press the controller to apply the setting.

72
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Starting and stopping 5. If necessary, move the controller to the right
> Select "Start" and press the controller. to select "Display Offset".
The stopwatch starts at the displayed time. 6. Turn the controller until the desired setting
> Select "Reset" and press the controller. is selected.
The stopwatch is reset and it restarts if it
was running beforehand.
> Select "Stop" and press the controller.

Controls
This stops the timer.

Taking an intermediate time reading

Select "Interim time" and press the controller.
The interim time appears below the ongoing
primary stopwatch count.

Driving tips
All of the remaining functions remain The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
available at all times while the stopwatch rently in use.
is running. The stopwatch continues operation
in the background.< Measurement units
You can change the measurement units for
ProCarManuals.com

consumption, distances, temperature and

Settings on Control Display

Navigation
pressure.
1. Open the menu.
Brightness of Control Display
2. Select "Display settings" and press the
The brightness is automatically adapted to the controller.
ambient lighting conditions. However, you can
3. Select "Units" and press the controller.

Entertainment
change the base setting.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Press button.
This opens the start menu.

Communication

4. Select the menu item to be set.

5. Press the controller.
6. Select the desired measurement unit and
press the controller.
2. Press the controller to open the menu. The settings are stored for the remote control
Mobility

3. Select "Display settings" and press the currently in use.

controller.
4. Select "Brightness" and press the control-
ler.
Reference

73
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Language on Control Display 6. Press the controller to apply the setting.
Everything under control

Control Center, for principle details, refer to The next setting is highlighted.
page 16. 7. Make the remaining adjustments. After the
1. Open the menu. last adjustment, the time is stored.

2. Select "Display settings" and press the

12h/24h mode
controller.
1. Select "Time format" and press the control-
3. Select "Languages" and press the control-
ler.
ler.
2. Select the desired mode and press the con-
troller.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.

Switching on hour signal*

You will hear three tones just before each full
hour.
Select "Hour memo" and press the controller.
The hour signal is activated.
ProCarManuals.com

4. Select "Text language" and press the con-

troller. You can change the language of the
Date setting
text displays.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
5. Select and activate the desired language by
page 16.
pressing the controller.
1. Open the menu.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. 2. Select "Display settings" and press the
controller.
Setting time 3. Select "Date" and press the controller.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 4. Select "Set date" and press the controller.
page 16. The first section of the date display is high-
1. Open the menu. lighted, in this case the month.

2. Select "Display settings" and press the

controller.
3. Select "Time" and press the controller.

5. Turn the controller to make the adjustment.

6. Press the controller to apply the setting.
The next setting is highlighted.

4. Select "Set time" and press the controller. 7. Make the remaining adjustments. After the
The hours are highlighted. last adjustment, the date is stored.

5. Turn the controller to set the hours.

74
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Changing date format
1. Select "Date format" and press the control-
ler.
2. Select the desired format and press the
controller.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.

Controls
Driving tips
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
Communication
Mobility
Reference

75
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Technology for comfort, convenience and
for comfort, convenience and safety

safety

PDC Park Distance Control* Deactivating manual mode

Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
The concept out.
The PDC assists you when you are parking. The system is automatically deactivated once
Acoustic signals and an optical display* alert the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft/50 m or
you to the approach of an object from behind exceeds a speed of roughly 20 mph/30 km/h;
your vehicle. To measure the distance, there the indicator lamp goes out. You can reactivate
are four ultrasonic sensors in each bumper. The the system manually as needed.
sensors at the front and at the two rear corners
have a range of approx. 24 in/60 cm; the rear Signal tones
middle sensors have approx. 5 ft/1.50 m. When nearing an object, the position is corre-
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate spondingly indicated by an interval tone. Thus,
objects when they are approached an object detected to the left rear of the vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

slowly, as is usually the case when parking. will be indicated by a signal tone from the left
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, as rear speaker, etc. As the distance between
otherwise the physical circumstances would vehicle and object decreases, the intervals
mean that the system warning was too late.< between the tones become shorter. If the dis-
tance to the nearest object falls to below
Automatic mode roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a continuous tone
When the ignition key is in position 2, the sys- sounds.
tem automatically assumes operational status The warning signal is canceled after approx.
after a few seconds each time you shift into 3 seconds, if you are moving parallel to a wall.
reverse or move the selector lever into the R
Technology

position. Malfunction
Wait this short period before driving. The sys- The LED in the button flashes and a message
tem switches itself off when you shift out of appears on the Control Display. PDC is mal-
reverse. functioning. Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
Manual mode clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.

PDC with visual warning*

You can also have the system show distances
to objects on the Control Display. The Control
Display also indicates objects that are farther
away before a signal tone sounds.

Press button, the LED lights up.

76
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Control Center, for principle details, refer to e.g. a curb, can also disappear from the detec-
page 16. tion area of the sensors again before a continu-
1. Press button. ous tone sounds. Loud noises from outside and
This opens the start menu. inside your vehicle may prevent you from hear-
ing the PDC signal tone.<
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away from

Controls
the sensors.<

Driving stability control

systems

Driving tips
2. Press the controller to open the menu. Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
3. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
controller.
4. Select "PDC" and press the controller. ABS Antilock Brake System
ProCarManuals.com

5. Select "Monitor display on" and press the ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
controller.

Navigation
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Safe braking, refer to page 107.

Entertainment
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a gear change, driving stability and
steering response are improved further.
The PDC screen is activated.
Electronic brake-force distribution
Communication
The display appears on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated. The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
The setting for the remote control currently in
use is stored.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
System limits When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
estimating the distance between the
est possible braking distance during full brak-
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
Mobility

with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-

vided by ABS.
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected.The system is also sub- Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms for the duration of the brake application. When
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those the brake pedal is released, DBC is deactivated.
encountered with thin and wedge-shaped
Reference

objects, etc. Low objects already displayed,

77
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 DSC Dynamic Stability Control Deactivating DTC again
for comfort, convenience and safety

The system prevents traction loss in the driving Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
wheels when starting off and accelerating. DSC in the instrument cluster goes out.
also detects unstable driving conditions such
as a fishtailing rear end or sliding of the front Deactivating DTC and DSC together
wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle
maintain a safe course within physical limits by
reducing engine output and through braking
actions in the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
safety margin again by taking risks.< the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer
than approx. 10 seconds. Stabilizing and drive
DTC Dynamic Traction Control output promoting actions are no longer exe-
ProCarManuals.com

DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out- cuted. In addition, the stability promoting inter-
put is optimized for particular road conditions, vention of the active steering is deactivated,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys- refer to page 81.
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with A message appears on the Control Display.
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces- Please note any supplementary information
sary to drive with appropriate caution. that appears there.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
under the following special circumstances: as soon as possible.
> When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces Reactivating DSC
Technology

> When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start- Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground instrument cluster goes out.
> When driving with snow chains
To control
Activating DTC The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC controls the drive forces
and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DSC and DTC are deactivated together via the
button DTC.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DTC is activated via the DTC button.

Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp

in the instrument cluster lights up.

78
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Malfunction in vehicle stability-control during cornering to smooth and comfort-ori-
systems ented when the vehicle is proceeding in a
The brake system warning lamp lights straight line. During vehicle operation, the sys-
up in red, appearing together with the tem continuously runs through closed-loop
indicator lamps for ABS and DSC. A control cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
message appears on the Control Dis- The system assumes operational status each
play. The driving stability control sys- time you start the engine.
tems are deactivated. Conventional

Controls
braking efficiency remains available Malfunction
without limitations. While you may con- The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
tinue, you should remember to proceed cau- sage appears on the Control Display.
tiously and drive defensively while avoiding full There is a malfunction in the system.
brake applications. Have the system checked Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Driving tips
as soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system,
Display of the previously described please remember to adapt your speed
malfunction on Canadian models. accordingly, especially in curves. The suspen-
sion will be noticeably softer and the vehicle will
display a greater tendency to tilt during corner-
ing and in crosswinds. If a message stating that
ProCarManuals.com

you should stop appears on the Control Display,

Navigation
stop and switch off the engine as soon as pos-
sible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir
The indicator lamp for DSC lights up; a may have dropped below the minimum, possi-
message appears on the Control Dis- bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system. Do
play. DSC and DTC are deactivated. not continue driving. Contact your BMW cen-

Entertainment
The stability maintenance functions are no ter.<
longer available. The vehicle remains in running
order. Have the system checked as soon as
possible. Flat Tire Monitor
The warning lamp for the brake system
lights up in yellow; a message appears The concept
on the Control Display. DBC has failed. The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
Have the system checked as soon as possible. tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you Communication
Display of the previously described drive. The system provides an alert whenever
malfunction on Canadian models. the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius
Active roll stabilization* and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels
change. This change is detected and is
The concept reported as a flat tire.
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll and
Mobility

optimizes vehicle stability during cornering and Functional requirement

evasive maneuvers. In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear axles tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
form the basis for active roll stabilization. Sus- rect tire inflation pressure.
pension compliance adapts to suit driving con- Perform the initialization immediately
Reference

ditions, varying from performance-oriented after correcting the inflation pressure,

79
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 after changing a tire or after changing a wheel or 5. Select "Set tire pressure" and press the
for comfort, convenience and safety

all of the wheels.< controller.

System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natural,
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface 6. Select "Yes" and press the controller.
> Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels, 7. Start to drive.
high lateral acceleration The message "Initializing" is displayed.
> Driving with snow chains* The initialization finishes during driving. Then
When you are driving with the compact wheel, the message "Status: Active" appears on the
the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to function. Control Display again.
ProCarManuals.com

Initializing system Indication of a flat tire

The initialization finishes during driving, The warning lamp lights up in red and a
which can be interrupted at any time. message appears on the Control Dis-
When driving resumes, the initialization is con- play. In addition, an acoustic signal
tinued automatically. When driving with snow sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation
chains or with the compact wheel, do not initial- pressure loss.
ize the system.< 1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
Control Center, for principle details, refer to fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
page 16. maneuvers.
Technology

1. Open the menu. 2. Identify damaged tire.

2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the If identification is not possible, con-
controller. tact a BMW center.<

3. Select "FTM" and press the controller. 3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 185.

Vehicles with run-flat tires

1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires, refer to page 174, do not
continue driving. Continuing to drive with a
4. Start engine, but do not start driving. flat tire could cause severe accidents.<

80
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres- Active steering*
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four The concept
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor The active steering is a system that actively var-
has not been initialized. The system must ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
then be initialized.< tion to the steering wheel movements.
3. In the event of complete tire pressure loss, When you are driving in the low road speed

Controls
0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire damage, you can range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
estimate the possible distance for contin- ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
ued driving on the basis of the following very direct. In the higher speed range, on the
guide values: other hand, the steering angle is reduced more
> With a light load: and more. This improves the handling capability
1 to 2 persons without luggage: of your BMW over the entire speed range.

Driving tips
approx. 155 miles/250 km In critical situations, the system can make tar-
> With a medium load: geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
4 persons without luggage: before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
approx. 94 miles/150 km intervention is simultaneously deactivated
ProCarManuals.com

> With a full load: when DSC is switched off, refer to page 78.

Navigation
4 or more persons, luggage compart-
ment full: Malfunction
approx. 30 miles/50 km The warning lamp lights up. The active
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a steering is no longer operational. At low
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of speeds, greater steering wheel move-
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This ments are required, whereas at higher speeds,

Entertainment
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering
extended braking distance and altered natural wheel movements. Have the system checked.
steering characteristics. If the warning lamp lights up during the first
If unusual vibrations occur while the vehicle is engine starting following a power supply inter-
being driven, this can indicate final failure of the ruption, the system must be activated by being
damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop as soon initialized.

Communication
as possible. Do not continue driving. Contact
your BMW center.< Initializing system
1. Start the engine.
Malfunction
2. With the vehicle stationary, turn the steer-
The warning lamp lights up yellow and ing wheel from the straight-ahead position
a message appears on the Control Dis- to the left as far as it will go and then back to
play. The Flat Tire Monitor has a mal- the straight-ahead position.
function or has failed. Have the system checked
3. Switch off the engine.
as soon as possible.
When you start the engine again, all the func-
Mobility

tions of the active steering are available once

again.
Reference

81
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Brake Force Display
for comfort, convenience and safety

The Brake Force Display lights up in two stages

depending on how strongly you brake.

> Normal braking: the brake lamps and the

center brake lamps light up.
> Forceful braking or braking with ABS: the
illuminated area of the rear brake lamps also
increases.
ProCarManuals.com
Technology

82
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Airbags

Controls
The following airbags are located under the remove the airbag retention system from the
marked covers: vehicle. Never modify or tamper with either the

Driving tips
1 Front airbags for driver and front passenger wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
2 Head airbags in front and rear
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the
3 Side airbags in front and rear instrument panel, the side trim panels on the
doors and the roof pillars along with the sides of
Protective action the headliner. Do not attempt to remove or dis-
ProCarManuals.com

To ensure that the safety systems con- mantle the steering wheel. Do not touch the

Navigation
tinue to provide optimized protection, individual components immediately after the
please observe the adjustment instructions on system has been triggered, because there is a
page 38.< danger of burns. In the event of malfunctions,
The front airbags help protect the driver and deactivation, or triggering of the airbag restraint
front passenger by responding to frontal system, have the testing, repair, removal, and
disposal of airbag generators executed only

Entertainment
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the by a BMW center or a workshop that works
head and side airbags help provide protection in according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
the event of side impact. The relevant side air- respondingly trained personnel and has the
bag supports the side upper body area. The required explosives licenses. Unprofessional
head air bag supports the head. attempts to service the system could lead to
failure in an emergency or undesired airbag
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in activation, either of which could result in per-
every impact situation, e.g. less severe acci- sonal injury.< Communication
dents, certain roll-over conditions, or rear-end
collisions. Airbag warning information is also provided on
the sun visors.
The rear seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated by a BMW center.
Automatic deactivation of front
Labels in the rear door opening should indicate
passenger airbags
the status of your rear seat side airbags. If you
are uncertain of their status, or wish to have the Your BMW has a seat occupation detection
airbags activated or deactivated, please contact system. By evaluating the weight on the front
Mobility

your BMW center.< passenger seat, the system detects whether or

not the seat is occupied by a child in the child-
For information on the correct sitting position, restraint system or an adult.
refer to page 38.
> When a child is seated in the child-restraint
Do not apply adhesive materials to the system or with an empty seat, the front and
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or side airbags are automatically deactivated
Reference

modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to on the passenger side.

83
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 > When an adult is traveling in the front seat, Passenger airbag status lamp
for comfort, convenience and safety

the front and side airbags remain active on

the passenger side.
Although not desired, it can occur in the
case of heavier children that the front
passenger airbags remain active or in the case
of very light adults or young persons that the
front passenger airbags are deactivated. In
these cases, have the person ride in the rear
seat, refer to Passenger airbag status lamp
below. Do not load the passenger seat with any
The indicator lamp located above the rear view
items in addition to the person to be trans-
mirror indicates whether the front passenger
ported. Do not fit seat covers, seat cushion pad-
airbag system is active or not active/OFF.
ding, ball mats or other items onto the front pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically The indicator lamp is used only for the
recommended by BMW. Do not place any items front passenger airbag system. The indi-
under the seat. Otherwise, the function of the cator lamp illuminates to show that the front
seat occupation detection could be impaired.< passenger airbag system is OFF/not active.<
> The lamp illuminates briefly during startup,
ProCarManuals.com

Operational readiness of airbag system but then goes out if the seat is empty, or an
adult or child of sufficient size is detected.
> The lamp remains illuminated when a child
in a rear facing child-restraint system is
detected and indicates that the passenger
airbag system is off.
If the lamp is illuminated when the seat is
occupied by a very light adult or teenager,
it is recommended that the person sit in the
rear.<
Technology

As of ignition key position of 1, the warning Find more information about passenger airbag
lamp lights up briefly, thus indicating the opera- system and seat occupancy detection in the
tional readiness of the entire airbag system and section Automatic deactivation of front passen-
the safety belt tensioners. ger airbags above.

Airbag system malfunction

> The warning lamp does not light up as of Head-Up Display*
ignition key position 1.
> Warning lamp lights up continuously. The concept
A malfunction could prevent the airbag With the Head-Up Display important informa-
system from responding in the expected tion is projected into the driver's field of view,
manner to an impact occurring within its normal e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to
response range.< take in this information without looking away
from the road.

84
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Selecting displays
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Press button.
This opens the start menu.

Controls
Driving tips
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Display settings" and press the
controller.
ProCarManuals.com

4. Select "Head-Up Display selection" and

Switching on/off press the controller.

Navigation
With the ignition key in position 2: 5. Select desired information of Head-Up
Press the button to activate or deactivate Head- Display.
Up Display.

6. Press the controller. Entertainment

Communication
1 Navigation instructions The information is shown on the Head-
Up Display.
2 Display
The settings are stored for the remote control
> Cruise control
currently in use.
> Active cruise control
3 Speed Setting brightness
The brightness of the display is automatically
Mobility

adapted to the ambient lighting conditions.

However, you can change the base setting.
With the low beams switched on, the brightness
can also be adjusted with the serrated dial of the
instrument lighting.
Reference

85
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Control Center, for principle details, refer to according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
for comfort, convenience and safety

page 16. respondingly trained personnel.

1. Open the menu.
Care instructions
2. Select "Display settings" and press the
controller. You can find everything you need to know on
this topic by consulting the separate Caring for
3. Select "Brightness" and press the control-
your vehicle brochure.
ler.

Only clean the cover of the Head-Up Dis-

4. Move the controller to the left to select
play with a soft, lint-free cloth or with a
"Head-Up Display Offset".
ProCarManuals.com

display cleaning cloth, as otherwise damage

5. Turn the controller until the desired setting may result.<
is selected.
The setting for the remote control currently in
use is stored.

Notes
The visibility of the displays in the Head-Up Dis-
play is influenced by:
> Sunglasses with certain polarization filters
Technology

> Certain seating positions

> Objects on the cover of the Head-Up
Display
> Wet road surface and unfavorable lighting
conditions
If the image is distorted, please have the basic
setting checked at a BMW center.

Special windshield
The windshield is part of the system. The shape
of the windshield complies with the require-
ments of the Head-Up Display to enable a pre-
cise display. A film in the windshield prevents
the double images from being displayed.
Windshield replacement should be carried out
by a BMW center or a workshop that works

86
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Lamps

Parking lamps/low beams 3. Select "Light" and press the controller.

Controls
Driving tips
4. Select "Pathway lighting" and press the
0 Lights off
controller.
1 Parking lamps
5. Turn the controller to select the corre-
2 Low beams/daytime driving lamps* sponding duration.
Automatic headlamp control*/
ProCarManuals.com

3 6. Press the controller to apply the setting.

Adaptive Head Light*

Navigation
Lights on warning
Parking lamps
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an
In switch position 1, the front, rear and side acoustic signal sounds when you open the
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the driver's door for a few seconds to remind you
parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one that the light has not yet been switched off.

Entertainment
side for parking as an additional feature, refer to At the same time a message appears on the
page 88. Control Display.

Low beams Daytime driving lamps*

The low beams are activated in switch If so desired, you can leave the light switch in
position 2 only when the engine is running, oth- the low beam position 2.
Communication
erwise only the parking lamps are switched on.
Always observe all applicable laws governing
the use of daytime driving lamps.
Pathway lighting
You can switch on the parking lamps when
If the vehicle is parked and the headlamps are
needed using the standard procedure
switched off, operating the headlamp flasher
described under Parking lamps.
activates the low beams. You can set the dura-
tion on the Control Display or deactivate the
Automatic headlamp control*
function.
In the switch position 3, the system activates
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
and switches on and off the low beams in
Mobility

page 16.
response to changes in ambient light condi-
1. Open the menu. tions, for instance, in a tunnel, at dawn and
2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the dusk, and in rain or snow. Adaptive Head Light*
controller. is active. The LED next to the symbol is illumi-
nated when the low beams are on.
Reference

87
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 The low beams remain switched on inde- High beams/roadside parking
Lamps

pendent of the ambient lighting condi-

tions when you switch on the fog lamps.
lamps
With the daytime driving lamps* activated, the
low beams are always switched on when the
ignition key is in position 2.<
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps manually
1 High beams
under these conditions.<
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside parking lamps
Adaptive Head Light*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
The concept You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
ProCarManuals.com

Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp side of your vehicle when parking. When using
control system that enables better illumination this function, comply with national regulations:
of the road surface. Depending on the steering With the ignition off, press the lever in the
angle and other assumptions, the light from the desired direction 3, past the resistance point.
headlamp follows the course of the road.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not switch them on for long peri-
Activating Adaptive Head Light ods of time, otherwise it may no longer be pos-
In the switch position 3, the Adaptive Head sible to start the engine.<
Light is active and the automatic headlamp con-
trol* is switched on.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive Front fog lamps
Head Light
> is not active when driving in reverse
> is only active toward passenger side when
stationary

Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
faulty or has failed. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up whenever the
fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off whenever the
high beams are switched on.

88
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
If the automatic headlamp control is acti- Reading lamps
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<

Instrument lighting

Controls
Reading lamps are provided in the front and rear
adjacent to the interior lamps. Press the button
to activate or deactivate this system.

Driving tips
To avoid draining the battery, all of the
vehicle's interior lamps are automatically
You can control the lighting intensity by using switched off approx. 15 minutes after the igni-
the serrated dial. tion is switched off.<
ProCarManuals.com

Interior lamps

Navigation
The interior lamps, footwell lamps, door entry
lighting and courtesy lamps* are controlled
automatically.

Entertainment
Switching interior lamps on and off
manually

Communication

Press the button.

If you want the interior lamps to remain off con-
tinuously, maintain pressure on the button for
approx. 3 seconds.
Mobility
Reference

89
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 A congenial climate
A congenial climate
ProCarManuals.com

1 Airflow directed toward the windshield and 10 Temperature, right side of passenger com-
side windows partment
2 Air for the upper body region, refer to Front 11 Residual heat mode
ventilation on page 93 12 AUTO program
3 Air to footwell 13 AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/
4 Temperature, left side of passenger com- Recirculated-air mode
partment 14 LED for independent ventilation
5 Maximum cooling 15 Rear window defroster
6 Defrosting windows and removing conden- 16 Air grill for interior temperature sensor –
sation please keep clear and unobstructed
7 Air volume, manual The current setting for air distribution is dis-
8 Switching off automatic climate control played on the Control Display.
9 Switching cooling on and off manually

90
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
A congenial climate Switching cooling function on and off
For almost all conditions, the AUTO program manually
offers the optimal air distribution and air vol- The cooling function cools and
ume. Select an interior temperature you find dehumidifies the incoming air
pleasant. before also reheating it as
The following section contains more detailed required, according to the temperature setting.
information on the available setting options. Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.

Controls
AUTO program The cooling function is only available when the
The AUTO program handles the engine is running and is switched on automati-
adjustment of air distribution to the cally with the AUTO program.
windshield and side windows, in
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot- Maximum cooling

Driving tips
well, as well as the adjustment of the air volume. This program quickly provides
It also adapts your instructions for the tempera- maximum cooling.
ture to outside influences throughout the year. The system switches to the recir-
The cooling is switched on automatically with culated-air mode and the air flows
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con- at maximum air volume only from the air vent
outlets for the upper body area. For this reason
ProCarManuals.com

densation sensor controls the program in such

a way that window condensation is prevented you should ensure that these vent outlets are

Navigation
as much as possible. open before selecting this program.

Adjusting temperature AUC Automatic recirculated-air

control/Recirculated-air mode
You can also set the desired tem-
perature on the driver's side and You can respond to pollutants or

Entertainment
the passenger side by turning the unpleasant odors in the immediate
knob. environment by suspending the
supply of outside air. The system then recircu-
When you start driving, the system ensures that
lates the air currently within the vehicle. During
the selected temperature is achieved as quickly
AUC operation, a sensor detects pollutants in
as possible. It then maintains this temperature,
the outside air and controls the shut-off auto-
regardless of the season.
matically.
By pressing the button repeatedly, you can Communication
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation request three operating modes:

This program quickly removes ice > LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
and condensation from the wind- > Right LED on, AUC mode: the system
shield and front side windows. detects pollutants in the outside air and
shuts off the supply as needed.
Air volume, manual > Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
You can adjust the air volume by supply of outside air is permanently shut off.
Mobility

turning. You can reactivate the If condensation starts to form on the

automatic mode for the air volume inside window surfaces during operation
with the AUTO button. in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air volume as
required.
Reference

91
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 The recirculated-air mode should not be used Control Center, for principle details, refer to
A congenial climate

over an extended period of time, as the air qual- page 16.

ity inside the vehicle deteriorates continu- 1. Press button.
ously.< This opens the start menu.

Residual heat mode

Press this button when the engine
is switched off, but warm.
The heat stored in the engine is
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a school to pick
up a child.
You can adjust the automatic climate control
settings in ignition key position 1.
2. Move the controller to the left to open "Cli-
Provided that the engine has warmed to its nor- mate".
mal operating temperature and the battery is
You can set the following:
charged, you can use this function for up to
15 minutes after switching off the ignition. The > Manual air distribution, separate for driver's
side and passenger side
ProCarManuals.com

LED in the button lights up to confirm compli-

ance with both of these conditions. > Adjusting temperature in upper body region
> Intensity of the AUTO program
Switching off automatic climate control
The settings are stored for the remote control
The air volume, the heater and the currently in use.
cooling function are all switched
off.
Manual air distribution
You can restart the automatic cli- You can preset your air distribution yourself and
mate control by pressing any of its buttons also individually adjust the air temperature in
except the REST button. the upper body area.
1. Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
Settings using Control Center
troller.
Ignition key:
2. Move the controller to select the desired
> On vehicles with separate drives for audio field and turn the controller to adjust the air
CDs and navigation DVDs, ignition key in distribution.
position 2
> In vehicles with one drive for audio CDs,
ignition key in position 1

1 Airflow directed toward the windshield and

side windows, driver's side only
2 Airflow for the upper body

92
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
3 Air to footwell Front ventilation
In order to select the passenger region:
Move controller toward the right.
Pressing the AUTO button cancels the air
distribution settings on the Control Dis-
play and vice versa.<

Adjusting temperature in upper body

Controls
region
1. Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller. 1 Use the serrated dials to smoothly open and
2. Select the field by moving the controller and close air vents
turning the controller to adjust the temper- 2 Use the lever to change the air vent direc-

Driving tips
ature. tion
Do not drop any foreign bodies into the
vent outlets, as otherwise these could be
catapulted outwards and lead to injuries.<
ProCarManuals.com

Ventilation for cooling

Navigation
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the interior
has become too warm, etc.

Draft-free ventilation
Setting intensity of AUTO program

Entertainment
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
To meet your individual needs, you can weaken you and is not directed straight at you.
or strengthen the intensity of the automatic cli-
mate control. Rear ventilation
1. Select "Automatic programs" and press the
controller.

Communication

1 Use the serrated dial to smoothly open and

close air vents
Mobility

2. Select the desired intensity and press the 2 Use the serrated dial to adjust the tempera-
controller. ture:
> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer
3 Use the lever to change the air vent direc-
Reference

tion

93
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter 4. Select "Parked car ventilation" and press
A congenial climate

The microfilter removes dust and pollen from the controller.

the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter
provides additional protection by filtering gas-
eous pollutants from the outside air. Your BMW
center replaces this combined filter as a stan-
dard part of your scheduled maintenance.
You can select a display of more detailed infor-
mation on the Control Display, refer to page 66.

Independent ventilation*
Independent ventilation is switched on and the
The independent ventilation blows air into the LED flashes.
passenger compartment to lower interior tem-
peratures. Preselecting activation times
The independent ventilation is controlled using Control Center, for principle details, refer to
the Control Center. You can set two different page 16.
times for the system to start.
1. Open "Climate".
ProCarManuals.com

The independent ventilation remains on for

2. Select "Parked car operation" and press the
30 minutes. It can also be switched on and off controller.
directly. Since the system uses a substantial
amount of electrical current, you should refrain 3. Select "Activation time" and press the con-
from activating it twice in succession without troller.
allowing the battery to be recharged in normal If you select two activation times that are
operation between use. in sequence, they must differ by at least
The independent ventilation is ready for use at 31 minutes.<
any outside temperature, up to ignition key 4. Move the controller to the left or right to
position 1. select "Time 1" or "Time 2".
The air emerges through the upper body region 5. Select the time and press the controller.
vent outlets in the instrument panel. These vent The first time setting is highlighted.
outlets must be open for the system to operate.

Switching on and off directly

Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open "Climate".
2. Select "Parked car operation" and press the
controller.
3. Select "Automatic ventilation" and press
the controller. 6. Turn the controller to make the adjustment.
7. Press the controller to apply the setting.
The next setting is highlighted.
8. Make the remaining adjustments. After the
last adjustment, the time is stored.

94
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Activating timer
Move the controller to the left or right to select
"Time 1" or "Time 2" and press the controller.

Controls
Driving tips
The activation time is activated and the
LED lights up.
The independent ventilation is only
available for activation within the next
24 hours. After that, the time must be reacti-
vated.<
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
Communication
Mobility
Reference

95
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Practical interior accessories
Practical interior accessories

Integrated universal remote HomeLink is a registered trademark owned by

Johnson Controls, Inc.<
control*
Programming
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote-controlled accessories,
such as door openers and house alarm sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control
registers and stores signals from the original
hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. Then with the ignition key in 1 Memory buttons
position 2, this programmed memory button 1 2 LED
ProCarManuals.com

can be used to operate the relevant accessory.

The LED 2 flashes to confirm transmission of Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
the signal.
1. Ignition key in position 2.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to
2. When starting operation for the first time:
delete the stored programs beforehand for your
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx.
safety, refer to page 97.
20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes. The
To prevent possible damage or injury, three memory buttons 1 are cleared.
before programming or using the inte-
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
grated universal remote control, always inspect
distance of approx. 2 in/5 cm to 8 in/20 cm
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
from the memory buttons 1.
ple, animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Also, comply with the The required distance between the
safety precautions of the original hand-held hand-held transmitter and the mem-
transmitter.< ory buttons 1 depends on the relevant sys-
tem of the original hand-held transmitter
Checking compatibility used.<

If you see this symbol on the packaging 4. Simultaneously press the transmit key on
or in the manual supplied with the orig- the original hand-held transmitter and the
inal hand-held transmitter, it is safe to desired memory button 1 on the integrated
assume that it is compatible with the integrated universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes
universal remote control. slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 flashes
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED 2
If you have additional questions, please
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
consult your BMW center or call 1-800-
onds, alter the distance.
355-3515.
You can also visit these websites: 5. To program other original hand-held trans-
www.bmwusa.com or mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
www.homelink.com.

96
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
The corresponding memory button 1 is now The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter. hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system with the ignition
key in position 2. Clearing memory buttons
If the device can not be operated after Press both outer buttons 1 for approx. 20 sec-
repeated programming, check whether onds until the LED 2 flashes: all memory but-
tons are cleared.

Controls
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the The memory of individual memory buttons 1
instructions for the original hand-held transmit- cannot be cleared.
ter or hold down the programmed memory
button 1 of the integrated universal remote
control. If the LED 2 on the integrated universal Roller sun blinds*

Driving tips
remote control flashes rapidly for a short time
and then remains lit for approx. 2 seconds, this Rear window blind
indicates that the original hand-held transmitter
uses an alternating-code system. In the case of
an alternating-code system, program the mem-
ory buttons 1 as described at Alternating-code
ProCarManuals.com

transmitters.<

Navigation
Alternating-code transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote
control, consult the operating instructions for
the equipment to be set. You will find informa-
Press the button on the driver's door.

Entertainment
tion there on the possibilities for synchroniza-
tion.
When programming hand-held transmitters Roller sun blinds for rear side windows
that employ an alternating code, please observe Pull the loop of the roller sun blind and hook
the following supplementary instructions: onto bracket.
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person.<
1. Park your vehicle within the range of the Glove compartment Communication
remote-controlled device.
Opening
2. Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on the receiver of the
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the
Mobility

device to be set. After step 4, you have

approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5. Press the programmed memory button 1 of
the integrated universal remote control
Pull the handle. The light in the glove compart-
three times.
ment switches on.
Reference

97
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Closing
Practical interior accessories

Fold the cover up.

To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately after
use.<

Locking
Lock with a master key. Unlocking is also only
possible with a master key. Open compartment:
If you only hand over the spare key, e.g. Press button and fold cover upward.
for valet parking, refer to page 28, the The folding tray and telephone cradle* can be
glove compartment cannot be unlocked.< folded upward to enable use of the lower area of
the storage compartment.
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left side of the Ventilating storage compartment in
glove compartment. front armrest
The flashlight can remain plugged in continu- 1. Fold the folding tray or telephone cradle*
ProCarManuals.com

ously. upward.
Be sure that the flashlight is switched off 2. Open or close the slider in the storage com-
when it is inserted into its holder. Failure partment.
to comply with this precaution could lead to Depending on the automatic climate con-
overcharging and damage.< trol setting, the temperature inside the
storage compartment may be higher than in the
rest of the interior. Close the vent as needed.<
Center armrest
Adjusting

A storage compartment is located in the arm-

rest between the front seats. Slide the center armrest into the desired posi-
tion.
Open cover:
Press button. The cover opens and can be
folded upwards.
The mat in the compartment can be removed
for cleaning.
Depending on the model, the storage compart-
ment contains a folding tray or a telephone cra-
dle*.

98
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Storage compartments Ashtray, front
Storage compartment on center Opening
console between front seats Slide back the cover.
Open by pressing the cover back.
Emptying
Other compartments

Controls
There are other compartments in the doors as
well as in the front and rear center console.
Storage nets are located on the backrests of the
front seats.

Clothes hooks

Driving tips
When suspending clothing from the
hooks ensure that it will not obstruct the
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on Push the ashtray toward the front: the ashtray
the hooks. If you do so, they could cause per- lifts and can be removed.
sonal injury to occupants during braking or eva-
ProCarManuals.com

sive maneuvers.<
Cigarette lighter, front

Navigation
Cup holders

Entertainment
In ignition key position 2, press in the cigarette

Opening:
lighter. Communication
The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops
Briefly press the button.
back out.
Do not place containers made of glass in
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the cup holders. This would lead to an
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
other areas could result in burns.
dent.<
Always remove the ignition key when you leave
Closing: the vehicle so that, e.g., children are unable to
Press the cover in the center and push in the use the lighter and burn themselves.<
Mobility

cup holder.
Reference

99
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Sockets Sockets
Practical interior accessories

With the ignition key in position 2, the cigarette

lighter socket can be used as a power outlet for In front passenger footwell
hand flashlights, car vacuum cleaners, etc., with
power ratings of up to approx. 200 W at 12 V.
Avoid damaging the socket due to inserting
plugs of different shapes or sizes. The same is
true for all power outlets in the vehicle.

Ashtray, rear

In luggage compartment
ProCarManuals.com

Emptying
Press the entire cover down. The ashtray rises
and can be removed.
Center armrest, rear
Cigarette lighter, rear

1 Storage tray:
Pull upward
Refer to Cigarette lighter, front.
2 Open cup holder:
Press and open cover
Folding down the center armrest improves
vision toward the rear.

100
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Folding down rear seat* vehicle during braking or evasive maneuvers
and endanger the vehicle occupants.<
1. Open the buckle of the center safety belt in
The lashing eyes in the luggage compartment
the rear and insert the belt tab at the end of
provide you with a way to attach luggage com-
the belt into the fixture on the rear window
partment nets* or flexible straps for securing
shelf.
suitcases and luggage, refer to page 109.

Controls
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to 4
pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length

Driving tips
of up to 6.9 ft/2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft/2.10 m
in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend to con-
tract, reducing its overall capacity.
2. Push the corresponding head restraint
down as far as it will go, refer to page 42.
Loading
3. To unlock, pull the corresponding lever in
1. Fold down the center armrest, press the
ProCarManuals.com

the luggage compartment.

button and open the cover.

Navigation
Entertainment
4. The unlocked rear seat back moves forward
2. Press the button again; the cover in the lug-
slightly. Fold the seat back forward by the
gage compartment opens. If you press the
head restraint.
Communication
button firmly the first time, this also opens
the cover in the luggage compartment
3. Extend the ski bag between the front seats
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.
Mobility

When you return the seat back to its

upright position, make sure that the
retainer engages properly. If it is not properly
engaged, transported cargo could enter the
Reference

101
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 4. Insert the belt tab of the ski bag retaining
Practical interior accessories

strap into the center safety belt buckle that

is marked CENTER.

1. Pull the handle forward and pull the ski bag

up and out.
2. Close the cover in the luggage compart-
Make sure to load only cleans skis into the ski ment.
bag. Wrap sharp edges to prevent damage.

Securing cargo
ProCarManuals.com

After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-

tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you fail to
do so, it could move around and endanger
occupants during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.<
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in
reverse order.

Removing ski bag

The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to put it to other
uses.
Your BMW center will be glad to provide
you with more detailed information on the
various items of equipment.<

102
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

103
Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Driving tips
This section is designed to provide you
with extra support by supplying information
useful in dealing with specific driving and
ProCarManuals.com

operating conditions.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Things to remember when driving
Things to remember when driving

Break-in period Clutch

The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
ues to provide optimized economy of operation
engage the clutch gently.
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
Following part replacement
ing section.
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
Engine and differential ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both engine and
vehicle speeds. Until the break-in period has
been completed, you should also refrain from General driving notes
exceeding an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a
driving speed of 100 mph/160 km/h. Closing luggage compartment lid
ProCarManuals.com

Always obey all official speed limits. Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
transmission's kick-down mode during these trate to the interior of the vehicle.<
initial miles.
If special circumstances should make it abso-
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2000 km, the lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually luggage compartment lid open:
increased.
1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
SMG Sequential manual transmission 2. Increase the air volume of the automatic
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the climate control to a high level, refer to
break-in period, refer to page 55. page 91.

Tires Hot exhaust system

Due to technical factors associated with their As in all vehicles equipped with a catalytic
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac- converter, extremely high temperatures
tion potential until after an initial break-in are generated in this vehicle. Do not remove the
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the heat shields installed adjacent to various sec-
first 200 miles/300 km. tions of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle and while parking take care to avoid pos-
Brake system
sible contact between the hot exhaust system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of and any highly flammable materials such as hay,
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to a
contact and wear patterns between brake pads fire, and with it the risk of serious property dam-
and rotors. age as well as personal injury.<

106
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Portable phone in the vehicle Driving through water
BMW discourages the use of mobile Do not drive through water on the road if it
communications devices, e.g. portable is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con- walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication transmission may be damaged.<
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which Using handbrake on inclines

Controls
results from transmission will be dissipated On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
from the vehicle interior.< the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature* SMG Sequential manual transmission

Driving tips
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
ProCarManuals.com

Braking safely

Navigation
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
This feature is controlled by two photocells in brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
the inside rearview mirror. One is integrated into steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
the glass of the mirror, while the other is located possible obstacles with a minimum of steering

Entertainment
at an offset position on the rear of the mirror effort.
housing. Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
clean and do not cover the area between the ABS is in its active mode.
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do Do not drive with your foot resting on the
not attach stickers of any kind to the windshield brake pedal. Even light but consistent

Communication
in front of the mirror, either. pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, Driving in wet conditions
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
of water can form between tires and road sur- briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro- every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
planing, and is characterized by a partial or ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
complete loss of contact between the tires and other road users. The heat generated in this
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
Mobility

process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure

ability to steer and brake the vehicle.< that full braking efficiency will then be available
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread when you need it.
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page 173.
Reference

107
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Hills Before driving into a car wash
Things to remember when driving

To prevent overheating and the resulting To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
reduced efficiency of the brake system, from being damaged, always fold them in by
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the hand before entering an automatic car wash.
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly Cargo loading
even brake failure.<
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
You can further enhance the engine's braking
approved carrying capacity, never over-
action by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
heating and increases the rate at which damage
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
refer to page 56. This strategy helps you avoid
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed or Determining loading limit
allow the vehicle to coast with the trans-
mission in Neutral – or with the engine switched
off – there is no engine braking when the trans-
mission is in Neutral, and no power-assist for
ProCarManuals.com

brakes and steering when the engine is not run-

ning.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct their
movement.<
1. Locate the following statement on your
Corrosion on brake rotors vehicle's placard*:
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, The combined weight of occupants
during extended periods when the vehicle is not and cargo should never exceed
used at all, and in operating conditions where XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, this could
brake applications are less frequent, there is an damage the vehicle and produce unstable
increased tendency for corrosion to form on vehicle operating conditions.<
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 2. Determine the combined weight of the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum driver and passengers that will be riding in
pressure which must be exerted by the pads your vehicle.
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
not reached.
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
4. The resulting figure equals the available
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
effect that even extended application will fail to
For example, if the XXX amount equals
cure.
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
When the vehicle is parked
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys- 650 lbs.:
tem during operation, and then exits under the 1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.

108
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage Securing cargo
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, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for

Controls
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
> Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
Load
lightweight luggage and cargo.

Driving tips
> Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the luggage compartment are
used to secure this lashing equipment, refer
ProCarManuals.com

to illustration.

Navigation
> Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
The permitted load is the total of the weight of
described above. If you do not, it can
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
endanger the passengers during braking or
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage

Entertainment
evasive maneuvers.
can be transported.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
Stowing cargo
to page 198, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
Communication
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<

> Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low

as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
Mobility

> Cover sharp edges and corners.

> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Reference

109
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Roof-mounted luggage rack*
Things to remember when driving

A special rack system is available as an option

for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.

Mounting points

The mounting points are located in the door

openings.
ProCarManuals.com

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof weight, the approved
gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights on page 198.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward to beyond the lim-
its of the loading surface. Always load the heavi-
est pieces first – at the bottom. Be sure that
adequate clearance is maintained for raising the
glass sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage compart-
ment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

110
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

111
Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Navigation
This chapter describes how you can
enter destinations and specify your route
so that your navigation system guides you
ProCarManuals.com

reliably to your destination.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Starting navigation system *
Starting navigation system

Your navigation system can use satellites to Display in assistance window

ascertain the precise position of your vehicle
and guide you reliably to any destination you You can display the route or the current position
enter. in the assistance window. This display remains
visible even if you change to another applica-
tion.
Navigation DVD 1. Move the controller to the right to enter the
assistance window.
Special navigation DVDs are required for each
navigation system. You can obtain the latest
version at your BMW center.

Inserting navigation DVD

ProCarManuals.com

2. Press the controller.

Other menu items are displayed.
3. Select the desired view of the route or "Cur-
rent position".
1. Insert the navigation DVD with the labeled
side up.
2. Allow approx. 8 seconds for the system to
scan the data from the DVD.

Removing navigation DVD

1. Press button 1.
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive.
2. Remove the DVD.
4. Press the controller.
The contents of the assistance window are con-
tinually updated as you drive.

114
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Destination entry
In entering your destination you can select from 3. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
among the following options: ler.
> Entering a destination manually, see below
> Selecting destination via information, refer

Controls
to page 118
> Selecting from among recent destinations,
refer to Destination list, page 119
> Selecting destination from address book,
refer to page 120.

Driving tips
> Selecting home address, refer to page 122
After selecting your destination you can pro-
ceed to start the destination guidance, refer to
page 124. Entering a destination
manually
ProCarManuals.com

The system supports the word matching princi-

Operating navigation system

Navigation
ple to make it easier for you to enter the names
Enter data only when the vehicle is sta- of streets or towns. This enables input of differ-
tionary, and always give priority to the ent spellings and supplements your input auto-
applicable traffic regulations in the event of any matically so that stored names can be adopted
contradiction between traffic and road condi- as destinations as quickly as possible.

Entertainment
tions and the instructions issued by the naviga- Control Center, for principle details, refer to
tion system. If you do not observe this precau- page 16.
tion, you may be in violation of the law, and can
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
endanger vehicle occupants and other road
ler.
users.<
2. Select "New destination" and press the
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
controller.
page 16.
1. Press button. Communication
This opens the start menu.
Mobility

2. Move the controller to the right to open

"Navigation".
Reference

115
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 3. Select "Enter address" and press the con- Entering destination
Destination entry

troller. 1. Select "Town / City" or the displayed town/

city and press the controller.
2. Select the starting letter and press control-
ler.
A list of all towns/cities starting with this let-
ter appears on the Control Display.
3. If necessary, input more letters.
The list gradually grows smaller each time
you enter a new letter.
To input a blank:
The system also supports you with the follow- Select the symbol and press the control-
ing features: ler.
> If you do not enter a street, the system will To delete the letter entered:
guide you to the downtown area of a town or Move controller toward the right to select
city. , and press controller.
> You can skip the entry of country and local- To delete all letters entered:
ity if the current entries should be retained Move controller toward the right to select
ProCarManuals.com

for your new destination. , and hold the controller down.

The commands of the voice command system
for destination entry differ from those of the
individual menu items on the Control Display.
You can have the system read aloud the possi-
ble voice commands, refer to page 22.

Selecting country
1. Select "State / Province" or the displayed
country and press the controller.
The list of available countries appears on
4. Select the town/city name from the list and
the display.
press the controller.

Inputting destination by postal code

1. Select "Town / City" and press the control-
ler.
2. Input the postal code:
Select the desired digits and press the con-
troller.
To delete the number or letter entered:
Move controller toward the right to select
2. Select the country of destination and press , and press controller.
the controller.
To delete all numbers or letters entered:
In order to be able to start the destination guid- Move controller toward the right to select
ance, at least the town/city of the destination or , and hold the controller down.
its zip code must be entered.

116
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
3. Select the postal code and press the con- Starting destination guidance with
troller. manual destination entry
The corresponding destination is displayed.
4. Select the destination and press the con-
troller.

Entering street, house number and

intersection

Controls
1. Select "Street" or the displayed street and
press the controller.
2. For instructions on entry, refer to Entering
destination. Select "Start guidance" and press the control-
ler.

Driving tips
Destination guidance starts immediately.
If the destination guidance does not need to be
started immediately:
Select "Add to destination list" and press the
controller.
ProCarManuals.com

The destination is saved in the destination list,

refer to page 119.

Navigation
After the street you can also enter the intersec-
tion or the house number.
Map-guided destination
selection
The intersection is entered in the same way as

Entertainment
the street. If you only know the name of the town or street
To enter the house number: of the destination, then you can input the desti-
nation by using a map. You can use the cursor
1. Select "House number" and press the con- to localize the destination on the map and then
troller. adopt it into the destination guidance.
2. To enter the house number: Control Center, for principle details, refer to
Select the desired digits and press the con- page 16.
troller. Communication
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
To delete the number or letter entered: ler.
Move controller toward the right to select
, and press controller. 2. Select "New destination" and press the
controller.
To delete all numbers or letters entered:
Move controller toward the right to select
, and hold the controller down.
3. Select the house number and press the
controller.
Mobility

Only house numbers stored for the street

on the navigation DVD can be entered.
Reference

117
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 3. Select "Input map" and press the controller. 6. Select the desired menu item:
Destination entry

> "Start route guidance" switches on the

destination guidance.
> "Show current position" places the cur-
rent position in the center of the map.
> "Show destination position" places the
current destination in the center of the
map.
> "Return to map" switches back to "Input
map".
A section of a map is displayed on the Con-
> Exit the menu.
trol Display:
> During destination guidance, around the
current destination
> With the destination guidance deacti-
vated, around the last destination
entered
ProCarManuals.com

7. Press the controller.

Selecting destination using

information
4. Turn the controller to adjust the scale. To You can obtain a display of selected destina-
move the map, move the controller in the tions, e.g. hotels, sights or hospitals, and adopt
desired direction. them into the destination guidance.
The controller can be moved to the left, Control Center, for principle details, refer to
right, forward, backwards and also diago- page 16.
nally. 1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
5. In order to accept or store the destination at ler.
scales smaller than 1 mile/2 km, press the 2. Select "New destination" and press the
controller. controller.
The selected destination and other menu
items are displayed.

118
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
3. Select "Information" and press the control- Destination list
ler.
The destination list shows the last 20 entered
destinations as well as the current destination
of the destination guidance.
This symbol indicates the current destina-
tion.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to

Controls
page 16.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Select desired destination and press the
4. Selecting location:
controller.

Driving tips
> "On destination"
> "On location"
> "On a new destination"
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
3. The selected destination can be edited:
> To start the destination guidance:

Entertainment
Select "Start guidance".
5. Press the controller. The destination guidance is started.
6. Select the desired type of destination, such > To save the entry:
as "Hotels and restaurants". Select "Add to address book".
7. Press the controller. > To display information about the desti-
Destinations appear on the Control Display, nation: Select "Information on destina-

Communication
which are sorted alphabetically or accord- tion".
ing to distance. > To delete the entry:
8. Select a destination and press the control- Select "Delete entry".
ler. > To delete all entries:
9. Select a menu item: Select "Delete list". The destination
> To accept the address into the destina- guidance is switched off.
tion list and start the destination guid- > To change the entry:
ance: Select "Edit". For operation, refer to
Select "Select as destination" and press Entering destination, page 116.
Mobility

the controller.
> To establish a telephone connection:
Select "Call" and press the controller.
To exit from the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
Reference

119
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 2. Select "New address" and press the con-
Destination entry

troller

4. Press the controller.

3. Select "Enter address" and press the con-

Address book troller.
4. Input name and address.
Opening address book
5. Select "Store in address book" and press
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
the controller.
page 16.
The entry is stored in the address book.
You can also save a destination from the desti-
ProCarManuals.com

nation list into the address book, refer to

page 119.

Storing current position

The current position can be adopted into the
address book.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
Select "Address book" and press the controller.
1. Select "Address book" and press the con-
troller.
Storing destinations in address book
2. Select "New address" and press the con-
You can save approx. 100 destinations in the
troller.
address book.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "Address book" and press the con-
troller.

3. Select "Use current location as address"

and press the controller.
The name given can be changed. For oper-
ation, refer to Entering a destination manu-
ally, page 115.

120
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
4. Select "Store in address book" and press 3. Select "Edit address" and press the con-
the controller. troller.
You can also enter your current position into the
address book if you have left the sector covered
by the navigation DVD. In this case, you must
enter a name.

Selecting destinations from address

Controls
book
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "Address book" and press the con- 4. Change entry.
troller. For operation, refer to Entering a destina-

Driving tips
The stored entries appear on the Control tion manually, page 115.
Display.
Deleting individual destinations from
address book
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
ProCarManuals.com

page 16.

Navigation
1. Select "Address book" and press the con-
troller.
2. Select the entry and press the controller.
3. Select "Delete entry" and press the control-
ler.

Entertainment
2. Select the entry and press the controller.
To start the destination guidance:
Select "Start guidance" and press the control-
ler

Communication

Deleting all destinations from address

book
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
Changing destinations from address
1. Open the start menu.
book
Mobility

2. Press the controller to open the menu.

Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16. 3. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
1. Select "Address book" and press the con-
troller.
Reference

2. Select the entry and press the controller.

121
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 4. Select "Delete data" and press the control- To change the entry:
Destination entry

ler. Select "Edit address" and press the controller.

For operation, refer to Entering a destination
manually, page 115

Route selection
You can influence the calculated route by
choosing certain route criteria.

Changing route criteria

5. Select "Delete address book" and press the Control Center, for principle details, refer to
controller. page 16.
6. Select "Yes" and press the controller. 1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
Storing home address 2. Select "Route preference" and press the
You can save your current position or the cur- controller.
rent destination as the home address in the
ProCarManuals.com

address book. This entry occupies the second

position in the address book.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "Address book" and press the con-
troller.
2. Select "Home address" and press the con-
troller.
The various criteria are listed on the Control
Display.
3. Select a route criterion for the route:
> "With highways"
Freeways and major traffic arteries are
given priority
> "Avoid highways"
Freeways are avoided where possible
> "Fast route"
Select "Use current location as address" or, Shortest time using combination of
during destination guidance, "Save current smallest possible distance and sections
destination". where fast driving is possible
3. Press the controller. > "Short route"
In order to accept the home address as the des- Shortest distance without consideration
tination: of the time
Select "Start guidance" and press the control-
ler.

122
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
4. Press the controller. Word matching principle
The system supports the word matching princi-
ple to make it easier for you to enter the names
of streets or towns. The system runs ongoing
checks, comparing your destination entries
with the data stored on the navigation DVD as
the basis for instant response. The user bene-

Controls
fits include:
> Names of specific locations can also vary
from the official versions if you are using a
The route criterion is highlighted. spelling that is customary in another coun-
5. If necessary, select an additional route cri- try.

Driving tips
terion and then press the controller: Example:
> "Dynamic route" Instead of "München", you can also enter
Automatic changing of the route in the English spelling "Munich" or the Italian
response to traffic obstruction. Depend- spelling "Monaco".
ing on the type of road and the nature > When you are entering the names of towns
and length of the traffic obstruction, the and streets the system will complete them
ProCarManuals.com

route can also be calculated so that you automatically as soon as enough letters are

Navigation
travel through the traffic obstruction. available to ensure unambiguous identifica-
> "Avoid tollroads" tion.
Tollroads are avoided where possible > The system only accepts name entries
> "Avoid ferries" beginning with letters that are stored on the
Ferries are avoided where possible navigation DVD. The system will not accept

Entertainment
To exit from the menu: nonexistent names and addresses.
Select the arrow and press the controller.
The route is planned according to fixed rules.
The type of road is taken into account, e.g.
whether it is a highway or a winding road. The
road types are stored on the navigation DVD.
Communication
As a result, the routes recommended by the
navigation system may not always be the same
ones that you would choose based on personal
experience.
You can change the choice of route as often as
you like while entering the destination and
whenever the destination guidance is active.
Mobility
Reference

123
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Destination guidance
Destination guidance

Starting destination
guidance
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Select the destination from the destination
list and press the controller or enter a new
destination, refer to page 115. 1 Predicted time of arrival
2 Distance to the destination on the calcu-
lated route
3 Route criterion
4 Voice instructions switched on/off
ProCarManuals.com

During destination guidance, you can operate

other equipment using the Control Center at
any time. You will be punctually notified of a
change of direction by spoken instructions and
the display of the direction arrow.
3. Select "Start guidance" and press the con-
To exit from the menu:
troller.
Select the arrow and press the controller.

The destination guidance is started.

This symbol indicates the current destina-
tion.
After the route has been calculated, destination
guidance is indicated by arrows or a route map
on the Control Display.

124
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Terminating/continuing Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
destination guidance
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
Control Center, for principle details, refer to ler.
page 16.
2. Select "Current position" and press the
This symbol indicates the current destina- controller.
tion.

Controls
1. Select the current destination and press the
controller.

Driving tips
The current position of your BMW is displayed.
ProCarManuals.com

2. Select "Start guidance" and press the con-

Navigation
troller.

Entertainment
If the navigation system is unable to identify a
town or city, your current map coordinates will
appear.
To exit from the menu:
The destination guidance is switched off. Select the arrow and press the controller.
When you park the vehicle before reaching the You can also have the current position dis- Communication
entered destination, upon restarting you will played on a map, refer to page 126.
see the question "Continue guidance to desti-
nation?".
The destination guidance starts automatically Destination guidance
after a short time.
through voice instructions
To start the destination guidance:
Select "Yes" and press the controller. Switching voice instructions on/off
Mobility

Control Center, for principle details, refer to

page 16.
Displaying current position 1. Open the start menu.
You can have your current position displayed 2. Press the controller to open the menu.
even when the destination guidance is
3. Select "Display settings" and press the
switched off.
Reference

controller.

125
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 4. Select "Languages" and press the control- Adjusting volume
Destination guidance

ler. 1. Repeat the last voice instruction, if neces-

sary.
2. Turn the button during the voice instruction
to select the desired volume.

5. Select "Navigation voice instructions on"

and press the controller.

This volume is independent of the volume of the

audio and video sources.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
ProCarManuals.com

Route display
You have the option of displaying various views
The voice instructions are switched on.
of the route during destination guidance.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. Displaying arrow view
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
Repeat voice instructions and cancel ler.
With the programmable buttons on the steering
2. Select "Arrow display" and press the con-
wheel, you can also execute the following func-
troller.
tions, refer to page 46:
> Repeat the voice instruction:
Press button.
> Switch voice instructions on/off:
Hold the button down.

Displaying route map

You can have your current position displayed on
a map. After starting the destination guidance,
the planned route is shown on the map.

126
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control- To exit from the menu:
ler. Select the arrow and press the controller.
2. Select "Map, facing north" or "Map, direc-
tion of travel".
Bypassing route sections
During destination guidance, you can revise the
navigation system's route recommendations to

Controls
avoid particular stretches of road. Enter the
number of miles/kilometers that you want to
travel before returning to the original route.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.

Driving tips
1. Select "New route" and press the control-
3. Press the controller. ler.
At scales of less than 300 miles/500 km, you
have the option of deciding whether to orient
the map to north or toward your current direc-
tion of travel. At scales of 300 miles/500 km or
ProCarManuals.com

greater, the map always points toward north.

Navigation
Changing scale
Turn the controller to adjust the scale.

Displaying towns/cities and streets of

2. Turn the controller to enter the desired

Entertainment
route
number of miles/kilometers and press the
You can have the names of streets and towns/ controller.
cities on your route displayed whenever the
The route is recalculated.
destination guidance is active.
To exit from the menu without changing the
The distances remaining to be traveled on each route:
individual road and directional arrows are also Select the arrow and press the controller.
displayed.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to Communication
page 16.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Select "Route list" and press the controller.
Mobility
Reference

127
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 What to do if …
What to do if …

What to do if … > you want to enter a destination for the des-

> a navigation DVD is inserted, but an instruc- tination guidance, but it is not possible to
tion to insert the DVD appears on the Con- select the letters for your desired entry?
trol Display? The data of the destination is not stored on
The navigation DVD may not be the correct the navigation DVD that is loaded. In this
DVD for the navigation system. This infor- case, the system will not offer you any let-
mation is indicated on the DVD label. ters to choose from. Select a destination
that is as close as possible to the original.
> you request the current position of your
vehicle, but do not receive a precise dis- > the system stops furnishing directions on
play? which way to turn as you approach intersec-
The system is unable to receive enough tions?
GPS signals at your current position owing You are driving in an area that has not yet
to obstructions, your current position is not been completely recorded on the naviga-
yet available on your navigation DVD, or the tion DVD. Instead of an arrow indicating a
system is in the process of calculating your turn, you will see an arrow which indicates
the general direction of your planned route.
ProCarManuals.com

current position. As a rule, reception is

guaranteed when you are in the open. Or you have left the recommended route
and the system requires a few seconds to
> the destination guidance does not accept a
calculate a new recommended route.
destination?
The data of the destination is not stored on > the navigation system does not react to
the navigation DVD that is loaded. Select a entries?
destination that is as close as possible to If the battery was disconnected, it takes
the original. about 10 minutes before the system is once
again operational.
> the destination guidance does not accept
an address without the street name?
On the navigation DVD, no downtown area
can be determined for the city or town
entered. Enter any street, or a destination
such as the railway station in the selected
town, and then start the destination guid-
ance.

128
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

129
Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Entertainment
Operation of the radio and CD as well as their
tone settings are described in this chapter.
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 On/off and tone
On/off and tone

The following audio sources have shared Equipment with two drives:
controls and setting options:
> Radio Business
> CD player
> CD changer*

Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
> Buttons in the region of the CD player 1 Sound output for entertainment on/off,
> Control Center volume
> Remote control* > Press: switch on/off.
> Buttons on the steering wheel, refer to When you switch on, the last set radio
station or CD track is played.
ProCarManuals.com

page 10
> Turn: adjust volume.
Buttons in the region of the CD player 2 Drive for audio CDs
The layout of the buttons can vary depending 3 Eject CD
on your vehicle's equipment.
4 Station scan/track search
Equipment with single drive:
> Change radio station.
> Select track for CD player and
CD changer.
5 Drive for navigation DVDs

132
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Operation using Control Center Switching on/off
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
In order to switch the Entertainment sound out-
page 16.
put on and off:
1. Press button. Press knob 1 next to the CD player.
This opens the start menu.
This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off.

Controls
Adjusting volume
Turn knob 1 next to the CD player until the
desired volume is set.
You can also adjust the volume on the steering

Driving tips
wheel.

2. Move the controller back to open "Enter- The setting for the remote control currently in
tainment". use is stored.
ProCarManuals.com

Tone control

Navigation
You can alter various tone settings, e.g. treble
and bass, or the speed-dependent volume
increase.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use.

Entertainment
You have the following choices:
Changing tone settings
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
> "FM" and "AM": select radio reception.
page 16.
> "WB": request weather station.
1. Press button.
> "SAT": select satellite radio. This opens the start menu.
Communication
> "CD": select CD player or CD changer.
> "Set": depending on the audio source,
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with
the radio: update station with strongest
reception, save station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
Mobility

2. Press the controller to open the menu.

Reference

133
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 3. Select "Entertainment settings" and press 2. Move the controller to the left or right to
On/off and tone

the controller. select "Treble" or "Bass".

4. Select "Audio" and press the controller. 3. Turn the controller until the desired setting
is selected.

Balance and fader

You can set the right/left and front/rear volume
balance in the same manner as "Treble / Bass".
ProCarManuals.com

Speed-dependent volume increase

The speed-dependent volume control auto-
matically increases the volume with increasing
speed. You can set various stages for the
The tone settings can also be selected when
increase in volume.
you have opened "Entertainment" in the start
menu: 1. Select "Speed volume" and press the con-
Select "Set" and then "Tone" and press the troller.
controller.

Treble and bass

1. Select "Treble / Bass" and press the con-
troller.

134
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
2. Turn the controller. Equalizer*
The adjustment is applied; the field can be You can set individual sound frequency ranges.
changed.
1. Select "Equalizer" and press the controller.

Controls
Driving tips
Professional LOGIC7 HiFi System* 2. Move the controller to the left or right to
You can select a spatial sound effect that select the desired frequency range.
improves the spatial acoustics in all frequency
ranges.
1. Select "LOGIC7" and press the controller.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
3. Turn the controller until the desired setting
is selected.

2. Select "Concert hall" or "Theater". Resetting tone settings

You can reset all tone settings except "Speed
volume" to the standard default settings.
1. Open the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu. Communication

3. Select "Entertainment settings" and press

the controller.
4. Select "Audio" and press the controller.
5. Select "Reset" and press the controller.

3. Press the controller.

LOGIC7 spatial sound is switched on.
Mobility

To cancel the stereo effect:

Select "Off" and press the controller.
LOGIC7 and the LOGIC7 logo are registered
trade marks of Lexicon, Inc., a company of the
Harman International Group.
Reference

135
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Controls in the back seat* Selecting speakers/headphones
On/off and tone

1. Press one of the buttons 1.

You can also use a remote control to select
Business radio as the audio source and listen to 2. Select "Rear entertainment using speak-
it through the headphones or speakers. ers" or "Rear entertainment via head-
phones".
Remote control

3. Press button.
1 Buttons for menu navigation The last audio source selected is displayed:
2 Volume > Headphones selected.
ProCarManuals.com

3 Station scan/track search > Speakers selected.

> Change radio station. To exit from the menu:
> Select track for CD player and Select arrow and press button.
CD changer.
4 Headphones right/left Settings for the remote control
5 Exit menu for rear seat entertainment You can limit control and set it so that the audio
source of the speakers is also heard through the
Use the buttons 1 to navigate through the
headphones.
menu. Pressing and move the controller left,
right, forward, and back is replaced by pressing Limiting control:
the corresponding button, refer to page 16. Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
Attaching headphones 1. Press button.
This opens the start menu.

Connections for the headphones:

Jacks 3.5 mm.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.

136
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
4. Select "Unlock rear menu" and press the Tone control
controller. You can adjust the tone right and left for the
speakers or for the headphones.
1. Press one of the buttons 1.

Controls
5. Select Rear seat and press the controller.

Driving tips
> In order to deactivate the remote control:
"Rear not enabled". 2. Select "Rear entertainment using speak-
> In order to deactivate the control for the ers" or "Rear entertainment via head-
speakers: phones" and press the controller.
"Headphone operation only". 3. Adjust the tone, refer to page 133.
In order to set the headphones to the same
ProCarManuals.com

audio source as for the speakers:

Navigation
1. Press the button to open the start
menu.
2. Move the controller back to open "Enter-
tainment".

Entertainment
3. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

Communication

4. Select "Headphones" and press the con-

troller.
The same audio source will be heard
over the speakers and headphones.
Mobility
Reference

137
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Radio
Radio

Your radio provides reception the FM and AM 4. Press the controller.

wavebands. Stations are shown on the Control Display on
the basis of various selection criteria, e.g. "Pre-
sets".
Listening to the radio If "Autostore" does not display any stations or
if the stations displayed can no longer be
received, to update the station with the stron-
gest signal, refer to page 139.

Changing station

Press the button if the sound output is switched

ProCarManuals.com

off.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Press button.
Turn the controller.
This opens the start menu.
In addition to the stations currently displayed,
you can have stations with another selection
criterion displayed.
You can choose from the following selection
criteria:
> "Autostore":
For the Station with the strongest signal,
refer to page 139.
> "Presets":
Stations you have previously stored, refer to
2. Move the controller back to open "Enter- page 140.
tainment".
3. Select "FM" or "AM".

138
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
To change between these different selection 4. Select "Scan" and press the controller.
criteria of stations:
1. Move the controller forward to change the
field.
2. Select a selection criterion.

Controls
Scan starts.
To stop the scan:

Driving tips
1. Press the controller.
2. Select "Scan" and press the controller.
3. Press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the radio
You can also change the station on the steering remains on the current station.
wheel.
ProCarManuals.com

Buttons next to CD player: Selecting frequency manually

Navigation
Press the button for the corresponding Control Center, for principle details, refer to
direction. page 16.
The system switches to the next displayed sta- 1. Select "FM" or "AM".
tion.
2. Press the controller.
Sampling stations, scan 3. Move the controller forward to change the

Entertainment
field.
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave- 4. Select "Manual" and press the controller.
band.
In "Manual", you can set stations that are
received in addition to those displayed.
Buttons next to CD player:
To start scan, hold down the correspond- Communication
ing direction button.
To stop scanning, press button.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
5. Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
1. Select "FM" or "AM".
quency.
2. Press the controller.
3. Press the controller again. Updating stations with best reception
Mobility

Other menu items are displayed. If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally set,
you can update the list of stations with the best
reception.
Reference

139
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Control Center, for principle details, refer to Storing stations
Radio

page 16.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
1. Select "FM" or "AM".
page 16.
2. Press the controller.
1. Select "FM" or "AM".
3. Move the controller forward to change the
2. Select the desired station.
field.
"Set" has been selected.
4. Select "Autostore" and press the controller.

3. Press the controller.

5. Press the controller again. Other menu items are displayed.
ProCarManuals.com

Other menu items are displayed.

4. Select "Store" and press the controller.
6. Select "Autostore" and press the controller.

"Presets" is displayed.
The display of the stations with the strongest
5. Turn the controller until the desired mem-
reception is updated. The stations are dis-
ory position is selected.
played based on their frequencies.
The number of the memory position
appears beside the name or frequency of
the station.
6. Press the controller.
The station is stored.

140
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
The channels of the last selection criterion are Weather Band*
displayed once again after a short time.
Weather Radio is a service of the National Oce-
The stations are stored for the remote control
anic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA –
currently in use.
of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Weather
messages are repeated every four to six min-
Changing a memory location
utes and are routinely revised every one to three
Control Center, for principle details, refer to hours, or more frequently if needed. Most of the

Controls
page 16. stations operate 24 hours daily. During severe
1. Select "Presets" and press the controller. weather, National Weather Service forecasters
2. Select the desired station. can interrupt the routine weather broadcasts
and substitute special warning messages. If you
3. Press the controller.
have a question concerning NOAA Weather
Other menu items are displayed.
Radio, please contact your nearest National

Driving tips
4. Select "Store" and press the controller. Weather Service Office, or write to National
Weather Service – Attn: W/OM11–, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
1325 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD.
20910.
ProCarManuals.com

Selecting Weather Band

Navigation
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "WB" and press the controller.
5. Turn the controller until the desired mem- 2. Select the Weather Band station and press
the controller.

Entertainment
ory position is selected.
The number of the memory position
appears beside the name or frequency of
the station.
6. Press the controller.
The station is stored.

RDS Radio Data System Communication

RDS transmits additional information in the FM
frequency range. RDS stations have the follow-
ing properties:
The Weather Band station may be unavailable
> In the case of broadcasting networks that in some regions.
transmit over a number of frequencies,
there is an automatic switch to the fre-
quency with the best reception quality. Satellite radio*
> If the reception conditions are good, the
Mobility

You can receive over 100 different channels

station names are shown on the Control
with high sound quality.
Display. If the reception is weak or dis-
rupted, it can take some time before the The channels are offered to you in predefined
station names appear. packages. To receive the channels of your
choice, you must have this package enabled.
Reference

141
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 You may experience signal drops and Enabling
Radio

muting events related to this new tech- 1. Select a channel that has not yet been
nology.< enabled and press the controller.
A telephone number and the electronic
Enabling or disabling channels serial number, ESN, are displayed.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to The electronic serial number is
page 16. required to enable or disable.<
1. Press button. 2. To enable the channels:
This opens the start menu. Dial the phone number.

Disabling
1. Select an enabled channel and press the
controller.
ProCarManuals.com

2. Move the controller back to open "Enter-

tainment".
3. Select "SAT".

2. Select "ESN" and press the controller.

The electronic serial number, ESN, is dis-
played
The electronic serial number is
required to disable.<
3. To disable the channels:
Dial the phone number.

4. Press the controller. Selecting and storing channel

1. Select "SAT" and press the controller.

The channels are displayed.

These channels are enabled. Channels are shown on the Control Display
sorted on the basis of selection criteria.

142
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
2. Select a menu item: 6. Press the controller.
> "Presets": Other menu items are displayed.
Up to twelve channels you have stored 7. Select "Play" and press the controller.
previously.
> "All channels":
All channels are displayed.
> "Categories":

Controls
All channels, sorted by categories, e.g.
news, jazz.

Driving tips
Additional information
The name of the channel and additional infor-
mation on the current track are displayed, e.g.
the name of the artist.
ProCarManuals.com

3. Press the controller.

Navigation
4. If "Categories" has been selected:
Select the desired category and press the
controller.

Entertainment
1 Artist
2 Track

Storing channel

Communication
1. Select desired channel.
2. Press the controller.
The channels of this category are displayed.
Other menu items are displayed.
5. Select a channel marked with this sym-
3. Select "Store" and press the controller.
bol.
Mobility

"Presets" is displayed.
Reference

143
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 4. Turn the controller to select a memory loca-
Radio

tion and press the controller.

The channel is stored. The channels of the last

selection criterion are displayed once again
after a short time.

Changing channel with buttons next to

CD player
Press the button for the corresponding
ProCarManuals.com

direction.
The system switches to the next enabled chan-
nel.

Notes
When there is a signal blockage or the transmis-
sion is suspended momentarily for more than
4 seconds, a message appears on the Control
Display.
Service may be interrupted or unavailable
for specific reasons such as environmen-
tal or topographic conditions and others that
satellite radio cannot directly control.
Signal may not be available under tunnels, in
parking garages, next to tall buildings, nearby
trees with dense foliage, nearby mountains or
other possible strong sources of radio interfer-
ence.
Service should resume normally after the
source of signal unavailability has been
cleared.<

144
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
CD player and CD changer *

Listening to CDs 3. Select "CD" and press the controller.

CD player: starting CD

Controls
Driving tips
4. On vehicles with a CD changer, select "CD"
and press the controller to start the CD
When equipped with two drives: player.
The upper drive is for audio CDs.
Insert the CD into the drive with the labeled side
ProCarManuals.com

up.

Navigation
Playback starts automatically if the sound out-
put is on.
To start playback when there is already a CD in
the drive:
Control Center, for principle details, refer to

Entertainment
page 16.
1. Press button. Playback starts automatically if the sound out-
This opens the start menu. put is switched on.
To eject the CD, press the button on the
CD player.
The CD emerges slightly from the drive.
Communication

2. Move the controller back to open "Enter-

tainment".
Mobility
Reference

145
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 CD changer: starting CD The CD will start play at the start of the track.
CD player and CD changer

1. Fill the CD magazine and insert, refer to The track is displayed on the Control Display.
page 147. You can also select the track on the steering
Control Center, for principle details, refer to wheel.
page 16. Control Center, for principle details, refer to
2. Press button. page 16.
This opens the start menu. Select a track by turning the controller.

3. Move the controller back to open "Enter-

tainment".
ProCarManuals.com

Repeating a track
4. Select "CD" and press the controller.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
5. Select the desired CD and press the con-
page 16.
troller.
1. Select "Set" and press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

At the end of the last track, the next CD will be

selected.
2. Select "Repeat" and press the controller.
If new CDs have been placed in the CD maga-
zine, playback starts with the lowest CD, e.g.
CD 1, track 1.
The CD magazine's load status is indicated on
the Control Display.

Selecting a track
Buttons next to CD player:
Press the button for the corresponding The current music track on the CD is repeated.
direction repeatedly, continuing until you reach
the desired track on the current CD.

146
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Stop repeating: CD magazine
Press controller, select "Repeat" and press
controller again.

Sampling tracks, scan

The system automatically plays a brief sample

Controls
from each of the tracks on the current CD.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "Set" and press the controller. The BMW CD changer for six CDs is installed in
Other menu items are displayed. the glove compartment.

Driving tips
2. Select "Scan" and press the controller.
To stop the scan: Remove CD magazine
1. Press the controller. To insert or remove CDs from the CD maga-
zine 1, you must first remove it from the CD
2. Select "Scan" and press the controller.
changer:
This cancels the scan, and the selected track
ProCarManuals.com

1. Press button 2.
remains.
The CD magazine 1 is ejected.

Navigation
2. Remove CD magazine.
Random play sequence
Inserting/removing CDs from
In this mode, the music tracks on the current CD CD magazine
are played once in a random sequence.

Entertainment
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Select "Set" and press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
2. Select "Random" and press the controller.
Stop random function:
Press controller, select "Random" and press Communication
controller again.
When inserting or removing CDs, remember to
hold them only by their edges, taking care to
Fast forward/reverse avoid touching the data side with its reflective
CD memory surface.
Buttons next to CD player:
Inserting CDs:
Press and hold the button for the corre- Insert the CD in its slot with the label side on
sponding direction. top.
Mobility

Removing CDs:
Pull out the desired drawer, refer to arrow, and
remove the corresponding CD.
Reference

147
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Inserting CD magazine have copied at home.
CD player and CD changer

If the CD that you have loaded in the drive does

not play, check to ensure that the CD has been
inserted correctly and inspect it for signs of
defects.
High levels of humidity can lead to condensa-
tion on the laser's scan lens and temporarily
prevent it from reading the CD.
Always hold CDs by the edges; do not touch the
reflecting CD memory surface.

Push in the CD magazine as far as possible in Care instructions

the direction of the arrow.
You can find everything you need to know on
The CD changer automatically reads in the this topic by consulting the separate Caring for
loaded CDs and is then ready for operation. your vehicle brochure.

Notes
Data from CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs can be
ProCarManuals.com

played.

Safety notes
The BMW CD drives are Class 1 laser
products. Do not operate if the cover is
damaged, otherwise severe eye damage can
result.
Do not use self-recorded CDs with labels
applied as these can become detached during
playback due to heat build-up and can cause
irreparable damage to the device.
Only use round CDs with a standard diameter
of 4.7 in/12 cm and do not play CDs with an
adapter, e.g. Single-CDs, otherwise the CDs
or the adapter can jam and may no longer be
ejected.
Do not use a combined CD/DVD, e.g. DVDPlus,
as otherwise the CD/DVD can jam and will no
longer eject.<

Malfunctions
To prevent illegal CD copying, manufacturers
often use copy protection. This can mean than
some CDs cannot be played or can only be
played to a limited extent. In this case, please
contact the CD dealer or manufacturer.
You may experience playback problems, such
as skips, when using CD-Rs/CD-RWs that you

148
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

149
Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Communications
This chapter summarizes how to
operate your portable phone using the
Control Center or voice control and how
ProCarManuals.com

to use BMW Assist or TeleService.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Telephoning
Telephoning

Safety notes If the antenna is damaged, have it replaced

immediately.<
For your own safety
Special environmental conditions
A car phone makes life more convenient in
many ways, and can even save lives in an emer- Always switch off your portable phone in
gency. While you should consult your portable areas where blasting work is being con-
phone's separate Owner's Manual for a detailed ducted with explosives. The phone signals
description of safety precautions and informa- could potentially act as a high-frequency trans-
tion, we request that you direct your particular mitter and set off explosions.
attention to the following: Always switch off your portable phone in areas
where an increased explosion danger is
Adjustments present. This category includes service stations
along with fuel and chemical storage depots,
To avoid posing a danger to yourself and
etc., and all areas in which the air can contain
other road users, never adjust the system
fuel, chemicals or metal particles. Under these
settings unless your vehicle is stationary.<
conditions, your portable phone could conceiv-
ProCarManuals.com

ably generate sparks that could lead to a fire or

Using the phone in your vehicle
explosion. Always observe all legal regulations
Using a portable phone to make and governing the use of portable phones in the
receive calls while driving is already illegal vicinity of service stations, chemical factories
in many countries in the world. Always use your and other areas where an explosion potential
hands-free system, or stop your vehicle in an exists. Never use your portable phone in air-
area where you will not pose a safety hazard to craft; do not use this portable phone in hospi-
other road users.< tals, care centers or at other locations where
medical equipment may be in operation, such
Vehicles and portable phones as accident sites.
Do not use your portable phone from Your service provider can furnish you with more
within a garage, or near an open hood. detailed information on legal regulations gov-
The air in these areas could contain fuel vapors, erning the use of your phone.<
and the portable phone might generate sparks
that could cause fires. Medical equipment
This same precaution applies to open luggage Portable phones can generate interfer-
compartment lids on vehicles equipped for ence capable of preventing hearing aids
operation using natural gas or hydrogen, and to and cardiac pacemakers from operating cor-
all vehicles with luggage compartment- rectly. If you or any occupant of the vehicle will
mounted batteries.< be using such equipment, consult a physician
or the manufacturer of the equipment to deter-
Antenna mine whether it is adequately shielded against
When using the portable phone, ensure high-frequency energy.<
that all persons in the area are at least
20 in/50 cm from the antenna. Do not use the Batteries
portable phone when the antenna is damaged. Never attempt to dismantle your portable
Contact between your skin and a damaged phone or its battery. Use only approved
antenna can result in minor burns. battery types – the wrong battery can destroy

152
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
your portable phone. Hands-free system
To avoid possible short circuits, after removing
a battery you should never allow it to come into
contact with metallic surfaces of any kind.<

Disposing of used batteries

Return used batteries to a recycling col-
lection point or to your BMW center.<

Controls
Care instructions
The hands-free microphone is located on the
You can find what you need to know about car-
headliner.
ing for your portable phone in the separate Car-

Driving tips
ing for your vehicle brochure and in the portable The hands-free system is activated whenever
phone Owner's Manual. you establish or receive a call using:
> The buttons on the steering wheel
> The Control Center
Operating options > Voice commands
ProCarManuals.com

You can operate the portable phone* with:

Navigation
> The steering wheel, refer to page 10 Adjusting volume
> The Control Center, refer to page 153
> Voice commands, refer to page 158
You can get information about activating the

Entertainment
portable phone in the separate Owner's Manual
for the Full Preparation Package Cellphone.

Making calls with the car phone:

BMW Assist calls
You can use the car phone via the hands-free
Turn the knob during a call to select the desired
system for BMW Assist calls.
Communication
volume.
When the status information "Communication"
This volume for the hands-free system is main-
is displayed in "Car Phone", only BMW Assist
tained, even if the other audio sources are set to
calls are possible.
minimum volume.
The setting for the remote control currently in
use is stored.

Operation using Control

Mobility

Center
You can use the following functions through
the Control Center as soon as the portable
phone is inserted into the cradle or connected
to the vehicle via Bluetooth:
Reference

153
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 > Dial phone number Rejecting a call
Telephoning

> Phone book Select "Reject" and press the controller.

> Top 8 The caller is diverted to your mailbox if it has
been activated.
> Redial
> Display accepted calls Calling
> Display missed calls
> Text messages/SMS Dialing phone numbers
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 1. Select "Phone" and press the controller.
page 16.
1. Press button.
This opens the start menu.
ProCarManuals.com

2. Select "Dial" and press the controller.

3. To enter the phone number: select digits
individually and press the controller.
2. Move the controller forward to open "Com- Always enter the complete phone number
munication". consisting of national dialing code, area
code, and phone number.
Receiving calls To delete a wrong number:
If you have the phone number of the caller Move controller toward the right to select
stored in the phone book and the phone num- , and press controller.
ber is transmitted, the name of the entry is dis- 4. Select "Dial number" and press the control-
played. ler.

Accepting a call

Select "Accept" and press the controller.

154
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Ending call ble phone are displayed on the Control Dis-
1. If necessary, select the telephone number. play; they are sorted alphabetically.
To run a targeted search for an entry, select
the first letter of the entry and press the
controller.
The first entry that starts with this letter is
displayed.

Controls
3. Select the desired entry.

2. Press the controller.

Driving tips
Other menu items are displayed.
3. Select "End call" and press the controller.

4. Press the controller.

ProCarManuals.com

Other menu items are displayed.

Navigation
5. Select "Call" and press the controller.
The system dials the number.
If different phone numbers are stored in the
portable phone under one name, e.g. office and
home, the name is shown once for each phone

Entertainment
Phone book number.
After the portable phone is inserted into the cra-
dle or is connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth, Adding digits to phone numbers
the phone book is transmitted from the portable You can add other digits to a phone number
phone to the vehicle. Loading the phone book stored in the phone book, e.g. to call a specific
can take several minutes. extension:

Communication
1. Select "Phone" and press the controller.
Dialing from phone book
2. Select "A - Z" and press the controller.
1. Select "Phone" and press the controller.
3. Select the desired entry.
4. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
5. Select "Add digits" and press the controller.
6. To add to the phone number: select digits
individually and press the controller.
Mobility

7. Select "Dial number" and press the control-

ler.

2. Select "A - Z" and press the controller:

The entries in the phone book of the porta-
Reference

155
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Lists Dialing from a list
Telephoning

Your phone can store phone numbers you have To select an entry and establish a connection:
dialed and missed calls in lists. If the caller is 1. Select "Phone" and press the controller.
entered in the phone book, the name of the
2. Select the list:
entry is displayed instead of the phone number.
You can select the desired subscriber from the > "Top 8"
list and establish the connection. > "Redial"
Four lists are available: > "Received calls"
> "Top 8" > "Missed calls"
The eight numbers called most frequently
via the list "A - Z" are automatically stored in
the Top 8 list. The number called most
often appears at the top of the list.
> "Redial"
The last eight phone numbers you have
dialed are automatically stored. The last
number dialed is at the top of the list.
> "Received calls"
ProCarManuals.com

The phone numbers of the last eight

3. Press the controller.
accepted calls while the portable phone
was in the cradle or connected to the vehi- 4. Select desired entry.
cle via Bluetooth are stored. This requires
the telephone number of the caller to have
been sent.
> "Missed calls"
The phone numbers of the last eight calls
that were not accepted while the portable
phone was in the cradle or connected to the
vehicle via Bluetooth are stored. This
requires the telephone number of the caller
to have been sent.
5. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
6. Select "Call" and press the controller.
The system dials the number.

Deleting individual entries

1. Select the desired entry from the list.
2. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

156
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
3. Select "Delete" and press the controller. 2. Press the controller.
The entry is deleted. Other menu items are displayed.
3. Select "Keypad" and press the controller.
4. Select the desired digits and press the con-
troller. Each digit is sent immediately.

Controls
Deleting the entire list

Driving tips
1. Select an entry from the list.
2. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed. Text messages/SMS*
3. Select "Delete all numbers" and press the The symbol on the Control Display shows
controller. that you have received a new text message. It
ProCarManuals.com

The list is deleted. goes out as soon as there are no longer any
unread text messages.

Navigation
The number of text messages that can be
stored depends on the memory capacity of your
portable phone.

Displaying text messages/SMS

Entertainment
1. Select "SMS" and press the controller.

Touch tone dialing

Touch tone numbers are required for access
Communication
network services or to control devices, e.g.
remote querying on an answering machine.
This function can only be used during an exist-
ing connection.
1. Establish connection.
The list of received text messages is dis-
played on the Control Display.
The symbol indicates unread text mes-
sages.
Mobility
Reference

157
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 2. Select the desired text message and press Symbols used
Telephoning

the controller. {...} Indicates voice commands.

The text message is displayed.
{{...}} Indicates system announcements.

Voice commands
In ignition key position 2:
1. Press button on steering wheel.
A sound signal indicates operating readi-
ness.
2. Say voice commands.
To have the system list the voice com-
mands possible in each case:
To close the text message:
Move controller toward the front to select , {Options}.
and press controller.
Canceling operation via voice
Calling sender Press button on steering wheel
1. Select the desired text message and press or
ProCarManuals.com

controller. {Cancel}.
The text message is displayed.
In dialogs where text is spoken, not a command,
2. Select "Options" and press the controller. e.g. a name, canceling is only possible using the
3. Select "Call sender" and press the control- button. The dialog is automatically inter-
ler. rupted when an incoming call is received.
The selected sender is called.
Voice commands
Deleting text messages/SMS In addition to the commands described in this
1. Select the desired text message and press Owner's Manual, alternative commands are
the controller. often possible for the same functions, e.g.:
The text message is displayed. {Dial name} or {Name}.
2. Select "Options" and press the controller. The system recognizes digits from zero to nine.
3. Select "Delete" and press the controller. You can say each digit individually or group
The text message of the portable phone is them into a sequence of three to five digits to
deleted. accelerate the input.

Operation by voice*
The concept
You can operate your portable phone without
having to remove your hands from the steering
wheel. The system operates on the basis of
voice commands that you will learn easily after
using them a few times. In addition, you are also
supported by instructions or questions.

158
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Example: dialing phone number
Start the dialog:
Press button on steering wheel.

Voice command Response

{Dial number} {{Please say the number}}

e.g. {123 456 7890} {{123 456 7890. Continue?}}

Controls
{Dial} {{Dialing number}}

Adjusting volume Correcting phone number

You can adjust the volume for the instructions After the last spoken sequence of digits has
from the system: been repeated by the system, you can delete

Driving tips
this sequence of digits.
{Correct number}.
The digits are deleted.
The command {Correct number} can be
repeated as often as you like.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Deleting input
{Delete} is used to delete all the digits entered
so far.
Turn the button during an instruction to select
the desired volume. Voice phone book

Entertainment
This volume for the instructions is maintained, Operating by voice command requires a per-
even if the other audio sources are set to mini- sonal voice phone book. Depending on the
mum volume. equipment, the entries are either transferred
from the memory of your portable phone or they
The setting for the remote control currently in
must be entered independently. In this case, it
use is stored.
is not possible to use voice command either to
call phone numbers stored in the portable
Calling
phone or to store new numbers. Communication
Dialing phone numbers
1. {Dial number}.
The dialog for establishing a telephone
connection is opened.
2. Say the phone number.
For telephone calls abroad, say {Plus}
and then the country code.
Mobility

3. {Dial}.
The connection to the desired sub-
scriber is established.
Reference

159
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Storing entry* Deleting entry*
Telephoning

An entry always consists of a name and phone You can delete any entry from the voice phone
number. book.
1. {Save name}. 1. {Delete name}.
The dialog for storing a name is The dialog for deleting an entry is
opened. opened.
2. Speak name and repeat entry upon 2. Say the name when prompted.
request. 3. Confirm the prompt with {Yes}.
The spoken length of the names in the
phone book must not exceed approx. 2 Deleting all entries*
seconds.
{Delete phone book} deletes all entries in the
3. Say the phone number when prompted. phone book.
4. To store the phone number: 1. {Delete phone book}.
{Save}. The dialog for deleting phone book is
opened.
Selecting an entry
2. Confirm the prompt with {Yes}.
The connection to the phone number of the
3. Confirm the repeated prompt with
selected entry is established.
ProCarManuals.com

{Yes}.
1. {Dial name}.
The dialog for selecting an entry is
opened.
Notes
2. Say the name when prompted.
The voice commands in English were
3. Confirm the prompt with {Yes}.
available as of this printing. Other lan-
guages are currently not available. To operate
Having entries read aloud* and the portable phone via the voice command sys-
selecting tem, refer to page 22.<
You can have all the entries of your voice phone
book read aloud in the order of input and select Important for voice commands
a certain entry to establish a connection:
For voice commands, bear in mind the follow-
1. {Read phone book}. ing:
The dialog for reading phone book is
> Issue the commands smoothly and at nor-
opened.
mal volume, avoiding excessive emphasis
2. {Dial number} when the desired entry is and pauses.
read aloud.
> Keep the doors, windows and glass sunroof
closed to prevent interference from ambi-
Redialing ent noise.
The {Redial} command calls "Redial".
> Avoid other sources of noise in the vehicle
while speaking, and ask other vehicle occu-
pants to refrain from talking while you are
using the system.

160
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
TeleService * , BMW Assist *

TeleService Requirements
TeleService supports you when communicat- The installed car phone is logged on to a porta-
ing with a BMW center. The built-in car phone ble telephone network. This network must be
can be used to transmit data regarding the ser- capable of transmitting the services.

Controls
vice status of your vehicle or regarding legally To transmit position data, the vehicle must be
mandated inspections directly to your BMW able to determine the current position. This is
center. This is the same data that is also stored displayed on the Control Display. In order to
for CBS Condition Based Service in the master enable and update TeleService or BMW Assist,
key. Your BMW center can then contact you, a GPS signal must be present.

Driving tips
and you can make an appointment that suits
you while you are still on the road. Your advan- Enabling TeleService or BMW Assist
tage here is that your BMW center can prepare
For you to be able to use the services of
in advance for the required maintenance work.
TeleService or BMW Assist, these must be
The functions of TeleService are country-spe-
enabled.
cific and depend on your contract: the data
ProCarManuals.com

To do this, leave the ignition key in position 1

regarding the service status of your vehicle or
during the entire process.

Navigation
regarding legally mandated inspections is
transmitted on a country-specific basis either Control Center, for principle details, refer to
automatically before they fall due or during your page 16.
calls to the BMW center. Your BMW center will 1. Press button.
be glad to provide more detailed information. This opens the start menu.

Entertainment
BMW Assist
BMW Assist provides you with other services in
addition to TeleService. For example, the posi-
tion data of your vehicle can be transferred to
the BMW Assist response center if an emer-
gency call* has been initiated. Communication
Many functions of BMW Assist depend on the
individually agreed contract. Data transmission, 2. Press the controller to open the menu.
e.g. of the CBS Condition Based Service, dif-
3. Select "Communication settings" and
fers from country to country.
press the controller.
The subscriber agreement must be completed
successfully before using the BMW Assist ser-
vices.
Mobility
Reference

161
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 4. Select "BMW Service settings" and press Services offered
TeleService, BMW Assist

the controller.
The following special features apply for the ser-
vices of TeleService and BMW Assist:
> The services offered are country-specific.
> Voice contact is established or data are
transferred, depending on the equipment
and the country. In some countries, it is also
possible to do both.
> The data transferred can be the vehicle
data, your current position or the data of the
CBS Condition Based Service.
5. Select "Service Status" and press the con-
troller.
Automatic service notification*
The data on the service status of your vehicle or
on legally mandated inspections is transmitted
automatically directly to your BMW center prior
to the due date. You can check when the BMW
center was notified.
ProCarManuals.com

Control Center, for principle details, refer to

page 16.
1. Open the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
6. Select "Enable services" and press the con-
troller. 3. Select "Service" and press the controller.
TeleService and, if applicable, BMW Assist 4. Select "Service requirements" and press
are enabled; data exchange with the service the controller.
center starts.

Enabling takes a few minutes. The status is dis-

played on the Control Display. If you open
another menu, the enable process continue to
run in the background.

162
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
5. Select "Service notification" and press the 5. Select "Roadside Assistance" and press
controller. the controller.

Controls
Breakdown assistance If the current position can be determined,
the current vehicle location is displayed.

Driving tips
You can call Roadside Assistance* of the BMW
Group should you require help in the event of a 6. Select "Start service" and press the con-
breakdown. troller.

Control Center, for principle details, refer to

page 16.
ProCarManuals.com

1. Open the start menu.

Navigation
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Service" and press the controller.

Entertainment
Contact to Roadside Assistance will be estab-
lished.

Setting up contact to your BMW center

or BMW Customer Relations
You can contact your BMW center, e.g. to

Communication
4. Select "BMW Service" and press the con- arrange a service appointment.
troller. For information related to your vehicle, call the
BMW Customer Relations.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.
1. Open the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Service" and press the controller.
Mobility

4. Select "BMW Service" and press the con-

troller.
Reference

163
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 5. Select desired BMW center: 6. Select "Options" and press the controller.
TeleService, BMW Assist

> "Service Request"

> "Customer Relations"

7. Select "Update services" and press the

controller.

6. Press the controller.

Terminating services
7. Select "Start service" and press the con-
If you terminate the services, your vehicle will
troller.
not be equipped to contact the BMW Assist call
Contact to the desired BMW center will be center.
established.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
ProCarManuals.com

page 16.
1. Open the start menu.
Adapting TeleService or
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
BMW Assist
3. Select "Communication settings" and
Displaying and updating services press the controller.
If the offering from TeleService or BMW Assist 4. Select "BMW Service settings" and press
changes, you will be notified. In this case you the controller.
should update the services. 5. Select "Service Status" and press the con-
Control Center, for principle details, refer to troller.
page 16. 6. Select "Terminate services" and press the
1. Open the start menu. controller.
2. Press the controller to open the menu. The use of TeleService or BMW Assist is
3. Select "Communication settings" and blocked. To deactivate the blocking function,
press the controller. enabling must be carried out again, refer to
page 161. This does not affect the contractual
4. Select "BMW Service settings" and press agreements.
the controller.
The automatic service notification can be dis-
5. Select "Service Status" and press the con- abled separately. Please contact your BMW
troller. center for this purpose.
The current services available from Enable TeleService and, if applicable, BMW
TeleService or BMW Assist are displayed. Assist to log on again.

164
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Displaying vehicle data
When TeleService or BMW Assist is activated,
the color designation, the license plate and the
vehicle identification number of your vehicle
can be displayed.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16.

Controls
1. Open the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Communication settings" and
press the controller.
4. Select "BMW Service settings" and press

Driving tips
the controller.
5. Select "Profile" and press the controller.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
To adjust the license plate, please go to your
BMW center.

Communication
Mobility
Reference

165
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Mobility
This section helps you maintain your
mobility by supplying important information
on vital topics including fuels and lubricants,
ProCarManuals.com

wheels and tires, service, maintenance and

breakdown assistance.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Refueling
Refueling

Always switch off the engine before refu- Observe the following when refueling
eling. If you do not, fuel cannot be dis- When handling fuels always observe any
pensed into the tank and a message on the safety guidelines posted at the service
Control Display will appear.< station.<
Always observe all applicable precautions
and regulations when handling fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<

Fuel filler door

Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
ProCarManuals.com

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-

pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler nozzle
during refueling leads to
> premature pump shutoff
> a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor
recovery system.

To open and close: press the rear edge of the The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
fuel filler door. off the first time.

Manual release Fuel tank capacity

If an electrical malfunction should occur, you Approx. 18.5 gallons/70 liters, including the
can unlock the fuel filler door manually. reserve capacity of approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters.

1. In the luggage compartment, raise the floor Refuel as soon as possible once your
mat and the cover located beneath it. cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, as otherwise engine functions are not
2. Open the snap fasteners of the right side
ensured and damage can occur.<
panel and take off the side panel.
3. Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol. Closing fuel filler cap
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Close the filler cap carefully after refuel-
ling 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
an indicator lamp and the message Check Gas
Cap* on the Control Display.<

168
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.

Required fuel

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

The minimum octane rating is 91.

Controls
If you use gasoline with this minimum octane
rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside tempera-
tures. This has no affect on the engine life.
Minimum octane rating corresponds to the Anti

Driving tips
Knock Index AKI and is determined according
to the so-called (R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as otherwise
the lambda probe and catalytic converter
will be permanently damaged.<
ProCarManuals.com

Use high-quality brands

Navigation
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other

Entertainment
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.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental condi- Communication
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability 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
Mobility

may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

Reference

169
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires

Tire inflation pressure Pressure specifications for factory-

installed tires
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire's service life, but also
driving comfort and – to a great extent – driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.

Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of The inflation pressures for your standard tires at
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has ambient temperature can be found on the door
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are post when you open the driver's door.
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
ProCarManuals.com

Check the tire inflation pressure regularly Pressure specifications for other tire
and correct it as needed, even on the sizes
compact tire: at least twice a month and before The tables below provide all the correct inflation
starting long trips. If you fail to observe this pre- pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
caution you may be driving on tires with incor- temperature.
rect tire pressures, a condition that can not only
For correct identification of the right tire
compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but inflation pressure for your tires, observe
also lead to tire damage and the risk of an acci-
the specifications for the corresponding tire
dent. Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires,
size.<
except run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously
impair your vehicle's handling and braking
Tire size
response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can
lead to loss of control over the vehicle.< The inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes
approved and tire brands recommended by
After correcting the inflation pressure(s),
BMW; a list of these is available from your BMW
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
center.
refer to page 80.<

170
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
525i/530i
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature

Controls
225/50 R 17 94 V M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W
245/40 R 18 93 W
225/55 R 16 95 Q,T,H M+S
29/200 35/240 36/250 44/300
225/50 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S
525i only:

Driving tips
225/55 R 16 95 V M+S
225/55 R 16 95 V
245/45 R 17 95 W
29/200 32/220 33/230 41/280
245/45 R 17 95 Q,T,H,V M+S
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 W 29/200 - 36/250 -
ProCarManuals.com

Rear: 275/35 R 18 95 W - 32/220 - 41/280

Navigation
Front: 245/35 R 19 89 Y 29/200 - 33/230 -
Rear: 275/30 R 19 92 Y - 32/220 - 41/280
Compact wheel:
61/420
T 135/80 R 17 102 M

Entertainment
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 198.

Communication
Mobility
Reference

171
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 545i
Wheels and tires

Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature

225/50 R 17 94 V M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W
32/220 38/260 38/260 45/310
245/40 R 18 93 Y
225/50 R 17 94 Q,T,H M+S
245/45 R 17 95 W
29/200 35/240 35/240 42/290
245/45 R 17 95 Q,T,H,V M+S
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 Y 32/220 - 38/260 -
Rear: 275/35 R 18 95 Y - 35/240 - 42/290
Front: 245/35 R 19 89 Y 32/220 - 38/260 -
Rear: 275/30 R 19 92 Y - 35/240 - 42/290
ProCarManuals.com

Compact wheel:
61/420
T 135/80 R 17 102 M
More details on the permitted load and weights can be found on page 198.

Tire identification marks

Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
makes it easier to identify and choose the right Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
tires.
Tire Identification Number
Tire size
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
e.g. 205/60 R 15 91 W the U.S. Department of Transport.
Nominal width in mm DOT code:
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3604
Rim diameter in inches Manufacturer code
Carrying capacity ID-code for tire make
(not in ZR tires) Tire size and tire design
Speed code letter Tire age
(in ZR tires before the R)
Tire age
Speed letter The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h the tire coding: DOT … 3604 means that the
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h tire was produced in the 36th week of 2004.
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
for 10 years.

172
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Uniform Tire Quality Grading heat when tested under controlled conditions
Quality grades can be found where applicable on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and Sustained high temperature can cause the
maximum section width. For example: material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
Temperature A
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
DOT Quality Grades

Controls
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
Tread wear represent higher levels of performance on the
Traction AA A B C laboratory test wheel than the minimum
Temperature A B C required by law.
All passenger car tires must conform to The temperature grade for this tire is
Federal Safety Requirements in addition

Driving tips
established for a tire that is properly
to these grades.< inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
Tread wear arately or in combination, can cause heat
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating buildup and possible tire failure.<
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
ProCarManuals.com

under controlled conditions on a specified gov- RSC – run-flat tires

Navigation
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
150 would wear one and one-half, 1γ, times as symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
well on the government course as a tire graded of the tire, refer to page 174.
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how- M+S
ever, and may depart significantly from the

Entertainment
Winter and all-season tires.
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
These have better winter properties than sum-
practices and differences in road characteris-
mer tires.
tics and climate.

Traction
Tire condition
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are

Communication
AA, A, B, and C. Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
on wet pavement as measured under controlled in the tread. Check the tread depth.
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C Minimum tread depth
may have poor traction performance. The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
based on straight-ahead braking traction tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor- 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
Mobility

nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-

teristics.< hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
Temperature When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
Reference

safety, new tires should be installed.

generation of heat and its ability to dissipate

173
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Run-flat tires*
Wheels and tires

Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer

to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the indica- symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
tors are at the level of the tread, the legally per- of the tire.
missible tread depth of 0.063 in/1,6 mm has Run-flat tires consist of self-contained tires and
been reached. special rims. The tire reinforcement ensures
that the tire retains some residual safety in the
Wheel/tire damage event of pressure drop and driving remains pos-
sible to a restricted degree.
ProCarManuals.com

Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,

tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazard and consequential dam-
ages. Unusual vibrations encountered during New wheels and tires
normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure Have new wheels and tires installed only
or some other vehicle defect. This can, for by your BMW center or tire shop that
example, be caused by driving over curbs. works according to BMW repair procedures
These kinds of problems may also be signaled with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
by other changes in vehicle response, such as a work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
strong tendency to pull to the left or right. ger of subsequent damage and related safety
In these cases, reduce speed immedi- hazards.<
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the Retreaded tires
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works BMW does not recommend that you use
according to BMW repair procedures with cor- retreaded tires, since driving safety may
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary, be impaired. The causes for this include the
have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage can possibly different tire casing structures and the
be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants often wide variations in their age, which can
and other road users.< result in a limited service life.<

Servicing tires The right wheels and tires

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to BMW recommends that you use only
service tires can lead to damage and acci- wheel and tire combinations that BMW
dents. Have this work performed by skilled pro- has tested and approved for your particular
fessionals only. The technicians at your BMW vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
center will be glad to assist you with the turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
required professional knowledge and special- tires with identical official size ratings could
ized equipment.< actually have different dimensions than the

174
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
approved units – these differences could lead to Special characteristics of winter tires
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci- BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are winter driving conditions. Although all-season
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, M+S tires provide better winter traction than
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
safety.< same levels of cold-weather performance as
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com- winter tires.
bination at your BMW center.

Controls
The correct combination of wheels and tires is Pay attention to speed
another vital factor in ensuring reliable opera- Do not exceed the maximum permissible
tion of various vehicle systems such as ABS speed for the winter tires, otherwise tire
and DSC. damage may occur, which can result in acci-
To maintain good handling and vehicle dents.<

Driving tips
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat Storage
tire, have the original wheel and tire combina- Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
tion remounted on the vehicle as soon as possi- place with as little exposure to light as possible.
ble. Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
ProCarManuals.com

Recommended tire brands tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall

Navigation
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, of the tire.
classifies them as road-safe and approves
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation. Snow chains*
Observe any country-specific regulations, e.g.
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,

Entertainment
on making a corresponding entry in the vehicle
classifies them as road-safe and approves
documents.
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
The factory-mounted tires have been specially mation. BMW recommends using these
selected to provide optimized performance approved, fine-link snow chains.
when installed on your vehicle; if properly cared Use is only permitted in pairs, with winter tires
for, they will provide a combination of safety and on the rear wheels.
excellent ride comfort.
Communication
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
Run-flat tires of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
When mounting new tires or changing from After snow chains are mounted, do not
summer tires to winter tires or vice versa, use initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
run-flat tires because there is no spare tire in When driving with snow chains, it can be useful
case of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to to activate the DTC temporarily, refer to
advise you. page 78.<
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
Mobility

that you do not have damaged run-flat

tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Reference

175
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Under the hood
Under the hood

Never attempt to perform any service or Closing

repair operations on your vehicle without
the required, professional technical training. If
you do not know what repair procedures to fol-
low, have work on your vehicle done only by
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
Hood to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the
Releasing hood is clear, as otherwise injuries may
ProCarManuals.com

result.
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you
should stop at once and close it securely.<

Pull the lever located under the left side of the

instrument cluster.

Opening

Press the release handle and open the hood.

176
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Engine compartment

Controls
Driving tips
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
1 Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 4 Dipstick for engine oil, refer to Checking oil
engine oil level. The dipstick is further toward the rear
2 Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the on the 545i
microfilter cover 5 Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp and

Entertainment
3 Starting-aid terminal, refer to page 190 windshield cleaning systems, refer to
page 58
6 Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page 178

Engine oil
Communica-
The engine oil consumption is dependent on The oil should extend to between the two
driving style and driving conditions. marks on the dipstick.

Checking oil level

1. With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
Mobility

2. Switch off the engine.

3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull out the dip-
stick 4 and wipe it off with a clean lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material. The oil quantity between the middle of the two
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into marks on the dipstick is approx. 1.6 US quarts/
Reference

the guide tube and pull it out again. 1.5 liters.

177
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Do not exceed the upper marking on the amounts of another synthetic oil between oil
Under the hood

dipstick, otherwise an overfilling of oil can changes. Use only oils with the API SH specifi-
damage the engine.< cation or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
Adding engine oil ing the specific BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.

Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
Do not top off the oil until the oil level has The selection of the correct SAE class depends
dropped to just above the lower marking on the on the climatic conditions in the area where you
dipstick. In this area a message also appears on typically drive your BMW.
the Control Display.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 5W-40
ProCarManuals.com

Refill the oil within the next 125 miles/ and 5W-30.<
200 km, otherwise engine damage could
These oils may be used for driving in all ambient
result.<
temperatures.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come into Coolant
contact with oil should be thoroughly washed
with soap and water. Do not add coolant to the cooling system
Store oil, grease, etc., well out of the reach of when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
children; always observe all warning labels on can cause burns.<
the containers.< Coolant consists of water and the addition of
antifreeze and anticorrosion agent. Not all com-
Oil change mercially available additives are suitable for
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or your BMW. Ask your BMW center for suitable
at a workshop that works according to BMW additives.
repair procedures with correspondingly trained Only use suitable additives, as otherwise
personnel. engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
Specified engine oils tions on the containers.<
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical Comply with the appropriate environ-
significance for the operation and service life of mental protection regulations when dis-
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe- posing of coolant additives.<
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing. Checking coolant level
Use only approved BMW High Performance 1. The engine must be at ambient tempera-
Synthetic Oil. ture.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor- 2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-

178
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
sure to escape, then continue turning to Brake pads
open. The warning lamp lights up in spite of
3. The coolant level is correct when the cool- the handbrake being released; a mes-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX sage appears on the Control Display:
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the The brake pads have reached their minimum
filler neck. pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced
immediately.

Controls
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.

For your own safety: use only brake pads

that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding vehicle model. As BMW cannot

Driving tips
assess the suitability of other brake pads for
use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume
continued responsibility for the vehicle's oper-
4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
ating safety if non-approved pads are
the specified level – do not overfill.
installed.<
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
ProCarManuals.com

6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-

Navigation
nated as soon as possible.

Brake system

Entertainment
Malfunctions

Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in spite of
the handbrake being released; a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:
Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to Communica-
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Mobility

When you continue driving, an increased

brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Reference

179
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Maintenance
Maintenance

The BMW maintenance > Spark plugs

system > Vehicle check
> Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Your vehicle stores this information continu-
ously in the master key while the vehicle is
being driven. After accessing the data stored in
the master key, your BMW Service Advisor can
suggest precisely the right array of service pro-
cedures for your own individual vehicle. You
should therefore hand over to the BMW Service
Advisor the key you last used to drive when you
The BMW maintenance system supports the take your vehicle in for service.
preservation of the traffic and operating safety Make sure the date in the Control Center
of your BMW. The service schedule also is always set correctly, refer to page 74,
ProCarManuals.com

includes operations related to the vehicle's as otherwise the effectiveness of CBS Condi-
comfort and convenience features, such as tion Based Service is not ensured.<
replacement of the filters for the inside air. The
ultimate objective is to ensure economical Service and Warranty Information
maintenance by providing the ideal service for Booklet for US models and Warranty
your vehicle. and Service Guide Booklet for
Should the day come when you decide to sell Canadian models
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
service history is an asset of inestimable value. mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
CBS Condition Based Service for additional information on service require-
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ- ments.
ent driving conditions of your BMW into BMW recommends that you have service
account. Condition Based Service uses this to and repair operations performed at your
determine the current and future service BMW center.
requirements. By letting you define a service Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
and maintenance regimen that reflects your cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
own individual requirements, the system builds cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
the basis for trouble-free driving. for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
You can set the Control Display to show Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
remaining times or distances of selected main- verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
tenance intervals and legally mandated dead- fied regular maintenance.<
lines, refer to page 66:
> Engine oil
> Brakes, front and rear separately
> Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
> Brake fluid

180
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
OBD Socket Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order

Controls
to provide such services.

The Onboard Diagnostics OBD interface Care

socket is located on the left of the driver's side Important information on the care and mainte-

Driving tips
under the instrument panel and under a cover.
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
The cover has the letters OBD on it. for your vehicle brochure.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure
proper operation of the emission control sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime. The system mon-
itors emission-related components and sys-
ProCarManuals.com

tems for deterioration and malfunction.

Navigation
An illuminated lamp informs you of the
need for service, not of the need to stop
the vehicle. However, the systems
should be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.

Entertainment
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.

Under certain conditions, the indicator will blink

or flash. This indicates a rather severe level of
engine misfire. When this occurs, you should

Communication
reduce speed and consult the nearest BMW
center as soon as possible. Severe engine mis-
fire over only a short period of time can seri-
ously damage emissions control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator will light up. If
the filler cap is subsequently tightened, the
Mobility

indicator should go out within a few days.<

Reference

181
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Replacing components
ProCarManuals.com Replacing components

Onboard tool kit Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
lighting system, turn off the lights
involved so as to prevent short circuits from
The on-board tool kit is located in the luggage occurring. To avoid possible injury or equip-
compartment lid. ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
Loosen the wingnut to open. any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps,
Wiper blade replacement please follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.

Halogen headlamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the
engine compartment.

1. Fold the wiper arm out and grasp firmly.

2. Press the safety tabs together while sliding
the wiper blade toward the front to disen-
gage it.

1 Cover cap for low beams

Lamps and bulbs 2 Cover cap for high beams

Turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent Always wear gloves and eye protection –
in replacing them. BMW recommends having the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is
your BMW center perform any work that you do pressurized. Failure to observe this precaution
not feel competent to perform yourself or that is can lead to personal injury should the bulb be
not described here. damaged.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<

182
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Low beams Xenon lamps*
H7 bulb, 55 watts The service life of these bulbs is very long and
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove. the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can respond by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully in accordance with the reduced visibil-

Controls
ity, where allowed by law.
Have work on the Xenon lighting system
performed only by your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-

Driving tips
2. Remove and replace the bulb. sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when
High beams work is carried out improperly.<
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Parking and roadside parking lamps
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
ProCarManuals.com

BMW center or a workshop that works accord-

Navigation
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.

Turn signals, front

Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W

Entertainment
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.

2. Remove and replace the bulb.

Parking and roadside parking lamps

Communication
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1. Turn the cover cap for low beams or high
beams to the left and remove.
2. Pull out the bulb holder.
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Mobility

3. Remove and replace the bulb.

Reference

183
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Side-mounted turn signals Center brake lamp
ProCarManuals.com Replacing components

Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W This lamp uses LED technology for operation.

1. Press back against the front edge of the In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
light with the tip of your finger, then pivot it BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
out. ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.

Fender-mounted lamps
The illustration shows the recess on the left
side of the luggage compartment.
All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb
fitting.
1. Lift up floor mat.
2. Undo the quick-release fasteners of the
2. Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove. side panel and pull out the panel.

3. Extract the bulb for replacement. 3. Press together at the top and bottom of the
bulb holder and remove.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.

Tail lamps
> Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
> Backup lamps: bulb 16 watts, W 16 W
> Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W 4. Backup lamps:
Remove and replace the bulb.
Other lamps:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.

Lamps in luggage compartment lid

License plate lamp

Bulb 5 watts, C 5 W
1 Turn signals
2 Tail lamp and brake lamp
3 Tail lamp and brake lamp
4 Backup lamps
5 Reflector
6 Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and
brake lamp

184
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
1. Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to guardrail.
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp. lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack

Controls
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
2. Remove the lamp and replace the bulb. support base for the jack, as this would prevent

Driving tips
it from extending to its full support height and
Backup lamps reduce its load-carrying capacity.
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
BMW center or a workshop that works accord- the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond- supported by the jack.<
ProCarManuals.com

ingly trained personnel.

What you will need

Navigation
LEDs light-emitting diodes To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu- tions of the tools before removing them, then
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of return them to their initial positions after com-
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These pleting work.
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a

Entertainment
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare directly into the unfiltered light for
several hours, as this could result in irritation of
the retina.< Communication

1 Chock*
Changing wheels
2 Vehicle jack*
Safety precautions in the event of a flat 3 Lug wrench*
tire or wheel change: Park the vehicle as
The tools are located in the hollow of the com-
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
pact wheel.
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set- 1. Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
Mobility

ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and located beneath it.
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever 2. Take out the required tools.
position P.
3. After using the tools, return then to the stor-
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
age space.
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
Reference

diate area in a safe place, such as behind a

185
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 With run-flat tires, no tools are provided 2. Guide the jack head into the rectangular
ProCarManuals.com Replacing components

for wheel changes. They can be pur- recess of the jacking point when cranking
chased as accessories at your BMW center.< up, refer to illustration detail.

Compact wheel*

3. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are

changing is raised from the ground.
1. Unscrew the wing nut 1.
2. Remove the washer 2 laterally. Mounting a wheel
3. Take out the tool mounts 3. 1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
4. Remove the compact wheel. wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
Preparing wheel change the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
1. Observe the safety precautions above. hub. Also clean the lug bolts.

2. Prevent the vehicle from rolling: 3. Position the new wheel or compact wheel.
Place the chock behind the front wheel on Secure the wheel by turning at least two lug
the other side of the vehicle, or on inclines, bolts into opposite bolt holes.
in front of this wheel. On a steep grade, take When you mount wheels other than Genu-
other steps to prevent the vehicle from roll- ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
ing. bolts may also be required.

3. Loosen the lug bolts a half turn. 4. Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
Jacking up vehicle 5. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
1. Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point beneath the vehicle.
closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-
face of the jack base rests on the ground After mounting
perpendicularly beneath the jacking point. 1. Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
The vehicle jack is designed for To ensure safety, always have the
changing wheels only. Do not attempt lug bolts checked with a calibrated
to raise another vehicle model with it or to torque wrench as soon as possible to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
cause accidents and personal injury.< fied torque. The tightening torque is
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2. When stowing the wheel and tools in the
vehicle, execute these steps in the reverse
order.

186
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
3. Check and correct the tire inflation pressure Disposal
at the earliest opportunity. Have old batteries disposed of by your
Protect valve stems and valve stem BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
seal caps against dirt and contamina- cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source position for transport and storage. Always
of gradual air loss.< restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
4. Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to over during transport.<

Controls
page 80.
Power failure
5. Replace the damaged tire with a new one as
soon as possible and have the new wheel After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
balanced. some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost
Driving with compact wheel and must be updated again:

Driving tips
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of > Active steering
50 mph/80 km/h. The system is deactivated and must be ini-
tialized, refer to page 81. Until then, the
The driving characteristics change, for example
steering will react differently than usual.
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering > Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
ProCarManuals.com

characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction The positions must be stored again, refer to
page 40.

Navigation
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced. > Time and Date
Only one compact wheel may be The settings must be updated, refer to
mounted. You should re-equip with page 74.
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as > Radio
possible.< Stations must be stored again, refer to

Entertainment
page 140.
> Navigation system
Vehicle battery You must wait until it becomes operational
again, refer to page 128.
Battery care
The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery Fuses Communication
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
all matters concerning the battery.
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
Charging battery
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse alloca-
terminals in the engine compartment with the
tion diagram are located in the compartment for
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
Mobility

the onboard tool kit, refer to page 182.

on page 190.
Reference

187
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 In glove compartment
ProCarManuals.com Replacing components

1. Release both quick-release fasteners.

2. Fold the cover forward or remove.

In luggage compartment
1. Lift up floor mat.
2. Release the quick-release fastener of the
right side panel and pull out the panel.

188
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Giving and receiving assistance

Emergency calling* Under certain conditions, an emergency call

is automatically initiated immediately after a
Conditions for an emergency call: severe accident. The automatic emergency call
> Once ignition key is in position 1. is not affected by the button being pressed.

Controls
> The car phone is logged on to a cellular For technical reasons, the emergency call
telephone network. cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
> The emergency call system is operable. conditions.<

Initiating an emergency call

Warning triangle*

Driving tips
1. To open the protective cover of the keypad:
touch the protective cover. Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a warning triangle to be carried
in the vehicle.<
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
2. Press the button for at least 2 seconds.

Entertainment
The indicator lamp in the button lights up.
As soon as the voice connection to the
BMW Assist response center has been
established, the indicator lamp flashes. Loosen the wingnut to open.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of First-aid kit* Communication
the situation.
Some of the articles contained in the first-
If the current location of your vehicle can be aid kit have a limited service life. There-
determined with vehicles with an activated fore, check the expiration dates of the contents
BMW Assist, it will be transmitted to the BMW regularly and replace the contents concerned in
Assist response center. good time if necessary. You can find replace-
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page 161. ments in any pharmacy. Comply with legal
If the indicator lamp flashes, but you are unable requirements requiring you to carry a first-aid
kit in the vehicle.<
Mobility

to hear the BMW Assist response center

through the hands-free system, this could indi-
cate, for instance, that the hands-free system
is no longer operational. However, the BMW
Assist response center may then still be able to
hear you.
Reference

189
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Preparation
Giving and receiving assistance

1. Check whether the battery of the other

vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3. Switch off any electrical accessories in both
The first-aid kit is located in the luggage com- vehicles.
partment lid. There must not be any contact between
Loosen the wingnut to open. the bodies of the two vehicles, as other-
wise there is a danger of shorting.<

Roadside Assistance* Connecting jumper cables

To avoid personal injury from sparks,
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
always observe this sequence when con-
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, also on weekends and necting jumper cables.<
ProCarManuals.com

public holidays. On your BMW, the so-called starting-aid termi-

nal in the engine compartment serves as the
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the battery positive terminal, also refer to Engine
compartment essentials on page 177. The
Contact brochure.
symbol + is embossed on the cover.
In the case of vehicles with BMW Assist or
1. Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
TeleService, you can contact the Roadside
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
Assistance of the BMW Group for assistance in
the event of a breakdown directly via the Con-
trol Center, refer to page 163.

Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use
two jumper cables to start your BMW with
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with 2. Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
fully-insulated clamp handles. to the positive terminal of the battery or a
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury, starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
always avoid all contact with electrical ing assistance.
components while the engine is running. Care- 3. Attach the second end of the cable to the
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
guard against possible personal injuries.< Your BMW has a special nut as body ground or
negative pole.
4. Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to

190
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
an engine or body ground of the assisting In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting
vehicle. and the vehicle, please follow these
instructions: use only the tow fitting provided
with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use
the tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting.<

Controls
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
5. Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the

Driving tips
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.

Starting engine
1. Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
ProCarManuals.com

and allow it to run for several minutes at

Navigation
increased speed.
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way. If the first start attempt is not Rear
successful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the dis-
charged battery to recharge.

Entertainment
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
Communication
engine.<
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
Towing and tow-starting tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
Always observe all applicable towing laws engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
and regulations.< cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. This then requires increased effort for
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vehicle for any reason.<
vated and larger steering wheel movements are
Mobility

required.<
Using tow fitting
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
of the BMW.
Reference

191
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Vehicles with manual transmission To avoid jerking and the associated
Giving and receiving assistance

Gearshift lever in neutral position. stresses on vehicle components when

towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Vehicles with automatic transmission Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts could
Selector lever in position N.
result.<
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of With tow truck
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<

Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual

transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage the
selector lever position N, then switch off the
ignition again.

Towing methods
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
ProCarManuals.com

ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-

ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
respective country. and chassis parts, as otherwise damage
may result.<
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
Tow-starting
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
it will not be possible to control vehicle matic transmission.
response.< Jump starting, refer to page 190.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi- verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset start the engine, refer to page 190.
angle, please observe the following: 1. Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
> Clearance and maneuvering capability will comply with country-specific regulations.
be sharply limited during cornering. 2. Turn the ignition key to position 2.
> When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 3. Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
exert lateral forces, tending to push the below.
vehicle sideways. 4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only. pedal completely depressed and slowly
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts release the clutch. After the engine starts,
could result.< immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
With tow rope 5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
sure that the tow rope is taut. ing flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.

192
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual trans-
mission:
1. Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2. Select Sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.

Controls
Driving tips
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
Communication
Mobility
Reference

193
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
ProCarManuals.com

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Reference
This chapter contains the technical data,
the short commands of the voice command
system, and the index that will direct you as
ProCarManuals.com

quickly as possible to the information sought.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 Technical data
Technical data

Engine data
525i 530i
Displacement cu in/cmµ 152.2/2,494 181.8/2,979
Number of cylinders 6 6
Maximum output hp 184 225
at engine speed rpm 6,000 5,900
Maximum torque lb ft/Nm 175/237 214/290
at engine speed rpm 3,500 3,500

545i
Displacement cu in/cmµ 268.4/4,398
Number of cylinders 8
ProCarManuals.com

Maximum output hp 325

at engine speed rpm 5,900
Maximum torque lb ft/Nm 330/450
at engine speed rpm 3,600

196
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Dimensions

Controls
Driving tips
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
All dimensions given in inches/mm. Smallest turning circle diam.: 37.5 ft/11.4 m
Communication
Mobility
Reference

197
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Weights
Technical data

525i 530i
Curb weight lbs./kg
with manual transmission 3,428/1,555 3,472/1,575
with automatic transmission/SMG 3,450/1,565 3,494/1,585
Approved gross weight lbs./kg
with manual transmission 4,530/2,055 4,575/2,075
with automatic transmission/SMG 4,552/2,065 4,597/2,085
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520

545i
ProCarManuals.com

Curb weight lbs./kg

with manual transmission 3,803/1,725
with automatic transmission/SMG 3,814/1,730
Approved gross weight lbs./kg
with manual transmission 4,905/2,225
with automatic transmission/SMG 4,916/2,230
Load lbs./kg 1,103/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,403/1,090
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 18.4/520

Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.

Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page 169
Reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
Window and headlamp For more details: page 58
washer system quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts/liters BMW High Performance
525i, 530i 6.9/6.5 Synthetic Oil.
545i 8.5/8.0 Oil grades: page 178

198
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Short commands of voice command
system *
With short commands you can carry out certain item is selected. Here are the important short
functions directly, regardless of which menu commands for the voice command system.

Controls
Communication
Function Command

To open phone 154 {Phone}

To dial phone number 154 {Dial number}

Driving tips
To display phone book 155 {A to Z}
To select from the phone book 155 {Call ...} or
{Dial name}
To display "Top 8" 156 {Top 8}
To redial 156 {Redial}
ProCarManuals.com

To display "Received calls" 156 {Received calls}

Navigation
To display "Missed calls" 156 {Missed calls}
To display "SMS" 157 {SMS}
To display "Bluetooth" {Bluetooth}
To open BMW Assist 161 {BMW Assist}

Entertainment
Navigation
Function Command
To display current position 125 {Current position}
To open destination entry 115 {Enter address} or

Communication
{New destination}
To display "Input map" 117 {Input map}
To open "Information" 118 {Information menu}
To display address book 120 {Address book} or
{From address book}
To display route criteria 122 {Route preference}
To display arrow display 126 {Arrow display}
To display route map 126 {Map}, {Map facing north} or
Mobility

{Map direction of travel}

To change scale 127 {Scale ... kilometers} or
{Scale ... meters}
To display roads or towns/cities along route 127 {Route list}
Reference

199
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Onboard info
commands of voice command system

Function Command

To display computer 70 {Onboard info}

To display trip computer 71 {Trip computer}
To open speed limit 72 {Limit}
To open stopwatch 72 {Stopwatch}

Entertainment
Function Command

To switch on radio 138 {Radio on}

To open "FM" 138 {FM menu}
To open "AM" 138 {AM menu}
To open "All stations" 138 {FM All stations}
To select radio station 138 {Station} Name
To open "Presets" 138 {FM presets} or
ProCarManuals.com

{AM presets}
To select stored station 138 {Station ...}
To open "Manual" 139 {FM manual} or
{AM manual}
To open strongest radio station 139 {AM Autostore}
To open "CD" 145 {CD menu}
To select CD 145 {CD 1...6}
To select music track 146 {Track ...}

Climate
Short

Function Command

Move temperature distribution for seat heating {Seat heater distribution}

forward 44
To open "Vent settings" 92 {Vent settings}
To open "Automatic programs" 93 {Automatic programs}
To open "Parked car ventilation" 94 {Parked car operation}
To open "Automatic ventilation" 94 {Automatic ventilation}
To display activation times 94 {Activation time}

200
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
menu
Function Command

To open "Door locks" 29, 31 {Door locks}

To open "Steering wheel buttons" 46 {Steering wheel buttons}
To open "Light" 56 {Light}
To open "Communication settings" 161 {Communication settings}

Controls
To open "BMW Service settings" 161 {BMW Service settings}
To open "BMW Service" 163 {BMW service}
To open "Service requirements" 66, 162 {Service requirements}
To open "Service" 66, 162 {Service}

Driving tips
To display "Check Control messages" 69 {Check Control messages}
To open "Display settings" 73 {Display settings}
To open "Head-Up Display selection" 85 {HUD configurations}
To set brightness of Control Display 73 {Brightness}
To open "Units" 73 {Units}
ProCarManuals.com

To open "Languages" 74, 125 {Language}

Navigation
To open "Time" 74 {Time}
To open "Date" 74 {Date}
To open "PDC" 76 {PDC}
To open "FTM" 80 {FTM}

Entertainment
To open "Entertainment settings" 133 {Entertainment settings}

Communication
Mobility
Reference

201
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Everything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z

Index
"..." Identifies Control Display Address for navigation AKI, refer to Fuel
texts used to select – deleting 121 specifications 169
individual functions, – entering 115 Alarm system 33
pointing out where these are – selecting 121 – avoiding unintentional
located. – storing current position 120 alarms 34
"Add to destination list" 117 – interior motion sensor 34
A Adhesive bandages, refer to – switching off the alarm 34
First-aid kit 189 – switching off the tilt alarm
ABS Antilock Brake Adjusting active backrest sensor and interior motion
System 77 width 40 sensor 34
– indicator lamp 79 Adjusting temperature in – tilt alarm sensor 34
– malfunction 79 upper body region 93 All around the center
ACC, refer to Active cruise Adjusting the temperature console 14
control 59 with automatic climate All around the steering
ProCarManuals.com

Acceleration assistant for control 91 wheel 10

SMG Sequential manual Adjusting the thigh support 39 "All channels" 143
transmission 55 Adjusting the tone during "All doors" 29
Accessories 6 audio operation, refer to All-season tires, refer to
Acoustic Signal, refer to Tone control 133 Winter tires 175
Check Control 67 Adjustment in audio mode Altering stretch of road 127
Activated-charcoal filter 94 – front-to-rear 134 "AM", reception
"Activation time" for – right/left balance 134 range 133, 138
independent ventilation 94 "After opening door" 41 Antenna for portable
Active cruise control 59 "After unlocking" 41 phone 152
– indicator lamp 60 Airbags 83 Antifreeze
– malfunction 64 – sitting safely 38 – coolant 178
– selecting distance 62 – warning lamp 84 – washer fluid 58
– sensor, refer to Air circulation, refer to Air Antilock Brake System
Malfunction 64 recirculation 91 ABS 77
Active head restraints, Air distribution – indicator lamp 79
front 42 – automatic 91 Anti-theft alarm system, refer
Active roll stabilization 79 – manual 92 to Alarm system 33
Active seat 44 Airing, refer to Ventilation 93 Anti-theft system 29
Active seat ventilation 44 Air recirculation Anti-trapping mechanism
Active steering 81 – AUC Automatic recircu- – glass sunroof, electric 36
– initializing system 81 lated-air control 91 – power windows 35
– warning lamp 81 – recirculated-air mode 91 Approved axle loads, refer to
Adaptive Head Light 88 "Air recirculation on / off" 46 Weights 198
"Add digits" for portable Air vent outlets of automatic Approved gross vehicle
phone 155 climate control 90 weight, refer to Weights 198
"Address book" for Air vents 90 Armrest, refer to Center
navigation 120 – refer to Ventilation 93 armrest
Air volume 91 – rear 100

202
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Arrival time Automatic transmission with Battery, refer to Vehicle
– refer to Computer 70 Steptronic 55 battery 187
– refer to Starting destination – convenience start 52 – jump starting 190
guidance 124 – interlock 51 Being towed 191
"Arrow display" during – kick-down 56 Belts, refer to Safety belts 42
navigation 126 – selector lever interlock 55 Beverage holder, refer to Cup
Ashtray – shiftlock 55 holders 99
– front 99 – sport program 56 Black ice, refer to Ice

Controls
– rear 100 – starting the engine 52 warning 65
Assist, refer to BMW – tow starting 192 Blower, refer to Air volume 91
Assist 161 – tow-starting 192 BMW Assist 161
Assistance systems, refer to "Automatic ventilation" 94 – enabling 161
Driving stability control AUTO program for automatic – services offered 162
systems 77 climate control 91 BMW maintenance

Driving tips
Assistance window 20 "Autostore" on the radio 140 system 180
AUC Automatic recirculated- Average fuel consumption 70 "BMW Service" 163
air control 91 – setting the units 73 "BMW Service settings" 162
"Audio" 134 Average speed, refer to Bottle holder, refer to Cup
Audio 132 Computer 70 holders 99
ProCarManuals.com

– controls 132 "Avoid ferries" for Brake Assistant, refer to DBC

– switching on/off 132 navigation 123 Dynamic Brake Control 77

Navigation
– tone control 133 Avoid freeways for Brake fluid 179
– volume 133 navigation 122 – warning lamp 179
Automatic "Avoid highways" for Brake Force Display 82
– air distribution 91 navigation 122 Brake lamps
– air volume 91 Avoiding unintentional – Brake Force Display 82

Entertainment
– garage door opener 96 alarms 34 – replacing bulbs 184
– headlamp control 87 "Avoid tollroads" for Brake pads 179
– service notification 162 navigation 123 – breaking-in 106
– steering wheel adjustment, Axle loads, refer to Brake rotors 108
refer to Easy entry/exit 45 Weights 198 Brakes
– storing stations 139 "A - Z" 155 – ABS Antilock Brake
Automatic car washes 108 System 77
– also refer to Caring for your B – brake fluid 179 Communica-
vehicle brochure – Brake Force Display 82
Automatic climate control 90 Backrests, refer to Seats 38 – brake pads 179
– automatic air distribution 91 Backrest width adjustment 39 – breaking-in 106
– settings using the Control Backup lamps, refer to – handbrake 52
Center 92 Reverse gear 53 – warning lamps 13
– switching off 92 – replacing bulbs 184 Brake system 106, 179
Automatic curb monitor 41 Backup lamps, refer to Tail – brake fluid level 179
"Automatic programs" 93 lamps 184 – brake pads 106, 179
Mobility

Automatic recirculated-air Balance, tone control 134 – breaking-in 106

control AUC 91 Bandages, refer to First-aid – disc brakes 108
Automatic station search 139 kit 189 – warning lamp 79, 179
Bass, tone control 134
Reference

203
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Braking "Car data" 70 CD changer 145
Everything from A to Z

– CBC Cornering Brake Care 181 – controls 132

Control 77 – refer to Caring for your – fast forward/reverse 147
– DBC Dynamic Brake vehicle brochure – installation location 147
Control 77 Cargo, securing 102, 109 – playing a track 147
– electronic brake-force Cargo loading 108 – random order 147
distribution 77 Caring for artificial leather, – repeating a track 146
– refer to Braking safely 107 refer to Caring for your – selecting a CD 146
Breakdown assistance 163 vehicle brochure – selecting a track 146
Breakdown services, refer to Caring for leather, refer to – switching on/off 132
Roadside Assistance 190 Caring for your vehicle – tone control 133
Breaking-in the clutch 106 brochure – volume 133
Breaking-in the Caring for light-alloy wheels, CD player 145
differential 106 refer to Caring for your – controls 132
Break-in period 106 vehicle brochure – fast forward/reverse 147
"Brightness" 73 Caring for plastic, refer to – playing a track 147
Brightness of Control Caring for your vehicle – random order 147
Display 73 brochure – repeating a track 146
Buttons on steering wheel 11 Caring for the carpet, refer to – selecting a track 146
ProCarManuals.com

Caring for your vehicle – switching on/off 132

C brochure – tone control 133
Caring for the vehicle finish, – volume 133
California Proposition 65 refer to Caring for your Center armrest
Warning 6 vehicle brochure – front 98
"Call" 155 Car jack – rear 100
Call – jacking points 186 Center brake lamp 184
– accepting 154 Car keys, refer to Key set 28 Center console 14
– displaying accepted 156 Car phone 153 "Central locking" 29
– ending 155 – installation location, refer to Central locking system 29
– in absence 156 Center armrest 98 – from inside vehicle 31
– starting 154 – refer to Portable phone 152 Changes, technical
Calling – refer to separate Owner's – refer to For your own
– from phone book 155 Manual safety 6
– from Top 8 list 156 Car radio, refer to Radio 138 – refer to Parts and
– redialing 156 Car vacuum cleaner accessories 6
– refer to telephone Owner's connection, refer to Changing gear
Manual Sockets 100 – automatic transmission with
"Calling sender" 158 Car wash 108 Steptronic 55
Can holder, refer to Cup – also refer to Caring for your Changing settings
holders 99 vehicle brochure – on Control Display 73
Capacities 198 Catalytic converter, refer to Changing the language on the
Car battery, refer to Vehicle Hot exhaust system 106 Control Display 74
battery 187 "Categories" 143 Changing the measurement
Car care, refer to Caring for CBC Cornering Brake units on the Control
your vehicle brochure Control 77 Display 73
Car-care products, refer to CBS Condition Based Changing wheels 174, 185
Caring for your vehicle Service 180 CHECK button 69
brochure "CD" 133, 145 Check Control 67

204
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
"Check Control Computer 69 Coolant 178
messages" 69 – clock, 12h/24h mode 74 – level 178
Check Gas Cap 168 – displays on Control Cooling, maximum 91
Checking the air pressure, Display 70 Cornering Brake Control
refer to Tire inflation – hour signal 74 CBC 77
pressure 170 "Concert hall" 135 Country of destination for
Child-restraint fixing system Condition Based Service navigation 116
LATCH 49 CBS 180 Courtesy lamps 89

Controls
Child restraints 47 "Confirmation" 30 Cradle for telephone or
Child restraint systems 47 Confirmation signals for portable phone 98
Child-safety lock 50 locking and unlocking 30 Cruise control 58, 59
Child seats 47 Consumption, refer to – active cruise control 59
Chime, refer to Check Average consumption 70 Cruising range 70
Control 67 Consumption indicator Cup holders 99

Driving tips
Chock 185 – Energy Control 66 Curb weight, refer to
Chrome parts, care, refer to "Continue guidance to Weights 198
Caring for your vehicle destination?" 125 Current fuel consumption 66
brochure Control Center 16 "Current position" 125
Cigarette lighter 99 – adjusting brightness 73 Current position
ProCarManuals.com

Cleaning, refer to Caring for – assistance window 20 – displaying 125

your vehicle brochure – automatic climate control 92 – entering 120

Navigation
Cleaning the windshield, refer – changing settings 19, 73 – storing 120
to Wiper system 57 – changing the menu page 19 "Customer Relations" 164
"Climate" 44 – confirming selection or Cylinders, refer to Engine
Clock 65 entry 19 data 196
– 12h/24h mode 74 – controller 16

Entertainment
– time setting 74 – displays, menus 16 D
Closing – language selection 74
– from inside 31 – lists 19 Dashboard, refer to
– from outside 29 – menu item selection 19 Cockpit 10
Clothes hooks 99 – menu navigation 17 Data 196
Cockpit 10 – operating elements 16 – capacities 198
Cold start, refer to Starting – selecting units of – dimensions 197
engine 51 measurement and display – engine 196 Communica-
"Comfort", active backrest format 73 – technical data 196
width adjustment 40 – setting time and date 74 – weights 198
Comfort area, refer to All – start menu 17 "Date" 74
about the center console 14 – status information 20 Date 65
Comfort seat 39 – symbols 17 – display format 75
"Communication" 154 Control Display, refer to – retrieval 65
"Communication Control Center 16 – setting 74
settings" 161 Controller, refer to Control "Date format" 75
Mobility

Compact Disc Center 16 Daytime driving lamps 87

– refer to CD changer 145 Controls, refer to Cockpit 10 DBC Dynamic Brake
– refer to CD player 145 Convenience operation Control 77
Compact wheel – glass sunroof 30 – warning lamp 79
– changing wheels 186 – windows 30 "Deactivated" 41
– inflation pressure 171 Convenience start, refer to Deactivating front passenger
Reference

Starting engine 51 airbags 47, 83

205
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Decommissioning the vehicle "Dial" for portable phone 154 "Door locks" 29
Everything from A to Z

– refer to Caring for your "Dial number" 154 Doors

vehicle brochure "Diamond button" 46 – manual operation 31
Defrosting windows 91 Diamond button 46 – remote control 29
Defrosting windows and Digital clock 65 DOT Quality Grades 173
removing condensation 91 Dimensions 197 Draft-free ventilation 93
Defrosting windshield, refer to Dipstick for engine oil 177 Drinks holder, refer to Cup
Defrosting windows 91 Directional indicators, refer to holders 99
Defrost position, refer to Turn signals 56 Drive mode 54
Defrosting windows 91 Direction announcements, "Driver's door only" 29
"Delete address book" for refer to Voice Driving lamps, refer to Parking
navigation 122 instructions 125 lamps/low beams 87
"Delete all numbers" on the Direction instructions, refer to Driving notes 106
portable phone 157 Voice instructions 125 Driving route, refer to
"Delete data" for Directory, refer to Phone Displaying route 126
navigation 122 book 155 Driving stability control
"Delete" for portable Directory for navigation, refer system 77
phone 157, 158 to Address book 120 Driving through water 107
Destination address Disc brakes 108 Driving tips, refer to Driving
ProCarManuals.com

– deleting 121 Displacement, refer to Engine notes 106

– entering 115 data 196 Dry air, refer to Cooling
Destination for navigation Display, refer to Control function 91
– destination list 119 Center 16 Drying the air, refer to Cooling
– entry 115 "Display off" 21 function 91
– selecting from address Displays, refer to Instrument DSC Dynamic Stability
book 121 cluster 12 Control 78
– selecting using "Display settings" 73 – indicator lamp 13, 78
information 118 Displays on the windshield, – malfunction 79
– storing 120 refer to Head-Up Display 84 DTC Dynamic Traction
Destination guidance 124 Disposal, vehicle battery 187 Control 78
– bypassing route Distance, refer to – activating 78
sections 127 Computer 70 – indicator lamp 13, 78
– canceling voice Distance cruise control, refer DVD for navigation 114
instructions 46 to Active cruise control 59 Dynamic Brake Control
– changing specified "Distance to dest." 71 DBC 77
route 122 Distance to destination, refer Dynamic Driving Control 54
– displaying routes 126 to Computer 70 "Dynamic route" for
– distance and arrival 124 Distance warning, refer to navigation 123
– interrupting 125 PDC Park Distance Dynamic Stability Control
– starting 124 Control 76 DSC 78
– terminating/continuing 125 Divided rear seat back, refer to – indicator lamp 13, 78, 79
– voice instructions 125 Folding down rear seat 101 Dynamic Traction Control
– volume of voice Door entry lighting 89 DTC 78
instructions 126 Door keys 28 – indicator lamp 13, 78
Destination list 119 Door lock 31
Destinations recently driven Door locking, acknowl-
to 119 edgment signals 30

206
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
E Engine oil First aid, refer to First-aid
– adding 178 kit 189
Easy entry/exit 45 – checking the oil level 177 First-aid kit 189
– backrest width 40 – specified engine oils 178 Flashlight 98
Eject button, refer to Buttons Engine output, refer to Engine – refer to Rechargeable
on CD player 132 data 196 flashlight 98
Electrical malfunction Engine speed 196 Flash when locking/
– door lock 31 Engine starting, refer to unlocking 30

Controls
– driver's door 31 Starting engine 51 Flat tire
– fuel filler door 168 "Enter address" 116 – changing wheels 185
– glass sunroof 37 Entering destination 116 – compact wheel 186
– glass sunroof, electric 37 Entering the address 115 – Flat Tire Monitor 80
– luggage compartment lid 33 Entering the intersection 117 – run-flat tires 80, 174
Electric steering wheel "Entertainment" 133 Flat Tire Monitor 79

Driving tips
adjustment 45 "Entertainment settings" 134 – false alarms 80
Electronic brake-force Entry map for destination 117 – initializing system 80
distribution 77 "Equalizer", refer to Tone – malfunctions 81
Emergency call 189 control 135 – snow chains 175
Emergency operation, refer to "ESN" 142 – system limits 80
ProCarManuals.com

Manual operation ESP Electronic Stability – warning lamp 80

– door lock 31 Program, refer to DSC Flat tires, refer to Tire

Navigation
– driver's door 31 Dynamic Stability condition 173
– fuel filler door 168 Control 78 "FM", reception
– glass sunroof 37 Event Data Recorders 181 range 133, 138
– luggage compartment lid 33 Exhaust system, refer to Hot FM, waveband 138
Emergency release of luggage exhaust system 106 Fog lamps 88

Entertainment
compartment lid from Exterior mirrors 45 – indicator lamp 13, 88
luggage compartment's – automatic dimming Folding down rear seat 101
interior 33 feature 107 Folding rear seat back 101
Emergency services, refer to – automatic heating 45 Footbrake, refer to Braking
Roadside Assistance 190 Exterior rearview mirror safely 107
"Emission inspect." 67 – passenger-side mirror tilt Footwell lamps 89
"Enable services" 162 function 41 Forward, fast
"End call" 155 – CD changer 147 Communica-
Energy-conscious driving, F – CD player 147
refer to Energy Control 66 For your own safety 6
Energy Control 66 Fader, tone control 134 Front airbags 83
Engine Failure messages, refer to Front armrest, refer to Center
– breaking-in 106 Check Control 67 armrest
– data 196 False alarm, refer to Avoiding – front 98
– speed 196 unintentional alarms 34 Front seat adjustment 38
– starting 51 Fastening safety belts, refer to "FTM" 80
Mobility

– starting difficulties 51 Safety belts 42 Fuel 169

– switching off 52 – warning lamp 43 – capacity 198
Engine compartment 177 Fastest route for – display 66
Engine coolant 178 navigation 122 – high-quality brands 169
"Fast route" for – quality 169
navigation 122 – specifications 169
Reference

207
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Fuel consumption display Grills, refer to Ventilation 93 Heating with engine switched
Everything from A to Z

– computer, average fuel Grills of the automatic climate off, refer to Residual heat
consumption 70 control 90 utilization 92
Fuel display, refer to Fuel Gross vehicle weight, refer to Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
gage 66 Weights 198 cargo 109
Fuel filler door 168 Height, refer to
– releasing in the event of H Dimensions 197
electrical malfunction 168 Height adjustment
Fuel gage 66 Halogen lamps 183 – seats 39
Fuses 187 Handbrake 52 – steering wheel 45
– indicator lamp 13, 52 High beams 88
G Hands-free system 153 – headlamp flasher 88
– refer to Microphone 14 – indicator lamp 13
Garage door opener, refer to Hazard warning flashers 15 – replacing bulbs 183
Integrated universal remote Head airbags 83 High water, refer to Driving
control 96 Headlamp control, through water 107
Gasoline, refer to Required automatic 87 Hills 108
fuel 169 Headlamp flasher 56 Holder for cups 99
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel Headlamps 87 "Home address" 122
ProCarManuals.com

gage 66 – care, refer to Caring for your Hood 176

Gear changes vehicle brochure Horn 10
– SMG Sequential manual – cleaning, refer to Wiper Hot exhaust system 106
transmission 54 system 57 "Hour memo" 74
Gear display – replacing bulbs 183 "House number" for desti-
– automatic transmission with Head Light, refer to Adaptive nation entry 117
Steptronic 55 Head Light 88 Hydraulic brake assistant,
– SMG Sequential manual "Headphone operation refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
transmission 53 only" 137 Control 77
Gearshift lever "Headphones" 137 Hydroplaning 107
– automatic transmission with Head restraints 41
Steptronic 55 – front head restraints, I
– manual transmission 53 active 42
– SMG Sequential manual Head-Up Display 84 Ice warning 65
transmission 53 Heated mirrors 45 iDrive, refer to Control
General driving notes 106 Heated rear window 90 Center 16
Glass sunroof, electric 35 Heated seats 43 Ignition key 28
– auto-remote operation from Heated steering wheel 46 Ignition key positions, refer to
outside 31 Heating 90 Ignition lock 51
– opening and closing – exterior mirrors 45 Ignition lock 51
manually 37 – interior 90 Independent ventilation 94
– remote control 30 – rear window 90 – activating the activation
Glove compartment 97 – residual heat utilization 92 time 95
– lighting 97 – seats 43 – preselecting activation
– rechargeable flashlight 98 – steering wheel 46 times 94
GPS navigation, refer to Heating while stationary 92 – switching on and off
Navigation system 114 directly 94

208
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Indicator/warning lamps 13 Instrument panel L
– ABS Antilock Brake – refer to Cockpit 10
System 79 – refer to Instrument Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
– active steering 81 cluster 12 low beams 87
– airbags 84 Integrated universal remote Lamps and bulbs 182
– brake fluid 179 control 96 "Languages" 74
– brake pads 179 "Interim time" 73 – for navigation 126
– brake system 13, 79 Interior lamps 89 Lashing down cargo, refer to

Controls
– DSC Dynamic Stability – remote control 30 Securing cargo 109
Control 13, 78 Interior motion sensor 34 Lashing eyes, refer to
– DTC Dynamic Traction – switching off 34 Securing cargo 109
Control 13, 78 Interior rearview mirror 45 Last destinations, refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor 80 – automatic dimming Destination list 119
– front fog lamps 13 feature 107 "Last seat pos." 41

Driving tips
– overview 13 Interlock on automatic LATCH child-restraint fixing
– safety belt warning 42 transmission 51 system 49
Individual air distribution 92 Intermittent mode of the LEDs light-emitting
Individually assignable wipers 57 diodes 185
buttons on the steering Length, refer to
J
ProCarManuals.com

wheel 46 Dimensions 197

Individual settings, refer to Letter symbol with portable

Navigation
Key Memory 28 Jacking points 186 phone 157
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire Joystick, refer to Control License plate lamp, replacing
inflation pressure 170 Center 16 bulbs 184
Inflation pressure monitoring, Jumpering, refer to Jump "Light" 56, 87
refer to Flat Tire Monitor 79 starting 190 Light-emitting diodes

Entertainment
Information Jump starting 190 LEDs 185
– on another location 118 Lighter 99
– on current position 118 K Lighter socket 100
– on destination location 118 Lighting
"Information" for Key Memory 28 – instruments 89
navigation 119 "Keypad" 157 – of the vehicle, refer to
"Information on Keys 28 Lamps 87
destination" 119 Kick-down Lights on warning 87 Communica-
Initializing, refer to Power – automatic transmission with Light switch 87
loss 187 Steptronic 56 "Limit" 72
"Input map" 118 – SMG Sequential manual Loading
Installation location transmission 54 – securing cargo 109
– CD changer 147 Knock control 169 – stowing cargo 109
– portable phone 98 – vehicle 108
Instructions for navigation Location, navigation drive 114
system, refer to Voice "Lock after driving off" 32
Mobility

instructions 125 Lock buttons in the doors,

Instrument cluster 12 refer to Locking 32
Instrument illumination, refer Locking
to Instrument lighting 89 – from inside 32
Instrument lighting 89 – from outside 30
– setting confirmation
Reference

signals 30

209
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Locking and unlocking doors M Menus, refer to Control
Everything from A to Z

– from inside 31 Center 16

– from outside 29 M+S tires, refer to Winter Menu selection 19
– setting confirmation tires 175 Microfilter 94
signals 30 Maintenance, refer to Service Microphone
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone and Warranty Information – for hands-free system 153
control 135 Booklet for US models or – for portable phone 14
Low beams 87 Warranty and Service Guide – for voice command
– automatic 87 Booklet for Canadian system 14
– replacing bulbs 183 models 180 Mirrors 45
Lower back support, refer to Maintenance system 180 – automatic curb monitor 41
Lumbar support 39 Malfunction warnings, refer to – dimming feature 107
Lug bolts 186 Check Control 67 – folding in and out 45
– tightening torque, refer to Manual air distribution 92 – heating 45
After mounting 186 Manually controlled recircu- – memory, refer to Seat, mirror
– wrench 185 lated air 91 and steering wheel
Luggage compartment Manual mode memory 40
– capacity 198 – automatic transmission with "Missed calls" 156
– opening/closing, refer to Steptronic 56 Missed calls 156
ProCarManuals.com

Luggage compartment – SMG Sequential manual Monitor, refer to Control

lid 32 transmission 54 Center 16
– opening from inside 32 "Manual" on the radio 139 "Monitor display on" 77
– opening from outside 32 Manual operation "Monitor on / off" 46
– opening separately 33 – door lock 31 Most recent portable phone
– opening with remote – driver's door 31 numbers 156
control 30 – glass sunroof 37 Multi-function steering wheel,
– socket 100 Manual release refer to Buttons on steering
Luggage compartment lid 32 – fuel filler door 168 wheel 11
– emergency operation 33 – luggage compartment lid 33 Multifunction switch
– locking and unlocking from Manual transmission 53 – refer to Turn signals/
inside 31 Map headlamp flasher 56
– locking separately 33 – changing scale 127 – refer to Wiper/washer
– opening from inside 32 – destination entry 117 system 57
– opening from outside 32 "Map, direction of travel" 127 Music track, finding 147
– securing separately 33 "Map, facing north" 127 "Mute on / off" 46
– unlocking manually 33 Map facing north 126 MW, waveband 138
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- Master key with remote
mounted luggage rack 110 control 28 N
Lumbar support 39 Maximum cooling 91
LW, waveband 138 Maximum roof weight 198 Navigation destination
Maximum speed – home address 122
– for winter tires 175 – manual entry 115
– with compact wheel 187 – selecting via map 117
Memory Navigation drive, location 114
– refer to Key Memory 28 Navigation DVD 114
– refer to Seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory 40

210
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Navigation system 114 O Output, refer to Engine
– address book 120 data 196
– bypassing route OBD Socket 181 Outside air, refer to AUC
sections 127 Octane ratings, refer to Fuel Automatic recirculated-air
– destination entry 115 specifications 169 control 91
– destination guidance in Odometer 65 Outside temperature
assistance window 114 Oil display 65
– destination list 119 – capacity 198 – changing unit of

Controls
– displaying current – consumption, refer to measurement 73
position 125 Engine oil, checking 177 – in computer 73
– entering a destination – dipstick 177
manually 115 – level 177 P
– opening 115 – refilling, refer to Engine oil,
– route display 126 adding 178 Panic mode 30

Driving tips
– route list 127 – specified engine oils 178 Park Distance Control PDC 76
– selecting destination using Oil change intervals, refer to "Parked car operation" 94
information 118 Service requirements 66 Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
– selecting destination via Old batteries, refer to Distance Control 76
map 117 Disposal 187 Parking brake, refer to
ProCarManuals.com

– selecting route criteria 122 "On a new destination" for Handbrake 52

– starting destination navigation 119 Parking lamps 87

Navigation
guidance 124 Onboard computer, refer to – replacing bulbs 183
– switching off, refer to Termi- Control Center 16 Parking lamps/low beams 87
nating/continuing desti- "Onboard information" 70, 71 – replacing bulbs 183
nation guidance 125 Onboard tool kit 182 Parking vehicle 52
– terminating/continuing "On destination" 119 Parts and accessories 6

Entertainment
destination guidance 125 "On location" 119 Passenger-side mirror tilt
– voice instructions 125 Opening and closing function 41
– volume adjustment 126 – from inside 31 "Pathway lighting" 87
"Navigation voice instructions – from outside 29 Pathway lighting 87
on" 126 – using remote control 29 "PDC" 77
Neck support, refer to Head – using the door lock 31 PDC Park Distance Control 76
restraints 41 Operation by voice for Phone book 153
"New address" for portable phone 158 Phone numbers Communica-
navigation 120 – adjusting volume 159 – deleting from phone
"New destination" 115, 117 – canceling 158 book 156
New key 28 – correcting phone – dialing 154
"New route" 127 number 159 – most recent numbers 156
New wheels and tires 174 – dialing phone number 159 – selecting in phone book 156
"Next entertainment – placing a call 159 – Top 8 156
source" 46 – redialing 160 "Play" on the radio 143
"Normal", active backrest – voice commands 158 Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
Mobility

width adjustment 40 – voice phone book 159 activated charcoal filter 94

Nozzles, refer to Windshield "Options" for portable
washer nozzles 58 phone 158
Nylon rope, refer to Towing Orientation menu, refer to
and Tow-starting 191 Control Center, start
menu 17
Reference

211
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Portable phone R "Received calls" 156
Everything from A to Z

– accepted calls 156 Receiving level of portable

– adjusting volume 153 Radio phone, refer to Status
– calling 154 – autostore 139 information 20
– ending call 155 – controls 132 Reception
– hands-free system 153 – sampling stations 139 – quality 141
– installation location, refer to – satellite radio 141 – radio stations 141
Center armrest 98 – selecting the frequency – regional station 139
– missed calls 156 manually 139 Recirculated-air mode
– operation using Control – selecting the – air recirculation 91
Center 153 waveband 133, 138 – AUC Automatic recircu-
– phone book 155 – station search 139 lated-air control 91
– redialing 156 – station selection 138 Reclining seat, refer to
– refer to separate Owner's – station with the best Backrest 39
Manual reception 139 Recording times, refer to
– SMS 157 – storing stations 140 Stopwatch 72
– Top 8 156 – switching on/off 132 "Redial" for portable
– touch tone dialing 157 – tone control 133 phone 156
Portable phone battery 152 – volume 133 Refueling 168
ProCarManuals.com

Portable phone in the – Weather Band 141 Releasing hood 176

vehicle 107 Radio-control key, refer to "Relock door if not
Portable phones, use in the Master key with remote opened" 32
interior, refer to Mobile control 28 Remaining distance
communications Rain sensor 57 – refer to Computer 70
systems 107 "Random", random play – refer to Cruising range 70
Position sequence 147 Remote control 28
– displaying 125 Reading lamps 89 – entertainment 136
– storing 120 Rear armrest, refer to Rear – garage door opener 96
Power failure 187 center armrest 100 – luggage compartment lid 30
Power windows, refer to Rear lamp, refer to Tail – malfunction 30
Windows 34 lamps 184 Removing condensation on
Preselecting activation times – replacing bulbs 184 the windows 91
of the Independent "Rear not enabled" 137 "Repeat" in audio mode 146
ventilation 94 Rear seat back, folding 101 Replacement fuses 187
"Presets" on the "Rear seat entertainment via Replacement key, refer to
radio 138, 143 headphones" 136 New key 28
Pressure, tires 170 "Rear seat entertainment via Replacement of tires, refer to
Pressure monitoring of tires, speakers" 136 Changing wheels 185
refer to Flat Tire Monitor 79 Rear seats Replacing bulbs, refer to
Programmable buttons on the – folding backrests 101 Lamps and bulbs 182
steering wheel 46 – head restraint adjustment 42 Replacing tires 174
Protective function, refer to – heating 44 Reporting an accident, refer
Anti-trapping mechanism Rear ventilation 93 Initiating an emergency
– glass sunroof, electric 36 Rearview mirror 45 call 189
– windows 35 Rear window blind, refer to Reporting safety defects 7
Roller sun blinds 97 Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
Rear window defroster 90 gage 66
Rear window safety switch 35 Reservoir for washer
systems 58

212
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
"Reset" stopwatch 73 Run-flat tires 174 Seats 38
Residual heat mode 92 – continuing driving with a – active backrest width
Restraint system for damaged tire 80 adjustment 40
children 47 – flat tire 80 – adjusting the seats 38
Restraint systems, refer to – new wheels and tires 174 – comfort seat 39
Safety belts 42 – tire inflation – easy entry/exit 40
Retreaded tires 174 pressure 80, 170 – heating 43
Reverse, fast – tire replacement 174, 175 – lumbar support 39

Controls
– CD changer 147 – memory, refer to Seat, mirror
– CD player 147 S and steering wheel
Reverse gear memory 40
– automatic transmission with Safety 6 – sitting safely 38
Steptronic 56 Safety belts 42 – Sports seat 39
– manual transmission 53 – damage 43 – storing the setting 40

Driving tips
– SMG Sequential manual – sitting safely 38 – thigh support 39
transmission 54 – warning lamp 43 – ventilation, refer to Active
Road map 126 Safety belt tensioners seat ventilation 44
"Roadside Assistance" 163 – refer to Airbags 83 "Select as destination" 119
Roadside Assistance 190 – refer to Safety belts 42 "Select current speed" 72
ProCarManuals.com

Roadside parking lamps 88 Safety systems Selecting audio sources, refer

– replacing bulbs 183 – ABS Antilock Brake to Operation using Control

Navigation
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun System 77 Center 133
blinds 97 – airbags 83 Selecting distance for active
Roof-mounted luggage – DSC Dynamic Stability cruise control 62
rack 110 Control 78 Selecting new scale for
Rope, refer to Towing and – safety belts 42 navigation 127

Entertainment
tow-starting 191 Satellite radio 141 Selecting route 122
Rotary pushbutton, refer to – enabling 142 Selecting the frequency
Control Center 16 – selecting channel 142 manually 139
Route 122 – storing channel 142 Selection options with
– bypassing sections 127 "SAT" for radio 133, 142 navigation system 122
– changing 122 "Save current Selector lever
– displaying 126 destination" 122 – automatic transmission with
– displaying arrow view 126 Scan Steptronic 55 Communica-
– displaying map 126 – CD changer 147 – SMG Sequential manual
– displaying town 127 – CD player 147 transmission 53
– list 127 – radio 139 Selector lever interlock, refer
– selecting 122 "Scan", playing stations 139 to Shiftlock
– selecting criteria 122 "Scan", playing tracks 147 – automatic transmission with
"Route list" for navigation 127 Screen, refer to Control Steptronic 55
Route map 126 Center 16 – SMG Sequential manual
"Route preference" 122 Screw thread for tow transmission 54
Mobility

Route selection 122 fitting 191 Selector lever positions

RSC, refer to Run-flat "Seat heater distribution" 44 – automatic transmission with
tires 174 Steptronic 55
Run-flat System Components – manual transmission 53
RSC, refer to Run-flat – SMG Sequential manual
tires 174 transmission 53
Reference

213
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Sequential manual trans- Shortest route for Spare key 28
Everything from A to Z

mission SMG 53 navigation 122 Spare wheel

"Service" 66, 162 "Short route" for – refer to Changing
Service, refer to Roadside navigation 122 wheels 185
Assistance 190 Shoulder support 39 – refer to Compact wheel 186
Service and Warranty Infor- "Show current position" 118 Special oils, refer to Specified
mation Booklet for US "Show destination engine oils 178
models and Warranty and position" 118 Specified engine oils 178
Service Guide Booklet for Shuffled, refer to Random Speed
Canadian models 180 – CD changer 147 – with compact wheel 187
Service car, refer to Roadside – CD player 147 – with winter tires 175
Assistance 190 Side airbags 83 Speed-dependent
Service interval indicator, refer Side marker lamps, replacing volume 134
to Service requirements 66 bulbs 184 Speed limit warning, refer to
"Service notification" 163 Side turn signals, replacing Speed limit 72
"Service Request" 164 bulbs 184 Speedometer 12
"Service Side window blind, refer to "Speed volume", refer to
requirements" 66, 162 Sun blinds 97 Tone control 134
Service requirements 66 Sitting safely 38 "Sport", active backrest width
ProCarManuals.com

– also refer to CBS Condition – with airbags 38 adjustment 40

Based Service 180 – with safety belts 38 Sport program, refer to
"Service Status" 162 Ski bag 101 Dynamic Driving Control 54
"Set date" 74 Ski sack, refer to Ski bag 101 Sports seat 39
"Set" in audio mode 133 Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to Stability control, refer to
"Set service date" 67 Glass sunroof, electric 35 Driving stability control
"Set time" 74 SMG Sequential manual systems 77
Settings, configuring, refer to transmission 53 "Star button" 46
Key Memory 28 – acceleration assistant 55 Star button 46
Setting speed limit 72 – breaking-in 106 "Start destination
Setting the time, refer to – convenience start 52 guidance" 118
Preselecting switch-on – Dynamic Driving Control 54 "Start" for stopwatch 73
times 94 – gear display 53 "Start guid-
"Set tire pressure" 80 – kick-down 54 ance" 117, 119, 121, 124
Shifting gears – shiftlock 54 Starting, refer to Starting
– automatic transmission with – towing 192 engine 51
Steptronic 56 – tow-starting 192 Starting assistance, refer to
– SMG Sequential manual "SMS" 157 Jump-starting 190
transmission 54 Snow chains 175 Starting difficulties
Shiftlock Socket for Onboard – jump starting 190
– automatic transmission with Diagnostics interface 181 – refer to Special starting
Steptronic 55 Socket outlet conditions 51
– SMG Sequential manual – cigarette lighter socket 100 Start menu in Control
transmission 54 Sockets 100 Display 17
Shift paddles 54 SOS, refer to Initiating an "Start service" 163
Short commands of voice emergency call 189 "State / Province" for desti-
command system 199 Sound output for Enter- nation entry 116
tainment on/off 133 "State inspection" 67
Spare fuses 187 Station, refer to Radio 138

214
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
"Status" 66 Switching on "Time" 74
Status of this Owner's Manual – audio 132 "Time 1" for independent
at time of printing 5 – CD changer 132 ventilation 94
Steering wheel – CD player 132 "Time 2" for independent
– adjustment 45 – radio 132 ventilation 94
– buttons on steering Switching on hour signal 74 "Time format" 74
wheel 11 Switching the cooling function Timer, refer to Preselecting
– easy entry/exit 45 on and off 91 activation time 94

Controls
– heating 46 Swiveling headlamps, refer to Tire inflation pressures 170
– memory 40 Adaptive Head Light 88 Tire pressure, loss 80
– programmable buttons 46 Symbols 4 Tire pressure monitoring,
"Steering wheel buttons" 46 – Control Display 20 refer to Flat Tire Monitor 79
Steering with variable ratio, Tire Quality Grading 173
refer to Active steering 81 T Tire replacement

Driving tips
Steptronic, refer to Automatic – new wheels and tires 174
transmission with Tachometer 65 Tires
Steptronic 55 Tail lamps 184 – age 172
"Stop" for stopwatch 73 – replacing bulbs 184 – air loss 80
"Stopwatch" 72 Tank contents, refer to – breaking-in 106
ProCarManuals.com

Stopwatch 72 Capacities 198 – changing 174

Storage compartments 99 Target cursor for – condition 173

Navigation
"Store current navigation 118 – damage 174
destination" 122 Technical data 196 – flat tire, refer to Changing
"Store current position" 122 Telematik, refer to wheels 185
"Store in address book" for TeleService, BMW – inflation pressure 170
navigation 120 Assist 161 – new wheels and tires 174

Entertainment
"Store" on the radio 140, 143 Telephone, refer to Portable – pressure monitoring 79
Storing current position 120 phone 152 – replacing 185
Storing sitting position, refer "Telephone list" 46 – retreaded tires 174
to Seat, mirror and steering TeleService 161 – run-flat tires 174
wheel memory 40 – enabling 161 – size 172
Storing tires 175 – services offered 162 – tread 173
Straps, refer to Loading 109 Temperature display – wear indicators 173
"Street" for destination – ice warning 65 – wheel/tire combination 174 Communica-
entry 117 – outside temperature 65 – winter tires 175
Summer tires, refer to Wheels – setting the units 73 "Tone" 134
and tires 170 Tempomat, refer to Cruise Tone in audio mode
Sun blinds 97 control 58 – adjusting 133
SW, waveband 138 "Terminate services" 164 – middle setting 135
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10 "Text language" 74 Tone on locking/unlocking 30
Switching navigation voice "Theater" 135 Tools, refer to Onboard tool
instructions on/off 125 The individual vehicle 5 kit 182
Mobility

Switching off engine 52 Third brake lamp, refer to "Top 8" for portable
Switching off the tilt alarm Center brake lamp 184 phone 156
sensor 34 Tightening torque of the lug Torque
bolts, refer to After – engine 196
mounting 186 – lug bolts, refer to After
Tilt function, passenger-side mounting 186
Reference

mirror 41

215
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Touch tone dialing 157 U Ventilation 93
Everything from A to Z

Tow fitting 191 – draft-free 93

Towing 191 Underbody protection, refer to – in the rear 93
– tow fitting 191 Caring for your vehicle Ventilation while stationary 94
"Town / City" for destination brochure Vent outlets of the automatic
entry 116 Uniform Tire Quality Grading/ climate control 90
Tow-starting 192 UTQR 173 Vents, refer to Ventilation 93
Tracks "Units" 73 Voice command system 22
– random play sequence 147 Units – short commands 199
– sample scan 147 – average fuel Voice instructions for
Track width, refer to consumption 73 navigation system 125
Dimensions 197 – temperature 73 – muting 46
Traction-assist feature, refer Universal garage-door – repeating 46, 126
to DSC Dynamic Stability opener, refer to Integrated – switching on/off 46, 125
Control 78 universal remote control 96 – volume 126
Traction control, refer to DSC Universal Remote Control 96 Voice phone book 159
Dynamic Stability "Unlock button" 29 Volume 132
Control 78 Unlocking – audio sources 132
Traffic congestion, refer to – from inside 32 – of the luggage
ProCarManuals.com

Bypassing route – from outside 29 compartment 198

sections 127 "Unlock rear menu" 137 – portable phone 153
Transmission "Update services" 164 – setting speed-
– automatic transmission with "Use current location as dependent 134
Steptronic 55 address" 122 – voice instructions 126
– manual transmission 53 Using tow fitting for towing
– SMG Sequential manual and tow-starting 191 W
transmission 53
Transporting children V Warning lamps, refer to
safely 47 Indicator/warning lamps 13
Transport securing device, Valve screw caps, refer to Warning messages, refer to
refer to Securing cargo 109 After mounting 186 Check Control 67
Tread depth, refer to Minimum Vehicle Warning triangle 189
tire tread 173 – battery 187 Warranty and Service Guide
"Trip computer" 71 – break-in period 106 Booklet for Canadian
Trip computer 71 – care 181 models 180
Trip-distance counter, refer to – care, refer to Caring for your Washer fluid 58
Trip odometer 65 vehicle brochure – capacity of the reservoir 58
"Triple turn signal – dimensions 197 – content of the reservoir 58
activation" 57 – loading 108 Washer fluid reservoir 58
Trip odometer 65 – parking 52 Water on roads, refer to
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage – washing, refer to Caring for Driving through water 107
compartment lid 32 your vehicle brochure Waveband 138
– emergency operation, refer – weights 198 "WB" 133, 141
to Manual operation 33 Vehicle jack 185 Wear indicators in tires, refer
Turning circle, refer to Vehicle position, refer to to Minimum tread depth 173
Dimensions 197 Displaying current Weights 198
Turn signals 56 position 125 Wheel/tire combination, refer
– indicator lamp 10, 13 "Vehicle settings" 29 to New wheels and tires 174
– replacing bulbs 183

216
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 At a glance
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 197
Wheel replacement 174
Wheels and tires 170
Width, refer to
Dimensions 197
Windows 34
– auto-remote operation from

Controls
outside 31
– convenience operation 30
– safety switch 35
Windshield displays, refer to
Head-Up Display 84
Windshield washer nozzles 58

Driving tips
Windshield washer system
– refer to Wiper system 57
– windshield washer
nozzles 58
Windshield wipers, refer to
ProCarManuals.com

Wiper system 57
Winter tires 175

Navigation
– speed limit selection 72
– storage 175
Wiper blade replacement 182
Wiper system 57
– rain sensor 57

Entertainment
– washer fluid 58
– windshield washer
nozzles 58
– wiper blade
replacement 182
"With highways" for
navigation 122
Word matching principle for Communica-
navigation 123
Working in the engine
compartment 176
Wrenches/screwdrivers, refer
to Onboard tool kit 182

X
Mobility

Xenon lamps 183

– replacing bulbs 183
Reference

217
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 Refueling
To ensure that you always have all the essential Fuel
data on hand when refueling, we recommend Designation
that you fill in the following tables with the spec-
ifications and information that apply to your
vehicle. Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations. Please enter your preferred fuel here.

Engine oil
Quality

The oil quantity between the middle of

the two marks on the dipstick is approx.
1.6 US quarts/1.5 liters.
ProCarManuals.com

Tire inflation pressure

Summer tires Winter tires
Front Rear Front Rear

Up to 4 persons

5 persons or 4 plus luggage

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG

 More about BMW

The Ultimate
bmwusa.com Driving Machine
ProCarManuals.com

01 41 0 158 518 ue

*BL015851800A*
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG
 ProCarManuals.com
5 US-En

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 518 - © 09/04 BMW AG