Contents

BMW M3 Convertible 3 Series 2004 Owner's Manual PDF

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Summary of Content for BMW M3 Convertible 3 Series 2004 Owner's Manual PDF

Owner's Manual for Vehicle

M3 Convertible

Thank you for deciding on a BMW M3 Convertible.

Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. Therefore, we have one request:

Read the information contained in this Owner's Manual before driving your new BMW M3 Convertible for the first time. It contains important information on vehicle operation that will enable you to make full use of the advanced technical equipment of your BMW M3 Convertible. In addition, you will receive information on vehicle maintenance to help ensure operating and traffic safety as well as the best possible value retention of your BMW. For more detailed information refer to the supplemen- tal manuals.

BMW M also makes decisive contributions toward greater safety in traffic through its BMW driver training.

This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and maintenance information.

We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.

BMW M

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Notes

2003 BMW M GmbH Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich. Order No. 01 41 0 157 596 US English VIII/03 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper, bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

About this Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you wish to gain an initial overview of your vehicle, you will find this in the first chapter.

Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remem- ber to hand over this Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is an important part of the vehicle.

Additional sources of information

Should you have any further questions, your BMW center will be glad to assist at any time.

You can find more information about BMW, for example on its technology, on the Internet at www.bmw.com.

Symbols used

Indicates precautions that must be followed precisely in order to

avoid the possibility of personal injury and serious damage to the vehicle.

Contains information that will assist you in gaining the optimum

benefit from your vehicle and enable you to care more effectively for your vehicle.

Refers to measures that can be taken to help protect the environ-

ment.

Marks the end of a specific item of information.

Indicates special equipment, coun- try-specific equipment and optional extras when available.

Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to page 64. Identifies func-

tions that can be specifically adapted for a particular key or vehicle. These adjustments can be performed either by yourself or by your BMW center.<

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Notes

Your individual vehicle

On purchasing your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individ- ualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual will describe all of the equipment that the BMW M3 Convert- ible has to offer you.

We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included that you might not have chosen for your vehicle. You can easily identify any dif- ferences with the aid of the asterisk used to identify all optional equipment and accessories.

If your BMW features equipment that is not described in this Owner's Manual, such as a car radio or telephone, we have enclosed Supplementary Owner's Manuals. We ask you to read these manuals as well.

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this reason, the features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no claims can be recognized on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this Owner's Manual.

For your own safety

Fuels

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels containing up to and including

10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent will not void the applicable warranties respecting defects in materials or work- manship. Field experience has indi- cated significant differences in fuel quality volatility, composition, addi- tives, etc. among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor quality fuels may result in driveability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain envi- ronmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature and high altitude. Should you encounter driveability prob- lems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand. Failure to comply with these recom- mendations may result in unscheduled maintenance. Obey pertinent safety rules when you are handling gasoline.<

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Maintenance and repair

Advanced technology, e.g. the use of modern materials and high-

performance electronics, requires spe- cially adapted maintenance and repair methods. Therefore, only have corre- sponding work on your BMW carried out by a BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If work is carried out improperly there is a danger of conse- quential damage and the related safety risks.<

Parts and accessories

Important safety information! For your own safety, use genuine

parts and accessories approved by BMW. When you purchase accessories tested and approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thor- oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti- mum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workman- ship. BMW will not accept any liability for damages resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product made by other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occupants. Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW centers. Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,

wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones including operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna or trans- ceiver equipment, such as CB, walkie- talkie, ham radio or similar, may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, com- promise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Contact your BMW center for additional information. Do not use key or remote control to lock doors or luggage compartment with anyone inside the car. Refer to the Owners Manual for more details.<

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control

devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified auto- motive part.<

Symbol on vehicle parts

Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this

Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.

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Notes

Service and warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Ser- vice and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Ser- vice Guide Booklet for Canadian mod- els.

We recommend that you read this pub- lication thoroughly.

Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:

>

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

>

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

>

Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty

>

Federal Emissions Performance War- ranty

>

California Emission Control System Limited Warranty.

Detailed information about these war- ranties is listed in the Service and War- ranty Information Booklet for US mod- els or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

Reporting safety defects

The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National High- way Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, telephone toll-free 1-800-831-1117.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in indi- vidual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area, or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transpor- tation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Contents

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About this Owner's Manual 4 Additional sources of

information 4 Symbols used 4 Your individual vehicle 5 Status at time of printing 5 For your own safety 5 Symbol on vehicle parts 6 Service and warranty 7 Reporting safety defects 7

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Cockpit 14 Instrument cluster 16 Indicator and warning lamps 18 Buttons in steering wheel 22 Hazard warning triangle* 23 First-aid kit* 23 Refueling 24 Fuel specifications 25 Tire inflation pressure 25

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Opening and closing:

Keys 30 Central locking system 30 Opening and closing via the

remote control 31 Opening and closing via the

door lock 33 Opening and closing from the

inside 34 Luggage compartment lid 35 Luggage compartment 37 Electric power windows 38 Convertible top 39 Wind deflector* 44

To adjust:

Safe seating position 46 Seats 47 Power seat adjustment 47 Head restraints 48 Entering the rear 49 Safety belts 50 Seat and mirror memory 51 Seat heating* 52 Steering wheel 53 Mirrors 53

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags 55 Transporting children safely 58 Rollover protection system 62 Vehicle Memory, Key

Memory 64

Contents

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Driving:

Ignition lock 65 Starting the engine and driving

off 66 Switching off the engine 68 Parking brake 68 Manual transmission 69 Sequential M gearbox with

Drivelogic* 70 Turn signal indicator/Headlamp

flasher 75 Washer/wiper system/Rain

sensor* 76 Cruise control 77

Everything under control:

Odometer 79 Tachometer 79 Engine oil temperature 79 Fuel gauge 80 Engine coolant temperature

gauge 80 Service interval display 81 Check Control 81 Clock 82 Computer 83

Technology for safety and driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)* 85 Dynamic Stability Control

DSC 86 Flat Tire Monitor 87 M Engine dynamics control 90 Brake force display 90

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams 91 Instrument lighting 92 High beams/Standing lamps 92 Fog lamps 93 Interior lamps 93 Reading lamps 93

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control 96

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment 101 Storage compartments 101 Cellular phone* 102 Ashtray, front* 103 Ashtray, rear* 103

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag* 104 Cargo loading 106 Roof-mounted luggage rack for

the hardtop* 108

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Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures 112 General driving notes 113 Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 114 Brake system 114 Hardtop* 115

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure 118 Tire condition 118 Tire replacement 119 Wheel and tire

combinations 121 Winter tires 122 Snow chains* 122

In the engine compartment:

Hood 123 Engine compartment

essentials 124 Washer fluids 126 Engine oil 126 Coolant 128 Brake fluid 129

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance System 130

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65 warning 132

OBD interface socket 132

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Contents

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Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit 136 Windshield wiper blades 136 Lamps and bulbs 137 Repairing a flat tire 140 Battery 144 Fuses 145

Giving and receiving assistance:

Receiving assistance 146 Jump-starting 147 Towing the vehicle 148

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Engine data 154 Dimensions 155 Weights 156 Capacities 157

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Everything from A to Z 160

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Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Technical data

Index

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Cockpit

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1 Parking lamps/Low beams 91

2 >

Turn signal indicators 75 >

Standing lamps 92 >

High beams 92 >

Headlamp flasher 75 >

Computer 83

3 Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor 76

4 Hazard warning flashers

5 Rear window defroster 99

6 >

Initiating an emergency call 146 >

Mobile Service 146

7 Central locking system 30

8 Horn: the entire surface

9 Steering wheel adjustment 53

10 Fog lamps 93

Cockpit

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Instrument cluster

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1 Fuel gauge 80

2 Turn signal indicator 20

3 Speedometer

4 Indicator and warning lamps 18 to 21

5 Tachometer and engine oil temperature gauge 79

6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 80

7 Indicator and warning lamps 18 to 21

8 Control button for >

Clock 82 >

Unit of measure of outside temperature display 83

9 Display for sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 71

10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

11 Display for >

Trip odometer 79 >

Clock 82 >

Service interval 81 >

Computer 83

12 Check Control 81

13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 79

14 Indicator and warning lamps 18 to 21

Instrument cluster

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Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by

are tested for proper functioning whenever the ignition key is turned. They each light up once for dif- ferent periods of time.

If a fault should occur in one of these systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started, or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

The battery is no longer being charged. There is a malfunction

of the alternator drive belt or in the charging circuit of the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW center.

If the drive belt is defective, stop and switch off the engine immedi-

ately to prevent overheating and seri- ous engine damage. If the drive belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.<

Engine oil pressure

An alarm sounds at the same time. Stop vehicle immediately

and switch off engine. Check the engine oil level and top up as required. If the oil level is correct: please contact the nearest BMW center.

Do not continue driving, as the engine could sustain serious dam-

age from inadequate lubrication.<

Flat Tire Monitor

In addition, an acoustic signal is sounded: there is a flat tire.

Reduce speed and carefully come to a stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer- ing maneuvers. For additional information: refer to page 87

Brake warning lamp

If the lamp comes on when the parking brake is not engaged:

check the brake fluid level. Before driv- ing further, be sure to comply with the instructions on pages 114 and 129.

Brake warning lamp for Cana- dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp

Comes on when the parking brake is engaged an additional

acoustic signal sounds when starting off. For additional information: refer to page 68

Brake warning lamp for Cana- dian models.

Lock backrest/Please fasten safety belts

Comes on together with an acoustic signal until the safety belts are fastened. Flashes when the backrest is not locked. For additional information on locking the backrest, refer to page 49 For additional information on safety belts: refer to page 50

Airbags

Please have the system inspected at your BMW center.

For additional information: refer to page 55

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Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously

The brake warning lamp comes on together with the yellow indi- cator lamps for ABS

and DSC: The entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Con- tinue to drive; drive cautiously and defensively and avoid full

brake applications. Please have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible. For additional information: refer to pages 86, 114

Indicator and warning lamps CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana- dian models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW center

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic If the indicator lamp fails to go

out after the engine is started, or if it comes on during normal driving: this indicates a malfunction in the system. Please consult the nearest BMW cen- ter. Indicator lamp flashes: a system over- load has occurred. For additional information: refer to page 74

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level Comes on while driving and is accompanied by an alarm: the

engine oil level has fallen to the abso- lute minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km before refilling. For additional information: refer to page 126

Engine oil level Comes on after the engine has been shut off and is accompa-

nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your earliest opportunity such as when you stop to refuel For additional information: refer to page 126

Brake pads

Have the brake pads checked. For additional information: refer

to page 114

Flat Tire Monitor

The Flat Tire Monitor has been deactivated, either at the button

or in response to a system malfunction. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 87

Dynamic Stability Control DSC

The indicator lamp flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: the system is active and governs drive and braking force. If the indicator lamp fails to go out after the engine is started, or if it comes on during normal driving and stays on: DSC has been deactivated, either at the

Indicator and warning lamps

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button or in response to a system mal- function. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your near- est BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 86

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

Malfunction in DBC system. Conventional braking efficiency

is available and unrestricted. Have the system checked and repaired at your BMW center as soon as possi- ble. For additional information: refer to page 114

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) warning lamp for Canadian models.

Add washer fluid The washer fluid is too low. Top off the fluid at the earliest

opportunity. For additional information: refer to page 126

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

If the indicator lamp comes on either continuously or intermit-

tently, this indicates a fault in the emis- sions-related electronic systems.

Although the vehicle remains opera- tional, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity. For additional information: refer to page 132

Service Engine Soon indicator lamp for Canadian models.

Engine electronics

There is a fault in the electronic engine-management system.

You can continue to drive with reduced engine output or engine speed. Please have the system inspected at your BMW center.

Add coolant Coolant level too low, top up as soon as possible.

For additional information: refer to page 128

CHECK GAS CAP*

This indicator lamp comes on when the gas cap is loose or

missing. Close the gas cap tightly: refer to page 24

Rollover protection system

The rollover protection system is deactivated due to a malfunc-

tion. Please have the system inspected immediately at your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 62

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator Flashes when turn signals are on. Rapid flashing: indicates a

system malfunction. For additional information: refer to page 75

Cruise control Lights up when the cruise con- trol is activated. Ready for oper-

ation via the buttons in the steering wheel. For additional information: refer to page 77

Front fog lamps Lights up whenever the fog lamps are on.

For additional information: refer to page 93

Indicator and warning lamps

21

Blue: for your information

High beams Comes on when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher

is actuated. For additional information: refer to pages 75, 92

Indicator and warning lamps

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Buttons in steering wheel

These buttons let you operate the fol- lowing functions quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions:

>

Selected radio functions >

The cruise control >

Selected telephone functions.

*

The controls are active only when the corresponding systems and

accessories are switched on.<

Press briefly:

Accept incoming call, start dialing, ter- minate call.

Switch between phone and radio, cas- sette and CD.

Forward:

>Radio Press briefly: next station in station memory Extended pressure: station search

>CD Press briefly: jump to next track Extended pressure: search function in track

>Cassette Press briefly: jump to next track or stop fast forward Extended pressure: fast forward

>Phone Scan personal phone book.

Rewind: same functions as forward.

Volume.

Cruise control: select a stored setting.

Cruise control: store and accelerate + or decelerate and store .

Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac- tivate.

23Hazard warning triangle*

The hazard warning triangle is stored ready to use in the luggage compart- ment lid inside the toolbox for the onboard tool kit.

To open the container, loosen the wing nut.

Always observe all legal regula- tions requiring a warning triangle

to be carried in the vehicle.<

First-aid kit*

The first-aid kit is located under the front passenger's seat.

To open: pull the handle and fold the cover down.

To fasten: fold the cover up and press it until the tab engages.

Several of the items contained in the first-aid kit have a limited ser-

vice life. For this reason, check the expiration dates of each of the items regularly, and replace any with passed dates. You can acquire replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy. Always observe all legal regulations requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in the vehicle.<

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Fuel filler door Always switch off the engine before refueling, as it is not possi-

ble to add fuel with the engine running, and attempts may also trigger the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<

Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler door to open and close it.

If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can unlock the fuel filler door manually:

Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol on the right trim panel of the luggage compartment.

When handling fuels, comply with all of the applicable safety precau-

tions posted at the service station. Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<

Simple and environmentally friendly

Open the gas cap carefully to pre- vent fuel from spraying out. Fuel

spray may cause injury.<

Keep the gas cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the nozzle during refueling

> results in premature pump shutoff >and will reduce the effect of the vapor

recovery system on the pump.

The fuel tank is full when the filler noz- zle shuts off the first time.

25

Close the gas cap carefully after refueling until a click is heard.

While closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate the CHECK GAS CAP* lamp.<

Fuel tank capacity >Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which >approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve

capacity.

Do not drive to the last drop of fuel. This can prevent the engine

from operating properly and result in damage.<

Fuel specifications

The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.

Required fuel:

>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, min. 91 AKI. AKI = Anti Knock Index

Never use leaded fuel, as it would cause permanent and irreversible

damage to the oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<

Tire inflation pressure

Checking tire pressures Tire pressures in psi/kilopascal are shown on the driver's door post and are visible when the door is open.

Only check the tire inflation pressures of cold tires. This means after driving a maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or after the vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours. Warm tires have higher infla- tion pressures.

In the following tire inflation pressure table, all pressures are specified in the standard units of pressure, psi and kilo- pascal, and apply to cold tires, i.e. tires at ambient temperature.

After correcting the tire inflation pres- sure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor so that it can monitor the tire inflation pressure, refer to page 87.

Refueling

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Check the tire pressures on a reg- ular basis at least twice a month

and before every extended journey. If this is not done, incorrect tire pressures can cause driving instability and tire damage, ultimately resulting in acci- dents.<

Comply with tire approval specifications The inflation pressures in the table apply to BMW-approved tire sizes and tire manufacturers. Your BMW center will be glad to supply this information. Other pressures may be required for tires made by other manufacturers.

Your vehicle is equipped with tires which not only meet US standards, but also European standards. We recom- mend the exclusive use of BMW approved tires.

Tire inflation pressure

27

BMW Tires All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/ kilopascal with cold tires cold = ambient temperature

225/45 ZR 18 33/230 41/280

255/40 ZR 18 35/240 48/330

M3 225/40 ZR 19 33/230 41/280

255/35 ZR 19 35/240 48/330

225/45 R 17 91 H M+S 33/230 38/260 36/250 46/320

225/40 R 18 92 V M+S 36/250 38/260 39/270 51/350

Tire inflation pressure

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Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Technical data

Index

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Opening and closing

Keys

The key set 1 Master keys with remote control unit

these keys determine the functions of the Key Memory. Refer to page 64. You can mark the individual keys for subsequent identification by apply- ing the colored decals that you received when accepting delivery of your vehicle

In every master key with remote control there is an extended-life

battery that is charged automatically in the ignition lock as you drive. For this reason, if you have a master key with remote control that is other- wise not used, use that key at least once every year while driving for an extended period to charge the bat- tery.<

2 Spare key for storage in a safe place, such as in your wallet. This key is not intended for constant use. The luggage compartment lid and the glove compartment cannot be locked and unlocked with this key. This is useful for valet parking, for example.

Central locking system

The concept The central locking system engages and releases the following locks at the same time:

>doors > luggage compartment lid > fuel filler door and >glove compartment.

The central locking system is ready for operation whenever the driver's door is closed.

The central locking system can be operated

> from outside via the door lock and using the remote control

> from inside via the central locking system button.

If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler door will not be locked, refer to page 34.

Operating it from outside simulta- neously activates the anti-theft system, which prevents the doors from being unlocked via the door lock buttons or the door release handles.

The central locking system unlocks automatically in the event of an acci- dent. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and interior lamps come on.

31Opening and closing via the remote control

The concept The remote control also provides two additional functions beyond the central locking feature:

>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to page 32. With this function you can also search for your vehicle when parked in an underground garage, for instance

>Open the luggage compartment lid, refer to page 32. The luggage compartment lid will open slightly, regardless of whether it was locked or unlocked.

Whenever you unlock or lock the vehi- cle, you simultaneously deactivate/acti- vate the anti-theft system and switch the interior lamps on/off.

You can have a signal set to con- firm that the vehicle's locks have

engaged securely.<

Master keys with remote control Since passengers or animals remaining in the vehicle might be

able to lock the doors from the inside, always take the vehicle's keys with you so that the vehicle can be opened again from the outside at any time.<

If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle via the remote control,

the battery is discharged. Use this key while driving for an extended period in order to recharge the battery. To pre- vent unauthorized use of the remote control, surrender only the spare key when leaving the vehicle for valet park- ing, for example. In the event of a system malfunction, please contact your BMW center. You can also obtain replacement keys there.< 1 Unlocking and convenience opening

2 Locking and securing, turning on interior lamps,

3 Opening luggage compartment lid

To release

Press button to unlock the driver's door only.

Press the button twice in order to unlock the entire vehicle.<

Convenience opening mode Press and hold button. The windows and the fully-automatic convertible top open.

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To lock and secure

Press button.

To switch on the interior lamps

After locking the vehicle, press button again.

To open the luggage compartment lid

Press button.

The lid will open slightly, no matter whether it was locked or unlocked.

If the luggage compartment lid was locked, it will be locked again

after it is reclosed. Before and after a trip, be sure that the luggage compartment lid has not been opened unintentionally.<

External systems Locally, external systems or devices may interfere with remote control func- tions.

If this should occur, you can still open and close the vehicle using the master key in both the door and luggage com- partment locks.

For US owners only The transmitter and receiver units com- ply with part 15 of the FCC Federal Communications Commission regula- tions. Operation is governed by the fol- lowing:

FCC ID:

>LX8EWS >LX8FZVS >LX8FZVE.

Compliance statement:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

>This device may not cause harmful interference, and

> this device must accept any interfer- ence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modifications to these devices could void the

user's authority to operate the equip- ment.<

Opening and closing via the remote control

33Opening and closing via the door lock

Turning the key in the door lock once unlocks the driver's door, the fuel filler door and the glove compartment.

Turning the key a second time unlocks the passenger's door and the luggage compartment lid.

You can have a signal set to con- firm that the vehicle's locks have

engaged securely.<

Convenience operation With the door closed you can also operate the power windows and the convertible top with the door lock.

>To open: with the door closed after turning the key for the second time, hold the key in the Unlock position

>To fasten: with the door closed, hold the key in the Lock position.

Whenever closing the windows or sliding/tilt sunroof you should

always monitor their path and progress to ensure that no one is injured. Releas- ing the key stops the operation.<

Manual operation In the event of electrical malfunction

Turn the key all the way to the left or right to unlock or lock the driver's door.

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34 Opening and closing from the inside

You can use this button to control the central locking system whenever the doors are closed. The doors and lug- gage compartment lid are unlocked or locked only. The anti-theft system is not activated.

If only the driver's door was unlocked from the outside and

you press the button, then, with the driver's door still open, the passenger's door, the luggage compartment lid, the fuel filler door and the glove compart- ment will unlock, too. If the driver's door is closed, it will be locked.<

If you desire, the central locking system can be activated automati-

cally as soon as you begin to drive. You may also have this adjusted so that it is specific to keys.<

To unlock and open the doors 1. Press the button for the central lock-

ing system 2. Pull the release handle above the

armrest on the door you wish to open

or

pull the release handle for any door twice: to unlock and open the door.

To lock >Either use the central locking button

to lock all doors at once or

>press the individual door lock buttons down. As an added design feature to prevent the driver from being inad- vertently locked out of the vehicle, the driver's door lock button will not engage as long as the door is open.

Since passengers or animals remaining in the vehicle might be

able to lock the doors from the inside, always take the vehicle's keys with you so that the vehicle can be opened again from the outside at any time.<

35Luggage compartment lid

The lock Only the master keys fit in the lock for the luggage compartment lid, refer to page 30.

To secure separately Lock the glove compartment using the master key.

The luggage compartment lid is locked and disconnected from the central lock- ing system. This feature can be used to prevent unauthorized access to the lug- gage compartment when you surrender the spare key only, refer to page 30. This can be advantageous for valet parking, for example.

To open from the outside Press the button in the handle recess: the luggage compartment lid opens slightly.

The luggage compartment is lit when the luggage compartment lid is opened.

Manual operation In the event of electrical malfunction

Turn the master key to the right as far as it will go, the luggage compartment lid will open slightly.

The luggage compartment lid is locked again as soon as you close the lid.

To open from the inside If the luggage compartment lid has not been locked separately, you can open it with this button in the footwell on the driver's side when the vehicle is sta- tionary.

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To close The handle recesses in the interior trim panel of the luggage compartment lid make it easier to pull the lid down.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the travel path of the luggage com-

partment lid is clear when it is closed, following the same precautions as with all closing procedures.<

Operate the vehicle only when the luggage compartment lid is com-

pletely closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<

Nevertheless, should it be absolutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the luggage compartment lid open, with closed convertible top:

1. Close all windows 2. Greatly increase the quantity of air

from the automatic climate control system, refer to page 98.

Emergency release This lever releases the luggage com- partment lid from the luggage compart- ment's interior.

Luggage compartment lid

37Luggage compartment

To fold up and secure the floor panel 1. Pull up at the handle and fold the

panel up 2. Press the button to release the

hanger from the handle

3. Hook the handle into the rubber seal of the drip rail.

Carefully replace the hanger in its holder when lowering the floor

panel back down.<

The fittings at the corners of the lug- gage compartment provide you with a convenient means of attaching luggage nets* and flexible straps for securing luggage.

Refer also to Cargo loading on page 106.

Enlarging luggage compartment With the convertible top closed, you can enlarge the luggage compartment. To do this, flip the handle outward and press it down and toward the front of the vehicle. The convertible top com- partment panel is now raised and secured.

To fold down the convertible top compartment panel To open the convertible top, the con- vertible top compartment panel must be lowered. To do this, fold out the handle and pull opposite the direction of travel.

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When opening the convertible top, refer to page 39, make sure that

the convertible top compartment panel is folded down in the luggage compart- ment; otherwise you may damage something.<

Electric power windows

To open and close windows When leaving the vehicle, always remove the ignition key from the

lock and remember to close the doors to prevent children from operating the power windows and injuring them- selves, etc.<

With the ignition key in position 1 or higher

>Press the switch until you feel resis- tance: the window continues to move as long as you continue to press the switch

>Press the switch briefly past the pres- sure point: the window moves auto- matically. Touching the switch again stops the opening cycle.

You can close the windows in the same manner by pulling the switch. The rear windows do not close automatically.

Luggage compartment

39

Operating all windows at once With the ignition key in position 1 or higher

>Press the switch until you feel resis- tance: all of the windows will con- tinue to lower as long as you con- tinue to press the switch

>Press the switch briefly past the pres- sure point: all windows will move automatically. Pressing the switch again stops the opening cycle.

You can close the windows in the same manner by pulling the switch. The win- dows cannot be closed automatically using this switch.

For the convenience mode via the remote control or the door lock, refer to page 31 or 33.

After the ignition has been switched off After the ignition has been switched off: you can still use the electric power win- dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as no one opens any of the doors.

Protective function If the closing force of a front window exceeds a certain value as the window is being closed, the closing procedure is immediately interrupted and the win- dow opens again slightly.

Despite this protective function, you must still make sure that there

are no obstacles within the closing range of the windows. Otherwise, it cannot be guaranteed that the closing procedure will be interrupted in certain cases, e.g. when very thin objects are in the closing range. This protective function is deactivated when the switch is pulled past the resistance point and held there.<

After power loss After the battery has been discon- nected, the protective function must be reinitialized. Please contact your BMW center.

Convertible top

The completely automatically operated convertible top combines assured pro- tection against the elements with sim- ple and easy handling.

To gain maximum satisfaction from your convertible, please observe the follow- ing:

> It is advisable to close the convertible top when the vehicle is being parked. The closed convertible top not only protects the passenger compartment from unforeseeable damage from the weather, it also provides a certain degree of theft protection. In addi- tion, keep valuables only in the locked luggage compartment, even when the convertible top is closed

>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack on the convertible top

>At temperatures below 147/106 do not operate the convertible top to prevent damage.

Never store the convertible top in its compartment for more than

one day while it is wet to avoid perma- nent damage from moisture.<

Do not lay objects on the convert- ible top, as they could fall off

when it moves, causing vehicle damage or personal injury.<

Electric power windows

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40

Driving when the opening or clos- ing process has not been com-

pleted can cause vehicle damage or personal injuries. Do not reach into the convertible top mechanism during opening and closing. Keep children away from the moving parts of the convertible top during operation.<

If possible, only operate the con- vertible top with the vehicle

stopped, as otherwise the process may be interrupted. If you set the convertible top in motion with the vehicle stationary and then have to start suddenly for instance, at a traffic light you can still complete the operation by driving as slowly as possible and again pressing and main- taining pressure on the button.<

To close the electric power win- dows while driving, always be

sure to first close either the rear win- dows, or all 4 windows at the same time, otherwise, at high speed, the win- dows may not close tightly.<

At higher speeds, the ensuing vacuum in the passenger com-

partment can cause the convertible top to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup- ply via the ventilation controls so that a vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<

Opening and closing 1 To close

2 To open

To avoid placing unnecessary loads on the battery, you should

avoid operating the top when the engine is switched off. Before closing the convertible top, remove any objects from the windshield frame that could keep the convertible top from closing properly.<

With the ignition key in position 1 or higher, and with the vehicle stationary

1. Read and comply with the preceding safety precautions

Convertible top

41

2. Ensure that the convertible top com- partment panel in the luggage com- partment is folded down, see page 37; otherwise, it will not be possible to open the convertible top

3. Make sure that the luggage compart- ment lid is closed

4. Press and hold the corresponding button for convertible top operation.

The luggage compartment lid can- not be opened while the convert-

ible top is in motion.<

During convertible top operation the rear window moves toward the

passenger compartment. To prevent injuries, make sure that the closing path of the convertible top is unobstructed.<

After having been stored for an extended period of time in the

convertible top compartment, e.g. dur- ing the winter months because the hardtop was being used, you may have to support the convertible top by hand when closing it for the first time. If the convertible top should halt right before the closing phase is completed, press against the front part of the con- vertible top frame from the outside to help the closing process along. Keep pressing the button while doing so until the top starts up again on its own.<

Indicator lamps >The red indicator lamp is lit whenever

the convertible top is in motion. It goes out as soon as the opening or closing operation has been com- pleted

> If the red indicator lamp flashes after the button is released, the convertible top has not yet been opened or closed completely. You can resume operation in the desired direction by pressing the button again

> If the yellow indicator lamp lights up continuously with the button pressed, the convertible top compartment panel has been raised and the top cannot be moved.

The side windows move down slightly whenever the button for operating the convertible top is pressed.

They will go back up if you keep holding the button down for more than 2 seconds after the opening or closing process has been completed and the indicator lamp has gone out.

Interruption The convertible top stops moving immediately when the button is released. You can resume operation in the desired direction by pressing the button again

Do not close the side windows using the power window switches

if the convertible top has not been closed completely. Otherwise, the side windows may not seal properly with the rubber seals of the convertible top.<

If the opening or closing operation is interrupted by releasing the buttons, the convertible top remains in the respective position for 15 minutes before it slowly moves into a stable position. The operation can be contin- ued by pressing the buttons.

Convertible top

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Do not repeatedly interrupt and resume the closing operation, as

otherwise the fully-automatic convert- ible top mechanism could be dam- aged.<

In certain cases, the luggage compart- ment lid cannot be opened if the open- ing or closing operation has been inter- rupted.

Operate the convertible top manu- ally in emergency situations only

to avoid causing damage due to incor- rect operation.<

Convenience operation via remote control and driver's door lock Refer to pages 31 and 33.

Closing manually in the event of an electrical malfunction 1 Emergency operation

2 Allen wrench

3 Recess

Only operate the convertible top manually to close it. Never open it

manually since the convertible top compartment lid cannot be locked and would open during driving.<

Manual closing is best carried out by two persons from outside with

the driver's door open and the driver's seat folded forward. No one is to be in the rear seat while you are doing this.<

1. Remove the center piece between the rear seats. Take the trim off of the guide rod and flip it forward

2. Press down hard on the emergency lock 1 see previous illustration. After a brief pause, the mechanisms for the convertible top compartment lid will be released

If the mechanism for the convert- ible top compartment lid does not

unlock, then insert the Allen wrench 2 into the recess 3 and turn clockwise to release it.<

3. If the luggage compartment lid is closed, open the convertible top compartment lid up as far as the stop will allow

Convertible top

43

4. Grasp the convertible top by the lat- eral guide section see arrow 1 and the front convertible top frame see arrow 2. Lift out the top and swing forward until you encounter a perceptible resistance at a stop. Position the rear convertible top frame vertically and close the con- vertible top compartment lid. Fold down the rear convertible top frame

To avoid damaging the side trim, always fold the convertible top

forward before folding the rear frame brace up into its vertical position.<

5. Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover panel that is in the center of the front convertible top frame

6. Insert the Allen wrench 2 refer to page 42 into the recess see arrow

7. Pull down on the front convertible top frame as far as possible. Close the convertible top further by turning the wrench in a clockwise direction; continue turning until the front con- vertible top frame is locked to the windshield frame. The rear convert- ible top frame will automatically be pressed down onto the convertible top compartment lid and, because of the tension, will close completely.

The closing operation must be completed, as otherwise damage

and/or injuries may result.<

Please consult your BMW center to have the defect corrected.<

Convertible top

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Position for cleaning To be able to access the convertible top compartment, lean the rear frame of the convertible top against the cover of the convertible top compartment.

First, use the button for activating the convertible top to unlock the

locks of the convertible top compart- ment. Refer to page 40.<

For additional information on vehi- cle care, refer to the Caring for

your vehicle brochure.<

Wind deflector*

With the convertible top open, the wind deflector keeps air movement in the passenger compartment to a minimum, thus providing you with a pleasant drive, even at higher speeds. The wind deflector comes in a protective sleeve, and because of its slim dimensions, can be easily stored in the luggage com- partment.

Installation 1. Remove wind deflector from the pro-

tective sleeve 2. Flip out both sides and lock into place. It is essential for the two com- ponents marked in the illustration to mesh at this point

Convertible top

45

3. Hold the wind deflector so that the smaller half points toward the front and guide the mounting pin for the side piece into the proper opening

4. Pull back on the mounting pin for the other side piece by using a slide, so that the mounting pin can be guided into the opening provided

5. Unlock the convertible top compart- ment lid via the convertible top con- trol button, refer to page 40, and open the convertible top compart- ment lid

6. Flip the back half of the wind deflec- tor backward, so that the mounts are lying on the vehicle

7. Close the convertible top compart- ment lid via the convertible top con- trol button. The wind deflector is now attached so that it is theft-proof.

Operate the convertible top com- partment lid from above only in

order to avoid any pinching. With the wind deflector in place: to avoid damaging the wind deflector never push the front seats all the way back.<

Removal Follow the same procedure as when installing, just reverse the steps.

Wind deflector*

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To adjust

Safe seating position

For driving that is relaxed and less likely to cause fatigue, you should select a sitting position that reflects your per- sonal requirements. In combination with the safety belts and airbags, the correct seating position also plays an important role in enhancing occupant safety in the event of an accident. To ensure that the vehicle's safety systems provide you with optimal protection, we request that you direct your careful attention to the following section.

For supplementary information on transporting children, refer to page 58.

Sitting safely with airbags Always maintain an adequate dis- tance between yourself and the

airbags. Always hold the steering wheel by the rim to keep any chance of injury to hands or arms to an absolute mini- mum should the airbag be deployed. Never allow any objects, individuals or animals to obstruct the areas between passengers and airbags. Never use the front airbag's cover as a storage tray or support for objects of any kind. Never allow front passengers to rest their feet or legs on the airbag cover.<

For airbag locations and additional information on airbags, refer to page 55.

Sitting safely with safety belts Your vehicle is equipped with four seats, each of which is provided with a safety belt.

Never allow more than one person to wear a single safety belt. Never

allow infants or small children to ride in a passenger's lap. Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly across the pelvis and shoulder, wear it as snugly against your body as possible. Do not allow the belt to rest against hard or fragile objects in your pockets. Do not route the belt across your neck, or run it across sharp edges. Be sure that the belt does not become caught or jammed. Avoid wearing bulky clothing and pull on the lap belt periodically to retension it over your shoulders. In the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap belt could slide over the hips, leading to abdominal injury. In addition, the safety belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced if the belt is worn loosely. Expectant mothers should always wear their safety belts, taking care to position the lap belt against the lower hips, where it will not exert pressure against the abdominal area.<

For information on using the safety belts, refer to page 50.

47Seats

When adjusting your seat, always observe the following precautions

Never try to adjust your seat while operating the vehicle. The seat

could respond with an unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci- dent. Never ride with the backrest reclined to an extreme horizontal angle important for front passengers to remember. If you do so, there is a risk that you will slide under the safety belt in an accident, thus reducing the pro- tection provided by the safety belt. With the wind deflector in place: Do not push the front seats all the way back, otherwise the wind deflector will be damaged.<

Adjusting the seats >Power seat adjustment, refer to

page 47 >Head restraint, refer to page 48 >Entering the rear, refer to page 49

Power seat adjustment

Seat adjustment 1 Tilt angle

2 Forward/backward adjustment

3 Height

4 Backrest angle

You can manually adjust the thigh sup- port.

Thigh support Pull the lever and adjust the position of the cushion for thigh support as desired.

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Adjusting the lumbar support* You can adjust the backrest's contour for additional support in the curvature of your spine's lumbar region.

The upper hips and spinal column receive supplementary support to help you maintain a relaxed, upright position.

> Increase/decrease curvature: press front/rear of the switch

> Increase the upper/lower curvature: press the upper/lower end of the switch.

Head restraints

Front head restraints 1 Height

Head restraints reduce the risk of spinal injury in the event of an

accident. Adjust the head restraint. When moving the head restraints up or down, do not grab on between the head restraint and the upper edge of the backrest to avoid the possibility of injury.<

Tilt:

Position the head restraints manually in the preferred position.

Power seat adjustment

49

Rear head restraints The rear head restraints may only be lowered if there are no passen-

gers in the rear seats. If you do so, you are in violation of the law. Raise the rear head restraints before taking on any passengers in the back.<

To completely lower the rear head restraints:

1. Press the button and hold it down 2. Push the head restraint down from

above.

Raising the rear head restraints Raise the head restraints until you hear them click into place.

Do not remove the rear head restraints as this would damage

them.<

For further information, please consult your BMW center.

Do not use the rear head restraints as storage shelves.

Always keep the travel path for the roll- over protection system free and clear. Under no circumstances should you put any kind of cover such as an antima- cassar on the head restraints, refer also to the labeling on the head restraints.<

Entering the rear

The seat-integrated safety belt system allows for easy access to the rear.

1. Lift the lever 1 up and tilt the back- rest forward

2. Press and hold button 2 in driving direction until the seat moves to the desired position

3. After entering the rear, fold back and lock the backrest

4. Press button 2 opposite the direction of travel and hold. The seat moves back into its previous position. If the button 2 is released beforehand, the seat stops in the respective position.

Head restraints

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The seat can be locked into posi- tion when it is tilted forward. This

is particularly convenient when entering the vehicle on an incline, for example. Press against the backrest until you hear it snap into place. Lever 1 does not have to be released to fold the seat back.<

Lock both backrests while driving, otherwise there is a danger of an

unexpected movement causing an accident.<

The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster flashes when the backrest is not locked, refer to

page 18.

Safety belts

Always wear your safety belt Always fasten your safety belt before starting off. As supplemental restraint devices, the airbags are designed to enhance the effectiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace them.

Before putting your safety belts on in the rear, take them out of the

holder.<

Leave the rear safety belts in the holders if they are not needed, in

order to avoid unwanted movement from the safety belts at high speeds.<

To close Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt buckle.

To release 1. Press the red button in the belt

buckle 2. Hold the belt 3. Guide the belt back into its reel.

Safety belt height The front safety belt automatically adapts to your body size via the setting of the head restraint height, refer to page 48.

If the safety belt system has been subjected to the stresses involved

in an accident or otherwise damaged: have the entire safety belt mechanism replaced by your BMW center, includ- ing the safety belt tensioner. In addi- tion, have your BMW center inspect the safety belt anchors. If a child-restraint system was in the vehicle during an accident, consult the manufacturer's instructions regarding replacement.<

Entering the rear

51Seat and mirror memory

You can store and recall three different driver's seat and outside mirror posi- tions.

Memory will not retain the adjust- ment made to the lumbar sup-

port.<

To store 1. Ignition key in position 1 or 2 2. Adjust your seat and outside mirrors

to the desired position 3. Press the MEMORY button: the indica-

tor lamp in the button lights up 4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as

desired. The indicator lamp goes out.

To select a stored setting Do not select a memory position while the vehicle is moving. If you

do so, there is a risk of accident from unexpected seat movement.<

Driver's door open after unlocking or ignition key in position 1:

>Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as desired. Movement stops immediately when one of the seat-adjustment or mem- ory buttons is operated during the adjustment process.

With the driver's door closed and the ignition key either removed or in posi- tion 0 or 2:

>Press and hold the desired memory button 1, 2 or 3 until the adjust- ment process is completed.

If you press the MEMORY button acci- dentally: press the button again; the indicator lamp goes out.

You can have this feature pro- grammed so that when you use

the remote control from your personal- ized key to unlock your door, your seat and the exterior mirrors will move into your own preferred positions.<

Before activating the programmed adjustment feature, ensure that

the footwell behind the driver's seat is empty and unobstructed. If you fail to do so, persons, animals or objects could be injured or damaged if the seat should move backward.<

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Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt function Automatic curb monitor*

1. Move mirror selector switch 1 to the driver's mirror position

2. When shifting into Reverse, or plac- ing the selector lever in position R, the passenger-side mirror tilts down- ward. This brings the lower area adjacent to the vehicle curbs, etc. into the driver's field of vision while parking.

How far the passenger mirror tilts can be set individually for each

ignition key.<

You can deactivate this automatic fea- ture by setting the mirror selection switch to the passenger side position.

Seat heating*

The seat cushion and backrest can be heated with the ignition key in position 2.

You can call up different heating modes by repeatedly pressing the buttons.

You can also switch the higher heating modes off directly:

Press the button and hold it slightly longer.

Seat and mirror memory

53Steering wheel

To adjust Never attempt to adjust the steer- ing wheel while driving the vehicle

it could respond with unexpected movement, posing a potential accident hazard.<

1. Push the locking lever downward 2. Adjust steering column reach and

height for your selected seating posi- tion

3. Pull the lever back up.

Mirrors

To adjust exterior mirrors 1 Switch for 4-way adjustment

2 Selection switch for changing between mirrors

To adjust manually The mirrors can also be adjusted manu- ally:

Press the edges of the lens.

To store the mirror setting, refer to Seat and mirror memory on page 51.

The passenger-side mirror fea- tures a convex lens. When esti-

mating the distance between yourself and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects reflected in the mirror are closer than they appear. This means that esti- mations of the distance to following traffic should not be regarded as pre- cise.<

Electric defrosting Both mirrors are heated automatically in ignition key position 2.

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Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming feature This mirror automatically responds to ambient light and headlamp glare from following vehicles by dimming through an infinitely variable range and auto- matically reverts to its clear, undimmed setting whenever you shift into Reverse or move the selector lever into position R.

There are two photocells for automatic dimming. One photocell see arrow is positioned in the mirror's frame, while the other is slightly offset on the oppo- site side of the mirror.

For the mirror to function perfectly, keep the photocells clean and the area between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield free of any obstruction like stickers, etc.

Mirrors

55

Passenger safety systems

Airbags

1 Front airbags on the driver and pas- senger sides

2 Side airbags on the driver and pas- senger sides front and rear*

Protective effect The front airbags protect the driver and passenger in the event of a head-on collision where the protection provided by the safety belt alone would not be adequate. The side airbags provide protection in the event of a collision from the side. They help support the respective seat occupant's upper body.

For information on the correct sitting position, refer to page 46.

The side airbags in the rear pas- senger area* of your vehicle may

already have been deactivated by a BMW center. You may have them acti- vated if you desire to do so. Please contact your BMW center for additional information.<

The airbags will not be triggered in the event of a minor accident, cer-

tain vehicle rollover situations or colli- sions from the rear.<

Do not apply adhesive materials to the cover panels of the airbags,

cover them or modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to remove the air- bag restraint system from the vehicle. In the event of a malfunction, deactivation or triggered activation as a response to an accident of the airbag restraint system, consult your BMW center for inspection, repair or disassembly. Mod- ifications may not be made on either the wiring or the individual components in the airbag system. These include the upholstered covers on the steering wheel, instrument panel, side trim pan- els of the doors and front roof pillars and on the sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the steering wheel. Unprofessional attempts to service the system could lead to failure in an emergency or undesired airbag activation, either of which could result in personal injury. Do not touch the individual components directly after the system has been trig- gered, as otherwise there is a danger of burns.<

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At all times, occupants should sit upright and be properly restrained

infants and small children in appropri- ate child-restraint systems; larger chil- dren and adults using the safety belts. Never let an occupant's head rest near or on a side airbag because the inflating airbag could cause a serious or fatal injury. Please note that the word Airbag imprinted on the door trim panel indi- cates the airbag's location. Accident research shows that the saf- est place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. However, a child sit- ting in the rear seat and not properly restrained may place his or her head on or near the side airbag, if so equipped. For example, a child even though belted may fall asleep with his or her head against the side airbag. It may be difficult for a driver to ensure that chil- dren in the rear seat will remain prop- erly positioned at all times and not place their heads on or near the side airbag. Therefore, we recommend that the rear seat side airbags, if provided, be deactivated if you plan to transport children in the rear seat. The rear seat side airbags may already have been deactivated by a BMW cen- ter. If you are uncertain of their status, or wish to have the airbags activated or

deactivated, please contact your BMW center.<

Even when all these guidelines are observed, there is still a small residual risk of injuries to the face, hands and arms occurring from airbag deployment in isolated instances.

In sensitive individuals, the ignition and inflation noise may induce a mild hear- ing loss that is temporary in most cases.

Airbag warning information is also pro- vided on the sun visors.

This is the right way a child should sit in a child restraint when rear side airbags are provided.

Airbags

57

This is the right way a larger child should sit wearing the seat belt when rear side airbags are provided.

Indicator lamp The indicator lamp indicates the operational status of the airbag system when the ignition key is

in position 1 or higher.

System operational:

>The indicator lamp comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to position 1 or higher.

System malfunction:

> Indicator lamp does not come on or > indicator lamp lights up continuously.

If there is a system malfunction, there is a risk that the airbags will

not be triggered within their normal response range, even if the level of impact would normally have triggered them. Have your BMW center inspect the airbag system immediately.<

Airbags

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58 Transporting children safely

Leave the rear safety belts in the holders if they are not needed to

avoid unwanted movement from the safety belts at high speeds.<

Commercially available child seats complying with the legal standard are designed to be secured with a seat belt or with the seat belt portion of a combi- nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or inadequately installed restraint sys- tems can increase the risk of injury to children. Always read and follow the instructions that come with the system.

Correct location for installing In your BMW, all seats equipped with a three-point safety belt except for the driver's seat are suitable for installing universal child-restraint systems of all age classes and which have been approved for the age group in question.

Child-restraint system with tether strap If you use a child-restraint system with a tether strap, two additional tether anchorage points have been provided.

Depending on the location selected for seating in the rear passenger area, attach the tether strap to the corre- sponding anchorage point to secure the child-restraint system, as shown in the illustration.

1. Open the convertible top compart- ment lid, refer to page 39

2. Lift the headrest and pass the tether strap between the headrest and the seat back. It is recommended that you return the head restraint back to its lowest possible position

3. Adjust the tether strap according to the child-restraint manufacturer's instructions

4. Close the convertible top compart- ment panel.

59

It is recommended to cover the child- restraint attaching clip with a soft mate- rial to prevent damage to the stored soft top.

Should a hard top be installed, the fitting of child harness tether

strap/s if child seat is required is necessary before installation of the hard top.<

Before installing any child- restraint device or child seat,

please read the following: Never install a rearward-facing child- restraint system in the front passenger seat of this vehicle. Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag supplemental restraint system for the front passenger. Because the backrest on any rearward-facing child-restraint system of the kind designed for infants under 1 year and 20 lbs/9 kg would be within the airbag's deploy- ment range, you should never mount such a device in the front passenger seat, as the impact of the airbag against the child restraint's backrest could lead to serious or fatal injuries. If it is necessary for a child not an infant to ride in the front seat, certain precautions should be taken. First, move the passenger seat as far away from the instrument panel as possible. This important precaution is intended to maximize the distance between the air- bag and the child. Older children should be tightly secured with the safety belt after they have outgrown a booster seat that is appropriate for their age, height, and weight. Younger children should be secured in an appropriate forward-facing child-

restraint system that has first been properly secured with a safety belt. Never install a rearward-facing child- restraint system in the front passenger seat. We strongly urge you to carefully read and comply with the instructions for installation and use provided by the child restraint's manufacturer when- ever you use such a device. Do not attempt to modify child-restraint systems. If you do this, the protection provided by these systems could be impaired. Be sure that all occupants of all ages remain properly and securely restrained at all times.<

All rear seating positions in your vehicle meet the recommendations of SAE J1819, an industry-recommended practice for securing child-restraint sys- tems in motor vehicles.

Transporting children safely

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60

Securing child-restraint system All of the rear belt retractors and the front passenger's safety belt can be locked for mounting and securing child- restraint systems.

A label with the appropriate instructions for this is located in the immediate vicinity of the buckle latch of each safety belt.

To lock the safety belt Extract the entire length of the belt from the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the reel to retract the belt somewhat and engage the buckle, then tighten the belt against the child-restraint system. The retraction mechanism is now locked.

The belt cannot be extracted further. Always observe the installation instruc- tions provided by the manufacturer of the child-restraint system.

To unlock the safety belt Release the safety belt, remove the child seat and retract the safety belt to its end position on the belt retractor.

LATCH child-restraint mounting system LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren

The left and right rear seats are both equipped with a LATCH child-restraint mounting system.

Transporting children safely

61

Canadian models only:

The LATCH anchorage points are iden- tified by buttons.

The anchorage points for the LATCH child-restraint system installation are located behind the upholstery at the positions indicated by the arrows.

Carefully slide the brackets through the gaps in the upholstery at the indicated locations.

Always follow all manufacturer's instructions and observe all safety

precautions when installing the LATCH child-restraint mounting system. Leave the rear safety belts in the hold- ers if they are not needed to avoid unwanted movement from the safety belts at high speeds.<

To prevent damage to the upholstery, you can purchase an insertion aid* from your BMW center.

Firmly press the insertion aid into the gap between the seat cushion and backrest, continuing until the two guides snap into place on the LATCH brackets in the seat.

The illustration is an example showing the anchorages for a LATCH child- restraint system on the right rear seat.

Transporting children safely

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62 Rollover protection system

In the event of an accident or some other critical driving situation extreme tilting in the longitudinal or transverse axis, loss of contact with the ground the rollover protection system will be automatically activated. The protective bars located in the rear head restraints extend within fractions of a second.

In addition to the integrated rollover bar in the windshield frame, the rollover protection system affords all the vehicle occupants necessary headroom.

Always keep the travel path for the rollover protection system free

and clear. Under no circumstances should you cover the head restraints. In the event of less serious accidents, the safety belt will protect you and, depending on the severity of the acci- dent, so will the safety belt tensioner and the multi-stage airbag restraint sys- tem as well.<

If, after being automatically triggered, the protective function is not needed, then the rollover protection system can be lowered back into place. No special tool is needed for this.

1. Using a screwdriver from the onboard tool kit, remove the cover panel; to do this, position the screw- driver under the notch

2. Push the lever toward the front of the vehicle and keep it in this position

63

3. Keep pressing down on the protec- tive bar from on top see arrow 1 until you hear it click into place

4. Put the cover panel back in place and press down firmly

5. Push the back panel of the head restraint closed see arrow 2.

Do the same for the second protective bar. If you are not familiar with any of the procedures, consult your BMW center.

Have the rollover protection system checked out by your BMW center after it has been inadvertently triggered.

Do not move the convertible top under any circumstances if the

rollover protection system has extended. Do not use the rear head restraints as storage shelves. Absolutely no modifications are to be made to any of the rollover protection system's individual components or any of its wiring. Only your BMW center is to carry out any work on the rollover protection sys- tem. Work done on the system that is carried out improperly could lead to failure in an emergency or accidental activation. Regarding having the system checked to ensure long-term operation: be scru- pulous in adhering to the Service Inter- val Display for maintenance intervals. Every two years at the latest, the roll- over protection system must be inspected by a BMW center.<

Rollover protection system

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64 Vehicle Memory, Key Memory

How the system functions You have probably frequently wished that you could configure individual functions of your vehicles to reflect your own personal requirements. In engi- neering your vehicle, BMW has pro- vided for a number of options for per- sonal adjustment that can be programmed into your vehicle at your BMW center.

The available configuration data fall into two categories, according to whether their primary orientation is the vehicle Vehicle Memory or the individual Key Memory. You can have up to four different basic settings adjusted for four different persons. The only require- ment is that each person uses his or her own remote control key.

When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote control, the vehicle recognizes the individual user by means of a data exchange with the key, and makes adjustments accordingly.

Distinguishing between keys In order for you to be able to distinguish between different keys, colored decals are supplied together with the keys.

What the system can do Your BMW center can provide you with details on the possibilities that the Vehi- cle and Key Memory systems offer.

You will see this symbol through- out the Owner's Manual. It is to

remind you at appropriate places of the settings that are available to you.<

Examples for Vehicle Memory:

>Various signals that can serve as acknowledgment for locking and

unlocking the vehicle, refer to page 31

>Activates/deactivates the 'Follow me home' lamps function, to page 91

>Activates/deactivates daytime driv- ing lamps, refer to page 91

>Sets the units of measure for display- ing time, outside temperature, dis- tance traveled and fuel consumption in the instrument cluster

>When you shift into Reverse, an acoustic signal indicates that PDC has been activated, refer to page 85

>Switches on rear window defroster automatically, refer to page 99

>After giving an ice warning, the onboard computer display returns to the previous setting, refer to page 83.

Examples for Key Memory:

>Locks the vehicle automatically after you start off, refer to page 34

>Automatically moves the seat and outside mirror into position for the programmed driver when unlocking the vehicle, refer to page 51

>Automatic tilting of the passenger- side mirror, refer to Automatic curb monitor, page 52

>After the engine is started, calls up the last selected driving program for each shifting mode, refer to page 73.

65

Driving

Ignition lock

Ignition key positions 0 Steering locked

1 Steering unlocked

2 Ignition on

3 Start engine

Steering locked The key can only be inserted and removed in this position.

After removing the key, turn the steer- ing wheel slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock engage.

If the key is not removed, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened.

Steering unlocked You will find that it is often easier to turn the ignition key from position 0 to posi- tion 1 when you move the steering wheel slightly to help disengage the lock.

Individual electrical accessories are ready for operation.

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66 Starting the engine and driving off

Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the

vehicle remains stationary. Instead, drive off immediately at a moderate engine speed.<

Do not allow the engine to run in enclosed spaces. Otherwise,

breathing the exhaust fumes can lead to unconsciousness and death. The exhaust gases contain carbon monox- ide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi- cle unattended with the engine running. An unattended vehicle with a running engine represents a safety hazard.<

If the engine does not start on the first attempt if it is very hot or cold, for instance:

>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down while engaging the starter.

Cold starts at very low temperatures below about 57/156 and at high altitudes above 3,300 ft/1,000 m:

>On the first start attempt, it may be necessary to engage the starter for a longer period, but no longer than 20 seconds.

Extended starting attempts, char- acterized by excessively frequent

or long periods with the starter engaged, can damage the catalytic converter.<

When driving, standing at idle or parking the vehicle, take care to

avoid contact between the hot exhaust system and flammable materials grass, hay, leaves, etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and property damage.<

Manual transmission 1. Engage the parking brake 2. Gearshift lever in idling position 3. Start the engine. Do not press the

accelerator pedal. Do not actuate the starter for too short a time. Do not turn it for more than approx. 20 seconds. Release the ignition key immediately when the engine starts.

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 1. Depress footbrake 2. Move selector lever into position N

3. Start the engine. Do not actuate the starter for too short a time. Do not turn it for more than approx. 20 seconds. Release the ignition key immediately when the engine starts

4. Engage a driving position 5. Release footbrake and slowly

depress accelerator pedal.

With the engine running, the gear indicator in the SMG Drivelogic

display flashes to indicate that a driving position is engaged with the driver's door open or if the hood is not closed properly, refer to page 71. If neither the pedals, the shift paddles, nor the selector lever are actuated, then the gearbox is automatically taken out of gear after approx. four seconds. It will then be necessary to move the selector lever back to position N before engaging the desired driving position. Driving off is not possible with the hood open.<

67

Before exiting the vehicle with the engine running, move the selector

lever into position N and apply the parking brake. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. An unat- tended vehicle with a running engine represents a safety hazard.<

Engine idle speed is controlled by the engine computer system. Increased speeds at start-up are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine speed does not decrease, service is required.

To prevent the battery from discharg- ing, always deactivate electrical devices that are not in use. Switch the ignition off when the vehicle is not being driven.

Starting the engine and driving off

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68 Switching off the engine

You should never remove the igni- tion key when the vehicle is in

motion, as the steering lock could engage. When you leave the vehicle, always remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock.<

Always engage the parking brake when parking on downhill roads.

Engaging a gear may not provide ade- quate resistance to rolling.<

Manual transmission Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic If you turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0 with the selector lever in the for- ward or reverse position, a gear auto- matically remains engaged.

If you turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0 with the selector lever in position N, a warning tone and the flashing gear indicator in the SMG Drivelogic display remind you that no gear is engaged to secure the vehicle against rolling.

The warning stops after approx. ten seconds. If you move the selector lever into a forward or reverse position dur- ing this time, a gear is automatically engaged.

Parking brake

The parking brake is primarily designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked. It operates on the rear wheels.

To engage The detent engages automatically, and the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when the ignition key is in position 2, refer to page 18.

To release Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button and lower the lever.

69

If exceptional circumstances make it necessary to engage the

parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it with excessive pressure. Keep your thumb pressed against the release button while care- fully pulling the lever up. Excessive pressure can lead to over- braking and loss of traction fishtailing at the rear axle. The brake lamps do not come on when the parking brake is engaged. Always engage the parking brake when parking on slopes and inclined sur- faces. Engaging a gear may not provide adequate resistance to rolling, not even in first or reverse gear.<

To avoid corrosion and one-sided braking, apply the parking brake

lightly from time to time when coasting to a standstill at a traffic light, for example provided that it is safe to do so.<

Manual transmission

When shifting gears in the fifth/sixth gear plane, be sure to

press the gearshift lever to the right in order to prevent inadvertent selection of a gear in the third/fourth gear plane. Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by slipping or 'riding' the clutch. Use the parking brake instead. Riding the clutch leads to severe and prema- ture clutch wear.<

Reverse Select only when the vehicle is station- ary. Press the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the slight resistance.

When you select reverse the backup lamps will light up automatically when the ignition key is in position 2.

Parking brake

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70 Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*

The concept The sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic is an automated manual gearbox with which clutching and shift- ing is assumed by an electro-hydraulic system.

The SMG Drivelogic is operated via two shift paddles on the steering wheel and the selector lever in the center console.

It offers the following functions:

>Sequential and automated shifting mode

>Ability to choose between different driving programs Drivelogic

>Gradient assistance, refer to page 73 >Upshift display and shift lights, refer

to page 74 >RPM matching on downshifts >Driving dependent functions:

The respective driving situation, e.g. cornering, mountain driving or brak- ing, is detected by sensors and taken into account for shifting, e.g. to achieve optimum gear selection dur- ing deceleration and subsequent acceleration

>Slip recognition at the rear axle for increasing driving stability, e.g. dur- ing downshifting on slippery road surfaces

>Operating safety through protection against misshifting.

Under normal operating conditions, fuel consumption is lowest when driving in the first driving program of the auto- mated shifting mode.

Selector lever positions R: Reverse position

N: Neutral position

Forward position with one-touch mode:

>S: sequential mode >D: automated mode >+: upshifting in sequential mode >: downshifting in sequential mode.

The SMG Drivelogic is ready for opera- tion from ignition key position two or higher.

For your safety, it is only possible to engage a driving position with the vehi- cle stopped approx. two seconds after engaging position N with the footbrake depressed shift-lock function.

71

Display in instrument cluster The selector lever position, currently engaged gear and selected driving pro- gram are displayed in the instrument cluster.

1 Engaged gear

2 Selected driving program, corre- sponds to the number of illuminated fields, refer to page 73

3 Tapping the selector lever to the right switches over into the displayed shift mode

4 'D' indicates an activated automated shift mode

R Reverse position Only engage with the vehicle stopped or at low speed, e.g. for rocking free in deep snow.

An intermittent signal tone indi- cates that the reverse position has

been engaged.<

N - Neutral Always engage before starting the engine.

If the driving situation requires, e.g. when downshifting on slippery roads, the SMG Drivelogic automatically dis- engages and reengages the clutch, i.e. it is not necessary to manually engage position N.

S Sequential mode In the sequential mode all forward gears are to be shifted by the driver.

To switch from automated to sequential mode:

>Tap the selector lever to the right toward 'S' or

>change gears with the selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.

You do not need to reduce the throttle for shifting.

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*

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72

Shifting gears with shift paddles on steering wheel:

>To upshift, briefly pull the right pad- dle +

>To downshift, briefly pull the left pad- dle .

Shift paddles with various widths matched to the shape of your

hand are available from your BMW cen- ter.<

Shifting gears with selector lever:

>To upshift, pull the selector lever backward in the '+' direction

>To downshift, push the selector lever in the '' direction.

No automatic upshifting is carried out in the sequential mode.

You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. during passing, by manually downshift- ing.

In the following situations the SMG Drivelogic anticipates your actions in the sequential mode:

>Upshifts and downshifts are only exe- cuted at appropriate combinations of engine rpm and vehicle speed. For instance, downshifts that would result in excessive engine speed are not executed

>During a stop the gearbox is auto- matically downshifted into the first gear so that, e.g. before a traffic light, it is only necessary to accelerate to continue driving

>As speed diminishes, the gearbox downshifts automatically, without you taking any action, just before the vehicle slows to below each gear's minimum speed.

D - Automated mode Each time the engine is started, the automated mode is activated as soon as you move the selector lever into the forward driving position.

In the automated mode all forward gears are shifted automatically.

To switch from sequential to automated mode: tap the selector lever to the right toward 'D'. Watch the display in the instrument cluster, refer to page 71.

For rapid acceleration, e.g. during passing, depress the accelerator pedal completely kickdown. The gearbox now downshifts depending on the selected driving program.

Even in the automated mode, you can help specify the shifting point: if a gear- dependent minimum speed is exceeded, you can upshift by slowly reducing pressure on the accelerator pedal. In the process, the respective driving situation is detected by sensors and taken into account.

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*

73

Drivelogic Drivelogic makes various driving pro- grams available to you.

Press the Drivelogic repeatedly until the desired driving program is shown in the SMG display of the instrument cluster, refer to page 71.

In the automated mode you can select from five driving programs ranging from convenience mode/winter operation to sporty and highly dynamic.

In the first automated driving program, starting off takes place in second gear, which is advisable under winter road conditions with ice and snow.

In the sequential mode you can choose from six driving programs ranging from balanced, dynamic driving 1 to sporty, puristic driving 6. The sporty, puristic driving program can only be activated with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) deactivated, refer to page 86.

To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with the DSC acti-

vated on whenever possible.<

Following each change between the sequential and the automated mode, the last driving program selected in the respective mode is active. Exception: instead of the last selected sequential driving program 6, program 5 is acti- vated only after the engine has been started again.

Your vehicle is set so that when the engine is started, the last

selected driving program saved in your key is activated for each shifting mode.<

Gradient assistance The gradient assistance enables start- ing off on grades with virtually no roll- back. It can be activated in the sequen- tial and automated mode with the vehi- cle stopped and can be used for both forward and reverse driving.

The vehicle may roll slightly before it is held by the gradient assis-

tance after releasing the footbrake. Two seconds after the footbrake is released, the vehicle begins to roll, as it is no longer held with the gradient assistance.<

1. Depress footbrake with vehicle stopped

2. Activate the gradient assistance by pulling the left paddle for at least 0.5 seconds. An increase in the engine speed indicates that the gra- dient assistance is activated

Briefly pulling the left paddle again deactivates the gradient assis-

tance again.<

3. Release the footbrake and start off within two seconds.

The gradient assistance must be reacti- vated before each use.

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*

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74

Indicator lamp The gearbox indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out after the engine is started.

> If it does not go out, or if it lights up during driving, a malfunction has occurred. The available functions may be limited under certain circum- stances. Drive carefully and with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) activated. Have the system checked by the nearest BMW center

> If the indicator lamp flashes while driving, the system is overloaded. Avoid high loads until the indicator lamp goes out again permanently.

Shift lights To achieve the best possible vehicle acceleration with a sporty driving style in the sequential mode, shift lights in the instrument cluster indicate the opti- mum shifting point shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.

1. When the maximum engine speed is approached, yellow indicator fields shift lights in the tachometer light up consecutively to indicate the approaching upshift time

2. Shift at the latest when the last indi- cator field lights up red.

Tire replacement, snow chains Following a tire or wheel change and after mounting or removing snow chains, the slip recognition of the SMG Drivelogic must become familiar with the changed condition.

Reinitialize the system afterwards:

1. Move the selector lever into position N on a straight stretch of road at a speed of over 20 mph / 30 km/h

2. Pull both shift paddles for approx. two seconds.

If you do not carry out the initialization, the system automatically learns the changed condition gradually during driving. This can become apparent due to brief opening and closing of the clutch.

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*

75Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher

1 High beams blue indicator lamp

2 Headlamp flasher blue indicator lamp

3 Turn signal indicator green indicator lamps accompanied by a periodic clicking sound from the relay

To signal briefly Press the lever up to but not beyond the detent. It then returns to the center position when released.

If the flashing indicator lamp and the clicking from the relay are

both faster than normal, one of the turn signal indicators has failed.<

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76 Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*

0 Wipers retracted

1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor

2 Normal wipe

3 Fast wipe

4 Brief wipe

5 Rotary dial for control of the wipe interval or the sensitivity of the rain sensor

Intermittent mode Not on vehicles with rain sensor.

You can select any of four sweep inter- vals with rotary dial 5. In addition, the wipe interval varies automatically depending on road speed.

Rain sensor The rain sensor is located on the wind- shield directly behind the rearview mir- ror.

To activate the rain sensor:

>With the ignition key in position 1 or higher, move the lever to position 1. The wipers travel once across the windshield, regardless of the weather

>You can leave the lever in position 1 at all times. With the ignition key in position 1 or higher, all you then need to do to activate the rain sensor Acti- vate by briefly turning rotary dial 5.

To adjust the sensitivity of the rain sen- sor: turn rotary dial 5.

To switch off the rain sensor: put lever in position 0.

Turn the rain sensor off in auto- matic car washes. Failure to do so

could result in damage caused by undesired wiper activation.<

Normal wiper speed When the vehicle is stationary, the wip- ers switch automatically to intermittent wipe not on vehicles with rain sensor.

Fast wiper speed When the vehicle is stationary, the wip- ers operate at normal speed not on vehicles with rain sensor.

77

0 Wipers retracted

1 Clean windshield and headlamps

Clean windshield and headlamps* Do not use the washers if there is any danger that the fluid will

freeze on the windshield, as your vision could be obscured. Always use a wind- shield washer antifreeze in cold weather. Refer to page 126. Do not use the washers when the reser- voir is empty. This could cause damage to the washer pump.<

The system sprays washer fluid against the windshield and activates the wipers for a brief period.

When the vehicle's lighting system is switched on, the headlamps will also be cleaned at reasonable intervals.

Windshield washer nozzles The windshield washer jets are warmed automatically when the ignition key is in position 2.

Cruise control

You can store and automatically main- tain any desired vehicle speed above approx. 20 mph / 30 km/h.

The cruise control is available whenever the engine is running and the system has been activated.

To activate the system

In ignition key position 2:

Press the button in the steering wheel. The indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on, refer to page 20. You can now use the cruise control.

Do not use cruise control on twist- ing roads, when high traffic den-

sity prevents driving at a constant speed, or when the road surface is slick snow, rain, ice or loose rocks or gravel, sand.<

To deactivate the system

Press the button as often as needed until the indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster goes out.

Cruise control is also deactivated when the ignition key is in position 0.

Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*

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78

The speed stored in memory is deleted.

To store and maintain speed or to accelerate

Press button + briefly:

The system maintains and stores the current vehicle speed. Every time you tap the button, the speed increases by approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h.

Press and hold button +:

The vehicle accelerates without pres- sure on the accelerator pedal. When you release the button, the system maintains and stores the current speed.

If on a downhill gradient the engine braking effect is not suffi-

cient, the controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi- cient.<

To decelerate

Press button briefly:

If you are already driving with activated cruise control, the speed is decreased by approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h every time you tap the button.

Press and hold button :

With the cruise control active, the sys- tem automatically reduces the throttle opening to slow the vehicle. When you release the button, the system main- tains and stores the current speed.

To interrupt the cruise control

When the system is activated, press the button. The indicator lamp stays on. You can use the cruise control again whenever you want by calling up the speed that was stored last.

In addition, cruise control is interrupted automatically:

>When the brakes are applied >When pressing down the clutch pedal > If you exceed or fall below the pro-

grammed speed for an extended

period by depressing the accelera- tor, for example

>Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 70: when shifting in the sequential mode, refer to page:.

To recall the stored setting

Press the button:

The vehicle accelerates to and main- tains the last speed stored.

Cruise control

79

Everything under control

Odometer

1 Odometer

2 Trip odometer

Odometer You can activate the displays shown in the illustration with the ignition key in position 0 by pressing the left button in the instrument cluster.

Trip odometer To reset the trip odometer to zero, press the left button with the ignition key in position 1 or higher.

Tachometer

Variable pre-warning zone The yellow pre-warning zone displays current permissible engine speeds, depending on the engine temperature. As the engine temperature climbs, some of the sectors for this pre-warning zones will go out one after the other.

Avoid engine speeds in the early warn- ing zone if possible.

Never allow the engine to operate with the needle in the red overspeed zone of the gauge.

To protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted when you approach this sector.

Engine oil temperature

The general operating temperature lies between 1757/806 and 2507/ 1206. During high-performance driv- ing, do not exceed a maximum value of 3007/1506.

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80 Fuel gauge

Once the indicator lamp stays on con- tinuously, there are still approx. 2 gallons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.

Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.6 gal./ 63 liters.

If the tilt of the vehicle varies when you are driving in mountainous areas, for example the needle may fluctuate slightly.

Fill the fuel tank before it is com- pletely empty. Driving to the last

drop of fuel can prevent the engine from operating properly and result in damage.<

When you switch on the ignition, the indicator lamp lights up briefly as an operation check.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Blue The engine is still cold. Drive at moder- ate engine and vehicle speeds.

Between the blue and red zones Normal operating range. The needle may rise as far as the edge of the red sector during normal operation.

Red When you switch on the ignition, the warning lamp comes on briefly as an operation check.

If the lamp comes on while operating the vehicle: the engine has overheated. Switch off the engine immediately and allow it to cool down.

To check the coolant level, refer to page 128.

81Service interval display

Remaining distance to next service The displays shown in the illustration appear for a few seconds when the ignition key is in position 1 or higher or after the engine is started.

The next service due appears with the message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION, together with the dis- tance remaining in miles in kilometers in Canada before the next scheduled service.

The computer bases its calculations of the remaining distance on the preced- ing driving style.

A flashing message and a '' in front of the number mean that the service inter- val has already been exceeded by the distance shown on the display. Please contact your BMW center for an appointment.

Check Control

Display When the ignition key is in position 2, the following information and/or condi- tions are indicated using symbols until the conditions have been corrected.

1 Inspect the low-beam and high-beam headlamps, as well as the parking lamps

2 Door open

3 Luggage compartment lid open

4 Check brake and tail lamps

When you open the driver's door after having turned the ignition key to posi- tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal for a few seconds to remind you that the lamps have not been switched off.

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82 Clock

If you wish to have a permanent time display, you can make this adjustment in the car radio display, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

You can set the time of day, and the display for the car radio, as follows.

Setting Before the clock can be set, the time must be showing in the

instrument cluster display.<

With the ignition key in position 1 or higher

To set ahead: turn the right button to the right.

To set back: turn the right button to the left.

The adjustment speed will increase the longer you continue to hold the right button.

To change the display mode: press the right button briefly.

Every time you press the button, the clock display alternates between the 12-hour and 24-hour mode.

In ignition key position 0: the time is displayed for a few seconds after you press the left button, refer to Odometer on page 79.

83Computer

Mode selection With the ignition key in position 1 and higher, you can use the button in the turn signal lever to retrieve information from the computer for display in the instrument cluster. Each time you press the button briefly in the direction of the steering column, a new function is called up in the display.

The displays appear in the following order:

Time of day, outside temperature, aver- age fuel consumption, cruising range, average vehicle speed.

When the ignition key is in position 1 or higher, the last active setting is dis- played.

Outside temperature You can change the units of measure 6/7 for the outside temperature dis- play by pressing the right-hand reset button in the instrument cluster while the temperature display is active. The units of measure 6/7 in the tem- perature display of the automatic cli- mate control change automatically, refer to page 96.

Ice warning If the outside temperature drops to about 37.57/+36, then the computer will automatically switch to a display of the outside temperature. In addition, a signal sounds as a warning and the dis- play flashes for a brief period.

After giving an ice warning, the display returns to the previous

setting.<

The ice warning does not alter the fact that surface ice can form at

temperatures above 37.57/+36, on bridges or shaded road surfaces, for instance.<

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84

Average fuel consumption If you continue to press and hold the button on the turn signal lever, the aver- age fuel consumption being displayed is recalculated from that point.

If you wish, you can have the aver- age fuel consumption displayed in

a different unit of measure.<

Range The computer bases its calculations of the cruising range on the preceding driving style and on the remaining fuel in the tank.

It is important that you refuel when the cruising range falls below

approx. 35 miles/50 kilometers. Other- wise, the engine cannot be guaranteed to operate properly and damage may result.<

Average speed If you continue to hold the button on the turn signal lever, the average speed being displayed is recalculated from that point in time.

Any time spent when the vehicle is sta- tionary and the engine is shut off is ignored for the calculation.

Computer

85

Technology for safety and driving convenience

Park Distance Control (PDC)*

The concept PDC assists you when you back into a parking space. Acoustic signals alert you to the momentary distance to an object behind your vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper measure the distance to the nearest object. The range for the sen- sors located at both rear corners ends approx. 2 ft/60 cm behind the bumpers. The range for the two middle sensors is slightly less than 5 ft/1.50 m.

PDC is a parking aid that can identify objects if they are

approached slowly, as is generally the case when parking. Avoid driving towards objects rapidly; due to underly- ing physical principles, the system may otherwise alert you too late for you to take evasive steps.<

The system starts to operate automati- cally approx. one second after you shift into Reverse or move the selector lever into the R position with the ignition key in position 2.

Let this short period elapse before driving backwards.<

PDC is deactivated when you shift back out of Reverse.

You can have a signal set to con- firm that the PDC has been acti-

vated. The signal then sounds when you shift into Reverse or move the selector lever into the R position.<

Acoustic signals The distance to the nearest object is indicated by a tone sounding at various intervals. As the distance between vehi- cle and object decreases, the intervals between the tones become shorter. A continuous tone indicates the pres- ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm away.

The warning signal is canceled after approx. three seconds if the distance to the object remains constant during this time if you are moving parallel to a wall, for instance.

System malfunctions will be indicated by a continuous high-pitched tone when the system is activated the first time. Please have your BMW center resolve the problem.

PDC does not remove the driver's personal responsibility for evaluat-

ing the distance between the vehicle and any objects. Even when sensors are involved, there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be detected. This applies especially in those cases where the system approaches the physical limits of ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with tow bars and trailer cou- plings, and in the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped objects. Moreover, low objects that have already been detected such as a curb edge can disappear out of the detection range of the sensors before a continuous tone sounds. Loud sources of sound from outside or inside the vehicle could drown out the PDC signal tone.<

Keep the sensors clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure

that they will continue to operate effec- tively. Do not apply high pressure spray to the sensors for a prolonged period of time. Always maintain a distance of more than 4 in/10 cm.<

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86 Dynamic Stability Control DSC

The concept DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in critical driving situations.

The system optimizes vehicle stability during acceleration and when starting from a full stop, as well as optimizing traction. In addition, it recognizes unstable vehicle conditions, such as understeering or oversteering, and, within physically feasible limits, helps keeping the vehicle on a steady course by reducing the engine speed and brake applications to the individual wheels.

The system starts up automatically each time you start the engine.

The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC. The

results of driving irresponsibly rest with the driver. We therefore urge you to avoid using the additional safety margin of the system as an excuse for taking risks. Do not make any modifications to the DSC system. Allow only authorized technicians to perform service proce- dures on the DSC. At first, you may need some time to become accustomed to this system's intervention. However, it guarantees optimum drive force and at the same time, the best possible vehicle stabil- ity.<

Indicator lamp The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster will go out shortly after the ignition has been

switched on, refer to page 19.

> Indicator lamp flashes: the system is active and is controlling the drive torque based on driving conditions

> If the indicator lamp fails to go out after the engine has been started, or if it comes on during normal driving and stays on: the system has been

deactivated via the button or is defective. Please consult your BMW center for repairs.

You can continue to drive the vehicle normally without DSC.

87

To deactivate the system Press the button; the indicator lamp comes on and stays on.

The vehicle does not execute the stabil- ity-enhancement and traction-control functions when DSC is deactivated.

We recommend that you deactivate the system for increased traction:

>When rocking the vehicle or starting off in deep snow or on loose surfaces

>When driving with snow chains >When driving on snow-covered

grades, in deep snow, or on a snow- covered surface that has been packed down from being driven on.

To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with the system

switched on whenever possible.<

To reactivate the system Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes out.

Flat Tire Monitor

The concept As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of pressure levels in all four tires. The system alerts you whenever the inflation pressure of a tire falls sig- nificantly below the pressure of another tire.

Controlling the tire pressure is based on monitoring the rpm that the tires have relative to each other. A flat tire is detected and reported because the rpm suddenly deviate drastically from one another.

Functional requirements In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn the correct tire inflation pressure, please do the following:

1. Check the tire inflation pressures in all tires

2. Compare them with the tire inflation pressure table on page 25 and cor- rect them, if necessary

3. Initialize the system.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC

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System limitations The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro- vide you with advance warning of

sudden and severe tire damage caused by external factors and does not detect the balanced and very gradual pressure loss that takes place in all four tires over an extended period of time.<

On the other hand, the following situa- tions can lead to a delayed detection of pressure loss and even to the system not functioning:

>Driving on snow-covered or slippery roads

>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the drive wheels, high levels of lateral acceleration

>When driving with snow chains, false warnings and undetected pressure losses may occur.

Initializing the system Each time you correct the pres- sure in a tire, or change a wheel or

tire, reinitialize the system immediately afterwards. This requires a bit of driv- ing.<

1. Before driving off, start the engine but do not start driving

2. Press the button as long as you need to until the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a few seconds

3. Drive off.

It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue a warning.

When driving with snow chains, do not initialize the system.<

Flat Tire Monitor

89

To activate/deactivate the system The system is automatically activated in ignition key position 2 and conse- quently is on whenever the vehicle is operated.

To deactivate the system: tap the but- ton; the indicator lamp will light up yel- low.

To activate the system: tap the button again; the indicator lamp goes out.

Deactivate the system when snow chains are mounted, since false warn- ings and undetected losses in pressure are possible under these kinds of con- ditions.

Flat tire The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster lights up red. In addition, an acoustic signal is

sounded.

1. Carefully reduce speed and come to a stop. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers

2. Determine which wheel is damaged

If this cannot be determined, con- tact your BMW center.<

3. Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility system, refer to page 140.

After replacing the damaged tire, initial- ize the system.

System malfunction The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster lights up yellow. The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-

tioning or out of order. Please contact your BMW center.

Flat Tire Monitor

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90 M Engine dynamics control

The system Sport mode will cause the engine to respond more spontane- ously to any motion of the accelerator pedal.

Activating/deactivating Sport mode Activating: with the ignition key in posi- tion 2, press the SPORT button. The indicator lamp will come on.

When the system is activated, the vehicle may gain speed without

any additional pressure on the acceler- ator pedal.<

Deactivating: press the SPORT button again; the indicator lamp will go out.

The Sport mode is deactivated every time the engine is started.

Brake force display

The brake force display indicates to the driver of the vehicle behind you how hard you are braking your vehicle.

The display has two levels:

>Normal braking: the brake lamps among the rear lamps and the center brake lamp light up

>Hard braking or use of ABS: the tail lamps light up with the same bright- ness as the brake lamps and thereby intensify the visual effect of the brake lamps.

91

Lamps

Parking lamps/Low beams

Parking lamps The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use this to signal the position of

the vehicle when it is parked. For light- ing on one side for parking as an addi- tional feature, refer to page 92.

Low beams When you switch the ignition off with the low-beam headlamps on, only the parking lamps will

remain on.

Follow me home lamps When you activate the headlamp flasher after parking the vehicle and switching off the lights, the low beams will come on for a brief period.

You can also have this function deactivated.<

LIGHTS ON warning Whenever you open the driver's door after having turned the ignition key to position 0, you will hear an acoustic signal for a few seconds to remind you that the lamps have not been switched off.

Daytime driving lamps* If you desire, the light switch can be left in the low-beam position: when the ignition is switched off, the external lighting is also switched off.

Observe the legal regulations regarding the use of daytime driving lamps.

When required, switch on the parking lamps as usual as described under Parking lamps.

You can have the activation set- tings for the daytime driving lamps

programmed on your vehicle.<

Automatic headlamp control* When the switch is in this posi- tion, the system automatically responds to changes in ambient

light in tunnels, at dusk, etc. and to rain and snow by switching the low beams on or off.

The vehicle's external lamps remain on constantly when you

switch on the front fog lamps after the headlamps have come on automati- cally.<

Automatic headlamp control can- not serve as a substitute for your

personal judgement in determining when the lamps should be switched on. For example, the sensors are not able to detect fog. In such situations switch on the lamp manually, as otherwise a safety hazard will result.<

You can have the sensitivity of your vehicle's automatic head-

lamp control adjusted.<

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92 Instrument lighting

Turn the rotary dial to control the light- ing when the parking or low beam lamps are on.

High beams/Standing lamps

1 High beams blue indicator lamp

2 Headlamp flasher blue indicator lamp

3 Standing lamps

Standing lamps, left or right As an additional feature, you can illumi- nate your vehicle on either side for parking, if you wish to do so:

With the ignition key in position 0, push the lever in the appropriate direction. The lever engages in the turn signal position.

93Fog lamps

Front fog lamps The green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up to indicate that the front fog lamps

are on.

If the automatic headlamp control is on, the low beams will come on

automatically whenever you activate the front fog lamps.<

Interior lamps

The interior lamps operate automati- cally.

To switch the interior lamps on and off manually Press the button briefly.

If you want the interior lamps to remain off all the time, press and hold the but- ton for approx. three seconds.

Press the button briefly to revert to nor- mal operation.

Reading lamps

Front reading lamps Switch on and off with the button adja- cent to each lamp.

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Rear reading lamps With the hardtop reading lamps are also located in the rear, refer to page 115. Switch on and off with the button adja- cent to each lamp.

In order to prevent battery dis- charge, all of the lamps in the

vehicle are automatically switched off approx. 15 minutes after you turn the ignition key to position 0.<

Light-emitting diodes Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed behind translucent lenses serve as the light sources for many of the controls and displays in your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes are related to con- ventional lasers, and legislation defines them as light-emitting diodes, Class 1.

Do not remove the protective lens and avoid staring directly at the

unfiltered beam for several hours, as inflammation of the retina could result.<

Reading lamps

95

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96

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving

Automatic climate control

97

1 Air onto the windshield and the side windows

2 Air for the upper body area 99

3 Air to the footwell

4 Interior temperature sensor please keep clear and unobstructed

5 Outside air/Automatic recirculated- air control (AUC)/Recirculated air 99

6 Automatic air distribution and supply 98

7 Individual air distribution 98

8 Temperature 98

9 Display for temperature and air supply 98

10 Air supply/Blower 98

11 To defrost windows and remove condensation 98

12 Air conditioning 98

13 Rear window defroster 99

Automatic climate control

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Tips for pleasant driving Use the automatic mode switch on with AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior temperature.

Detailed setting options are described for you in the following sections.

You can make the settings of your vehicle in such a manner that,

when you unlock the vehicle with the remote control of your personal key, your own personalized setting for the automatic climate control is initiated.<

Automatic air distribution and supply

The AUTO program adjusts the air distribution and the air sup-

ply for you and in addition adapts the temperature to external influences summer, winter to meet preferences you can specify.

Individual air distribution You can cancel the AUTO pro- gram by selecting specific dis- tribution patterns to suit your own individual requirements.

While the AUTO program is then deacti- vated, the automatic airflow control remains in operation. Air flows onto

the windows , toward the upper body , and into the footwell . You can reactivate the automatic air supply by pressing the AUTO button.

Temperature The interior temperature that appears in the display panel is a general figure intended for refer-

ence purposes. We recommend 727/+226 as a comfortable setting, even if the air conditioning is on. When you start the vehicle, the system ensures that the selected temperature is reached as quickly as possible. It then maintains this temperature, regardless of the season.

To select the units of measure 6/7 of the display, refer to page 83.

Air supply/Blower By pressing the upper or lower button, you can vary the air sup- ply. This deactivates the auto-

matic air supply the AUTO display dis- appears from the panel. Nevertheless, the automatic air distribution remains unchanged. You can reactivate the automatic air supply by pressing the AUTO button.

When the lowest blower speed is set and you press the lower button, all of the displays are canceled: the blower, heating and air conditioner are switched off, and the air supply is stopped. You can reactivate the system by pressing any button for the auto- matic climate control.

To defrost windows and remove condensation

This program quickly removes ice and condensation from the

windshield and the side windows.

Air conditioning The air is cooled and dehumidi- fied and depending on the

temperature setting rewarmed.

Depending on the weather, the wind- shield may fog over briefly when the engine is started. Air conditioning helps prevent the windows from fogging up.

Condensation forms during opera- tion of the air conditioning system,

which then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this kind are thus normal.<

Automatic climate control

99

Outside air/Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC)/ Recirculated air

You can respond to unpleasant external odors or pollutants by

temporarily stopping the flow of outside air. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.

By repeatedly pressing the button, you can select one of three different operat- ing modes.

> Indicator lamps off: outside air always flowing into the vehicle

>Left-hand indicator lamp on auto- matic mode: the system detects pol- lutants in the outside air and responds by deactivating the outside airflow as required. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle. Depending on air quality require- ments, the system automatically switches between outside air supply and recirculation of the air already within the vehicle

>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the flow of outside air is permanently blocked. The system recirculates the air already within the vehicle.

If the windows fog over in the recirculated-air mode, switch the

recirculated-air mode off and increase the air supply as required.<

Rear window defroster With the convertible top closed or with the hardtop* mounted,

press the button. The indicator lamp remains on. The rear window defroster switches off automatically.

You can have your vehicle pro- grammed in such a way that the

rear window defroster switches on automatically. This occurs within 5 min- utes after starting the engine when out- side temperatures are below approx. 397/+46.<

Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the blower controls for the upper body area to obtain the opti- mum airflow rates and directions for your personal requirements:

1 Rotary dials for opening and closing the vents at any setting desired

2 Lever for adjusting airflow direction

3 With the rotary dial you can adjust the temperature of the outgoing air: >Turn toward blue colder >Turn toward red warmer

Automatic climate control

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100

Microfilter, activated-charcoal filter The built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter provides addi- tional protection by filtering gaseous pollutants from the outside air. Your BMW center will replace the combined filter as a standard part of your sched- uled maintenance. A substantial reduc- tion in airflow indicates that the filter needs to be replaced early.

Automatic climate control

101

Interior conveniences

Glove compartment

To open Pull the handle. The glove compartment will light up.

To close Fold up cover.

To prevent injury in the event of an accident, close the glove com-

partment immediately after use.<

To lock Lock with one of the master keys. A master key can also be used for unlock- ing.

If for example for valet parking you turn over only your spare key,

refer to page 30, then access to the glove compartment and luggage com- partment is not possible.<

Storage compartments

Front center armrest* To open: press the button and fold up.

Additional compartments and nets You will find additional storage areas in the doors and in the center console above the ashtray. Storage nets are located on the backrests of the front seats.

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102

Beverage holders, coin box A coin box and two beverage holders are provided in the center console.

Storage package* The following are available for your convenience:

>Two flip-out power sockets on the rear center console

>An eyeglasses storage compart- ment*, not shown, in the center con- sole.

Cellular phone*

Hands-free system In vehicles equipped with telephone preparation* or with the communica- tions package*, the cover for the hands-free microphone is located above the interior rearview mirror on the driver side.

For further information on using your cellular phone, refer to the separate Owner's Manual for the telephone.

Storage compartments

103Ashtray, front*

To empty Press on the edge of the open cover. you can now pull the ashtray upward for removal.

Extinguishing cigarettes Tap off the ash and gently press the tip into the funnel.

Cigarette lighter Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding

or touching it in other areas could result in burns. The cigarette lighter remains opera- tional when the ignition key has been removed. For this reason, children should never be left in the vehicle unat- tended.<

Press lighter 1 in. As soon as the lighter jumps back out, it can be removed.

Cigarette lighter socket It can be used for attaching power sup- plies for flashlights, car vacuum clean- ers and other similar appliances up to a rating of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. Avoid damaging the socket due to inserting plugs of different shapes or sizes.

Ashtray, rear*

To empty Press on the edge of the open cover in the opening direction: you can now pull the ashtray upward for removal.

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104

Loading and transporting

Ski bag*

The ski bag allows the safe and clean transport of up to 3 pairs of standard skis or up to two snowboards.

The length of the ski bag and the addi- tional space provided in the luggage compartment make it possible to carry skis up to 6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m long. Because of the tapered shape of the bag, only two pairs of skis longer than 6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m can be carried.

Loading 1. Release the safety belts from their

holders 2. Press lever downward and remove

the center piece by pulling it forward 3. Extend the ski bag between the front

seats. The zipper provides conve- nient access to stored items. It may be opened to allow the ski bag to dry

4. Press the button in the luggage com- partment

105

5. Secure the cover panel with the magnetic retainer on the rear wall and pull out the ski bag.

Securing cargo Secure skis and any other objects stored in the bag by tightening the

retaining strap at the buckle.<

Please be sure that the skis are clean before loading them into the

bag. Be careful to avoid damage from sharp edges.<

Storing the ski bag To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in reverse sequence.

When reattaching the center piece, guide both bars into the

guide and press the center piece back into place. Secure the safety belts in their holders again.<

Ski bag*

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106 Cargo loading

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires

is not exceeded. Overloading can lead to overheating and internal tire damage. This can result in a sudden loss of tire inflation pressure.<

Determining the maximum load 1. Locate the following statement on

your vehicle's placard*:

The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never

exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs., as this could otherwise result in damage to the vehicle or unstable driving conditions.<

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY pounds

4. The resulting figure equals the avail- able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehi- cle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.: 1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be trans- fered to your vehicle. Consult the manual for transporting a trailer to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

107

Stowing cargo >Load heavy cargo as far forward as

possible directly behind the lug- gage compartment partition and as low as possible

>Cover sharp edges and corners.

You can enlarge the luggage com- partment when the convertible top

is closed, refer to page 37. To do this you have to fold the convertible top compartment panel up. We recommend that you always fold the convertible top compartment panel down as soon as you have removed your cargo from the luggage compart- ment. This way, you can be sure that you can always operate you convertible top at any time. At the same time, when the top is raised you should fold the convertible top compartment panel back up before stowing large objects in the luggage compartment; this precaution will help reduce the likelihood of damage to either the convertible top compartment or your luggage.<

Securing the cargo in the luggage compartment >For small, light items, use the rubber-

lined, non-skid side of the floor mat or secure using the luggage compart- ment net* or elastic straps, refer to page 37

>For large, heavy pieces, see your BMW center for load-securing devices*. Lashing fittings located in the luggage compartment can be used for fastening the load-securing devices.

Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.

Cargo loading

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108

Always position and secure the load correctly. If you do not, it can

endanger the passengers during brak- ing or evasive maneuvers. Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle weight or the approved axle loads, refer to page 156, otherwise the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and the vehicle will not be in compliance with the certification regu- lations. Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment without first securing them. Otherwise they would be thrown around during braking and evasive maneuvers and endanger the occupants.<

Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop*

A special roof-rack system is available as an optional extra for your BMW. Please observe the precautions included with the installation instruc- tions.

Anchorages Access to the mounting points:

To fold up the covers, please use the tool provided with the roof-rack system.

Loading and driving notes Because roof racks raise the center of gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they exercise a major effect on its handling and steering response.

When loading, be sure to remember not to exceed the approved roof weight or the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads. You will find the specifi- cations under Technical data on page 156.

Make sure that the load is not too bulky, and attempt to distribute it evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces first so that they are at the bottom. Make sure that no objects get in the way when the luggage compartment lid is opening or closing.

Secure the roof-mounted luggage cor- rectly and safely to prevent it from shift- ing or being lost during driving.

Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Do not corner at high speeds.

Cargo loading

109

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110

111

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Technical data

Index

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112

Special operating instructions

Break-in procedures

To ensure that your vehicle continues to provide maximum economy throughout an extended service life, we request that you devote careful attention to the following instructions.

Because of its engineering design, the BMW M3 Convertible is an

especially high-quality vehicle. It is in your best interest to follow the break-in tips very closely. Doing this, you will create the basis for a long, optimum service life.<

Engine and differential >The first 1,250 miles/2,000 km: drive

at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed the following engine or road speeds: 5,500 rpm or 105 mph / 170 km/h.

Always obey all official speed limits.

Do not depress the accelerator pedal to the full-throttle position.

Vehicles with SMG Drivelogic, refer to page 70: refrain from using driving pro- gram 6 in the sequential mode during the break-in period.

>Following the break-in inspection at 1,250 miles/2,000 km, you can grad- ually increase engine or road speeds.

Please remember to observe the same break-in procedures if either the engine or the differential should have to be replaced later in the course of the vehi- cle's service life.

Tires Owing to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction potential until an initial break-in period has elapsed. We thus ask you to drive with extra care during the first 200 miles/300 km.

Always obey all official speed limits.

When the vehicle is operated on wet or slushy roads, a wedge of

water may form between the tire and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning, and can lead to partial or complete loss of trac- tion, vehicle control and braking effec- tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet roads.<

Brake system Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse before the brake pads and rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns required for trouble-free operation and an extended service life later on.

To break in the separate parking brake drums, apply the parking brake lightly when coasting to a standstill at a traf- fic signal, for instance; use caution to avoid posing a danger to other road users.

You can prevent corrosion in the drums by periodically repeating this proce- dure.

The brake lamps do not come on when the parking brake is set.

Vacuum for the brake system servo unit on your BMW is available only when the engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off when tow- ing, for example substantially higher levels of pedal force will be required to brake the vehicle.<

113

Clutch The clutch will also begin to function optimally after about 300 miles/500 km. Drive cautiously during this break-in period and do not press the clutch or shift at high engine speeds.

General driving notes

Brakes: do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. Even

light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure. Hydroplaning: when driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a wedge of water may form between the tires and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning, and can lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle con- trol and braking effectiveness. Driving through water: do not drive through water on the road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk- ing speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged.<

Portable phone in the vehicle BMW recommends using mobile com- munications devices, e.g. portable phones, inside the vehicle with a suit- able outside antenna. Otherwise, it can- not be ruled out that the vehicle elec- tronics and portable phone may interfere with each other.

Break-in procedures

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114 Antilock Brake System (ABS)

The concept ABS keeps the wheels from locking during braking, thereby enhancing active driving safety.

Braking with ABS If you are in a situation that requires full braking, you will exploit the full benefits of ABS system if you apply maximum pedal pressure panic stop. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsive- ness, you can avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort, despite the full brake application.

Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to the driver that ABS is in its active mode.

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) DBC is included in the DSC, refer to page 86.

If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys- tem automatically generates maximum braking force boost and thus helps to achieve the shortest possible braking distance in panic braking situations. All of the benefits of the ABS are exploited under these circumstances.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal for the duration of the brake application. When the brake pedal is released, the DBC is deacti- vated.

Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering devel- opment of ABS. When braking during cornering with high lateral accelera- tion, or when braking during a lane change, vehicle stability is improved and the steering response is enhanced.

Brake system

Brake fluid level Low brake fluid level in the reservoir combined with longer than usual pedal travel may indicate a defect in one of the brake system's hydraulic circuits.

Proceed to the nearest autho- rized BMW center. Higher brake

application pressure may be necessary when stopping, and the vehicle may exhibit a slight tendency to pull to one side. Brake distances may even be longer. Please remember to adapt your driving style accordingly.<

Disc brakes Limited vehicle use, extended periods with the vehicle parked or in storage, and operating conditions in which brak- ing is restricted to gentle, low-pressure applications will all increase the ten- dency for corrosion to form on the rotors; this is often accompanied by a simultaneous accumulation of contami- nation on the brake pads. The pads must exert a certain minimal level of pressure against the rotors for the disc brakes' inherent self-cleaning effect to remain effective.

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If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to respond to braking with a pulsating effect that even extended brake applications will fail to cure.

When driving in heavy rain and on wet roads it is useful to apply light pressure to the brake pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not pose a hazard to you or to other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that your brake system will respond with undi- minished efficiency when you need it.

Extended or steep mountain descents should be driven in the gear in which only minimal periodic brake applica- tions are required. By minimizing the loads placed on the brake system, this strategy helps ensure that optimal brake system response will remain available at all times. Stay within the allowable rpm range. For additional information, refer to page 79.

Do not coast with the clutch depressed or with the gearshift

lever in idle. Do not coast with the engine switched off. If you do so the engine provides no braking effect and there is no power assist for braking or steering when the engine is not run- ning.<

Brake pads For your own safety: use only brake pads that BMW has

released for your particular vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non- approved brake pads to determine if they are suitable for use, and therefore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they are installed.<

Hardtop*

It is not necessary to remove the fabric top even in the winter, when the hard- top is generally in constant use. But you can also remove it easily at any time. Before the fabric top is stored in the convertible top compartment, it must be absolutely dry in order to avoid water spots and mildew from forming.

The hardtop offers reading lamps and clothes hooks that can be used just by pressing. It is also possible to mount a luggage rack on the roof. Please con- sult your BMW center.

When hanging clothing from the hooks, be sure that they will not

obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so, they could cause personal injury during braking or evasive maneuvers.<

Two people are required for installation or removal. Work with extreme caution in order to avoid paint damage and damage to the body or hardtop.

To facilitate hardtop installation or removal, you can obtain a specially designed hardtop lift* or hardtop rack* at your BMW center.

Brake system

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Storage Storing the hardtop on the floor: slide the styrofoam block that

came with the hardtop onto its center. The arrow on top of the styrofoam block has to be pointing upward when you are doing this.<

Installation 1. Lower the side windows com-

pletely and flip the sun blinds down. If necessary, remove the antenna rod to avoid any damage

2. Open the convertible top compart- ment lid slightly by pressing the button for the convertible top oper- ation, refer to page 40

3. Remove the trim pieces on both sides by pulling them off toward the back and reclose the convert- ible top compartment lid

4. Open the two front locking levers on the hardtop. Press on the but- tons to do so. The levers will release slightly. Open the levers as far as possible

Hardtop*

117

5. Before installing, first flip the cover panels that are located underneath the left and right interior lamps down. To do this, press on the slight bump on the cover panel. There is a holder in the cover panel to securely store the trim pieces that have been removed see arrow 1

6. Open the red release levers as far as the stop will allow see arrow 2

7. Position the hardtop onto the sup- ports with the help of a second person. Be sure to put the mount- ings exactly into the proper brack- ets

Lift the hardtop carefully. Be extremely careful not to shift the

seals. Seals that have been shifted out of place or actually pulled out cause leaks.<

8. In the back, close the red locking levers by turning to the inside as far as the stop located behind the trim will allow. Flip the cover panels back into place

9. To lock the hardtop in the front, keep pressing on the front locking levers until you hear them engage

10. Check the rubber weather-strip- ping between the windshield frame and the hardtop on both the left and right sides. If it is folded or bent out of place, you should smooth it back into position by hand to ensure secure and reliable sealing.

Removal Follow the same procedure as when installing, just reverse the steps.

Hardtop*

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118

Wheels and tires

Tire inflation pressure

Information for your safety The factory-approved tires are matched to your vehicle and have been selected to provide optimum safety and driving comfort when used properly.

It is not merely the tire's service life, but also driving comfort and above all else driving safety that depend on the con- dition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pressure.

Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a frequent cause of tire damage. It

also significantly influences the road- holding ability of your BMW. Check tire inflation pressures on a regular basis, refer to page 25, at least every two weeks and before beginning a longer trip. If this is not done, incorrect tire pressures can cause driving instability and tire damage, ultimately resulting in accidents.<

Tire condition

Tire tread tire damage Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.

Tread depth should not be allowed to go below 1/8 in / 3 mm, even though the legally specified minimum tread depth is only 1/16 in / 1.6 mm.

Below 1/8 in / 3 mm tread depth, there is a great risk of hydroplaning, even at relatively moderate speeds and with only small amounts of water on the road. Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove base see arrow are distributed around the wheel circumfer- ence and are labeled on the tire side-

wall with TWI Tread Wear Indicator. At a tread depth of 1/16 in / 1.6 mm, the indicators signal that the legally permis- sible wear limit has been reached.

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Do not drive on a deflated flat tire. A flat tire greatly impairs

steering and braking response, and can lead to complete loss of control over the vehicle. Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading can lead to overheating and internal tire damage. This can result in a sudden loss of tire inflation pressure. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This type of problem can be caused by contact with curbs, etc. This is also true for irregularities in the vehicle's han- dling characteristics, such as a pro- nounced tendency to pull to the left or right. Should this occur, respond by immediately reducing your speed. Pro- ceed carefully to the nearest BMW cen- ter or professional tire center, or have the vehicle towed in to have it, its wheels or its tires inspected. Tire damage, up to and including blow- outs, can endanger the lives of both the vehicle occupants and other road users.<

Tire replacement

To maintain good handling characteris- tics, only use a full set of tires of the same brand and tread configuration.

Comply with the specified tire inflation pressures, and be sure to have the wheel and tire assembly balanced every time you change a tire or wheel.

DOT quality grades >Treadwear

>Traction AA A B C

>Temperature A B C

All passenger car tires must con- form to Federal Safety Require-

ments in addition to these grades.<

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled condi- tions on a specified government test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half 1 1/2 times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may

depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road char- acteristics and climate.

Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on speci- fied government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-

ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac- teristics.<

Temperature The temperature grades are A the highest B and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled condi- tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Tire condition

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Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive tem- perature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is

properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.<

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:

Treadwear 200 Traction AA

Temperature A

Tire age The date on which the tire was manu- factured is indicated by the code on the sidewall:

DOT ... 3603 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 36 of the year 2003.

BMW recommends the replacement of all tires when the tires are no more than 6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years is possible.

Following wheel/tire changes Comply with the specified tire inflation pressures, and be sure to have the wheel and tire assembly balanced every time you change a tire or wheel.

Following wheel and/or tire changes you will need to reinitialize both the sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic and the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to pages 74, 88.

Tire replacement

121Wheel and tire combinations

The right choice BMW recommends using only wheels and tires that have been

approved by BMW for your particular vehicle model, as otherwise body con- tact and serious accidents can result despite the use of the same nominal size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler- ances. If non-approved wheels and tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and therefore cannot be held liable for driving safety.<

BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information. Observe any country-specific regulations, e.g. on making a corresponding entry in the vehicle documents.

The correct wheel and tire combi- nation affects different systems

such as ABS, DSC, Flat Tire Monitor. The function of these systems is impaired if improper wheel and tire combinations are used. Therefore, only use tires of the same brand and same tread configuration on the vehicle and, for example following a tire failure, restore the approved wheel and tire combination as soon as possi- ble.<

The use of rims and lug bolts that do not meet the specifications of

the original factory-installed equipment will affect the safe operation of your vehicle and may cause an accident and personal injury. Never mix tires of different design, such as steel-belted radials with radial bias- belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire types will adversely affect roadholding and can lead to loss of vehicle con- trol.<

Storage Always store tires in a cool, dry place. Store them away from light whenever possible. Protect the tires against con- tact with oil, grease and fuel.

Do not exceed the maximum tire infla- tion pressures specified on the tire sidewall.

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122 Winter tires

Choosing the right tire BMW recommends the use of winter tires for operation under winter road conditions. While all-season tires with M+S designation provide better winter traction than the corresponding sum- mer tires, they generally do not achieve the performance of winter tires.

In the interest of safe tracking and steering response, install radial tires made by the same manufacturer and with the same tread configuration on all four wheels if you elect to mount winter tires.

When mounting winter wheels, observe the different recesses of

the front and rear wheels, as otherwise damage may result.<

Do not exceed specified maximum speeds

Never exceed the maximum speed for which the winter tires

are rated. Unprofessional attempts by laymen to service tires can lead to damage and accidents. Have this work performed by skilled professionals only. Your BMW center will be glad to assist you with both their expertise and the proper equipment for your vehicle.<

Tire condition, tire pressure At tread depths below approx. 3/16 in / 4 mm, tire performance under winter driving conditions deteriorates notice- ably. Worn tires should therefore be replaced for safety considerations.

Comply with the specified tire inflation pressures, and be sure to have the wheel and tire assembly balanced every time you change a tire or wheel.

Snow chains*

Only certain snow chains have been tested by BMW and determined and approved as roadworthy. Consult your BMW center for more information. BMW recommends using only these approved fine-link snow chains. Use them in pairs on winter tires, but only on both rear wheels.

Comply with all manufacturer's safety precautions when mounting the chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h with snow chains.

After mounting or removing snow chains, always reinitialize the sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic, refer to page 88.

It is not possible to mount snow chains on tires with 18- and 19-

inch wheels. Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when using snow chains. Malfunction warn- ings and undetected losses in pressure are a possibility when driving with snow chains. For additional information, refer to page 87.<

123

In the engine compartment

Hood

To release Pull the lever located under the left- hand side of the instrument panel.

Do not attempt to service your vehicle if you do not have the

required technical background. Failure to work in an informed, professional manner when servicing components and materials constitutes a safety haz- ard for vehicle occupants and other road users. If you are not familiar with the guidelines, BMW recommends that you have the operations performed by your BMW center.<

To open Pull the release handle and open the hood.

It is not possible to drive off using SMG Drivelogic when the hood is

open.<

To close Pull the hood downwards and allow the hood to fall from a minimum height of 1 ft/30 cm so that it audibly engages. Check for proper locking by pulling on the hood at the left and right above the headlamps.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the travel path of the hood is clear

when it is closed, following the same safety precautions used in all closing procedures. If you notice while driving that the hood is not completely closed, stop immedi- ately and close it securely.<

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124 Engine compartment essentials

125

1 Filler neck for windshield and head- lamp washer cleaning system 126

2 Coolant expansion tank 128

3 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting positive terminal 147

4 Engine oil filler neck 127

5 Expansion tank for SMG Drivelogic hydraulic unit checking and possi- ble refilling by your BMW center 70

6 Engine oil dipstick 126

7 Filler neck for brake fluid 129

Engine compartment essentials

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126 Washer fluids

Headlamp* and windshield washer system Capacity approx. 5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.

Fill with water and, if required, with a washer antifreeze additive according to manufacturer's recommendations.

We recommend that you mix the washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

Antifreeze agents for the washer fluid are highly flammable. For this

reason, keep them away from sources of flame and store them only in their closed original containers, inaccessible to children. Comply with the instruc- tions on the containers.<

Engine oil

Checking the oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface 2. Switch the engine off after it has

reached normal operating tempera- ture

3. After approx. 1 minute, pull the dip- stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar material

4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into the guide tube and pull it out again

5. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption is directly influenced by your driving style and vehicle operating conditions.

The oil volume between the two marks on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.

127

Adding engine oil Only add engine oil when the oil level has dropped to just above the lower mark on the dipstick.

Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the engine.

Before checking the engine oil level after topping up, restart the engine and allow it to run to obtain a correct dis- play. Then proceed as described under Checking the oil level.

BMW engines are designed to operate without oil additives; the

use of additives could lead to damage in some cases. This also applies to the manual transmission, the differential, and the power steering system.<

Recommendation: have the oil changed by your BMW center.

Continuous exposure to used oil has caused cancer in laboratory

testing. For this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of skin that come into contact with oil using soap and water. Store oils, grease and similar materials so that they are inaccessible to chil- dren. Comply with warning labels and information on containers.<

Comply with the applicable envi- ronmental laws regulating the dis-

posal of used oil.<

Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil is extremely important for the function and life of an engine. Based on exten- sive testing, BMW has approved only certain grades of engine oil.

Use only oils approved for your vehicle model.

Ask your BMW center for details concerning oils that have been

approved. You can also call BMW of North America toll-free at 1-800-831- 1117 or visit this website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this infor- mation.<

Alternative oil types If a High Performance Synthetic Oil approved by BMW should be unavail- able, you may use small volumes of other synthetic oils for topping up between oil changes. The following data must appear on the packaging:

>Viscosity preferred: SAE 10W-60 alternative: SAE 5W-40 or SAE 10W-40

>Specifications preferred: API SJ/CF alternative: API SJ also SK, SL, S etc.

Low ambient temperatures The oils used by BMW at the factory for your vehicle model can be used at virtu- ally any ambient temperature.

Engine oil

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However, if the vehicle is exposed to temperatures below 47/206 for extended periods, please have your BMW center recommend a suitable oil.

Coolant

Do not add coolant to the cooling system when the engine is hot. If

you attempt to do so, escaping coolant can cause burns. Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are hazardous to health. You should always store them in their closed origi- nal containers and in a location inac- cessible to children. Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are inflammable. For this reason, do not spill them on hot engine parts. They could ignite and cause burns. Comply with the instruc- tions on the containers.<

Comply with the applicable envi- ronmental laws regulating the dis-

posal of antifreeze agents with corro- sion inhibitor.<

Checking coolant level and adding coolant Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.

1. Open the cap for the expansion tank by turning it slightly counterclock- wise to allow accumulated pressure to escape. Then open

2. The coolant level is correct when the upper end of the red float is at least even with the upper edge of the filler neck refer to the arrow in the illus- tration but no more than 3/4 in / 2 cm above it that is, up to the sec- ond mark on the float. Refer also to the schematic diagram next to the filler neck

Engine oil

129

3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool- ant is low, slowly add coolant until the correct level is reached do not overfill.

Brake fluid

Indicator lamp The brake warning lamp comes on when the parking brake is not engaged: brake fluid level

too low, refer to page 18.

Brake warning lamp for Cana- dian models.

Adding brake fluid For adding brake fluid or for determin- ing and correcting the cause of brake fluid loss, consult your BMW center. Your BMW center is familiar with the specifications for factory-approved brake fluids DOT 4.

Due to loss in brake fluid, pedal travel can lengthen and braking efficiency may be reduced. Refer to the informa- tion on page 114.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture from the air

over time. In order to ensure the safety and reli- ability of the brake system, have the brake fluid changed every two years by a BMW center. Refer also to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. Brake fluid is toxic and damages the vehicle's paint. You should always store it in its closed original container and in a location inaccessible to children. Do not spill the brake fluid and do not fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon contact with hot engine parts and cause serious burns.<

Comply with the applicable envi- ronmental laws regulating

the disposal of brake fluid.<

Coolant

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Maintenance

The BMW Maintenance System

The BMW Maintenance System has been designed as a reliable means of providing maximum driving and operat- ing safety and as cost-effectively for you as possible. Please keep in mind that regular maintenance is not only necessary for the safety of your vehicle, but also plays a significant role in main- taining the resale value of the vehicle.

Service interval display While conventional systems rely on dis- tance traveled alone to determine when service is due, the BMW Maintenance System has for years taken the actual

conditions under which the vehicle operates into consideration, because miles can be traveled in many different ways:

For example, 62,000 miles/100,000 km short-distance driving are not equal to the same 62,000 miles/100,000 km of long-distance travel.

The BMW Maintenance System includes the Engine Oil Service and Inspections I and II.

Have a break-in inspection per- formed at 1,250 miles/2,000 km

regardless of the service interval indi- cated on the display.<

Determining the maintenance intervals according to the actual loads on the vehicle covers every kind of operating situation. Minimal-use drivers those who drive significantly fewer than 6,200 miles/10,000 km annually should have the engine oil changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio- rates over time, regardless of use.

Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models/Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models For additional information on required maintenance intervals and procedures, please refer to the Service and War- ranty Information Booklet for US mod- els, or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

As a precaution against corrosion, it is advisable to have the body checked for damage from rocks or gravel at the same time, depending upon operating conditions.

Have your BMW center perform maintenance and repair.

Be sure that all maintenance work is recorded in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models, or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These entries are your verification for the reg- ular maintenance of your vehicle and are required for the performance of warranty repairs.<

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Care You can find everything you need to know on this topic by consulting the separate Caring for your vehicle bro- chure.

The BMW Maintenance System

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Laws and regulations

California Proposition 65 warning

California laws require us to state the following warning:

Engine exhaust and a wide variety of automobile components and

parts, including components found in the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con- tain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of com- ponent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com- pounds. Wash your hands after hand- ling. Used engine oil contains chemicals that have caused cancer in laboratory ani- mals. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.<

OBD interface socket

The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter- face socket is located on the left of the driver's side at the bottom of the instru- ment panel and under a cover. The cover has the letters OBD on it.

The purpose of the OBD system is to assure proper emission-control system operation for the vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emission-related compo- nents and systems for deterioration and malfunction.

An illuminated indicator informs you of the need for service, not that you need to stop the vehi-

cle. However, the systems should be checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity.

133

If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed and contact your near- est BMW center immediately. Severe engine misfiring for even a short period of time can seriously damage emission- control system components, especially the catalytic converter.

Service Engine Soon warning lamp for Canadian models.

If the gas cap is not on tight enough, the OBD system can

detect leaking vapor and the indicator will light up. If the gas cap is then tight- ened, the indicator will usually go out after a short period of time.<

OBD interface socket

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135

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Technical data

Index

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Replacement procedures

Onboard tool kit

The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage compartment lid.

To open, loosen the wing nut. For stor- age place of towing eyelet, refer to page 148.

Windshield wiper blades

1. Switch off the engine 2. Fold the wiper arm completely out

from the windshield 3. Position the wiper blade at an angle

and pull the release spring see arrow

4. Fold the wiper blade down and unhook it toward the windshield

5. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm toward the top

6. Insert a new wiper blade and apply pressure until you hear it engage.

137Lamps and bulbs

The lamps and bulbs make essential contributions to the safety of your vehi- cle. Therefore, proceed carefully when handling bulbs. BMW recommends that you have such work performed by your BMW center if you are not familiar with the procedures.

Do not touch the glass portion of a new bulb with your bare hands

since even small amounts of impurities burn in to the surface and reduce the service life of the bulb. Use a clean cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate- rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic base.<

A replacement bulb set is available from your BMW center.

Before working on the electrical system, switch off the electrical

accessory you are working on or dis- connect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Failure to observe this precaution could result in short circuits. To prevent injuries and damage when changing a bulb, be sure to comply with any instructions provided by the bulb manufacturer.<

Low beams and high beams >Low beams: H7 bulb, 55 watts >High beams: H7 bulb, 55 watts

The H7 bulb is pressurized. There- fore, wear safety glasses and pro-

tective gloves. Failure to comply with this precaution could lead to injury if the bulb is damaged.<

Please contact a BMW center in case of a malfunction.

Parking lamps 5 watt bulb

Please contact a BMW center in case of a malfunction.

When cleaning the headlamps, please follow the instructions in the Caring for your vehicle brochure.

Xenon lamps* The service life of these bulbs is very long and the probability of a failure is very low, provided that they are not switched on and off an unusual number of times. If one of these bulbs should nevertheless fail, it is possible to con- tinue driving with great caution using the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit this.

Because of the extremely high voltages involved, any work on the

xenon lighting system, including bulb- changing, should be carried out by technically qualified personnel only. Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal injury.<

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138

Front turn signal indicators 21 watt bulb 1. Extend a screwdriver through the

upper opening, loosen the screw and remove it

2. Remove lamp by pulling it out toward the front

3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb to the left. Remove and exchange the bulb

4. Insert the 2 pins on the lamp into the guides on the vehicle

5. Slide in the lamp and screw the bulb in place through the upper opening.

Side turn signal indicators 5 watt bulb

1. Press the back edge of the lamp toward the front with the tip of your finger and remove

2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turning it to the left to remove.

Lamps and bulbs

139

Rear lamps 1 Turn signal indicator

2 Backup lamp 21 watt bulb

3 Tail lamp/brake lamp

All bulbs in the fender are designed using LED technology.

Please contact a BMW center in case of a malfunction.<

Bulbs in the luggage compartment lid 1. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clip

2. Fold the trim panel down see arrow 1. Disengage the bulb holder see arrow 2 and remove it

3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb to the left. Remove and exchange the bulb

4. Press the bulb holder into position until you hear it engage

5. Reinstall the trim with the clip.

Lamps and bulbs

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140

Center high-mount brake lamp LED strip in luggage compartment lid.

Please contact a BMW center in case of a malfunction.

License plate lamps 5 watt bulb

1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and press toward the left to release the lens

2. Replace the bulb.

Repairing a flat tire

Precautions in case of a flat tire: Stop the vehicle as far as possible

from passing traffic; switch on the haz- ard warning flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the straight- ahead position and engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st or reverse and engage the parking brake. All passengers should be outside the vehicle and well away from your imme- diate working area behind a guardrail, for instance. If necessary, set up your warning trian- gle or portable hazard warning lamp on the roadside at an appropriate distance from the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regula- tions.<

M Mobility system You will find an M Mobility system in your BMW M3 Convertible for repairing flat tires. With this system you can apply a sealing liquid to the inside of the tire that seals off the damaged point and then continue driving.

The M Mobility system makes trans- porting a spare wheel superfluous, thereby reducing the amount of weight you have to carry around.

Lamps and bulbs

141

Using the M Mobility system To repair a flat tire using the M Mobility system, proceed as follows:

>Preparing the M Mobility system for use, refer to the next column

>Components of the M Mobility sys- tem, refer to page 142

>Filling with sealant, refer to page 142 >Distributing sealant, refer to

page 143 > Inflating tire to correct pressure, refer

to page 143. Preparing the M Mobility system for use The M Mobility system is located in the luggage compartment under the floor panel:

1. Lift the floor panel 2. Loosen the M Mobility system from

its storage location.

Before you use the M Mobility sys- tem, read the warnings and dan-

ger notices on the device carefully.<

If possible, leave the foreign object in the tire.

Pull off the sticker 5, refer to the second column below, for the speed limit and apply it to the steering wheel.

Please keep in mind that the fluids bottle in the system's sealant con-

tainer has to be changed every 3 years by your BMW center, if the unit has not been used.<

Repairing a flat tire

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142

Components of the M Mobility system 1 On/Off switch

2 Connection hose with manometer for connecting the compressor with the sealant container or to connect the compressor to the wheel

3 Manometer for indicating the tire pressure

4 Connector hose from the sealant container to the wheel

5 Sticker with speed limit

6 Plug and cable for the cigarette lighter socket

7 Protective gloves, not shown

Filling with sealant 1. Take off the round cover and take out

hose 4. Unscrew the valve dust cap from the defective wheel and screw the hose to the valve. Keep the dust cap in a safe place

2. Flip open the cover and pull out the enclosed protective gloves. Take out hose 2 with the manometer and screw it to the terminal for the seal- ant container as shown in the illustra- tion

3. Make sure that the system has been switched off, position 0. Take out plug 6 and insert it into the cigarette lighter socket in the pas- senger compartment, refer to page 103

Repairing a flat tire

143

4. Make sure that the screw on the rear of the pressure gauge 3 is tightened down. Turn on the M Mobility sys- tem, position I, refer to illustration, and allow minutes to elapse, to let the sealant flow in. It does not matter afterward, what the tire's inflation pressure is

5. Turn the system off. Disconnect the connector hose from the sealant container and the wheel valve. Stow the M Mobility system in the luggage compartment.

Distributing the sealant Right afterward, drive at least 1 1/4 miles / 2 km, so that the liquid sealant distributes evenly throughout the inside of the tire.

Do not exceed a maximum speed of 40 mph / 60 km/h. If possible,

keep the vehicle speed above 10 mph / 20 km/h. Stop in a suitable spot.<

Inflating tire to correct pressure 1. Take out the hose with the pressure

gauge and screw it onto the valve. Take the plug out and plug it into the cigarette lighter socket in the pas- senger compartment

2. Reset the air pressure to 29 psi/200 kilopascal, and: > Increase tire pressure: switch on

the M Mobility System, position I. Switch off the unit briefly to check the current tire pressure

>Decrease tire pressure: turn the screw on the back of the manome- ter, a valve located there will open

Repairing a flat tire

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144

Even if the tire fails to hold the pressure, you should still carry out

Step 3 before proceeding to drive the vehicle again, refer to Distributing the sealant for more information. Then repeat Steps 1 through 3. The use of the M Mobility system may be ineffective if the damaged area in the tire is larger than approx. 1/8 in / 4 mm. Please consult the nearest BMW center if the tire cannot be temporarily repaired with the M Mobility system.<

3. Unscrew the hose from the valve and stow the M Mobility system in the luggage compartment. Screw the dust cap onto the valve again.

Do not exceed the maximum speed limit described below, oth-

erwise it could lead to accidents.<

When you start driving again, do not exceed the permissible maximum speed of 45 mph / 80 km/h.

You will find corresponding instructions for using the

M Mobility system on the device. Replace the defective tire as soon as possible and have the new wheel bal- anced. Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, and refer to page 88 for further informa- tion. Have the M Mobility system refilled. Contact your BMW center for this.<

Protect valve stems against dirt using screw-on dust caps. Dirty valve stems frequently lead to slow pressure loss.

Battery

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead

and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.<

Maintenance The battery is completely maintenance- free. That means that the original bat- tery acid will normally last for the ser- vice life of the battery under moderate climate conditions.

Please consult your BMW center whenever you have any questions

concerning the battery.<

Charging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only when the engine is not running. Use the connections provided in the engine compartment. For information on the connections, see Jump-starting, page 147.

Disposal Return used batteries to a recy- cling point or your BMW center.

Maintain the battery in an upright posi- tion for transport and storage. Secure the battery against tilting in transit.<

Repairing a flat tire

145Fuses

You will find the fuses and information on their respective allocation in the glove compartment behind a panel with two snap clips.

Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or replace it with a fuse

having a different color or amperage rating. To do this could cause a fire in the vehicle resulting from a circuit over- load.<

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146

Giving and receiving assistance

Receiving assistance

The BMW Group's Mobile Service offers you 24-hour assistance in the event of a breakdown, even on week- ends and holidays.

The telephone numbers of the Mobile Service control center in your country are listed in the BMW Dealer Directory.

If your vehicle has the necessary equip- ment, you can contact the Mobile Ser- vice or issue an emergency call using buttons in the interior rearview mirror.

When an emergency call is initiated, a telephone connection is established with the general emergency call center.

In vehicles with activated BMW Assist function, a telephone connection is set up to the BMW Assist emergency call center. If the current location of your vehicle can be determined, this location is transmitted to the BMW Assist emer- gency call center.

Fold down the cover.

1 Emergency call

2 Mobile Service

Requirements for initiating an emer- gency call or contacting Mobile Service:

>The car phone is registered with a mobile network

>The emergency call system is opera- tional.

Initiating an emergency call* Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.

The indicator lamp above the buttons lights up. As soon as a telephone con- nection has been set up to the main emergency call center, the indicator lamp flashes.

If the indicator lamp is flashing but you cannot hear the emergency call center, you may still be heard by the emer- gency call center.

For technical reasons, the emer- gency call function cannot be

guaranteed in certain unfavorable con- ditions.<

If certain requirements are met, an emergency call is automatically initiated after a serious accident. The automatic emergency call will not be hindered by pressing the button.

Mobile Service* To establish contact with the BMW Group's Mobile Service:

Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.

The indicator lamp above the buttons lights up. As soon as a telephone con- nection has been set up with the Mobile Service, the indicator lamp flashes.

Depending on the country you are in, your vehicle's current location will also be transmitted if your vehicle is equipped with an activated BMW Assist function.

147Jump-starting

When your battery is discharged, you can use two jumper cables to start your vehicle with power from the battery in a second vehicle. You can also use the same method to help start another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with fully insulated handles on the terminal clamps.

Do not touch high-voltage wiring and cables on a running engine.

Contact with components carrying high voltage can be harmful or fatal. Carefully observe the following instruc- tions to avoid personal injury and/or damage to one or both vehicles.<

Preparations 1. Check whether the battery of the

support vehicle has 12 volts and approximately the same capacity measured in Ah. This information is provided on the battery

2. Stop the engine of the support vehi- cle

3. Switch off all electrical components in both vehicles.

Make absolutely certain that there is no contact between the body-

work of the two vehicles, otherwise there is a short circuit hazard.<

Connecting the jumper cables Always adhere to this sequence when connecting jumper cables;

failure to observe this procedure can lead to sparks at the battery terminals and pose an injury hazard.<

The auxiliary jump-starting terminal located in your BMW's engine compart- ment acts as the positive battery termi- nal. Refer to the engine compartment overview on page 124. The cover of this auxiliary terminal is marked with a +.

1. Open the cover of the BMW auxiliary jump-starting terminal. Do so by pull- ing the tab see arrow 1

2. Connect one terminal clamp of the plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery or to an auxil- iary jump-starting terminal of the support vehicle

3. Connect the second terminal clamp of the plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery or to an auxiliary jump-starting terminal of the vehicle to be started

4. Your BMW is equipped with a special nut see arrow 2 to serve as the ground or negative terminal. Attach a terminal clamp of the minus/ jumper cable to the negative terminal of the support vehicle's bat- tery or to a suitable ground on its engine or bodywork

5. Attach the second terminal clamp of the minus/ jumper cable to the neg- ative terminal of the battery or to a suitable ground on the engine or bodywork of the vehicle to be started.

Starting the engine 1. Start the engine of the support vehi-

cle and let it run for several minutes at a slightly elevated engine idle speed

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148

2. Start the engine of the other vehicle as usual. If the first start attempt is not suc- cessful, wait a few minutes before another attempt in order to allow the discharged battery to recharge

3. Allow the engines to run for several minutes

4. Disconnect the jumper cables in reverse sequence.

Have the battery recharged at your BMW center as required.

Do not use spray starter fluids to start the engine.<

Towing the vehicle

Always observe all applicable towing laws and regulations.<

Towing with a commercial tow truck >Use wheel lift or flat bed carrier >Do not tow with sling-type equip-

ment.

Never allow passengers to ride in a towed vehicle for any reason.

Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control arms, or any other part of the vehicle suspension, as severe damage to these components will occur, possibly lead- ing to accidents.<

Jump-starting

149

Towing the vehicle with the front axle raised Vehicles with sequential manual gear- box SMG:

While the ignition is on move the selec- tor lever to position N, then turn off the ignition.

Towing eyelet The screw-in towing eyelet is in the lug- gage compartment under the floor mat and must remain in the vehicle. It can be attached at the front or rear of the vehicle.

The towing eyelet should not be used to pull a vehicle out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.

Comply with all applicable towing laws and regulations at all times.

Access to tow sockets Front:

Press out the cover panel with a screw- driver at the top of the recess.

Rear:

Press out the cover panel with a screw- driver at the top of the recess.

Use only the towing eyelet sup- plied with the vehicle and screw it

in firmly until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing on paved roads only. If you do not follow these instructions, the towing eyelet could be torn out and vehicle damage could occur. Do not tow the vehicle by any compo- nents of the running gear, or lash them down in any way. If you do, the compo- nents could be damaged, possibly leading to accidents.<

Towing the vehicle

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150

Keep the vehicles in line and avoid towing at an offset angle. Ensure

that the towing strap connecting the two vehicles is tight, with no slack, before starting off.<

Use only a nylon towing strap to tow the vehicle, since the inherent resil- ience of this material helps protect both vehicles from sudden jerking move- ments.

The towed vehicle should always be the lighter of the two vehicles.

If this is not the case, it will not be pos- sible to control vehicle handling.<

Tow-starting For instructions on jump-starting, refer to page 147.

Never attempt to use your vehicle to push another vehicle, since damage to the energy-absorbing bumpers could result.

Towing the vehicle

151

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153

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Technical data

Index

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154 Engine data

Displacement Number of cylinders

cu in/cm3 198.1/3,246 6

Max. power output at engine speed

hp rpm

333 7,900

Maximum torque at engine speed

lb ft/Nm rpm

262/355 4,900

Compression ratio 11.5

Stroke Bore

in/mm in/mm

3.58/91 3.43/87

Fuel mixture preparation Digital electronic engine-management system

155Dimensions

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156 Weights

Curb weight lbs/kg 3,782/1,715

Approved gross vehicle weight lbs/kg 4,608/2,090

Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,183/990

Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,513/1,140

Permissible roof load for the hardtop lbs/kg 165/75

Luggage compartment capacity with the convertible top compartment raised

cu ft/l cu ft/l

9.2/260 10.6/300

Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight must never be exceeded.

157Capacities

Notes

Fuel tank Reserve

gal./liters gal./liters

approx. 16.6/63 approx. 2.1/8

Fuel specification, refer to page 25

Windshield washer system/ Headlamp cleaning system quarts/liters approx. 5.6/5.3

Specifications, refer to page 126

Engine with oil filter change quarts/liters approx. 5.8/5.5 Specifications, refer to page 127

Manual transmission quarts/liters approx. 1.9/1.8 Oil change during running-in check and during each inspection II

Differential quarts/liters approx. 1.2/1.1 Oil change during running-in check and during each inspection II

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159

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Technical data

Index

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Everything from A to Z

A ABS Antilock Brake

System 114 indicator lamp 19

Accessories, refer to For your own safety 5

Accident, refer to Emer- gency call 146

Activated-charcoal filter 100 Adding brake fluid 129 Adding liquid sealant

Mobility system 142 Additional sources of infor-

mation 4 Air conditioning mode

automatic climate control 98

Air distribution automatic climate control 98

Air distribution, individual 98 Air outlets, refer to Ventila-

tion 96 Air pressure, refer to Tire

inflation pressure 25, 118 Air recirculation, refer to

Recirculated-air mode 99 Air supply

automatic climate control 98

Air, drying, refer to Air con- ditioning mode 98

Airbags 55 deactivating 55 indicator lamp 18, 57 sitting safely 46

Airing out, refer to Ventila- tion 96

AKI, refer to Fuel specifica- tions 25

All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 122

Alternative oils 127 Antifreeze

coolant 128 washer fluid 126

Antilock Brake System (ABS) 114 indicator lamp 19

Anti-theft system 30 Approved axle loads, refer

to Weights 156 Approved gross weight,

refer to Weights 156 Armrest 101 Artificial leather, refer to the

Caring for your vehicle brochure

Ashtray front 103 rear 103

Assistant systems, refer to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

AUC Automatic recircu- lated-air control 99

AUTO program, refer to Automatic air distribu- tion 98

Automatic air distribution 98 air supply 98 cruise control 77 headlamp control 91

Automatic car wash, refer to the Caring for your vehicle brochure

Automatic climate control 96 Automatic curb monitor 52 Automatic dimming, interior

rearview mirror 54 Automatic recirculated-air

control (AUC) 99 Automatic windshield

washer, refer to Rain sen- sor 76

Average fuel consumption 84

Average speed 84 Axle loads, refer to

Weights 156

B Backrest

unlocking 49

Backrest, refer to Seat adjustment 47

Backup lamps 69 bulb replacement 139

Bandages, refer to First-aid kit 23

Bar, towing 149 Battery 144

charge 144 disposal 144 indicator lamp 18 jump-starting 147 remote control 30, 31

Battery charge current 18 Battery charge indicator

lamp 18 Belts, refer to Safety

belts 50 Beverage holders 102 Blower

automatic climate control 98

BMW Maintenance System 130

BMW sports seat 47 Bore, refer to Engine

data 154 Bottle holders, see Bever-

age holders 102 Brake fluid 129

indicator lamp 18, 129 level 129

Everything from A to Z 161

Brake force display 90 Brake hydraulics 114 Brake lamps

bulb replacement 139 indicator lamp, defective lamp 81

Brake lights brake force display 90

Brake pads 115 brake fluid level 18, 114, 129 breaking in 112 disc brakes 114

Brake rotors brake system 114 breaking in 112

Brake system brake pads, indicator lamp 19

Brake wear warning indicator lamp 19

Brakes ABS 114 brake fluid 129 breaking in 112 indicator/warning lamp 18, 19 parking brake 68

Break-in procedures 112 Bulb replacement 137 Bulb replacement, refer to

Lamps and bulbs 137

Buttons in steering wheel 22

C California Proposition

65 warning 132 Can holders, see Beverage

holders 102 Capacities 157 Car battery 144 Car care, refer to the Caring

for your vehicle brochure Car keys, refer to Keys 30 Car radio, refer to the

Owner's Manual for Radio Car telephone

preparation 102 Car telephone, refer to the

separate Owner's Manual Car vacuum cleaner, con-

necting 103 Car wash, refer to the Caring

for your vehicle brochure Carpet care, refer to the

Caring for your vehicle brochure

Cassette operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

CBC Cornering Brake Con- trol 114 warning lamp 19

CD changer, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

CD operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Cellular phone 102 Center armrest

front 101 Center high-mount brake

lamp bulb replacement 140

Central locking system 30 button 34 passenger compartment 34

Check Control 81 Check Gas Cap

indicator lamp 19 Child seats, refer to Child-

restraint systems 58 Child-restraint mounting

system LATCH 60 Child-restraint systems 58 Cigarette lighter 103 Cigarette lighter socket 103 Cleaning chrome parts, refer

to the Caring for your vehi- cle brochure

Cleaning light alloy wheels, refer to the Caring for your vehicle brochure

Cleaning position, convert- ible top 44

Cleaning the vehicle, refer to the Caring for your vehicle brochure

Cleaning windshield 77 Clock 82

12-/24-hour mode 82 setting, refer also to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Closing from inside 34 from outside 31

Clothes hooks 113 Clutch

breaking in 113 Cockpit 14 Code, refer to the Owner's

Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Coin box 102 Cold start, refer to Starting

the engine 66 Compact disc operation,

refer to the Owner's Man- ual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Compression ratio, refer to Engine data 154

Computer 83

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Everything from A to Z

Condensation, refer to Air conditioning mode 98

Configuring settings, refer to Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 64

Connecting a vacuum cleaner, refer to Cigarette lighter 103

Consumption, refer to Aver- age fuel consumption 84

Control elements, refer to Cockpit 14

Convenience operation from outside 33 glass sunroof 31 windows 31

Convertible top 39 cleaning position 44 convenience operation 31, 33 electrical malfunction 42 emergency operation 42 indicator lamps 41 opening and closing 40 remote control 31

Coolant 128 indicator lamp 19, 80 level 128 temperature gauge 80

Coolant water, refer to Cool- ant 128

Cooling, refer to Tempera- ture 98

Copyright 4 Cornering Brake Control

(CBC) 114 warning lamp 19

Correct tires 121 Cruise control 77

indicator lamp 20 Cup holders, see Beverage

holders 102 Curb weight, refer to

Weights 156 Cylinders, refer to Engine

data 154

D Dashboard, refer to

Cockpit 14 Data

capacities 157 dimensions 155 engine 154 technical 154 weights 156

Daytime driving lamps 91 DBC Dynamic Brake Control

19, 114 Deep water, refer to Water

on roadways 113 Defrost position, refer to

Defrosting windows 98

Defrosting and demisting windows automatic climate control 98

Defrosting windows 98 Defrosting windshield, refer

to Defrosting windows 98 Demisting windows

automatic climate control 98

Determining the maximum load 106

Differential breaking in 112

Digital clock 82 Dimensions 155 Dipstick, engine oil 126 Disc brakes 114 Displacement, refer to

Engine data 154 Display lighting, refer to

Instrument lighting 92 Displays, refer to Instrument

cluster 16 Disposal

oil 127 vehicle battery 144

Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control (PDC) 85

Door key 30 Door lock 33

Doors emergency operation 33

Draft-free ventilation 99 Drivelogic 73 Driving light, refer to Parking

lamps/Low beams 91 Driving notes 113 Dry air, refer to Air condi-

tioning mode 98 DSC Dynamic Stability Con-

trol 86 indicator lamp 19, 86

DTC Dynamic Traction Con- trol indicator lamp 19

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 19, 114 indicator lamp 19

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 19, 86

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) indicator lamp 19, 86

E Easy entry, refer to Entering

the rear 49 Electric power windows 38 Electrical accessories, fail-

ure 145

Everything from A to Z 163

Electrical malfunction door lock 33 driver's door 33 fuel filler door 24 luggage compartment lid 35

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), refer to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

Emergency call 146 Emergency operation

doors 33 driver's door 33 fuel filler door 24 luggage compartment lid 35

Emergency release luggage compartment lid 36

Engine breaking in 112 data 154 electronics 19 indicator lamp 19 speed 79, 154 starting 66 switching off 68

Engine compartment 124 Engine coolant 128

refilling 128

Engine oil adding 127 additives, refer to Adding engine oil 127 alternative oils 127 capacity 157 consumption 126 dipstick 126 indicator/warning lamp 19 quality 127 specified oils 127 temperature gauge 79 types 127

Engine oil level 19 check 126 indicator/warning lamp 18

Engine oil pressure indicator/warning lamp 18

Engine oil temperature 79 Engine output, refer to

Engine data 154 Engine speed 79, 154 Entering the rear 49 Equipment range, refer to

the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models / Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models

ESP Electronic Stability Pro- gram, refer to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

Exterior mirrors 53 Eyeglasses

compartment 102 Eyelet, towing 149

F Fastening the safety belts 50 Fault displays 81 Filling the windshield washer

reservoir 157 First aid, refer to First-aid

kit 23 First-aid kit 23 Flat tire 140

Flat Tire Monitor 87 Mobility system 140 repairing 140

Flat Tire Monitor 87 activating/deactivating 89 indicator lamp 18, 19, 89

Flat tire, refer to Tire condi- tion 118

Fluid reservoir for washer systems 126

Fog lamps 93 indicator/warning lamp 20

Folding down convertible top compartment panel 37

Follow me home lamps 91 Footbrake, refer to General

driving notes 113 Front airbags 55

Front fog lamps 93 indicator/warning lamp 20

Front seat adjustment 47 Fuel

display 80 specifications 25 volume 157

Fuel consumption display 84

Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 80

Fuel filler door 24 release following an elec- trical malfunction 24

Fuel level indicator, refer to Fuel gauge 80

Fuel mixture preparation 154 Fuel reserve indicator, refer

to Fuel gauge 80 Fuel tank capacity 157 Fuses 145

G Gasoline consumption, refer

to Average fuel consump- tion 84

Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec- ifications 25

Gear indicator 71 Gearbox

manual transmission 69

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Everything from A to Z

Gearbox malfunction sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 74

Gearbox, sequential 70 Gearshift lever

manual transmission 69 sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 70

General driving notes 113 Glove compartment 101 Gradient assistance 73 Grills, refer to Ventilation 96 Gross weight, refer to

Weights 156

H Handbrake, refer to Parking

brake 68 Hands-free system 102 Hardtop 115 Hardtop preparation 115 Hardtop, refer to the sepa-

rate Owner's Manual 115 Hazard warning flashers 14 Hazard warning triangle 23 Head restraints 48 Headlamp cleaning system

cleaning headlamps 77 washer fluid 126, 157

Headlamp control, auto- matic 91

Headlamp flasher 92 indicator lamp 21

Headlamps bulb replacement 137 care, refer to the Caring for your vehicle brochure

Heated mirrors 53 Heated rear window

automatic climate control 99

Heated seats 52 Heating

exterior mirrors 53 rear window 99 seats 52

Heating and ventilation 96 Heavy loads, refer to Cargo

loading 107 Height adjustment

seats 47 steering wheel 53

Height, refer to Dimensions 155

High beams 75, 92 bulb replacement 137 headlamp flasher 92 indicator lamp 21

Holder for beverages 102 Hood release 123 Horn 14 Hydraulic brake assistant,

refer to DBC 114

Hydraulic system brakes 114

Hydroplaning 113

I Ice warning 83 Ignition 65 Ignition key 30

positions 65 Ignition lock 65 Imprint 4 Indicator lamps 18 Indicator/warning lamp

airbags 18 brakes 18, 19 Check Gas Cap 19 convertible top 41 coolant 19, 80 DSC 19 Flat Tire Monitor 18, 19, 89 fog lamps 20 Please fasten safety belts 18 reserve 80 rollover protection system 19 Service Engine Soon 19

Individual air distribution 98 Individual settings, refer to

Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 64

Inflation pressure monitor- ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni- tor 87

Inflation pressure, tires 25, 118

INSPECTION 81 Instrument cluster 16 Instrument lighting 92 Instrument panel 14 Interface socket for onboard

diagnostics (OBD) 132 Interior lamps 93

remote control 32 Interior rearview mirror

automatic dimming feature 54

Interior temperature adjusting 98

Intermittent mode, wipers 76

Interval display, service 81

J Jump-starting 147

K Key Memory 64 Keys 30

with remote control 30

Everything from A to Z 165

L Lamp defect 137 Lamps

reading lamps 93 Lamps and bulbs 137 Lashing down loads, refer to

Cargo loading 106 Lashing eyelets, refer to

Securing cargo 107 Lashing fittings, refer to

Securing cargo 107 LATCH child-restraint

mounting system 60 Leather care, refer to the

Caring for your vehicle brochure

LEDs light-emitting diodes 94

Length, refer to Dimensions 155

License plate lamp bulb replacement 140

Light switch 91 Light-emitting diodes

(LEDs) 94 Lighter 103 LIGHTS ON warning 91 Lights, refer to Parking

lamps/Low beams 91 Load, refer to Cargo

loading 106

Loading vehicle 106

Load-securing devices 107 Lock buttons on doors, refer

to Locking 34 Lock, steering wheel 65 Locking

from inside 34 from outside 31, 33

Locking and unlocking doors from inside 34 from outside 31, 33

Low beams 91 automatic 91 bulb replacement 137 indicator lamp, defective lamp 81

Luggage compartment 37 capacity 156 emergency operation, refer to Manual operation 35 floor panel 37 increase volume 37 lid 35 lighting 35 opening from outside 35 opening, remote control 32 opening/closing, refer to Luggage compartment lid 35 remote control 32 securing separately 35 volume 156

Luggage compartment lid 35 emergency operation 35 emergency release 36 indicator lamp 81 opening from inside the vehicle 35 opening from outside 35 remote control 32 unlocking manually 35

Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 108

Lumbar support 48

M M Engine dynamics

control 90 M Mobility system 140 M+S tires, refer to Winter

tires 122 Maintenance 81, 130 Maintenance system 130 Making telephone calls,

refer to the telephone Owner's Manual

Malfunction convertible top 42 door lock 33 fuel filler door 24

Malfunction displays 81 Manual operation

convertible top 42 door lock 33 driver's door 33 fuel filler door 24 luggage compartment lid 35 power convertible top 42

Manual transmission 69 Master keys

with remote control 30 Maximum speed

with winter tires 122 MC operation, refer to the

Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

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Everything from A to Z

MD operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 51

Memory, refer to Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 64

Microfilter automatic climate control 100

Microphone, refer to Cellular phone 102

Mini disc operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Mirrors 53 automatic curb monitor 52 heated 53 memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 51

Mobile Service 146 Mobility system 140 Modifications, technical,

refer to For your own safety 5

Multifunction steering wheel 22

Multifunction switch turn signal indicator/head- lamp flasher 75 washer/wiper system 76

N Navigation system, refer to

the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Neck restraints, refer to Head restraints 48

Nets 101 Nozzles, refer to

Ventilation 96 Nylon rope, refer to Towing

the vehicle 149

O OBD interface socket 132 Odometer 79 Oil

additives, refer to Adding engine oil 127 alternative oils 127 capacity 157 dipstick 126 quality 127 specified engine oils 127

Oil change interval, refer to Service interval display 130

Oil change intervals, refer to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models / Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models

Oil filter change 157 Oil level

checking 126 indicator lamp 18

Oil pressure indicator lamp 18

OIL SERVICE 81 Oil temperature 79 Oil types 127 Old batteries, refer to Dis-

posal 144 Onboard computer 83 Onboard computer, refer

also to the Owner's Man- ual for Onboard Computer

Onboard tool kit 136 Opening and closing

from inside 34 from outside 31 via door lock 33 via remote control 31

Outlets, ventilation 96 Outside temperature dis-

play 83 changing unit of measure 83

P Paintwork care, refer to the

Caring for your vehicle brochure

Park Distance Control (PDC) 85

Parking aid, refer to Park Distance Control (PDC) 85

Parking brake 68 indicator lamp 18

Parking lamps 91 bulb replacement 137

Parking lamps/Low beams 91

Parts and accessories, refer to Your individual vehicle 5

Passenger-side exterior mir- ror tilt function 52

PDC Park Distance Control 85

Plastic, refer to the Caring for your vehicle brochure

Please fasten safety belts indicator lamp 18

Pollen, refer to Microfilter/ activated-charcoal filter 100

Power output, refer to Engine data 154

Power seat 47 Power socket, cigarette

lighter 103 Power windows

electric 38 Pressure monitoring, tires

Flat Tire Monitor 87

Everything from A to Z 167

Pressure, tires 25, 118 inflating with Mobility sys- tem 143

Protective function electric power windows 39

R Radio remote control key,

refer to Master key with remote control 30

Radio, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio

Rain sensor 76 Raising the floor panel 37 Range 84 Reading lamps

rear 94 Rear lamps

bulb replacement 139 indicator lamp, defective lamp 81

Rear window heating automatic climate control 99

Rear-entry assist 49 Rearview mirror 53 Receiving assistance 146 Recirculated-air mode

automatic climate control 99

Recirculating the air, refer to Recirculated-air mode 99

Reclining seat, refer to Seat adjustment 47

Refueling 24 fuel filler door 24

Releasing hood 123

Remaining distance to ser- vice 81

Remaining distance, refer to Range 84

Remote control 31 luggage compartment lid 32 malfunction 32

Replacement key 31 Replacing lamps, refer to

Lamps and bulbs 137 Replacing tires 119 Reporting safety defects 7 Restraint systems

for children 58 Restraint systems, refer to

Safety belts 50 Reverse gear

manual transmission 69 Rollover protection

system 62 indicator lamp 19 lowering 62

Roof load capacity 156 Roof-mounted luggage

rack 108

Rope, refer to Towing the vehicle 149

S Safe seating position 46 Safety belt height adjust-

ment 50 Safety belts 50

height adjustment 50 seat-integrated safety belt system 49 sitting safely 46 warning lamp 18

Safety systems, refer to Antilock Brake System 114 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

Screwdriver, refer to Onboard tool kit 136

Seat adjustment 47 BMW sports seat 47 lumbar support 47, 48 power seats 47

Seat belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 50

Seat heating 52 Seat memory, refer to Seat

and mirror memory 51 Seat positions, storing 51 Seats 47 Securing cargo 107

Securing child-restraint sys- tem 60

Securing the vehicle from inside 34 from outside 31, 33

Selector lever sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 70

Selector lever positions sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 70

Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 70 indicator lamp 19, 74

Service and Warranty Infor- mation Booklet 130

SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning lamp 19

Service interval display 81, 130

Shift lights 74 Shift paddles 71 Side airbags 55 Side turn signal indicators

bulb replacement 138 Sitting safely

with airbags 46 with safety belts 46

Size 155 Ski bag 104 Slipstream deflector, refer to

Wind deflector 44

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Everything from A to Z

SMG Drivelogic 70 Smokers' package, refer to

Ashtray 103 Snow chains 122 SOS, refer to Emergency

call 146 Spare key 30 Special oils 127 Special oils, refer to Speci-

fied engine oils 127 Specified engine oils 127 Specified oils 127 Speed

winter tires 122 Speed gauge, refer to

Speedometer 16 Speedometer 16 Sport mode 90 Sports seat 47 Stability control, refer to

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 86

Standing lamps 92 bulb replacement 137

Starting difficulties jump-starting 147 temperature 66

Starting help DSC 86 Starting the engine 66 Starting, refer to Starting the

engine 66

Status of the Owner's Man- ual 5

Steering wheel lock 65 Steering wheel, adjusting 53 Storage compartments 101 Storage nets 101 Storing seat positions,

refer to Seat and mirror memory 51

Storing tires 121 Stroke, refer to Engine

data 154 Surface ice, refer to Ice

warning 83 Switches, refer to

Cockpit 14 Switching off

engine 68 vehicle 68

Symbols 4

T Tachometer 79 Tail lamps

bulb replacement 139 Tail lamps, refer to Rear

lamps 139 Tank capacity, refer to Fuel

tank capacity 157 Tank indicator, refer to Fuel

gauge 80 Technical data 154

Technical modifications 5 Technical modifications,

refer to For your own safety 5

Telephone hookup 102 Telephone, refer to the sep-

arate Owner's Manual Television, refer to the

Owner's Manual for Onboard Computer

Temperature automatic climate control 98

Temperature adjustment 98 Temperature display

engine coolant 80 ice warning 83 outside temperature 83 setting units 83

Temperature layering 99 Tempomat, refer to Cruise

control 77 Thigh support area, adjust-

ing 47 Third brake lamp, refer to

Center high-mount brake lamp 140

Three-point safety belt 50 Tilting passenger-side exte-

rior mirror 52 Time 82

Tire pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 87

Tire replacement 119 Tires

age 120 breaking in 112 condition 118, 122 damage 118 flat 140 inflation pressure 25, 118 replacing 119 size, refer to Wheel and tire combinations 121 storing 121 tread 118 treadwear indicator, refer to Tire tread tire damage 118 winter tires 122

Tools, refer to Onboard tool kit 136

Torque engine 154

Tow sockets for towing eye- let 149

Towing bar 149 Towing eyelet 149 Towing rope 149 Towing the vehicle 149 Track width, refer to Dimen-

sions 155

Everything from A to Z 169

Transport securing devices, refer to Securing cargo 107

Transporting children safely 58

Trap protection electric power windows 39

Tread depth, refer to Tire tread 118

Treadwear indicator in the tires, refer to Tire tread tire damage 118

Treadwear, tires 118 Trip distance recorder, refer

to Trip odometer 79 Trip meter, refer to Trip

odometer 79 Trip odometer 79 Trunk lid, refer to Luggage

compartment lid 35 Trunk lighting, refer to

Luggage compartment lighting 35

Turn signal indicator 75 bulb replacement 138 indicator lamp 20

Turn signal indicator, side bulb replacement 138

Turning circle, refer to Dimensions 155

TV function, refer to the Owner's Manual for Onboard Computer

U Underbody protection, refer

to the Caring for your vehi- cle brochure

Uniform Tire Quality Grading 120

Units average fuel consumption 84 temperature 83

Unlocking from inside 34 from outside 31, 33

Upshift indicator, refer to Shift Lights 74

Using antifreeze 128

V Vehicle

battery 144 break-in procedures 112 dimensions 155 loading 106 starting 66 switching off 68 washing, refer to the Car- ing for your vehicle bro- chure 76 weight 156

Vehicle Memory 64 Vehicle weight 156 Ventilation 96

draft-free 99 Viscosity 127 Voice Input System 22 Voice recognition, refer to

separate Owner's Manual Volume

luggage compartment 156

W Warning and indicator

lamps 18 Warning lamp 'Please fas-

ten safety belts' 18 Warning messages 81 Warranty and Service Guide

Booklet 130

Warranty, refer also to sepa- rate booklet 7

Washer fluid adding 126, 157

Washer fluid reservoir 126 volume 126

Washer jets, refer to Wind- shield washer jets 77

Washer/wiper system 76, 77 washer fluid 126

Waste tray, refer to Ashtray 103

Water on roadways, deep water 113

Weights 156 Wheel and tire

combinations 121 Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-

sions 155 Wheels and tires 121 Wheelslip control DSC 86 Width, refer to

Dimensions 155 Wind deflector 44 Window condensation

removing 98 Windows

convenience operation 31, 33 remote control 31

Windshield washer nozzles 77

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Everything from A to Z

Windshield washer reservoir volume, see Capacities 157

Windshield wiper blades, replacing 136

Windshield wipers, refer to Washer/wiper system 76

Winter tires 122 condition 122 storing 121

Wiper blades, replacing 136 Work in the engine compart-

ment 123

X Xenon lamps

bulb replacement 137

171

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Refueling

To ensure that you always have conve- nient access to all essential information when you stop for fuel, we recommend that you take the time to fill out the adjoining chart by entering the data that apply to your vehicle. Consult the index for individual specifications.

Fuel

Please enter your preferred fuel here.

Engine oil

The oil quantity between the two marks on the dipstick is approx. 1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.

Tire inflation pressure

Manualsnet FAQs

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