1998 BMW CONVERTIBLE lock

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Closing convertible topMove ignition key into position 1.
Unlock and open the convertible top
storage compartment. Lift out the top
by the side guide piece and the front
top frame.b
From ignition key position 1 or with
the door open: If the side windows are
closed, they move downward slightly
when the convertible top compartment
unlocking handle is operated. Move the
side windows into the desired position
or close them after closing the convert-
ible top.cPosition the rear top bow vertically.
Close the convertible top compartment
lid by pressing down on both sides until
they are heard to engage securely. Fold
down the top bow.
When the convertible top compartment
lid is closed, the central locking system
is automatically unlocked, i.e., the lug-
gage compartment is no longer locked
and can be opened again.
Pull the convertible top frame onto the
windshield frame with the locking han-
dle and lock the top by turning the han-
dle until it is heard to engage.
The rear convertible top bow is auto-
matically pressed onto the convertible
top compartment lid and closes water-
tight under tension.
b
If the convertible top or the rear
window begins to flutter at high speeds,
increase the air intake via the ventilation
control to prevent a vacuum from
resulting in the passenger compart-
ment.c
Fully automatic convertible top
operation
*
The fully automatic convertible top per-
fectly combines extremely simple, com-
fortable operation with reliable protec-
tion from the elements. Here are a few
tips to ensure that you have years of
pleasure with your convertible:
It is advisable to close the top when the
vehicle is parked. The closed top not
only protects the passenger compart-
ment from unforeseen weather-related
damage, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. Even with
the top closed, it is always advisable to
keep valuables locked in the luggage
compartment.
Do not mount roof racks on the convert-
ible top. Please contact your BMW
Retailer for suitable mounting equip-
ment and other accessories.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
top at temperatures below 325F (0
6
).
To protect the battery, it is advisable to
operate the top with the engine running
when possible.
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b
The luggage compartment can not
be opened during convertible top oper-
ation.
The side windows move down slightly
when the convertible top operating but-
ton is pressed; if you continue to press
the button after the indicator lamp goes
out, they move up again as soon as the
opening process is completed.c
a
The side windows must be low-
ered slightly during convertible top op-
eration. If the convertible top operation
is interrupted, do not close the side win-
dows with the power window switches.
If the opening or closing process is in-
terrupted, it may not be possible to open
the luggage compartment.
To prevent damage from continuous
dampness, never fold down the convert-
ible top when wet.c
Convenience closing with the
driver's door lockHold the key in the "lock" position with
the door closed.
The windows/sunroof stop moving
immediately when you release the key.b
At higher speeds, low air pressure
in the passenger compartment can
cause the convertible top or the rear
window to begin to flutter. Increase the
air intake via the ventilation control to
prevent low pressure from resulting in
the passenger compartment.c
Closing convertible top manually
when electrical operation failsb
Manual closing is best carried out
from outside the vehicle with the driver's
door open and the driver's seat folded
forward. The rear seat bench must not
be occupied while doing so.c
1 Raise the left rear seat. Pull out the
strap until resistance is felt. Now con-
tinue to pull Þrmly (two audible clicks)
to disengage the drives for the con-
vertible top and convertible top com-
partment lid.
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Convertible top operation

42
2 Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid up to the stop with the lug-
gage compartment closed.
3 Grasp the convertible top on the lat-
eral guide section and on the front
soft-top frame and lift it out (arrow).
Position the rear convertible top bow
vertically and close the convertible
top compartment lid. Now fold down
the rear convertible top bow.4 Place a screwdriver at the middle of
the cover on the front convertible top
frame, and pry it out of its recess.
5 Using the doubly bent allen key from
the onboard tool kit, place it in the
internal hexagon (arrrow).
6 The closing process is continued by
turning to the left; turn until the front
convertible top frame is locked to the
windshield frame. The rear convertible
top frame is automatically pressed
onto the convertible top compartment
lid and closes watertight under ten-
sion.To eliminate the malfunction and re-
engage the drives, please see your
BMW Retailer.
a
Never open the convertible top
manually in case of an electrical mal-
function. The convertible top compart-
ment lid can not be locked and would
open during driving.c
b
Please follow the instructions for
cleaning and care of the convertible top
in your OwnerÕs manual from page 13 6.c
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Convertible top operation

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Longitudinal adjustment Pull lever 1 and slide seat into desired
position.
After releasing the lever, make sure that
the locking device engages properly.Height adjustmentPull lever 2 and load or relieve seat as
required.
Backrest anglePull lever and load or relieve as required.b
You can reduce the load on your
spinal column by sitting all the way
back in the seat with your back pressed
firmly against the backrest.
Ideal sitting posture is achieved with
your head extending from your spine in
a straight line.
For long-distance driving, you may wish
to increase the backrest angle slightly
to reduce muscular tension. Please
remember that you should always
remain able grasp the entire periphery
of the steering wheel without straight-
ening your arms.c
Front headrestsAdjust height by pulling out or pushing
in.
Adjust angle by swiveling.Remove and install the front
headrestsPull the headrests upward until they
stop.
With a forceful jerk, pull the headrests
out of their supports in the backrests.Rear head restraintsAdjust height by pulling out or pushing
in.
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Seats

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Lumbar support
*
Adjust the curvature as desired with the
rocker switch.
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 posture.
Releasing backrest
*
Pull up lever: the backrest can now be
folded forward.
The outer levers also serve as a storage
point for the seat belt (not on BMW
Convertible).a
The front seat backrests must al-
ways be locked during driving.cdPull out clamping lever.
dAdjust steering wheel tilt for your
seating position.
dPush the lever back in to clamp the
steering wheel in the new position.
a
Never adjust the steering wheel
while driving Ð accident danger.c
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Seats Adjusting steering wheel*

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Always fasten your seat belt before
starting off.
To fasten: make sure you hear the catch
engage in the belt buckle.
To release: press the red button in the
buckle, hold the belt and guide it back
into its reel.
The safety belt inertial mechanism
locks:
din a sudden stop or crash
dwhen you pull it sharply
dduring abrupt braking and
acceleration
din curves
dwhen the vehicle is at an
extreme angle.The safety belt can be adjusted individ-
ually to different body sizes with the
belt height adjustment:
Downward adjustment (1):
Push button downward.
Upward adjustment (2):
Grasp deflection fitting on ribbed side
sections and slide upward.
a
For your own safety, please ob-
serve the following when putting on the
safety belt, otherwise its protective
function may be impaired. Also ensure
that the other occupants follow these in-
structions.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow in-
fants or small children to ride in a pas-
senger's lap.
Avoid twisting the belt while routing it
firmly across the hips and shoulder. Do
not allow the belt to rest against hard or
fragile objects in your pockets. The
safety belt must not run across the
wearer's neck, nor should it be trapped
or abraded by coming into contact with
sharp edges or objects.
The belt should rest as firmly as possible
against your body You should avoid
wearing clothing that prevents it from
doing so. Pull the belt periodically to re-
tention it across your shoulder. In the
event of a frontal collision, a loose lap
belt could slide over your hips, leading
to abdominal injury. Due to the in-
creased distance between belt and
body, there would also be a delay before
restraint becomes effective.
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Safety belts

48
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.
Never attempt to modify the safety
belts.c
For care instructions refer to page 134.Never install a rear-facing child restraint
system in the front passenger's seat!
Never attempt to modify either the
safety belts or any child restraint sys-
tem.
Should the safety belts be damaged or
stretched in an accident, the entire belt
system - including safety belt tension-
ers - must be replaced and the anchor-
ing mounts inspected at a BMW
Retailer.
If the safety belt tensioner has been
activated, a distance of roughly 0.8 in
(20 mm) will remain between the safety
belt lock and the tensioner module.
Installing child restraintsTo install and secure child restraint sys-
tems, all rear safety belts (and the front
passenger's safety belt) are equipped
with a special locking mode.
A label with operating instructions is
attached to the belt next to the latch
plate.To lock the beltExtract 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.
Always observe the installation instruc-
tions provided by the manufacturer of
the child restraint system.360us125
Safety belts Child restraint system

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The airbags are triggered by impacts
coming from the directions shown in
the illustration. Note that the supple-
mentary protection against lateral
impact is available only on vehicles
equipped with optional door-mounted
airbags.Indicator lamp in instrument
clusterSystem operational:
dThe indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
dThe indicator lamp fails to come on.dIndicator lamp lights up for approx.
4 seconds, goes out brießy and then
lights up again.
A system malfunction could prevent the
system from responding to an impact
occurring within its normal response
range.
Please have your authorized BMW
Retailer inspect and repair the system
as soon as possible.
a
For your own safety, please ob-
serve the following precautions con-
cerning airbags, as otherwise their
protective function may be impaired. We
also request that you make this informa-
tion available to your passengers, and
that you urge them to observe the in-
structions for safety belt use: the air-
bags are a supplemental restraint
device designed to provide extra pro-
tection; they are not a substitute for
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all
times. The system does not respond to
minor collisions, if the vehicle rolls over,
or if the impact is at the rear of the vehi-
cle. In this situation, only the safety belt
protects you.
When adjusting your seat, select a posi-
tion that provides maximum distance
between you and the steering wheel, the instrument panel and the door while still
allowing comfortable and safe access to
all vehicle controls.
Always grip the steering wheel on its
rim with your hands at the 9 and 3 oÕclock
positions, otherwise hand and arm inju-
ries could occur when the airbag
inflates.
Never allow any objects to obstruct the
area between the airbag and the driver/
passenger.
Do not use the cover panel above the
passenger-side airbag as a storage
area.
Do not glue, cover or in any way alter
the padded covers on the steering
wheel, the instrument panel or the side
trim panels of the front doors.
Do not install a rear-facing child re-
straint device on the front passenger
seat. Children under 12 years of age
should only sit in the back.c
Even when all these guidelines are
observed, there is still a residual risk of
mild facial injuries occurring in isolated
instances of airbag actuation. The igni-
tion and inßation noise may induce a
mild temporary hearing loss in sensitive
individuals.
Airbag information is also located on
the sun visors.
p
The indicator lamp comes on from
ignition key position 1 to indicate
that the system is operational.
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