1998 BMW CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

40
a
The convertible top operates fully
automatically. Assistance with your
hand is necessary only as an exception
(refer to the note, next column).
Only operate the convertible top with
the vehicle stopped and do not drive off
during operation, as otherwise the pro-
cess will be interrupted. A half-opened
top can cause damage or injuries.
Remove foreign objects from the wind-
shield frame before closing the convert-
ible top, since these may prevent the top
from closing.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top. They would fall off during top oper-
ation and cause damage or injuries.
When closing the power side windows
during driving, always close the rear
windows first or all four windows simul-
taneously, as otherwise the windows
may not seal tightly at higher speeds.c
a
Do not reach into the convertible
top mechanism during opening and
closing. Keep children away from the
swiveling area of the convertible top
during operation.
Releasing the operating button for the
top immediately interrupts the automat-
ic movement. Movement can be contin-
ued in the desired direction by pressing
the appropriate button.c
b
If the convertible top has been
stored in the convertible top compart-
ment for a longer period, e.g., in the
winter when the hardtop is used, it may
be necessary to support the first auto-
matic closing operation by hand:
Should the top come to a stop shortly
before the end of the closing phase (still
open approx. 8 in/20 cm), reach into the
handle depression in the center of the
front convertible top frame and briefly
support the closing process while
pressing the button until it is automati-
cally continued.c
Opening and closing1 To open
2 To close
Press the convertible top operating but-
ton until the opening or closing process
is completed.
The indicator lamp (arrow) lights up
continuously during convertible top
operation. The indicator lamp flashes
after releasing the button if the opening
or closing process is not yet completed.36cde020
Convertible top operation

41
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
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.
36cde014
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
36cde021
36cde022
Convertible top operation

43
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
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.
360de016
360de017
360de303
Seats

44
a
Head restraints reduce the risk of
neck injuries. Always position the head
restraint so that it is centered roughly at
ear level.
Never try to adjust your seat while oper-
ating the vehicle. The seat could re-
spond by moving in a way that you had
not anticipated, causing you to lose
control of the vehicle which could lead
to an accident. The front passenger
should not move the backrest into the
"reclined" position during driving.
While driving, both the driver and the
front passenger should keep the back-
rest relatively upright. Otherwise there is
a danger of the occupants "sliding
through" the belt in the event of an acci-
dent, thus considerably reducing the
protective effect of the belt (see also
safety precautions in the "Safety belts"
section, page 47).c
BMW Sports Seat
*
Additional adjustments for seat tilt and
thigh support. Angle adjustmentPull lever 1 and move seat as required.Thigh support adjustmentPull lever 2 and slide front section of
seat into the desired position.
Electrical seat adjustment
*
1 Angle adjustment
2 Longitudinal adjustment
3 Height adjustment
4 Backrest angle
The tilt angle of the head restraints -
and on the BMW Sports Seat also the
thigh support - is adjusted manually.
360de018
360de019
Seats

45
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
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
360de020
360de021
360de028
Seats Adjusting steering wheel*

46
Exterior mirrors1 Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment.
2 Switch for changing to the other
mirror:
dPush switch to left Ð driver's mirror.
dPush switch to right Ð passenger's
mirror.
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of the lens.
a
The mirror on the passenger's side
features a lens with a more convex cur-
vature than the mirror installed on the
driver's door. When estimating the dis-
tance between yourself and other traffic,
bear in mind that the objects reflected in
the mirror are closer than they appear.
This means that estimations of the dis-
tance to following traffic should not be
regarded as precise.c
Electric heatersBoth mirrors are heated automatically
corresponding to the outside tempera-
ture with the ignition key in position 2.
Inside rearview mirrorTo reduce glare from behind during
night driving: tilt small lever to dimmed
position.Lighted make-up mirrorFold down the sun visor, slide the cover
panel to the side.
The mirror lamps operate from ignition
key position 1 onward.Sun visorsThese can be folded down toward the
windshield or swiveled out against the
side windows.
1
2
360de304
360de030
Mirrors

47
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
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.
360de032
360de033
Safety belts