1998 BMW CONVERTIBLE low beam

11

Contents

Controls and features
Care and maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/low beams85
Instrument panel lighting85
Foglamps86
Interior lamps86
Reading lamps86

An inviting climate:

Heated seats87
Independent ventilation
system87
Automatic climate control88

Cabin convenience:

BMW Hi-Fi System93
Glove compartment93
Ashtray94
Coin box, cup holder94
Cigarette lighter94
Center arm rest, rear95
Through-loading system95
Ski bag95
Cargo loading98

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures100
Driving notes100
Catalytic converter102
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)103
Disc brakes104
Brake system105
Winter driving105
Roof-mounted luggage rack107
Radio reception108
Mobile phones108
Hardtop Ð Convertible109
Technical modifications
to the vehicle110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures111
Tire tread111
Tire replacement112
Interaxle tire changes112
The right choice113
Winter tires114
Approved wheels and tires115

Under the hood:

Hood118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant127
Brake fluid128
Power steering fluid128
Vehicle Identification Number129

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System130
Caring for your car131
Cleaning and care
of the convertible top136
Vehicle storage137

Controls and features MaintenanceAt a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index

19
1 Fuel gauge with low-fuel
warning lamp 64
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 20
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps for

d

Battery charge current 20

d

High beams 20

d

Engine oil pressure 20
5 Tachometer 63
Energy control 63
6 Coolant temperature gauge 64
7 Indicator and warning lamps for

d

Brake pad wear 20

d

Brake system hydraulics 21

d

Parking brake 21

d

Airbag 50
8 Indicator lamp for ASC+T 20
9 Indicator and warning lamps for

d

Automatic transmission

*
20

d

Warning lamp for Check Control

*

71

d

Please fasten seat belts

*
21

d

ABS 20
10 Trip odometer 63
11 Service Interval Display 64
12 Odometer 6313 Indicator lamps for

d

Foglamps

*
20

d

Emissions-related systems
indicator 21

d

Rollover protection system

*
21
14 Trip odometer reset button 63

Instrument cluster

20

Turn signal left/right, green

k

Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation.

Battery charge current, red

v

Goes out after the engine has
started.
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation:
The battery is no longer being charged.
Indicates a defect in the generator drive
belt or the charging circuit.

a

If the V-belt is defective, do not run
the coolant pump; overheating and
potential engine damage would result.
Contact your BMW Retailer.

c

High beam, blue

l
Lights up when the high beams
are switched on or the head-
lamp flashers are activated.
Engine oil pressure, redw
Goes out after the engine has
started. May come on briefly at
idle when the engine is hot,
but must go out again at higher engine
speed.
If the lamp comes on during normal vehi-
cle operation: stop vehicle and switch off
engine immediately. Check engine oil
level; if necessary, add oil. If oil level is
correct: contact your BMW Retailer.
Foglamps
*, green
t
Lights up whenever you switch
on the foglamps.
Airbags, redp
This lamp turns on for an oper-
ational check when you turn the
ignition key to position 1. If, at
the operation check, it does not go on,
or goes on while driving, have it checked
at your BMW Retailer.
Additional notes: Page 50
Automatic transmission
*, yellow
O
Goes out after the engine has
started.
Additional notes: Page 58
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction), yellows
Goes out shortly after the igni-
tion is switched on:
System OK.
Additional notes: Page 84
ABS (Antilock Brake System),
yellowo
Goes out after the engine has
started. If the lamp comes on
during normal vehicle opera-
tion: ABS has been deactivated in
response to a system malfunction. Con-
ventional braking force remains unim-
paired.
Additional notes: Page 103
Brake pad wear, yellow#
Lights up when starter is actu-
ated and goes out when the
engine is started.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: replace brake pads
immediately.
a
Use only original BMW-approved
brake pads otherwise the vehicle
authorization is no longer valid.c
Indicator and warning lamps

71
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Texts with messages and warnings are
used to alert the driver to defective sys-
tems. In addition, there is a warning
lamp in the instrument panel.
The time and date can be displayed
with the digital clock.
1 Status report symbol
2 Display
3 Plus symbol for additional messages
4 CHECK key
The defective-system messages are
divided into 3 different priorities:
Priority 1These defects are indicated immedi-
ately with the flashing warning lamp and
the flashing warning symbol (1). Several
simultaneous defects are displayed
consecutively. After 20 seconds or
when the CHECK key is pressed, the
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
stops flashing.
The messages continue to be displayed
until the defects are eliminated and can
not be deleted by pressing the CHECK
key (4).
Brake lamp electrical system
The brake lamps have failed. Fuse or
electrical circuit is defective. Refer to
page 151 or consult your BMW Retailer.
360us110Check Control*

Brake lamps defective
Brake lamps have failed - bulbs
defective.
Replace bulbs. Refer to page 143.Priority 2These defects appear when the ignition
key is in position 2. The warning sym-
bols remain after the message disap-
pears. If the plus symbol (3) appears:
Additional messages are present and
can be displayed by pressing the
CHECK key.
1 Brake lamp defective
A bulb has failed. Refer to page 143.
Low beams defective,
Backup lamps defective,
License plate lamp
Bulb has failed or fuse or electrical
circuit defective. Refer to pages 141,
143, 145 or visit a BMW Retailer.
Washer fluid low
Too low, top up at next opportunity.
Refer to page 124.
Check Control inactive
Messages and warnings can not be
displayed. See BMW Retailer.

85
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Parking lampsDLow beamsLIGHTS ON warning
When you turn the ignition key to 0, a
buzzer sounds for a few seconds after
the driver's door has been opened, if
the lamps have not been turned off.
On vehicles with alpha-numeric Check
Control
*:
This warning comes through the Check
Control, refer to page 71.
Daytime-running lamps switch
*
If desired, the lighting switch can be left
in the second position: when the igni-
tion is switched off, the external lighting
is also switched off.
On vehicles with daytime running fea-
ture, the lamps come on whenever the
ignition key is turned to position 2 with
the headlamp switch remaining at 0.Adjust the illumination intensity by turn-
ing the rotary dial.
E
When you switch off the ignition
without turning off the head-
lamps, only the parking lamps
stay on.
When you return the ignition key to
position 0, a buzzer sounds for a few
seconds to remind you that the lamps
have been left on.
0
360us312
360us323
Parking lamps/low beams Instrument lighting

14 1
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
The lamps and bulbs on your car play a
vital role in ensuring road safety, a fact
which you should always bear in mind
in caring for them. Carefully observe the
following instructions during bulb
replacement, referring any procedures
with which you are not familiar to your
BMW Retailer.b
Never touch the bulb glass of a
new lamp with your bare hands. Use a
clean cloth, paper napkin, etc. or hold
the bulb by its metallic base.c
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW Retailer.
a
To prevent short circuits, always
switch off all electrical systems and
components, or disconnect the negative
terminal of the battery, before working
on them.
To prevent injuries and damage, always
observe any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.c
Low and high beamsLow beam: HB4, 55 watts
High beam: HB3, 65 wattsa
Each bulb is pressurized; always
wear gloves and eye protection! Failure
to observe this precaution could lead to
injury if the bulb is accidentally dam-
aged during replacement.c
dTurn the bulb holder to the left and
remove.
dReplace the bulb.
Parking lamp 5 watt bulb
dPress in the upper tab of the bulb
holder to release and remove.
dPull out the bulb holder.
dPull off the bulb and replace.b
Please observe the following
when cleaning the headlamp covers:
dDo not rub them dry and do not apply
scouring or caustic cleaning agents.
dRemove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with
plenty of water.
dAlways use a de-icer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð Never
use a scraper!c
360us089
Bulb replacement

171
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all detailsClock
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Cockpit
16
Coinbox 94
Computer 77
, 78
, 79
, 80
,
81
, 82
, 83
Consumption display
64
Convenient closure
31
Convertible, refer to BMW
convertible
Coolant
105
, 127
, 166
Coolant, Antifreeze 105
Cooling system
166
Cruise control 62
Cruising range 79
Cup holder
94
DDashboard
16
Dashboard lighting
85
Data
Dimensions
161
Engine
160
Road performance
163
Weights
163
Data, technical
160
Date
68
, 72
, 74
Daytime light switch
85
Decommissioning of the
Vehicle
137
Deep water 101
Defrost windshields
91
Defrost, windshields 91
Defrosting position 91
DieselInjection system
19
Interference
19
Digital clock
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Dimensions
161
Dipstik, engine oil
124
Disc brakes
104
Disconnect the battery
150
Display lighting
85
Distance, remaining
79
Door keys
30
Door locks 31
Doors, emergency actuation

31
Drive belts
167
Driver's airbag
50
Driving hints
100
Driving in winter
105
EElectric window actuator
35
Electrical seat
Adjustment
44
Electrical system
167
Electrolyte
149
Electronic unit
Vehicle immobilization
30
Elements of operation
16
Emergency actuation,
Central locking system 31
Tank cover
152
Energy Control 63
Engine coolant 166
Engine data
160
Engine oil
124Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
Engine oil additives 125
Engine oil consumption
124
Engine oil level
20
Engine oil pressure
20
Eyelets, tow starting and
Towing
154
FFailure message
71
Failure of an electrical
device
151
Fault display
71
Filler cap cover 23
Filling capacity 166
Final drive
Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
First aid
22
First aid kit 22
Flashers
60
Flat tire 111
, 146
Flower pollen 92
Foglight
86
Foglights, replace bulb
142
Folding
Rear backrest
95
Footbrake
104
Footwell light,
Replace bulb
145
Footwell lights 86
Front seat, position
43
FuelPreparation
160
Processing 160
Fuel consumption indicator

63
Fuel gauge
64
Fuses,
Replacing 151
GGlove compartment
93
Glove compartment light,
bulb replacement 145
Gross weight,
permissible
163
HHand light
93
Handbrake 56
Hazard warning system
22
Hazard warning triangle 22
Head restraint
43
Headlight cleaning System

124
Headlight cleaning system

166
Headlight covers, care
131
Headlight flasher
60
Heated seats
87
Height
161
Hi-Fi System
93
High beams 60
Highbeam headlights,
Replace lights
141
Hood release
118
Horn
17
Everything from A to Z

172
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all details
IIce warning
66
Identification mark, tires
113
Ignition
54
Ignition key
30
Ignition switch 54
Independent ventilation
81
Indicator lights
20
Inflation pressure 25
, 111
Inside mirror
46
Inside rearview mirror
46
INSPECTION
64
Installing child seats
49
Instrument
18
Instrument lighting
85
Interior lights
86
, 144
Interior lights,
Replace bulbs 144
Intermittent wiper switch
61
JJack
146
Jump start
153
KKeys
30
Kickdown
59
LLeather care
135
LED Light-emitting diodes

110
Length
161
License plate light,
Replace bulb
144Light switch
85
Light-emitting diode LED

110
Limit
80
Loading 98
Lock buttons
31
Locks, care 105
Lowbeam headlight
85
Lowbeam headlights,
Replace lights
141
Low-fuel warning light
64
Luggage straps
34
Lumbar support 45
MM+S-Tires
114
Maintenance 64
, 130
Make-up mirror
46
Manual transmission
57
Capacity
166
Manually controlled
recirculated-air
91
Maximum speed 163
Micro-filter
92
MID Multi-information
display
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Mirror heating
46
Mirrors
46
Multifunction switch
60
Multi-information display
MID
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
OOdometer
63
OilCapacity
166
Oil additives 125
Oil change interval,
Refer to the service
booklet
124
Oil consumption
124
Oil dipstick
124
Oil filter change
166
Oil filter renewal 166
Oil level, indicator light
20
Oil pressure, indicator light

20
OIL SERVICE
64
Oil, power steering
128
On-board computer 77
, 78
,
79
, 80
, 81
, 82
, 83
Operating
31
Outside rearview mirror
46
Outside temperature
66
, 78
Display
66
Outside temperature
indicator 68
PPaintwork, care
132
Paintwork, dirt and
contaminants 132
Paintwork, minor repairs

133
Paintwork, waxing
133
Parking brake
56
Parking light 85
Parking light,
Replace bulb 141Parking lights
60
Parking, Winter 106
Passenger airbag 50
Payload, maximum 163
Pocket light
93
Power door locks
31
Power steering, oil 128
Pressure, tire
25
Pressure, tires 111
Procedure
147
RRadiator
166
Reading lights
86
Rear backrest,
folding
95
Rear foglight
86
, 143
Reclining seat
43
Refueling
23
Remote control
On-board computer
83
Remove mist
Windshields
91
Replacement keys
30
Reverse
57
Rims
113
, 115
Road performance
163
Roof load, approved 163
Roof load, permissible 163
Roof rack
107
Roof-mounted luggage rack

107
Rubber parts
105
Rubber seals and
Everything from A to Z