Page 10 of 199

 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing – from 
outside34
Opening and closing – from 
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Manual convertible top45
The fully automatic convertible 
top49
Wind deflector51
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats53
Seat and mirror memory57
Steering wheel58
Mirrors58
Car Memory, Key Memory60
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts61
ISOFIX Attachment of the 
child seat62
Airbags63
Child restraints66
Installing a child restraint 
system67
Rollover protection system68
 
Driving:
 
Steering/Ignition lock70
Starting the engine70
Switch off the engine71
Parking brake72
Manual transmission73
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic74
Turn signal indicator/
Headlamp flasher77
Washer/Wiper system/
Rain sensor77
Rear window defroster79
Cruise control80
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer82
Tachometer82
Energy Control82
Fuel gauge83
Coolant temperature gauge83
Service Interval Display83
Check Control84
Clock84
Onboard computer85
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)88
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)89
 
Contents 
     
        
        Page 11 of 199

 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams91
Instrument lighting91
High beams/Parking lamps92
Fog lamps92
Interior lamps92
Reading lamps93
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Automatic climate control94
Seat heating99
 
Cabin convenience:
 
Glove compartment99
BMW Universal 
Transmitter *100
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone103
Ashtray front103
Cigarette lighter104
Ashtray rear104
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag105
Cargo loading106
Luggage rack for the 
hardtop108
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)114
Disc brakes116
Brake system117
Winter operation118
Power steering120
Cellular phone120
Radio reception120
Hardtop121
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Tire inflation pressure123
Tire condition123
Tire replacement124
Tire rotation125
Wheel and tire 
combinations126
Winter tires127
Snow chains127
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications128
 
Under the hood:
 
Hood129
Engine compartment130
Washer fluids132
Washer nozzles132
Engine oil133
Coolant135
Brake fluid136
Vehicle Identification
Number137
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System138
Caring for your vehicle139
Cleaning and caring for your 
convertible top144
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle148
OBD interface socket149 
     
        
        Page 15 of 199
 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
 
15n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27  
Overview 
     
        
        Page 27 of 199

27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure Use unleaded gasoline only.
Recommended fuel: premium with a 
minimum octane rating of 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock 
sensors and will adapt automatically 
to different octane ratings, provided 
that the minimum octane requirement 
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will 
provide enhanced performance and 
lower fuel consumption, while the use
of fuels with low octane ratings will have 
the opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use 
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen 
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index 
You will find the inflation pressures on 
the inside door pillar (visible with door 
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are stated 
in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = 
ambient temperature). Refer to the next 
page as well.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)
*:
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reactivate the system. Refer to 
page 89.
462de197
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks 
and before beginning a longer trip. 
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can 
lead to driving instability or to tire dam-
age and accidents.
Check the tire pressure in the space-
saver tire as well.< 
     
        
        Page 28 of 199
28n
Tire inflation pressureObserve tire approval 
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table ap-
ply to tires made by BMW-approved 
manufacturers. Your BMW center is 
familiar with these pressures. Higher 
pressures may be specified for tires 
made by other manufacturers. Ap-
proved tire sizes are listed on 
page 128.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that 
meet US and European standards. We 
recommend the exclusive use of 
BMW-approved tires.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in psi 
(kilopascal) with cold tires 
(cold = ambient temperature)
323CiAll summer tires as well as 
extra-load tires30 (220) 33 (230) 36 (250) 44 (300)
Winter tires 33 (230) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320)
Space-saver tire 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires. 
     
        
        Page 89 of 199

89n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressure at all 
four wheels – even while you are driv-
ing. The system provides an alert when-
ever the inflation pressure drops signifi-
cantly below the specified pressure in 
one or more tires. 
In order for the system to "learn" cor-
rect tire inflation pressure, check the 
pressure in all the tires, compare your 
pressures with those in the tire inflation 
tables (page 28), and make corrections 
as necessary. Then activate the system. 
This indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster informs you 
whenever the tire pressure is 
not normal.
Activate the system 1 Turn the ignition key to position 2 
(do not start the engine)
2 Press the button long enough for 
the indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster to light up yellow for a few 
seconds 
3 After you have driven a few minutes, 
RDC imports the current tire inflation 
pressures as the nominal values to be 
monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire 
inflation pressure. Otherwise, the RDC 
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.46cus013
Loss of tire pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped 
significantly over a long period of time 
(which is normal for any tire), the 
indicator lamp will come on with a 
yellow lamp.
This alerts you that you should have the 
tires inflated to the specified pressures 
as soon as possible.
If you are prompted to check the 
tire pressure shortly after a cor-
rection has been made, this indicates 
that the corrected values were not ac-
curate. Please check the inflation pres-
sure again and make corrections ac-
cording to the inflation pressure table. 
Then activate the system once again.<  
     
        
        Page 90 of 199

90n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
Flat tireIf there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with 
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic sig-
nal goes off.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed im-
mediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid 
hard brake applications. Do not over-
steer. Replace the wheel and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is pro-
vided for temporary use only in the 
case of a tire failure. It does not have 
RDC electronics and is not monitored.<
RDC cannot inform you of sudden 
and severe tire damage caused by 
external influences.<
Have the tires changed by your 
BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with, and 
has the special tools necessary, for 
working on the RDC.<
System interferenceThe RDC may encounter interference 
from outside equipment or devices 
which use the same radio frequency.
The indicator lamp will come on with a 
yellow lamp during the malfunction. 
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault 
>if a wheel is mounted without RDC 
electronics 
>or if additional wheels using RDC 
electronics are transported.
Please contact your BMW center for 
additional information. 
     
        
        Page 111 of 199

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)114
Disc brakes116
Brake system117
Winter operation118
Power steering120
Cellular phone120
Radio reception120
Hardtop121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure123
Tire condition123
Tire replacement124
Tire rotation125
Wheel and tire 
combinations126
Winter tires127
Snow chains127
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications128Under the hood:
Hood129
Engine compartment130
Washer fluids132
Washer nozzles132
Engine oil133
Coolant135
Brake fluid136
Vehicle Identification 
Number137
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System138
Caring for your vehicle139
Cleaning and caring for your 
convertible top144
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the 
vehicle148
OBD interface socket149
Car care