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 19 of 199

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp 
for fuel reserve83
2 Turn signal indicator lamp23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for 
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beams23
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil 
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control82
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator83
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)20
 
>
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)22 
 
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)
 
* 
20, 22
 
>
 
Rollover protection system68
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control23
8 Reset button for 
 
>
 
Clock849 Program display for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
76
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission
 
* 
22, 76
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability 
Control (DSC)22
11 Display for
 
>
 
Odometer82
 
>
 
Trip odometer82
 
>
 
Clock84
 
>
 
Service Interval83
Display for onboard computer
 
* 
, 
operation via the turn signal lever, 
refer to page 85:
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 
>
 
Cruising range 
 
>
 
Average speed
12 Display for Check Control84
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8214 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for 
 
>
 
Fog lamps23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Engine Power 
Control (EML)
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Engine22
You can display the outside tem-
perature and distance driven in 
different units of measurement.
 
< 
     
        
        Page 22 of 199

22n
Indicator and warning lampsOrange: consult the nearest 
BMW center
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the 
automatic transmission shifts 
only in the emergency program. Please 
consult the nearest BMW center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 76.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 115.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been switched off: check the 
engine oil level. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 133.
Brake pads l 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 117.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
Check the tire pressure. 
For additional information, refer 
to pages 27 and 89. 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) l 
DSC has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction or by 
means of the button. In the event of a 
malfunction, have the system checked 
by your BMW center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 88.
Add washer fluid 
The washer fluid is too low. Top 
off the fluid at the earliest op-
portunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 132.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. Al-
though the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked 
by your BMW center at the earliest pos-
sible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 149.
"Service Engine Soon" warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 
     
        
        Page 78 of 199

78n
Washer/Wiper system1 Intermittent wipe or rain 
sensor
* 
Intermittent wipe:
You can use rotary dial 6 to select from 
four wipe intervals.
In addition, the wipe interval automati-
cally adapts to variations in road speed.
Rain sensor:
The rain sensor is located on the wind-
shield, directly in front of the interior 
rearview mirror. When the rain sensor is 
activated, the windshield wiper is con-
trolled automatically, depending on the 
degree of wetness of the windshield (in 
both snow and rain). You do not have to 
be concerned with switching the wind-
shield wiper on or off or adjusting the 
wipe interval between intermittent and 
full wipe. Instead, you can concentrate 46cde095
fully on the traffic conditions. This is 
especially important under adverse 
weather conditions.
To activate the rain sensor:
From ignition key position 1 and up, 
move the lever to position 1. The wipers 
travel once across the windshield, re-
gardless of the weather.
You can leave the lever permanently in 
position 1. It is then only necessary to 
activate the rain sensor from ignition 
key position 1 and up. To do this,
>turn rotary dial 6 briefly or
>use the automatic windshield 
washer 5.
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain 
sensor:
Turn rotary dial 6.
Turn the rain sensor off when 
passing through an automatic car 
wash. Failure to do so could result in 
damage caused by undesired wiper 
activation.<
2 Normal wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the 
wipers switch automatically to inter-
mittent wipe (not on vehicles with rain 
sensor).3 Fast wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the 
wipers operate at normal speed (not 
on vehicles with rain sensor).5 Automatic windshield washer The system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period.
If you only pull the lever briefly, the sys-
tem sprays washer fluid onto the wind-
shield without activating the wipers. 
     
        
        Page 79 of 199

79n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washer/Wiper system Rear window defroster Headlamp washers
* 
If the headlamps are on, they will also 
be cleaned every fifth time you activate 
the automatic windshield washer.
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield. If you do so, 
your vision could be obscured. Use an 
antifreeze agent. Refer to page 132. 
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. If you do so, the washer 
pump could be damaged.
* 
automatically when the ignition key is in 
position 2.To activateWith the convertible top closed or with 
the hardtop
* mounted, press the but-
ton: as long as the indicator lamp re-
mains on, the rear window defroster 
continues at high-output (rapid thaw).
After the indicator lamp goes out, the 
defroster continues operating at re-
duced power for a limited period before 
deactivating automatically. 
46cde051
To deactivateIf the indicator lamp is still on, press the 
button. 
     
        
        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 
     
        
        Page 131 of 199
131n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment1 Brake fluid reservoir136
2 Engine oil dipstick133
3 Coolant expansion tank135
4 Engine oil filler neck133
5 Reservoir for the headlamp
* and 
windshield washer system132
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump 
starting168 
     
        
        Page 132 of 199
132n
Washer fluids  Washer nozzlesHeadlamp
* and windshield 
washer system 
Capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts 
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and – if required – with a 
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations). 
We recommend that you mix the 
washer fluid before adding it to 
the reservoir.< 462de243
Antifreeze for the washer systems 
is flammable. For this reason, 
keep it away from sources of flame and 
store it in its original container. Store it 
so that it is inaccessible to children. 
Comply with the instructions on the 
containers.<
Windshield washer The spray from the nozzles should be 
directed so as to ensure effective clean-
ing, even at high speeds. Use a needle 
to adjust the nozzles as required, or 
have them adjusted by your BMW 
center.Headlamp washer system
*
Have this system adjusted by your 
BMW center as required.