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.
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.
142n
Caring for your vehiclePlastic components, vinyl upholstery,
the headliner (with the hardtop
*), lamp
lenses, the clear cover for the instru-
ment cluster and dull black surfaces can
be cleaned with either water and possi-
bly a cleaner designed to be used on
plastic. Do not soak the seats or the
headliner (this applies to the hardtop
*).
Never use solvents such as lacquer thin-
ner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuels,
or similar substances.
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.
Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-
ter. The wiper blades should be re-
placed twice a year – before and after
winter. This is especially important for
vehicles with a rain sensor
*.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
Do not remove safety belts to clean
them. Clean them with mild soapy wa-
ter only. Do not use chemicals or dry
cleaners to clean safety belts, since this
could damage the belt fabric.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-
vent the inertia reel mechanism from
retracting the strap properly, and thus
constitute a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from
the vehicle for cleaning.
Use only a damp cloth to clean trim
panels made of real wood
* and other
parts constructed of real wood
*. Follow
up by drying with a soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Care of upholstery materials Depressions in the upholstery that re-
sult from everyday use can be brushed
smooth by brushing against the nap
with a lightly dampened brush.
The tendency of the pile to lie in a par-
ticular direction on velour upholstery is
not a quality defect, and, just as on
home textiles or clothing, cannot be
avoided.
Lint on upholstery materials, textile or
leather remnants that have been worn
into the upholstery may be removed
with a lint brush or a Velcro brush. A
cleaning glove is available for especially
"stubborn" lint. Stains and fairly large
areas of dirt should be cleaned off with-
out delay, using lukewarm water and an
interior cleaner, stain remover or appro-
priate cleaning fluid. Brush the fabric
afterwards to restore its appearance.
If the vehicle is to be stored for an
extended period, or if it is exposed to
intense sunlight, cover all the seats or
the windows to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Owner service proceduresAAdding brake fluid136
Adding engine coolant136
Adding engine oil133
Avoiding a false alarm43
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43BBackup lamps
bulb replacement155
Battery
add distilled water163
charging164
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155
Brakes, brake faults117CChanging the tire159
Check Control84
Checking engine oil
level133
Checking tire pressure27DDefrosting the windows97
Difficult steering120
Doors
emergency actuation34
EElectrical accessories,
failure165
Electrical failure
fuel filler door165
Emergency actuation
doors34
fully automatic convertible
top166
Emergency release
fuel filler door165
Engine oil
add133
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Eyes169FFailure messages84
Fault displays84
First-aid kit25
Flat tire159
Fog lamps
bulb replacement155
Footwell lamps
bulb replacement158
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault165
Fuses, replacing165
GGlove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158HHazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Headlamp cover, care153
High beams
bulb replacement153IIndicator lamps20
Inflation pressure27, 123
Interior lights
bulb replacement157JJack159LLicense plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Low beams
bulb replacement153
Luggage compartment
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement158
Luggage compartment lid
emergency release39
MMaintenance138
Malfunction displays84OOil
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Onboard tool kit152PParking lamps
bulb replacement154
Pressure, tires27RReleasing the hood129
Removing condensation
from the windows97
Replace windshield wiper
blades152
Replacement key32
Replacing lamp bulbs152
Return used batteries164
Rollover protection system
lowering68SSpace-saver spare tire159
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Owner service procedures