Page 35 of 96
2
33
Safety check
Place the BMW C1 on its 
stand
– make sure that the ground is 
level and firm
 Open the seat
 Open fuel filler cap 1
 Refuel
– Always use super (premium) 
unleaded fuel to DIN 51607, 
or equivalent standard, min. 
octane number 95 (RON) or 
85 (MON)
– Do not overfill
 Close the fuel filler cap
 Close the seat
Capacity– Usable tank capacity 9.7 litres 
(2.135 Imp. gal)
– An  orange  warning light  2
(
b 11) comes on when there 
are approximately 2.5 litres 
(4.4 Imp. pints) of fuel left in 
the tank
( ) Figure in bracketsbpage number for 
description
Fuel
1
MAX
2
  
     
        
        Page 56 of 96
33
54
Starting – Riding  – Parking
Important notes
Catalytic converter
e Important:
To avoid damage to the cata-
lytic converter:
 Do not run the fuel tank dry
 Do not exceed the engine-
speed limits marked on the 
revolution counter
 Comply with all specified 
maintenance intervals
 Stop the engine at once if it is 
misfiring
 In the event of misfiring or a 
severe drop in engine power, 
consult a specialist work-
shop, preferably an author-
ised BMW dealer.
e Important:
If misfiring or malfunction of the 
fuel-air mixture preparation sys-
tem cause unburned fuel to 
reach the catalytic converter, 
there is a risk of it overheating 
and being damaged.
  
     
        
        Page 72 of 96
33
70
Starting – Riding – ParkingIn an emergency only:
• Move switch 1 to the 
V 
position.
– The electrical circuits for the  BMS engine management 
system, fuel pump and starter 
motor are deenergised
Switching on the ignition– Kill switch 1  in the run 
position
U
 Deactivate the alarm system*  (
bRider's Manual,  optional 
accessories)  The ignition switch should 
be ON
N (b15)
– The following warning lights 
are on:
– Engine oil pressure 
p 
(
b72)
–Coolant temperature
j, 
goes out after 
approx. 5 sec (
b73)
– Fuel level 
m (b73)
– ABS telltale lights* go out  when the self-test com-
pletes successfully (
b79)
*Optional extra
( ) Figure in brackets
bpage number for 
description
Before you start
V
U
1
  
     
        
        Page 75 of 96
33
73
Starting – Riding  – Parking
Coolant temperature
e Important:
If the red
\bcoolant tempera-
ture warning light  2 comes on 
during the journey, take the fol-
lowing action as soon as traffic 
conditions permit: 
 Bring the BMW C1 safely to a 
halt
 Switch off the ignition to stop 
the engine
 Check coolant level in the 
expansion tank (
b29)
If the expansion tank is full, but 
the warning light remains on, or 
if coolant consumption is ex-
cessive, always consult a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably an 
authorised BMW dealer!
Fuel levelThe  orange  mindicator light  3 
lights up when there are 
approximately 2.5 litres (4.4 
Imp. pints) of fuel left in the tank 
(
b32).
ABS check*– ABS warning lights  4, 5
(
b79)
* Optional extra
( ) Figure in brackets
bpage number for 
description
Telltale and warning lights
23
45
  
     
        
        Page 92 of 96
ii
90
Index
AAnti-lock brake system (ABS)Check, 79
Notes, 78
Self-diagnosis, 79
Troubleshooting, 80
BBMW Service, 85
Brake fluidChanging, 35
Checking level, 35-37
Brake pads, checking, 38
Brake pressure, checking, 34
Brakes Handbrake levers, 34
Warnings, 77
CCatalytic converterSafety instructions, 54
Clock Setting, 13
Cockpit Overview, 9
Coolant level
Checking, 29
EEasy-lift mechanism, 55-61
Emergency off (kill) switch for ignition, 19
Engine oil, 30 Filler neck, 7 Engine oil pressure
Warning light, 11, 72
Equipment, 87
FFront brake Brake fluid level, 37
Handbrake lever, 19
Front fairing panel, 6 Installing, 21
Removing, 21
Fuel
Filler cap, 6
Fuse box, 7
GGeneral view Left side, 6
Right side, 7
HHandlebar fittingLeft, 18
Right, 19
Hardtop, 24
Hazard warning flashers, 17
Headlight beam setting RHD/LHD traffic, 40
Headlight beam throw,  adjusting, 40
Headlight flasher, button, 18
High/low beam switch, 18
A  – H
  
     
        
        Page 93 of 96
ii
91
Index
IIgnition switch and steering lock, 9Function, 14-15
Ignition, switching on, 70
Instrument cluster, 10
Instrument panel, 10
LLights Headlight beam throw, 40
Notes, 40
Luggage system, 27
MMoving off, 74
OOctane number, fuel, 33
Odometer, 10
Total distance reading, 12
Trip meter reading, 12
Oil filler neck, 7, 30
Oil level Check, 30
Engine oil pressure, 11, 72
PParking, 75
Pillion passenger, 76
Placing C1 on its stand, 75
RRear brakeBrake fluid level, 36
Brake fluid reservoir, 9
Handbrake lever, 18
Rear seat, 26
Refuelling, 32
Riding, 74-75
Rims, 46
SSafety check, 28
Safety instructions Catalytic converter, 54
General, 52
Seat, 6 Closing, 22
Opening, 22
Seat backrest Installing, 23
Removing, 23
Seat belt Fastening, 66-68
Lap-and-shoulder, 6
Releasing, 68-69
Shoulder, 7
Seat belt buckle Left, 6
Right, 7
Seat lock, 6
Service cover, front See front fairing panel
Service cover, side, 6
Speedometer, 10
I  – S
  
     
        
        Page 94 of 96
ii
92
Index
Spray nozzles, 39
StandEasy-lift mechanism, 55-61
Starter button, 19
Starting, 71
Stopping, 74-75
Stowage compartment, 7 Locking, 25
Opening, 25
TTelltale and warning lightsABS check, 11, 73
Engine oil pressure, 11, 72
Fuel level, 11
High-beam headlight, 11
Seat belt, 11
Turn indicator, left, 11
Turn indicator, right, 11
Tread depth, tyres, 47
Trip meter, 10, 12
Turn indicator Repeater, 11
Turn indicators Switch, 18
Type plate, 6
Tyres
Running in, 63
Tyre pressures, 47
VValve caps, 47
WWarning lightsABS check, 11
Coolant temperature, 11
Engine oil pressure, 11
Fuel level, 11
Washer system, 20
Operation, 19
Windscreen washer  system, 6, 44-45
Windscreen wiper, 7 Spray nozzles, 39
Switch, 19
Wiper blade, 39
Wiper blade, 39
S  – Z
  
     
        
        Page 95 of 96
Details described or illustrated in 
this booklet may differ from the 
vehicle's actual specification as 
purchased, the accessories fitted 
or the national-market specifica-
tion. Please note that no claims will 
be entertained on the basis of 
such discrepancies.
Dimensions, weights, fuel con-
sumption and performance data 
are quoted to the customary toler-
ances.The right to modify designs, equip-
ment and accessories is 
reserved.
Printing and other errors and 
omissions excepted.
©2000 BMW Motorrad
Not to be reproduced either wholly 
or in part without written permis-
sion from BMW Motorrad, After 
Sales.
Printed in Germany