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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
1 Air onto the windshield and onto the 
side windows
2 Air for the upper body area 
The side rotary dials open and close 
the air supply through an infinitely-
variable range; the levers will 
change the direction of the air flow. 
The center rotary dial adjusts the 
temperature of the air as it flows 
out, see page 106
3 Air for the front footwell 
There are vent outlets for the foot-
well in the rear as well
4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic 
recirculated air control (AUC)105
5 Air supply105
6 Temperature104
7 Automatic air distribution104
8 Individual air distribution104
9 Air grill for interior temperature 
sensor Ð please keep clear and 
unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air 
supply104
11 Defrost windows and remove 
condensation105
12 Air conditioner105
13 Rear window defroster78, 106 

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply
 
By pressing the left or right half 
of the button, you can vary the 
air supply. By doing this, you switch off 
the automatic control of the air supply. 
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed 
by pressing the left half of the button, 
all of the displays are canceled: the 
blower, heating and air conditioner are 
switched off, and the air supply is 
stopped. You can reactivate the system 
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost the windows and to 
remove condensation
This program quickly removes 
ice and condensation from the 
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the 
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when 
the air conditioner is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the 
engine is started. 
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures 
below approx. 41 7 (+5 6). This will 
help to prevent the windows from 
fogging up. 
If the windows fog over after switching 
the air conditioner off, switch it back 
on.
Condensation forms in the air 
conditioner system during opera-
tion, that then exits under the vehicle. 
Traces of condensed water of this kind 
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control 
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or 
pollutants in the outside air, you 
can temporarily block the air supply 
from the outside. The system then 
recirculates the air already within the 
vehicle. By repeated actuation of the 
button, you can select one of three 
different operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows 
into the vehicle.
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC 
mode: the system detects pollutants 
in the outside air and responds by 
deactivating the outside air supply as 
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle. 
Depending on the air quality, the 
automatic system then switches back 
and forth between outside air supply 
and recirculation of the air within the 
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the 
supply of outside air is permanently 
blocked. The system recirculates the 
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the 
recirculated air mode, switch this 
mode off and increase the air supply as 
required.< 

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The seat cushion and backrest can be 
heated with ignition key in position 2.
You can call up different heating modes 
by repeatedly pressing the button.
When the three indicator lamps are illu-
minated, the highest heating mode is 
activated. One lamp indicates the 
lowest heating mode. The temperature 
is regulated with a thermostat in each 
mode.
You can also switch the higher heating 
modes off directly: 
Press the button and hold it slightly 
longer.46cus047
To openPull the handle and the lamp comes on.ClosingFold up cover.To lockUse one of the master keys. A master 
key must also be used for unlocking.
If you turn over only your door and 
ignition keys for valet parking 
(refer to page 32), for example, access 
to the glove compartment and to the 
luggage compartment is not possible.<462de235
To prevent injury in the event of 
a crash, close the glove compart-
ment immediately after use.<
Rechargeable flashlightThe flashlight is located on the left-
hand side of the glove compartment. 
It features integral overload protection 
so that it can be left in its holder contin-
uously.
Be sure that the flashlight is 
switched off when it is inserted 
into its holder. Failure to comply with 
this precaution could lead to over-
charging and damage.<
Seat heating
*
Glove compartment  

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering 
design of the ABS. When braking while 
cornering at high speed or braking 
during high lateral acceleration, or 
when braking during a lane change, 
vehicle stability is improved and 
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction 
The ABS warning lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up, 
refer to page 22. The brake 
system then reverts to conventional 
operation as on vehicles without ABS. 
However, have the brake system 
chekked by your BMW center as soon 
as possible. To prevent undetected 
defects and cumulative faults from 
adversely affecting the brake system, 
refer any problems to your BMW center 
at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
The brake-warning lamp comes 
on along with the indicator 
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC, 
refer to page 21, then the entire 
control system for ABS, CBC 
and ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC 
has failed. Continue driving 
cautiously and defensively. 
Avoid full brake applications. This could 
cause the vehicle to lose stability and 
you might no longer be able to control 
it. 
Have the system checked by your BMW 
center as soon as possible.
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and 
ADB/DBC indicator and warning 
lamps for Canadian models. 

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater 
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when 
the vehicle is not used at all, and in 
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion of the 
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs 
because the minimal pressure that must 
be exerted by the pads to clean the 
discs by brake applications is not 
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will 
tend to respond to braking with a 
pulsating effect that even extended 
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only 
brake pads that BMW has 
approved for your particular vehicle 
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if 
they are suited for use, and therefore 
cannot ensure the operating safety of 
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in 
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light 
pressure to the brakes every few miles 
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does 
not endanger other road users. The 
heat which is generated by the brake 
applications helps to dry the brake 
pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained 
while the wheels are not locked, but 
rather when they are still barely turning 
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the 
antilock brake system ever fails, you 
should revert to pumping the brakes 
(refer to page 128).
Extended or steep mountain descents 
should be driven in the gear in which 
only minimal periodic brake application 
is required. This avoids excessive strain 
on the brakes and possible 
impairment of the braking effect.
You can further increase the engine's 
braking effect by selecting a lower gear, 
downshifting as far as first gear. When 
driving a vehicle with automatic trans-
mission, you can still downshift into first 
gear. Refer to page 74.If engine braking should prove to be 
inadequate, you should still avoid 
extended, continuous braking. Instead 
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
sure over an extended period of time, 
you should decelerate by applying 
more substantial pressure to the brake 
pedal (watch for following traffic), 
releasing the pedal, and then repeating 
the application (staggered braking). The 
cooling phases between active braking 
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking 
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch 
depressed or with the shift lever 
or selector lever in Neutral. Do not drive 
with the engine shut off. The engine 
provides no braking effect when the 
clutch is depressed or the transmission 
is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the 
engine is not running. Never allow floor 
mats, carpets or any other objects to 
protrude into the area around the brake, 
clutch or accelerator pedals, which can 
obstruct pedal travel.< 

126n
Brake systemBrake fluid level 
The brake warning lamp comes 
on with the parking brake 
released: 
The brake fluid level is too low in the 
reservoir (refer to page 148).
If the brake fluid level is too low and 
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in 
one of the hydraulic circuits of the 
brake system.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Proceed to the nearest BMW 
center. Higher brake application 
pressure may be necessary under these 
conditions, and brake pedal travel may 
be significantly longer. Please 
remember to adapt your driving style 
accordingly.<
Brake pads 
The brake pads warning lamp 
lights up: 
Only the minimum pad thick-
ness still remains on the brake pads. 
Proceed to the nearest BMW center 
as soon as possible to have the pads 
replaced.
For your own safety: use only 
brake pads that BMW has 
approved for your particular vehicle 
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if 
they are suited for use, and therefore 
cannot ensure the operating safety of 
the vehicle if they are installed.< 

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle's finish Regular washing is a preventive 
measure against long-term effects from 
substances that are harmful to the 
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive 
your vehicle in areas with high levels of 
air pollution or aggressive natural 
substances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately 
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to 
changes in the paint's chemical 
structure or to discoloration. Gasoline 
spilled during refueling, oil, grease and 
brake fluid should always be cleaned 
away immediately, as should bird 
droppings.
Any contamination remaining on the 
surface of the vehicle will be especially 
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth 
or cotton pad to remove. Remove tar 
spots with tar remover. After cleaning, 
the affected areas should be waxed to 
ensure continued protection.
Use the cleaning and car-care 
products available at your BMW 
center.<
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or 
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the 
finish needs to be waxed is by noting 
when water stops beading on the 
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove 
any wax or silicone that may have been 
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care 
products available at your BMW 
center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of paint 
damage with a BMW spray paint or a 
BMW touchup stick. 
The paint color code for your vehicle 
is provided on a sticker located on the 
right hand-side under the hood and 
on the first page of your Service and 
Warranty Information Booklet 
(US models) or Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Damage caused by flying stones, 
scratches, etc., must be touched up 
without delay to prevent rust from 
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an 
area with paint damage, remove all rust 
and clean the area. Then prime the area 
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply 
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then 
polish the repaired area. Finish by 
applying a wax preservative.
More extensive paint damage should 
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original 
BMW finish materials in accordance 
with approved repair procedures. 

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cleaning and care of the convertible topCareThe appearance and life of the convert-
ible top are highly dependent on its 
proper care and operation. You should 
pay particular attention to the following 
instructions if your car has a light-
colored top.
Protect the vehicle from exposure to 
intense sunlight whenever possible by 
parking it in the shade. This will help to 
prevent the paint, rubber and fabric-
covered parts from being worn out.
Never stow the convertible top in the 
convertible top compartment when it is 
wet, dirty or frozen, since this can 
cause mildew stains and chafe marks.
To prevent mildew stains, do not keep 
the convertible top enclosed in the 
convertible top compartment for any 
extended period of time.
If the vehicle will be parked for lengthy 
periods in an enclosed space, be sure 
that the convertible top is dry and that 
there is adequate ventilation.
Clean off bird droppings immediately, 
since they attack the convertible top 
and cause the rubber seals to swell due 
to their caustic characteristics.Besides water, treat rubber seals only 
with talcum powder, rubber care prod-
ucts or silicone spray, particularly when 
they feel dry or tend to stick.
Eliminate noises such as squeaks with 
lubricant spray.
Depressions and discoloration may 
occur in the convertible top as a result 
of improper maintenance and cleaning 
or due to loading from excessive use. 
The convertible top and its seams may 
also develop leaks. These occurrences 
are not covered by the warranty. For 
repairs, please consult your BMW 
center.
Washing your carYou can wash your BMW at an auto-
matic car wash. Brushless systems are 
preferable.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable 
and a brush car wash must be used, 
modern systems with soft brushes are 
preferable. Do not select the wax finish 
option. The small amount of beading 
wax always used in automatic car 
washes will not harm your vehicle's 
finish.
In the case of more extensive dirt, 
which is definitely visible on light-
colored top materials, clean the top 
with the BMW Convertible Cleaning 
Set. Please proceed as follows:
Spray the convertible top with the 
cleaning agent and then rub with a 
well-dampened sponge using circular 
motions until a foam develops. Then 
you can finish washing the vehicle in an 
automatic car wash. After washing your 
vehicle 3 to 5 times, you should treat 
the convertible top with a special 
convertible top impregnating spray. 
Please follow the instructions on the 
spray can.