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69n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps (position lamps/
side marker lamps)
Position 1
With the switch in this position,
vehicle lighting on both sides is
on.
Low beams
Position 2
When you switch the ignition off
while the low beams are still on,
only the parking lamps (position lamps/
side marker lamps) remain on.
36mus736
Instrument panel lightingIn order to adjust the illumination
intensity, turn the pulled switch. "LIGHTS ON" warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0,
a warning signal sounds for a few
seconds to remind you if the low beams
have not been switched off.Daytime running lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daylight driving at
ignition key position 2.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications
Have winter tires mounted at your
BMW center or a tire dealer.<
Snow chains
*
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 67.< BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in the
vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Suitable for
snow chainsLight-alloy wheel
M roadster, M coupe
Summer
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17–
–7.5Jx17 AH 2 IS 41
9Jx17 AH 2 IS 8
Winter (M+S)
225/45 R 17 90 H[Front: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 41
Rear: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 25
Wheel with asymmetrical hump
(AH)The rim design with a so-called asym-
metrical hump results in a clearly
extended holding of the tire on the rim
in the case of a leak compared to the
usual symmetrical hump, so that the
vehicle can be braked to a stop more
safely. Another advantage of the asym-
metrical hump is that no special tire is
required.
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Coolant Brake fluid Checking coolant levelThe correct coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6).
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it – that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).367de356
To add coolantWait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
ature gauge in the instrument cluster
must be located in the blue field; other-
wise, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50 : 50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).If the warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on:
The brake fluid level is too low.
Add brake fluid until the upper
mark ("MAX") is reached.
To eliminate the cause of the brake fluid
loss, please consult a BMW center. You
can also receive information concerning
approved brake fluids (DOT 4) there.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer
to the notes on page 92.
36mde789
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Caring for your vehicle AirbagsTo protect the leather from dampness
or moisture, you can treat it with a
BMW impregnating agent.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Spilled liquids should be wiped up
immediately, and greasy and oily stains
dabbed with a stain remover.
If the upholstery is to be exposed to
intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover all
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the
windows) to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Cleaning agents can contain
substances which are dangerous
or which pose health risks. Therefore,
always comply with the warnings and
danger notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior
(when the roadster's convertible top is
closed). Never clean your vehicle with
solvents or other materials not specifi-
cally intended for this application.<
1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger side
2 Side airbags on the driver and
passenger sideImportant safety notices
Do not attempt to remove the gas
generators of the airbag restraint
system from the vehicle or to disas-
semble them.
Have inspection and service proce-
dures performed by specially-trained
personnel only.
If the airbag restraint system malfunc-
tions, is deactivated or triggered as a
response to an accident, have the
system repaired or disassembled by a
BMW center only.
36mde786
Do not make modifications of any kind
to the individual components or system
wiring. These include the upholstered
covers on the steering wheel hub, in the
instrument panel and in the side trim
panels of the doors. Never apply adhe-
sive materials to these components or
cover or modify them in any way. Do
not attempt to disassemble the steering
wheel itself.
To ensure compliance with applicable
safety regulations, have the airbag
generators disposed of by an BMW
center only.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal
injury.<
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Any BMW center will be happy to
advise you concerning the advisability,
legal implications and factory recom-
mendations for technical modifications
to the vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number. The engine
number is also required in some
instances.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. These LEDs
are similar to laser technology.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), since inflammation of
the iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD connectorThe connector for the Onboard Diag-
nostic system (OBD) is located in the
center console under a cover on the
passenger's side (arrow).
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system throughout the
vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-
sion-related components and systems
for deterioration and malfunction.367us235
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service,
but not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When
this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire
over only a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.<
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Repairing a flat tireUsing the M Mobility system Release the securing device of the
M Mobility system and remove the
system from the luggage compartment.
If possible, leave the foreign
object in the tire.<
Do not exceed the maximum
speed limits described below,
otherwise accidents could result.
Before you use the M Mobility system,
read the warnings and danger notices
on the device carefully.<
1 Pull sticker 5 off for maximum speed
and affix it to the steering wheel.
2 Remove the round cover and take out
hose 4. Unscrew the valve stem
cover from the defective wheel and
screw the hose to the valve.39mde105
3 Flip open the cover and pull out the
enclosed protective gloves. Take out
hose 2 with the pressure gauge and
screw it to the terminal for the sealant
container as shown in the illustration.
4 Make sure that the system has been
switched off (position 0).
Take out the plug 6 and insert it into
the cigarette lighter socket in the
passenger compartment (refer to
page 80).39mde107
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Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be
possible to control vehicle handling.<
Tow-startingFor instructions on jump-starting, refer
to page 144.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle 1 Put the manual-shift gear lever in
neutral.
2 Towing speed:
45 mph (70 km/h) maximum.
3 Towing distance:
95 miles (150 km) maximum.
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that brake lamps, turn signal
indicators, horn and windshield
wipers remain operative, and to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard warning
flashers (observe applicable legal
regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
>Use a wheel-lift or flat bed equip-
ment.
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 367us124
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