112n
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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brake fluid Vehicle Identification Number
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the operating safety
and reliability of the brake system, have
the brake fluid changed every two years
by a BMW center. Refer also to the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is hazardous to health and
will damage the vehicle's paint. You
should always store it in its original
container and in a location which is
inaccessible to children. Avoid brake
fluid spills. Do not fill brake fluid beyond
the "MAX" mark in the reservoir. The
brake fluid could ignite upon contact
with hot engine parts and cause serious
burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
The Vehicle Identification Number is
located in the engine compartment
below the windshield (arrow) and on the
top of the instrument panel. 367us053
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115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The BMW Maintenance System Caring for your vehicleService and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For detailed information on required
maintenance items and the work
involved, please refer to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Depending upon operating conditions,
it may be advisable to have the body
checked for damage from rocks or
gravel at the same time as a precaution
against rust.Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and is equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries will
constitute your proof that the vehicle
has received regular maintenance. They
are also required for warranty claims.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your BMW by hand or in
an automatic car wash – even when it is
new. Car wash systems that do not
employ brushes are preferable.
Loosen and remove tough dirt and
dead insects before washing the
vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable
and a brush car wash must be used,
modern systems with soft brushes are
preferable. In order to protect the
convertible top, special waxing
programs may not be selected for the
M roadster. The small amount of
beading wax always used in automatic
car washes will not harm your vehicle's
finish.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle finishRegular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from
substances which 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
substances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings
(finish damage).
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use
cleaning 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 that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Waxing your vehicleProtect 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 that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up minor paint flaws with
BMW spray paint or a BMW touchup
stick.
The color code for your vehicle is
provided on a tag located near the
vehicle data plate and on the first page
of the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the 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. 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.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
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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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Everything from A to Z
167n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
NNet81
Non-smoker's equipment
package80
Notes on driving87OOBD data link
connector125
Odometer62
Oil, adding109t
Oil additives109
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil consumption109
Oil dipstick109
Oil grades110
Oil level
checking109t
indicator lamp22
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE64
Old batteries141
Onboard Diagnostics, data
link connector125
Onboard tool kit128tOpening and closing
from the inside33
from the outside32
Original parts6
Output156
Outside mirrors47
PPaint damage119
Paint protection119
Parking brake21, 57
Parking lamps69
Parking, winter94
Partition net81
Phone, mobile95
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Please wear your safety belt
warning lamp21
Position lamp, bulb
replacement130t
Power seat adjustment46
Power steering94
Pressure, tires26t, 98
Protection, paint119QQuality Grades99
RRadiator, frost protection93
Radio reception150
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Reading lamps71
Rear lamps131t
Rear window defroster60
Rear window washer,
automatic59
Rear window wiper59
blade replacement128t
Rearview mirrors47
Recirculated air mode74
Refueling25
Releasing the hood104t
Replacement key30
Replacement, tires99, 100
Replacing fuses142t
Replacing windshield wiper
blades128t
Reporting safety defects7
Reservoir, washer
system108t
Reverse gear58
Roll-up cover81
Roof load capacity158
Roof rack83
Rubber seals and
components93, 120
SSafety belt tensioner151
Safety belts49
Safety defects, reporting7
Seals and
components93, 120
Seat adjustment46
Seat heaters77
Securing cargo82
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)115
Service Interval
Display64, 114
Set temperature74
Side airbags51, 122
Side marker lamps, bulb
replacement131t
Skid control94
Slippery roads93
Snow chains93t, 102
Socket80
electrical appliances80
flashlight80
vacuum cleaner80
Spare keys30
Spark plugs160
Special oils110
Specifications, engine156
Speed control61
Starting assistance144t
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