
61n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cruise control
*
You can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 25 mph (40 km/h).
The system is switched off and the
stored speed deleted from its memory
when you turn the ignition key to posi-
tion 0.
Do not use the cruise control on
winding roads, when high traffic
density prevents driving at a constant
speed, when the road surface is slick
(snow, rain, ice) or when the road
surface is loose (rocks or gravel,
sand).< 365us059
To store and maintain speed/
to acceleratePress the lever briefly in direction 1:
The system records and maintains the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly press the lever, the speed
increases by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Hold the lever in position 1:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the lever, the system stores
and maintains the current speed.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine
braking effect is insufficient, the
controlled speed can be exceeded.
Speed can drop on uphill grades if the
engine output is insufficient.< To deceleratePress the lever briefly in direction 2:
If you are already driving with active
cruise control, the speed is decreased
by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) every time
you briefly press the lever.
Hold the lever in position 2:
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the lever, the system
stores and maintains the current speed.Activate stored setting (resume)Press the lever briefly in direction 3:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.To deactivatePress the lever briefly in direction 4:
The cruise control is deactivated imme-
diately.
In addition, the system is also automati-
cally deactivated in response to the
following conditions:
>When you apply the brakes.
>When you depress the clutch.
>If you exceed or fall below the
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example).
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1 OdometerYou can activate the displays shown in
the illustration with the ignition key in
position 0 by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster (arrow).2 Trip odometerTo reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1 or higher.36mus728
Never allow the engine to operate with
the needle in the red overspeed sector
of the gauge.
To protect the engine, the engine
management system automatically
interrupts the fuel supply in this range;
you will notice a loss of power.36mde750
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2.1 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Tank capacity: page 159.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for
example), the needle may fluctuate
slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.< 36mus729
Odometer Tachometer Fuel gauge
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Engine oil temperatureBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
Comes on while driving: the engine is
overheated. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow it to cool down.36mde752
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
Checking coolant level: page 112.
During normal operation the engine oil
temperature is between 175 7 (80 6)
and 250 7 (120 6). During perfor-
mance-oriented driving, do not exceed
the maximum temperature of 265 7
(130 6).
Up to an oil temperature of 140 7
(60 6) an engine speed of 4,000 rpm
may not be exceeded.
36mus730
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65n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptDSC helps maintain vehicle stability,
even in critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the vehicle on a
steady course by reducing the engine
speed and brake applications to the
individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 22.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and controls the drive
and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine has been started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and
stays on: the DSC has been switched
off via the button or there is a malfunc-
tion. You can continue to drive the
vehicle normally, but without DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please
consult your BMW center.
To deactivate the systemPress the button (arrow) – the indicator
lamp comes on and remains on.
When the DSC is deactivated, you are
operating the vehicle in the conven-
tional drive mode.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To help maintain driving stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated when possible.< 36mus733
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
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74n
Heating and ventilation/Air conditionerAir distribution
You can direct the airflow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the foot-
well . All intermediate settings are
possible. In position , a small volume
of air is directed onto the windows in
order to keep them free of condensa-
tion.
A "6 o'clock" position is recommended
as the normal operating setting.
Temperature
In order to increase the temper-
ature of the passenger compart-
ment, turn to the right (red). For
rapid heating, turn completely to the
right. Then select an interior tempera-
ture which is pleasant for you.
Air supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. Both heating and
ventilation become more effec-
tive as the airflow rate is increased. In
position 0, the blower and the heater
are switched off.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the
temperature setting – warmed
again when the air conditioner is
switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
At outside temperatures below approx.
41 7 (+5 6), switch off the air condi-
tioner. This will help to prevent the
windows from fogging up.
If the windows fog over directly after
switching the air conditioner off, switch
it on again.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Recirculated air mode
If there are unpleasant odors in
the incoming air, you can
temporarily block the airflow.
The system then recirculates the air
currently 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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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter88
Antilock Brake System (ABS)89
Disc brakes91
Brake system92
Winter operation93
Power steering94
Cellular phone95
Radio reception95
Hardtop – roadster96
Wheels and tires:
Notes on tire inflation
pressure98
Tire condition98
Tire replacement99
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Special features of winter
tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103Under the hood:
Hood104
Engine compartment106
Fluids for the washer
systems108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags122
Storing your vehicle123
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications124
California Proposition
65 Warning124
OBD connector125
Car care
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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive with varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or 100 mph (150 km/h).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"Kickdown" point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed. You should
therefore drive with extra caution during
the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and discs
achieve the optimal surface and wear
pattern.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system booster
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – for instance
,
by towing – substantially higher levels
of pedal force will be required to brake
the vehicle.<
ClutchThe clutch will reach optimal function
after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift
gears carefully during the break-in
period.
Break-in procedure
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87n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving notes
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm). If the water is at that depth,
drive only at walking speed, otherwise
the vehicle can sustain damage to the
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission.
Roll-up cover (coupe):
Never use the roll-up cover to store
heavy or bulky objects. If you do so,
such objects could injure vehicle occu-
pants during braking and evasive
maneuvers or in a crash.
Clothes hook (coupe):
Hang items of clothing on the hooks in
such a manner that they do not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they
could cause personal injury during
braking and evasive maneuvers or in
a crash, for example.<
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