Page 10 of 171

Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit25
Refueling25
Fuel specifications26
Tire inflation pressure26
Tire inflation pressure (table)27
Opening and closing:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing from the
outside32
Opening and closing from the
inside33
Luggage compartment lid34
Electric power windows35
Sunroof – coupe36
Convertible top – roadster37
Adjustments:
Seats46
Mirrors47
Safety systems:
Safety belts49
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock55
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicators/High
beams58
Wiper/Washer system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Engine oil temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display64
Outside temperature64
Clock64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Contents
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Page 12 of 171
Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Master key with battery-
powered lamp134
Changing a wheel135
Repairing a flat tire135
Battery140
Fuses142
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Power convertible top143
Fuel filler door143
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting144
Towing the vehicle145Airbags150
Radio reception150
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)151
Safety belt tensioner151
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature152
Limited slip differential153Engine specifications156
Dimensions157
Weights158
Capacities159
Electrical system160
Drive belts160
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Page 47 of 171

47n
IndexDataTechnologyRepiarsCar careControlsOverview
Seat adjustment Mirrors Backrest anglePull the lever and apply or remove
weight as required.
Read and comply with the adjust-
ment instructions on page 46.
Failure to do so can result in diminished
personal safety.< Head restraintsThe head restraints are integrated into
the backrests.
Head restraints reduce the risk of spinal
injury in the event of an accident.367de076
Exterior mirrorsMake adjustments with the large, four-
directional mirror switch.
Change to the other rearview mirror
with the smaller switch.
>Push the switch up – mirror on the
driver's side.
>Push the switch down – mirror on the
passenger's side.
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.365de030
The mirror on the passenger's
side features a lens with a more
convex surface than the mirror installed
on the driver's side. When estimating
the distance between yourself and
other traffic, bear in mind that the
objects reflected in the mirror are closer
than they appear. This means that esti-
mations of the distance to following
traffic should not be regarded as
precise.<
Electric defrosting
*
Both mirrors are defrosted automa-
tically when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
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Page 48 of 171
48n
MirrorsInterior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming featureBy responding to the effects of ambient
light and the glare from following traffic,
this mirror automatically dims through
an infinitely variable range. There are
two photocells for automatic dimming.
One photocell (arrow) is positioned in
the mirror frame, while the other is
slightly offset on the back of the mirror.
The mirror switches to its clear,
undimmed mode whenever you shift
into reverse. 367de397
For the mirror to function properly, keep
the photocells clean and the area
between the inside rearview mirror and
the windshield free of any obstruction,
such as stickers etc.
For further information regarding the
mirror's electrochromic technology,
refer to page 152.
Vanity mirrorsFold the sun visors down and push the
cover (coupe only) to the side.
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Page 149 of 171
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Airbags150
Radio reception150
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)151
Safety belt tensioner151
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature152
Limited slip differential153
Technology
ProCarManuals.com
Page 152 of 171

152n
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming featureThe interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature reduces blinding
from following traffic by adapting the
intensity of the reflected images to
correspond to levels of light registered
by the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts
to its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears.
One light sensor is mounted on the
front of the mirror housing. This sensor
is directed forward. It measures light
intensity in the area ahead of the
vehicle. A second light sensor is
located on the lower edge of the mirror.
The electronic control system
compares the light intensity from front
and rear. The difference provides the
basic parameter used to modulate an
electrical current and induce chemical 367de398
changes in a semisolid layer incorpo-
rated in the lens.
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing infi-
nitely variable dimming of the mirror
(electrochromic technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the inside rearview mirror manually,
and the driver can concentrate
completely on traffic conditions.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 164 of 171

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)89
Accessories6
Adding
brake fluid112t
engine coolant112t
engine oil109
washer fluid108t
Additional storage areas78
Adjusting
backrest47
mirrors47
seat46
washer nozzles108t
Air conditioner74
Air distribution74
Air outlets72
ventilation73
Air pressure26, 98
checking26t
Air vents72
Airbags21, 51, 122, 150
Airflow rate74
Antenna95
Antifreeze112
Antifreeze protection,
radiator93, 112, 112t
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)89
Anti-theft protection32Approved gross vehicle
weight158
Aquaplaning87, 98
Ashtray79
Automatic car washes115
Automatic cruise control61
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror48
Automatic rear window
washer59
Automatic windshield
washer108
Axle weights158
BBackrest, adjusting47
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement131t
Battery140, 160
capacity160
charge condition141
charging141
discharged144
disposal141t
removal and
installation142
Battery change, keys134t
Battery safety terminal142
Beverage holder79
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Body-cavity protectant118Brake fluid112
adding112t
disposal113t
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb replace-
ment131t
Brake pads22, 92
Brake system92
add brake fluid112t
brake fluid112
fluid level92
Brakes
malfunctions92
winter road conditions93
Break-in procedure86
Bulb replacement129t
Bulbs and lamps129
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning124
Capacities159
Car care
exterior115
interior120
Car keys30
Car radio
reception95, 150
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car wash systems115, 117Care
exterior119
interior120
leather121
paint119
upholstery materials121
windows and glass120
Cargo loading82
Caring for the vehicle
finish119
Cassette mode, refer to the
Radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter88
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)90
Cellular phone95
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system32
Charge condition of the
battery141t
Charge indicator lamp20
Charging the battery141t
Chassis number113
Checking oil level109t
Checking tire
pressure26t, 98
Child restraint system53
installation54
M coupe with tether
strap54
Child seat53
ProCarManuals.com
Page 165 of 171

Everything from A to Z
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cigarette lighter80
Cleaning the headlamps60
Cleaning the rear
window60
Cleaning the windshield59
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Coin box79
Cold start56
Compartments78
Connecting a car vacuum
cleaner80
Controls, cockpit16
Convertible top
care117
electrical defect143t
operation37, 41
weather protection41
Coolant93, 112
antifreeze protection93
Coolant temperature63
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)90
Cover, convertible
top38, 43
Cruise control61
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder79
Curb weight158
DDashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics125
Date, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Daytime running lamps69
Deep water87
Defrost the windows and
remove condensation76
Defrosting
rear window60
mirrors47
Difficult steering94t
Dimensions157
Dipstick, engine oil109
Dirty spots on
paintwork118
Disc brakes91
Displacement156
Display lighting69
Displays18
Disposal
batteries141t
brake fluid113t
engine oil111t
Door key30
Doors
manual operation32
unlocking and locking32
DOT Quality Grades99
Drive belts160Driving notes87
Driving through water87
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)65, 151
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65, 151
EElectric convertible top
operation41
Electric power windows35
Electrical defect
convertible top143t
fuel filler door143t
Electrical system160
Electronic immobilizer31
Emergency operation
convertible top143t
doors32t
fuel filler door143t
luggage compartment
lid34t
Engine compartment107
Engine coolant112
adding112t
Engine oil109
adding109t
dipstick109
disposal111t
grades110
level22, 109t
pressure20
viscosity110Engine output156
Engine specifications156
Exterior finish118
FFailure of an electrical
accessory142t
Fan74
Filler cap cover25
Filling the washer
reservoir108t
First-aid kit25
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing145t
Flasher, headlamp58
Flat tire98
Z3 roadster,
Z3 coupe135t
Folding top37
Footbrake91
Front airbags51, 122
Frost protection, radiator93
Fuel26
Fuel filler door
electrical defect143t
emergency
operation143t
Fuel gauge62
Fuel tank capacity159
Fuses142
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