Page 6 of 171

6n
For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 15 %
MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equiva-
lent amount of co-solvent) will not void
the applicable warranties respecting
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (i.e. vola-
tility, composition or additives, etc.)
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in drive-
ability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental
conditions such as high ambient
temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you
are handling gasoline.
<
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been
thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved
by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from
other manufacturers to verify if it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from
all BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (e.g. C.B., walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle,
compromise its safety, interfere with
the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. See your BMW center for
additional information.
<
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
For your own safety
ProCarManuals.com
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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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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82n
Cargo loadingStowing cargoIf you are transporting cargo in your
coupe:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible – directly behind the
luggage compartment partition – and
as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
>Pull the partition net
* out (refer to
page 81). Be sure that no items are
able to penetrate the partition net.
367de702
M cou
pe
Securing the loadFor securing suitcases, you can obtain
load-securing devices
* from your BMW
center. The lashing eyes located in the
luggage compartment serve for
mounting these load-securing devices.
Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
367de627
M cou
pe
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers, for
example, or in a crash.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and the approved axle loads
(refer to page 158). If you do so, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured, and the registration
specifications are not met.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be
projected through the air during braking
and evasive maneuvers, for example, or
in a crash, thus endangering vehicle
occupants.<
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83n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Roof-mounted luggage rackA special luggage system is available
for your coupe as an optional acces-
sory. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation
instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof load
capacity, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle loads when loading
the rack. You will find the specifications
for this under "Technical Data" on
page 158.
Make sure that the load is not too large
in size, and distribute it evenly. Always
load the heaviest pieces first (on the
bottom). Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the
sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.
Lash the roof luggage down correctly
and securely to prevent it from shifting
or being lost during driving – this would
endanger following traffic.Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
The roof load increases the aerody-
namic resistance. Increased fuel
consumption results from this.
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135n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel Repairing a flat tireThe M roadster and M coupe are deliv-
ered from the factory without a jack and
lug wrench.
Please have your BMW center switch
the tires on your vehicle from summer
to winter tires, or the reverse.
To repair a flat tire, refer to the following
pages.Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
the flow of traffic. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock, engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (for instance, behind
the guardrail).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.<
M Mobility SystemYou will find an M Mobility system in the
M roadster and M coupe, for repairing
flat tires. With the aid of this system,
you can apply a liquid sealant to the
inside of the tire, thereby sealing off the
damaged area, and then continue
driving.
The M Mobility system makes trans-
porting a spare wheel superfluous,
thereby reducing the amount of weight
you have to carry around.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 155 of 171
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
155n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine specifications156
Dimensions157
Weights158
Capacities159
Electrical system160
Drive belts160
Data
ProCarManuals.com
Page 158 of 171
158n
Weights
M roadster M coupe
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
lbs. (kg)
3,131 (1,420) 3,131 (1,420)
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs. (kg) 3,660 (1,660) 3,660 (1,660)
Approved front axle load lbs. (kg) 1,874 (850) 1,874 (850)
Approved rear axle load lbs. (kg) 1,962 (890) 1,962 (890)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 77 (35) (with hardtop
*) 110 (50)
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (liters) 5.8 (165) 7.2 – 13.9 (205 – 395)
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