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Automatic climate control
*
Automatic recirculated-air control
(AUC)
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
stopping the flow of outside air. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to select
one of three different operating modes.
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow is
on
>Left indicator lamp on Ð AUC mode:
the system recognizes pollutants in
the outside air and blocks the flow of
air when necessary. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle. Depending on the air quality,
the automatic system then switches
back and forth between outside air
supply and recirculation of the air
within the vehicle
>Right indicator lamp on: the flow of
outside air into the vehicle is perma-
nently blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch it off
and increase the air supply as
required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically.
The rear window defroster auto-
matically assumes operation
within 5 minutes after the engine is
started at outside temperatures below
approx. 39 7 (+4 6).<
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the
optimum airflow rates and directions for
your personal requirements:
1 Rotary dials for infinitely-variable
opening and closing of the vent
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the
temperature of the airflow from these
outlets as desired.
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Automatic climate control
*Glove compartment
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filterThe built-in microfilter removes dust
and pollen from the incoming air. The
activated-charcoal filter provides addi-
tional protection by filtering gaseous
pollutants from the outside air. Your
BMW center replaces this combined
filter as a standard part of your sched-
uled maintenance. A substantial reduc-
tion in airflow indicates that the filter
needs to be replaced before scheduled
maintenance.
To openPull the handle. The lamp in the glove
compartment comes on.To closeFold the cover back up.
To prevent injury in the event of an
accident, close the glove
compartment immediately after use.<
To lockLock with one of the master keys. A
master key will also be required to
unlock the glove compartment.
If you turn over only your door and
ignition key for valet parking, for
example, access to the glove compart-
ment is not possible, refer to page 28.
It features integral overload-protection,
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
Be sure that the flashlight is
switched off when it is inserted
into its holder. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to over-
charging and damage.<
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BMW Universal Transmitter
*
The concept The BMW Universal Transmitter
replaces up to three hand-held trans-
mitters of different devices such as
garage-door openers, alarm systems,
or door locking systems. The BMW
Universal Transmitter recognizes and
learns the transmitted signal of each of
the original hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held
transmitter can be programmed on one
of the three channel keys. Following
that, each of the devices can be
actuated with the appropriately-
programmed channel key. The indicator
lamp flashes to confirm transmission of
the signal.
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the
channel keys should be cleared as
described on page 99.
During programming and before
every remote actuation of a
programmed device by the BMW
Universal Transmitter, check to be sure
that there are no persons, animals or
objects within the actuation range of
the device in order to prevent possible
injuries or damage. Also, comply with
the safety precautions of the original
hand-held transmitter.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds. This
may not be long enough to program the
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's light may begin to flash in a
series of double-blinks. If this occurs,
continue to hold the key of the
Universal Transmitter while you reacti-
vate your hand-held transmitter. You
may have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the
"User information" section on
page 99.<
Original hand-held transmitter
If this symbol is present on the
packaging or in the instructions
of the original hand-held trans-
mitter, it may be assumed that this
hand-held transmitter is compatible
with the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Checking for the conversion code To determine whether the original
hand-held transmitter is provided with a
conversion-code system, you may
either read the instructions for the orig-
inal hand-held transmitter or program a
channel key as described on the next
page (left-hand column under
"Programming").
Then press and hold the programmed
channel key of the BMW Universal
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of the
BMW Universal Transmitter flashes for
two seconds and then comes on
steadily, the original hand-held trans-
mitter is provided with a conversion-
code system. With a conversion-code
system, program the channel keys as
described on the next page (right-hand
column under "Programming a hand-
held transmitter with conversion code").
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center
or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit this website
www.bmwusa.com.<
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Driving notes Antilock Brake System Brake system
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 can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, vehicle control
and braking ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft (30 cm), and then only at
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Clothes hooks (with hardtop): when
hanging clothing from the hooks, be
sure that they will 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 or evasive maneuvers.<
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps
the wheels from locking during braking,
thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum pedal pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
Brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. It may be necessary to
apply higher levels of pressure to the
pedal when stopping and braking
distances may also be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
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Hardtop
*
Storage
Storing the hardtop on the floor:
Slide the styrofoam block that
came with the hardtop onto its center.
The arrow on top of the styrofoam block
has to be pointing upward when you
are doing this.<
Installation1. Lower the side windows completely
and flip the sun blinds down. If
necessary, remove the antenna rod
to avoid any damage
2. On vehicles with manual convertible
top operation, first release the
convertible top compartment lid,
and, if necessary, open it some-
what. On vehicles with fully-auto-
matic convertible top operation,
open the convertible top compart-
ment lid slightly by pressing the
button for the operation of the
convertible top
3. Remove the trim pieces on both
sides by pulling them off toward the
back (arrow), and reclose the
convertible top compartment lid
4. Release the front locking levers by
pressing the buttons. The levers will
release slightly. Raise the levers as
far as the stop will allow
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Hardtop
*
5. Before installing, first flip the cover
panels that are located underneath
the left and right interior lamps
down. To do this, press on the
slight bump on the cover panel.
There is a holder in the cover panel
to securely store the trim pieces
that have been removed (1)
6. Open the red release levers as far
as the stop will allow (2)
7. Position the hardtop onto the
supports with the help of a second
person. Be sure to put the mount-
ings exactly into the proper
brackets
8. In the back, close the red locking
levers by turning to the inside as far
as the stop located behind the trim
will allow. Flip the cover panels
back into place
9. To lock the hardtop in the front,
keep pressing on the front locking
levers until you hear them engage
10. Check the rubber weatherstripping
between the windshield frame and
the top on both the left and right
sides. If it is folded or bent out of
place you should smooth it back
into position by hand to ensure
secure and reliable sealing.
Lift the hardtop carefully. Be
extremely careful not to shift the
seals. Seals that have been shifted out
of place or actually pulled out cause
leaks.<
RemovalFollow the same procedure as when
installing, just reverse the steps.
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Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their original
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. For this
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
engine parts. It could ignite and cause
serious burns.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape, then open
2. 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, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second
mark on the float (refer also to the
schematic diagram next to the filler
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant.If the
coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do
not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
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Changing a wheel
Safety precautions for replacing
flat tires and all wheel changes:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position and engage the
steering lock. Shift into 1st or reverse
(selector lever in Park with automatic
transmission) and engage the parking
brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for example).
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.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could
prevent the jack from extending to its
full height and reduce its support
capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW is equipped with a space-
saver spare tire designed for temporary
use in maintaining the vehicle's mobility
in an emergency.
To remove the space-saver spare
tire, lift the floor panel in the
luggage compartment completely out,
refer to page 35.<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack 1
Raise the floor panel in the luggage
compartment, refer to page 35 and
undo the jack (arrow).
When you have completed work, fold
the handle back and insert it in its
holder
>Chock 2
Located behind the jack on the wall
in the luggage compartment. Loosen
the wingnut to remove it