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Check Control ComputerWhen you turn the ignition key to posi-
tion 2, any of the following symbols may 
appear to call your attention to problem 
areas; the symbols remain in the 
display panel until the problem is 
corrected:
1 Check the low and high beams as 
well as the parking lamps
2 Door open
3 Luggage compartment lid open
4 Check tail or brake lamps
When you open the driver's door after 
completing a journey, an acoustic 
warning signal will sound if the head-
lamps are still on.
Mode selectionFrom ignition key position 1, you can 
call up information from the computer 
using the button in the turn signal lever. 
The information is displayed in the 
instrument cluster. By pressing the 
button briefly toward the steering 
column, you can call up a new function 
for display.
The displays appear in the following 
order:
Time of day, outside temperature, 
average fuel consumption, cruising 
range, average vehicle speed.
When the ignition key is turned to posi-
tion 1 or higher the last active setting is 
displayed.
ClockIf you wish to have a permanent time 
display, you can make this setting in the 
radio display (refer to the Radio 
Owner's Manual).
You can set the clock and the time 
display in the car radio as follows. 

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*
The conceptPDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking and all backing 
operations by providing an acoustic 
signal to indicate the distance between 
your rear bumper and the nearest 
object. The system features four ultra-
sonic sensors mounted in your rear 
bumper. The monitoring range for the 
two corner sensors extends outward 
roughly 2 ft (60 cm), while two centrally 
located sensors detect objects at 
distances of up to approx. 5 ft (1.50 
meters).
The system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you 
select reverse or move the selector 
lever into the "R" position with the igni-
tion key in position 2. PDC is deacti-
vated when you shift back out of 
reverse.
Acoustic signalsThe distance to the nearest object is 
indicated by a tone sounding at various 
intervals. As the distance between 
vehicle and object decreases, the inter-
vals between the tones become 
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the 
presence of an object less than 1 ft 
(30 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. three seconds if the distance to 
the obstacle remains constant during 
this time (if you are moving parallel to 
a wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated 
by a continuous high-pitched tone 
when the system is activated the first 
time. Please refer the problem to your 
BMW center.The PDC does not remove the 
driver's personal responsibility for 
evaluating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstacles. Always 
remember that the sensors can neither 
detect nor provide warnings of obsta-
cles located within their blind angles. 
This applies especially in those cases 
where the system approaches the 
physical limits of ultrasonic measure-
ment, as occurs with tow bars and 
trailer couplings, and in the vicinity of 
thin or wedge-shaped objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a 
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal 
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Always maintain a distance of more 
than 4 in (10 cm).< 

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Air conditioningAir supply
You can select blower speeds 
from 1 to 4. The heating and 
ventilation become more and 
more effective as the air 
supply settings are increased. In 
position 0, the blower and the heater 
are switched off. The outside air supply 
is blocked in position 0.
Temperature
In order to increase the 
temperature of the passenger 
compartment, turn the 
temperature control to the 
right (red). The temperature of the 
incoming air is kept constant.
Air distribution
You can direct the emerging 
air toward the windows  , 
toward your upper body   or 
into the footwell  . All inter-
mediate settings are possible. In the 
 setting, there is a low flow of air onto 
the windows to keep them free of 
condensation.
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).<
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the 
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the 
engine is started. Switching on the air 
conditioning will reduce condensation 
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms in the air 
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle. 
Traces of condensed water of this kind 
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
external odors by temporarily 
suspending the supply of outside air. 
The system then recirculates the air 
currently within the vehicle.
If the windows should fog over in 
the recirculated-air mode, switch 
it off and increase the air supply as 
required.< 

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Ski bag Cargo loading
When reattaching the cover, guide 
both bars into the guide and press 
the cover back into place. Secure the 
safety belts in their holders again.<
Stowing cargo If you are transporting cargo in your 
BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as 
possible Ð directly behind the 
luggage compartment partition Ð and 
as low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
With the convertible top closed, 
you can increase the space in the 
luggage compartment, refer to page 35.
We recommend that you always fold 
the convertible top compartment panel 
down as soon as you have removed 
your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that 
you can always operate your convert-
ible top at any time.
At the same time, when the top is 
raised you should fold the convertible 
top compartment panel back up before 
stowing large objects in the luggage 
compartment; this precaution will help 
reduce the likelihood of damage to 
either the convertible top compartment 
or your luggage.< 

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Cargo loadingSecuring cargo >For small, light items, use the rubber-
lined, non-skid side of the floor mat 
or secure using the luggage compart-
ment net
* or elastic straps
>For large, heavy pieces, consult your 
BMW center for load-securing 
devices*. Anchorages (arrow) are 
provided at the inner corners of the 
luggage compartment for attaching 
these devices.
Read and comply with the information 
enclosed with the load-securing 
devices.
Always position and secure the 
cargo correctly. If you do not, it 
can endanger the passengers during 
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross 
vehicle weight or the approved axle 
loads, refer to page 146, otherwise the 
vehicle's operating safety is no longer 
assured and you are in violation of the 
law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in 
the passenger compartment without 
securing them. Otherwise they could be 
thrown around during braking and 
evasive maneuvers and endanger the 
passengers.< 

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To ensure that your vehicle continues to 
provide maximum economy throughout 
an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the 
following instructions. 
Engine and differentialThe first 1,200 miles (2,000 km): 
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle 
and engine speed during these initial 
miles while remembering to avoid 
engine speeds in excess of 4,500 rpm 
and/or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph 
(160 km/h):
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid 
pressing the accelerator beyond the 
kickdown point.
After the initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km) 
you can gradually increase both engine 
and vehicle speeds.
Please remember to observe the same 
break-in procedures if either the engine 
or the differential is replaced later in the 
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated 
with their manufacture, tires do not 
achieve their full traction potential until 
an initial break-in period has elapsed. 
We thus ask you to drive with extra care 
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official 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.
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface 
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service 
life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake 
drums, apply the parking brake lightly 
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic 
signal, for instance); use caution to 
avoid posing a danger to other road 
users. You can prevent corrosion in the 
drums by periodically repeating this 
procedure.
The brake lamps do not come on 
when you engage the parking 
brake. 
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit 
on your BMW is available only when the 
engine is running. When you move the 
vehicle with the engine off Ð when 
towing, for example Ð substantially 
higher levels of pedal force will be 
required to brake the vehicle.
operate at optimum efficiency. 
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures
  

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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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Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are 
matched to the vehicle and have been 
selected to provide optimum safety and 
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but 
also driving comfort and Ð above all else 
Ð driving safety that depend on the 
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is 
a frequent cause of tire damage. 
Tire pressure also has a major effect on 
your BMW's handling response.
Be sure to check the tire pressures, 
including the space-saver spare tire or 
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at 
least twice a month and before every 
extended journey, refer to page 24. 
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can 
lead to poor handling, to tire damage 
and accidents.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread 
wear, signs of damage and for foreign 
objects lodged in the tread. Check the 
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to 
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though 
the legally specified minimum tread 
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear 
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the 
base of the tire's tread. Their locations 
are indicated by the legend TWI Ð Tread 
Wear Indicator Ð at various points on 
the tire's shoulder. When the tread 
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), 
these indicators appear to signal that 
the tires have worn to the minimum 
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread 
depth, there is an increased risk of 
aquaplaning, even at relatively 
moderate speeds and with only small 
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) 
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs 
steering and braking response, and can 
lead to complete loss of control over 
the vehicle. 
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that 
the permitted load on the tires is not 
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the 
tires. The ultimate result can assume 
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during 
normal vehicle operation can indicate a 
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be 
caused by contact with curbs, etc.  This 
is also true for irregularities in the 
vehicle's handling characteristics, such 
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the 
left or right. Should this occur, respond 
by immediately reducing your speed. 
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW 
center or professional tire center, or 
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its 
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire inflation pressures
 
Tire condition