
75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*Switch off DSC/activate ADBPress the DSC switch (arrow) Ð the indi-
cator lamp comes on and remains on.
DSC has been switched off; ADB is in
ready mode.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to activate
the ADB for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.367de739
Switch off DSC and ADBHold the DSC switch down for at least
3 seconds. The indicator lamp and the
red warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system remain on.
In this case, no interventions to
increase stability and traction for engine
and brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability, drive
with the DSC switched on when-
ever possible.<
Reactivate DSC and ADBPress the button again; the indicator
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
The DSC is deactivated and will not
carry out any stabilizing intervention
when the ADB is in ready mode.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
You will find additional details
concerning DSC in the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page 165.

76n
Parking lamps/Low beams Fog lampsParking lamps (position lamps/
side marker lamps)
Position 1
With the switch in this position,
vehicle lighting on both sides is
on.
Low beams
Position 2
When you switch the ignition off
while the low beams are still on,
only the parking lamps (position lamps/
side marker lamps) remain on.
Instrument panel lightingIn order to adjust the illumination
intensity, turn the pulled switch. 367us021
LIGHTS ON warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0,
a warning signal sounds for a few
seconds to remind you if the headlamps
have not been switched off.Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daylight driving at
ignition key position 2.
Front fog lamps
*
A green indicator lamp comes
on in the instrument cluster to
indicate that the front fog lamps
are on.
It is not possible to switch on the front
fog lamps together with the high
beams.
367us023

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
97n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure98
Driving notes99
Catalytic converter100
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)101
Disc brakes103
Brake system104
Winter operation105
Power steering106
Cellular phone107
Car radio reception107
Hardtop Ð roadster108
Wheels and tires:
Notes on inflation pressures110
Tire condition110
Tire replacement111
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire
combinations114
Special features of winter
tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire
specifications116In the engine compartment:
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Fluids for the washer
systems122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification127
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System128
Airbags130
Storing your vehicle130
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications132
California Proposition
65 Warning132
OBD interface socket133
Maintenance

102n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. ABS alone cannot prevent
accidents if the brakes are applied
without an adequate, safe distance
between vehicles or if the speed limit
has been exceeded. Nor can it prevent
the hazards of aquaplaning. Responsi-
bility for these types of situations
remains in the hands (and at the feet) of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking increased risks that could
affect your own safety and that of
others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.< Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a fault
The ABS warning lamp comes
on, refer to page 21. The brake
system then reverts to conven-
tional operation as on vehicles
without ABS. However, have the
brake system checked by your
BMW center as soon as possible. To
prevent undetected defects and cumu-
lative faults from adversely affecting the
brake system, refer any problems to
your BMW center at the earliest oppor-
tunity.
The red warning lamp for the
brake hydraulic system comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS, ASC+T/
DSC
and ADB/DBC
(refer to
page 21), the entire ABS, CBC,
ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC
control system has failed.
Continue to drive cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions because the vehicle could
become unstable and go out of control.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.

103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
ABS Disc brakesDynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 74.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops".
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow. Normal braking effi-
ciency is still fully available.
Have the system checked and
repaired at your BMW center as
soon as possible.
Please observe the section "Infor-
mation for your safety" concerning
the ABS system, which also applies to
the DSC system.<
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, or in oper-
ating conditions where brake applica-
tions are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure which
must be exerted by the pads to clean
the rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle in the event of their use.<
Driving notesWhile driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles Ð watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique
described on page 106.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
You can increase the engine's braking
effect by selecting progressively lower
gears, downshifting into first gear, if
necessary. You can also downshift into
first gear if you are using the manual
mode in a vehicle with automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 63.

104n
Disc brakes Brake system Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead, decelerate
the vehicle with increased pressure on
the brake pedal (watch for following
traffic), release the pedal and then
repeat the brake application (staggered
braking). This staggered braking tech-
nique allows the brakes to cool in the
intervals between active braking
phases, preventing overheating and
ensuring that full braking capacity
remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not
coast with the engine switched off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake fluid level
The warning lamp for the
hydraulic brake system comes
on:
The brake fluid level is too low in
the reservoir (refer to page 126).
If the brake fluid level is too low
and brake pedal travel has become
noticeably longer, there may be a
defect in one of the two brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and braking distances may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle in the event of their use.<

118n
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all appli-
cable instructions and warnings. If you
are not familiar with all guidelines, have
the work performed by your BMW
center. Otherwise, safety hazards for
vehicle occupants and other road users
may occur as a result of improper
handling of components and mate-
rials.<
To release Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.365de063
To openGrasp the hood on both sides on the
level of the latch (arrow 1); press the
latch upward and simultaneously lift the
hood with both hands.367us050
Hood

125n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. Any skin areas that come in
contact with oil should thus be thor-
oughly washed with soap and water.
Store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.
If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low
temperatures (below +14 7/Ð10 6),
the engine may become difficult to
start.
Special engine oils individually
approved by BMW are preferred for use
in your engine. Please contact your
BMW center for details.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, do not use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor which can be used
with aluminum radiator cores. Your
BMW center is familiar with the
approved specifications.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. Store them in
their original containers. Keep the
containers tightly closed and 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 components. If you do, it could
be ignited and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
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 (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), 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).367de356