
 
Contents
 
9
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags61
Transporting children safely63
Rollover protection system67
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory69
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock70
Starting the engine70
Switching off the engine72
Parking brake72
Manual transmission73
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic*74
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher77
Washer/wiper system/Rain 
sensor*78
Cruise control*79
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy control81
Fuel gauge82
Engine coolant temperature 
gauge82
Service interval display83
Check Control83
Clock84
Computer85
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)*87
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)*88
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)*90
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)*92
Flat Tire Monitor*93
 
Lamps:
 
Parking lamps/Low beams96
Instrument lighting97
High beams/Standing lamps97
Fog lamps*98
Interior lamps98
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
 
Air conditioning100
Automatic climate control*104
 
Interior conveniences:
 
Glove compartment109
BMW Universal Transmitter*110
Storage compartments112
Cellular phone*113
Ashtray, front*113
Ashtray, rear*114
 
Loading and transporting:
 
Ski bag*115
Cargo loading116
Roof-mounted luggage rack for 
the hardtop*118
 
Controls and features
 
handbook.book  Page 9  Wednesday, July 31, 2002  9:29 AM 

40
Electric power windowsTo open and close windows
When leaving the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key from the 
lock and remember to close the doors 
to prevent children from operating the 
power windows and injuring them-
selves, etc.<
With the ignition key in position 1 or 
higher
>Press the switch until you feel resis-
tance: the window retracts as long as 
you maintain pressure on the switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the windows move auto-
matically. Pressing the switch again 
stops the opening cycle.
You can close the windows in the same 
manner by pulling the switch. The win-
dow on the passenger side and the rear 
windows do not close automatically.
The window on the passenger 
side closes automatically in igni-
tion key position 2 only.<
For convenience closing via the door 
lock, refer to page 33.
To operate all the side windowsWith the ignition key in position 1 or 
higher
>Press the switch until you feel resis-
tance: the windows retract as long as 
you maintain pressure on the switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the windows move auto-
matically. Pressing the switch again 
stops the opening cycle.
You can close all windows in the same 
manner by pulling the switch. The win-
dows cannot be closed automatically 
using this switch.
For convenience closing via the door 
lock refer to page 33.
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46
Fully-automatic convertible top*The fully-automatic convertible top 
combines the benefits of effective pro-
tection against the elements with sim-
ple and convenient operation.
To gain maximum satisfaction from your 
convertible, please observe the follow-
ing:
>We strongly recommend that you 
close the convertible top before leav-
ing the vehicle parked. When closed, 
the top not only guards the passen-
ger compartment from unforesee-
able damage from the weather, but 
also affords a degree of protection 
against theft. However, even when 
the top is closed valuables should 
always be stored in the locked lug-
gage compartment
>Never attempt to mount any kind of 
roof rack or luggage carrier on the 
convertible top
>To avoid damaging the convertible 
top, do not activate it at temperatures 
below 147/ –106.
Never store the convertible top 
while it is wet to avoid permanent 
damage from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or clos-
ing process has not been com-
pleted can cause vehicle damage or 
personal injury.
To avoid possible legal violations, 
always remember that traffic regula-
tions always take priority over these 
instructions.
Do not lay objects on the convertible 
top, as they could fall off when it 
moves, causing vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
Always keep your hands and fingers 
well away from the top's mechanism 
while it is opening and closing. Ensure 
that children remain at a safe distance 
from the top's travel range while it is in 
motion.<
Try to make sure that the vehicle 
is completely stationary before 
using the fully-automatic convertible 
top. Otherwise the opening or closing 
procedure could be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion 
while the vehicle is stationary and then 
have to start suddenly – for instance, at 
a traffic light – you can still complete 
the procedure by driving as slowly as 
possible and again holding the corre-
sponding button pressed.
Before closing the top, always ensure 
that the windshield frame is clear of any 
obstructions that could prevent the top 
from closing correctly.<
When closing the electric power 
windows while underway, always 
remember to either start by closing the 
rear windows or to close all of them at 
once. Failure to adhere to this 
sequence can prevent the windows 
from sealing tightly at high speeds.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing 
vacuum in the passenger com-
partment can cause the convertible top 
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-
ply via the ventilation controls so that a 
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<
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56
Safety beltsAlways wear your safety beltAlways fasten your safety belt before 
starting off. As supplemental restraint 
devices, the airbags are designed to 
enhance the effectiveness of the safety 
belts, and not to replace them.
Always detach the rear safety 
belts from their retainers before 
wearing.<
To avoid undesired movement at 
high speeds, always store the rear 
safety belts in their retainers when they 
are not in use.
To release1. Press the red button in the belt 
buckle
2. Hold the belt
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.Adjusting the safety belt height The front belt system automatically 
adjusts to your body size when the 
height of the head restraint is adjusted. 
Refer to page 54.
If the safety belt system has been 
subjected to the stresses involved 
in an accident or otherwise damaged: 
Have the entire safety belt mechanism 
replaced by your BMW center, includ-
ing the safety belt tensioner. In addi-
tion, have your BMW center inspect the 
safety belt anchors. If a child-restraint 
system was in the vehicle during an 
accident, consult the manufacturer's 
instructions regarding replacement.<
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65
dren should be secured in an appropri-
ate forward-facing child-restraint sys-
tem that has first been properly 
installed with a safety belt.
Never install a rear-facing child-
restraint system in the front passenger 
seat.
We strongly urge you to carefully read 
and comply with the instructions for 
installation and use provided by the 
child-restraint's manufacturer whenever 
you use such a device.
Do not attempt to modify child-restraint 
systems. If you do this, the protection 
provided by these systems could be 
impaired.
Be sure that all occupants – of all ages – 
remain properly and securely restrained 
at all times.<
All rear seating positions in your vehicle 
meet the recommendations of 
SAE J1819, an industry-recommended 
practice for securing child-restraint sys-
tems in motor vehicles.
Securing child-restraint systemAll of the rear belt retractors and the 
front passenger's safety belt can be 
locked for mounting and securing child-
restraint systems.
A label with the appropriate instructions 
is located in the immediate vicinity of 
the buckle of each safety belt.To lock the safety beltExtract the entire length of the belt from 
the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the 
reel to retract the belt somewhat and 
engage the buckle, then tighten the belt 
against the child-restraint system. The 
retraction mechanism is now locked. 
The belt cannot be extracted further. 
Always observe the installation instruc-
tions provided by the manufacturer of 
the child-restraint system.To unlock the safety belt Release the safety belt, remove the 
child seat and retract the safety belt to 
its end position on the belt retractor.
Transporting children safely
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138
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.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents 
are hazardous to health. You should 
always store them in their closed origi-
nal containers and in a location which is 
out of reach of children. Antifreeze and 
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable. 
For this reason, do not spill them on hot 
engine parts. They could ignite and 
cause serious burns. Comply with the 
instructions on the containers.<
Checking the coolant level and 
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the 
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
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 rod – see 
arrow – is at least even with the 
upper edge of the filler neck, but no 
more than 3/4 in / 2 cm above – that 
is, up to the second mark on the float 
rod
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until 
the correct level is reached – do not 
overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze with corrosion inhib-
itor.<
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Everything from A to Z
169
Car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 116
Cassette player operation, 
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control 123
indicator lamp 19
CD player operation, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Radio
Cellular phone 113
Center armrest 112
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 150
Central locking system 30
button 34
Changing a wheel 151
Check Control 83
Check Filler Cap
indicator lamp 19
Checking coolant level 138
Checking oil level 136
Child seats 63
integrated 61
Child-restraint mounting 
system (LATCH) 66
Child-restraint system 63
Cigarette lighter 113
Clean headlamps 79Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 45, 50
Cleaning windshield 79
Clock 84
setting 84
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Coin box 113
Compartments 112
Compression ratio 162
Computer 85
Condensation
removing from windows 
103, 106
Consumption
display 82
fuel 86
Convertible top
cleaning position 45, 50
closing in an 
emergency 48
electrical fault 48
Convertible top activation
fully automatic top 46
manual top 41
Convertible top compart-
ment panel, folding 
down 37
Coolant 134, 138, 165
indicator lamp 19
Cooling system 165Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC) 123
indicator lamp 19
Cruise control 79
indicator lamp 20
Cup holder, see Beverage 
holder 113
Curb weight 164
Cushion height 163
D
Data
dimensions 163
engine 162
technical 162
weights 164
Daytime driving lamps 96
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 123
warning lamp 19
Defrost position 103, 106
Defrosting rear window 
102, 107
Defrosting windows 
103, 106
Digital clock 84
Dimensions 163
Dipstick, engine oil 136
Disc brakes 124
Displacement 162
Display lighting 97Displays 16
Distance warning PDC 87
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
manual operation 33
remote control 31
unlocking and locking 
31, 33
Driving notes
braking 123
disc brakes 124
general information 123
hydroplaning 123
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 90
indicator lamp 19
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control 90
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC) 123
warning lamps 19
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) 90
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Traction Control 
(DTC) 90
E
Electric power windows 40
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Everything from A to Z
171
I
Ice warning 85
Ignition key 30
positions 70
Ignition lock 70
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Individual settings
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 69
Inflation pressure 25, 127
monitoring 92
INSPECTION 83
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 97
Instrument panel 14, 16
Interface socket for onboard 
diagnostics (OBD) 141
Interior lamps 32, 98
remote control 32
Interior motion sensor 38
remote control 32
switching off 32, 39
Interior rearview mirror 60
automatic dimming 
feature 60
Interior temperature, adjust-
ment 106
Interlock 70
Intermittent mode 78J
Jack 151
Jump-starting 157
K
Key Memory 69
Keys 30
L
Labels, tires 130
Lamps
daytime driving lamps 96
fog lamps 98
interior lamps 98
panel lighting 97
parking lamps 96
reading lamps 98
replacing 147
standing lamps 97
Lashing fittings 117
LATCH child-restraint 
mounting system 66
Length 163
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 151
Light switch 96
Lighter 113
Lighting, see Lamps
LIGHTS ON warning 96
Load-securing devices 116
Lock, steering wheel 70Low beams 96
replacing bulb 147
Lug wrench 151
Luggage compartment 35
capacity 164
enlarge volume 37
floor panel 37
folding down convertible 
top compartment panel 37
opening from the inside 35
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency release 36
manual operation 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack 118
Lumbar support 53
M
M+S tires 130
Maintenance 83, 140
Malfunction displays 83
Manual convertible top 41
closing 44
opening 42
operation 41
Manual operation of con-
vertible top during electri-
cal fault 48
Manual transmission 73Master keys 30
MC operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for Radio
Memory 57, 69
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 69
Microfilter 103, 108
Microphone 113
Mirror
exterior 59
interior 60
Mirror defrosting 59
Mirror memory 57
Mirrors 59
Modifications, technical 5
Multifunction switch 77
N
Navigation System, refer to 
the separate Owner's 
Manual
Neckrest 54
O
OBD interface socket 141
Odometer 81
Oil
capacity 165
quality 137
viscosity 137
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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