44
8. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above
– see arrow. The closing process will
then be carried out automatically
9. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height.
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.
An interlock device helps avoid damage
to the vehicle by preventing the lug-
gage compartment lid from opening
unless the convertible top compartment
lid is completely closed.<
As soon as the convertible top com-
partment lid closes the central locking
system will release the lock to allow
renewed access to the luggage com-
partment.
To avoid fabric damage stemming
from extended exposure to mois-
ture, you should never retract the con-
vertible top when it is wet, refer also to
the Caring for your vehicle brochure.<
To close the convertible top1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
2. Press the button to unlock it. The
convertible top will be unlocked and
the side windows will lower slightly
3. Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid all the way
4. Lift the convertible top out by the lat-
eral guide section – see arrow 1, and
the front convertible top frame – see
arrow 2, swinging it forward until you
encounter perceptible resistance –
until it stops
To avoid damaging the side trim,
always fold the convertible top
forward before folding the rear frame
brace up into its vertical position.<
Manual convertible top
handbook.book Page 44 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM
45
5. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height
6. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above.
The top then closes automatically,
refer to page 41
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.<
As soon as the convertible top
compartment lid closes the central
locking system will release the lock to
allow renewed access to the luggage
compartment.<
7. Holding on to the locking handle, pull
the front part of the convertible top
frame up onto the windshield frame,
and lock the convertible top by turn-
ing the handle until you hear the con-
vertible top engage and lock.
The system automatically presses the
top's rear frame against the convertible
top compartment lid, pretensioning it to
ensure that it seals tightly.
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.<
Position for cleaningTo be able to access the convertible
top compartment, lean the rear frame of
the convertible top against the cover of
the convertible top compartment.
First, use the button for activating
the convertible top to unlock the
locks of the convertible top compart-
ment. Refer to page 42.<
For additional information on car-
ing for your vehicle, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle brochure.<
Manual convertible top
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53
Adjusting electric power seatsSeat adjustment1Tilt angle
2Backward/forward adjustment
3Height
4Backrest angle
Please refer to the adjustment
instructions on page 52 to reduce
the risk of personal injury.<
With the BMW sports seat* you can
also adjust the thigh support. To do so,
pull the lever and adjust the position of
the cushion for thigh support as
desired.
Lumbar support*To adjustYou can adjust the backrest's contour
for additional support in the curvature
of your spine's lumbar region.
The upper hips and spinal column
receive supplementary support to help
you maintain a relaxed, upright posture.
>Press the front/rear of the switch:
increase/decrease curvature
>Press the upper/lower end of the
switch: increase the upper/lower cur-
vature.
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54
Head restraintsFront head restraints1Height
Head restraints reduce the risk of
spinal injury in the event of an
accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its
center is approximately at the height of
your ears.
When moving the head restraints up or
down, avoid placing hands and fingers
between the head restraint and the
upper edge of the backrest to avoid the
possibility of injury.<
Tilt angle: position the head restraints
manually in the preferred position.
Rear head restraints
To avoid possible violation of traf-
fic laws, never retract the head
restraints unless the rear seats are
empty. Always ensure that the head
restraints are raised before transporting
passengers in the rear seat.<
To completely lower the rear head
restraints:
1. Press the button – see arrow – and
hold it down
2. Push the head restraint down from
above.
Raising the rear head restraintsRaise the head restraints until you hear
them click into place.
handbook.book Page 54 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM
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.<
handbook.book Page 56 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM
64
Depending on the location selected for
seating in the rear passenger area,
attach the tether strap to the corre-
sponding anchorage point to secure the
child-restraint system, as shown in the
illustration.
1. Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid, refer to page 41 or 46
2. Lift the headrest and pass the tether
strap between the headrest and the
seat back. It is recommended that
you return the headrest to its lowest
possible position
3. Adjust the tether strap according to
the child-restraint manufacturer's
instructions
4. Close the convertible top compart-
ment panel.
It is recommended to cover the child-
restraint attaching clip with a soft mate-
rial to prevent damage to the stored
soft top.
Should a hard top be installed, the
fitting of child harness tether
strap/s – if child seat is required – is
necessary before installation of the
hard top.<
Before installing any child-
restraint device or child seat,
please read the following:
Never install a rear-facing child-
restraint system in the front passenger
seat of this vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag
supplemental restraint system for the
front passenger. Because the backrest
on any rear-facing child-restraint sys-
tem – of the kind designed for infants
under 1 year and 20 lbs/9 kg – would
be within the airbag's deployment
range, you should never mount such a
device in the front passenger seat,
since the impact of the airbag against
the child-restraint's backrest could lead
to serious or fatal injuries.
If it is necessary for a child – not an
infant – to ride in the front seat, certain
precautions should be taken. First,
move the passenger seat as far away
from the dashboard as possible. This
important precaution is intended to
maximize the distance between the air-
bag and the child. Older children
should be tightly secured with the
safety belt after they have outgrown a
booster seat that is appropriate for their
age, height, and weight. Younger chil-
Transporting children safely
handbook.book Page 64 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM
132In the engine compartment
HoodTo releasePull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
required technical background. Failure
to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components
and materials constitutes a safety haz-
ard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed at your BMW center.<
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.
To closeAllow the hood to fall from a height of
about 1 ft/30 cm so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, following the same
safety precautions used in all closing
procedures.
If you notice while driving that the hood
is not completely closed, stop immedi-
ately and close it securely.<
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151
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left – see arrow – to
release the lens
2. Replace the bulb.
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions in the event of
a flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. 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,
or if you have an automatic transmis-
sion position the selector lever in Park,
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 sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could pre-
vent 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. There is otherwise a risk of
fatal injury.<
Lamps and bulbs
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