2003 BMW 330Ci CONVERTIBLE Convertible top

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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47
1To close
2To openLocks and security systemsWith the ignition key in position 1 or
higher, and with the vehicle stationary
To avoid placing unnecessary loads on
the battery, you should avoid operating
the top when the engine is switched off.
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Before opening the convertible top,
ensure that the convertible top com-
partment panel is back down into its
original position, refer to page 37
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-
sponding button for the convertible
top operation.
The red indicator lamp flashes when-
ever the convertible top mechanism
is in operation. It goes out when the
opening or closing process has been
completed.
If it continues flashing after the con-
trol button is released, the process
has not completed opening or clos-
ing. You can resume operation in the
desired direction by pressing the
button again.
If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button
pressed, the convertible top com-
partment panel has been raised and
the top cannot be moved, refer to
step 2.
The convertible top stops moving
immediately when the button is
released. You can resume operation in
the desired direction by pressing the
button again.<
While the convertible top is in
motion, the rear window will move
toward the passenger compartment. To
avoid possible pinching, the area
around the closing convertible top
should be clear.<
The side power windows are lowered a
small distance whenever the top is set
in motion by pressing the button and
after the opening or closing process is
completed, they will go back up, if you
keep holding the button down for more
than 2 seconds after the indicator lamp
has gone out.
The luggage compartment lid cannot be
opened while the convertible top is in
motion.
Do not close the side power win-
dows using the buttons if the con-
vertible top operation has been inter-
rupted.<
After having been stored for an
extended period of time in the
convertible top compartment, e.g. dur-
ing the winter months because the
hardtop was being used, you may have
to support the convertible top by hand
when closing it for the first time: If the
convertible top should halt just before
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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48
the closing phase is completed, press
against the front section of the convert-
ible top frame from the outside to help
the closing process along. Continue
pressing the switch while doing so until
the top starts up again on its own.<
Operate the convertible top manu-
ally in emergency situations only
to avoid causing damage due to incor-
rect operation.<
If the opening or closing process
has been interrupted, the convert-
ible top will remain in that position for
15 minutes. After that, the convertible
top can be moved again and, if it is an
emergency situation, you may need to
help the top along manually.
This can also be done in ignition key
position 0.
In certain cases, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened if the open-
ing or closing operation has been inter-
rupted. driver's door lockRefer to page 33.
Manual closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction1Emergency operation
2Allen wrench
3Recess
Only operate the convertible top
manually when closing it. Never
open it manually since the convertible
top compartment lid cannot be locked,
and would open while you are driving.<
The best way to close the convert-
ible top manually is to stand out-
side the vehicle, keeping the driver's
door open and the driver's seat flipped
forward. No one is to be in the rear seat
during this operation.<
1. Remove the insert between the rear
seats. Take the trim off of the guide
rod and flip it forward. Press down
hard on the emergency lock 1 – see
arrow. After a brief pause, the mech-
anism for the convertible top com-
partment lid will be released
If the mechanism for the convert-
ible top compartment lid does not
unlock, then insert the Allen wrench 2
into the recess 3 and turn clockwise to
release it.<
2. If the luggage compartment lid is
closed, open the convertible top
compartment lid up as far as the stop
will allow
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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49
3. Grasp the convertible top by the lat-
eral guide section 1 and the front
convertible top frame 2. Lift out the
top and swing it forward until you
encounter a perceptible resistance –
until it stops. Position the rear con-
vertible top frame vertically and close
the convertible top compartment lid.
Fold down the rear convertible top
frame
To avoid damaging the side trim,
always fold the convertible top
forward before placing the rear convert-
ible frame into a vertical position.<
4. Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover
panel that is in the center of the front
convertible top frame
5. Insert the Allen wrench 2 – refer to
page 48 – into the recess – see arrow
6. Pull down on the front convertible
top frame as far as possible. Com-
plete the closing process by continu-
ing to turn the wrench in a clockwise
direction. Turn until the front convert-
ible top frame has locked onto the
windshield frame. The system auto-
matically presses the top's rear
frame against the convertible top
compartment lid, pretensioning it to
ensure that it seals tightly.
Always make sure the closing pro-
cedure is completed to prevent
vehicle damage or personal injury.<
Please consult your BMW center
to have the defect corrected.<
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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50
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 47.<
For additional information on vehi-
cle care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure.<
Wind deflector*With the convertible top open, the wind
deflector keeps air movement in the
passenger compartment to a minimum,
thus providing you with a pleasant
drive, even at higher speeds. The wind
deflector comes in a protective sleeve,
and because of its slim dimensions, can
be easily stored in the luggage com-
partment.Installation1. Remove wind deflector from the pro-
tective sleeve
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51
2. Flip out both sides and lock into
place. It is essential for the two com-
ponents marked in the illustration –
see arrows – to mesh at this point
3. Hold the wind deflector so that the
smaller half points toward the front
and guide the mounting pin for the
side piece into the proper opening
4. Pull back on the mounting pin for the
other side piece by using a slide, so
that the mounting pin can be guided
into the opening provided
5. Unlock the convertible top compart-
ment lid via the convertible top con-
trol button, refer to page 47, and
open the convertible top compart-
ment lid
6. Flip the back half of the wind deflec-
tor backward, so that the mounts are
lying on the vehicle
7. Close the convertible top compart-
ment lid via the convertible top con-
trol button. The wind deflector is now
attached so that it is theft-proof.
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.
With the wind deflector in place: to
avoid damaging the wind deflector
never push the front seats all the way
back.<
RemovalFollow the same procedure as when
installing, just reverse the steps.
Wind deflector*
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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
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68
3. Keep pressing down on the protec-
tive bar – see arrow 1 – from on top
until you hear it click into place
4. Put the cover panel back in place
and press down firmly
5. Push the back panel of the head
restraint closed – see arrow 2.
Do the same for the second protective
bar. If you are not familiar with any of
the procedures, consult your BMW
center.
Have the rollover protection system
checked out by your BMW center after
it has been inadvertently triggered.
Do not move the convertible top
under any circumstances if the
rollover protection system has
extended.
Do not use the rear head restraints as
storage shelves.
Absolutely no modifications are to be
made to any of the rollover protection
system's individual components or any
of its wiring.
Only your BMW center is to carry out
any work on the rollover protection sys-
tem.
Work done on the system that is carried
out improperly could lead to failure in
an emergency or accidental activation.
Regarding having the system checked
to ensure long-term operation: be scru-
pulous in adhering to the Service inter-
val display for maintenance intervals.
Every 2 years at the latest, the rollover
protection system must be inspected at
a BMW center.<
Rollover protection system
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