
Contents
9
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags57
Transporting children safely59
Rollover protection system63
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory65
Driving:
Ignition lock66
Starting engine and driving
off67
Switching off the engine69
Parking brake69
Manual transmission70
Sequential M gearbox
SMG II*71
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher76
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*77
Cruise control78
Everything under control:
Odometer80
Tachometer80
Temperature gauge80
Fuel gauge81
Engine coolant temperature
gauge81
Service interval display82
Check Control82
Clock83
Computer84
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)*86
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)87
Flat Tire Monitor88
M Engine dynamics control91
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams92
Instrument lighting93
High beams/Standing lamps93
Fog lamps94
Interior lamps94
Reading lamps94
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control96
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment101
Storage compartments101
Cellular phone*102
Ashtray, front*102
Ashtray, rear*103
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag*104
Cargo loading106
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop*107
Operation, maintenance
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures110
Driving notes111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)111
Brake system112
Hardtop*113
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure115
Tire condition115
Tire replacement116
Wheel and tire
combinations118
Winter tires118
Snow chains*119
In the engine compartment:
Hood120
Engine compartment
essentials122
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant126
Brake fluid127
Maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System128
Laws and regulations:
California Proposition 65
warning130
OBD interface socket130
Controls and features
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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 continues to move
as long as you continue to press the
switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the window moves auto-
matically. Touching 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 to 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.
Operating all windows at onceWith the ignition key in position 1 or
higher
>Press the switch until you feel resis-
tance: all of the windows will con-
tinue to lower as long as you con-
tinue to press the switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: all windows will move
automatically. Pressing the switch
again stops the opening cycle.
You can close the 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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42
Driving with the opening or clos-
ing operation not completely
ended can lead to damage and/or inju-
ries.
Traffic laws applicable in your area take
precedence when you operate the con-
vertible top, otherwise you may be
breaking the law.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they would fall off when the
convertible top is operated and cause
damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.
Keep children away from the moving
parts of the convertible top during
operation.<
If possible, only operate the con-
vertible top with the vehicle
stopped, as otherwise the process may
be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion
with the vehicle stationary and then
have to start suddenly – for instance, at
a traffic light – you can still complete
the operation by driving as slowly as
possible and again pressing and main-
taining pressure on the button.
Before closing the convertible top,
remove any objects from the windshield
frame that could keep the convertible
top from closing properly.<
To close the electric power win-
dows while driving, always be
sure to first close either the rear win-
dows, or all 4 windows at the same
time, otherwise, at high speed, the win-
dows may not close 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.<
1To close
2To openLocks and security systemsFrom ignition key position 1 or higher,
with the vehicle stationary
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running. This
saves unnecessary battery wear.
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel in the luggage
compartment is lowered, refer to
page 37
3. Make sure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
Convertible top
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52
Press against the backrest until you
hear it snap into place. Lever 1 does
not have to be released to fold the seat
back.<
Lock both backrests while driving,
otherwise there is a danger of an
unexpected movement causing an
accident.<
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster flashes, when the backrest is
not locked, refer to page 18.
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.
Before putting your safety belts on
in the rear, take them out of the
holder.<
Leave the rear safety belts in the
holders if they are not needed, in
order to avoid unwanted movement
from the safety belts at high speeds.
To release1. Press the red button in the belt
buckle
2. Hold the belt
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.Adjusting safety belt heightThe front safety belt automatically
adjusts your body size via the setting of
the head restraint height, refer to
page 50.
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.<
Entering the rear
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61
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 children should be secured in
an appropriate forward-facing child-
restraint system that has first been
properly secured with a safety belt.
Never install a rearward-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
for this is located in the immediate
vicinity of the buckle latch 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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126
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47 /–206 for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.
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 inac-
cessible to children. Antifreeze and
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.
For this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Check the coolant level and add
coolant Check 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 is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck – refer to the arrow in the illus-
tration – but no more than 3/4 in/
2 cm above it – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float. Refer also to
the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck
Engine oil
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Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
indicator lamp 19
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 100
Adding brake fluid 122, 127
Air conditioning 98
Air distribution, automatic 98
Air distribution, individual 98
Air nozzles 96
Air outlets 96
Air pressure 115
checking 25
Air supply 98
Air supply vents
recirculated-air mode 99
Airbags 57
warning lamp 18
Alarm system 38
avoiding false alarm 39
indicator lamp 39
interior motion sensor 38
tilt alarm sensor 38
Antifreeze 126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 111
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 30, 38
Armrest 101
Ashtray
front 102
rear 103AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 99
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 96
Automatic cruise control 78
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 56
Automatic headlamp
control 92
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 99
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 122, 145
Average fuel
consumption 85
Average speed 85
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 152
B
Backrests
unlocking 51
Backup lamps 70
replacing bulb 137
Battery 143
charge 143
charge current 18
charge current lamp 18
Belts 52Beverage holder 102
Blower 98
BMW Maintenance
System 128
Bore 150
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 102
Brake fluid level 112
warning lamp 18, 127
Brake hydraulic system
warning lamp 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 137
Brake pads 112
Brake system
brake fluid level, warning
lamp 18
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brakes
malfunctions 112
parking brake 69
Braking
driving notes 111
Break-in procedures 110
Bulb replacement 135
C
California Proposition
65 warning 130
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 102Capacities 153
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 103
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 106
Caring for headlamp cov-
ers, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure 135
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 111
indicator lamp 19
Cellular phone 102
Center armrest 101
Center high-mount brake
lamp 138
Central locking system 30
button 34
Check Control 82
CHECK FILLER CAP
indicator lamp 19
Checking coolant level 126
Checking oil level 124
Child seat 59
Child-restraint systems 59
Cigarette lighter 102
Clean windshield 78
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Everything from A to Z
159
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 62
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Length 151
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 139
Light switch 92
Lighter 102
Lighting, see lamps
LIGHTS ON warning 92
Load-securing devices 106
Lock, steering wheel 66
Low beams 92
bulb replacement 135
Luggage compartment
35, 37
capacity 152
floor panel 37
increase volume 37
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency release 36
manual operation 35
opening from the inside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack 107
Lumbar support 50M
M Engine dynamics
control 91
M Mobility system 139
M+S tires 118
Maintenance 82, 128
Malfunction displays 82
Manual operation
convertible top 44
Manual transmission 70
Master keys 30
with remote control 30
Memory 53, 65
Microfilter 100
Microphone 102
Mirror defrosting 55
Mirror memory 53
Mirrors 55
automatic curb monitor 54
inside rearview 56
outside 55
Mobility system 139
Modifications, technical 5
Mounting the roof rack 113
Multifunction switch 76
N
Navigation system, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Neckrest 50O
OBD interface socket 130
Odometer 80
Oil
additives 125
capacity 153
quality 125
viscosity 125
Oil change interval, see Ser-
vice and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil filter change 153
Oil level
checking 124
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Oil pressure
warning lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 82
Oil types 125
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 134
Opening and closing
from inside 34
via remote control 31
via the door lock 33
Operating elements 14Outlets, ventilation 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 84
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 86
Parking aid 86
Parking brake 69
Parking lamps 92
PDC Park Distance
Control 86
Pollen 100
Power output 150
Power seat 49
Pressure, tires 25, 115
R
Radiator 153
Radio navigation, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Radio 85
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 77
Range 85
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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