2004 BMW 325CI CONVERTIBLE Convertible top

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 vehi-
cle care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure.<
Manual convertible top
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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. In addition, keep valu-
ables only in the locked luggage
compartment, even when the con-
vertible top is closed
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top
>To avoid damaging the convertible
top, do not activate it at temperatures
below 147/ –106.
Never store the convertible top in
its compartment for more than
one day while it is wet to avoid perma-
nent damage from moisture.<
Do not lay objects on the convert-
ible top, as they could fall off
when it moves, causing vehicle damage
or personal injury.<
Driving when the opening or clos-
ing process has not been com-
pleted can cause vehicle damage or
personal 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.<
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.<

47
Opening and closing1To close
2To open
To avoid placing unnecessary
loads on the battery, you should
avoid operating the top when the
engine is switched off.
Before closing the top, always ensure
that the windshield frame is clear of any
obstructions that could prevent the top
from closing correctly.<
With the ignition key in position 1 or
higher, and with the vehicle stationary
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Ensure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the luggage com-
partment is folded down, see
page 37; otherwise, it will not be
possible to open the convertible top
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-
sponding button for the convertible
top operation.
The luggage compartment lid can-
not be opened while the convert-
ible top is in motion.<
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.<
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 the closing phase is completed,
press against the front section of the
convertible top frame from the outside
to help the closing process along. Con-
tinue pressing the switch while doing
so until the top starts up again on its
own.<
Indicator lamps>The red indicator lamp is lit whenever
the convertible top mechanism is in
motion. It goes out as soon as the
opening or closing operation has
been completed
>If the red indicator lamp flashes after
the control button is released, the
convertible top has not yet been
opened or closed completely. 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 compartment
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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48
panel has been raised and the top
cannot be moved.
The side windows move down slightly
whenever the button for operating the
convertible top is pressed.
They will go back up if you keep holding
the button down for more than
2 seconds after the opening or closing
process has been completed and the
indicator lamp has gone out.InterruptionThe convertible top stops moving
immediately when the button is
released. You can resume operation in
the desired direction by pressing the
button again
Do not close the side windows
using the power window switches
if the convertible top has not been
closed completely. Otherwise, the side
windows may not seal properly with the
rubber seals of the convertible top.<
If the opening or closing operation is
interrupted by releasing the buttons,
the convertible top remains in the
respective position for 15 minutes
before it slowly moves into a stable
position. The operation can be contin-
ued by pressing the buttons.
Do not repeatedly interrupt and
resume the closing procedure, as
otherwise the fully-automatic convert-
ible top mechanism could be dam-
aged.<
In certain cases, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened if the open-
ing or closing operation has been inter-
rupted.
Operate the convertible top manu-
ally in emergency situations only
to avoid causing damage due to incor-
rect operation. remote control and driver's door
lockRefer to pages 32 and 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.<
Manual closing is best carried out
by two persons from outside with
the driver's door open and the driver's
seat folded forward. No one is to be in
the rear seat while you are doing this.<
Fully-automatic convertible top*

49
1. Remove the insert between the rear
seats. Take the trim off of the guide
rod and flip it forward
2. Press down hard on the emergency
lock 1 – see previous illustration.
After a brief pause, the mechanism
for the convertible top compartment
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.<
3. If the luggage compartment lid is
closed, open the convertible top
compartment lid up as far as the stop
will allow
4. Grasp the convertible top by the lat-
eral guide section – see arrow 1 –
and the front convertible top frame –
see arrow 2. Lift out the top and
swing it forward until you encounter
a perceptible resistance – until it
stops. Position the rear convertible
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 folding the rear frame
brace up into its vertical position.<
5. Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover
panel that is in the center of the front
convertible top frame
6. Insert the Allen wrench 2 – refer to
page 48 – into the recess – see arrow
7. 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.<
Fully-automatic convertible top*
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50
Please consult your BMW center
to have the defect corrected.<
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
Fully-automatic convertible top*

51
2. Flip out both sides and lock into
place. It is essential for the two com-
ponents marked in the illustration 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
Transporting children safely
To avoid undesired movement at
high speeds, always store the rear
safety belts in their retainers when they
are not in use.<
Commercially available child-restraint
systems are designed to be secured
with a lap belt or with the lap belt por-
tion of a combination lap/shoulder belt.
Improperly or inadequately installed
restraint systems can increase the risk
of injury to children. Always read and
follow the instructions that come with
the system.
Correct location for installingIn your BMW, all seats equipped with a
three-point safety belt – except for the
driver's seat – are suitable for installing
universal child-restraint systems of all
age classes and which have been
approved for the age group in question.
Child-restraint system with
tether strapIf you use a child-restraint system with
a tether strap, two additional tether
anchorage points have been provided.
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 head restraint back 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.