If your car is driven only for short distances of
less than 10 miles over a prolonged period of
time, without an occasional drive at highway
speeds, the engine’s charging system will not
maintain the battery. Insufficient use of the
vehicle could result in short term starting
problems and in the long term could damage
the battery.
In case the car is not operated for more than
four weeks it is advisable to:
a) consider using a proper trickle charger,
following the charger manufacturer’s
instructions, to maintain the battery’s state of
charge; or
b) consult your BMW center regarding battery
removal. Once removed, the battery must
be charged and stored in a cool, dry place
where it can be protected from freezing. If
the battery will be stored for over 3 months,
it must be recharged every 3 months, or
else it will become damaged and useless.
Please consult with your BMW center for
further guidance and information.
Corrosion Protection
Extensive corrosion protection measures
implemented by BMW now make it possible to
offer a six-year limited anti-corrosion warranty
against rust perforation on your vehicle
provided that the vehicle is maintained in
accordance with the provisions of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty as outlined in the
Warranty Section of this Statement (page 27).
The major degree of corrosion protection is
due to the electrophoretic dip painting process
which cathodically deposits paint particles on
all body parts, attracting paint particles into the
minutest cavities or seams. Body parts are
designed to provide optimum corrosion
protection.During manufacture, exterior body parts
receive an additional corrosion protection coat.
Hood, trunk, doors and other body parts with
metal folds are coated with PVC and sealed
from the outside.
All floor panels receive a resilient coating of
PVC for maximum protection against damage
due to stones, etc.
Corrosion protection materials tested over
many years are applied to the surfaces of
cavities and to the entire underside of the
vehicle during and after assembly.
Requirements for maintaining the six-year
limited anti-corrosion warranty are outlined in
the Warranty Section of this Statement (page
29).
Restoring corrosion protection
Please take care that anti-corrosion material is
replaced when your car is repaired after body or
chassis damage.
BMW will not accept any liability for any parts
and accessories not approved by BMW.
Underbody maintenance
The underbody has to be cleaned at least once
a year, in spring, with plain water in order to
remove mud, chemical sediments and other
deposits. If those materials are not removed,
corrosion (rust) will occur.
Your BMW center will do this anti-corrosion
service for you.
WARNING
Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or heat
shields. During driving, the substance used for
undercoating could overheat and cause a fire.
Battery Care
14
23 The BMW Roadside Assistance Program
reflects BMW’s commitment to your complete
satisfaction with the BMW ownership
experience.
It is available for U.S. version BMWs in all 50
states, Canada, and Puerto Rico 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.
It is a valuable benefit provided to you at no
additional cost. (Subject to certain limitations
and exclusions noted on pages 23-25).
Owner’s Eligibility
You are covered if your vehicle is:
– A new BMW automobile, distributed by
BMW NA, and purchased at an authorized
BMW center, OR;
– A new BMW automobile, purchased under
the BMW NA European Delivery Plan, OR;
– A new, U.S. version, BMW automobile
purchased under the Diplomatic or Military
Sales programs, operated in any of the 50
states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Coverage is provided for the vehicle itself,
regardless of the driver. Protection is concur-
rent with the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting Started
A temporary Roadside Assistance Identifica-
tion Card can be found inside of your vehicle
portfolio. It contains the 24-hour toll-free
number for Roadside Assistance.
For your convenience a decal, showing the
same information as the ID card, has been
affixed to the tool kit cover on the trunk lid.
In a few weeks you will receive a permanent
BMW Roadside Assistance ID card by mail.
The date of purchase and the vehicle identifi-
cation number (VIN) are embossed on the
card.This card should be carried by the driver of
your BMW automobile.
Calling For Assistance
The toll-free BMW Roadside Assistance
number is answered by a BMW Roadside
Assistance service representative. In order for
you to receive quick and reliable services, it is
essential that you should provide detailed and
accurate information to the service
representative.
Be prepared to give:
1. Your name and address.
2. Your complete Vehicle Identification Number
(found on your vehicle registration or your
permanent BMW Roadside Assistance ID
card).
3. Model description of your vehicle.
4. Date of purchase.
5. License plate number of your vehicle.
6. Vehicle location (including nearby cross-
roads/intersections, highway mile markers,
street numbers, landmarks, etc.).
7. Location you are calling from (including a
telephone number where you can be
reached). If you are calling from a public
phone wait there for the return call. Do not
leave this location without informing the
Roadside Assistance service representative.
8. A description of your vehicle’s problem.
Specific and accurate information will
enable the Roadside Assistance service
representative to provide the proper help.
BMW Roadside Assistance
