
Notes
4
Notes
About this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure that you 
are able to find what you need in this Owner's 
Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way 
to find certain topics is by using the detailed 
index at the end. If you wish to gain an initial 
overview of your vehicle, you will find what you 
are looking for in the first chapter.
Should you sell your BMW at some time in the 
future, please remember to pass the Owner's 
Manual on to the new owner. The manual repre-
sents an important component of the vehicle.
Additional sources of information
If you have additional questions, your BMW 
center will be glad to advise you.
You can find more information about BMW, for 
example on its technology, on the Internet 
under www.bmw.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must be fol-
lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
sibility of personal injury and serious damage to 
the vehicle.
Indicates information that will assist you 
in gaining the optimum benefit from your 
vehicle and enable you to care more effectively 
for your vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be taken to 
help protect the environment.
< Marks the end of a specific item of informa-
tion.
* Indicates special equipment, country-specific 
equipment and optional extras, as well as 
equipment and functions not yet available at the 
time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to 
page31. Identifies functions that can be 
specifically adapted for a particular key or vehi-
cle. These adjustments can be performed by 
your BMW center.
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult the rel-
evant section of this Owner's Manual for 
information on a particular part or assembly. 

Notes
6
For your own safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e. g. the use of 
modern materials and high-performance 
electronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Therefore, only have 
corresponding work on your BMW carried out 
by a BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If work is car-
ried out improperly there is a danger of conse-
quential damage and the related safety risks.<
California Proposition 65 warning
California laws require us to state the following 
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of 
automobile components and parts, 
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals 
known to the State of California to cause cancer 
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In 
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and 
certain products of component wear contain or 
emit chemicals known to the State of CA to 
cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm. 
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Batter-
ies also contain other chemicals known to the 
State of California to cause cancer. Wash your 
hands after handling. 
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have 
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always 
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with 
soap and water.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use parts and acces-
sories approved by BMW. 
When you purchase accessories tested and 
approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you 
simultaneously acquire the assurance that they 
have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure 
optimum performance when installed on your 
vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from 
defects in material and workmanship. 
BMW will not accept any liability for damage 
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW. 
BMW cannot test every product made by other 
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a 
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation, or its occupants. 
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and 
other products approved by BMW, together 
with professional advice on using these items, 
are available from all BMW retailers. 
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, radios, 
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension 
components, brake dust shields, telephones, 
including operation of any portable cellular 
phone from within the vehicle without using an 
externally mounted antenna, or transceiver 
equipment, e.g. C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio or 
similar, may cause extensive damage to the 
vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with 
the vehicle's electrical system or affect the 
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your 
BMW center for additional information. 
Do not use key or remote control to lock doors 
or trunk with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to 
the Owner's Manual for more details.<
Maintenance, replacement or repair of 
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive 
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.< 

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps12
3Tachometer46
with indicator and warning lamps12
4Engine coolant temperature gauge46
5Fuel gauge46
6Button for
>Time47
>Service interval display47
7Display field for selector lever and program 
indicator
>Automatic transmission
*38
>Sequential manual gearbox SMG
*40
8Button for
>Trip odometer, reset to zero46
>Setting time47
9Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer46
>Clock47
>Service interval47
>Computer
*48
Indicator and warning lamps 
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified 
by 
+ are tested for proper functioning whenever 
the ignition key is turned. They each light up 
once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction occurs in one of the monitored 
systems, the corresponding light does not go 
out after the engine has started, or it lights up 
again while the vehicle is in motion. You can find 
more information about each system on the 
specified pages.
Safety belt reminder +30
Airbags 
+53
Battery charge current 
+94 

Opening and closing
16
Opening and closing
The key set
1Master keys with remote control
Each key is powered by an extended-life 
battery that is charged automatically in the 
ignition lock as you drive. For this reason, 
use every master key at least twice a year to 
keep its battery charged. Depending on 
which master key is recognized when the 
vehicle is unlocked, different settings are 
called up and carried out in the vehicle, refer 
to Key Memory on page31.
2Spare key
For storage in a safe place, e.g. in your wal-
let.
This key is not intended for constant use.
New keys 
You can obtain new keys, whether as additional 
keys or replacement keys, at your BMW center.
Central locking system 
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. The 
system simultaneously engages and releases 
the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door>storage compartment between the back-
rests
>opened manual convertible top.
The central locking system can be operated
>from outside using the remote control or via 
the driver's door lock
>from inside via the central locking system 
button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler door 
will not be locked. Refer to page18.
The anti-theft system is automatically activated 
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. It prevents the 
doors from being unlocked with the lock but-
tons or release handles. The alarm system is 
also armed.
In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the 
central locking system unlocks automatically. In 
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Opening and closing: 
from outside
With the remote control
Whenever you unlock or lock the vehicle, you 
simultaneously deactivate/activate the anti-
theft system, disarm/arm the alarm system and 
switch the interior lamps on/off.
You will find more information about the alarm 
system on page25.
Since persons or animals in the vehicle 
could lock the doors from the inside, 
always take the vehicle keys with you so that 
the vehicle can be opened again from the out-
side at any time.<
To unlock 
Press the    button. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 17
Press the button once to unlock the driver’s 
door and the fuel filler door; press a second time 
to disengage all vehicle locks.
Convenience opening mode
Keep the    button pressed:
The windows and the fully automatic convert-
ible top are opened.
To lock and secure 
Press the    button.
The hazard warning flashers light up once.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
To switch on the interior lamps 
With the vehicle locked:
Press the    button.
With this function, you can also search for your 
vehicle when parked in an underground garage, 
for instance.
To open the luggage compartment 
Press button    briefly.
The luggage compartment lid will open slightly, 
regardless of whether it was locked or 
unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure that the 
luggage compartment lid has not been 
opened unintentionally.<
Panic mode*
By pressing and holding button    for more 
than approx. two seconds, you can trigger the 
alarm systems
* in response to any impending 
danger.
To switch off the alarm: press any of the but-
tons.
Malfunction
Local radio waves can impede the functioning 
of the remote control.
Should this occur, open and close the vehicle 
using the master key in either a door or the lug-
gage compartment lock.If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle with 
the remote control, the battery is discharged. 
Use this remote control key while driving for an 
extended period in order to recharge the bat-
tery, refer to page16.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC, Federal Communications 
Commission, regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to these 
devices could void the user's authority to 
operate the equipment.<
At the door lock
One turn of the key in the driver's door lock 
unlocks the driver's door and the fuel filler door.
Turn the key a second time to disengage all 
other vehicle locks.
When the vehicle is locked, the hazard warning 
flashers light up once.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.< 

Opening and closing
18
Convenience operation
You can also operate the windows and the fully 
automatic convertible top via the door lock.
>To open: 
With the door closed, hold the key in the 
Unlock position
>To close:
With the door closed, hold the key in the 
Lock position.
Watch the closing process to ensure that 
no one is trapped. Releasing the key 
stops the operation.<
Manual operation
If there is an electrical malfunction, you can 
unlock or lock the driver's door by turning the 
key in the lock all the way to the left or right.
Opening and closing: 
from inside
You can use this button to control the central 
locking system whenever the doors are closed. 
The doors and luggage compartment lid are 
unlocked or locked only. The anti-theft system 
is not activated.
If only the driver's door was unlocked from the 
outside and you press the button, then, with the 
driver's door still open, the luggage compart-
ment lid and the fuel filler door will unlock, too. If 
the driver's door is closed, it will be locked.
If you desire, the central locking system 
can be activated automatically as soon as 
you begin to drive. This can be adjusted to be 
key-specific.<
To unlock and open
>Either unlock the doors together with the 
button for the central locking system and 
then pull each of the release handles above 
the armrests
or
>pull the release handle for each door twice: 
the initial pull unlocks the door, and the sec-
ond one opens it.
To lock
>Either use the central locking button to lock 
both doors at once or
>press the individual door lock buttons 
down.
To prevent the driver from being inad-
vertently locked out of the vehicle, the 
driver's door lock button will not engage as 
long as the door is open.<
Since persons or animals in the vehicle 
could lock the doors from the inside, 
always take the vehicle keys with you so that 
the vehicle can be opened again from the out-
side at any time.<
Luggage compartment lid
To open from the outside 
Turn the master key to the left as far as it will go. 
The luggage compartment lid will open slightly.
If the alarm system is armed, opening the lug-
gage compartment with the key will trigger an 
alarm; refer also to page25. 

Opening and closing
20
Windows
To open and close a window
Ignition key in position 1 or higher:
>Press the switch downward until you feel 
resistance: the window continues to move 
downward as long as you continue to press 
the switch
>Tap the switch past the pressure point: 
the window moves downward automati-
cally. Tapping the switch again stops the 
opening cycle.
You can close the window in the same manner 
by pulling the switch upward.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
After the ignition has been switched off
You can still open or close the windows for up to 
15 minutes, as long as no one opens any of the 
doors.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove 
the ignition key from the lock and remem-
ber to close the doors, since children could oth-
erwise operate the windows and injure them-
selves, etc.<
For convenience operation via the remote con-
trol or the door lock, refer to page17 or18, 
respectively.
Pressure-sensitive finger guard 
system
If the closing force exceeds a certain value while 
a window is being raised, the system will 
respond by stopping the window and then 
retracting it a small distance.Despite the finger guard system, make 
sure that the windows can close without 
obstruction, since in some cases, e.g. with thin 
objects, it is not guaranteed that the closing 
operation will be interrupted.
The finger guard system function is restricted 
when the switch is pulled and held beyond the 
pressure point.<
After a power supply interruption
After a power supply interruption, for instance 
after disconnecting the battery, the pressure-
sensitive finger guard system must be reinitial-
ized:
Ensure that the doors and convertible top are 
closed before initializing. Perform the following 
procedure twice for each window:
>Open and close the window completely
>With the window closed, keep pulling the 
switch upward for approx. 1 second.
Manual convertible top
The fabric top offers perfect protection against 
the weather and it can be opened easily and 
quickly by one person alone.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most out 
of your BMW:
>It is advisable to close the convertible top 
when the vehicle is parked. The closed con-
vertible top not only protects the passenger 
compartment from unforeseeable damage 
from the weather, but also provides a cer-
tain degree of theft protection
>In addition, only keep valuables in the 
locked luggage compartment, even with the 
convertible top closed
>When the convertible top is open, the cen-
tral locking system also locks the release 
button for the convertible top. The convert-
ible top cannot be operated. This provides 
better theft protection for valuables stored 
in the luggage compartment
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack 
system on the convertible top. 

Opening and closing
22 the top not only guards the passenger com-
partment from unforeseeable damage from 
the weather, but also affords a degree of 
protection against theft. In addition, only 
keep valuables in the locked luggage com-
partment, even with the convertible top 
closed
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack 
system on the convertible top
>To avoid damage, do not operate the con-
vertible top at temperatures below 147/
–106.
To avoid permanent damage from mois-
ture, never store the convertible top while 
it is wet. 
Driving when the opening or closing process 
has not been completed can cause vehicle 
damage or personal injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top, since 
they could fall off when the convertible top is 
operated and cause damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top mecha-
nism during opening and closing. Keep children 
away from the moving parts of the convertible 
top during operation.<
If possible, only operate the convertible 
top with the vehicle stopped, as other-
wise the process may be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion while the 
vehicle is stationary and then have to start sud-
denly, for instance at a traffic light, you can still 
complete the procedure by driving as slowly as 
possible and again holding the corresponding 
button pressed.
At higher speeds, a vacuum effect in the pas-
senger compartment can cause the convertible 
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air supply 
so that a low pressure draft does not occur in 
the vehicle.<
Opening and closing
1To close
2To open
If at all possible, only operate the convert-
ible top if the engine is running. This 
saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove any 
objects from the windshield frame that could 
keep the convertible top from closing prop-
erly.<
Ignition key in position 1 or higher. 
With the vehicle standing.
1.Read and comply with the preceding safety 
precautions
2.Make sure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the luggage compart-
ment is lowered; refer to page19. Other-
wise the convertible top cannot be opened
3.Ensure that the luggage compartment lid is 
closed
4.Press and hold the corresponding button 
for convertible top operation.
If the convertible top should halt right before the 
closing phase is completed, press against the 
front part of the convertible top frame from the 
outside to help the closing process along. Keep 
pressing the button while doing so until the top 
starts up again on its own.
Indicator lamps
>The red indicator lamp in the button will 
light up while the convertible top is in 
motion. It goes out as soon as the opening 
or closing operation has been completed
>If the red indicator lamp in the button 
flashes after the button has been released,