
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
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,  

Driving
36
Driving
Ignition lock 
0 Steering locked 
This is the only position in which the ignition key 
can be inserted or removed.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel 
slightly to the left or right until the lock engages.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic signal 
sounds when the driver's door is opened.
Interlock 
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
In order to turn the key back to position0 or to 
remove it, move the selector level into position 
P first.
1 Steering unlocked
You will find that it is often easier to turn the 
ignition key from position0 to 1 if you move the 
steering wheel slightly to help disengage the 
detent.
Individual electrical equipment and accessories 
are available for use.
2 Ignition switched on 
All systems are operational.
3 Starting engine
Engine 
Engine idle speed is controlled by the engine 
computer system. Increased speeds at start-up are normal and should decrease as the engine 
warms up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always 
deactivate electrical devices that are not in use. 
Switch the ignition off when the vehicle is not 
being driven.
Do not leave the engine running in 
enclosed spaces. Otherwise, inhaling the 
hazardous exhaust gases could lead to uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color-
less, but highly toxic gas. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the 
engine running. An unattended vehicle with a 
running engine poses a safety hazard. 
Before you leave the vehicle with the engine 
running, place the engine in idle first or engage 
the P position and apply the parking brake. If 
you fail to do this, the vehicle could move.<
Starting the engine 
Do not press the accelerator pedal while start-
ing the engine.
Do not let the engine warm up in idling position. 
Instead, begin to drive at moderate engine 
speeds.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehi-
cle. A lockout prevents the engine from starting 
if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but 
do not continue it for more than 20 seconds. 
Release the ignition key immediately when the 
engine starts.
If the engine fails to start on the first attempt, 
e.g. if it is very hot or cold:
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down.
Cold starts at very low temperatures, below 
approx. +57/–156, and at high altitudes, 
above 3,300 ft/1,000 m: 

Giving and receiving assistance
98 positive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary jump-starting terminal of the vehicle to 
be jump-started.
Your BMW is equipped with a special nut, 
refer also to the engine compartment over-
view on page85
3.With the– jumper cable, connect the nega-
tive terminals of both vehicles. 
To do this:
Attach one cable clamp to the negative bat-
tery terminal or to a suitable ground on the 
engine or body work of the support vehicle.
Attach the second cable clamp to the nega-
tive battery terminal or to a suitable ground 
on the engine or body work of the vehicle to 
be jump-started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the support vehicle and 
let it run for several minutes at a slightly ele-
vated engine idle speed
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle as 
usual. 
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes before another attempt 
in order to allow the discharged battery to 
recharge
3.Allow the engines to run for several minutes
4.Then disconnect the jumper cables in 
reverse sequence
5.Depending on the cause of the fault, have 
the battery checked and recharged.
Never use spray starter fluids to start the 
engine.<
Towing and tow-starting the 
vehicle 
Using the towing eyelet 
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the 
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in the 
vehicle at all times. It can be attached at the 
front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instructions in 
order to avoid damaging the towing eye-
let or the vehicle: use only the towing eyelet 
supplied with the vehicle, and screw it in firmly 
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing 
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting the tow-
ing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g. do not lift the 
vehicle using the towing eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socket 
Press out the cover with a screwdriver inserted 
in the recess at the top.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, because the steering lock could 
otherwise engage and the vehicle could no 
longer be steered. There is no power assist 
while the engine is off. Therefore, you will need 
to exert more force to brake and steer the vehi-
cle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if required 
by national regulations. If the electrical system 
has failed, clearly identify the vehicle being 
towed, e.g. by placing a sign or a warning trian-
gle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idling position.