2006 BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE maintenance

Mobility
This section helps you maintain your
mobility by supplying important information
on vital topics including fuels and lubricants,
wheels and tires, service, maintenance and
breakdown assistance.
Mobility

Mobility
183Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Fuel specifications
Never used leaded gasoline; it will perma-
nently damage the catalytic converter.<
Required fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline
The minimum Octane Rating is 91.
If you use gasoline with this minimum Octane
Rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside tempera-
tures. This has no effect on the engine life.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to the
Anti Knock Index AKI and is determined accord-
ing to the so-called (R+M)/2 method.
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has demonstrated significant
differences in fuel quality: volatility, composi-
tion, additives, etc., among gasolines offered for
sale in the United States and Canada. Fuels
containing up to and including 10 % ethanol or
other oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by
weight, that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol
plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will
not void the applicable warranties with respect
to defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
problems relating to drivability and start-
ing, and to a tendency to stall, especially under
certain environmental conditions such as high
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems,
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

Wheels and tires
184
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires
are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it as needed: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution, you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident.<
After correcting the inflation pressure(s),
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page88.<
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes and tire brands respectively
approved and recommended by BMW; a list
of these is available from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressure for your tires, observe the follow-
ing:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column for traveling speeds up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/h to achieve optimum driving
comfort.
These pressure specifications can be found on
the door post when you open the driver's door.
The permissible top speed for these tire
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h.
Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire dam-
age and accidents may result.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please
note the tire pressures for speeds exceeding
100 mph/160 km/h listed in the relevant column
of the table on the following pages and adjust
your tire inflation pressures as needed.
Otherwise tire damage and accidents could
occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits, otherwise violations of the law could
occur.

Mobility
195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air.
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical
maintenance by providing the ideal service for
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show
remaining distances and times of selected
maintenance intervals and legally mandated
deadlines, refer to page77:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on local
regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores this information continu-
ously in the remote control while the vehicle is
being driven. After accessing the data stored in
the remote control, your BMW Service Advisor
can suggest precisely the right array of service
procedures for your own individual vehicle.
For this reason, when you take your vehicle in
for service, you should give the BMW Service
Advisor the remote control last used to drive it.
Make sure the date in the iDrive is always
set correctly, refer to page83; otherwise,
the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Ser-
vice is not ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
Have service and repair operations per-
formed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance, and may also be
required when submitting warranty claims.<

Maintenance
196
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
A diagnostics device can use the OBD socket to
check components critical to exhaust composi-
tion.
This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, directly under the
dashboard.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values are deteriorating.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case, you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
escape of fuel vapor. This causes a display to
light up. If the cap is then tightened, the display
should go out within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a
device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to a BMW Assist plan, then certain vehi-
cle data can be transmitted or recorded to
enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on care and maintenance
of your BMW is contained in the Caring for your
vehicle brochure.

Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Wiper blade replacement
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp it firmly.
2.Press the locking tabs together while slid-
ing the wiper blade toward the front to dis-
engage it.
3.Insert the new wiper blade and slide it in
until it audibly clicks into place.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to driving safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. If you are not familiar with the
specified procedures, have the corresponding
work carried out at your BMW center.Never touch the glass on new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the electrical
devices involved to prevent short circuits from
occurring.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, follow any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When performing maintenance on the head-
lamps, follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
In the case of bulbs whose replacement
is not described, please consult your
BMW center.<
Xenon lamps
The service life of these lamps is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can continue
driving under poor visibility conditions by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully, where allowed by law.
Have work on the xenon lighting system,
including bulb changes, carried out only
by a BMW center. Due to the high voltage
involved, there is a danger to life and limb when
work is carried out improperly.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<

Replacing components
200
License plate lamps
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W
1.Push a screwdriver from the left under the
lamp and pry out the lamp toward the right.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Changing a wheel
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as a
standard feature. An immediate wheel change
in the event of a flat tire is therefore no longer
required.
For continued driving with damaged tires, refer
to Indication of a flat tire, page89.
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires on page188.
If you have new tires mounted or switch from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, use run-
flat tires because no spare tire is provided in case of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
Also refer to New wheels and tires, page188.
The suitable tools for changing tires are
available as accessories from your BMW
center.<
Car jacking points
The jacking points for the car jack are located in
the positions shown.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise in all
matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. For the connections, refer
to Jump starting on page203.
Disposal
After replacement, have old batteries dis-
posed of by your BMW center or deposit
them at a recycling center. Maintain the battery
in an upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery to prevent it from tip-
ping over during transport.<

Everything from A to Z
218 "Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control103
Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
"Audio", refer to Tone
control141
Automatic
– air distribution101
– air volume101
– headlamp control96
– service notification175
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit53
– storing stations145
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant97
Automatic car washes116
– also refer to Comfort
access37
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control100
– automatic air
distribution101
– convertible program101
– switching off103
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control96
– refer to Daytime driving
lamps96
– refer to High-beam
assistant97
– refer to Interior lamps99
– refer to Pathway lighting96
"Automatic programs"101
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC103
Automatic station search145Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– deactivating selector lever
interlock63
– Dynamic Driving Control64
– interlock62
– kick-down63
– selector lever lock,
Interlock62
– shiftlock62
– towing205
– tow-starting206
– with comfort access37
"Automatic ventilation"104
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control101
"Autostore" on the
radio144,146
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units83
Average speed75
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation131
Avoid freeways for
navigation130
"Avoid highways" for
navigation131
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation131
Axle loads, refer to
Weights210
"A - Z"168
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support48
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backup lamps
– refer to Reverse gear61
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps199
"Balance", refer to Tone
control142Balance, refer to Tone
control142
Balance adjustment in audio
mode, right/left142
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit203
Bass, refer to Tone
control141
"Bass", tone control142
Bass, tone control141
Battery
– disposal38
– jump starting203
– refer to Vehicle battery200
Battery change38
Being towed205
Belts, refer to Safety belts51
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders109
Blower, refer to Air
volume102
"BMW Assist"176
BMW Assist174
– enabling174
– services offered175
"BMW Contact"178
"BMW Contact
Numbers"178
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System195
"BMW Service"176
"BMW Service settings"175
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders109
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control86
Brake fluid193
– level193
– warning lamp193
Brake force display90
Brake hydraulic system193
Brake lamps
– brake force display90
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps199