Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
41
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral, idle
You can select this in a car wash, for example.
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
This position is designed for driving under all
normal operating conditions. All forward gears
are selected automatically.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you are driving in posi-
tion D.
Kickdown
Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Manual operation and Sport program
M/S
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into the M/S range:
The Sport program is activated. This is indi-
cated by the display SD in the instrument clus-
ter. This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
The Sport program is enabled automatically
when the Driving Dynamic Control system is
activated, refer to page42.
To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Shifting gears using the selector lever
When you press the selector lever forwards or
backwards, the manual mode is activated and
Steptronic changes gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
The transmission will only execute upshifts and
downshifts that will result in an appropriate
combination of vehicle speed and engine rpm.
For instance, downshifts that would result in
excessive engine speed will not be executed.
The desired gear will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster, followed by the actual gear.
Shifting gears via the shift paddles* on
the steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears
quickly since your hands can remain on the
steering wheel.
>When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shift gears while in auto-
matic mode, the transmission automatically
switches to manual mode.
>If you do not use the shift paddles for a cer-
tain amount of time and do not accelerate,
the transmission automatically switches
back to automatic mode.
If the selector lever is in the M/S gear
plane, manual mode remains active.
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles.
>To shift down, press one of the shift pad-
dles.
The instrument cluster shows M1 through M6.
The transmission will only execute upshifts and
downshifts that will result in an appropriate
combination of vehicle speed and engine rpm.
For instance, downshifts that would result in
excessive engine speed will not be executed.
The desired gear will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster, followed by the actual gear.
Malfunction
Red warning lamp
The transmission is overheating.
Reduce your speed immediately and
pull over at a suitable location so that
Driving
42 the transmission can cool down again. You can
continue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked immediately.
Yellow warning lamp
The transmission system is malfunc-
tioning. Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can
continue to be engaged; in the forward drive
positions, however, the vehicle will be operating
in a restricted gear range only.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Instructions on towing, tow-starting and jump-
starting begin on page99.
Driving Dynamic Control
At the touch of a button, Driving Dynamic Con-
trol enables you to drive your BMW in an even
sportier style:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to any motion of the accelerator pedal.
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced.
>Cruise control
*:
The stored speed is achieved more quickly
when called up.
In addition with automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.
To activate the system
Press the SPORT button while the key is in
position 2.
The LED in the button lights up.
To deactivate the system
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button goes out.
Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signal indicators
Unusually rapid flashing of the indica-
tor lamp indicates that a turn signal
indicator has failed.<
To signal briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to indicate a turn.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
The turn signals flash three times.
If you wish, you can have this function
activated.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
71
cannot be ruled out that vehicle electronics and
the mobile communications device interfere
with one another. In addition, it is not ensured
that the radio waves emitted during transmis-
sion are directed outside of the vehicle inte-
rior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors with
automatic dimming feature*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. In the Road-
ster, one is located in the mirror glass, see
arrow. In the Coupe, it is located at the bottom
of the mirror frame. The other photo cell is on
the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photocells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the tires and
the road surface. This situation, known as
hydroplaning, means that the tire can com-
pletely lose contact with the road surface, so
that neither the car can be steered nor the brake
be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page83.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Moisture inside the vehicle
Make sure that the passenger compart-
ment does not become wet and that liq-
uids are transported in closed containers.
Otherwise, moisture could penetrate and dam-
age electronic components inside the vehicle.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, keep the vehicle from rolling
by using the parking brake rather than by
slipping the clutch, which would lead to a high
degree of clutch wear.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The resulting heat dries the
brake rotors and brake pads. Immediate braking
force is then available if necessary.
Inclines
To prevent overheating and, as a result,
diminished braking effectiveness, drive
down long or steep downhill grades in the gear
that requires the least braking. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
97
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the positions
indicated in the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-free.
This means that the original electrolyte will nor-
mally last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your BMW Cen-
ter will be happy to advise you if you have any
questions concerning the battery.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being charged.
The alternator drive belt is defective or
there is a malfunction in the charging circuit of
the alternator. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over and
switch off the engine immediately to pre-
vent overheating and serious engine damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a very
low level, increased steering effort may also be
necessary.<
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when the
engine has been switched off. Connections,
refer to Jump-starting on page99.
Battery disposal
After changing a battery, have the used
battery disposed of by your BMW Center or bring it to a recycling point. Maintain the bat-
tery in an upright position for transport and stor-
age. Secure the battery against tilting when
transporting.<
Power loss
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reset:
>Seat memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page32.
>Clock must be reset, refer to page47.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse or
replace it with a fuse having a different
color or amperage rating. To do this could
cause a fire in the vehicle as a result of circuit
overload.<
You will find the fuses and information on their
respective allocation behind the glove compart-
ment.
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Press the lock on the left, arrow1.
3.Press the lock on the right, arrow2.
4.Swing the glove compartment down.
Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasping
the fuses are found in the onboard tool kit; refer
to page93.
Everything from A to Z
118 Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting56
LIGHTS ON warning56
Light switch55
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading72
Loads, securing73
Locking the doors
– from inside21
– from outside19,20
Locking the vehicle
– from inside21
– from outside19
Longlife oils
– approved engine oils89
Low beams55
– automatic55
– bulb replacement94
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Luggage compartment
– capacity109
– floor panel93
– increasing capacity23
– opening and closing21,22
– opening from inside the
vehicle21,22
– opening from the
outside21,22
Luggage compartment lid22
– emergency release23
– indicator lamp13
– opening from inside the
vehicle22
– opening from the outside22
– remote control19
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires85
Maintenance91
– refer to Service Booklet
– refer to Service interval
display47,91
Making telephone calls, refer
to Owner's Manual for
TelephoneMalfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door78
– luggage compartment lid22
– storage compartments64
– tailgate22
Malfunction of electrical
accessory97
Manual
– air distribution62
– air flow rate62
Manual convertible top26
Manual mode, refer to
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
Manual operation
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door78
– luggage compartment lid22
– power convertible top28
– storage compartments64
– tailgate22
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission40
Manual transmission40
Manufacturer5
Master keys with remote
control18
Maximum cooling62
Maximum speed
– with winter tires85
MD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Mechanical seat31
Memory
– Seat memory32
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Microfilter
– air conditioning60
– automatic climate control63Microphone, refer to Mobile
phone preparation
package67
Minidisc operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors34
– exterior mirrors
34
– heating34
– interior rearview mirror34
Mobile communications in the
vehicle, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phone preparation
package67
Mobile phones, use inside the
car, refer to Mobile
communications in the
vehicle70
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
M Sports seat31
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signal
indicators/headlamp
flasher42
– refer to Washer/wiper
system43
N
Navigation system, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints32
Nets64
New
– keys18
– tires84
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope101
Everything from A to Z
120 Rod antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Roller-blind cover65
Rope, refer to Towing
methods101
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires84
Rubber parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires84
Run-Flat Tires84
– changing a tire83,84,85
– changing a wheel96
– flat tire51
– Flat Tire Monitor51
– tire inflation pressure80
– winter tires85
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires84
S
Safe seating position30
– with airbags30
– with head restraints30
– with safety belts30
Safety belts33
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– damage34
– indicator/warning lamp33
– reminder33
– safe seating position30
Safety knobs, doors, refer to
Locking the doors from
inside21
Safety systems
– airbags52
– Antilock Brake System
ABS49
– driving stability control
systems49
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires84Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit93
Screw thread, tow fitting101
Seat Belt Reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder33
Seat heating33
Seat memory32
Seats30
– adjusting mechanically31
– adjusting the sports seat31
– heating33
– memory, refer to Seat
memory32
– power adjustment31
– safe seating position30
– saving positions, refer to
Seat memory32
Securing, locking the vehicle
– from inside21
– from outside19
Selector lever40
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– lock, refer to Range
selection, shiftlock40
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance98
Service, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models91
Service and warranty6
Service interval display47,91
Sheet ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning46
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection40
Shift paddles on the steering
wheel41Side airbags52
Side marker lamps, front
– bulb replacement95
Side marker lamps, rear96
Side turn signal indicators,
bulb replacement95
Side windows, refer to
Windows25
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector66
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray65
Snow chains85
Socket, On-Board Diagnosis
OBD91
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances67
SOS, refer to Emergency
call98
Spare
– fuses97
– key18
– wheel, refer to Run-Flat
Tires85
Spare fuses, refer to Fuses97
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils89
Special wash program, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Specified engine oils, refer to
Approved engine oils89
Speed
– Run-Flat Tires51
– winter tires85
Speedometer12
Sport program
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– Driving Dynamic Control42
Sports seat31
Spray nozzles, refer to
Cleaning windshield44
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems49
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine38
Everything from A to Z
122 Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Transmission detent, refer to
Range selection40
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction41
Transporting children
safely35
Transport securing device,
refer to Cargo loading73
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth83
Trip distance recorder, refer to
Trip odometer46
Triple turn signal42
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer46
Trip odometer46
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay23
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Turn signal indicators42
– bulb replacement95
– indicator lamp12,13
Turn signals
– triple turn signal42
TV function, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading73
U
Undercoating, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Units
– average consumption48
– average speed48
– temperature48
– time48
Units of measure
– outside temperature
display48
– time format48Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking19
Unlocking
– from inside21
– from outside19
– luggage compartment
lid19,22
– tailgate19,21
Used batteries, refer to
Battery disposal97
V
Vehicle
– battery97
– break-in period70
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cargo loading72
– car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– dimensions, refer to
Dimensions107,108
– engine39
– leaving the vehicle39
– parked72
– placing in storage, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– weight109
Vehicle Memory18
Ventilation59,63
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Vents, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities110
W
Warning and indicator
lamps12
Warning triangle99
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models91
Warranty and service6
Washer/wiper system43
Washer fluid reservoir44
Washer fluids44
Washer reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir44
Washing systems44
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray65
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water71
Wear indicator in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth83
Weights109
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires84
Wheel/tire combinations84
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Wheels and tires80
Width, refer to
Dimensions107,108
Wind deflector66
Window defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows
– automatic climate control62
– heating and ventilation59
Windows25
– convenience operation20
– opening/closing25
– pinch protection system25
Windshield
– cleaning43
– defrosting and removing
condensation59,62
Windshield wipers
– blades, care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– changing blades93
– refer to Washer/wiper
system43