
Opening and closing
24 Manual operation of the tailgate triggers 
the alarm. Refer to page21.<
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer 
to page19.
>Turn the master key in the ignition lock to 
position 1, refer to page40.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp beneath the interior mir-
ror flashes continuously:
The system is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes immediately 
after the vehicle is locked: 
Doors, hood or luggage compartment lid/
tailgate are not properly closed. Even if you 
do not close the alerted area, the system 
begins to monitor the remaining areas, and 
the indicator lamp flashes continuously 
after approx. 10 seconds. However, the 
interior motion sensor is not activated.
>If the indicator lamp goes out immediately 
after the vehicle is unlocked:
Your vehicle has not been disturbed while 
you were away.
>If the indicator lamp flashes for 10 seconds 
immediately after the vehicle is unlocked: 
Your vehicle has been disturbed while you 
were away.
After an alarm has been triggered, the indicator 
lamp will flash continuously.
Tilt alarm sensor
The inclination of the vehicle is monitored. The 
alarm system reacts e.g. to attempts to steal a 
wheel or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor*
Coupe
All windows must be closed in order for the inte-
rior motion sensor to function optimally.
Roadster
The system monitors the footwells and the 
seating areas of the driver and passenger. Even 
when the convertible top is open, the alarm sys-
tem including the interior motion sensor is 
armed. Objects falling into the vehicle, e.g. 
leaves, can trigger unintentional alarms, refer to 
Avoiding unintentional alarms.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor 
can be deactivated at the same time. In this way 
you can avoid unintentional alarms, e.g. in the 
following situations:
>In duplex garages
>When transporting the vehicle on car-carry-
ing trains, by ship or on a trailer
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
>Press the   button on the remote 
control twice in a row.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then 
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and 
the interior motion sensor are deactivated until 
the vehicle is again unlocked and locked.
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when 
closing the windows and keep them in 
your field of vision until they are shut.
Take the key with you when you leave the car, 
otherwise children could operate the windows 
and possibly injure themselves.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 27
climate control to prevent a partial vacuum in 
the vehicle.<
Roadster: fully automatic 
convertible top*
The fully automatic convertible top combines 
assured protection against the elements with 
simple and easy handling.
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. When closed, 
the top not only guards the passenger com-
partment from unforeseeable damage from 
the weather, but also affords a degree of 
protection against theft. Valuables, how-
ever, should only be kept in the locked 
cargo bay, even when the convertible top is 
closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack 
system on the convertible top.
Do not operate the convertible top at tem-
peratures below 147/–106, otherwise 
damage could result.
Never keep a wet convertible top in the convert-
ible top compartment for longer than one day, 
otherwise the moisture could cause damage.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top, other-
wise they could fall off when the convertible top 
is operated and cause damage or injuries.
Driving while the convertible top is not com-
pletely open or closed can cause vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.
Do not reach into the convertible top mecha-
nism during opening and closing. Keep children 
away from the convertible top's range of move-
ment.
For safety reasons, whenever possible operate 
the convertible top when the vehicle is station-
ary.<
If a convertible top operation has not yet 
been completed as you start to drive off, 
at a traffic light for example, you can continue 
the procedure at moderate speed:
To do so, press and hold the corresponding button again.
At higher speeds, a vacuum effect in the pas-
senger compartment can cause the convertible 
top to begin fluttering. Use the air conditioning 
or automatic climate control to increase the air 
flow rate and thus prevent a partial vacuum in 
the vehicle.<
Before opening and closing
>Read and comply with the preceding safety 
precautions.
>Make sure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the cargo bay has been 
folded down; refer to page23. Otherwise 
the convertible top cannot be opened.
>Ensure that the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate is closed.
Opening and closing
With the key in ignition position 1 or higher, 
refer to page40, and while the vehicle is sta-
tionary:
If at all possible, operate the convertible 
top only with the engine running. This 
saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove any 
objects from the windshield frame that other-
wise could prevent the convertible top from 
closing properly.<
1Closing
2Opening
The side windows will move down slightly 
when you press the button for operating 
the convertible top.
After the opening or closing operation, the win-
dows will move back up if you press the button  

Adjustments
30
Adjustments
Safe seating position
For relaxed driving with as little fatigue as pos-
sible, you should select a seating position that 
reflects your personal requirements. In combi-
nation with the safety belts, the head restraints 
and the airbags, the seating position has a 
major influence on your safety in the event of an 
accident. To ensure that the vehicle's safety 
systems provide you with optimal protection, 
we request that you direct your careful attention 
to the following section.
For supplementary information on transporting 
children refer to page36.
Airbags 
Always maintain an adequate distance 
between yourself and the airbags. Always 
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your 
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, 
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or 
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered 
off.
Never allow any objects, individuals or animals 
to obstruct the areas between passengers and 
airbags.
Never use the front airbag's cover as a storage 
tray or support for objects of any kind. Ensure 
that the passenger is correctly seated, e.g. does 
not prop feet or legs against the dashboard. 
Otherwise, leg injury could result if the knee air-
bag and front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that the passenger does not lean his 
or her head against the side airbag, otherwise 
serious injuries could result if the airbags sud-
denly deployed.<
Even when all these guidelines are observed, 
the risk of injury as a result of contact with the 
airbags cannot entirely be ruled out in some sit-
uations. In sensitive individuals, the ignition and 
inflation noise may induce a mild hearing loss 
that is temporary in most cases.
For airbag locations and additional information 
on airbags, refer to page56.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the 
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way 
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the 
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page32.
Safety belt
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her 
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices, 
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace 
them.
Your vehicle offers two sitting positions, each of 
which is equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to 
wear a single safety belt. Never allow 
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's 
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits 
low against the hips and does not press against 
the abdomen. The safety belt must never rest 
against the throat, rub against sharp edges, 
pass over hard or fragile objects or be pinched. 
Fasten the safety belt around your body snugly, 
ma king sure tha t it is  pulled taut across  your lap 
and shoulder and that it is not twisted; other-
wise, the belt can slide over the hips in the event 
of a frontal collision and injure your abdomen. 
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull 
the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise 
its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page33.
Seats 
Before adjusting your seat, always 
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while driving. 
Otherwise, the seat could respond with 
unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 37
Deactivating
Use the key to turn the key switch to the OFF 
position.
The passenger airbags are deactivated in this 
position. The airbags for the driver remain 
active.
Reactivate the passenger airbags as soon 
as a child-restraint system is no longer 
installed on the passenger seat; otherwise they 
may not deploy as intended in the event of an 
accident.<
Reactivating
Use the key to turn the key switch to the ON 
position.
The passenger airbags in the vehicle are reacti-
vated and will be triggered in certain situations.
Operational status of the passenger 
airbags
>The indicator lamp remains lit when the 
passenger airbags are deactivated.
>The indicator lamp is not lit when the pas-
senger airbags are activated.
When the seat is empty, the passenger 
airbags are always deactivated. The indi-
cator lamp is not lit.<
Installing child-restraint 
systems
Before installing a child-restraint system 
on the passenger seat, make sure that the 
front and side airbags for the passenger are 
deactivated, otherwise there is an increased 
risk of injury if the airbags deploy. Observe the child-restraint system manufacturer's instruc-
tions for selecting, installing and using child-
restraint systems. Otherwise the protective 
effect may be diminished.<
Child seat security
The passenger's safety belt can be prevented 
from being pulled out in order to fasten child-
restraint systems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child-restraint system with the 
belt.
2.Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3.Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut 
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle.
2.Remove the child-restraint system.
3.Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the 
way.
Coupe: child-restraint system with 
tether strap
There is an anchor fitting in the cargo bay for 
child-restraint systems with a tether strap. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 69
Locking/unlocking
The storage compartment between the back-
rests is automatically locked and unlocked with 
the central locking system.
Other compartments and nets*
Other compartments can be found on the 
doors, in the center console and behind the 
seats, depending on your vehicle's equipment.
Nets
* are located on the passenger side of the 
center console and on the rear of the backrests.
Coupe: eyeglasses compartment
To open
Press the strip on the eyeglasses compartment.
Beverage holders
Use light and shatterproof containers, 
otherwise there is an increased risk of 
injury in the event of an accident. Do not press 
unsuitable containers into the beverage holder 
with force as this may result in damage.<
A beverage holder is located on either side 
beneath the air outlets.1.Press the trim piece beneath the air outlets; 
see arrow1.
2.Place the beverage into the holder.
3.Adjust the holder to fit the size of the bever-
age container; see arrow2.
Ashtray*
To empty
1.Open cover.
2.Pull out ashtray1.
Cigarette lighter
Press in lighter2. As soon as the lighter springs 
back out, it can be removed.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by 
the knob only. Holding or touching it in 
other areas could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational even 
when the key has been removed. For this rea-
son, children should never be left in the vehicle 
unattended.< 

Under the hood
94
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum amount of 1 US quart/
1 liter of engine oil until the warning lamp lights 
up in the instrument cluster, refer to page92, or 
until the oil level monitor shows "+1.0".
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, 
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of 
children and comply with the warnings on 
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may 
result.<
Oil change
Have your oil changed only by a BMW center or 
a workshop that works according to BMW 
requirements with the appropriately trained 
personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely impor-
tant for the function and life of an engine. BMW 
continuously approves specific oils after con-
firming their suitability for use in its vehicles 
with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not 
available, you can add small quantities of other 
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use 
oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Your BMW center will be glad to answer 
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or other approved syn-
thetic oils.
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Do not use any oil additives, as they could 
cause engine damage under some cir-
cumstances.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and 
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends 
on the regional climatic conditions in which you 
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and 
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside 
temperatures.
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up:
The coolant level is too low. Top up the 
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not open the cooling system when the 
engine is hot. If you do, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additives. 
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Your BMW center knows 
which additives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, otherwise 
the engine could be damaged. The addi-
tives are hazardous to health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking the coolant level 
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little 
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated  

Everything from A to Z
118 Central locking
– from inside21
Central locking system19
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing a wheel101
– Run-Flat Tires101
Charge indicator lamp12,102
Check gas cap, indicator 
lamp13
Child-restraint mounting 
system, LATCH38
Child-restraint systems37
Child seat, refer to Installing 
child-restraint systems37
Chrome parts, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter69
Cleaning the rear window, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cleaning the windows
– automatically, refer to Rain 
sensor45
– reservoir capacity114
– spray nozzles46
– washer/wiper system45
– washer fluid46
– washer fluid reservoir46
Clock49
– 12h/24h mode50
– onboard computer50
– setting50
– setting, refer also to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Clothes hooks70
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine40
Combination, wheel/tire88
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14Compact disc operation, refer 
to Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Computer50
– button BC50
– clock, 12h/24h mode50
– refer to Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Computer, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked76
Condensation, removing from 
windows
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Configuring settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory18
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances71
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption50
Consumption display, refer to 
Fuel gauge48
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– convertible top20
– from outside20
– windows20
Convertible top25,27
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation20
– electrical fault28
– emergency closing28
– fully automatic27
– malfunction28
– manual25
– mechanical25
Convertible top compartment 
panel23
Coolant94
– checking level94
– indicator lamp13
– thermometer49
Coolant temperature49Coolant water, refer to 
Coolant94
Cooling
– maximum66
– refer to Switching cooling 
function on/off63,66
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant94
Cooling function
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Cooling system, refer to 
Capacities114
Cooling system, refer to 
Coolant94
Copyright2
Correct tires89
Cruise control46
Cruising range50
Cup holders, refer to 
Beverage holders69
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights113
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data110
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting60
Data, technical
– capacities114
– dimensions111,112
– engine110
– measurements111,112
– weights113
Daytime running lamps59
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control51
– indicator/warning lamp13
Deadlocking, refer to 
Locking19
Defective bulb59
Defrosting, windows63,66
Defrosting the windshield, 
refer to Defrosting 
windows63,66 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 121
Head restraints32
– removing32
– safe seating position30
Heated
– mirrors34
– rear window63,67
– seats33
Heating
– mirrors34
– rear window63,67
– seats33
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo 
loading76
Height, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Height adjustment
– seats31
– steering wheel35
High beams60
– bulb replacement99
– headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp12
High temperatures74
Holders for beverages69
Homepage of BMW4
Hood91
Horn10
Hot exhaust system74
Hydraulic Brake Assistant, 
refer to Dynamic Brake 
Control DBC51
Hydraulics, brake95
Hydroplaning75
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside 
temperature warning48
Identification mark
– Run-Flat Tires88
– tire coding86
– tires88,89
Ignition, refer to Ignition 
switched on40
Ignition key positions, refer to 
Ignition lock40
Ignition keys, refer to The key 
set18
Ignition lock40Imprint2
Inclines75
Indicator/warning lamp12
– airbags57
– alarm system24
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– brakes13
– coolant temperature49
– DSC51
– DTC52
– engine oil level92
– engine oil pressure92
– engine temperature49
– fasten safety belts33
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– passenger airbags37
– reserve48
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview12
Individual vehicle
– equipment, refer to Your 
individual vehicle5
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure84
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– Tire Pressure Monitor54
Initializing
– after power supply 
interruption102
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM53
– windows25
Inspection49
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting60
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Interior lamps61
– remote control19
Interior motion sensor
24
Interior rearview mirror34
– automatic dimming 
feature34Interior temperature
adjusting63,66
Interlock, refer to Steering 
locked40,42
Intermittent
– operation of the wipers45
Interval
– display, service49
J
Jack101
Jacking points102
Jets, refer to 
Ventilation63,67
Jump-starting104
K
Key Memory18
Keys18
Keys, refer to The key set18
Key switch for passenger 
airbags36
Kickdown43
Knee airbags56
Knock control83
L
Lamps59
Lamps and bulbs98
LATCH, child-restraint 
mounting system38
Leather care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
LEDs Light-emitting 
diodes98
Length, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
License plate lamps, bulb 
replacement101
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer 
to the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs98