
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 23
The handle recess in the interior trim of the lug-
gage compartment lid makes it easier to pull 
down.
Make sure that the closing path of the 
luggage compartment lid is clear, other-
wise injuries may result.<
Cargo bay
Emergency release
Pull the lever in the cargo bay. The luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate is unlocked.
Roadster: increasing cargo bay 
capacity
The cargo bay can be enlarged when the con-
vertible top is closed.
Turn the handles on both sides of the cargo bay 
outward beyond the resistance point at the 
same time, arrow 1.
The convertible top compartment panel swings 
up, arrow 2.
Before opening the convertible top:
Turn both handles inward.
The convertible top compartment panel is 
folded down.To avoid any damage when opening the 
convertible top, make sure that the con-
vertible top compartment panel in the cargo bay 
has been folded down.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage com-
partment lid/tailgate is opened
>When attempts are made to start the vehi-
cle
>When there are movements in the vehicle 
interior: interior motion sensor, refer to 
page24
>When the car's inclination changes, for 
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up 
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to 
towing away: Tilt alarm sensor, refer to 
page24
>When there is an interruption in the power 
supply from the battery
The alarm system signals unauthorized entry 
attempts for a short time by means of:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with 
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm 
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
The hazard warning flashers light up once when 
the alarm system has been properly armed.
You can have different acknowledgment 
signals set to confirm arming and disarm-
ing.<
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can 
open the luggage compartment lid/tailgate 
using the  button on the remote control, 
refer to page19. When you subsequently close 
the luggage compartment lid/tailgate, it is 
locked again and monitored. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 43
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 Dynamic Driving Control system is 
activated, refer to page44.
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  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 53
Malfunction
The warning lamp for the brake system 
lights up in yellow. The drive-off assis-
tant has failed. The car will not be held 
in place after the brake is released. Have the 
system checked as soon as possible.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor monitors tire pressures 
while the car is being driven. The system 
reports any significant loss of pressure in one 
tire in relation to another.
In the event of tire pressure loss, the rolling 
radius of the tire changes, thereby affecting the 
rotational speed of the wheels. This change is 
detected, and a flat tire warning is issued to the 
driver.
System requirements
To ensure a reliable flat tire warning, the system 
must be initialized with the correct tire inflation 
pressures.
The system must be reinitialized each 
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn 
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage 
caused by external factors, nor can it identify 
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably 
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of 
time.<
The system could issue a false warning or func-
tion in a delayed manner in the following situa-
tions:
>System was not initialized
>Driving on a snow-covered or slippery road 
surface
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the 
drive wheels, high levels of lateral accelera-
tion
>Driving with snow chains attached
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed while you 
are driving, and can be interrupted at any 
time. Initialization is continued automatically 
when you continue driving.
When driving with snow chains, do not initialize 
the system.<
1.Start the engine immediately before pulling 
away, but do not drive off yet.
2.Press the button until the yellow indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a 
few seconds.
3.Drive off.
Initialization is completed during the drive, 
without any feedback issued.
Flat tire warning
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up in red. A signal also 
sounds. There is a flat tire or a signifi-
cant loss of tire pressure.
1.Cautiously reduce speed to 50 mph/
80 km/h or lower. Avoid strong braking and 
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If the car is not equipped with Run-
Flat Tires, refer to page88, the stan-
dard equipment by design, do not continue 
driving. Otherwise a severe accident could 
result after a tire puncture.<
2.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all 
four tires, it is possible that the Flat 
Tire Monitor was not initialized. In this case, 
initialize the system.< 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
54 3.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kilopascal, you can estimate the 
possible distance for continued driving on 
the basis of the following guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
1 person, cargo bay full,
or
2 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
2 persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed 
of 50 mph/80 km/h. Driving characteris-
tics change if there is a loss of tire pressure. 
This includes reduced tracking stability in brak-
ing, extended braking distance and altered nat-
ural steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during 
the journey, this may be an indication that the 
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your 
speed and pull over to the side of the road at the 
earliest opportunity. Otherwise, parts of the tire 
could come loose and cause an accident. Do 
not continue driving. Contact a BMW center.<
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*
The concept
TPM monitors the tire inflation pressure in all 
four mounted tires. The system reports if infla-
tion pressure has dropped significantly in one 
or more of the tires.
System requirements
To ensure a reliable flat tire warning, the system 
must have been reset while tire inflation pres-
sures were correct.
Always use tires with TPM electronics to 
ensure that the system operates properly.The system must be reset each time a tire 
inflation pressure has been corrected or a 
wheel or tire has been changed.<
System limitations
TPM cannot report sudden serious tire 
damage due to external causes.<
The system will not operate correctly if it was 
not reset, e.g. it may report a flat tire even if the 
tire inflation pressures are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat 
tire if a wheel without TPM electronics is 
mounted or if other systems or devices that use 
the same radio frequency temporarily interfere 
with the TPM system.
Resetting the system
The system must be reset each time a tire 
inflation pressure has been corrected or a 
wheel or tire has been changed.<
1.Start the engine but do not drive off yet.
2.Press the button until the yellow warning 
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a 
few seconds.
3.Drive off.
After several minutes of driving, the current 
inflation pressures in the tires are adopted 
as the target values to be monitored. The 
resetting procedure is completed automat-
ically without further notice during the trip, 
which can be interrupted at any time. 
Resetting is continued automatically when 
you continue driving. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 55
Warning of low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamp lights up in yellow. A 
signal also sounds. There is a flat tire or 
a significant loss of tire pressure in one 
or more tires.
1.Cautiously reduce speed to 50 mph/
80 km/h or lower. Avoid strong braking and 
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If the car is not equipped with Run-
Flat Tires, which is the standard 
equipment by design, refer to page88, then 
do not continue driving. Doing so after a tire 
puncture may result in a severe accident.<
2.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kilopascal, you can estimate how far 
you can continue driving on the basis of the 
following guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
1 person, cargo bay full,
or
2 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
2 persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed 
of 50 mph/80 km/h. Driving characteris-
tics change if there is a loss of tire pressure. 
This includes reduced tracking stability in brak-
ing, extended braking distance and altered nat-
ural steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during 
the journey, this may be an indication that the 
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your 
speed and pull over to the side of the road at a 
suitable location at the earliest opportunity. 
Otherwise, parts of the tire could come loose 
and cause an accident. Do not continue driving. 
Contact a BMW center.<
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. A flat tire 
cannot be detected.
This warning is displayed under the following 
circumstances:
>If there is a malfunction;
have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics is 
mounted.
>If other systems or devices that use the 
same radio frequency temporarily interfere 
with the TPM.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
System
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold 
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the 
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If 
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the 
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As 
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure 
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should 
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the 
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. 
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illu-
mination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 101
Rear lamps
1Turn signal indicators, 21 watts, PY21W 
Silver Vision
2Brake lamp, 21 watts, P21W
3Backup lamp, 16 watts, W16W
4Tail lamp, LED
5Brake lamp, 21 watts, H21W
In the event of a malfunction in lamp 4 or 5, 
please contact your BMW center or a workshop 
that works according to BMW repair proce-
dures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Changing bulbs
1.Remove the cover in the cargo bay by turn-
ing the lock, see arrow.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb socket 
while turning it to the left and remove it.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
4.Insert bulb socket.
5.Reattach the cover.
Side marker lamps, rear
To change the bulbs, please contact your BMW 
center or a workshop that works according to 
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly 
trained personnel.
Center high-mount brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation. 
In the event of a malfunction, please contact 
your BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
License plate lamps 
5-watt bulb, W5W
1.Push out the lamp with a screwdriver and 
remove it.
2.Change the bulb and reinsert the lamp.
Changing a wheel
Run-Flat Tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run-Flat Tires as 
standard. Therefore, no wheel has to be 
changed immediately in the event of a loss in 
inflation pressure.
Run-Flat Tires are labeled on the tire sidewall 
with a circular symbol containing the letters 
RSC. Also observe the information on page88.
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is 
available. Your BMW center will be glad to 
advise you. Refer also to Wheel and tire 
replacement, page88.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your 
BMW center.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 117
B
Backrests, refer to Seat 
adjustment31
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement101
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit104
Bar, refer to Towing 
methods106
Battery102
– charging102
– disposal102
– indicator/warning 
lamp12,102
– jump-starting104
– power supply 
interruption102
– remote control18
Being towed106
Belts, refer to Safety belts33
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts33
Beverage holders69
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate63,66
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance 
System96
Bottle holders, refer to 
Beverage holders69
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic 
Brake Control DBC51
Brake fluid95
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,95
– low level95
Brake Force Display56
Brake hydraulics, refer to 
Brake system95
Brake hydraulic system
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake lamps
– brake force display56
– bulb replacement101
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb13Brake pads76
– break-in procedures74
– warning lamp76
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads76
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake rotors75
– brake system75
– break-in procedures74
Brakes
– ABS51
– brake fluid95
– brake pads
76
– braking safely75
– break-in procedures74
– indicator/warning 
lamps13,52
– parking brake41
Brake system95
– brake fluid95
– brake pads76
– break-in procedures74
– disc brakes75
– indicator/warning lamp13
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Breaking in the clutch74
Breaking in the differential, 
refer to Engine and 
differential74
Break-in procedures74
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting104
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs98
Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs98
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Can holders, refer to Beverage 
holders69
Capacity
– cargo bay, refer to 
Weights113Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery102
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Care products, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cargo bay23
– capacity113
– emergency release23
– floor panel98
– increasing capacity23
– opening and closing21,22
– opening from inside the 
vehicle21,22
– opening from the outside21
– roller-blind cover70
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo77
– vehicle76
Car jack
– jacking points102
Car keys, refer to The key 
set18
Carpet care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Car phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Car radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system74
CD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Center high-mount brake 
lamp, bulb replacement101 

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