
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. 

Driving
44 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 page104.
Dynamic Driving Control
At the touch of a button, Dynamic Driving 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.
>Power steering is adapted to further 
enhance contact with the road surface.
>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
 77
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The 
greater the weight of the occupants, the less 
cargo can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as possi-
ble, directly behind the cargo bay partition, 
and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
To avoid damaging the rear of the back-
rests or the rear interior trim panel, do not 
stow heavy cargo or cargo with sharp edges 
and corners behind the seats.
In addition, large and bulky cargo stowed 
behind a seat may prevent the backrest from 
engaging properly. Therefore, check the back-
rest to see if it is properly engaged, and move 
the seat forward if necessary; refer to page31.
Always position and secure the load as 
described above. If you do not, it can endanger 
the occupants during braking or evasive 
maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer 
to page113, as excessive loads can pose a 
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried 
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown 
around, for example as a result of heavy braking, 
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roadster: convertible top 
compartment
The cargo bay can be enlarged when the 
convertible top is closed, refer to page23.
I t  i s  r e c o m m e n d ed  t h a t  y o u  a lw a y s  f o l d  t h e  c o n -
vertible top compartment panel down as soon 
as you have taken your cargo out of the cargo 
bay. This way, you can be sure that you can 
always operate the convertible top at any time.
When the convertible top is closed, fold the 
convertible top compartment panel up before 
stowing your cargo in the cargo bay, to avoid 
any damage to the convertible top compart-
ment or your load.
Do not stow any items on the convertible top 
compartment panel, otherwise the convertible 
top could be damaged while it is opening.<
If you stow cargo behind the seats of your 
BMW:
>Only stow light objects such as clothing, 
etc.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge 
of the backrests.
Roadster: hardtop 
preparation*
Pull covers off, see arrow1.
The brackets for attaching the hardtop 
are located underneath the covers; see arrow2. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 105
1.Open the cover of the BMW jump-starting 
connection. Do so by pulling the tab.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+ 
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the 
battery or a jump-starting connection of the 
vehicle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal 
of the battery or a jump-starting connection 
of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/– 
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground of 
the assisting vehicle.
Your BMW is equipped with a special nut, 
refer also to the engine compartment over-
view on page92.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body 
ground of the vehicle to be started.Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and 
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly 
increased 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.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and 
recharged.
Never use spray starter fluids to start the 
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Using the towing eyelet
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried 
in the car. It can be attached at the front or rear 
of your BMW.
It is located in the onboard tool kit, refer to 
page98.
Only use 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 towing 
eyelet to lateral loads, e.g. do not lift the vehicle 
using the towing eyelet. Otherwise the tow fit-
ting and the vehicle could be damaged.< 

Giving and receiving assistance
106
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 key is in position 1, 
because otherwise the steering lock 
could 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 vehicle.<
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.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idling position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h or a towing distance of 90 miles/
150 km. Otherwise, the automatic transmission 
could be damaged.<
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to tow the 
vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope on public 
roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable towing 
regulations for the country in which you are 
driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter 
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may 
be impossible to maintain control.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should be 
on the same side. Should it prove impossible to 
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please 
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is 
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, 
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle 
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
Before the towing vehicle starts to drive off, 
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing 
because they prevent sudden jerking 
movements. Attach the tow rope to the tow fit-
tings only, as attaching it to other parts of the 
vehicle could result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported by a tow truck with 
a lift sling or a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eye-
let, or by parts of the body or chassis. 
Otherwise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Vehicles with a cata-
lytic converter should only be tow-started if the  

Everything from A to Z
116
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System51
– indicator lamp12
Accident, refer to Emergency 
call103
Acknowledgment signal for 
locking/unlocking vehicle19
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate control67
Additives
– coolant94
– engine oil94
Adjusting
– seats30
Adjusting the thigh support32
Airbags56
– deactivating37
– indicator/warning lamp13
– passenger airbags indicator 
lamp37
– reactivation37
– safe seating position30
Airbag switch, refer to Key 
switch for passenger 
airbags36
Air conditioning62
Air-conditioning operation, 
refer to Cooling 
function63,66
Air distribution
– air conditioning63
– automatic66
– automatic climate control66
– individual63,66
– manual66
Air flow rate
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Airing out, refer to 
Ventilation63,67Air outlets, refer to 
Ventilation63,67
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure84
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode63,67
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications83
Alarm system23
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms24
– interior motion sensor24
– switching off an alarm24
– tilt alarm sensor24
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires87,89
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode63,67
Ambient temperature 
display48
Antenna, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze46,94
– coolant94
– washer fluids46
Antilock Brake System 
ABS51
– indicator/warning lamp12
– indicator lamp13
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system23
Anti-theft protection19,23
Approved engine oils94
Artificial leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Ashtray69
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems51AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external68
Automatic
– air distribution66
– air flow rate66
– cruise control46
– headlamp control59
– luggage compartment lid 
operation22
– recirculated-air control 
AUC67
– tailgate operation21
Automatic car wash, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic climate control65
Automatic convertible top27
Automatic lamps59
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– indicator lamp13
– interlock40,42
– selector lever43
– selector lever lock42
– shiftlock42
– shift paddles on steering 
wheel43
– towing the vehicle106
– tow-starting106
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control66
AUX-In jack68
Average fuel consumption50
– setting unit of measure50
Average speed50
– setting unit of measure50
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms24
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights113 

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
120 Equipment scope, refer to the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control51
Event Data Recorders97
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system74
Exterior mirrors34
– adjusting34
– automatic dimming 
feature34
– automatic heating34
– folding in and out34
External audio device68
Eyeglasses compartment69
Eyes, tow-starting and towing 
away105
F
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms24
– refer to Switching off an 
alarm24
Fasten safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts33
Filter
– refer to Microfilter64
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter67
Fine wood, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit104
First-aid kit104
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– refer to Changing a 
wheel101
– refer to Tire condition87
– Run-Flat Tires88
– Tire Pressure Monitor54Flat Tire Monitor FTM53
– flat tire warning53
– indicator/warning lamp53
– initializing the system53
– snow chains90
– system limits53
Floods, refer to Driving 
through water75
Floor covers, carpets, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Floor mats, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Fog lamps60
– indicator lamp13
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely75
For your own safety5
Front airbags56
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor53
Fuel
– average consumption50
– capacity, refer to 
Capacities114
– display48
– quality83
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption50
– refer to Fuel 
specifications83
– tank capacity83
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Fuel filler door, refer to Gas 
cap82
Fuel level
– refer to Fuel tank capacity83
Fuel tank capacity, refer to 
Capacities114
Fully automatic convertible 
top
27
Fuses102
G
Gas cap82
Gasoline, refer to Fuel 
specifications83Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Gear indicator, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic42
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Glove compartment68
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights113
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs99
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake41
Hands-free microphone71
Hardtop, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation77
Hazard warning flashers14
Headlamp control, 
automatic59
Headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps
– bulb replacement99
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning45
– cleaning system, washer 
fluid46
– cover99
– glass, care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
– washer reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir46
– washer reservoir volume, 
refer to Capacities114