
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps12
4Tachometer48
with indicator and warning lamps12
5Engine coolant temperature gauge49
6Fuel gauge48
7Button for
>Displaying the clock49
>Service interval display49
>Checking the oil level93
8Position of automatic transmission
*42
9Button for
>Resetting trip odometer48
>Setting the clock49
10Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer48
>Clock49
>Service interval49
>Computer
*50
>Checking the oil level93
Indicator and warning lamps 
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified 
by 
+ are tested for proper functioning whenever 
the key is turned. They each light up once for 
different periods of time.
If a malfunction occurs in one of the monitored 
systems, the corresponding lamp does not go 
out after the engine has started, or it lights up 
again while the vehicle is in motion. You can find 
more information about each system on the 
specified pages.
Turn signal indicators44
Battery charge current 
+102
Headlamp flasher/High beams44, 60
Engine oil pressure/
Engine oil level 
+92
Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving 
stability control systems 
+51 

Opening and closing
20 The luggage compartment lid/tailgate opens a 
short distance, regardless of whether it was 
locked or unlocked.
A previously locked luggage compart-
ment lid/tailgate is locked again after 
closing.
Before and after each trip, check that the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate has not been 
inadvertently unlocked.<
Panic mode*
You can also trigger the alarm system* if you 
find yourself in a dangerous situation:
Press the   button for at least 3 seconds.
To switch off the alarm: press any button.
Malfunctions
The remote control may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this occurs, unlock and lock 
the car at the door lock or luggage compart-
ment lid/tailgate lock with the key.
If the car can no longer be locked with a remote 
control, the battery in the remote control is dis-
charged. Use this remote control key while driv-
ing for an extended period in order to recharge 
the battery, refer to page18.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
>this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation.Any unauthorized modifications or 
changes to these devices could void the 
user’s authority to operate this equipment.<
At the door lock
1.Turn the key.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are 
unlocked.
2.Turn the key again.
The entire vehicle is unlocked.
When the vehicle is locked, the hazard warning 
flashers light up once.
If you wish, you can have these special 
features activated/deactivated.<
Convenience operation
You can also operate the windows and the 
Roadster's fully automatic convertible top
* via 
the door lock.
Hold the key in the position for unlocking or 
locking.
Watch the closing process to ensure that 
no one is trapped. Releasing the key 
stops the operation.<
Manual operation
If there is a malfunction, you can unlock or lock 
the driver's door by turning the key in the lock all 
the way to the left or right. 

Opening and closing
22
Opening manually
In the event of a malfunction you can open the 
tailgate manually. The tailgate lock is located 
underneath the BMW emblem. All keys, refer to 
page18, fit the tailgate lock.
Turn the key all the way to the right: the tailgate 
will open.
If you open the tailgate at the lock while 
the alarm system is activated, the alarm 
will be triggered. You should therefore unlock 
the vehicle first. 
If the alarm was accidentally triggered: deacti-
vate the alarm, refer to page23.<
Closing
The handle recesses in the interior trim of the 
tailgate make it easier to pull down.
Make sure that the closing path of the tail-
gate is clear, otherwise injuries may 
result.<
Roadster: luggage 
compartment lid
Opening from inside the vehicle
If the luggage compartment lid has not been 
locked separately, you can open it with this but-
ton in the footwell on the driver's side when the 
vehicle is stationary.
Opening from the outside 
Turn the key all the way to the left or press the 
button on the remote control for approx. 
1 second. The luggage compartment lid will 
open a short distance. It can now be swung 
upwards.
Closing 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
58
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not come on with the 
ignition key in position 1 or higher
>Warning lamp remains permanently on
In the event of a malfunction, have the air-
bag system checked immediately. Other-
wise, there is a risk that the system may not 
respond in the expected manner to an impact 
within its normal response range.< 

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
 119
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows63,66
Dehumidifying air, refer to 
Switching cooling function 
on/off63,66
Digital clock49
Dimensions111,112
Dimming mirrors34
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signal indicators44
Disc brakes75
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data110
Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting60
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant94
– vehicle battery102
Distance remaining, refer to 
Cruising range50
Door keys, refer to The key 
set18
Door lock20
Doors, unlocking and locking
– acknowledgment 
signals19,20
– from inside21
– from outside19
DOT quality grades86
Draft-free ventilation63,67
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
Drive-off assistant52
Driving light, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams59
Driving notes74
Driving off on uphill gradients, 
refer to Drive-off 
assistant52Driving stability control 
systems51
Driving through water75
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes74
Dry air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off63,66
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– indicator/warning lamp51
– indicator lamp13
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control51
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,52
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC51
– indicator/warning lamp13
Dynamic Driving Control44
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
– indicator/warning lamp51
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC51
– indicator/warning lamp52
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution51
Electric
– seat adjustment31
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– tailgate22
Electric Power Steering 
EPS56
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,56
Electric power windows24
Electronic
– brake-force distribution51
– oil level check93Emergency call103
– button103
Emergency operation, refer to 
Opening manually
– tailgate22
Emergency release23
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Engine40
– break-in period74
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer49
– speed48
– starting40
– switching off41
– temperature49
Engine compartment92
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant94
Engine oil92
– adding94
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils94
– approved engine oils94
– BMW Maintenance 
System96
– change intervals, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
– change intervals, refer to 
Service interval display49
– checking level93
– indicator/warning lamp12
– oil grades, refer also to 
Approved engine oils94
– oil level92
– pressure92
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data110
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine40
EPS Electric Power 
Steering56 

Everything from A to Z
122 Lighter socket, refer to 
Cigarette lighter69
Lighting
– instruments60
– lamps and bulbs98
– vehicle, refer to Lamps59
Lighting of the instruments, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting60
LIGHTS ON warning60
Light switch59
Loads, refer to Cargo 
loading76
Loads, securing77
Locking the doors
– from inside21
– from outside19,20
Locking the vehicle
– from inside21
– from outside19
Longlife oils
– approved engine oils94
Low beams59
– automatic59
– bulb replacement99
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb13
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo bay23
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 
tires89
Maintenance96
– refer to Service Booklet
– refer to Service interval 
display49,96
Making telephone calls, refer 
to Owner's Manual for 
TelephoneMalfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– tailgate22
Malfunction of electrical 
accessory102
Manual
– air distribution66
– air flow rate66
Manual convertible top25
Manual mode, refer to 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
Manual operation
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– power convertible top28
– tailgate22
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission42
Manual transmission42
Manufacturer5
Master keys with remote 
control18
Maximum cooling66
Maximum speed
– with winter tires89
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Mechanical seat31
Memory
– Seat memory32
– Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory18
Microfilter
– air conditioning64
– automatic climate control67
Microphone, refer to Mobile 
phone preparation 
package71
Minidisc operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard ComputerMirrors34
– exterior mirrors34
– 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 
package71
Mobile phones, use inside the 
car, refer to Mobile 
communications in the 
vehicle74
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 
flasher44
– refer to Washer/wiper 
system45
N
Navigation system, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints32
Nets69
New
– keys18
– tires88
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
rope106
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket 
for On-Board Diagnosis 
OBD96
Octane numbers, refer to Fuel 
specifications83
Odometer48 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 123
Oil, refer to Engine oil92
Oil level92
– checking93
Oil service49
Onboard computer, refer to 
Computer50
Onboard tool kit98
On-call services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Opening
– from inside21
Opening and closing the 
vehicle
– at the door lock20
– from inside21
– from outside19
– with the remote control19
Outlets, refer to 
Ventilation63,67
Outside temperature display
– changing units of 
measure50
– in the onboard computer50
Outside temperature 
warning48
Overheated engine, refer to 
Coolant temperature49
P
Paintwork, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Parking brake41
– indicator lamp13,41
Parking lamps, refer to 
Parking lamps/Low 
beams59
Parking lamps/Low beams59
– bulb replacement99
Parking lock, refer to P 
Parking42
Passenger airbags
– deactivation37
– reactivation37
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function34
Pathway lighting60
Permissible axle load, refer to 
Weights113Permissible gross weight, 
refer to Weights113
Pinch protection system
– windows25
Placing the vehicle in storage, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Plastic, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter64
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter67
Power
– windows, refer to 
Windows24
Power convertible top27
Power failure102
Power output, refer to Engine 
data110
Power steering, electric56
Power windows
– initializing25
Pressure, tires84
Pressure monitoring, tires, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM54
Protective function, refer to 
Pinch protection system25
R
Radio, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Radio navigation, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Radio remote control key, 
refer to Master keys with 
remote control18
Rain sensor45
Reading lamps61
Rear lamps
– bulb replacement101
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb13
Rearview mirror, refer to 
Mirrors34Rear window defroster
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control67
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control67
Recirculating the air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode63,67
Reclining seat, refer to 
Seats30
Refueling82
Releasing
– hood91
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range50
Remote control19
– luggage compartment lid19
– malfunction20
– tailgate19
Repairs
– refer to Maintenance 
system96
Replacement key, refer to 
New keys18
Replacement of tires88
Replacing lamps, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs98
Replacing tires, refer to Wheel 
and tire replacement88
Reserve
– indicator lamp, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Restraint systems
– for children37,38
– refer to Safety belts33
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– manual transmission42
Roadside Assistance103
Roadside parking lamps60
Rod antenna, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Roller-blind cover70
Rope, refer to Towing 
methods106