2008 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE manual transmission

Giving and receiving assistance
232 windshield wipers may be unavailable. Power
steering assistance is not available when the
engine is not running. Thus, braking and steer-
ing will require increased effort. Active steering
is not active and it will be necessary to turn the
steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing the selector lever position, refer to
page61.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble 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
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page230. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed all the way and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Coupe
Convertible
Capacities
128i135i
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,252/1,475 3,373/1,530
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,329/1,510 3,384/1,535
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,134/1,875 4,255/1,930
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,211/1,910 4,266/1,935
Load lbs/kg 882/400 882/400
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,028/920 2,116/960
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,249/1,020 2,249/1,020
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/liters 13.1/370 13.1/370
128i135i
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,494/1,585 3,660/1660
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,571/1,620 3,671/1,665
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,398/1,995 4,564/2,070
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,475/2,030 4,575/2,075
Load lbs/kg 904/410 904/410
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,050/930 2,149/975
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,447/1,110 2,447/1,110
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg – –
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/liters 9.1 - 10.7/260 - 305 9.1 - 10.7/260 - 305
Notes
Fuel tank: US gal/liters approx. 14.0/53 Fuel grade: page203
including reserve of US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8.0
Window washer system For more details: page64
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic60
– interlock61
– selector lever lock61
– shiftlock61
– towing231
– tow-starting231
"Automatic ventilation" for
parked car ventilation101
AUTO program for automatic
climate control99
"Auto Request"193
"Autostore"
– on the radio156
"AUX"150,169,171
– AUX-In port169
– USB-audio interface170
AUX-In port169
Average fuel consumption69
– setting the units71
Average speed69
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation134
"Avoid highways" in
navigation134
Avoid highways in
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation134
Axle loads, refer to
Weights239
"A - Z"183,184
B
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment47
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints48
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb226
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag109
Balance, tone control151
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch230Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away232
Bass, tone control151
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass151
Battery227
– charging227
– disposal37,227
– jump starting230
– temporary power failure227
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle37
Being towed231
Belts, refer to Safety belts51
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts51
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate99
BMW
– car shampoo222
"BMW
Assist"192,193,194,195
BMW Assist
– activating196
– concierge service195
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations194
– Roadside Assistance192
– services offered191
– TeleServices193
"BMW Contact"186
"BMW Contact
Numbers"186
BMW Maintenance
System217
"BMW Service settings"197
BMW Teleservice Call
– automatic193
– manual193
BMW TeleServices193
– displaying194
– updating194
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control82Brake fluid
– service requirements72
Brake Force Display88
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display88
– replacing bulb226
Brake pads, breaking in114
Brake rotors116
– brakes114
– breaking in114
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– braking safely116
– breaking in114
– parking brake59
– service requirements72
Brake system114
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– breaking in114
– disc brakes116
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance229
Breaking in the clutch114
Break-in period114
"Brightness"80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs223
Bulbs, changing223
Button for starting the
engine58
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
"Call"184,195
Call
– accepting182
– displaying accepted184
– ending183
– missed184
– starting183

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– fuel filler door202
– glass roof40
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission62
Emergency release, luggage
compartment lid34
Emergency Request229
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance229
"Enabled services"196
"Enabled TeleServices"194
"End call"183
Energy, saving
– saving fuel114
Engine
– breaking in114
– data236
– speed236
– starting59
– starting, convenient
access36
– switching off59
Engine compartment213
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant216
Engine oil
– adding215
– additives215
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– checking level213
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements72
– specified engine oils215
"Engine oil level"214
Engine output, refer to Engine
data236
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data236
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine59
"Enter address"124Entering a destination124
Entering a destination
country124
Entering a house number or
intersection126
Entering an intersection125
Entering a street125
"Entertainment"150
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control152
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control152
"ESN"160
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Event data recorders218
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system115
Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating52
– folding in and out52
External audio device, refer to
AUX-In port169
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away231
– for tying down loads118
F
Fader, tone control151
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
Failure of an electrical
consumer227
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts51
Fastest route for
navigation134
Fast forward
– CD changer167
– CD player167
"Fast route" in navigation134Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter101
First aid pouch230
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock58
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires210
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM85
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire85
– initializing the system84
– malfunction85
– system limits84
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition209
"FM", waveband150,154
FM, waveband154
Fog lamps95
– indicator lamp13,95
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely116
Footwell lamps95
For your own safety5
Frequency, selecting
manually155
Front airbags89
Front seat setting45
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows100
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
Fuel202
– gauge68
– high-quality brands202
– quality202
– specifications202
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities239
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Average fuel
consumption69

Everything from A - Z
250 Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption69
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel filler door202
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction202
Fuses227
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control103
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel202
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission61
– with manual transmission60
Gear display, with automatic
transmission60
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– manual transmission60
General driving notes115
Glass roof, electric39
– closing after electrical
malfunction40
– convenient operation32
– opening, closing39
– operation with convenient
access36
– pinch protection system40
– raising39
– remote control30
Glove compartment106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system122
Grills, refer to Air vents97
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights239
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs224
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake59
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone for hands-free
mode14
Hazard warning flashers14
"HD radio"157
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio157
Head airbags89
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp cover224
Headlamp flasher62
– indicator lamp13
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs224
Head restraints47
Heated
– seats49
Heated mirrors52
Heating
– mirrors52
– seats49
Heating, rear window100
Heating and ventilation97
Heating during a stop100
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo117
Height, refer to
Dimensions237
Height adjustment
– steering wheel53
High beams94
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs224
High Definition Radio157
High-pressure
washer219,220
High water, refer to Driving
through water116
Highways, refer to Route
criteria134
Hills116
Holders for cups107Home address133
"Home address" in
navigation134
Hood212
Hot exhaust system115
"Hour memo"76
"House number" in
destination entry126
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control82
Hydroplaning115
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio157
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning67
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track165
Identification marks
– tire coding208
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– automatic climate control98
– changing date and time75
– changing language80
– confirming selection or
entry19
– displays, menus17
– lists19
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– selecting a menu item19
– status information20
– switching menu pages19
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58

Everything from A - Z
252 Luggage compartment lid33
– convenient access37
– emergency release34
– opening from outside33
– unlocking manually33
– unlocking with remote
control30
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack118
Lumbar support47
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires211
Maintenance, refer to
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– Service booklet
Maintenance system217
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual
– BMW Teleservice Call193
Manual car wash220
"Manual" on the radio155
Manual operation
– door lock32
– fuel filler door202
– glass roof40
– luggage compartment lid33
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission62
Manual operation with
automatic transmission61
Manual transmission60
Map
– changing scale139
– destination entry128
"Map direction of travel"138
"Map facing north"138
Maximum cooling98
Maximum speed
– for winter tires211
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list, traffic
information142Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter for automatic climate
control101
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature53
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– exterior mirrors51
– heating52
– interior rearview mirror52
"Missed calls"184
Missed calls184
Mobile phone
– accepted calls184
– adjusting volume181
– calling183
– ending call183
– missed calls184
– operation via iDrive181
– redialing184
– Top 8184
– touch tone dialing186
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest107
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
"Monitor on / off"54
Most recent mobile phone
numbers184
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files163
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher62
– refer to Wiper system63
Music tracks, refer to
Tracks164
"Mute on / off"54
N
"Navigation"123,129
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off140
Navigation drive, location122
Navigation DVD122
– drive150
Navigation system122
– address book131
– changing a route141
– destination entry123
– destination list130
– displaying current
position144
– entering a destination
manually123,127
– last destinations130
– navigation DVD122
– opening123
– route display137
– route list139
– searching for a special
destination129
– selecting destination using
information129
– selecting destination via
map128
– selecting route criteria134
– starting destination
guidance136
– switching off, refer to
Terminating/continuing
destination guidance136
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance136
– voice instructions140
– volume adjustment140
"Navigation voice
instructions"139
"Navigation voice
instructions" via buttons on
steering wheel53
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints47
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments107

Everything from A - Z
254
R
Radio
– autostore155
– controls150
– High Definition Radio157
– listening to stations154
– sampling stations155
– satellite radio160
– selecting a
waveband150,154
– selecting the frequency
manually155
– station search155
– stations with best
reception155
– storing stations156
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness58
Radio readiness58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Rain sensor63
"Random", refer to Random
play166
"Random all" for audio
mode167
"Random directory" for audio
mode167
Random play166
"RDS" Radio Data
System157
Reading lamps96
Rear fog lamps
– replacing bulb226
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps225
Rear-mounted luggage
rack119
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints48
– folding down backrests108
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors51
Rear window defroster100
"Received calls"184Receiving level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20
Recirculated-air mode99
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch79
"Redial" on the mobile
phone184
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps225
Refueling202
Releasing
– hood212
Remaining distance, refer to
Computer69
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range69
Remote control28
– battery renewal37
– convenient access36
– garage door opener103
– luggage compartment lid30
– malfunctions31,37
– removing from the ignition
lock58
– service data217
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control28
"Repeat directory" for audio
mode166
"Repeat" for audio mode166
"Repeat track" for audio
mode166
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses227
Replacement remote
control28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs223
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires210
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Reservoir for washer
systems64"Reset"84,86
– tone settings153
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings152
"Reset" for stopwatch79
Residual heat100
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts51
Restraint systems for
children55
Retreaded tires210
Reverse
– CD changer167
– CD player167
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– manual transmission60
Road map138
"Roadside Assistance"192
Roadside
Assistance192,229
Roadside parking lamps94
– replacing bulbs224
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements72
Rollover protection system,
convertible90
– resetting91
Roof load capacity239
Roof-mounted luggage
rack118
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away232
Rotary/pushbutton control,
refer to Controller16
Route134
– arrow display137
– changing141
– display137
– displaying streets and
towns/cities139
– displaying town139
– list139
– map display138
– selecting134
– selecting criteria134

Everything from A - Z
256 Snow chains211
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances108
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD218
Song search, refer to Playing a
track165
Sound, adjusting during audio
playback, refer to Tone
control151
Sound output for
entertainment on/off150
Spare fuses227
Speaking, refer to Voice
instructions from navigation
system140
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils215
Specified engine oils215
Speed
– for winter tires211
Speed-dependent volume
control151
Speed display, refer to
Speedometer12
Speed limit79
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit79
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control152
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic61
Spray nozzles, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles64
Stability control,
refer to Driving stability
control systems82
Start/stop button58
– starting the engine59
– switching off the engine59
"Start guidance"126
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine59
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting230Starting the engine
– start/stop button58
Start menu17
"Start service"192
"Start service" for BMW
Assist195
"State / Province" in
destination entry124
Station
– refer to Radio154
"Status"73
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet219,220
Steering wheel53
– adjustment53
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– freely programmable
buttons53
"Steering wheel buttons"53
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering88
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic60
"Stopwatch"79
Stopwatch79
Storage222
Storage compartment
package107
Storage compartments107
"Store" for satellite radio162
"Store in address book" in
navigation132
"Store" on the radio156
Storing
– seat position, refer to Seat
and mirror memory49
– telephone numbers, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Storing current position132
Storing radio stations156
Storing tires211
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments107
"Street" in destination
entry126Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires204
"Surround Settings", refer to
Tone control152
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine59
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button58
Switching on
– audio150
– CD changer150
– CD player150
– radio150
Switching on the hour
signal76
Switching the cooling function
on and off100
Switch-on times of parked car
ventilation, preselecting101
Symbols4
– navigation system143
– status information20
– traffic info for navigation
system141
T
Tachometer67
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps225
– replacing bulb226
Tail lamps225
– replacing bulb226
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities239
Technical changes5
Technical data236
Telematics, refer to BMW
TeleServices, BMW
Assist191
Telephone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest107
Telephone, refer to Mobile
phone176
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
"Telephone list"54