2008 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE roof open

Controls
107Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Center armrest
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats
contains a credit card holder and, depending on
the equipment version, a compartment or a
snap-in adapter
*.
Opening
Press the button, see arrow.
Connection for external audio
device
You can connect an external audio device such
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks
over the car's loudspeaker system:
>AUX-In port, refer to page169
>USB-audio interface, refer to page170
Storage compartments inside
the vehicle
Compartments are located next to the steering
column
*, on the doors and in the center con-
sole.
There are nets
* on the front-seat backrests.
Coupe: clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks in the rear.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do
not hang heavy objects from the hooks, other-
wise they could endanger the car's occupants,
e.g. in case of heavy braking or sudden swerv-
ing.<
Cup holders
Use lightweight and shatterproof contain-
ers and do not transport hot beverages,
otherwise there is an increased risk of injury in
the event of the accident. Do not force contain-
ers that are too large into the cup holders, oth-
erwise damage could result.<
There is one cup holder in the center console.
You can mount an attachable cup holder
* on
the side of the center console.
Ashtray*
Opening
Push the ridge on the cover.

Things to remember when driving
114
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed an engine speed of 4500 rpm or a
road speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends
on several factors. You can lower fuel consump-
tion and the environmental impact by taking
certain measures, adjusting your driving style
and having the vehicle serviced regularly.
Remove any unneeded cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you
have finished using them
Remove unneeded additional mirrors, the roof
rack and the rear luggage rack after use.
Mounted parts affect the vehicle's aerodynam-
ics and increase fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass roof
An open glass roof or window causes higher air
resistance and thus increases fuel consump-
tion.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pressure at least twice a
month and before embarking on a long journey,
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine warm up while the car is
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the
cold engine to reach its operating temperature.

Driving tips
115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance to the forward vehicle. A defensive and
smooth driving style keeps fuel consumption
down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
O n a d o w n h il l s lo p e , t a k e y o u r f o o t o f f t h e a c c el -
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner and the
seat or rear window heating draw large amounts
of power and consume additional fuel. Espe-
cially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driving
they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page217.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page99.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed in
its vicinity, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<

Things to remember when driving
118
Convertible
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining straps, a cargo bay net
* or draw
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. To attach the cargo
straps, there are two lashing eyes, arrows 1,
on the inside wall of the cargo bay. Depend-
ing on your vehicle's equipment, there may
be two additional lashing eyes, arrows2, on
the cargo bay sidewalls.
Follow the information included with the
cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerving is necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page239, 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.
Only attach the cargo straps using the lashing
eyes shown in the illustration. Do not secure
cargo with the anchors for tether straps, refer to
page56, otherwise these could be damaged.<
Coupe: roof-mounted
luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
f o r y o u r B M W . C o m p l y w i t h t h e d i r e c t i o n s g i v e n
in the installation instructions.
Mounting points
Fold open the cover.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page239.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure

Driving tips
119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass roof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Rear-mounted luggage rack*
A rear-mounted luggage rack is available as a
special accessory for your BMW. Comply with
the directions given in the installation instruc-
tions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located under the pro-
tective covers in the bumper.
Loading the rear-mounted luggage
rack
You should always remember not to exceed the
approved roof load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page239.

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Clock67
– 12h/24h format76
– setting time75
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside29
Clothes hooks107
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine59
Combination instrument, refer
to Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access36
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
"Communication"182,192,1
93,194,195
Compact disc, refer to
– CD changer163
– CD player163
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock58
Compass105
Computer68
– displays on Control
Display69
– hour signal76
Computer, refer to iDrive16
"Concert hall" for Tone
control152
"Concierge"195
Concierge service195
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked116
Condition Based Service
CBS217
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile28
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle31
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances108
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption69"Continue guidance to
destination?"137
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display16
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Convenient access36
– replacing the battery37
Convenient operation
– windows30
– windows with convenient
access36
– with convenient access36
Convenient starting, refer to
Starting the engine59
Convertible
– rollover protection
system90
– top40
– wind deflector44
Convertible top
– convenient opening30
Convertible top care220
Coolant216
– checking level216
– filling216
Coolant temperature68
Cooling, maximum98
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant216
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps94
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive Head
Light94
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light94
Courtesy lamps95
Cross-hairs in navigation128
Cruise control65
Cruising range69
Cup holders107
Curb weight, refer to
Weights239
Current fuel consumption69
"Current position"144Current position
– displaying144
– entering132
– storing132
"Customer
Relations"186,194
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Data
– dimensions237
– sizes237
Data, technical236
– capacities239
– engine236
– weights239
"Date"76
Date
– setting76
– setting format77
"Date format"77
"Daytime running lamps"94
Daytime running lamps,
switch positions93
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control82
"Deactivated"51
Deactivating front passenger
airbags89
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking30
Decommissioning the vehicle,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle
Defect
– door lock32
– fuel filler door202
– glass roof40
– luggage compartment lid33
Defogging windows100
Defrosting the windows100
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows100
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows100

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