2008 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE top

Controls
37Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Unlocking the luggage compartment
lid separately
Press the button on the outside of the luggage
compartment lid. This corresponds to pressing
the button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the
locked vehicle's interior after the luggage com-
partment lid is closed, the lid will reopen. The
hazard warning flashers flash and a signal
*
sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the
start/stop button, refer to page58.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch,
otherwise the engine will start immedi-
ately.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle.
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into
the ignition switch, refer to page58.
Switching off the engine in cars with
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the
selector lever is in position P, refer to page59.
T o s w i t c h t h e e n g i n e o f f w h e n t h e s e l e c t o r l e v e r
is in position N, the remote control must be in
the ignition switch.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic
transmission into a car wash
1.Insert remote control into ignition switch.
2.Depress the brake.
3.Move the selector lever to position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunctions
Convenient access may malfunction due to
local radio waves. If this happens, open and
close the vehicle via the buttons on the remote control or using the integrated key. To start the
engine afterward, insert the remote control into
the ignition switch.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when you attempt to
start the engine: the engine cannot
be started. The remote control is not inside the
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote
control with you inside the vehicle or have it
checked. If necessary, insert another remote
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up while the engine is
running: the remote control is no
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is
switched off, the engine can only be restarted
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on and a message
appears on the Control Display:
replace the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from
time to time.
1.Take the integrated key out of the remote
control, refer to page28.
2.Remove the cover.
3.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
4.Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collec-
tion point or to your BMW center.<

Opening and closing
38
Windows
To prevent injuries, watch the windows
while closing them.
Take the remote control out of the ignition
when you leave the car, otherwise children
could operate the electric windows and possi-
bly injure themselves.<
Coupe: opening, closing
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window opens as long as you press the
switch.
>Press the switch beyond the resistance
point:
The window opens automatically. Press the
switch again to stop the opening move-
ment.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
Convertible: opening, closing
Window operation with convenient access,
refer also to page30.
To close the side windows while driving,
either close the rear windows first or all
four windows together, otherwise the windows
may not close tightly at high speeds.<
Individually
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window opens as long as you press the
switch.
>Press the switch beyond the resistance
point:
The window opens automatically. Press the
switch again to stop the opening move-
ment.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch. The rear windows cannot
be closed automatically.
Jointly
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
All windows open as long as you press the
switch.
>Press the switch beyond the resistance
point:
All windows open automatically. Press the
switch again to stop the opening move-
ment.
>Pull the switch:
All windows close as long as you pull the
switch.

Controls
39Reference
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Mobility
After switching off the ignition
When the remote control is removed or the igni-
tion is switched off, you can still operate the
windows for approx. 1 minute as long as no
door has been opened.
Convenient operation
For information on convenient operation via the
remote control or the door lock, refer to page29
or32. For information on closing with conve-
nient access, refer to Locking on page36.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force exceeds a specific value as a
power window closes, the closing action is
interrupted and the window reopens slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system
check and clear the window's travel path
prior to closing it, otherwise the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as thin objects, and the window
would continue closing.
Do not install any accessories that might inter-
fere with window movement. Otherwise the
pinch protection system could be impaired.
Convertible: the rear windows are not equipped
with pinch protection. Therefore, watch them
closely when closing to avoid personal injury.<
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, or if ice on the win-
dows, etc., prevents you from closing the win-
dows normally, proceed as follows:
1.Pull the switch past the resistance point and
hold it there. Pinch protection is limited and
the window reopens slightly if the closing
force exceeds a certain value.
2.Pull the switch again past the resistance
point within approx. 4 seconds and hold it
there. The window closes without pinch
protection.
Coupe: glass roof*, electric
To prevent injuries, watch the glass roof
while closing it. Take the remote control with you when you
leave the car, otherwise children could operate
the roof and possibly injure themselves.<
Raising
Press the switch.
>The closed glass roof is raised and the slid-
ing visor opens slightly.
>The open glass roof automatically travels
into the raised position. The sliding visor
remains completely open.
Do not close the sliding visor forcibly with
the roof in the raised position, as this
would damage the mechanism.<
Opening, closing
>Press the switch backwards to the resis-
tance point.
The glass roof and the sliding visor open
together as long as you hold the switch in
this position.
>Press the switch backwards past the resis-
tance point.
The glass roof and the sliding visor open
automatically. Briefly press the switch again
to stop the opening movement.
You can close the glass roof in a similar manner
by pressing the switch forwards. The sliding
visor remains open and can be closed by hand.
For information on convenient operation via the
remote control or the door lock, refer to page29
or32. For information on closing with conve-
nient access, refer to Locking on page36.
After switching off the ignition
When the remote control is removed or the igni-
tion is switched off, you can still operate the roof

Opening and closing
40 for approx. 1 minute as long as no door has
been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the glass roof encounters an obstruction dur-
ing closing from approximately the middle of
the opening in the roof, or during closing from
the raised position, the closing movement is
interrupted and the glass roof is opened again
slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system
check and clear the roof's travel path prior
to closing it, otherwise the safety system might
fail to detect certain kinds of obstructions, such
as very thin objects, and the roof would con-
tinue closing.<
Closing without pinch protection
If there is an external danger, press the switch
forward past the resistance point and hold it
there. The roof closes without pinch protection.
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power failure, there is a possibility that
the glass roof can only be raised. The system
must be initialized. BMW recommends having
this work done by your BMW center.
Closing manually*
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the glass roof manually:
1.Unclip the front of the cover of the interior
lamps using the screwdriver from the
onboard tool kit, refer to page223.2.On both sides, use the screwdriver to press
on the clip inside the opening.
3.Remove the control unit.
4.Unplug the motor. Considerably less effort
will be required for manual operation.
5.Insert the Allen wrench
* supplied with the
onboard tool kit, refer to page223, into the
opening provided. Move the glass roof in
the desired direction.
6.Reattach the lamp cover and reinstall the
control unit.
Convertible: top
The fully automatic top combines reliable
weather protection with simple and convenient
operation.

Controls
41Reference
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Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
The following tips will enhance your driving
pleasure in your convertible:
>It is advisable that you close the convertible
top when you park the vehicle. Not only
does the closed top protect the vehicle inte-
rior against unanticipated weather damage,
it also offers a certain amount of theft pro-
tection. However, even when the top is
closed, valuables should only be stored in
the locked cargo bay.
>Do not attach roof-mounted luggage sys-
tems to the convertible top.
>When opening a wet top, e.g. after driving in
the rain, water may drip into the cargo bay. If
necessary, remove items from the cargo
bay beforehand to avoid water stains or soil-
ing.
At temperatures below +147/–106, do
not move the convertible top or damage
may occur.
Do not keep the convertible top in the convert-
ible top box for longer than one day if it is wet,
otherwise the moisture may cause damage.
Do not place objects on the convertible top, as
otherwise they may fall off when you operate
the convertible top and cause damage or injury.
Never move the convertible top when the roll-
over protection system is in the activated posi-
tion.
Always fully complete a convertible top move-
ment. Driving with the convertible top incom-
pletely opened or closed can result in damage
or injury.
Do not reach into the mechanism during the
opening or closing procedure. Keep children
away from the opening/closing path of the con-
vertible top.
For safety reasons, only move the convertible
top when the vehicle is stationary, if possible.<
The convertible top swings upward when
opening and closing. When operating the
convertible top in a garage, under a bridge, etc.,
ensure that there are at least 6 ft 7 in/2 m of
headroom, otherwise the vehicle may be dam-
aged. >Comply with the safety precautions
described above.
>Ensure that the cargo bay partition is folded
down and engaged on both sides, refer to
page109, otherwise it will not be possible
to open the convertible top.
>Ensure that the cargo does not press
against the cargo bay partition from below.
>Ensure that the luggage compartment lid is
closed.
Opening and closing
Convertible top operation with convenient
access, refer also to page30.
As of radio readiness, refer to page58:
If possible, conserve the battery by only
operating the convertible top when the
engine is running.
Before closing the convertible top, remove all
foreign objects from the windshield frame as
these could prevent the hardtop from closing
properly.<
1Push button: close convertible top
2Push button: open convertible top
3LEDs
The side windows move down slightly
when the buttons for convertible top
operation are pressed.<
Operation while driving
You can open or close the convertible top while
driving, as long as the car is not moving faster
than approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.

Opening and closing
42 If you accelerate to over 30 mph/50 km/h while
the convertible top is moving, the procedure is
interrupted.
When operating the convertible top while
driving, pay extra attention to the traffic to
avoid an accident. If possible, do not move the
convertible top while driving in reverse gear,
because your view to the rear is severely limited
during the procedure. Do not operate the con-
vertible top while driving in windy conditions.
Do not drive faster than 30 mph/50 km/h, other-
wise damage to the vehicle can occur.<
LEDs
>While the convertible top is being operated,
the left LED lights up green. It goes out as
soon as the top is fully opened or closed.
In the following situations, a message appears
on the Control Display or an acoustic signal
sounds in addition to the LED lighting up:
>If the right-hand LED flashes red when you
release the button, the opening or closing
action has not yet finished.
>If the right-hand LED lights up red when the
button is pressed, the cargo bay partition is
raised, the luggage compartment lid is not
closed or there is a malfunction. The con-
vertible top cannot be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is
interrupted if the button for the convertible top
operation is released. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by pushing or
pulling the buttons.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted for an extended period, the convertible
top remains in the raised position for approx.
10 minutes and then slowly moves to a stable
position.
A convertible top that is not fully opened
or closed is a safety hazard.<
If the convertible top is not fully opened or
closed, the luggage compartment lid can-
not be opened and the windows cannot be
moved.<
Convenient operation with remote
control or via door lock
Refer to pages30 and32.
Closing manually
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely necessary, and never open
it manually. The convertible top box cover can-
not be locked if there is an electrical defect and
would then open while the vehicle is in motion.
Incorrect handling can result in damage.<
Closing the convertible top manually should be
performed by two people. The rear seats must
not be occupied.
Before closing
1.If possible, close all windows and then lower
the rear windows by approx. 3/4 in/2 cm.
After you manually unlock the convertible
top box cover, the windows can no longer
be operated.
2.Open the luggage compartment lid. If there
is an electrical fault, unlock the lid using the
integrated key, refer to page33.
3.Take the Allen wrench and screwdriver out
of the onboard tool kit, refer to page223.
4.Using the screwdriver, loosen the two but-
tons in the cargo bay, arrows 1, and pull
them out forcefully as far as they will go.
The convertible top box cover is unlocked.
5.Close the luggage compartment lid. After
the convertible top box cover is unlocked
manually, the luggage compartment lid can
only be opened using the integrated key.

Controls
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Mobility
Closing
1.Open the doors.
2.Slide the protective cap, arrow2, forward.
3.Slowly and smoothly open the convertible
top box cover all the way, arrow3.
4.The locking pins must have engaged com-
pletely. If they are still visible: close the con-
vertible top box cover as far as necessary
until the locking bolts engage audibly, then
slowly open the cover. During this process,
do not close the convertible top box cover
completely.
5.Lift out the front part of the convertible top,
arrows 4, on both sides and swing it for-
ward. At the same time keep the convertible
top box cover from closing, e.g. using your
shoulder.6.Position the rear convertible top frame
upright, arrow5, and close the convertible
top box cover, arrow6. Then lower the rear
convertible top frame.
7.Together with another person, press down
the front convertible top frame from the out-
side and on both sides as far as possible.
8.Carefully remove the cover in the center of
the front convertible top frame using the
screwdriver.
9.Attach the handle of the screwdriver to the
Allen wrench and insert the wrench into the
opening provided.
10.Turn the Allen wrench all the way to the left,
arrow 7, until the front convertible top frame
is locked to the windshield frame. The rear
convertible top frame is automatically
pressed down onto the convertible top box
cover and is sealed tight under tension.
The closing procedure must be fully com-
pleted, otherwise damage or injury may
occur.<
Please contact your BMW center to have the
cause of the malfunction eliminated.

Opening and closing
44
Wind deflector
The wind deflector keeps air currents in the
passenger compartment at a low level when the
convertible top is down and provides for an
even more pleasant journey at higher speeds.
Installation
1.Remove the wind deflector from the protec-
tive cover and unfold it, arrows1.
2.Press together the top and bottom parts of
the wind deflector until the catch engages,
arrow 2.
3.Position both locking pins of one side at the
openings provided for them.
4.Press the wind deflector into the openings,
arrows3, overcoming the tension in the
springs, and push the free locking pin in the
same direction, arrow4.
5.Position the free locking pins at the corre-
sponding openings and let the spring ten-sion lock the wind deflector in place, arrow
5.
6.Fold up the top section of the wind deflec-
tor, arrow6.
With the wind deflector installed: do not
recline the front-seat backrests too far if
the seat is to be slid all the way back, as this
would damage the wind deflector.<
Removing the wind deflector
Proceed in the reverse order as used for instal-
lation.
Folding
Slide the red release lever towards the middle of
the wind deflector and push the two halves
apart.