2008 BMW 135I CONVERTIBLE seats

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Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags
3Side airbags in the seat backrests
4Convertible: knee airbags
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page45 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attach
seat covers, cushions or other objects not spe-
cifically approved for seats with integral side air-
bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of
clothing such as coats or jackets over the back-
rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag
retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod-
ify the individual components of the system or
its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol-
stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument
panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and that has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page55.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-

Technology for driving comfort and safety
90 vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accor-
dance with whether and how the front passen-
ger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows
whether the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a specially designated child-restraint sys-
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system, especially child seats
required by the NHTSA at the time of vehi-
cle production. After mounting a child seat,
ensure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbag is lit. It indicates that the
child seat has been detected and that the
front passenger airbags are deactivated.<>The indicator lamp does not come on as
long as a person of sufficient size and in a
correct sitting position is detected on the
seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page58, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
>Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay, otherwise
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.<
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is activated
automatically in the event of an accident, a crit-
ical driving situation, an extreme tilt in the car's
longitudinal axis or upon loss of ground contact.
The protection bars behind the rear head
restraints deploy within fractions of a second.

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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.

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When returning the backrest into its seat-
ing position, make sure that the seat's
locking mechanism is properly engaged. Other-
wise, cargo could be thrown around in the event
of sharp braking or swerving and endanger the
occupants.<
The lashing eyes in the cargo bay provide you
with a way to attach cargo bay nets
* or draw
straps for securing suitcases and luggage, refer
to page117.
Convertible: cargo loading
Enlarging the cargo bay
When the convertible top is closed you can
enlarge the cargo bay:
To do so, fold the cargo bay partition upward.
Before opening the convertible top, pull the
cargo bay partition down until it engages.
Ensure that pointed objects do not press
against the cargo bay partition from below.
The convertible top can only be opened
when the cargo bay partition is folded
down.<
Storage compartments inside
the cargo bay
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo bay:
>Rubber strap on the left trim panel for
securing small objects such as a folding
umbrella>Net for small objects on the right trim panel
of the cargo bay
>Retaining straps
* on cargo bay floor: for
securing smaller objects or as an anti-slip
surface when you place objects on the
straps
The lashing eyes in the cargo bay provide you
with a way to attach cargo bay nets
* or draw
straps
* for securing suitcases and luggage,
refer to page118.
Coupe: ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6.6ft/2.0m. When skis of 6.6ft/2.0m
length are loaded, the overall capacity of the ski
bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
Ensure that the skis are clean when they are
loaded into the ski bag. Wrap sharp edges to
prevent damage.
1.Fold down the center panel in the rear seat
backrest.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover. To stabilize the cover
in the folded-down position, place the cen-
ter panel underneath it.
3.Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.

Practical interior accessories
110 4.Attach the hook of the ski bag retaining
strap to the eyelet on the side of the ski bag
opening.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in the manner
described, otherwise it could endanger
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.<
To store the ski bag, perform the steps
described for loading in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.1.Fold down the center panel in the rear seat
backrest.
2.Pull the handle, arrow1.
3.Pull out the insert, arrow 2.
For more information on the various
inserts available, contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Convertible: through-loading
opening with integrated
transport bag*
The transport bag is designed for safe, clean
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up
to 2 snowboards.
With the transport bag you can stow skis up to a
length of 6.6 ft /2.0 m. When skis of 6.6 ft/2.0 m
length are loaded, the overall capacity of the ski
bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
When using the transport bag, it is not
permissible to transport passengers in
the rear seats.<
Loading
1.Pull the grip in the filler piece of the rear
backrest up and take out the filler piece.
2.Place the filler piece onto the seat cushion
with the backrest side facing up.

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3.In the cargo bay: press the two recesses
together and fold down the cover.
4.Release the strap, lay out the transport bag
between the front seats and load it.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.
Ensure that the skis are clean when you load
them into the transport bag. Wrap sharp edges
to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the transport bag and its
contents. Tighten the retaining strap on the
tensioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the transport bag in the manner
described, otherwise it could endanger
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.<
To store the transport bag, perform the steps
described for loading in reverse order.

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

Everything from A - Z
246 Calling
– from phone book183
– from Top 8 list184
– redialing184
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities239
Capacity of the cargo bay239
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery227
Car care, refer to Care219
"Car Data"69
Care219
– automatic car washes219
– care products219
– carpets221
– CD/DVD drives222
– chrome parts221
– convertible top220
– displays222
– exterior219
– fine wood parts222
– headlamps220
– high-pressure washer219
– interior221
– leather221
– light-alloy wheels221
– paintwork220
– plastic parts222
– rubber seals221
– safety belts222
– sensors and cameras222
– upholstery and cloth
trim221
– washing the car
manually220
– windows220
– wiper blades220
Cargo, securing118
Cargo bay
– capacity239
– convenient access37
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system108
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps95
– lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid33
– opening from outside33Cargo bay lid, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid33
Cargo bay net, refer to
Securing cargo118
Cargo loading
– securing cargo118
– stowing cargo117
– vehicle117
Car jack
– jacking points227
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Car phone176
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest107
– refer to Mobile phone176
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio154
Car shampoo222
Car wash116
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system115
"Categories" for satellite
radio161
"CD"150,163
CD changer163
– compressed audio files163
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse167
– installation location167
– playing a track165
– random order166
– repeating a track166
– selecting a CD163
– selecting a track164
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151CD player163
– compressed audio files163
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse167
– playing a track165
– random order166
– repeating a track166
– selecting a track164
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
Center armrest107
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb226
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
"Central locking"30,50
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside
29
Central locking system29
– convenient access36
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing the language on the
Control Display80
Changing wheels226
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment213
Check Control77
"Check Control
messages"78
Checking oil level213
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child-restraint systems55
Child seats55
Chrome parts222
Chrome polish222
Cigarette lighter108
Cleaning headlamps64
– washer fluid64
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care219
"Climate"98