
Notes
6
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts 
and accessories approved by BMW. 
When you purchase accessories tested and 
approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you 
simultaneously acquire the assurance that they 
have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure 
optimum performance when installed on your 
vehicle. 
BMW warrants these parts to be free from 
defects in material and workmanship. 
BMW will not accept any liability for damage 
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW. 
BMW cannot test every product made by other 
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a 
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation, or its occupants. 
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and 
other products approved by BMW, together 
with professional advice on using these items, 
are available from all BMW centers. 
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, radios, 
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension 
components, brake dust shields, telephones, 
including operation of any mobile phone from 
within the vehicle without using an externally 
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for 
instance, CBs, walkie-talkie, ham radio or simi-
lar accessories, may cause extensive damage 
to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere 
with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the 
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your 
BMW center for additional information.<
Maintenance, replacement or repair of 
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive 
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.<
Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication 
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
>Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
>California Emission Control System Limited 
Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is 
listed in the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. 

Opening and closing
20
Unlocking the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate
Press the  button for approx. 1 second.
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.<
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside if 
there is any person inside, because the 
vehicle cannot be unlocked from inside without 
special knowledge.<
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. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 27
climate control to prevent a partial vacuum in 
the vehicle.<
Roadster: fully automatic 
convertible top*
The fully automatic convertible top combines 
assured protection against the elements with 
simple and easy handling.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most out 
of your BMW:
>It is advisable to close the convertible top 
when the vehicle is parked. When closed, 
the top not only guards the passenger com-
partment from unforeseeable damage from 
the weather, but also affords a degree of 
protection against theft. Valuables, how-
ever, should only be kept in the locked 
cargo bay, even when the convertible top is 
closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack 
system on the convertible top.
Do not operate the convertible top at tem-
peratures below 147/–106, otherwise 
damage could result.
Never keep a wet convertible top in the convert-
ible top compartment for longer than one day, 
otherwise the moisture could cause damage.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top, other-
wise they could fall off when the convertible top 
is operated and cause damage or injuries.
Driving while the convertible top is not com-
pletely open or closed can cause vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.
Do not reach into the convertible top mecha-
nism during opening and closing. Keep children 
away from the convertible top's range of move-
ment.
For safety reasons, whenever possible operate 
the convertible top when the vehicle is station-
ary.<
If a convertible top operation has not yet 
been completed as you start to drive off, 
at a traffic light for example, you can continue 
the procedure at moderate speed:
To do so, press and hold the corresponding button again.
At higher speeds, a vacuum effect in the pas-
senger compartment can cause the convertible 
top to begin fluttering. Use the air conditioning 
or automatic climate control to increase the air 
flow rate and thus prevent a partial vacuum in 
the vehicle.<
Before opening and closing
>Read and comply with the preceding safety 
precautions.
>Make sure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the cargo bay has been 
folded down; refer to page23. Otherwise 
the convertible top cannot be opened.
>Ensure that the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate is closed.
Opening and closing
With the key in ignition position 1 or higher, 
refer to page40, and while the vehicle is sta-
tionary:
If at all possible, operate the convertible 
top only with the engine running. This 
saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove any 
objects from the windshield frame that other-
wise could prevent the convertible top from 
closing properly.<
1Closing
2Opening
The side windows will move down slightly 
when you press the button for operating 
the convertible top.
After the opening or closing operation, the win-
dows will move back up if you press the button 
for more than 2 seconds after the LED has gone  

Driving
40
Driving
Ignition lock 
0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition switched on
3Starting the engine
Steering locked
This is the only position in which the ignition key 
can be inserted or removed.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel 
slightly to the left or right until the lock engages.
Interlock with automatic transmission
The key can only be turned back to position 0 or 
removed if the selector lever is in position P: 
interlock.
Steering unlocked
You will find that it is often easier to turn the 
ignition key from position0 to 1 if yo u m ove the 
steering wheel slightly to help disengage the 
detent.
Individual electrical equipment and accessories 
are available for use.
Ignition switched on
All systems are operational.
Starting the engine
Engine idle speed is controlled by the engine 
computer system. Increased speeds at start-up 
are normal and should decrease as the engine 
warms up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always 
deactivate electrical devices that are not in use. 
Switch the ignition off when the vehicle is not 
being driven.
Do not leave the engine running in 
enclosed spaces. Otherwise, inhalation of 
the hazardous exhaust gases could lead to 
unconsciousness and death. The exhaust 
gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless 
and colorless, but highly toxic gas. Do not leave 
the vehicle unattended with the engine running. 
An unattended vehicle with a running engine 
poses a safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running, 
place the transmission in idle or move the 
selector lever to position P and apply the park-
ing brake to prevent the car from moving.<
When starting the engine, do not press the 
accelerator pedal.
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but 
do not continue it for more than 20 seconds.
Release the key immediately when the engine 
starts.
Do not let the engine warm up in idling position. 
Instead, begin to drive at moderate engine 
speeds.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehi-
cle. A lockout prevents the engine from starting 
if the clutch is not depressed.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the parking brake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to idle position.
3.Start the engine. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 43
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral, idle
You can select this in a car wash, for example. 
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
This position is designed for driving under all 
normal operating conditions. All forward gears 
are selected automatically.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you are driving in posi-
tion D.
Kickdown 
Kick-down enables you to achieve maximum 
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Manual operation and Sport program 
M/S
Move the selector lever from position D to the 
left into the M/S range:
The Sport program is activated. This is indi-
cated by the display SD in the instrument clus-
ter. This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
The Sport program is enabled automatically 
when the Dynamic Driving Control system is 
activated, refer to page44.
To use the automatic function again, move the 
selector lever to the right into position D.
Shifting gears using the selector lever
When you press the selector lever forwards or 
backwards, the manual mode is activated and 
Steptronic changes gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
The transmission will only execute upshifts and 
downshifts that will result in an appropriate 
combination of vehicle speed and engine rpm. 
For instance, downshifts that would result in 
excessive engine speed will not be executed. 
The desired gear will appear briefly in the 
instrument cluster, followed by the actual gear.
Shifting gears via the shift paddles* on 
the steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears 
quickly since your hands can remain on the 
steering wheel.
>When you use the shift paddles on the 
steering wheel to shift gears while in auto-
matic mode, the transmission automatically 
switches to manual mode.
>If you do not use the shift paddles for a cer-
tain amount of time and do not accelerate, 
the transmission automatically switches 
back to automatic mode.
If the selector lever is in the M/S gear 
plane, manual mode remains active.
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles.
>To shift down, press one of the shift pad-
dles.
The instrument cluster shows M1 through M6.
The transmission will only execute upshifts and 
downshifts that will result in an appropriate 
combination of vehicle speed and engine rpm. 
For instance, downshifts that would result in 
excessive engine speed will not be executed. 
The desired gear will appear briefly in the 
instrument cluster, followed by the actual gear.
Malfunction
Red warning lamp
The transmission is overheating. 
Reduce your speed immediately and 
pull over at a suitable location so that  

Everything under control
50
Setting the clock
1.Press button 2 for several seconds until the 
hours are displayed and the colon flashes.
2.Press button1 repeatedly until the required 
hour is set.
3.Press button2 to switch to the minutes dis-
play.
4.Press button1 repeatedly until the required 
minutes are set.
5.Press button2 to confirm the time.
The set time of day is transferred to the car 
radio display or appears in the instrument clus-
ter display.
Computer*
To view the information on the instrument clus-
ter display, press the onboard computer button 
BC in the turn signal lever.
Each time you tap the onboard computer but-
ton, the following information is shown in the 
specified order:
>Time
>Outside temperature
>Average fuel consumption
>Cruising range>Average speed
With the ignition key in position 1 or higher, the 
respective last active setting is displayed.
If you wish, you can have all the following 
information displayed in another unit of 
measure.<
Setting the time format
You can have the clock displayed in 12h or 24h 
mode:
While the time display is active, press the 
onboard computer button BC in the turn signal 
lever until the display changes.
Changing unit of measure: °F/°C
While the outside temperature display is active, 
press the onboard computer button BC in the 
turn signal lever until the display changes.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time for which the engine has been running.
To reset the average fuel consumption display:
Press the onboard computer button BC in the 
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Cruising range
The computer bases its calculations of the 
cruising range on the preceding driving style 
and on the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.
B e  s u r e  t o  r e f u e l  a s  s o o n  a s  p o s s i b l e  o n c e  
your cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
The average speed is calculated for the time for 
which the engine has been running.
To reset the average speed display:
Press the onboard computer button BC in the 
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds. 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
52 In the following exceptional circumstances, it 
may be effective to activate the DTC for a short 
period:
>When driving on snow-covered grades, in 
slush or on uncleared, snow-covered roads
>When rocking the vehicle or starting off in 
deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp 
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Checking 
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster goes out.
Malfunction in the driving stability 
control systems
Have the system checked as soon as possible.Drive cautiously, think well ahead and 
avoid full brake applications, otherwise 
unstable driving conditions could result.<
The vehicle remains operational. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead, 
otherwise unstable driving conditions 
could result.<
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off 
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary 
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the 
brake.
2.Release the brake and drive off without 
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in 
place for approx. 2 seconds after the 
brake is released. Depending on vehicle load, 
the car may roll backwards a little during this 
time span. Drive off without delay after releas-
ing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off assistant 
will no longer hold the car in place after approx. 
2 seconds and the car will start to roll back-
wards.< The indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
The indicator lamp is lit:
DTC has been activated.
The warning lamp for the brake system 
lights up in red, together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS and DSC:
The driving stability control systems 
have failed.
Canadian models display these warn-
ing lamps.
The DSC warning lamp lights up 
together with the yellow warning lamp 
for the brake system:
DSC, including DTC and DBC, are 
malfunctioning.
Canadian models display these warn-
ing lamps. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 63
Air distribution 
Direct the flow of air to the windows 
, to the upper body area   and to 
the footwell  . Intermediate settings 
are possible.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the cooling function is on, the 
air is cooled, dehumidified, then 
reheated depending on the tempera-
ture setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may 
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an 
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, temporarily shut off the supply 
to the interior of the car. The system 
recirculates the air within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the recircu-
lated-air mode, you should switch it off 
and, if necessary, increase the air flow rate. 
The manually controlled recirculated-air mode 
should not be used continuously for lengthy 
periods, otherwise the quality of the air inside 
the car will gradually deteriorate.<
Temperature 
For a higher temperature, turn the 
rotary switch clockwise towards red. 
For a lower temperature, turn the 
rotary switch counterclockwise 
towards blue.
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher 
the rate, the more effective the heat-
ing or cooling will be.
Switching the system on/off
Set the air flow rate to 0. Blower and air condi-
tioning are switched off and the air supply is cut 
off.
To switch on the heater or air conditioning, set 
any desired air flow rate.
Rear window defroster
The defroster switches off automati-
cally after a certain time.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
1.Air distribution1 in position  .
2.Set air flow rate 2 to position 4.
3.Temperature3 to the right, red.
4.Switch on rear window defroster 4 to 
defrost the rear window.
Ventilation
1Knurled wheels to set any vent position 
from fully open to closed
2Slide for adjusting air flow direction
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool 
air toward you, for instance if it has become too 
hot in the car.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past 
you and not straight at you.