
Opening and closing
28 out. Every time you close the convertible top, 
keep the button pressed until the windows are 
completely closed; pinch protection will be sus-
pended during this operation.<
When the convertible top has been stored 
in the convertible top compartment for an 
extended period of time, e.g. in the winter 
months because the hardtop was being used, 
you may have to support the convertible top by 
hand when closing it for the first time. If the con-
vertible top stops right before the closing phase 
is completed, press against the front part of the 
convertible top frame from the outside to help 
the closing process along. Keep pressing the 
button while doing so until the top starts mov-
ing on its own again.<
Indicator lamps
>The red LED in the button is lit while the 
convertible top is in motion. It goes out as 
soon as the opening or closing operation 
has been completed.
>If the red LED in the button flashes after the 
button has been released, then the opening 
or closing operation has not yet been com-
pleted.
The movement can be continued in the 
desired direction by pressing this button.
>If the yellow LED in the button comes on 
when the button is pressed, the convertible 
top compartment panel in the cargo bay has 
been folded up. The convertible top cannot 
be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence will be interrupted 
immediately if you release the button that oper-
ates the top. The sequence can be continued in 
the desired direction by pressing this button.
Do not close the side windows using the 
power window buttons before the closing 
procedure has been completed. Otherwise the 
side windows may not close properly against 
the rubber seal of the convertible top.<
Convenience operation
Remote control
Refer to page19.
Driver's door
Refer to page20.
To close manually in the event of a 
malfunction
1.Pull out the handle in the cargo bay as far as 
it will go.
2.Turn the handle 90° until it engages.
3.Grip the convertible top by its frame and 
guide it all the way to the windshield frame.
4.Pull out the cover panel that is in the center 
of the front convertible top frame. 

Climate
62
Climate
Air conditioning 
1Air flow toward the windshield and side win-
dows
2Air to the upper body area
Ventilation63
3Air to the footwell
4Air distribution
5Cooling function
*
6Recirculated-air mode
7Temperature
8Air flow rate
9Rear window defroster 

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. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 65
Automatic climate control* 
1Air flow toward the windshield and side win-
dows
2Air to the upper body area
Ventilation67
3Air to the footwell
4Air distribution, manual
5Defrosting windows and removing conden-
sation
6AUTO program7Air flow rate, manual
8Cooling function
9Maximum cooling
10Temperature
11AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/
Recirculated-air mode
12Rear window defroster 

Climate
66
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program 6 offers the ideal air distribution 
and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer 
to AUTO program below. In addition, you can 
select an interior temperature you find pleasant.
The following sections inform you in detail 
about how to adjust the settings.
Air distribution, manual
Direct the flow of air to the windows 
, to the upper body area   and to 
the footwell  . Intermediate settings 
are possible. The arrow lights up.
The automatic air supply remains unchanged. 
You can switch the automatic air distribution 
back on by pressing the AUTO button.
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Quickly removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and side 
windows.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air 
distribution to the windshield and 
side windows, towards the upper 
body area and into the footwell for 
you. The air flow rate and your temperature 
specifications will be adapted to outside influ-
ences as a result of seasonal changes, e.g. sun-
light or window condensation.
The cooling is switched on automatically with 
the AUTO program.
The AUTO program functions only to a 
limited extent when the convertible top is 
open.<
Air flow rate, manual
Adjust the air flow rate. The arrow 
lights up.
The automatic air distribution 
remains unchanged. You can reactivate the 
automatic mode for the air flow rate with the 
AUTO button.The higher the air flow rate, the more effective 
the air conditioning will be.
Switching the system on/off
Turn the rotary switch to 0. The automatic cli-
mate control is switched off and the air supply is 
cut off.
To switch on the automatic climate control, set 
any desired air flow rate.
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.
The cooling function is automatically switched 
on along with the AUTO program. The passen-
ger compartment can only be cooled while the 
engine is running.
Maximum cooling 
At outside temperatures above 
327/06 and when the engine is 
running, you obtain a maximum cool-
ing effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control switches to the 
lowest temperature and operates in recircu-
lated-air mode. Air flows at maximum rate only 
from the vents for the upper body area. You 
should therefore open them for maximum cool-
ing.
Temperature 
Set the desired temperature.
The values on the dial are approxima-
tions of the respective temperature 
resulting in the passenger compartment.
The automatic climate control achieves this 
temperature as quickly as possible regardless 
of the season, using maximum cooling or heat-
ing power if necessary, and then maintains it.
If you switch between different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession, the  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 67
automatic climate control does not have 
enough time to achieve the set temperature.<
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/Recirculated-air mode
Switch on the desired operating 
mode by pressing this button repeat-
edly:
>LEDs off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor 
detects pollutants in the outside air. If nec-
essary, the system blocks the supply of out-
side air and recirculates the inside air. As 
soon as the concentration of pollutants in 
the outside air has decreased sufficiently, 
the system automatically switches back to 
outside air supply.
>Right-hand LED on, recirculated-air mode: 
the inflow of outside air is shut off perma-
nently. 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 recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over an extended period of time, otherwise the 
air quality inside the car will deteriorate contin-
uously.<
Rear window defroster 
The defroster switches off automati-
cally after a certain time.
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.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from 
the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter 
provides additional protection by filtering gas-
eous pollutants from the outside air. Your BMW 
center replaces this combined filter during reg-
ular maintenance. A substantial reduction in air 
flow indicates that the filter needs to be 
replaced earlier. 

Things to remember when driving
74
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
Moving parts need to be given some time until 
they can interact smoothly with one another. To 
ensure that your vehicle provides maximum 
economy throughout a long service life, we 
request that you observe the following.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do 
not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
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 an initial break-in period has 
elapsed. 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. Shift gears carefully during 
the break-in period.
After replacing components
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 additional mirrors and the luggage rack 
when they are no longer in use. Mounted parts 
affect the vehicle's aerodynamics and increase 
fuel consumption.
Close both windows
Open windows cause higher air resistance and 
thus increase fuel consumption.
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. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 75
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 page96.
Driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate is closed. 
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the inte-
rior of the vehicle.<
Should it be absolutely necessary drive with the 
luggage compartment lid/tailgate open:
1.Coupe: close both windows.
Roadster: close all windows if the convert-
ible top is closed.
2.Greatly increase the air flow from the air 
conditioning or automatic climate control, 
refer to page62 or65.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Never remove the heat shields installed in 
this area, nor apply undercoating to their sur-
faces. When driving, standing at idle or parking 
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact between 
the hot exhaust system and flammable materi-
als, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact 
could lead to a fire, resulting in serious personal 
injury and property damage. Do not touch the 
hot exhaust pipes to avoid the risk of injury from 
burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a 
wedge of water may form between the tires and 
the road surface. This situation, known as 
hydroplaning, means that the tire can com-