
Cockpit
10
Cockpit
Around the steering wheel: controls and displays
2Folding exterior mirrors in or out*34
3Adjusting exterior mirrors34
1
Opening and closing windows25
4
Parking lamps59
Low beams59
Automatic headlamp control
*59
5
Instrument lighting60
6
Fog lamps
*60 

Adjustments
34
Damaged safety belts
When the belt system has absorbed an 
accident or has been damaged, have the 
system and its belt tensioners replaced and the 
b e l t  a n c h o r s  c h e c k e d .  H a v e  t h i s  w o r k  d o n e  o n l y  
by your BMW center or at a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel. Other-
wise, it is not guaranteed that the safety devices 
will function properly.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The passenger's mirror is more convex 
than the driver's mirror. The objects seen 
in the mirror are closer than they appear. Do not 
gauge your distance from traffic behind you on 
the basis of what you see in the mirror; other-
wise there is an increased risk of an accident.<
1Adjustments
2To switch from one mirror to the other
3To fold the mirrors in or out
*
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: 
press on the edges of the lens.
Folding mirrors in or out*
The mirrors can be folded in or out up to a road 
speed of approx. 6 mph/10 km/h by pressing 
button3. This can be useful on narrow roads, 
for example, or to reset the mirrors to their cor-
rect positions after they were folded in.
Automatic heating*
Both exterior mirrors are automatically heated 
when the engine is running or the ignition is 
switched on.
Interior rearview mirror
Turn the knob to reduce glare from the head-
lamps of cars behind you when driving at night.
Interior and exterior mirrors with 
automatic dimming feature* 
The automatic dimming feature of the interior 
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo 
cells in the interior rearview mirror. In the Road-
ster, one is located in the top of the mirror 
frame, see arrow. In the Coupe, it is located at 
the bottom of the mirror frame. The other photo 
cell is on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions 
correctly, keep the photocells clean, do not 
cover the area between the interior rearview 
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive 
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield 
directly in front of the mirror. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 45
Washer/wiper system/
Rain sensor*
0Wipers retracted
1Intermittent or rain sensor mode
2Normal wiper speed
3Fast wiper speed
4Brief wipe
5Selecting speed for intermittent mode or 
setting sensitivity of the rain sensor
Intermittent mode
Not in vehicles with a rain sensor.
Rotary dial 5 is used to set the wipe interval to 
one of four levels.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied automati-
cally depending on road speed.
Rain sensor*
On vehicles with a rain sensor, the wipe interval 
is automatically controlled according to rain 
intensity. The sensor is mounted on the wind-
shield, directly in front of the interior rearview 
mirror.
Deactivate the rain sensor before enter-
ing an automatic car wash. Failure to do 
so could result in damage caused by undesired 
wiper activation.<
Activating
With the ignition key in position 1 or higher, 
move the lever to position 1.
In any case, the wipers will move once across 
the windshield.
You can leave the lever continuously in 
position1. Then, as long as the ignition key is in position 1 or higher, you only need to activate 
the rain sensor.
To do so:
>Turn rotary dial 5 briefly or
>Clean the windshield, refer to Cleaning 
windshield and headlamps* below
Adjusting sensitivity
Turn the rotary wheel 5.
Deactivating
Flip the lever to position 0.
Normal wiper speed
When the vehicle is stopped the wipers auto-
matically switch to intermittent wipe, except in 
vehicles with a rain sensor.
Fast wiper speed
When the vehicle is stopped the wipers operate 
at normal wiping speed, except in vehicles with 
a rain sensor.
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
0Wipers retracted
1Cleaning windshield and headlamps
*
Do not use the washers if there is any 
danger that the fluid will freeze on the 
windshield, otherwise vision could be 
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be 
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid on 
page46.
Do not operate washing mechanisms when the 
washer fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise you 
will damage the washer pump.< 

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
 119
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows63,66
Dehumidifying air, refer to 
Switching cooling function 
on/off63,66
Digital clock49
Dimensions111,112
Dimming mirrors34
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signal indicators44
Disc brakes76
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data110
Display elements, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting60
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant94
– vehicle battery102
Distance remaining, refer to 
Cruising range50
Door keys, refer to The key 
set18
Door lock20
Doors, unlocking and locking
– acknowledgment 
signals19,20
– from inside21
– from outside19
DOT quality grades86
Draft-free ventilation63,67
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
Drive-off assistant52
Driving light, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams59
Driving notes74,75
Driving off on uphill gradients, 
refer to Drive-off 
assistant52Driving stability control 
systems51
Driving through water76
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes75
Dry air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off63,
66
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control51
– indicator/warning lamp51
– indicator lamp13
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control51
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,52
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC51
– indicator/warning lamp13
Dynamic Driving Control44
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC51
– indicator/warning lamp51
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC51
– indicator/warning lamp52
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution51
Electric
– seat adjustment31
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– tailgate22
Electric Power Steering 
EPS56
– indicator/warning 
lamp13,56
Electric power windows24
Electronic
– brake-force distribution51
– oil level check93Emergency call103
– button103
Emergency operation, refer to 
Opening manually
– tailgate22
Emergency release23
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance103
Engine40
– breaking in74
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer49
– speed48
– starting40
– switching off41
– temperature49
Engine compartment92
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant94
Engine oil92
– adding94
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils94
– approved engine oils94
– BMW Maintenance 
System96
– change intervals, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
– change intervals, refer to 
Service interval display49
– checking level93
– indicator/warning lamp12
– oil grades, refer also to 
Approved engine oils94
– oil level92
– pressure92
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data110
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine40
EPS Electric Power 
Steering56 

Everything from A to Z
120 Equipment scope, refer to the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control51
Event Data Recorders97
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system75
Exterior mirrors34
– adjusting34
– automatic dimming 
feature34
– automatic heating34
– folding in and out34
External audio device68
Eyeglasses compartment69
Eyes, tow-starting and towing 
away105
F
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms24
– refer to Switching off an 
alarm24
Fasten safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts33
Filter
– refer to Microfilter64
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter67
Fine wood, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit104
First-aid kit104
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– refer to Changing a 
wheel101
– refer to Tire condition87
– Run-Flat Tires88
– Tire Pressure Monitor54Flat Tire Monitor FTM53
– flat tire warning53
– indicator/warning lamp53
– initializing the system53
– snow chains90
– system limits53
Floods, refer to Driving 
through water76
Floor covers, carpets, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Floor mats, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Fog lamps60
– indicator lamp13
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely76
For your own safety5
Front airbags56
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor53
Fuel
– average consumption50
– capacity, refer to 
Capacities114
– display48
– quality83
– refer to Average fuel 
consumption50
– refer to Fuel 
specifications83
– tank capacity83
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Fuel filler door, refer to Gas 
cap82
Fuel level
– refer to Fuel tank capacity83
Fuel tank capacity, refer to 
Capacities114
Fully automatic convertible 
top
27
Fuses102
G
Gas cap82
Gasoline, refer to Fuel 
specifications83Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel 
gauge48
Gear indicator, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic42
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Glove compartment68
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights113
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs99
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake41
Hands-free microphone71
Hardtop, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation78
Hazard warning flashers14
Headlamp control, 
automatic59
Headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps
– bulb replacement99
– care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning45
– cleaning system, washer 
fluid46
– cover99
– glass, care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
– washer reservoir, refer to 
Washer fluid reservoir46
– washer reservoir volume, 
refer to Capacities114 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 121
Head restraints32
– removing32
– safe seating position30
Heated
– mirrors34
– rear window63,67
– seats33
Heating
– mirrors34
– rear window63,67
– seats33
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo 
loading77
Height, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Height adjustment
– seats31
– steering wheel35
High beams60
– bulb replacement99
– headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp12
High temperatures75
Holders for beverages69
Homepage of BMW4
Hood91
Horn10
Hot exhaust system75
Hydraulic Brake Assistant, 
refer to Dynamic Brake 
Control DBC51
Hydraulics, brake95
Hydroplaning75
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside 
temperature warning48
Identification mark
– Run-Flat Tires88
– tire coding86
– tires88,89
Ignition, refer to Ignition 
switched on40
Ignition key positions, refer to 
Ignition lock40
Ignition keys, refer to The key 
set18
Ignition lock40Imprint2
Inclines76
Indicator/warning lamp12
– airbags57
– alarm system24
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– brakes13
– coolant temperature49
– DSC51
– DTC52
– engine oil level92
– engine oil pressure92
– engine temperature49
– fasten safety belts33
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– passenger airbags37
– reserve48
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview12
Individual vehicle
– equipment, refer to Your 
individual vehicle5
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure84
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– Tire Pressure Monitor54
Initializing
– after power supply 
interruption102
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM53
– windows25
Inspection49
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting60
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Interior lamps61
– remote control19
Interior motion sensor
24
Interior rearview mirror34
– automatic dimming 
feature34Interior temperature
adjusting63,66
Interlock, refer to Steering 
locked40,42
Intermittent
– operation of the wipers45
Interval
– display, service49
J
Jack101
Jacking points102
Jets, refer to 
Ventilation63,67
Jump-starting104
K
Key Memory18
Keys18
Keys, refer to The key set18
Key switch for passenger 
airbags36
Kickdown43
Knee airbags56
Knock control83
L
Lamps59
Lamps and bulbs98
LATCH, child-restraint 
mounting system38
Leather care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
LEDs Light-emitting 
diodes98
Length, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
License plate lamps, bulb 
replacement101
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer 
to the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs98 

Everything from A to Z
122 Lighter socket, refer to 
Cigarette lighter69
Lighting
– instruments60
– lamps and bulbs98
– vehicle, refer to Lamps59
Lighting of the instruments, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting60
LIGHTS ON warning60
Light switch59
Loads, refer to Cargo 
loading77
Loads, securing77
Locking the doors
– from inside21
– from outside19,20
Locking the vehicle
– from inside21
– from outside19
Longlife oils
– approved engine oils94
Low beams59
– automatic59
– bulb replacement99
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb13
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo bay23
Luggage compartment lid22
– emergency release23
– indicator lamp13
– opening from inside the 
vehicle22
– opening from the outside22
– remote control20
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires89
Maintenance96
– refer to Service Booklet
– refer to Service interval 
display49,96
Making telephone calls, refer 
to Owner's Manual for 
TelephoneMalfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
– convertible top28
– door lock20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– tailgate22
Malfunction of electrical 
accessory102
Manual
– air distribution66
– air flow rate66
Manual convertible top25
Manual mode, refer to 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic43
Manual operation
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door82
– luggage compartment lid22
– power convertible top28
– tailgate22
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission42
Manual transmission42
Manufacturer5
Master keys with remote 
control18
Maximum cooling66
Maximum speed
– with winter tires89
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions111,112
Mechanical seat31
Memory
– Seat memory32
– Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory18
Microfilter
– air conditioning64
– automatic climate control67
Microphone, refer to Mobile 
phone preparation 
package71
Minidisc operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard ComputerMirrors34
– exterior mirrors34
– heating34
– interior rearview mirror34
Mobile communications in the 
vehicle, refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual
Mobile phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phone preparation 
package71
Modifications, technical, refer 
to For your own safety5
M Sports seat31
Multifunctional steering 
wheel, refer to Buttons on 
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signal 
indicators/headlamp 
flasher44
– refer to Washer/wiper 
system45
N
Navigation system, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints32
Nets69
New
– keys18
– tires88
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
rope106
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket 
for On-Board Diagnosis 
OBD96
Octane numbers, refer to Fuel 
specifications83
Odometer48
Oil, refer to Engine oil92
Oil level92
– checking93
Oil service49