
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 91
Coupe: through-loading 
system
Opening
1.To release the rear seat backrest, pull the 
corresponding lever in the cargo area.
2.The unlocked rear seat backrest moves for-
ward slightly. Fold the backrest forward by 
the head restraint.
Closing
Return the rear seat backrest to the upright 
seating position and engage it.
When returning the backrest into the 
seating position, make sure that the 
seat's locking mechanism is properly engaged. 
Otherwise, cargo could be thrown around and 
endanger the occupants in the event of sharp 
braking or swerving.<
The lashing eyes in the cargo area provide you 
with a way to attach cargo area nets
* or draw 
straps for securing suitcases and luggage, refer 
to page98.
Convertible: cargo loading
Enlarging the cargo area
When the convertible top is closed you can 
enlarge the cargo area:
To do so, fold the cargo area partition upward.
Before opening the convertible top, pull the 
cargo area partition down until it engages.
Ensure that pointed objects do not press 
against the cargo area partition from below.
The convertible top can only be opened 
when the cargo area partition is folded 
down.<
Storage compartments inside 
the cargo area
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the 
following storage spaces can be found in the 
cargo area:
>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 area
>Retaining straps
* on cargo area floor: for 
securing smaller objects or as an anti-slip 
surface when you place objects on the 
straps
The lashing eyes in the cargo area provide you 
with a way to attach cargo area nets
* or draw 
straps
* for securing suitcases and luggage, 
refer to page100. 

Practical interior accessories
92
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 6.6 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.
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.
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 
fa ster 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. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 93
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.
3.In the cargo area: 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
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 99
area, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading 
can result in damage to the vehicle and 
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY 
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the YYY amount equals 
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs: 
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of 
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
Coupe
Convertible
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the 
respective seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
opposite buckle. 

Things to remember when driving
100
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using 
retaining straps
*, a cargo area net* or draw 
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing 
larger and heavier objects are available at 
your BMW center. To attach the cargo 
straps, there are two lashing eyes, arrows 1, 
on the inside wall of the cargo area. 
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, 
there may be two additional lashing eyes, 
arrows2, on the cargo area sidewalls. 
Follow the information included with the 
cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or swerving is necessary. 
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer 
to page149, as excessive loads can pose a 
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws. 
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried 
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown 
around, for example as a result of heavy braking, 
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.
Only attach the cargo straps using the lashing 
eyes shown in the illustration. Do not secure 
cargo with the anchors for tether straps, refer to 
page45, otherwise, these could be damaged.<
Coupe: roof-mounted 
luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
f o r  y o u r  B M W .  C o m p l y  w i t h  t h e  d i r e c t i o n s  g i v e n  
in the installation instructions.
Mounting points
Fold open the cover.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
vehicle handling and steering response. 
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the 
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights 
on page149.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and 
should not be too large in area. Heavy items 
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure 
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass roof, and that objects do not 
project into the opening path of the trunk lid.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Rear luggage rack*
A rear luggage rack is available as a special 
accessory for your BMW. Comply with the 
directions given in the installation instructions. 

Under the hood
114
Under the hood
Do not work on the car unless you pos-
sess the necessary technical knowledge. 
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide-
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed 
only by a BMW center or by a workshop that 
work according to BMW repair procedures with 
correspondingly trained personnel. If this work 
is not carried out properly, there is a danger of 
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the 
wiper arms are against the windshield 
before you open the engine compartment. Do 
not open the engine hood before the engine has 
cooled down; otherwise, injuries may result.<
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard 
to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the 
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may 
result. 
If you see any signs while driving your vehicle 
that the hood is not completely closed, stop at 
once and close it securely.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 125
Removing the headlamp cover
1.Pull the wire brackets over the notches, see 
arrows, and fold to the side.
2.Fold away the headlamp cover.
Be careful when attaching the headlamp 
cover and ensure that both wire brackets 
are securely in place; otherwise, leaks could 
occur and cause damage to the headlamp sys-
tem.<
Attach the headlamp cover in reverse order.
Halogen headlamps
Halogen low beams and high beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection; 
the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is 
pressurized. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury if 
the bulb is damaged.<
The figure shows the right-hand headlamp.
1High beams
2Low-beam headlamps
1.Remove the headlamp cover.
2.Fold down the holding bracket.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.4.Reattach the bulb holder with the notch at 
the top.
5.Fold the holding bracket back up and let it 
snap into place.
6.Attach the headlamp cover.
Parking lamps, roadside parking lamps
W5W bulb, 5 watts
1.Remove the headlamp cover.
The figure shows the right-hand headlamp.
2.Pull out the bulb holder.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
4.Reinsert the bulb holder.
5.Attach the headlamp cover.
Xenon headlamps
Parking lamps, roadside parking 
lamps, daytime running lights
H8 bulb, 35 watts
The figure shows the right-hand headlamp.
1.Remove the headlamp cover.
2.Turn the bulb, see arrow, and remove it.
3.Pull off the connector and replace the bulb. 

Replacing components
128 When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your 
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer 
also to New wheels and tires, page112.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your 
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in 
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
ma te. Your BM W center will be glad to advise in 
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting 
on page131.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your 
BMW center or bring them to a recycling 
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure 
the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of 
some equipment may be limited and require 
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise 
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date 
These values must be updated, refer to 
page62.
>Radio 
Stations must be stored again, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be 
raised. The system must be initialized. 
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
*
The positions must be stored again, refer to 
page40.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to 
page87.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself 
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page70.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and 
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating; oth-
erwise, this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
In the glove compartment
Accessing the fuse box: