
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Displays for active cruise control
*63
5Tachometer69
6Engine oil temperature70
7Display for
>Clock69
>Outside temperature69
>Indicator and warning lamps778Display for
>Position of automatic transmission
*57
>Computer70
>Date of next scheduled service, and 
remaining distance to be driven73
>Odometer and trip odometer69
>High-beam assistant
*95
>Checking engine oil level
*213
>Settings and information72
>There is a Check Control 
message77
9Fuel gauge70
10Resetting the trip odometer69 

Opening and closing
38 5.Insert the Allen wrench
* supplied with the 
onboard vehicle tool kit, refer to page223, 
into the opening provided. Move the glass 
roof in the desired direction.
6.Reinstall the control unit and reattach the 
lamp cover.
Convertible: retractable 
hardtop
The retractable hardtop combines reliable 
weather protection with simple and convenient 
operation.
The following tips will enhance your driving 
pleasure in your Convertible:
>It is advisable that you close the retractable 
hardtop when you park the vehicle. Not only 
does the closed hardtop protect the vehicle 
interior against unanticipated weather dam-
age, it also offers theft protection. However, 
even when the hardtop is closed, valuables 
should only be stored in the locked cargo 
area.
>Do not attach roof rack systems to the 
retractable hardtop, and in particular do not 
attach magnetic racks.
>Do not attach rack systems to the trunk lid, 
and in particular do not attach magnetic 
racks.
>When the retractable hardtop is operated, 
the trunk lid swings back and up. Before 
operating the retractable hardtop, ensure 
that there is enough clearance, e.g. when 
parked in front of a wall.
>If you open the hardtop while it is wet, e.g. 
after driving in the rain, water may drip into the cargo area. If necessary, remove items 
from the cargo area beforehand to avoid 
water stains or soiling.
Do not place any objects on the retract-
able hardtop or on the trunk lid; other-
wise, they could fall during movements of the 
retractable hardtop and cause damage or injury.
Never move the retractable hardtop when the 
rollover protection system is in the activated 
position.
Driving when the hardtop is not fully opened or 
closed may result in damage or injury.
Do not reach into the mechanism during the 
opening or closing procedure. Keep children 
away from the swiveling area of the retractable 
hardtop.<
The retractable hardtop cannot be moved 
at temperatures below + 147/–106. A 
message appears on the Control Display.<
The retractable hardtop can only be 
opened and closed when the vehicle is 
stationary. To avoid causing damage, do not 
drive off until the hardtop has stopped mov-
ing.<
Before opening and closing
>Comply with the safety precautions 
described above.
>Ensure that the cargo area partition is 
folded down and engaged on both sides, 
refer to page110; otherwise, it will not be 
possible to open the retractable hardtop.
>Do not place any objects next to or on the 
cargo area partition and close the storage 
compartment on the left side of the cargo 
area.
>Do not exceed the maximum loading height 
under the cargo area partition; refer to the 
label in the cargo area showing a line indi-
cating the maximum height.
>Ensure that the trunk lid is closed.
>The vehicle should be parked on fairly level 
ground. Excessive angle is indicated by a 
lamp. 

Controls overview
70
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and 
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. In addi-
tion, a message will appear on the Control Dis-
play.
Check coolant level, refer to page215.
Engine oil temperature*
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between 
approx. 2107/1006 and approx. 3007/
1506.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 gallons/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on 
page198.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve 
zone, a message briefly appears on the Control 
Display and the cruising range for the remaining 
amount of fuel is displayed on the computer. 
Under a cruising range of approx. 30 miles/
50 km, the message remains in the Control Dis-
play.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km; otherwise, engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in the instrument cluster
Calling up information
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.
The following items of information are dis-
played in the order listed:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>Current fuel consumption
*
>No information
To set the corresponding units of measure, 
refer to Units of measure on page72.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated 
on the basis of the way the car has been driven 
over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of 
fuel currently in the tank. 

Controls overview
72
Resetting the Trip computer
You can reset all values:1."Vehicle Info"
2."Trip computer"
3."Reset"
Settings and information
Operating principle
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
2Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
>Calling up computer information703When the lights are on: instrument lighting 
brightness96
4Calling up Check Control77
5Checking engine oil level213
6Setting the time75
7Setting the date76
8Viewing service requirement display73
Exiting displays
The outside temperature reading and the time 
reappear when you press button2 or if you 
make no entries within approx. 15 seconds. If 
required, complete the current setting first.
Units of measure
Setting the units of measure
You can change the units for fuel consumption, 
route/distance, temperature and pressure. 

Mobility
 211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by 
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a 
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall 
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling 
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads 
or at temperatures below +45°F/+76. 
Although all-season M+S tires provide better 
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels.  Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall 
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels 
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires 
have the same size, as this could impair driving 
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes, 
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW center for 
more information. 
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on 
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow 
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to 
page82.< 

Mobility
 213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page215
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system, 
refer to page613Jump-starting connection, refer to 
page231
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level 
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the 
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at 
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least approx. 6.5 miles/10 km. You 
can have the oil level displayed while you are 
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a 
level surface and the engine is running.
Display in the instrument cluster
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol is shown in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator lever. 
The oil level is checked and the reading dis-
played. 

Mobility
 219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your 
vehicle with products that are approved by 
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on 
the products and services available for cleaning 
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW Care Products have been 
material tested, laboratory checked and 
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and 
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or hazardous to your 
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety 
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning 
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or 
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products 
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months, 
ensure that the vehicle is washed more 
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead 
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, 
water can reduce braking efficiency over the 
short term and the brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes; 
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle 
around the windows.<
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is 
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page239.
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors, 
refer to page50.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights 
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the 
danger of damaging chassis parts.<
Preparations before driving into an automatic 
car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be 
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure 
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed 
a temperature of 1407/606. 
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can lead to component damage or  

Everything from A - Z
252 Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting96
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant215
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery228
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control63
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements73
Distance warning, refer to 
Park Distance Control 
PDC81
Door key, refer to Remote 
control with integrated 
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency 
operation30
DOT Quality Grades208
Draft-free ventilation101
Drinks holders, refer to 
Cupholders108
Drive-off assistance, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
Drive-off assistant84
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams93
Driving notes118
Driving off on hills, refer to 
Drive-off assistant84
Driving stability control 
systems82
Driving through water120
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes118
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control82DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control82
– indicator/warning lamp82
DVD
– country codes159
– settings160
– video playback159
DVD menu160
DVD player, refer to CD 
player157
DVD video159
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC82
Dynamic destination 
guidance137
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC82
– indicator/warning lamp82
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp83
E
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution82
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD/DVD player146
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap198
– glass roof37
Electric seat adjustment43
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access34
Electronic brake-force 
distribution EBV82
Electronic oil level check213
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency actuation, 
automatic transmission, 
refer to Overriding selector 
lever lock59
Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual 
release198Emergency operation, refer to 
Closing manually
– glass roof37
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside31
Emergency Request230
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance230
Energy, saving
– saving fuel118
Engine
– breaking in118
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature70
– speed238
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off56
Engine compartment213
Engine coolant, refer to 
Coolant215
Engine oil
– adding215
– alternative oil types215
– BMW Maintenance 
System217
– capacity241
– checking level213
– intervals between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements73
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data238
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data238
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting the engine56
Entry lamps, refer to Interior 
lamps97
Entry map for destination132
Equalizer, tone setting147
Error messages, refer to 
Check Control77