2011 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE manual transmission

Things to remember when driving
114
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page82.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page59.
Sports automatic transmission with dou-
ble clutch Never drive with the transmis-
sion in neutral or the engine switched off; other-
wise, there is no engine braking action or power
assist to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch depressed, the transmission in neutral,
or the engine switched off; otherwise, there is
no engine braking action or power assist to the
brakes and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage

Care
210
Sports automatic transmission with
double clutch
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.Engage transmission 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.
The transmission is switched into position P:
>automatically after approx. 30 minutes
>if you remove the infrared remote control
from the ignition lock
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure to maintain sufficient
distance from the vehicle and do not exceed a
temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions for the steam jet or high-pressure
washer.<
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray against the sensors and cam-
eras, e.g. of the Park Distance Control or Rear
View Camera, for an extended period and main-
tain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the
wipers.<
Observe local regulations pertaining to
washing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with copious
quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield deicer and do not
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz.<
Convertible top care
The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on proper care and operation.
Follow these instructions:
>Do not fold the convertible top into the con-
vertible top box when the top is wet or fro-
zen, as this may cause water spots, mold
stains or chafed areas.
>If water spots occur on the inside headliner
despite precautions, remove them using a
microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
>If the vehicle is parked in enclosed areas for
extended periods, ensure that there is suffi-
cient ventilation.
>Remove bird droppings immediately, as
their corrosive ingredients attack the con-
vertible top and damage the rubber seals.
To remove stains from the convertible
top, do not use stain removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, benzine or similar substances.
These substances may damage the rubber
parts. Improper care and cleaning may cause
the convertible top and convertible top seams
to become leaky.<
To remove heavy soiling, use a special convert-
ible top cleaner.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
After washing the convertible top three to five
times, treat it with an impregnating agent.

Giving and receiving assistance
222
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Power
steering assistance is not available when the
engine is not running. Thus, braking and steer-
ing will require increased effort. Active steering
is not active and it will be necessary to turn the
steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to
page58.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sports automatic transmission with
double clutch
Make sure that the parking lock P is not
engaged; otherwise, the rear wheels are
immobilized.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page210, make sure that after approx.
30 minutes, the parking lock P is automatically
engaged and thus immobilizes the rear wheels.
In the event of an electrical malfunction or if the
vehicle must be towed for more than approx.
20 minutes, unlock the parking lock manually,
refer to page63.<
When towing, do not exceed a maximum
speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h and a maxi-
mum distance traveled of 30 miles/50 km; oth-
erwise, the transmission may be damaged.<
BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on
a tow truck with a flatbed or towing with the rear
axle raised.
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Manual transmission and automatic transmis-
sion:

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Coupe
Convertible
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,134/1,875 4,255/1,930
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,211/1,910 –
>Sports automatic transmis-
sion with double clutchlbs/kg – 4,321/1,960
Load lbs/kg 794/360 794/360
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,028/920 2,116/960
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,293/1,040 2,293/1,040
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 13.1/370 13.1/370
128i135i
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,398/1,995 4,541/2,060
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,475/2,030 –
>Sports automatic transmis-
sion with double clutchlbs/kg – 4,608/2,090
Load lbs/kg 750/340 750/340
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,050/930 2,161/980
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,467/1,119 2,469/1,120
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg – –
Cargo area capacity cu ft/liters 9.1-10.7/260-305 9.1-10.7/260-305

Everything from A to Z
242 DTC Dynamic Traction
Control81
– indicator lamps81
DVD
– country codes153
– settings154
– video playback153
DVD menu154
DVD player, refer to CD
player151
DVD video153
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC81
Dynamic destination
guidance131
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC81
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps82
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution81
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD / DVD player140
Electrical defect
– 7-gear sports automatic
transmission with double
clutch63
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap192
– glass roof37
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV81
Electronic oil level check203
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC81
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap192
– glass roof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission59Emergency release, trunk
lid31
Emergency Request219
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance219
Energy, saving
– saving fuel112
Engine
– breaking in112
– data226
– speed226
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off56
Engine compartment203
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant205
Engine oil
– adding205
– additives205
– alternative oil grades205
– approved engine oils205
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– checking level203
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements72
Engine output, refer to Engine
data226
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data226
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine56
Entering the postal code for
navigation122
Entry map for destination126
Equalizer, tone setting141
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC81
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system113
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone163Exterior mirrors49
– adjusting49
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External devices
– random sequence165
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away221
– for tying down loads116
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control76
Failure of an electrical
consumer218
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms33
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
Fastest route for
navigation130
Fast forward
– CD changer153
– CD player153
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter99
First aid pouch219
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires200
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM84
Flat Tire Monitor FTM82
– indicating a flat tire83
– initializing the system83
– system limits82
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition199
FM, waveband143

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fog lamps94
– indicator lamp13,94
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely114
Footwell lamps95
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection161
Front airbags88
Front seat setting44
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows98
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor82
Fuel193
– gauge69
– high-quality brands193
– quality193
– specifications193
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities230
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel consumption indicator,
refer to Average fuel
consumption70
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption70
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel filler flap192
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction192
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control101
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge69Gas station
recommendations131
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission58
– with manual transmission57
Gear display, with automatic
transmission58
Gear shifting62
Gearshift lever60
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes113
Glass roof, electric36
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– convenient operation30
– opening, closing37
– operation with Comfort
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– raising36
– remote control28
Glove compartment104
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Air vents96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights229
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs214
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone for hands-free
mode14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD Radio144
Head airbags88
Headlamp control,
automatic91
Headlamp cover214
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp13Headlamps
– replacing bulbs214
Head restraints46
Heated
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heated mirrors50
Heating
– mirrors50
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heating, rear window98
Heating and ventilation96
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo115
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant93
High beams93
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs214
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant93
High-pressure
washer209,210
High water, refer to Driving
through water114
Highways, refer to Route
criteria130
Hills114
Holders for cups105
Hood202
Hot exhaust system113
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control81
Hydroplaning113
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio144
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning68
Identification marks
– tire coding198
Idle position61

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support45
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack116
Lumbar support45
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires201
Maintenance, refer to
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– Service booklet
Maintenance system207
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control76
Manual car wash210
Manually unlocking parking
lock63
Manual operation
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap192
– glass roof37
– parking lock63
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission59
Manual operation with
automatic transmission59
Manual transmission57
Map for navigation
– changing scale133
– entering destination126
Map view132
Maximum cooling97
Maximum speed
– for winter tires201
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages176
Messages from the concierge
service177
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter for automatic climate
control99
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature51Mirrors49
– automatic curb monitor50
– exterior mirrors49
– heating50
– interior rearview mirror50
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume173
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing170
– operation via iDrive173
– pairing170
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest105
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone170
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor82
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port163
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface163
Multi-channel playback141
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher64
– refer to Wiper system65
Music, managing161
Music collection158
– backup162
– deleting162
– random sequence161
– restoring162
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN port163
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface163
Music search159
My Info177
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination123
– storing current position123
– voice activation127
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off132
Navigation data120
Navigation system120
– address book123
– bypassing a route
section131
– continuing destination
guidance130
– destination entry121
– dynamic destination
guidance131
– entering a destination by
voice127
– entering a destination
manually121
– frequently asked
questions137
– gas station
recommendations131
– planning a trip128
– route list131
– selecting destination via
map126
– selecting route criteria130
– special destinations124
– starting destination
guidance130
– terminating destination
guidance130
– traffic bulletins133
– voice instructions132
– volume adjustment132
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints46
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments105
New tires200

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps216
Refueling192
Releasing
– hood202
Remaining distance, refer to
Computer70
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range70
Remote control26
– battery renewal35
– Comfort Access33
– garage door opener101
– malfunctions29,34
– removing from the ignition
lock55
– service data207
– trunk lid28
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control26
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses218
Replacement remote
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs213
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires200
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Reservoir for washer
systems66
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings142
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts49
Restraint systems for
children52
Retreaded tires200
Reverse
– CD changer153
– CD player153
Reverse gear61
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Road map132Roadside
Assistance185,219
Roadside parking lamps93
– replacing bulbs214
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements72
Rollover protection system,
Convertible90
– resetting90
Roof load capacity229
Roof-mounted luggage
rack116
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away222
Rotary/pushbutton control,
refer to Controller16
Route130,131
– bypassing sections131
– changing130,131
– changing criteria130
– displaying streets or towns/
cities131
– map view132
– selecting130
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions132
Route map, refer to Map
view132
Route section, changing131
Route selection130
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires200
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires200
Run-flat tires200,201
– flat tire83
– Inflation pressure194
– new tires200
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire83
– tire replacement200
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat
tires200
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment49
Safety belts49
– damage49
– indicator lamp49
– reminder49
– sitting safely43
Safety systems
– airbags88
– Antilock Brake System
ABS81
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC81
– rollover protection system,
Convertible90
– safety belts49
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires200
Satellite radio146
– enabling or unsubscribing
from a channel146
– favorites148
– selecting channel147
– storing channel147
– timeshift148
– Traffic Jump149
Saving fuel112
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting221
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio146
Seat and mirror memory48
Seat belt reminder, refer to
"Fasten safety belts"
reminder49
Seats44
– heating48
– sitting safely43
Securing cargo108,109
Selecting a detour136
Selecting new scale for
navigation133
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Selector lever positions60