
12
At a glanceDashboard
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2 Indicator lamps for turn signals
3 Indicator and warning lamps 13
4 Displays for Active Cruise Control 75
5 Tachometer 83
6 Engine oil temperature 83
7 Display for
>Clock 82
> Outside temperature 82
> Indicator and warning lamps 928
Display for
>Position of automatic transmission 64
> Gear indicator of 7-gear Sport automatic 
transmission with double clutch 66
> Computer 84
> Date of next scheduled service, and 
remaining distance to be driven 87
> Odometer and trip odometer 82
> High-beam Assistant 113
> Checking the oil level 260
> Settings and information 86
> There is a Check Control 
message 92
9 Fuel gauge 83
10 Resetting the trip odometer 82
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43
Opening and closing
Controls
4.
Unplug the motor. Cons iderably less effort 
will be required for manual operation.
5. Insert the Allen wren ch supplied with the 
onboard vehicle tool  kit, refer to page270, 
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 unan ticipated weather dam-
a g e ,  i t  a l s o  o f f e r s  t h eft 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 sy stems 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 retracta ble 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 ca use 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 hard top cannot be moved 
at temperatures below + 14 7/–10 6. 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 sa fety precautions 
described above.
> Ensure that the cargo area partition is 
folded down and engaged on both sides, 
refer to page 130; otherwise, it will not be 
possible to open the  retractable hardtop.
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Controls overview
Controls
Tachometer
Never force the engine speed up into the red 
warning field, see arrow. In this range, the fuel 
supply is interrupted to protect the engine.
Engine oil temperature
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between 
approx. 210
7/100 6 and approx. 300 7/
150 6.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 US gal/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on 
page 237.
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 ha s 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.
With a dynamic driving style, e.g. rapid corner-
ing, engine functions are not always assured.
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. <
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ControlsControls overview
Settings and information
Operating principle
1Button for:
>Selecting display
> Setting values
2 Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
> Calling up computer information 84
3 When the lights are on: instrument lighting 
brightness 114
4 Calling up Check Control 925
Checking oil level 260
6 Setting the time 90
7 Setting the date 91
8 Viewing service re quirement display 87
Exiting displays
The outside temperature reading and the time 
reappear when you press button 2 or if you 
make no entries within approx. 15 seconds. If 
required, complete the  current setting first.
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258
MobilityWheels and tires
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 driving on 
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide 
better winter traction th an summer tires, they 
generally fail to provide th e 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 agains t 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 betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run- flat tires is a circle 
with the letters RSC on the sidewall. 
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a spec ial rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls en sures that the tire can 
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat 
tire, refer to In dication of a flat tire, page 101.
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 Fl at 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 DT C temporarily, refer to 
page 98.<
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260
MobilityEngine compartment
Hood
Do not work on the car unless you pos-
sess the necessary technical knowledge. 
If you are not familiar with the regulations to be 
followed, have the necessary work on the vehi-
cle carried out only by your BMW center; if this 
work is not carried out  properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent dama ge and related safety 
hazards. <
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Opening
In order to avoid damage, make sure that 
the wiper arms are against the windshield 
before you open the hood. 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
Let the hood drop from a height of approx. 10 in/
25 cm. It must be clearly heard to engage. Make sure that the  closing path of the 
hood is clear; othe rwise, injuries may 
result. 
If you see any signs while driving your vehicle 
that the hood is not comp letely closed, stop at 
once and close it securely. <
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 necessar y that the engine be at 
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted 
driving for at least approx. 6.2 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.
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263
Engine compartment
Mobility
Alternative oil types
If approved oils are not available, you can add 
quantities of up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another 
oil with the following specifications:
Oil change
Oil changes should only be performed by a 
BMW center.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive. 
Not all commercially availa
ble additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center about 
suitable additives.
Only use suitable a dditives; otherwise, 
engine damage may result. Because 
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers. <
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant and therefore the engine over-
heats, a warning lamp lights up. A message 
appears on the Control Display.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system 
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant 
can cause burns. <
1. Do not open the engine hood before the 
engine has cooled down.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little 
counterclockwise to  allow any accumulated 
pressure to escape, th en continue turning 
to open.
3. The coolant level is correct if it is between 
the maximum and minimum marks in the 
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to 
the filler neck.
4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to 
the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6. Have the reason for  the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Gasoline engine
API SM or higher
Diesel engine
API ILSAC GF-5
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267
Care
Mobility
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 cont rol 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.
Sport 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 cont rol 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 140 7/60 6. 
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can lead to component damage or 
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer. <
When using high-pressure washers, do 
not spray the sensors, e.g. of the Park 
Distance Control, for an extended period and  maintain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm from 
them.
<
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large 
quantities of water an d 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: retractable hardtop
Proceed as you would in a normal car wash.
When you open a wet hardtop, water 
drops may run into the cargo area. If nec-
essary, remove items from the cargo area 
beforehand to avoid water stains or soiling. <
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and 
protects the paintwork against the long-term 
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can 
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is 
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