BMW Z4 2.5i (2004) Handleiding

BMW Auto Z4 2.5i (2004)

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Owner's Manual

for Vehicle

Contents

A-Z

Online Version for Part No. 01 41 0 157 498 - © 10/03 BMW AG

Z4 2.5i

Z4 3.0i

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.

Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with

enhanced control and security when you drive it. There-

fore, we have one request:

Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and

familiarize yourself with the information that we have com-

piled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The

manual contains important data and instructions intended

to assist you in obtaining maximum satisfaction from your

BMW's unique array of advanced technical features. It also

contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to

enhance operating safety while simultaneously helping you

to maintain your BMW's value throughout an extended ser-

vice life. For additional information refer to the supplemen-

tal manuals.

This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent

part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when

sold to provide the next owner with important operating,

safety and maintenance information.

We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.

BMW AG

Online Version for Part No. 01 41 0 157 498 - © 10/03 BMW AG

Aktiengesellschaft

Munich, Germany

Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the

written consent of BMW AG, Munich.

Order No. 01 41 0 157 498

US English IX/03

Printed in Germany

Printed on environmentally friendly paper,

bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

Online Version for Part No. 01 41 0 157 498 - © 10/03 BMW AG

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Contents

The fastest way to find information on spe-

cial topics is by using the index, refer to

page .104

Using this Owner's Manual

4Notes

7Reporting safety defects

At a glance

10 Cockpit

Controls

16 Opening and closing

27 Adjustments

33 Transporting children safely

36 Driving

46 Lamps

48 Everything under control

52 Technology for safety and driving

convenience

58 Controlling the climate for pleasant

driving

64 Interior conveniences

Driving tips

68 Special operating instructions

Mobility

74 Refueling

75 Wheels and tires

81 In the engine compartment

86 Maintenance

87 Laws and regulations

88 Replacement procedures

93 Giving and receiving assistance

Reference

100 Technical data

104 Everything from A to Z

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Notes

About this Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure that

you are able to find what you need in this

Owner's Manual as quickly as possible.

The fastest way to find certain topics is by

using the detailed index at the end. If you

wish to gain an initial overview of your vehi-

cle, you will find what you are looking for in

the first chapter.

Should you wish to sell your BMW at some

time in the future, please remember to pass

the Owner's Manual on to the new owner.

The manual represents an important com-

ponent of the vehicle.

Additional sources of information

If you have additional questions, your BMW

center will be glad to advise you.

You can find more information about BMW,

for example on its technology, on the Inter-

net under www.bmw.com.

Symbols used

Indicates precautions that must be

followed precisely in order to avoid

the possibility of personal injury and seri-

ous damage to the vehicle.

Contains information that will assist

you in gaining the optimum benefit

from your vehicle and enable you to care

more effectively for your vehicle.

Refers to measures that can be taken

to help protect the environment.

< Marks the end of a specific item of infor-

mation.

* Indicates special equipment, country-

specific equipment and optional extras

when available.

Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer

to page . Identifies functions that 31

can be specifically adapted for a particular

key or vehicle. These adjustments can be

performed either by yourself or by your

BMW center.

Symbol on vehicle parts

Indicates that you should consult the

relevant section of this Owner's Man-

ual for information on a particular part or

assembly.

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Your individual vehicle

On buying your BMW, you have decided in

favor of a model with individualized equip-

ment and features. This Owner's Manual

describes all models and equipment that

BMW offers within the same group.

We hope you will understand that equip-

ment and features are included which you

might not have chosen for your vehicle. Any

differences can easily be identified since all

optional accessories and special equip-

ment are marked with an asterisk *.

If your BMW features equipment not

described in this Owner's Manual, for

example a car radio or telephone, supple-

mentary Owner's Manuals are enclosed.

We ask that you read these manuals as

well.

Status of the Owner's

Manual

BMW pursues a policy of continuous,

ongoing development that is conceived to

ensure that our vehicles continue to

embody the highest quality and safety

standards combined with advanced, state-

of-the-art technology. For this reason, the

features described in this Owner's Manual

could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor

can errors and omissions be entirely ruled

out. You are therefore asked to appreciate

that no claims can be entertained on the

basis of the data, illustrations or descrip-

tions in this manual.

For your own safety

Fuels

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels

containing up to and including 10 %

ethanol or other oxygenates with up to

2.8% oxygen by weight, i.e. 15% MTBE or

3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of

co-solvent, will not void the applicable war-

ranties respecting defects in materials or

workmanship. Field experience has indi-

cated significant differences in fuel quality,

i.e. volatility, composition, additives, etc.,

among gasolines offered for sale in the

United States and Canada. The use of poor

quality fuels may result in driveability, start-

ing and stalling problems especially under

certain environmental conditions, such as

high ambient temperature and high alti-

tude.

Should you encounter driveability prob-

lems that you suspect could be related to

the fuel you are using, we recommend that

you respond by switching to a recognized

high-quality brand.

Failure to comply with these recommenda-

tions may result in unscheduled mainte-

nance.

Follow the relevant safety rules when you

are handling gasoline.<

Maintenance and repair

Advanced technology, e.g. the use of

modern materials and high-perfor-

mance electronics, requires specially

adapted maintenance and repair methods.

Therefore, only have corresponding work

on your BMW carried out by a BMW center

or a workshop that works according to

BMW repair procedures with correspond-

ingly trained personnel. If work is carried

out improperly there is a danger of conse-

quential damage and the related safety

risks.<

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Notes

Parts and accessories

For your own safety, use parts and

accessories approved by BMW.

When you purchase accessories tested

and approved by BMW and Original BMW

Parts, you simultaneously acquire the

assurance that they have been thoroughly

tested by BMW to ensure optimum perfor-

mance when installed on your vehicle.

BMW warrants these parts to be free from

defects in material and workmanship.

BMW will not accept any liability for dam-

age resulting from installation of parts and

accessories not approved by BMW.

BMW cannot test every product made by

other manufacturers to verify if it can be

used on a BMW safely and without risk to

either the vehicle, its operation, or its occu-

pants.

Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories

and other products approved by BMW,

together with professional advice on using

these items, are available from all BMW

retailers.

Installation and operation of non-BMW

approved accessories such as alarms,

radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels,

suspension components, brake dust

shields, telephones, including operation of

any portable cellular phone from within the

vehicle without using an externally

mounted antenna, or transceiver equip-

ment, e.g. C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio or

similar, may cause extensive damage to

the vehicle, compromise its safety, inter-

fere with the vehicle's electrical system or

affect the validity of the BMW Limited War-

ranty. See your BMW center for additional

information.

Do not use key or remote control to lock

doors or trunk with anyone inside the vehi-

cle. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more

details.<

Maintenance, replacement or repair

of the emission control devices and

systems may be performed by any automo-

tive repair establishment or individual using

any certified automotive part.<

Service and warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Service

and Warranty Information Booklet for US

models, Warranty and Service Guide Book-

let for Canadian models.

We recommend that you read this publica-

tion thoroughly.

Your BMW is covered by the following war-

ranties:

>New Vehicle Limited Warranty

>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

>Federal Emissions System Defect War-

ranty

>Federal Emissions Performance War-

ranty

>California Emission Control System

Limited Warranty.

Detailed information about these warran-

ties is listed in the Service and Warranty

Information Booklet for US models, War-

ranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-

dian models.

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Reporting safety defects

The following only applies to vehicles

owned and operated in the US.

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect

which could cause a crash or could cause

injury or death, you should immediately

inform the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration NHTSA in addition to

notifying BMW of North America, LLC,

P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New

Jersey 07675-1227, telephone toll-free

1-800-831-1117.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it

may open an investigation, and if it finds

that a safety defect exists in a group of

vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy

campaign. However, NHTSA cannot

become involved in individual problems

between you, your retailer, or BMW of

North America, LLC.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the

Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at

1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123

in Washington, D.C. area, or write to:

NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transporta-

tion, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also

obtain other information about motor vehi-

cle safety from the Hotline.

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At a glance

The overviews of buttons, switches and

displays presented in this chapter will help

you find your way around your vehicle.

You will also be familiarized with the con-

cepts behind the operation of the features

available to you.

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Cockpit

Control elements

1Parking lamps/Low beams 46

2>Turn signal indicators 43

>Standing lamps 47

>High beams 47

>Headlamp flasher 43

>Computer 50

3Fog lamps 47

4Horn

5Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor 43

6Hazard warning flashers

7Central locking system 18

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8Buttons in steering wheel

Volume

Press briefly:

Accept incoming call, start dialing, termi-

nate call

Extended pressure:

Activate and deactivate voice entry

Switch between telephone and radio or CD

Fast forward/rewind

>Radio

Press briefly: next station in station

memory

Extended pressure: station search

>CD

Press briefly: jump to next track

Extended pressure: fast forward/rewind

>Telephone

Scan personal phone book

9Cruise control 45

10 Hood release 81

11 Luggage compartment lid release 19

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Cockpit

Instrument cluster

1Speedometer

2Indicator and warning lamps 12

3Tachometer 48

with indicator and warning lamps 12

4Engine coolant temperature gauge 48

5Fuel gauge 48

6Button for

>Time 49

>Service interval display 49

7Display field for selector lever and pro-

gram indicator

>Automatic transmission 39

>Sequential manual gearbox

SMG 42

8Button for

>Trip odometer, reset to zero 48

>Setting time 49

9Display for

>Trip odometer/Odometer 48

>Clock 49

>Service interval 49

>Computer 49

Indicator and warning

lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are iden-

tified by + are tested for proper functioning

whenever the ignition key is turned. They

each light up once for different periods of

time.

If a fault should occur in one of these sys-

tems, the corresponding lamp does not go

out after the engine is started or it lights up

again while the vehicle is moving. The indi-

cated pages provide information on what

measures to take.

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Colors

The indicator and warning lamps can light

up in various colors and combinations.

The following section explains the signifi-

cance of the individual colors as well as

how you should respond.

>Red:

Stop the vehicle immediately

an important reminder

>Red and yellow:

Continue driving cautiously

>Yellow:

Have the system checked soon

for your information

>Green:

For your information

>Blue:

For your information.

Please fasten safety belts + 30

Airbags + 56

Battery charge current+ 91

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil

level/Engine oil sensor + 83

Parking brake/Chassis control sys-

tems/Dynamic Brake Control/

Brake fluid + 38 52 53 85/ / /

Parking brake/Chassis control sys-

tems/Dynamic Brake Control/

Brake fluid for Canadian models

+ 38 52 53 85/ / /

Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-

sis control systems + 54 52/

Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-

sis control systems for Canadian

models + 54 52/

Dynamic Stability Control

DSC + 52

Dynamic Traction Control

DTC + 52

Flat Tire Monitor + 54

Automatic transmission/

Sequential manual gearbox

SMG + 40 42/

Brake pads + 70

Add coolant 84

CHECK GAS CAP + 74

Service Engine Soon + 87

Service Engine Soon warning lamp

for Canadian models + 87

Defective bulbs 46

Turn signal indicators 43

Fog lamps 47

Headlamp flasher/

High beams 43/ 47

Electric Power Steering EPS + 43

Engine electronics +

Engine electronics malfunction.

You can continue to drive with

reduced engine output or engine

speed. Please have the system

inspected by your BMW center.

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Controls

This chapter provides you with the informa-

tion you need for complete control over

your vehicle. It describes all features used

for driving and for ensuring your safety and

comfort.

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Opening and closing

Keys

The key set

1Master keys with remote control: they

determine the functions of the Key

Memory, refer to page .31

You can mark individual keys for subse-

quent identification by applying the col-

ored decals that you received when

accepting delivery of your vehicle

There is an extended-life battery

in every master key that is

charged automatically in the ignition

lock as you drive.

For this reason, if you have a master key

with remote control that is otherwise

not used, use that key approximately

once a year while driving for an

extended period to charge the bat-

tery.<

2Spare key for storage in a safe place,

such as in your wallet.

This key does not open the lock of the

luggage compartment lid – useful for

valet parking, for example.

This key is not intended for constant

use

Central locking system

The concept

The central locking system is ready for

operation whenever the driver's door is

closed. The system simultaneously

engages and releases the locks on the

>doors

>luggage compartment lid

>fuel filler door

>storage compartment between the

backrests

>opened manual convertible top.

The central locking system can be oper-

ated

>from outside using the remote control

or via the driver's door lock

>from inside via the central locking sys-

tem button.

If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler

door will not be locked. Refer to page . 18

The anti-theft system is automatically acti-

vated whenever you activate the central

locking system from outside the vehicle. It

prevents the doors from being unlocked

with the lock buttons or release handles.

The alarm system is also armed.

The central locking system unlocks auto-

matically in the event of an accident. In

addition, the hazard warning flashers and

interior lamps come on.

Remote control

The concept

The remote control provides two additional

functions for central locking.

>Switching on interior lamps, refer to

page .17

With this function, you can also search

for the vehicle when parked in an

underground garage, for instance

>Opening the luggage compartment lid

separately, refer to page . It will open 17

slightly, regardless of whether it was

locked or unlocked.

Whenever you unlock or lock the vehicle,

you simultaneously deactivate/activate

the anti-theft system, disarm/arm the alarm

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system and switch the interior lamps on/

off.

You can have a signal set to confirm

that the vehicle's locks have engaged

securely.<

Since persons or animals in the vehi-

cle could lock the doors from the

inside, always take the vehicle keys with

you so that the vehicle can be opened

again from the outside at any time.<

If it is no longer possible to lock the

vehicle via the remote control, the

battery is discharged. Use this key while

driving for an extended period in order to

recharge the battery.

In the event of a system malfunction,

please contact your BMW center. You can

also obtain replacement keys there.<

1To unlock

2To lock and secure, activate interior

lamps, disarm tilt alarm sensor and inte-

rior motion sensor

3To open the luggage compartment

To unlock

1. Press the button to unlock the driver's

door and the fuel filler door

2. Press the button a second time to dis-

engage all vehicle locks.

To lock and secure

Press the button.

To switch on the interior lamps

With the vehicle locked:

Press the button.

To deactivate the tilt alarm and *

interior motion sensors*

Press the button a second time immedi-

ately after locking.

For additional information, refer to

page .26

To open the luggage compartment

Press the button.

The luggage compartment lid will open

slightly, regardless of whether it was

locked or unlocked.

Before and after a trip, be sure that

the luggage compartment lid has not

been opened unintentionally.<

Panic mode : triggering alarm*

By pressing the button for 2 to 5 seconds,

the alarm can be sounded in the event of

danger. The alarm is turned off by pressing

the unlocking button again1 .

Malfunctions

External systems or devices may cause

local interference in the functions of the

remote control.

Should this occur, you can still open and

close the vehicle using the master key in

either the door or luggage compartment

locks.

For US owners only

The transmitter and receiver units comply

with part 15 of the FCC, Federal Communi-

cations Commission, regulations. Opera-

tion is governed by the following:

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Opening and closing

FCC ID: LX8EWS

LX8FZVS

LX8FZVE

Compliance statement:

This device complies with part 15 of the

FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-

lowing two conditions:

>This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

>this device must accept any interfer-

ence received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modifications to

these devices could void the user's

authority to operate the equipment.<

Door lock

One turn of the key in the driver's door lock

to unlock the driver's door only and the fuel

filler door.

Turn the key a second time to disengage all

other vehicle locks.

You can have a signal set to confirm

that the vehicle's locks have engaged

securely.<

Convenience operation

You can also operate the power windows

and the fully automatic convertible top via

the door lock.

>To open:

With the door closed, hold the key in the

Unlock position

>To close:

With the door closed, hold the key in the

Lock position.

Watch the closing process carefully

and be sure that no one is trapped by

the closing motion. Releasing the key stops

the operation.<

Manual operation

In the event of an electrical malfunction

Turn the key all the way to the left or right to

unlock/lock the driver's door.

Interior

You can use this button to control the cen-

tral locking system whenever the doors are

closed. The doors and luggage compart-

ment lid are unlocked or locked only. The

anti-theft system is not activated.

If only the driver's door was unlocked from

the outside and you press the button, then,

with the driver's door still open, the lug-

gage compartment lid and the fuel filler

door will unlock, too. If the driver's door is

closed, it will be locked.

If you desire, the central locking sys-

tem can be activated automatically as

soon as you begin to drive. This can be

adjusted to be key-specific.<

To unlock and open

>Either unlock the doors together with

the button for the central locking sys-

tem and then pull each of the release

handles above the armrests

>pull the release handle for each door

twice: the initial pull unlocks the door,

and the second one opens it.

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To lock

>Either use the central locking button to

lock both doors at once or

>press the individual door lock buttons

down.

To prevent the driver from being

inadvertently locked out of the

vehicle, the driver's door lock button

will not engage as long as the door is

open.<

Since persons or animals in the vehi-

cle could lock the doors from the

inside, always take the vehicle keys with

you so that the vehicle can be opened

again from the outside at any time.<

Luggage compartment lid

To open from the outside

Turn the master key to the left as far as it

will go. The luggage compartment lid will

open slightly.

If the alarm system is armed, opening the

luggage compartment with the key will trig-

ger an alarm; refer also to page .26

To open from inside the vehicle

If the luggage compartment lid has not

been locked separately, you can open it

with this button in the footwell on the

driver's side when the vehicle is stationary.

To close

The handle recess in the interior trim panel

of the luggage compartment lid makes it

easier to pull the lid down.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the luggage compart-

ment lid is clear when it is closed, following

the same precautions as with all closing

procedures.<

Operate the vehicle only when the

luggage compartment lid is closed,

since exhaust fumes could penetrate into

the interior of the vehicle. Should it be

absolutely necessary to operate the vehicle

with the luggage compartment lid open and

with the convertible top closed:

>Close all windows

>Increase the air supply from the air con-

ditioner or automatic climate control to

a high level. Refer to page .58 or 61 <

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Opening and closing

Luggage compartment

Emergency release

This lever releases the luggage compart-

ment lid from inside the luggage compart-

ment.

To enlarge the luggage compartment

The luggage compartment can be enlarged

when the convertible top is closed.

Simultaneously turn the handles on both

sides of the luggage compartment outward

past the resistance point.

The convertible top compartment panel is

raised.

Before opening the convertible top:

Turn both handles inward.

The convertible top compartment panel is

lowered.

Before opening the convertible top,

make sure that the convertible top

compartment panel has been folded down

in the luggage compartment to avoid any

possible damage.<

Electric power windows

To open and close a window

Ignition key in position 1 or higher

>Press the switch until you feel resis-

tance: the window continues to move

downward as long as you continue to

press the switch

>Press the switch briefly past the pres-

sure point: the window moves down-

ward automatically. Pressing the switch

again stops the opening cycle.

If you wish, you can have this spe-

cial feature activated/deacti-

vated.<

You can close the window in the same

manner by pulling the switch.

The window on the passenger side does

not move upward automatically.

After the ignition has been switched off:

You can still use the electric power win-

dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as no

one opens any of the doors.

When leaving the vehicle, always

remove the ignition key from the lock

and remember to close the doors to pre-

vent children from operating the power

windows and injuring themselves, etc.<

For convenience operation via the door

lock, refer to page .18

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Manual convertible top

The fabric top offers perfect protection

against the weather and it can be opened

easily and quickly by one person alone.

Here are a few tips so that you get the most

out of your BMW:

>It is advisable to close the convertible

top when the vehicle is parked.

The closed convertible top not only pro-

tects the passenger compartment from

unforeseeable damage from the

weather, but also provides a certain

degree of theft protection

>In addition, only keep valuables in the

locked luggage compartment, even

with the convertible top closed

>When the convertible top is open, the

central locking system also locks the

release button for the convertible top.

The convertible top cannot be oper-

ated. This provides better theft protec-

tion for valuables stored in the luggage

compartment

>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage

rack system on the convertible top.

To open the convertible top

Operate the convertible top only

when the vehicle is stationary.

Never store the convertible top for longer

than one day while it is wet to avoid perma-

nent damage from moisture.<

Before opening the convertible top,

make sure that the convertible top

compartment panel in the luggage com-

partment is lowered to avoid any possible

damage; refer to page .20 <

1. Flip the handle out and turn it to the end

stop

2. Open the convertible top and push it

toward the rear of the vehicle

3. Gently swing the convertible top down-

ward and press until it engages audibly.

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Opening and closing

To close the convertible top

1. Press button 1

The convertible top is released and

moves up slightly

2. Holding on to the handle, pull the con-

vertible top forward onto the windshield

frame

3. Turn the handle until it audibly engages.

The convertible top is locked.

At higher speeds, the passenger

compartment may develop relatively

low air pressure, which can cause the con-

vertible top to begin fluttering. Increase the

air supply so that low pressure does not

occur in the vehicle.<

Fully automatic convertible

top *

The fully automatic convertible top com-

bines assured protection against the ele-

ments with simple and easy handling.

Here are a few tips so that you get the most

out of your BMW:

>It is advisable to close the convertible

top when the vehicle is parked. When

closed, the top not only guards the pas-

senger compartment from unforesee-

able damage from the weather, but also

affords a degree of protection against

theft. In addition, only keep valuables in

the locked luggage compartment, even

with the convertible top closed

>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage

rack system on the convertible top.

>To prevent damage, do not operate the

convertible top at temperatures below

14 /–10 .7 6

Never store the convertible top while

it is wet to avoid permanent damage

from moisture.

Driving when the opening or closing pro-

cess has not been completed can cause

vehicle damage or personal injury.

Do not lay objects on the convertible top,

since they could fall off when the convert-

ible top is operated and cause damage or

injuries.

Do not reach into the convertible top mech-

anism during opening and closing. Keep

children away from the moving parts of the

convertible top during operation.<

If possible, only operate the convert-

ible top with the vehicle stopped, as

otherwise the process may be interrupted.

If you set the convertible top in motion

while the vehicle is stationary and then

have to start suddenly, for instance at a

traffic light, you can still complete the pro-

cedure by driving as slowly as possible and

again holding the corresponding button

pressed.<

At higher speeds, the passenger

compartment may develop relatively

low air pressure, which can cause the con-

vertible top to begin fluttering. Increase the

air supply so that low pressure does not

occur in the vehicle.<

Opening and closing

1To close

2To open

If at all possible, only operate the con-

vertible top if the engine is running.

This saves unnecessary battery wear.

Before closing the convertible top, remove

any objects from the windshield frame that

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could keep the convertible top from closing

properly.<

Ignition key in position 1 or higher.

With the vehicle standing.

1. Read and comply with the preceding

safety precautions

2. Make sure that the convertible top com-

partment panel in the luggage compart-

ment is lowered; refer to page . Oth-20

erwise the convertible top cannot be

opened

3. Ensure that the luggage compartment

lid is closed

4. Press and hold the corresponding but-

ton for convertible top operation.

If the convertible top should halt right

before the closing phase is completed,

press against the front part of the convert-

ible top frame from the outside to help the

closing process along. Keep pressing the

button while doing so until the top starts up

again on its own.

Indicator lamps

>The red indicator lamp in the button will

light up while the convertible top is in

motion. It goes out as soon as the

opening or closing operation has been

completed

>If the red indicator lamp in the button

flashes after the button has been

released, then the opening or closing

operation has not yet been completed.

The sequence can be continued in the

desired direction by pressing this but-

ton

>If the yellow indicator lamp in the button

lights up continuously with the button

pressed, then the convertible top com-

partment panel is raised and the con-

vertible top cannot be moved.

The side windows will lower slightly when

you press the button for operating the con-

vertible top.

After the opening or closing operation, the

side windows will go back up if you keep

the button pressed for more than 2 sec-

onds after the indicator lamp has gone out.

Interruption

The automatic sequence will be interrupted

immediately if you release the button that

operates the top. The sequence can be

continued in the desired direction by press-

ing this button.

If the convertible top operation has

been interrupted, do not close the

side windows using the power window but-

tons. Otherwise the side windows may not

close properly against the rubber seal of

the convertible top.<

After the convertible top has been

stored for an extended period of time

in the convertible top compartment, e.g. in

the winter months because the hardtop was

being used, you may have to support the

convertible top by hand when closing it for

the first time.<

Convenience operation

Driver's door lock

Refer to page .18

To close manually in the event of

an electrical malfunction

1. Pull out the handle in the luggage com-

partment as far as it will go

2. Turn the handle by 90° until it engages

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Opening and closing

3. Pull on the cord in the luggage com-

partment panel

The storage compartment between the

backrests unlocks, refer also to

page 64

4. Press button 1

The convertible top is released and

moves up slightly

5. Grab the convertible top at its frame

and pull it up to the windshield frame

6. Pull out the cover panel that is in the

center of the front convertible top frame

7. Insert the Allen wrench into the hex slot.

The Allen wrench is located in the vehi-

cle tool pouch, refer to page 88

8. Pull the convertible top frame down as

far as possible

9. Continue turning the Allen wrench to

the left until the convertible top frame

has locked onto the windshield frame.

Wind deflector *

With the convertible top open, the wind

deflector keeps air movement in the pas-

senger compartment to a minimum, thus

providing you with a pleasant drive, even at

higher speeds.

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Installation

Insert the wind deflector in its proper orien-

tation into the guides provided on the 1

rollover bars.

Refer to the labeling on the wind deflector

to determine its proper orientation.

The wind deflector must engage

firmly, as it could otherwise become

detached at higher vehicle speeds.<

The wind deflector panels in the rollover 2

bars cannot be removed.

Removal

Slide both locks inward and remove the

wind deflector.

Clothes hooks

Clothes hooks are located on the wind 1

deflector panels in the rollover bars.

Do not hang heavy objects on the

hooks. If you do, they could endanger

the passengers, for example during braking

or evasive maneuvers.<

Storage

For storage, e.g. to achieve a better view to

the rear when the convertible top is closed,

there are two brackets on the inside of the

luggage compartment lid.

Insert the wind deflector into the brackets.

Make sure that the wind deflector

cannot be damaged by objects in the

luggage compartment.<

Alarm system *

The concept

The vehicle alarm system responds:

>When a door, the hood or the luggage

compartment lid is opened

>When attempts are made to start the

vehicle

>To movement inside the vehicle

>To alterations in the vehicle tilt, e.g. as

would occur during attempts to steal

the wheels or tow the vehicle

>To interruption of battery voltage.

The alarm produced by the system in the

event of unauthorized vehicle entry and

attempted theft depends on the country

version:

>Sounding of an acoustical alarm for

30 seconds

>Activation of the hazard warning flash-

ers for approx. five minutes.

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Opening and closing

Arming and disarming the alarm

system

When the vehicle is locked or unlocked

either via the driver's door lock or with the

remote control, the alarm system is simul-

taneously armed or disarmed.

The hazard warning flashers blink once

when the alarm system has been properly

armed.

You can have different acknowledg-

ment signals set to confirm arming

and disarming.<

You can still open the luggage compart-

ment lid when the system is armed by

pressing the remote control button, refer to

page . When it is closed, the lid is once 17

again secured.

Manual operation of the luggage

compartment lid triggers the alarm.

Refer to page .19 <

To cancel an alarm:

Press the button on the remote control,

refer to page , or turn the ignition key to 16

position 1. Refer to page .36

Indicator lamp displays

>The indicator lamp beneath the interior

mirror flashes continuously:

The system is armed

>The indicator lamp flashes when it is

being armed:

A door, the hood or luggage compart-

ment lid is not completely closed. Even

if you do not close the area causing the

alert, the remaining areas are secured

and the indicator lamp flashes continu-

ously after 10 seconds.

However, the interior motion sensor is

not activated

>If the indicator lamp goes out as soon

as the system is disarmed:

No manipulation or attempted intru-

sions have been detected in the period

since the system was armed

>If the indicator lamp flashes for

10 seconds when the system is being

disarmed:

An attempted entry has been detected

in the period since the system was

armed.

After an alarm has been triggered, the indi-

cator lamp will flash continuously.

Interior motion sensor *

The system monitors the footwells and the

seating areas of the driver and passenger.

Deactivate the interior motion sensor,

refer to Avoiding unintentional alarms,

if children or animals are to remain in the

vehicle.<

Avoiding unintentional alarms

The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion

sensor can be deactivated at the same

time. You can do this to prevent a false

alarm from being triggered, for instance in

garages with elevator ramps or when the

vehicle is transported by train.

Lock the vehicle twice = arm the system:

Press the button on the remote control

twice in succession,

lock the vehicle twice with the key. Refer to

page .18

The indicator lamp lights up briefly and

then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm

sensor and the interior motion sensor are

deactivated as long as the system is

armed.

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Adjustments

Safe seating position

For relaxed driving with as little fatigue as

possible, you should select a seating posi-

tion that reflects your personal require-

ments. In combination with the safety belts

and airbags, the correct seating position

also plays an important role in enhancing

occupant safety in the event of an accident.

To ensure that the vehicle's safety systems

provide you with optimal protection, we

request that you direct your careful atten-

tion to the following section.

For supplementary information on trans-

porting children refer to page .33

Sitting safely with airbags

Always maintain an adequate dis-

tance between yourself and the air-

bags. Always hold the steering wheel by its

rim with hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock posi-

tions to minimize the risk of injuries to your

hands or arms in the event of airbag

deployment.

Never allow any objects, individuals or ani-

mals to obstruct the areas between pas-

sengers and airbags.

Never use the front airbag's cover as a

storage tray or support for objects of any

kind. Ensure that the passenger is correctly

seated, i.e. that no feet or legs are propped

against the dashboard. Otherwise, leg

injury could result if the knee airbag and

front airbag suddenly deployed.

Never let an occupant's head rest near or

on a side airbag because the inflating air-

bag could cause a serious or fatal injury.<

Even when all these guidelines are

observed, the risk of injury as a result of

contact with the airbags cannot entirely be

ruled out in some situations. In sensitive

individuals, the ignition and inflation noise

may induce a mild hearing loss that is tem-

porary in most cases.

For airbag locations and additional infor-

mation on airbags, refer to page .56

Sitting safely with safety belts

Always fasten your safety belt before start-

ing off. As supplemental restraint devices,

the airbags are designed to enhance the

effectiveness of the safety belts, and not to

replace them.

Your vehicle offers two sitting positions,

each of which is equipped with a safety

belt.

At all times, occupants should sit

upright and be properly restrained –

infants and small children in appropriate

child-restraint systems; larger children and

adults using the safety belts.

Expectant mothers should always wear

their safety belts, taking care to position

the lap belt against the lower hips, where it

will not exert pressure against the abdomi-

nal area.

Never allow more than one person to wear

a single safety belt. Never allow infants or

small children to ride in a passenger's lap.

Do not route the belt across your neck, or

run it across sharp edges. Be sure that the

belt does not become caught or jammed.

Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly

across the hips and shoulder; wear it as

snugly against your body as possible. Do

not allow the belt to rest against hard or

fragile objects. Otherwise, the lap belt

could slide over the hips in the event of a

frontal impact, leading to abdominal injury.

Avoid wearing bulky clothing and pull on

the lap belt periodically to retension it over

your shoulders. Otherwise, the restraining

effect of the safety belt could be dimin-

ished.<

For information on using the safety belts,

refer to page .30

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Adjustments

Seats

Before adjusting your seat, always

observe the following precautions

Never try to adjust your seat while

operating the vehicle. The seat could

respond with an unexpected movement,

and the ensuing loss of vehicle control

could result in an accident.

Never ride with the backrest inclined to an

extreme angle – this also applies to the

passenger seat. If you do so, there is a risk

that you will slide under the safety belt in

the event of an accident, thus reducing the

protection provided by the safety belt.<

In addition, observe the instructions

regarding damaged safety belts on

page .30

Seat adjustment

1 Backward/forward

Pull lever and slide the seat into the 1

desired position.

After releasing the lever, move the seat

backwards or forwards slightly to ensure

that the latch engages securely

2 Height

Pull lever and apply weight to or remove 2

weight from the seat as required

3 Backrest

Pull lever and apply weight to or remove 3

weight from the backrest as required.

Head restraints

Adjustments

Height: pull or push.

In order to move to the lowest positions,

press button .1

Adjust the head restraint so that its

center is approximately at the height

of your ears. Otherwise, there is a higher

risk of injury to the cervical vertebra in the

event of an accident.<

Removal

Pull the head restraint upward until it stops.

Press button and remove the head 1

restraint.

Installation

Insert the head restraint into the guides.

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Seat adjustment: M Sports seat*

You can also adjust the tilt and the thigh

support.

1 Tilt upward

Pull the lever repeatedly until the desired

tilt has been reached.

2 Tilt downward

Push the lever repeatedly until the desired

tilt has been reached.

3 Thigh support

Pull the lever and adjust the position of the

cushion for thigh support as desired.

Power seat adjustment *

1 Tilt angle

2 Backward/forward adjustment

3 Height

4 Backrest angle

The head restraints are adjusted manually.

Refer to page .28

With the M Sports seat, you can also adjust

the thigh support manually, refer to the pre-

ceding section.

Read and comply with the adjustment

instructions on page . Failure to 28

do so can result in diminished personal

safety.<

Seat memory *

You can store and recall three different

driver's seat positions.

To store

Ignition key in position 1 or higher

1. Adjust seat to desired position

2. Press the MEMORY button: the indica-

tor lamp in the button lights up

3. Press memory button 1 2, or 3: the indi-

cator lamp goes out.

To select a stored setting

Do not select a memory position while

the vehicle is moving. If you do so,

there is a risk of accident from an unex-

pected movement of the seat or steering

wheel.<

Convenience function

1. Unlock and open the driver's door or

turn the ignition key to position 1

2. Press memory button , or briefly.1 2 3

Movement stops immediately when one

of the seat adjustment or memory but-

tons is operated during the adjustment

process.

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Adjustments

Safety function

1. Close the driver's door and turn the

ignition key to position 0 or 2

2. Press and hold the desired memory

button , or until the adjustment 1 2 3

process is completed.

If you press the MEMORY button acciden-

tally:

Press the button again; the indicator lamp

goes out.

Seat heating *

The seat cushion and backrest can be

heated with the ignition key in position 2.

You can call up different heating modes by

repeatedly pressing the buttons.

The seat heating can also be switched off

from the higher heating modes:

Press the button and hold it slightly longer.

Safety belts

To close

Make sure you hear the lock engage in the

belt buckle.

The warning lamp in the instrument

cluster lights up for a few seconds

or until the safety belts have been

fastened. Depending on the vehicle ver-

sion, an acoustic signal * sounds at the

same time.

To unlock the safety belt

1. Press the red button in the belt buckle

2. Hold the belt

3. Guide the belt back into its reel.

The upper belt attachment point is suitable

for all body sizes provided that the person

is sitting correctly, refer to page .28

Damaged safety belts

If the safety belts are damaged or

stretched in an accident: have the

entire belt system, including the tensioning

mechanisms, replaced at your BMW cen-

ter. Have the belt anchorage points

inspected for damage at the same time.

Failure to observe this precaution may pre-

vent the safety belts from effectively pro-

viding optimal protection when needed.<

Steering wheel

Adjustments

Never attempt to adjust the steering

wheel while driving the vehicle. It

could respond with unexpected move-

ment, posing a potential accident hazard.<

1. Push the locking lever downward

2. Adjust the steering column's reach and

height to suit your seat position

3. Pull the lever back in.

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Mirrors

To adjust exterior mirrors

1 Switch for 4-way adjustment

2 Switch to select between mirrors

3 Button * for folding mirrors in and out

Fold the mirrors in and out by pressing the

button repeatedly. This can be useful in car

washes or narrow streets, for example, or

for repositioning mirrors that have been

folded forward.

The mirror can be folded in at driving

speeds of up to 18.6 mph /

30 km/h.<

To adjust manually

The mirrors can also be adjusted manually:

Press on the edges of the lens.

Electric defrosting *

Both mirrors are automatically heated in

ignition key position 2.

Interior rearview mirror

To reduce the glare from vehicles behind

you when driving at night, turn the rotary

knob.

For vehicles without an alarm system:

Tilt the small lever forward.

Interior and exterior mirrors with

automatic dimming feature *

This mirror automatically dims through an

infinitely variable range and switches auto-

matically to its clear, undimmed mode

whenever you engage reverse gear or

place the selector lever in position R.

To ensure that the mirror continues to

operate properly, keep the two photocells

clean and unobstructed. One photocell is

positioned in the mirror's lens, see arrow,

while the other is slightly offset on the

opposite side of the mirror. Do not obstruct

the area between the interior rearview mir-

ror and the windshield; do not apply stick-

ers to the area of the windshield in front of

the mirror.

Vehicle Memory,

Key Memory

How the system functions

You have probably frequently wished that

you could configure individual functions of

your vehicle to reflect your own personal

requirements. In engineering your vehicle,

BMW has incorporated a number of

options for personal adjustment that can be

programmed into your vehicle at your BMW

center.

Vehicle Memory refers to vehicle-oriented

settings and Key Memory refers to person-

oriented settings. You can have up to four

different basic settings adjusted for four

different persons. The only requirement is

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Adjustments

that each person uses his or her own

remote control key.

When your vehicle is unlocked with the

remote control, the vehicle recognizes the

individual user by means of a data

exchange with the key, and makes adjust-

ments accordingly.

Distinguishing between keys

Colored decals were provided with the

keys to help you distinguish between the

different personal remote control keys.

What the system can do

You can learn about the entire array of fea-

tures that Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-

ory offer you at your BMW center. A few

examples follow below:

Examples for Vehicle Memory:

>Various signals as acknowledgement

when locking or unlocking your vehicle:

refer to pages 17,, 18

>Windows are opened automatically,

refer to page 20

>Reminder that the key is still in the igni-

tion switch after the driver's door has

been opened, refer to page 37

>Activation/deactivation of the Follow-

me-home function: refer to page 46

>Activation/deactivation of daytime driv-

ing lamps: refer to page 46

>Sets the units of measure for displaying

time, outside temperature, distance

traveled and fuel consumption in the

instrument cluster, refer to page .50

Examples for Key Memory:

>Locking of the vehicle when you start

off: refer to page 18

>Automatically adjusts the driver's seat

to the personal programmed settings

when the vehicle is unlocked, refer to

page .29

You will see this symbol throughout

the Owner's Manual. It is to remind

you at appropriate places of the settings

that are available to you.<

Depending on how the memory func-

tions are configured, the vehicle may

be operated differently from what is

described in the Owner's Manual. Should

you decide to sell your BMW one day,

please remember to have the memory

functions returned to their original factory

settings.<

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Transporting children safely

Children on the passenger's

seat

Deactivating/reactivating passenger

airbags

The passenger airbags must be deac-

tivated before using a rear-facing

child-restraint system on the passenger

seat, refer also to page for explanation.34

BMW also recommends that the passenger

airbags be deactivated if a child is trans-

ported in a front-facing child-restraint sys-

tem, regardless of the age of the child. If

you transport a child in the passenger seat,

not an infant in a rear-facing seat, who is

properly seated and seat-belted at all

times, the potential benefits of airbags

deploying in an accident generally out-

weigh the risks of the child being injured by

the force of a deploying airbag.

Therefore, you should deactivate the pas-

senger airbags only if you find it difficult to

ensure that the child will remain properly

seated and seat-belted at all times.

Always position the passenger seat as far

back as possible and at the lowest level.

The above warning and recommendations

are compatible with regulations estab-

lished by the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration, NHTSA, permitting

the deactivation of passenger airbags by

means of an on-off switch for members of

certain at-risk groups.

Specifically, the at-risk groups are:

>Infants in rear-facing infant seats

>Persons with certain medical conditions

>Children aged 12 and under in the pas-

senger seat.

NHTSA provides this information via their

website, www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or via their

Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at

1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123

in Washington, D.C. area.<

The concept

Passenger airbags can be deactivated/

reactivated with the vehicle ignition key.

The key switch is located on the outer pas-

senger's side of the instrument panel.

The passenger airbags can only be deacti-

vated or reactivated with the vehicle stand-

ing still, ignition off and the passenger door

open.

Deactivation

Deactivation of the passenger airbags sys-

tem deactivates the passenger front, knee

and side airbag. The airbags on the driver

side remain active.

Using the vehicle ignition key, turn the key

switch to the OFF position. Note, the pas-

senger airbags will remain deactivated with

the switch in this position.

As soon as the reason for the deacti-

vation of the passenger airbags no

longer exists, you must reactivate these air-

bags so that they can deploy in an accident

within their normal deployment range.<

Reactivating

Using the vehicle ignition key, turn the key

switch to the AUTO position.

All airbags in the vehicle are activated and

will be triggered under appropriate condi-

tions.

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Transporting children safely

Passenger airbags lamp

The system checks that the airbag system

is functioning properly when the ignition

key is turned, and the indicator lamp in the

central console lights up for several sec-

onds.

>The indicator lamp lights up continu-

ously when the passenger airbags are

deactivated

>If the passenger airbags are activated, it

goes out after several seconds.

At all times, occupants should sit

comfortably upright and be properly

restrained, infants and small children in

appropriate child-restraint systems; larger

children and adults using the safety belts.

Please note that the word Airbag imprinted

on the door trim panel indicates the air-

bag's location.<

Seat position for children

This is the correct way a larger child no

longer using a child-restraint system

should sit wearing the safety belt, when the

airbag system is activated.

Installing child-restraint

systems

Before installing any child-restraint system

or child seat, read the following:

Never install a rear-facing child-

restraint system in the passenger seat

of this vehicle, unless the passenger air-

bags have been turned off and the indicator

lamp in the center console indicates that

the passenger airbags are deactivated. For

a child, not an infant, certain precautions

should be taken. Position the passenger

seat as far back as possible and at the low-

est level. This important precaution is

intended to maximize the distance

between the airbags and the child. Younger

children should be secured in an appropri-

ate forward-facing child-restraint system

that has first been properly secured. Older

children should be tightly secured with a

safety belt, sitting with their back against

the vehicle seat back. Always ensure that

all occupants, of all ages, remain properly

and securely restrained at all times.<

Always follow the manufacturer's

instructions concerning installation

and use; otherwise the system's protective

function could be impaired. After an acci-

dent, have all parts of the affected safety

belt system inspected and/or replaced by

your BMW center.<

Commercially-available child-restraint sys-

tems are designed to be secured with a lap

belt or with the lap belt portion of a combi-

nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or

inadequately installed restraint systems

can increase the risk of injury to children.

Always read and follow the instructions that

come with the system.

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Child seat security

The passenger's safety belt can be locked

for mounting and securing a child-restraint

system.

A label with the appropriate instructions for

this is located in the immediate vicinity of

the buckle latch of the safety belt.

LATCH child-restraint mounting

system *

LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for

CHildren

The anchorage points for the LATCH child-

restraint system are located at the posi-

tions indicated by the arrows.

Carefully slide the brackets through the

gaps in the upholstery at the indicated

locations, see arrows.

To mount the LATCH child-restraint

system, please follow the manufac-

turer's operating and safety precautions.<

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Driving

Ignition lock

0 Steering locked

This is the only position in which the igni-

tion key can be inserted or removed.

After removing the key, turn the steering

wheel slightly to the left or right until the

lock engages.

If the key is not removed, an acoustic signal

sounds when the driver's door is opened.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

do not move the selector lever from

position P until the engine is running.<

Interlock

In order to turn the key back to position 0 or

to remove it, move the selector level into

position P first.

1 Steering unlocked

You will find that it is often easier to turn the

ignition key from position 0 to 1 if you move

the steering wheel slightly to help disen-

gage the detent.

Individual electrical equipment and acces-

sories are available for use.

2 Ignition switched on

All systems are operational.

3 Engine started

Engine

Do not allow the engine to warm up while

the vehicle is stationary. Instead, begin

driving immediately at a moderate engine

speed.

Engine idle speed is controlled by the

engine computer system. Increased

speeds at start-up are normal and should

decrease as the engine warms up. If engine

speed does not decrease, service is

required.

To prevent the battery from discharging,

always deactivate electrical devices that

are not in use. Switch the ignition off when

the vehicle is not being driven.

Do not allow the engine to run in

enclosed spaces. The exhaust gases

contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and

colorless, but highly toxic gas. Breathing

the exhaust gases poses an extreme health

risk, and can lead to unconsciousness and

death.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with

the engine running. An unattended vehicle

with a running engine poses a safety haz-

ard.

When driving, standing at idle and parking

the vehicle, take care to avoid contact

between the hot exhaust system and flam-

mable materials, e.g. hay, leaves, grass,

etc. Such contact could lead to a fire,

resulting in serious personal injury and

property damage.<

Starting the engine

Do not press the accelerator pedal while

starting the engine.

Vehicles with manual transmission:

Step on the clutch when starting the

vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from

starting if the clutch is not depressed.<

Do not actuate the starter for too

short a time, but do not actuate it for

more than approx. 20 seconds. Release

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

the ignition key immediately when the

engine starts.<

Extended starting attempts, charac-

terized by excessively frequent or

long periods with the starter engaged, can

damage the catalytic converter.<

If the engine fails to start on the first

attempt, for instance if it is very hot or cold:

>Press the accelerator pedal halfway

down.

Cold starts at very low temperatures, start-

ing at approx. 5 /–15 :7 6

>Press the accelerator pedal halfway

down.

>On the first start attempt, engage the

starter for a longer period, approx.

10 seconds.

Manual transmission

1. Engage the parking brake

2. Gearshift lever in idling position

3. Depress clutch pedal

4. Start the engine.

Automatic transmission

1. Depress footbrake

2. Place selector lever in position P or N

3. Start the engine.

Before leaving the vehicle with the

engine running, place the selector

lever in position P and pull the parking

brake.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with

the engine running. An unattended vehicle

with a running engine poses a safety haz-

ard.<

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

1. Depress footbrake

2. Move selector lever to neutral

position N

3. Start the engine.

If the engine does not start, re-

engage the gear last selected, refer to

the display in the instrument cluster, and

move the selector lever to neutral position

N again.<

Before leaving the vehicle with the

engine running, place the selector

lever in position N and pull the parking

brake.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with

the engine running. An unattended vehicle

with a running engine poses a safety haz-

ard.<

Switching off the engine

Do not remove the ignition key while

the vehicle is still moving. If you did

so, the steering lock would engage when

the steering wheel is turned.

When you leave the vehicle, always remove

the ignition key and engage the steering

lock.

Always engage the parking brake when

parking on downhill roads.<

You can have an acoustic signal set

as a reminder that the ignition key is

still in the ignition switch after the driver's

door has been opened.<

Manual transmission

Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.

Automatic transmission

Place the selector lever in position P and

turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

If you turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0

with the selector lever in position R, or in

sequential mode, a gear automatically

remains engaged.

If you turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0

with the selector lever in neutral position N,

a warning tone and the flashing gear indi-

cator in the display remind you that the

vehicle is not secured against rolling.

The warning stops after approx. 9 seconds.

Always engage the parking brake

when parking on downhill roads.

Engaging a gear may not sufficiently secure

the vehicle against rolling.<

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Driving

Parking brake

The parking brake is designed primarily to

prevent the vehicle from rolling when

parked. It operates against the rear wheels.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp lights up when

the parking brake is engaged; if you

start driving, an acoustic signal is

heard as well.

The indicator lamp for Canadian

models lights up when the parking

brake is engaged; if you start driv-

ing, an acoustic signal is heard as well.

To engage

The detent engages automatically and the

indicator lamp in the instrument cluster

comes on when the ignition key is in posi-

tion 2.

To release

Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-

ton and lower the lever.

If, in exceptional circumstances, it

should be necessary to engage the

parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,

do not pull it with excessive pressure. Keep

the release button on the parking brake

lever pressed down while pulling up the

lever.

Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking

and loss of traction, fishtailing, at the rear

axle.

The brake lamps do not come on when the

parking brake is engaged.<

Vehicles with manual transmission:

Always engage the parking brake

when parking on slopes and inclined sur-

faces, since shifting into 1st gear or reverse

may not provide adequate resistance to

rolling. Vehicles with automatic transmis-

sion: place the selector lever in

position P.<

To avoid corrosion and one-sided

braking, apply the parking brake

lightly from time to time when coasting to a

standstill – at a traffic signal, for example –

provided that it is safe to do so.<

Manual transmission

6-gear transmission*

When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, it is

important to press the gear shift lever to the

right to avoid accidentally engaging 3rd or

4th gear.

Reverse

Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-

tionary. Press the gearshift lever to the left

to overcome the resistance.

As you do this, the backup lamps will turn

on automatically when the ignition key is in

position 2.

Do not hold the vehicle in place on

slopes by slipping or riding the clutch.

Use the parking brake instead, otherwise,

the ensuing friction to the clutch plates will

cause a great deal of wear and tear on the

clutch.<

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Automatic transmission

with Steptronic *

You can drive as with a normal automatic

transmission. In addition, you can also shift

manually.

When you move the selector lever from the

D position to the left into the M/S range, the

performance-oriented shift programs of the

automatic transmission are engaged. As

soon as you briefly tap the selector lever in

the + or — direction, Steptronic changes the

gear. The manual mode is engaged. When

you wish to use the automatic transmission

mode again, move the selector lever to the

right to position D.

Selector lever positions

P R N D M/S + —

Range selection

A detent prevents inadvertent shifting into

selector lever positions R and P. To disen-

gage the detent, press the button on the

front of the selector lever knob, see arrow.

Shiftlock

While the vehicle is stationary and

before shifting out of P or N, depress

the footbrake in order to disengage the

selector lever's lock mechanism.<

Hold the footbrake down until starting

off. The vehicle will otherwise start to

move when a drive position is engaged.

If you leave the vehicle with the engine run-

ning, move the selector lever to the P posi-

tion and apply the parking brake. If you fail

to do this, the vehicle could move.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with

the engine running. An unattended vehicle

with a running engine poses a safety haz-

ard.<

P Park

Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-

tionary. The transmission locks to prevent

the rear wheels from turning.

R Reverse

Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-

tionary.

N Neutral

Select only when stopping for an extended

period.

D Drive: automatic shift program

This position is designed for driving under

all normal operating conditions. All forward

gears are available.

Kickdown

In the kickdown mode, you achieve maxi-

mum acceleration in position D.

Depress the accelerator pedal past the

increased resistance point at the full-throt-

tle position.

M/S Manual mode and

Sport program

When you change from D to M/S, the Sport

program is activated. This is indicated in

the gear indicator by SD. The M/S mode is

recommended for performance-oriented

driving.

With the first brief touch, the automatic

transmission shifts from the Sport program

to the manual mode.

When you tap the selector lever in the +

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Driving

direction, the transmission shifts up. When

the lever is tapped in the direction, the –

transmission shifts down. M1 to M5 appear

in the gear indicator.

The Adaptive Transmission Control ATC

executes upshifts or downshifts only when

the new gear will provide a suitable combi-

nation of engine and road speed, e.g. ATC

will not execute downshifts if the engine

speed is too high. The desired gear will

appear briefly in the instrument cluster, fol-

lowed by the actual gear.

If you are driving in the manual mode

and wish to accelerate rapidly, e.g. to

pass another vehicle, shift down manually

or with the kickdown function.<

Shifting from M/S to selector lever posi-

tions P, R and N is possible only by going

through position D.

Available indicators

P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5

Malfunction

If the indicator lamp comes on,

there is a malfunction in the trans-

mission system.

All of the selector lever positions can con-

tinue to be engaged; in the forward drive

positions, however, the vehicle will be

operating in the fourth gear only.

If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads

and consult the nearest BMW center.

Never work in the engine compart-

ment when a drive gear – forward or

reverse – is engaged. If you do so, the vehi-

cle could move.<

For jump-starting or towing, refer to the

information beginning on page .94

Sequential manual gearbox

SMG*

The concept

The sequential manual gearbox SMG is an

automated manual gearbox with which

clutching and shifting is assumed by an

electro-hydraulic system.

The SMG is operated via two shift paddles

on the steering wheel and the selector lever

in the center console.

It offers the following functions:

>Sequential mode: manual mode

>Drive mode: automated mode

>Ability to choose between two different

driving programs: Standard, Sport,

refer to Dynamic Driving Control

>Operating safety through protection

against misshifting

>Automatic upshifts and downshifts in

the drive mode

>Automatic downshifts at minimum

engine rpm

>Kickdown function in the drive mode

>Acceleration assistant.

Selector lever positions

The current selector lever position is shown

by a light-emitting diode on the center con-

sole.

R: Reverse

N: Neutral

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Forward position with one-touch functions:

Sequential mode

+: manual upshifting

—: manual downshifting

D: drive mode.

The SMG is ready for operation in ignition

key positions 2 and 3.

The gearbox is automatically taken

out of gear if the driver's door is

opened while the engine is running and the

driver does not actuate the pedals, the shift

paddles or the selector lever.

This is accompanied by an acoustic signal

and the flashing gear indicator.

The gear indicator in the instrument cluster

displays N.

A driving position can only be engaged

when the driver's door is closed.

When the vehicle is unlocked, a buzzing

sound in the area of the transmission indi-

cates that the system is ready to operate.<

Shiftlock

For your safety, it is only possible to

engage a driving position from selector

lever position N when the footbrake is

depressed.

Please keep in mind while driving

When driving off on inclines, drive

smoothly without pausing. Do not

keep the vehicle in place by depressing the

accelerator pedal; instead, apply the park-

ing brake. Otherwise, the SMG gearbox

could overheat.<

R Reverse

Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-

tionary.

N Neutral

Always engage before starting the engine,

refer to Starting the engine.

Sequential mode

Each time the engine is started, the

sequential mode is activated as soon as

you move the selector lever into the for-

ward driving position.

The gears are shifted via the shift paddles

or the selector lever.

It is also possible to drive off in second

gear, e.g. on snow-covered roads.

D Drive mode

In the drive mode all forward gears are

shifted automatically.

To switch from sequential to drive mode:

tap the selector lever to the right toward D.

For rapid acceleration, e.g. during passing,

depress the accelerator pedal completely:

kickdown.

Kickdown:

In the kickdown mode, you achieve maxi-

mum acceleration.

Depress the accelerator pedal past the

increased resistance point at the full-throt-

tle position.

To switch back to sequential mode: tap the

selector lever again to the right toward D,

or change the current gear via the shift

paddles or the selector lever.

Shifting gears

With selector lever

>To upshift, tap the selector lever

toward +

>To downshift, tap the lever toward .—

With shift paddles on steering wheel

>To upshift, pull one of the shift paddles

>To downshift, push the paddle.

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Driving

You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. dur-

ing passing, by downshifting manually.

In the following situations, the SMG in the

sequential mode assists you:

>The transmission will only execute

upshifts and downshifts that will result

in an appropriate combination of vehi-

cle speed and engine rpm. For

instance, downshifts that would result

in excessive engine speed cannot be

executed

>During a stop the gearbox is automati-

cally downshifted into first gear

>Shortly before a gear-dependent mini-

mum speed is reached, the gearbox

shifts down automatically without you

taking any action.

Display in the instrument cluster

Gear indicator

R N 1 2 3 4 5 6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6

The currently engaged gear, the selected

mode, and any possible malfunctions are

displayed in the instrument cluster.

Malfunctions

Indicator lamp

If the indicator lamp comes on,

there is a malfunction in the trans-

mission system.

All of the selector lever positions can con-

tinue to be engaged; however, in the for-

ward drive positions the range of available

gears is restricted.

If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads

and consult the nearest BMW center.

Warning tone

An acoustic signal sounds if the SMG gear-

box overheats; if possible you should either

stop or increase your pullaway speed so

that the system can cool down.

For jump-starting and towing, refer to the

information on page .94

Driving Dynamic Control

The Driving Dynamic Control feature lets

you select between a standard and a sport

program.

Sport program

>The engine responds more spontane-

ously to any motion of the accelerator

pedal

>The vehicle is steered more directly and

traction is enhanced

Additionally with SMG and automatic

transmission:

>The shifting times are reduced

>The engine speed range is optimally uti-

lized in the drive mode.

Activating the Sport program

In ignition key position 2

Press the SPORT button.

The LED in the button lights up.

With automatic transmission:

The sport program of the automatic

transmission is enabled by activating the

Driving Dynamic Control system. Thus, the

selector lever does not have to be shifted

from D to M/S; refer also to page .39 <

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Deactivating the Sport program

Press the SPORT button again.

The LED in the button goes out.

Acceleration assistant with SMG

The acceleration assistant permits opti-

mum racing-style acceleration on skid-

resistant roads.

Do not use the acceleration assistant

too often, as this could cause the

vehicle's parts to wear prematurely.<

1. Activate the Sport program

2. Press and hold the DSC button for more

than three seconds, refer to page 53

3. Depress the accelerator all the way

down rapidly: kickdown. The optimum

rpm for driving off will be adjusted.

To maintain vehicle stability, drive

with the DSC switched on whenever

possible.<

Electric Power Steering

EPS

The concept

The electric power steering is a direct,

sporting steering system that is speed-sen-

sitive.

Power support is reduced with an increase

in driving speed.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp stays lit:

The system has malfunctioned or is

faulty.

Please have the system inspected by the

nearest BMW center.

Steering remains operational.

Turn signal indicators/

Headlamp flasher

1High beams: blue indicator lamp

2Headlamp flasher: blue indicator lamp

3Turn signal indicator: green indicator

lamps accompanied by a periodic click-

ing sound from the relay

If the flashing of the indicator lamp

and the clicking from the relay are

both faster than normal, one of the turn

signal indicators has failed.<

To signal briefly

Press the lever up to the detent but not

beyond. It then returns to the center posi-

tion when released.

Washer/wiper system and

rain sensor*

0Wipers retracted

1Intermittent operation or rain sensor

2Normal wiper speed

3Fast wiper speed

4Brief wipe

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Driving

5Rotary dial for control of the wipe inter-

val or the sensitivity of the rain sensor

Intermittent operation

Not on vehicles with rain sensor.

You can set the wipe interval over four

stages with rotary dial .5

In addition, the wipe interval is varied auto-

matically depending on road speed.

Rain sensor

The rain sensor is positioned on the wind-

shield, directly behind the interior rearview

mirror.

To activate the rain sensor:

>With the ignition key in position 1 or

higher, move the lever to position . The 1

wipers travel once across the wind-

shield, regardless of the weather.

You can leave the lever permanently in

position 1, it is then only necessary to acti-

vate the rain sensor. To do this

>turn rotary dial briefly.5

To adjust the sensitivity of the rain sensor:

turn rotary dial .5

To deactivate the rain sensor:

return lever to position .0

Turn the rain sensor off in automatic

car washes. Failure to do so could

result in damage caused by undesired

wiper activation.<

Normal wiper speed

When the vehicle is stationary, the wipers

automatically switch to intermittent wipe,

not on vehicles with rain sensor.

Fast wiper speed

When the vehicle is stationary, the wipers

operate at normal speed, not on vehicles

with 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. For this reason, use an anti-

freeze agent. Refer to page .83

Do not use the washers when the reservoir

is empty. Otherwise damage to the washer

pump could result.<

Cleaning the windshield

The system sprays washer fluid against the

windshield and activates the wipers for a

brief period.

Cleaning the headlamps

When the vehicle's lighting system is

switched on, the headlamps are cleaned at

reasonable intervals.

Windshield washer nozzles

The windshield washer nozzles are heated

automatically* in ignition position 2.

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Cruise control *

1To maintain and store speed/

to accelerate

2To decelerate

3To recall the stored setting

4To deactivate the system

Do not use cruise control on twisting

roads, when high traffic density pre-

vents driving at a constant speed, when the

road surface is slick, e.g. from snow, rain or

ice, nor when the road surface is loose, e.g.

from rocks or sand.<

To maintain and store speed/

to accelerate

You can maintain and store any desired

speed above approx. 20 mph / 30 km/h.

Press the lever briefly in direction :1

The system maintains and stores the cur-

rent vehicle speed. Every time you tap the

lever, the speed increases by approx.

0.6 mph / 1 km/h.

Hold the lever in position :1

The vehicle accelerates without pressure

on the accelerator pedal. As soon as you

release the lever, the system stores and

maintains the current speed.

If, on a downhill grade, the engine

braking effect is not sufficient, the

controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed

can drop on uphill grades if the engine out-

put is insufficient.<

To decelerate

Press the lever briefly in direction :2

When the cruise control is active, vehicle

speed is reduced by approx. 0.6 mph /

1 km/h every time you tap the button.

Hold the lever in position :2

With the cruise control active, the system

automatically reduces the throttle opening

to slow the vehicle. As soon as you release

the lever, the system stores and maintains

the current speed.

To recall the stored setting

Press the lever briefly in direction :3

The vehicle accelerates to and maintains

the last speed stored.

To deactivate the system

Press the lever briefly in direction :4

The cruise control is deactivated immedi-

ately.

In addition, the system is automatically

deactivated in response to the following

conditions:

>When you apply the brakes

>When you depress the clutch or move

the automatic selector lever from D to N

>If you exceed or fall below the preset

speed for an extended period, for

example by depressing the accelerator.

You can recall the speed last stored.

Cruise control is also deactivated when the

ignition key is turned to position 0.

The stored speed is cleared in this case.

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Lamps

Parking lamps/Low beams

Parking lamps

The front, rear and side vehicle

lighting is switched on. You can use

the parking lamps to signal the

position of the vehicle when it is parked.

For information on lighting on one side of

the vehicle for parking, which is available

as an additional feature, refer to page .47

Low beams

When you switch off the ignition

with the low beam headlamps on,

only the parking lamps will remain

on.

Defective bulbs

The indicator lamp lights up:

At least one bulb of the vehicle's

exterior lighting has failed.

For replacing bulbs refer to page .88

Follow me home lamps

When you activate the headlamp flasher

after parking the vehicle and switching off

the lights, the low beams will come on for a

brief period.

You can also have this function acti-

vated/deactivated if you wish.<

LIGHTS ON warning

Whenever you open the driver's door after

having turned the ignition key to position 0,

you will hear an acoustic signal for a few

seconds to remind you that the lamps have

not been switched off.

Daytime driving lamps *

If you desire, the light switch can be left in

the second position:

When the ignition is switched off, the exter-

nal lighting is also switched off.

You can have the activation settings

for the daytime driving lamps pro-

grammed on your vehicle.<

Automatic headlamp control *

When the switch is set to this posi-

tion, the system automatically acti-

vates and cancels the low beams in

response to changes in ambient light, for

example in tunnels, at dusk, and when it is

raining or snowing.

The vehicle's external lights remain

on constantly when you switch on the

front fog lamps after the headlamps have

come on automatically. <

Automatic headlamp control cannot

serve as a substitute for the driver's

judgement in determining when the vehicle

lights should be switched on. For example,

the sensors are not able to detect fog. To

avoid safety risks, you should respond to

these kinds of low-visibility situations by

switching the headlamps on manually.<

You can have the sensitivity of your

vehicle's automatic headlamp control

adjusted. <

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

High beams/Standing

lamps

1High beams: blue indicator lamp

2Headlamp flasher: blue indicator lamp

3Standing lamps

Left or right standing lamps*

As an additional feature, you can illuminate

your vehicle on either side for parking:

1. Turn the ignition key to position 0 or

remove it

2. Turn off the low beams

3. Push the lever in the appropriate turn-

signal direction. The lever engages in

the turn signal position.

Instrument lighting

Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumina-

tion intensity.

Fog lamps

Fog lamps *

A green indicator lamp comes on in

the instrument cluster to indicate

that the front fog lamps are on.

If the automatic headlamp control is

on, the low beams will automatically

come on whenever you activate the front

fog lamps. <

Interior lamps

The interior lamps operate automatically.

To switch the interior lamps on and

off manually

Press button briefly.1

If you would like the interior lamps to

remain off all the time, press and hold the

button for approx. 3 seconds.

Press the button briefly to revert to normal

operation.

Reading lamps *

Switch on and off with button 2 adjacent to

each lamp.

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Everything under control

Odometer

1Odometer

2Trip odometer

Odometer

With the ignition key in position 0, you can

activate the displays shown in the illustra-

tion by pressing the button – see arrow – in

the instrument cluster.

Trip odometer

To set to zero

Ignition key position 1

Keep the button pressed until the trip

odometer counter is set to zero.

Tachometer

Never allow the engine to operate with the

needle in the red overspeed sector of the

gauge.

To protect the engine, the fuel supply is

interrupted when you approach this sector.

Fuel gauge

When indicator lamp begins to stay on 1

continuously, there are still approx.

2.1 gallons / 8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.

Tank capacity: approx. 14.5 gallons/

55 liters.

If the tilt of the vehicle varies, for example

when you are driving in mountainous areas,

the needle may fluctuate slightly.

Fill the fuel tank well before it is

empty. Driving to the last drop of fuel

can prevent the engine from operating

properly and result in damage.<

When you switch on the ignition, the indi-

cator lamp comes on briefly to indicate an

operational check.

Engine coolant temperature

gauge

Blue

The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate

engine and vehicle speeds.

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Between the blue and red zones

Normal operating range. The needle may

rise as far as the edge of the red sector dur-

ing normal operation.

Red

When you switch on the ignition, warning

lamp comes on briefly to indicate an 1

operational check.

Comes on while driving:

The engine has overheated. Stop and

switch the engine off immediately and

allow it to cool down.

For checking the coolant level, refer to

page .84

Service interval display

Remaining distance to next service

The displays shown in the illustration

appear for a few seconds when the ignition

key is in position 1 or after the engine is

started.

The next service due appears with the

message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION,

together with the distance remaining in

miles – in kilometers in Canada – before the

next scheduled service.

The computer bases its calculations of the

remaining distance on the preceding driv-

ing style.

A flashing message and a minus sign in

front of the number mean that the service

interval has already been exceeded by the

distance shown on the display. Please con-

tact your BMW center for an appointment.

Outside temperature

If the vehicle is not equipped with a com-

puter, the display in the instrument cluster

always shows the outside temperature.

Clock

If you wish to have a permanent time dis-

play, you can have it appear in the car radio

display, refer to the Owner's Manual for

Radio.

You can set the clock and the time display

in the car radio as follows.

To set

Ignition key in position 1 or higher:

Hours

1. Keep button pressed for several sec-2

onds until the hours are displayed and

the colon flashes

2. Press button repeatedly until the 1

required hour is set

Minutes

3. Press button 2 to switch to the minutes

display

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Everything under control

4. Press button repeatedly until the 1

required minutes are set

5. Press button to confirm the settings.2

The set time of day is transferred to the car

radio display or appears in the instrument

cluster display.

Display mode

In ignition key position 0:

Press button .1

The time of day is displayed for several

seconds.

Computer *

Mode selection

With the ignition key in position 1 or higher,

you can use the button in the turn signal

lever to retrieve information from the com-

puter for display in the instrument cluster.

Every time you press the button briefly in

the direction of the steering column, a new

function is called up for display.

The displays appear in the following order:

time of day, outside temperature, average

fuel consumption, cruising range, average

vehicle speed.

With the ignition key in position 1 or higher,

the last active setting is displayed.

If you wish, you can have all the dis-

plays of the following functions

shown in another unit of measure.<

Outside temperature

To change the units of measure,

°F/°C

While the temperature display is active,

keep the button in the turn signal lever

pressed until the display changes.

Ice warning

If the outside temperature drops to approx.

37.5 /3 , the computer automatically 7 6

switches to the outside temperature dis-

play.

In addition, a signal sounds and the display

flashes for a brief period.

Clock

Setting the 12-hour or 24-hour

mode *

If the vehicle is equipped with a computer,

you can have the time displayed in either a

12-hour or 24-hour mode.

While the time display is active, press the

computer button in the turn signal lever

until the display changes.

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Average fuel consumption

If you continue to press the button on the

turn signal lever, the average fuel con-

sumption last displayed is recalculated

from that point in time.

Any time spent when the vehicle is station-

ary and the engine shut off is ignored in the

calculation.

Cruising range

The computer bases its calculations of the

cruising range on the preceding driving

style and on the remaining fuel in the tank.

It is important that you refuel when

the cruising range falls below approx.

30 miles/50 km. Otherwise, the engine

cannot be guaranteed to operate properly

and damage may result.<

Average speed

If you continue to press the button on the

turn signal lever, the average fuel con-

sumption last displayed is recalculated

from that point in time.

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Technology for safety and driving convenience

Technology for safety and driving

convenience

Dynamic Stability Control

DSC

The concept

This system optimizes driving stability and

traction, especially when just starting off,

when accelerating or when cornering. It

also maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-

ical driving situations.

DSC recognizes unstable vehicle condi-

tions, such as understeering or oversteer-

ing, and, within physically feasible limits,

helps keeping the vehicle on a steady

course by reducing engine speed and by

brake applications at individual wheels.

The DSC is operational every time you start

the engine. It includes the following func-

tions:

>Automatic Stability Control plus Trac-

tion ASC+T

>Dynamic Traction Control DTC

>Dynamic Brake Control DBC

The laws of physics cannot be

repealed even with DSC. It will always

be the driver's responsibility to drive in a

manner that matches road conditions. We

therefore urge you to avoid using the addi-

tional safety margin of the system as an

excuse for taking risks.

Do not make any modifications to the DSC

system. Allow only authorized technicians

to perform service procedures on the

DSC.<

Indicator lamps

The indicator lamps in the instrument clus-

ter go out shortly after you switch on the

ignition.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-

cator lamp flashes:

The system is active and governs

drive torque and braking forces.

The indicator lamp stays lit:

Dynamic Stability Control DSC and

Dynamic Traction Control DTC have been

switched off via the button.

Dynamic Traction Control DTC indi-

cator lamp lights up permanently:

DTC has been deactivated via the

DSC button.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-

cator lamp flashes:

Dynamic Traction Control DTC indi-

cator lamp lights up permanently:

DTC is actively regulating drive

torque and braking forces.

Interventions to increase stability are

being performed to a limited degree

only.<

The Dynamic Stability Control DSC

indicator lamp and yellow brake

warning lamp for Dynamic Brake

Control DBC light up continuously:

Dynamic Stability Control DSC,

Dynamic Traction Control DTC and

Dynamic Brake Control DBC are malfunc-

tioning.

Have the system repaired at your BMW

center.

Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-

cator lamp and yellow brake warn-

ing lamp for Dynamic Brake Control

DBC for Canadian models:

The vehicle remains completely oper-

ational without the DSC, DTC and

DBC functions.<

In the event of a malfunction, please see

your BMW center.

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If the brake warning lamp comes on

together with the yellow indicator

lamps for the Antilock Brake Sys-

tem ABS and the Dynamic Stability

Control DSC:

The entire ABS and DSC control

system has failed. Continue driving

cautiously and defensively. Avoid

hard brake applications. Please have the

system checked by your BMW center as

soon as possible.

Indicator and warning lamps for

Antilock Brake System ABS and

Dynamic Stability Control DSC for

Canadian models.

Switching off DSC/Activating DTC

Press the DSC button briefly. The DTC indi-

cator lamp comes on and stays on.

DSC has been switched off; DTC is in ready

mode.

In the following exceptional circumstances,

it may be effective to activate the DTC for a

short period:

>When rocking the vehicle or starting off

in deep snow or on loose surfaces

>When driving on snow-covered grades,

in deep snow, or on a snow-covered

surface that has been packed down

from being driven on

>When driving with snow chains.

The gain in traction is achieved by a reduc-

tion in stabilizing intervention.

Switching off DSC and DTC

Hold the DSC switch down for at least

3 seconds. The DSC indicator lamp stays

lit.

In this case, no interventions to increase

stability and traction for the engine and

brakes are carried out.

To maintain vehicle stability, drive

with the DSC switched on whenever

possible.<

Reactivating DSC and DTC

Press the button again.

The indicator lamp goes out.

The laws of physics cannot be

repealed with DSC. It will always be

the driver's responsibility to drive in a man-

ner that matches road conditions. We

therefore urge you to avoid using the addi-

tional safety margin of the system as an

excuse for taking risks. Stabilizing interven-

tion is only performed to a limited degree

when the DTC is activated.

Do not make any modifications to the DSC

system. Allow only authorized technicians

to perform service procedures on the

DSC.<

Dynamic Brake Control DBC

If you step on the brake rapidly, this system

automatically produces maximum braking

force boost and thus helps to achieve the

shortest possible braking distance during

panic stops. All of the benefits of the ABS

system are exploited under these circum-

stances.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake

pedal for the duration of the brake applica-

tion. When the brake pedal is released, the

DBC is deactivated.

Brake force display

The Brake force display indicates to the

road user behind you how hard you are

braking.

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Technology for safety and driving convenience

The display has two levels:

>Normal braking:

Brake lamp lights up1 on both sides of

the vehicle together with the center

brake lamp

>Forceful braking and braking with ABS:

Brake lamps and light up on both 1 2

vehicle sides together with the center

brake lamp.

Antilock Brake System ABS

The concept

ABS keeps the wheels from locking during

braking, thereby enhancing active driving

safety.

Malfunctions

If the yellow indicator lamp for the

Antilock Brake System ABS comes

on together with the brake warning

lamp and the indicator lamp for the

Dynamic Stability Control DSC:

The entire ABS and DSC control

system has failed. Continue driving

cautiously and defensively. Avoid

hard brake applications. Please have the

system checked by your BMW center as

soon as possible.

Indicator lamp for the Antilock

Brake System ABS with the brake

warning lamp and the indicator

lamp for the Dynamic Stability Con-

trol DSC for Canadian models.

Braking with ABS

If you are in a situation which requires full

braking, you will exploit the full benefits of

the ABS system if you apply maximum

brake pressure: panic stop.

Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with

sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-

cate to the driver that ABS is in its active

mode.

Flat Tire Monitor

The concept

As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps

track of pressure levels in all four tires. The

system alerts you whenever the inflation

pressure of a tire falls significantly below

the pressure of another tire.

The system actually detects pressure loss

by monitoring differences in the relative

speeds of the four wheels. It interprets vari-

ations outside specified limits as severe

pressure loss, and then responds by gen-

erating a warning.

System requirements

In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn the

correct tire inflation pressure, please do the

following:

1. Check the tire inflation pressures in all

tires

2. Compare to the inflation pressure table,

refer to page , and correct if neces-76

sary

3. Initialize the system.

If the system is not initialized,

undetected losses in pressure or

false warnings that indicate a non-exis-

tent flat tire are possible.<

System limitations

The Flat Tire Monitor cannot provide

you with advance warning of sudden

and severe tire damage caused by external

factors and does not detect the balanced

and very gradual pressure loss that takes

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

place in all four tires over an extended

period of time.<

On the other hand, the following situations

can lead to false warning, a delayed detec-

tion of pressure loss and even to the sys-

tem not functioning:

>Driving on snow-covered or slippery

roads

>Performance-oriented driving: slip at

the drive wheels, high levels of lateral

acceleration

>When driving with snow chains, false

warnings and undetected pressure

losses may occur

>If the Flat Tire Monitor was not initial-

ized after the last time the tire inflation

pressures were corrected, undetected

losses in pressure or false warnings

that indicate a non-existent flat tire are

possible.

Initializing the system

Each time you correct the pressure in

a tire, or change a wheel or tire, reini-

tialize the system immediately afterwards.

This requires driving.<

1. Start the engine, but do not drive off

2. Press the button as long as you need to

until the yellow indicator lamp in the

instrument cluster lights up for a few

seconds

3. Drive off.

It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire

Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue a

warning.

When driving with snow chains, do

not initialize the system.<

Flat tire warning

The indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster lights up in red. This visual

alert is accompanied by an acoustic

warning signal. There is a flat tire or a sign-

ficant loss of tire pressure.

1. Carefully reduce your speed to under

50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid strong braking

and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed

a maximum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.

2. Check the inflation pressure in all four

tires as soon as possible.

Because the sides of Run Flat

tires are reinforced, a drop in infla-

tion pressure usually cannot be

detected from the outside, refer to Run

Flat tires on page .80 <

3. Before continuing to drive, refer to the

notes on page .80

If the vehicle is not equipped with Run

Flat tires, refer to page , the stan-80

dard equipment by design, continuing to

drive with a flat tire can result in serious

accidents.<

System malfunction

The indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster lights up yellow. The Flat

Tire Monitor is malfunctioning or out

of order. Please refer the problem to your

BMW center.

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Technology for safety and driving convenience

Airbags

The following airbags are located under the

marked covers:

1 Front airbags for driver and passenger

2 Side airbags for driver and passenger

3 Knee airbags for driver and passenger

Protective effect

The front airbags help protect the driver

and passenger in the event of a head-on

collision where the protection provided by

the safety belt alone would not be ade-

quate. The side airbags help provide pro-

tection in the event of a collision from the

side. Each of the side airbags is designed

to help support the seat occupant's upper

body. The knee airbags help provide addi-

tional protection in the event of a head-on

collision.

The airbags are deliberately not triggered

in every impact situation, e.g. less severe

accidents, certain roll-over conditions, or

rear-end collisions.

For information on the correct seating posi-

tion, refer to page .27

Do not apply adhesive materials to

the cover panels of the airbags, cover

them or modify them in any other way. Do

not attempt to remove the airbag retention

system from the vehicle. Never modify or

tamper with either the wiring or the individ-

ual components in the airbag system. This

category includes the upholstery in the

center of the steering wheel, on the instru-

ment panel, the side trim panels on the

doors. Do not attempt to remove or dis-

mantle the steering wheel.

Do not touch the individual components

directly after the system has been trig-

gered, because there is a danger of burns.

If you note any indication of system mal-

function, if you desire to have an airbag

deactivated, or if the airbag retention sys-

tem is triggered in response to an accident,

you should always entrust all inspection,

repair and dismantling operations to your

BMW center.

Unprofessional attempts to service the sys-

tem could lead to failure in an emergency

or undesired airbag activation, either of

which could result in personal injury.

To ensure compliance with official safety

regulations, please also entrust disposal of

airbag generators to a BMW center.<

Airbag warning information is also provided

on the sun visors.

Automatic deactivation of the

passenger airbags

Before transporting a child on the

passenger seat be sure to observe

the information/instructions under Trans-

porting children safely, refer to page .33 <

Your BMW has a seat occupation detection

system. By evaluating the weight on the

passenger's seat, the system detects

whether or not the seat is occupied by a

child in the child-restraint system or an

adult.

>When a child is seated in the child-

restraint system, the front, side and

knee airbags are automatically deacti-

vated on the passenger's side.

>When an adult is traveling in the front

seat or it is unoccupied, the front, side

and knee airbags remain active on the

passenger's side.

Although not desired, it can occur in

the case of heavier children that the

passenger airbags remain active or, in the

case of very light adults or young persons,

that the passenger airbags are deactivated.

The condition of the passenger airbag sys-

tem is shown by the indicator lamp in the

central console, refer to Indicator lamps

below. If the indicator lamp signals that the

passenger airbags are active and you wish

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

them to be deactivated, the airbags have to

be deactivated with the vehicle ignition key

and the key switch on the outer passen-

ger's side of the instrument panel. Apart

from passengers, do not place any addi-

tional objects on the passenger seat. Do

not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding,

ball mats or other items to the passenger

seat unless they are specifically recom-

mended by BMW. Do not place any items

under the seat. Otherwise, the function of

the seat occupation detection could be

impaired.<

Indicator lamps

Airbag system operational

The airbag indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster indicates the operational readiness

of the entire airbag system and the safety

belt tensioners as of ignition key position 1.

The indicator lamp goes out after a few

seconds.

The indicator lamp in the central console

signals whether or not the passenger air-

bag system is activated or deactivated as

of ignition key position 1.

This lamp pertains only to the passen-

ger airbag system.<

>The indicator lamp goes out after a few

seconds:

The passenger airbags are active, e. g.

when an adult is traveling in the vehicle

or the seat is unoccupied

>The indicator lamp lights up continu-

ously:

The passenger airbags are deactivated,

e.g. when a child is traveling in the vehi-

cle in the child-restraint system.

For more information on the operating prin-

ciple of the passenger airbag system and

seat occupation detection, refer to Auto-

matic deactivation of the passenger air-

bags.

Airbag system malfunction

A system malfunction could prevent

the system from responding in the

expected manner to an impact occurring

within its normal response range.

Please have the airbag system inspected

immediately at a BMW center.<

There is a fault in the airbag system

if the airbag indicator lamp behaves

as follows:

>The indicator lamp does not light up as

of ignition key position 1

>The indicator lamp remains on continu-

ously

>The indicator lamp lights up while the

vehicle is being driven.

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Controlling the climate for pleasant driving

Controlling the climate for pleasant

driving

Air conditioning

1 Air onto the windshield and the side

windows

2 Air for the upper body area 59

3 Air for the footwell

4 Air distribution 59

5 Air conditioning 59

6 Outside-air/recirculated-air mode 59

7 Temperature adjustment 59

8 Air supply/blower 59

9 Rear window defroster 59

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Air distribution

You can direct airflow onto the

windows , toward the upper

body and into the footwell .

All intermediate settings are pos-

sible.

Air supply/blower

You can set the blower to 8 differ-

ent levels. Both heating and ven-

tilation become more effective as

the air supply rate is increased.

Turn the rotary control toward zero:

The blower and the heating are turned off,

and the air supply is stopped.

Temperature

In order to increase the tempera-

ture of the passenger compart-

ment, turn to the right toward the

red zone.

Air conditioning

The air is cooled and dehumidi-

fied and – depending on the tem-

perature setting – rewarmed.

Depending on the weather, the

windshield may fog over briefly when the

engine is started.

Condensation forms during operation

of the air conditioning system, which

then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-

densed water on the ground underneath

the vehicle are thus normal.<

Outside-air/recirculated-air mode

If there are unpleasant odors in

the outside air, you can tempo-

rarily block the supply of incom-

ing air. The system then recircu-

lates the air currently within the vehicle.

If the windows fog over in the recircu-

lated air mode, switch this mode off

and increase the air supply as required. Do

not use the recirculated-air mode continu-

ously over a long period of time as this

would otherwise reduce the air quality in

the interior of the vehicle.<

Rear window defroster

The indicator lamp lights up when

the rear window defroster is

active. The rear window defroster

switches off automatically.

Ventilation

You can adjust the blower controls for the

upper body area to obtain the optimum air-

flow rates and directions for your personal

requirements:

1 Rotary dials for opening and closing the

vents at any setting desired

2 Slide for adjusting airflow direction

Microfilter

The built-in microfilter removes dust and

pollen from the incoming air and in the

recirculated air mode. Your BMW center

will replace this filter during the regularly

scheduled maintenance. A substantial

reduction in airflow indicates that the filter

needs to be replaced earlier.

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Controlling the climate for pleasant driving

To defrost windows and remove

condensation

1 Turn the rotary control to

2 Turn the rotary blower control for the air

supply completely to the right

3 Turn the rotary temperature control

completely to the right

4 To defrost the rear window, switch on

the rear window defroster

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Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Automatic climate control *

1 Air onto the windshield and the side

windows

2 Air for the upper body area 63

3 Air for the footwell

4 Individual air distribution 62

5 To defrost windows and remove

condensation 62

6 Automatic air distribution and air

supply 62

7 Air supply/blower 62

8 Air conditioning 59

9 Maximum cooling 62

10 Temperature 62

11 Outside air/Automatic recirculated air

control AUC/recirculated air mode 63

12 Rear window defroster 63

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Controlling the climate for pleasant driving

Tips for pleasant driving

Use the automatic system – switch on with

AUTO button . Select the desired interior 6

temperature.

Detailed setting options are described for

you below.

Automatic air distribution and supply

The AUTO program assumes the

adjustment of the air distribution

and air supply for you and in addi-

tion adapts the temperature to

external influences, summer or winter, to

meet preferences you can specify.

In the AUTO program, the air conditioning

mode is also turned on at the same time.

The AUTO program functions only to

a limited extent when the convertible

top is open.<

Individual air distribution

You yourself can direct airflow

onto the windows , toward the

upper body and into the foot-

well . The arrow lights up. The

automatic air supply remains unchanged.

All intermediate settings are possible. By

pressing the AUTO button, you can reacti-

vate the air distribution.

Temperature

The interior temperature that

appears on the display panel is a

general figure intended for refer-

ence purposes. When you start

the vehicle, the system ensures that the

selected temperature is reached as quickly

as possible, regardless of the season. It

then maintains this temperature.

Air supply/blower

You can set the blower through

an infinitely variable range of

speeds. This shuts off the auto-

matic air supply. The arrow lights

up. The automatic air distribution remains

unchanged. You can reactivate the auto-

matic air supply by pressing the AUTO but-

ton.

When you turn the rotary control toward

zero: the blower, heating and air condi-

tioner are switched off, and the air supply is

stopped. You can reactivate the system by

turning the control toward the right again.

To defrost windows and remove

condensation

This program quickly removes ice

and condensation from the wind-

shield and the side windows.

Maximum cooling

Above an outside temperature of

41 /+5 and with the engine 7 6

running, you achieve a maximum

cooling effect as quickly as possi-

ble. At the same time, the air conditioning is

turned on.

The temperature is set to the lowest possi-

ble value. The system switches into the

recirculated air mode and air flows at max-

imum blower speed from the air outlets

only. Therefore, the air outlets must always

be open when you select this program.

Air conditioning

The air is cooled and dehumidi-

fied and, depending on the tem-

perature setting, rewarmed.

Depending on the weather, the

windshield may fog over briefly when the

engine is started.

The air conditioning system is automati-

cally switched on when you use the AUTO

program.

Condensation forms during operation

of the air conditioning system, which

then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-

densed water on the ground underneath

the vehicle are thus normal.<

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Outside air/Automatic recirculated

air control AUC/recirculated air

mode

You can respond to unpleasant

external odors or pollutants by

temporarily stopping the flow of

outside air. The system then

recirculates the air currently within the

vehicle.

By repeatedly pressing the button, you can

select one of three different operating

modes.

>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows

into the vehicle

>Left-hand indicator lamp on, AUC

mode: the system detects pollutants in

the outside air and responds by deacti-

vating the outside airflow as required.

The system then recirculates the air

currently within the vehicle. Depending

on air quality requirements, the system

automatically switches between out-

side air supply and recirculation of the

air already within the vehicle

>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the flow

of outside air is permanently blocked.

The system recirculates the air already

within the vehicle.

If the windows fog over in the recircu-

lated air mode, switch this mode off

and increase the air supply as required. Do

not use the recirculated-air mode continu-

ously over a long period of time as this

would reduce the air quality in the interior

of the vehicle.<

Rear window defroster

The indicator lamp lights up when

the rear window defroster is

active. The rear window defroster

switches off automatically.

Ventilation

You can adjust the blower controls for the

upper body area to obtain the optimum air-

flow rates and directions for your personal

requirements:

1 Rotary dials for opening and closing the

vents at any setting desired

2 Sliders for adjusting airflow direction

Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter

The built-in microfilter removes dust and

pollen from the incoming air. The activated-

charcoal filter provides additional protec-

tion by filtering gaseous pollutants from the

outside air. Your BMW center replaces this

combined filter as a standard part of your

scheduled maintenance. A substantial

reduction in airflow indicates that the filter

needs to be replaced earlier.

Interior conveniences

Glove compartment

To open

Press the two push buttons together.

To close

Swing the door up.

To prevent injury in the event of an

accident, close the glove compart-

ment immediately after use.<

Storage compartments

Storage compartment between

backrests

To open

1. Press button; see arrow 1

2. Swing the cover downward.

To close

Swing the door up.

Locking/unlocking

The storage compartment between the

backrests is automatically locked and

unlocked with the central locking system.

Releasing manually

In the event of an electrical malfunction of

the central locking system, you can manu-

ally unlock the storage compartment

between the seats.

1. Pull on the cord in the rear luggage

compartment panel.

The storage compartment between the

seats unlocks

2. Press button; see arrow .1

Other compartments and nets *

You will find additional storage compart-

ments in the front doors and in the center

console.

Depending on the particular version, the

vehicle may also be equipped with two

storage compartments behind the seats.

A net * is located on the passenger side

along the center console.

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Beverage holder

A beverage holder is located on either side

beneath the air outlets.

1. Press the trim piece beneath the air

outlets; see arrow 1

2. Place the beverage into the holder

3. Adjust the holder to fit the size of the

beverage container; see arrow .2

Do not place glass containers into the

beverage holders, as this increases

the risk of injury in the event of an acci-

dent.<

Preparations for the cellular

phone *

Hands-free system

In vehicles with telephone preparation, the

cover for the hands-free microphone is

located on the trim of the steering column.

For further information on the cellular

phone, refer to the Owner's Manual for the

telephone.

Ashtray *

To empty

1. Open cover

2. Pull out ashtray .1

Cigarette lighter

Press in lighter . As soon as the lighter 2

springs back out, it can be removed.

Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter

by the knob only. Holding or touching

it in other areas could result in burns.

The cigarette lighter remains operational

even when the ignition key has been

removed. For this reason, children should

never be left in the vehicle unattended.<

Cigarette lighter socket

This can be used for attaching power sup-

plies for flashlights, car vacuum cleaners

and other similar appliances up to a rating

of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts.

Do not damage the socket by insert-

ing plugs of a different shape or

size.<

Driving tips

Driving tips provides you with information

you will need in certain driving situations

and when using special operating modes.

Special operating instructions

Break-in procedures

To ensure that your vehicle provides maxi-

mum economy throughout a long service

life, we request that you observe the fol-

lowing:

Engine and differential

Up to 1,200 miles / 2,000 km:

Drive at varying engine and road speeds,

but do not exceed the following engine or

road speed:

4,500 rpm / 4,500/min or

100 mph / 160 km/h.

Obey your local and state maximum speed

limits.

Refrain from using full throttle and avoid

pressing the accelerator beyond the kick-

down point.

After you have driven 1,200 miles /

2,000 km, you can gradually increase the

engine or road speeds.

You should also comply with these break-in

procedures if the engine or differential is

replaced later in the course of the vehicle's

service life.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

Up to 1,200 miles / 2,000 km:

Avoid using the acceleration assistant dur-

ing the vehicle's break-in period.

Tires

Due to technical factors associated with

their manufacture, tires do not achieve their

full traction potential until an initial break-in

period has elapsed. You should therefore

drive with extra caution during the first

200 miles / 300 km.

Obey your local and state maximum speed

limits.

When the vehicle is operated on wet

or slushy roads, a wedge of water

may form between the tire and the road

surface. This phenomenon is referred to as

hydroplaning and can lead to partial or

complete loss of traction, vehicle control

and braking effectiveness. Reduce your

speed on wet roads.<

Brake system

Approx. 300 miles / 500 km must elapse

before the brake pads and rotors achieve

their optimal surface and wear pattern.

To break in the separate parking brake

drums, apply the parking brake lightly when

coasting to a standstill – at a traffic signal,

for instance; use caution to avoid posing a

danger to other road users.

To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure

from time to time.

The brake lamps do not come on when the

parking brake is set.

Vacuum for the brake system servo

unit on your BMW is available only

when the engine is running. When you

move the car with the engine off, e.g. by

towing, substantially higher levels of pedal

force will be required to brake the vehicle.<

Clutch

The clutch will achieve its optimal function-

ality after approx. 300 miles / 500 km. Shift

gears carefully during the break-in period.

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Driving notes

Parking the vehicle

Condensation forms in the air conditioner

system during operation, which then exits

under the vehicle. Traces of condensed

water on the ground underneath the vehi-

cle are thus normal.

Brakes

Do not drive with your foot resting on

the brake pedal. Even light but con-

sistent pedal pressure can lead to high

temperatures, brake wear and possibly

even brake failure.

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads,

reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a

wedge of water may form between the tires

and the road surface. This phenomenon

can lead to partial or complete loss of trac-

tion, vehicle control and braking effective-

ness.<

Driving through water

Do not drive through water on the

road if it is deeper than 1 ft / 30 cm,

and then only at walking speed. Otherwise,

the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems

and the transmission may be damaged.<

High temperatures

High temperatures occur with every

vehicle equipped with a catalytic con-

verter. Heat shields are installed adjacent

to some sections of the exhaust system.

Never remove these shields; do not apply

undercoating to their surfaces. When driv-

ing, standing at idle and parking the vehi-

cle, take care to avoid contact between the

hot exhaust system and flammable materi-

als, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such con-

tact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious

personal injury and property damage.<

Brake system

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp lights up

although the parking brake is not

engaged:

Check the brake fluid level. It is very impor-

tant that you follow the instructions on

page before driving on.85

Disc brakes

Corrosion

Limited vehicle use, extended periods with

the vehicle parked or in storage, and oper-

ating conditions in which braking is

restricted to gentle, low-pressure applica-

tions will all increase the tendency for cor-

rosion to form on the rotors and contamina-

tion to accumulate on the brake pads. This

occurs because the minimal pressure

which must be exerted by the pads to clean

the rotors by brake applications is not

reached.

If the brake rotors are corroded, they will

tend to respond to braking with a pulsating

effect which even extended application will

fail to cure.

Wet roads

When driving in heavy rain and on wet

roads, it is useful to apply light pressure

to the brake pedal every few miles. Watch

traffic conditions to ensure that this maneu-

ver does not endanger other road users.

The resulting heat dries the brake rotors

and brake pads. Immediate braking control

is then available if necessary.

Inclines

Extended or steep mountain descents

should be driven in the gear or drive posi-

tion in which only minimal periodic brake

application is required. This helps avoid

placing excessive loads on the brake sys-

tem. Observe the maximum allowable

engine speed when doing so; refer to

page .48

Special operating instructions

Do not coast with the clutch

depressed or with the transmission or

selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with

the engine switched off. Otherwise the

engine provides no braking effect and there

is no power-assist for braking or steering

when the engine is off.<

Brake pads

The yellow indicator lamp for the

brake pads lights up:

Have the condition of the brake

pads inspected.

For your own safety: use brake pads

which the manufacturer has approved

for your specific vehicle model. The manu-

facturer cannot evaluate non-approved

brake pads to determine if they are suitable

for use, and therefore cannot ensure the

operating safety of the vehicle in the event

of their use.<

Cargo loading

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that

the permitted load on the tires is not

exceeded. Otherwise, overheating and

inner damage to the tires may result. The

ultimate result can assume the form of a

sudden air loss.<

Determining the maximum load

1. Locate the following statement on your

vehicle's placard *:

The combined weight of occu-

pants and cargo should never

exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs; otherwise

damage to the vehicle and unstable

driving conditions could result.<

2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passenger that will be riding

in your vehicle

3. Substract the combined weight of the

driver and passenger from XXX kilo-

grams or YYY pounds

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load

capacity.

For example, if the XXX amount equals

551 lbs. and there will be two 150 lbs.

passengers in your vehicle, the amount

of available cargo and luggage load

capacity is 251 lbs.

551 lbs. minus 300 lbs. = 251 lbs.

5. Determine the combined weight of lug-

gage and cargo being loaded on the

vehicle. That weight may not safely

exceed the available cargo and luggage

load capacity calculated in Step 4.

Load

The permissible load is the sum of the

occupants' weights and the weight of the

cargo. The greater the weight of the occu-

pants, the less cargo can be transported.

Stowing cargo

>Load heavy cargo as far forward as

possible, directly behind the luggage

compartment partition, and as low as

possible

>Cover sharp edges and corners.

To avoid damaging the rear of the

backrest or the rear interior trim

panel, do not stow heavy cargo or cargo

with sharp edges and corners behind the

seats.

In addition, large and bulky cargo stowed

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

behind the seats may prevent the backrest

from engaging properly. Ensure that the

backrest is securely locked by moving the

seat forward if necessary. Refer to

page .28 <

Always position and secure the load

correctly. If you do not, it can endan-

ger the passengers during braking or eva-

sive maneuvers.

Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle

weight or the specified maximum axle

loads. Refer to page . Otherwise the 101

vehicle's operating safety is no longer

assured and you are in violation of the law.

Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the

passenger compartment without first

securing them. Otherwise they would be

thrown around during braking and evasive

maneuvers and would endanger the occu-

pants.<

Convertible top compartment

With the convertible top closed, you

can enlarge the luggage compart-

ment, refer to page .20

It is recommended that you always fold the

convertible top compartment panel down

as soon as you have removed cargo from

the luggage compartment. This way, you

can be sure that you can always operate

the convertible top at any time.

Conversely, when the convertible top is

closed, raise the convertible top compart-

ment panel before stowing your cargo in

the luggage compartment to avoid any

damage to the convertible top compart-

ment or your load.<

If you stow cargo behind the seats of your

BMW:

>Only stow light objects such as cloth-

ing, etc.

>Do not pile objects higher than the top

edge of the backrests.

Hardtop preparation *

Pull covers off, see arrow . 1

The brackets for attaching the hardtop

are located underneath the covers; see

arrow .2

For instructions on how to install the

hardtop, please read the accompany-

ing assembly information.<

The hardtop is available from your

BMW center as a special option.<

Mobility

To ensure that you stay mobile,

the following chapter provides you with

important information on fuels and fluids,

tires and wheels, maintenance procedures

and steps to take in the event of a break-

down.

Refueling

Fuel filler door

1. Open fuel filler door

2. Turn the gas cap in a counter-clockwise

direction

3. Place the gas cap in the bracket on the

filler door.

Releasing manually

If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can

unlock the fuel filler door manually:

1. Remove the covers of the tail lamps by

turning the lock to the right; refer also to

page 90

2. Pull the luggage compartment trim

panel slightly toward the interior.

The green button with the fuel pump

symbol is revealed

3. Undo the adhesive strip and pull off

4. Pull the button

The fuel filler door is released.

Pull on the button slowly and

carefully as it could otherwise be

torn off.<

Fuel gas cap

Close the gas cap carefully after refuel-

ing until a click is heard. While closing,

be sure not to squeeze the strap which is fas-

tened to the cap. A loose or missing cap will

activate the CHECK GAS CAP lamp*.<

Check Gas Cap*

This indicator lamp comes on when

the gas cap is loose or missing.

Close the gas cap tightly as described

above.

Tank capacity: approx. 14.5 gallons/

55 liters, of which approx. 2.1 gallons/

8 liters are reserve capacity.

Simple and environmentally friendly

When handling fuels, comply with all

of the applicable safety precautions

posted at the service station.<

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-

pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the nozzle

during refueling

>results in premature shutoff

>and will reduce the effect of the vapor

recovery system on the pump.

The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle

shuts off the first time.

Fill the fuel tank before it is com-

pletely empty. Driving to the last drop

of fuel can prevent the engine from operat-

ing properly and result in damage.<

Fuel specifications

The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.

Required fuel:

>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,

min. 91 AKI.

AKI = Anti Knock Index

Do not use leaded fuels. The use of

leaded fuels will cause permanent

damage to the system's oxygen sensor and

the catalytic converter.<

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Wheels and tires

Tire inflation pressure

Information for your safety

It is not merely the tire's service life, but

also driving comfort and driving safety that

largely depend on the condition of the tires

and the maintenance of the specified tire

pressure.

Check tire inflation pressures regu-

larly and correct them if necessary: at

least every two weeks and before every

extended journey. If this is not done, incor-

rect tire pressures can cause driving insta-

bility or tire damage, ultimately resulting in

accidents.

Do not drive with a deflated, i.e. flat, tire

unless your vehicle is equipped with Run

Flat tires. A flat tire greatly impairs steering

and braking response, and can lead to

complete loss of control over the vehicle.<

Checking tire pressures

Check the tire inflation pressures only

when the tires are cold. This means after a

maximum driving distance of 1.25 miles/

2 km or if the vehicle has been parked for at

least 2 hours. Warm tires have higher infla-

tion pressures.

Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor after cor-

recting the tire inflation pressure. Refer to

page 55.

Inflation pressures for original tires

The specified inflation pressures for tires at

ambient temperature are provided on the

placard on the B-pillar and are visible when

the driver's door is open.

Inflation pressures for other tire

sizes

The following tire inflation pressure tables

show the inflation pressures for the speci-

fied tire sizes at ambient temperature.

Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor after

correcting the tire inflation pressure.

Refer to page .55 <

Tire size

The inflation pressures in the table apply to

BMW-approved tire sizes and brands. Your

BMW center will be glad to supply this

information.

Wheels and tires

Z4 2.5i

Z4 3.0i

Tires Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

Tires

All pressure specifications in the table are

indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires,

cold = ambient temperature

225/50 R 16 92 V

225/45 R 17 91 W 30/210 33/230

225/40 R 18 88 W 30/210 –

245/40 R 17 91 W

255/35 R 18 90 W – 33/230

All winter tires 30/210 33/230

You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 101.

Tires Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

Tires

All pressure specifications in the table are

indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires,

cold = ambient temperature

225/45 R 17 91 W 33/230 36/250

225/40 R 18 88 W 33/230 –

245/40 R 17 91 W

255/35 R 18 90 W – 36/250

All winter tires 33/230 36/250

You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 101.

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Tire coding

Understanding the lettering on the tire

sidewall makes it easier to identify and

choose the correct tires.

Tire size

e.g. 225/50 R 16 92 V

Nominal width in mm

Cross-sectional

ratio in %

Radial belt construction

Rim diameter in inches

Load index,

not on ZR tires

Speed code letter,

in front of the R on ZR tires

Speed code letters

Q = up to 105 mph / 160 km/h

T = up to 118 mph / 190 km/h

H = up to 131 mph / 210 km/h

V = up to 150 mph / 240 km/h

W = up to 167 mph / 270 km/h

Y = up to 186 mph / 300 km/h

Tire Identification Number

Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines

of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

DOT code:

e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3603

Manufacturer's code

for tire brand

Tire size and

tire version

Tire age

The date on which the tire was manufac-

tured is indicated by the code on the side-

wall:

DOT … 3603 indicates that the tire was

manufactured in week 36 of the year 2003.

BMW recommends the replacement of all

tires every 6 years at the latest, even if a tire

usage of 10 years is possible.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Quality grades can be found where appli-

cable on the tire sidewall between tread

shoulder and maximum section width. For

example:

Treadwear 200 Traction AA

Temperature A

DOT quality grades

Treadwear

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

All passenger car tires must conform

to Federal Safety Requirements in

addition to these grades.<

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative rat-

ing based on the wear rate of the tire when

tested under controlled conditions on a

specified government test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 would wear

one and one-half, 1 1/2, times as well on

the government course as a tire graded

100. The relative performance of tires

depends upon the actual conditions of their

use, however, and may depart significantly

from the norm due to variations in driving

habits, service practices and differences in

road characteristics and climate.

Traction

The traction grades, from highest to lowest,

are AA, A, B and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability to

stop on wet pavement as measured under

controlled conditions on specified govern-

ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.

A tire marked C may have poor traction

performance.

The traction grade assigned to this

tire is based on straight-ahead brak-

ing traction tests, and does not include

acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or

peak traction characteristics.<

Wheels and tires

Temperature

The temperature grades are A, the highest,

B and C, representing the tire’s resistance

to the generation of heat and its ability to

dissipate heat when tested under con-

trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-

oratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the

material of the tire to degenerate and

reduce tire life, and excessive temperature

can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C

corresponds to a level of performance

which all passenger car tires must meet

under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-

sent higher levels of performance on the

laboratory test wheel than the minimum

required by law.

The temperature grade for this tire is

established for a tire that is properly

inflated and not overloaded. Excessive

speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-

ing, either separately or in combination,

can cause heat buildup and possible tire

failure.<

RSC: Run Flat tires

Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall

with a circular symbol containing the letters

RSC. Refer to page .80

M+S

Winter and all-season tires.

These have better winter performance

properties than summer tires.

Tire condition

Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,

signs of damage and for foreign objects

lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.

Tire tread

Tread depth should not be allowed to go

below 1/8 in/3 mm even though in Europe,

for example, the legally specified minimum

tread depth is only 1/16 in/1.6 mm. Below

1/8 in/3 mm tread depth, there is a very

high risk of hydroplaning, even at relatively

moderate speeds and with only small

amounts of water on the road.

At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in/

4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible

decrease in their ability to cope with winter

driving conditions, and should be replaced

in the interest of safety.

Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove

base, see arrow, are distributed around the

wheel circumference and are labeled on

the tire sidewall as TWI, Tread Wear Indica-

tor. At a tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm, the

indicators signal that the legally permissi-

ble wear limit has been reached.

Tire damage

Unusual vibrations encountered dur-

ing normal vehicle operation can indi-

cate tire failure or some other vehicle mal-

function. This type of problem can be

caused by contact with curbs, etc. This is

also true for irregularities in the vehicle's

handling characteristics, such as a pro-

nounced tendency to pull to the left or right.

Should this occur, respond by immediately

reducing your speed. Proceed carefully to

the nearest BMW center or professional tire

center, or have the vehicle towed there to

have it and its wheels or tires inspected.

Tire damage up to and including sudden

and complete air loss can pose an extreme

hazard for both vehicle occupants and

other road users.<

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Wheel and tire replacement

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to

service tires can lead to damage and

accidents.

Have this work performed by skilled pro-

fessionals only. Any BMW center has the

required technical knowledge and the

proper equipment and will be happy to

assist you.<

The correct wheel and tire combination

also affects various systems that would

otherwise be impaired, for example ABS or

DSC.

Have the wheels balanced after each tire or

wheel replacement.

BMW advises against using retreaded

tires, since driving safety may be

impaired. This is due to possible variations

in casing structures and, in some cases, to

their extreme age, factors which can lead

to a decrease in their durability.<

The correct wheels and tires

BMW recommends using only wheels

and tires that have been tested and

approved by BMW for your particular vehi-

cle model, as otherwise body contact and

serious accidents can result despite the

use of the same nominal size, e.g. due to

manufacturing tolerances. If non-approved

wheels and tires are used, BMW cannot

evaluate their suitability, and therefore can-

not be held liable for driving safety.<

To maintain good handling and vehicle

response, use only tires of a single brand

and tread configuration. In the event of a

flat tire, remount the previous wheel and

tire combination as soon as possible.

Recommended tire sizes and brands

BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire

size, classifies them as road-safe and

approves them. You can best find out

about these at a specialized shop, particu-

larly your BMW center. Observe any coun-

try-specific regulations, e.g. on making a

corresponding entry in the vehicle docu-

ments.

The factory-approved radial-ply tires are

matched to your vehicle and have been

selected to provide optimum safety and

driving comfort when used properly.

Run Flat tires fitted

Use only Run Flat tires, since no spare

wheel is available in the event of a flat.

Special characteristics of winter

tires

BMW recommends the use of winter tires

for operation under winter road conditions.

While all-season tires, with M+S designa-

tion, provide better winter traction than

summer tires, they generally do not achieve

the full performance of winter tires.

For mounting winter tires, refer to the

descriptions under Tire condition and

Wheel and tire replacement, pages , .78 79

Run Flat tires fitted

Use only winter Run Flat tires, since no

spare wheel is available in the event of a

flat.

Observing speed ratings

Never exceed the maximum speed for

which the winter tires are rated.

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-

vice tires can lead to damage and acci-

dents. Have this work performed by skilled

professionals only. The technicans at your

BMW center will be glad to assist you with

the required professional knowledge and

specialized equipment.<

Storage

Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting

them against light whenever possible. Pro-

tect the tires from contact with oil, grease

and fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire

inflation pressures specified on the tire

sidewall.

Wheels and tires

Run Flat tires

Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall

with a circular symbol containing the letters

RSC. Run Flat tires consist of self-support-

ing tires and special rims. The tire rein-

forcement ensures that driving remains

possible to a restricted degree in the event

of pressure drop or even if the tire is

deflated.

When mounting or replacing summer

tires with winter tires, or vice versa,

use Run Flat tires since no spare wheel is

available in the event of a flat. Your BMW

center knows how to work with Run Flat

tires and is equipped with the necessary

special tools.<

Driving with a damaged tire

When using Run Flat tires, you can con-

tinue driving cautiously at a maximum

speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h, depending on

the cargo load and the extent of tire dam-

age.

If there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-

sure, 0 psi/kilopascal, or obvious tire dam-

age, you can gauge the mileage for contin-

ued driving on the basis of the following

indications:

>With a light load:

1 person without luggage:

approx. 150 miles/250 km

>With a medium load:

1 person, luggage compartment full,

2 persons without luggage:

approx. 90 miles/150 km

>With a full load:

2 persons, luggage compartment full:

approx. 30 miles/50 km

Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a

speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Be aware

that vehicle handling will be altered when

there is a loss in inflation pressure. Antici-

pate, e.g., reduced tracking during braking,

longer braking distances and changed

steering characteristics.

For safety reasons, BMW recommends not

to have Run Flat tires repaired if they are

damaged, but to consult your BMW center

in such cases.<

Snow chains *

Only certain types of snow chains have

been tested by BMW, classified as road-

safe and approved. Consult your BMW

center for more information. BMW recom-

mends using only approved fine-link snow

chains. Use them in pairs on either summer

or winter tires, but only on both rear

wheels.

Comply with all manufacturer's safety pre-

cautions when mounting the chains.

Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /

50 km/h when using snow chains.

Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor

after snow chains have been

mounted.

When driving with snow chains, it may be

useful to deactivate the DSC briefly. Refer

to page .53 <

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

In the engine compartment

Hood

To release the hood

Pull the lever located under the left-hand

side of the instrument panel.

Do not work on your vehicle without

the appropriate skills to do so. Failure

to work in an informed, professional man-

ner when servicing components and mate-

rials constitutes a safety hazard for vehicle

occupants and other road users. If you are

not familiar with the guidelines, BMW rec-

ommends that you have the operations

performed by your BMW center.<

To open

1. Reach under the engine hood

2. Push the release handle up

3. Open the hood.

To close

Allow the hood to fall from a low height and

push on both sides so that it audibly

engages.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the hood is clear when it

is closed, as with all closing procedures.

If you notice while driving that the hood is

not completely closed, stop immediately

and close it securely.<

In the engine compartment

Engine compartment

1Reservoir for the headlamp and wind-

shield washer system 83

2Engine oil filler neck 84

3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting 94

4Reservoir for brake fluid 85

5Chassis ground, negative terminal

6Engine oil dipstick 83

7Coolant expansion tank 84

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Washer fluids for washer

systems

Headlamp and windshield washer *

system

Capacity of windshield washer system:

approx. 3.2 quarts/3 liters.

Capacity when equipped with headlamp

washer system: approx. 5.3 quarts/5 liters.

Fill with water and, if required, with an anti-

freeze agent according to the manufac-

turer's recommendations.

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to the

reservoir.<

Antifreeze agents for the washing

systems are highly flammable. For

this reason, keep them away from sources

of flame and store them only in their original

containers. Store them so that they are

inaccessible to children. Comply with the

instructions on the containers.<

Engine oil

Engine oil pressure

The indicator lamp lights up in red:

Stop the vehicle immediately and

switch off the engine. Check the

engine oil level and top off as required. If

the oil level is correct, please contact the

nearest BMW center.

Do not continue driving, as the engine

could sustain serious damage from

inadequate lubrication.<

Engine oil level

The indicator lamp lights up in yel-

low while driving:

The oil level is at the absolute mini-

mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not

drive more than 30 miles/50 km before

refilling.

The indicator lamp lights up in yel-

low after the engine has been

switched off:

Add engine oil at the earliest opportunity,

when you stop to refuel.

Engine oil sensor

The indicator lamp lights up in yel-

low within 20 seconds after the

engine is started:

The oil level sensor is defective. Please

have it checked by a BMW center.

Checking the oil level

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface

2. Switch the engine off after it has

reached normal operating temperature

3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-

stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-

free cloth, paper towel, or similar mate-

rial

4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way

into the guide tube and pull it out again

5. The oil level should be between the two

marks on the dipstick

6. Return the dipstick to the guide tube,

inserting it as far as it will go.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption is

directly influenced by your driving style and

vehicle operating conditions.

In the engine compartment

The oil volume between the two marks on

the dipstick corresponds to approx.

1.1 quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond the

upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will

damage the engine.

Adding engine oil

While you should wait until the level has

dropped to just above the lower mark

before adding oil, you should never allow

the oil level to fall below this mark.

BMW engines are designed to oper-

ate without oil additives; the use of

additives could even lead to damage in

some cases. This also applies to manual

and automatic transmissions and to the dif-

ferential.<

Continuous exposure to used oil has

caused cancer in laboratory tests. For

this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of

skin that come into contact with oil using

soap and water.

Always store oils, grease and similar mate-

rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-

dren. Comply with warning labels and the

information on the containers.<

Comply with the applicable environ-

mental laws regulating the disposal of

used oil.<

Approved engine oils

The quality of the engine oil is extremely

important for the function and life of an

engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW

has approved certain grades of engine oil.

Use approved High Performance Synthetic

Oil.

If you are unable to obtain an approved

High Performance Synthetic Oil, you may

use small volumes of other synthetic oils for

topping up between oil changes. Use only

oils with the specification API SH or higher.

Ask your BMW center for details con-

cerning the specific High Perfor-

mance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils that

have been approved.<

You can also call BMW of North America

toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this

website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this

information.

Coolant

The yellow coolant indicator lamp

lights up:

The coolant level is too low: top up

as soon as possible.

Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-

tem when the engine is hot. If you do,

escaping coolant can cause burns.

Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are

hazardous to health. You should always

store them in their original containers and

in a location inaccessible to children.

Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are

flammable. For this reason, do not spill

them on hot engine parts. They could ignite

and cause burns. Comply with the instruc-

tions on the containers.<

Checking the coolant level

Correct coolant level when the engine is

cold, approx. 68 /20 :7 6

1. Open the cap of the expansion tank by

turning it slightly counterclockwise to

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

allow accumulated pressure to escape,

then open completely

2. The coolant level is correct when the

upper end of the red float is at least

even with the upper edge of the filler

neck but no more than 3/4 in/2 cm

above it, that is up to the second mark

on the float. Refer also to the schematic

diagram next to the filler neck

3. If necessary, add coolant. Slowly add

coolant until the correct level is

reached; do not overfill.

Comply with the applicable environ-

mental laws regulating the disposal of

antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.<

Brake fluid

Indicator lamp

The brake warning lamp lights up

red when the parking brake is not

engaged: the brake fluid level is too

low, refer to page .69

The brake warning lamp for Cana-

dian models lights up red when the

parking brake is not engaged: the

brake fluid level is too low, refer to page 69.

Brake fluid, refilling

Brake fluid loss may result in extended

brake pedal travel. If this occurs, also refer

to the notes on page .69

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it

absorbs moisture from the air over

time.

In order to ensure the brake system's

safety and reliability, have the brake fluid

changed every two years by a BMW center.

Refer also to page 49 and the Service Man-

ual.

Brake fluid is toxic and damages the vehi-

cle's paint. You should always store it in the

closed original container and in a location

inaccessible to children.

Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the brake

fluid reservoir beyond the MAX mark. The

brake fluid could ignite upon contact with

hot engine parts and cause serious

burns.<

Comply with the applicable environ-

mental laws regulating the disposal of

brake fluid.<

Brake fluid level

Low brake fluid level in the reservoir com-

bined with extended pedal travel may indi-

cate a defect in one of the brake system's

hydraulic circuits.

BMW recommends that you proceed

to the nearest BMW center. Higher

brake application pressure may be neces-

sary under these conditions, and braking

distances may be significantly longer.

Please remember to adapt your driving

style accordingly.<

Maintenance

The BMW Maintenance

System

The BMW Maintenance System has been

designed as a reliable means of providing

maximum driving and operating safety, and

as cost-effectively for you as possible.

Please keep in mind that regular mainte-

nance is not only necessary for the safety

of your vehicle, but also plays a significant

role in maintaining the resale value of your

vehicle.

Service interval display

While conventional systems rely on dis-

tance traveled alone to determine when a

service is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-

tem has taken the actual conditions under

which the vehicle is operated into consid-

eration for years, because miles can be

traveled in many different ways:

From a maintenance point of view,

60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in

short-distance urban driving are not the

same as 60,000 miles/100,000 km accu-

mulated at moderate cruising speeds in

long-distance highway travel.

The BMW Maintenance System includes

the Engine Oil Service and Inspections I

and II.

Determining the maintenance intervals

based on the actual loads on the vehicle

covers every kind of operating situation.

Minimal use drivers, who drive fewer than

about 6,200 miles/10,000 km per year,

should nevertheless have the oil changed

at least every 2 years since engine oil dete-

riorates over time, regardless of use.

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet for US models, Warranty and

Service Guide Booklet for Canadian

models

For additional information on required

maintenance intervals and procedures,

please refer to the Service and Warranty

Information Booklet for US models, or the

Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for

Canadian models.

Depending on operating conditions, it may

be advisable to have the body checked for

damage from rocks or gravel as a precau-

tion against corrosion.

BMW recommends that you have your

BMW center perform the mainte-

nance and repair.

Be sure that all maintenance work is

recorded in the Service and Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet for US models, Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian

models. These entries will serve as proof

that the vehicle has received regular main-

tenance.<

Care

Interesting facts about the care of your

vehicle are found in the Caring for your

vehicle brochure.

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility

Laws and regulations

California Proposition 65

warning

California laws require us to state the fol-

lowing warning:

Engine exhaust and a wide variety of

automobile components and parts,

including components found in the interior

furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit

chemicals known to the State of California

to cause cancer and birth defects and

reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-

ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-

ucts of component wear contain or emit

chemicals known to the State of CA to

cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals

and related accessories contain lead and

lead compounds. Wash your hands after

handling. Used engine oil contains chemi-

cals that have caused cancer in laboratory

animals. Always protect your skin by wash-

ing thoroughly with soap and water.<

OBD interface socket

The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface

socket is located on the left of the driver's

side under the instrument panel and under

a cover.

The cover has the letters OBD on it.

The purpose of the OBD system is to

ensure proper operation of the emission

control system for the vehicle's lifetime.

The system monitors emission-related

components and system for deterioration

and malfunction.

If the Service Engine Soon indicator

lamp comes on either continuously

or intermittently, this indicates a

fault in the emissions-related electronic

systems. Although the vehicle remains

operational, you should have the systems

checked by your BMW center at the earli-

est possible opportunity.

The illuminated indicator informs you of the

need for service, not that you need to stop

the vehicle. However, the systems should

be checked by your BMW center at the

next opportunity.

If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-

cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce

speed and contact the nearest BMW center

immediately. Severe engine misfiring over

even a short period of time can seriously

damage emission control system compo-

nents, especially the catalytic converter.

Service Engine Soon warning lamp

for Canadian models.

If the gas cap is not on tight enough,

the OBD system can detect leaking

vapor and the indicator will light up. If the

gas cap is then tightened, the indicator will

usually go out after a short period of time.<

Product specificaties

Merk:	BMW
Categorie:	Auto
Model:	Z4 2.5i (2004)

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