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In the event of an electrical malfunc- tion, you can also operate the sliding/tilt sunroof manually, refer to page 152. After the ignition is switched off, the windows remain operational d with the ignition key at position 1 and
0, or removed, or
d when the front doors are open (max.
15 minutes) or until the front doors are opened for the first time.
Convenient closure* After closing the doors, hold the key in the lock position: the still-open sunroof is closed.
Sliding/tilt sunroof*
Convertible top operation
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aCareless closing can lead to inju- ries. Always remove the key from the ignition when leaving the vehicle.c To avoid unpleasant drafts and pres- sure variations within the passenger compartment, you should keep the inte- rior ventilation outlets open when the sunroof is open and particularly when it is raised, and select a higher blower speed as required.
Manual convertible top operation The fabric top offers perfect weather protection and can be opened and closed simply and quickly by one person. Here are a few tips to ensure that you have a lot of pleasure with your con- vertible: It is advisable to close the top when the vehicle is parked. The closed convertible top not only protects the passenger compartment from unfore- seeable damage from the weather, it also provides a certain degree of theft protection. Even with the top closed, it is always advisable to keep valuables locked in the luggage compartment. Do not mount roof racks on the convert- ible top. Please contact your BMW Retailer for suitable mounting equipment and other accessories. aWhen closing the power windows while driving: always close the rear win- dows first or all four windows simulta- neously, otherwise the windows may not seal tightly at higher speeds.c
Opening convertible top Fold out the unlocking handle and turn it to the end stop. Raise (relax) the top approx. 8 in (20 cm).
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Convertible top operation
Unlock the convertible top storage compartment with the handle in the rear left side panel. bFrom ignition key position 1 or with the door open: If the side windows are closed, they move downward slightly when the convertible top compartment unlocking handle is operated.c aTo prevent damage, it is not possi- ble to unlock the convertible top com- partment with the luggage compartment open.c
Position the rear convertible top bow vertically and hold in place. Raise the convertible top compartment lid some- what and unlock the catch lock by pushing it to the right. Open the con- vertible top compartment lid com- pletely. Lay the rear convertible top bow in the convertible top compartment. Lift the top at the front and also lay down towards the rear. In the process, make sure the rear win- dow is laid down evenly and free of folds. To prevent the rear window from being scratched, a soft cloth should be laid in the window fold.
Close the convertible top compartment lid by pressing down on both sides until they are heard to engage securely. When the convertible top compartment lid is closed, the central locking system is automatically unlocked, i.e., the lug- gage compartment is no longer locked and can be opened again. aIf the convertible top compartment lid is not properly closed, the luggage compartment can not be opened to pre- vent damage. To prevent damage to the convertible top due to the permanent presence of moisture, never fold down the top while wet (also refer to "Car care" starting on page 136).c
Convertible top operation
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Position the rear top bow vertically. Close the convertible top compartment lid by pressing down on both sides until they are heard to engage securely. Fold down the top bow. When the convertible top compartment lid is closed, the central locking system is automatically unlocked, i.e., the lug- gage compartment is no longer locked and can be opened again. Pull the convertible top frame onto the windshield frame with the locking han- dle and lock the top by turning the han- dle until it is heard to engage. The rear convertible top bow is auto- matically pressed onto the convertible top compartment lid and closes water- tight under tension. bIf the convertible top or the rear window begins to flutter at high speeds, increase the air intake via the ventilation control to prevent a vacuum from resulting in the passenger compart- ment.c
Fully automatic convertible top operation* The fully automatic convertible top per- fectly combines extremely simple, com- fortable operation with reliable protec- tion from the elements. Here are a few tips to ensure that you have years of pleasure with your convertible: It is advisable to close the top when the vehicle is parked. The closed top not only protects the passenger compart- ment from unforeseen weather-related damage, it also provides a certain degree of theft protection. Even with the top closed, it is always advisable to keep valuables locked in the luggage compartment. Do not mount roof racks on the convert- ible top. Please contact your BMW Retailer for suitable mounting equip- ment and other accessories. To prevent damage, do not operate the top at temperatures below 325F (06). To protect the battery, it is advisable to operate the top with the engine running when possible.
Closing convertible top Move ignition key into position 1. Unlock and open the convertible top storage compartment. Lift out the top by the side guide piece and the front top frame. bFrom ignition key position 1 or with the door open: If the side windows are closed, they move downward slightly when the convertible top compartment unlocking handle is operated. Move the side windows into the desired position or close them after closing the convert- ible top.c
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Convertible top operation
aThe convertible top operates fully automatically. Assistance with your hand is necessary only as an exception (refer to the note, next column). Only operate the convertible top with the vehicle stopped and do not drive off during operation, as otherwise the pro- cess will be interrupted. A half-opened top can cause damage or injuries. Remove foreign objects from the wind- shield frame before closing the convert- ible top, since these may prevent the top from closing. Do not lay objects on the convertible top. They would fall off during top oper- ation and cause damage or injuries. When closing the power side windows during driving, always close the rear windows first or all four windows simul- taneously, as otherwise the windows may not seal tightly at higher speeds.c
aDo not reach into the convertible top mechanism during opening and closing. Keep children away from the swiveling area of the convertible top during operation. Releasing the operating button for the top immediately interrupts the automat- ic movement. Movement can be contin- ued in the desired direction by pressing the appropriate button.c bIf the convertible top has been stored in the convertible top compart- ment for a longer period, e.g., in the winter when the hardtop is used, it may be necessary to support the first auto- matic closing operation by hand: Should the top come to a stop shortly before the end of the closing phase (still open approx. 8 in/20 cm), reach into the handle depression in the center of the front convertible top frame and briefly support the closing process while pressing the button until it is automati- cally continued.c
Opening and closing 1 To open 2 To close Press the convertible top operating but- ton until the opening or closing process is completed. The indicator lamp (arrow) lights up continuously during convertible top operation. The indicator lamp flashes after releasing the button if the opening or closing process is not yet completed.
Convertible top operation
bThe luggage compartment can not be opened during convertible top oper- ation. The side windows move down slightly when the convertible top operating but- ton is pressed; if you continue to press the button after the indicator lamp goes out, they move up again as soon as the opening process is completed.c aThe side windows must be low- ered slightly during convertible top op- eration. If the convertible top operation is interrupted, do not close the side win- dows with the power window switches. If the opening or closing process is in- terrupted, it may not be possible to open the luggage compartment. To prevent damage from continuous dampness, never fold down the convert- ible top when wet.c
Convenience closing with the driver's door lock Hold the key in the "lock" position with the door closed. The windows/sunroof stop moving immediately when you release the key. bAt higher speeds, low air pressure in the passenger compartment can cause the convertible top or the rear window to begin to flutter. Increase the air intake via the ventilation control to prevent low pressure from resulting in the passenger compartment.c
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Closing convertible top manually when electrical operation fails bManual closing is best carried out from outside the vehicle with the driver's door open and the driver's seat folded forward. The rear seat bench must not be occupied while doing so.c 1 Raise the left rear seat. Pull out the
strap until resistance is felt. Now con- tinue to pull firmly (two audible clicks) to disengage the drives for the con- vertible top and convertible top com- partment lid.
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Convertible top operation
2 Open the convertible top compart- ment lid up to the stop with the lug- gage compartment closed.
3 Grasp the convertible top on the lat-
eral guide section and on the front soft-top frame and lift it out (arrow). Position the rear convertible top bow vertically and close the convertible top compartment lid. Now fold down the rear convertible top bow.
4 Place a screwdriver at the middle of the cover on the front convertible top frame, and pry it out of its recess.
5 Using the doubly bent allen key from
the onboard tool kit, place it in the internal hexagon (arrrow).
6 The closing process is continued by turning to the left; turn until the front convertible top frame is locked to the windshield frame. The rear convertible top frame is automatically pressed onto the convertible top compartment lid and closes watertight under ten- sion.
To eliminate the malfunction and re- engage the drives, please see your BMW Retailer. aNever open the convertible top manually in case of an electrical mal- function. The convertible top compart- ment lid can not be locked and would open during driving.c bPlease follow the instructions for cleaning and care of the convertible top in your Owner’s manual from page 136.c
Seats
Longitudinal adjustment Pull lever 1 and slide seat into desired position. After releasing the lever, make sure that the locking device engages properly. Height adjustment Pull lever 2 and load or relieve seat as required.
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Backrest angle Pull lever and load or relieve as required. bYou can reduce the load on your spinal column by sitting all the way back in the seat with your back pressed firmly against the backrest. Ideal sitting posture is achieved with your head extending from your spine in a straight line. For long-distance driving, you may wish to increase the backrest angle slightly to reduce muscular tension. Please remember that you should always remain able grasp the entire periphery of the steering wheel without straight- ening your arms.c
Front headrests Adjust height by pulling out or pushing in. Adjust angle by swiveling. Remove and install the front headrests Pull the headrests upward until they stop. With a forceful jerk, pull the headrests out of their supports in the backrests. Rear head restraints Adjust height by pulling out or pushing in.
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Seats
aHead restraints reduce the risk of neck injuries. Always position the head restraint so that it is centered roughly at ear level. Never try to adjust your seat while oper- ating the vehicle. The seat could re- spond by moving in a way that you had not anticipated, causing you to lose control of the vehicle which could lead to an accident. The front passenger should not move the backrest into the "reclined" position during driving. While driving, both the driver and the front passenger should keep the back- rest relatively upright. Otherwise there is a danger of the occupants "sliding through" the belt in the event of an acci- dent, thus considerably reducing the protective effect of the belt (see also safety precautions in the "Safety belts" section, page 47).c
BMW Sports Seat* Additional adjustments for seat tilt and thigh support. Angle adjustment Pull lever 1 and move seat as required. Thigh support adjustment Pull lever 2 and slide front section of seat into the desired position.
Electrical seat adjustment* 1 Angle adjustment 2 Longitudinal adjustment 3 Height adjustment 4 Backrest angle The tilt angle of the head restraints - and on the BMW Sports Seat also the thigh support - is adjusted manually.
Seats
Adjusting steering wheel*
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Lumbar support* Adjust the curvature as desired with the rocker switch. You can adjust the backrest's contour for additional support in the curvature of your spine's lumbar region. The upper hips and spinal column receive supplementary support to help you maintain a relaxed, upright posture.
Releasing backrest* Pull up lever: the backrest can now be folded forward. The outer levers also serve as a storage point for the seat belt (not on BMW Convertible). aThe front seat backrests must al- ways be locked during driving.c
d Pull out clamping lever. d Adjust steering wheel tilt for your
seating position.
d Push the lever back in to clamp the steering wheel in the new position. aNever adjust the steering wheel while driving – accident danger.c
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Mirrors
Exterior mirrors 1 Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment. 2 Switch for changing to the other
mirror:
d Push switch to left – driver's mirror. d Push switch to right – passenger's
mirror.
You can also adjust the mirrors manu- ally by pressing against the outer edges of the lens.
aThe mirror on the passenger's side features a lens with a more convex cur- vature than the mirror installed on the driver's door. When estimating the dis- tance between yourself and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects reflected in the mirror are closer than they appear. This means that estimations of the dis- tance to following traffic should not be regarded as precise.c Electric heaters Both mirrors are heated automatically corresponding to the outside tempera- ture with the ignition key in position 2.
Inside rearview mirror To reduce glare from behind during night driving: tilt small lever to dimmed position. Lighted make-up mirror Fold down the sun visor, slide the cover panel to the side. The mirror lamps operate from ignition key position 1 onward. Sun visors These can be folded down toward the windshield or swiveled out against the side windows.
Safety belts
The safety belt can be adjusted individ- ually to different body sizes with the belt height adjustment: Downward adjustment (1): Push button downward. Upward adjustment (2): Grasp deflection fitting on ribbed side sections and slide upward.
Always fasten your seat belt before starting off. To fasten: make sure you hear the catch engage in the belt buckle. To release: press the red button in the buckle, hold the belt and guide it back into its reel. The safety belt inertial mechanism locks: d in a sudden stop or crash d when you pull it sharply d during abrupt braking and
acceleration
d in curves d when the vehicle is at an
extreme angle.
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aFor your own safety, please ob- serve the following when putting on the safety belt, otherwise its protective function may be impaired. Also ensure that the other occupants follow these in- structions. Never allow more than one person to wear a single safety belt. Never allow in- fants or small children to ride in a pas- senger's lap. Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly across the hips and shoulder. Do not allow the belt to rest against hard or fragile objects in your pockets. The safety belt must not run across the wearer's neck, nor should it be trapped or abraded by coming into contact with sharp edges or objects. The belt should rest as firmly as possible against your body You should avoid wearing clothing that prevents it from doing so. Pull the belt periodically to re- tention it across your shoulder. In the event of a frontal collision, a loose lap belt could slide over your hips, leading to abdominal injury. Due to the in- creased distance between belt and body, there would also be a delay before restraint becomes effective.
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Safety belts
Child restraint system
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 abdominal area. Never attempt to modify the safety belts.c For care instructions refer to page 134.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint system in the front passenger's seat! Never attempt to modify either the safety belts or any child restraint sys- tem. Should the safety belts be damaged or stretched in an accident, the entire belt system - including safety belt tension- ers - must be replaced and the anchor- ing mounts inspected at a BMW Retailer. If the safety belt tensioner has been activated, a distance of roughly 0.8 in (20 mm) will remain between the safety belt lock and the tensioner module.
Installing child restraints To install and secure child restraint sys- tems, all rear safety belts (and the front passenger's safety belt) are equipped with a special locking mode. A label with operating instructions is attached to the belt next to the latch plate. To lock the belt Extract the entire length of the belt from the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the reel to retract the belt somewhat and engage the buckle, then tighten the belt against the child restraint system. The retraction mechanism is now locked. Always observe the installation instruc- tions provided by the manufacturer of the child restraint system.
Child restraint system
Installing child seats
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To release the belt Release the buckle, remove the child restraint device and allow the inertia reel to retract the belt completely. bPlease also make this information available to your passengers and urge them to observe the instructions for safety belt use.c For care instructions refer to page 134.
All passengers, and especially children, should use a restraint device when riding in the car. Infants or small children should never be permitted to ride on a passenger's lap. Children should always sit in the rear seat and use, depending on age, either a child restraint system or the safety belts installed in the vehicle. Accident statistics have shown that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats than when riding in the front. Infants and toddlers should be secured with a child restraint system appropri- ate for their size. Children of six years and older should wear safety belts.
BMW Sedan/Coupe
Commercially available child seats complying with legal standards are designed to be secured using either a lap belt or a combined lap-shoulder belt. Because improperly installed restraint systems can increase the risk of injury to children, we strongly urge you to carefully read and follow the instructions supplied with the system. Should the child restraint system of your choice require the use of a securing or tether strap, note that three anchoring points (arrows) have been provided for mounting it in your vehicle. Ask your BMW Retailer to perform the necessary installation work.
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Installing child seats
Airbags
precautions should be taken. First, move the passenger seat as far away from the dashboard as possible. This important precaution is intended to maximize the distance between the air- bag and the child. Older children should be tightly secured with the safety belt. Younger children should be secured in an appropriate forward-facing child restraint system that has first been properly secured with a safety belt. We strongly urge you to carefully read and observe the instructions for instal- lation and use provided by the child re- straint's manufacturer whenever you use such a device. Always ensure that all occupants (of all ages) remain properly and securely restrained at all times.c All rear seating positions in your vehicle meet the recommendations of SAE J1819, an industry recommended prac- tice for securing child restraint systems in motor vehicles.
aBefore install- ing any child re- straint device or child seat, please read the follow- ing:
Never install a rearward-facing child restraint system in the front passenger seat of this car. Your car is equipped with an airbag supplemental restraint system for the front passenger. Because the backrest on any rear-facing child restraint sys- tem (of the kind designed for infants under 1 year and 20 lbs.) would be within the airbag's deployment range, you should never mount such a device in the front passenger seat, as the impact of the airbag against the child restraint's backrest could lead to seri- ous or fatal injuries. If it is necessary for a child (not an infant) to ride in the front seat, certain
1 Front airbag system, consisting of
driver and passenger airbag
2 Side airbags* Protective effect The front airbags provide additional protection for the front-seat occupants in the event of a severe frontal collision in which the protection afforded by the safety belts alone would no longer be sufficient. The side airbags help protect the front seat occupants in a severe side impact.
Airbags
The airbags are triggered by impacts coming from the directions shown in the illustration. Note that the supple- mentary protection against lateral impact is available only on vehicles equipped with optional door-mounted airbags. Indicator lamp in instrument cluster
p The indicator lamp comes on from
ignition key position 1 to indicate that the system is operational.
System operational: d The indicator lamp comes on briefly. System malfunction: d The indicator lamp fails to come on.
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d Indicator lamp lights up for approx.
4 seconds, goes out briefly and then lights up again.
A system malfunction could prevent the system from responding to an impact occurring within its normal response range. Please have your authorized BMW Retailer inspect and repair the system as soon as possible. aFor your own safety, please ob- serve the following precautions con- cerning airbags, as otherwise their protective function may be impaired. We also request that you make this informa- tion available to your passengers, and that you urge them to observe the in- structions for safety belt use: the air- bags are a supplemental restraint device designed to provide extra pro- tection; they are not a substitute for safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all times. The system does not respond to minor collisions, if the vehicle rolls over, or if the impact is at the rear of the vehi- cle. In this situation, only the safety belt protects you. When adjusting your seat, select a posi- tion that provides maximum distance between you and the steering wheel, the
instrument panel and the door while still allowing comfortable and safe access to all vehicle controls. Always grip the steering wheel on its rim with your hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, otherwise hand and arm inju- ries could occur when the airbag inflates. Never allow any objects to obstruct the area between the airbag and the driver/ passenger. Do not use the cover panel above the passenger-side airbag as a storage area. Do not glue, cover or in any way alter the padded covers on the steering wheel, the instrument panel or the side trim panels of the front doors. Do not install a rear-facing child re- straint device on the front passenger seat. Children under 12 years of age should only sit in the back.c Even when all these guidelines are observed, there is still a residual risk of mild facial injuries occurring in isolated instances of airbag actuation. The igni- tion and inflation noise may induce a mild temporary hearing loss in sensitive individuals. Airbag information is also located on the sun visors.
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Airbags
Child-safety locks
Rollover protection system*
Notes on safety Never attempt to remove the gas gener- ator for the airbag passenger-restraint system from the vehicle. Testing and service procedures are to be performed exclusively by qualified technicians. In the event of malfunction, deactivation or triggering (in response to an acci- dent), always entrust repair and service operations to your authorized BMW Retailer. Do not modify or tamper with either the wiring or the individual components in the airbag system; these include also the padded covers on the steering wheel, on the instrument panel or on the side trim panels of the front doors. Never apply adhesive materials to these components and never cover or modify them in any way. Do not remove or dis- mantle the steering wheel. The airbag generator can be disposed of only by a BMW Retailer. Unprofessional attempts to service the system could lead to failure in an emer- gency or undesired airbag activation, either of which could result in personal injury.
BMW Sedan
Insert the key in the slot in one of the rear door latch mechanisms and turn toward the outside: the door can now be opened from the outside only.
The rollover protection system is acti- vated automatically in the event of an accident or in a critical driving situation (extreme tilting in the longitudinal or lat- eral axis, loss of ground contact). The protective bars located behind the rear head restraints extend within a fraction of a second. In addition to the roll bar integrated in the windshield frame, the rollover pro- tection system helps provide all vehicle occupants, and in particular the rear passengers, with needed headroom. bWhen the hardtop* is on, it is advisable to use "soft" protective cov- ers, in order to prevent damage to the luggage compartment lid when the sys- tem is activated. Please contact your authorized BMW Retailer for additional information.c aAlways keep the space required by the rollover protection system free of obstacles. In the case of minor, non-rollover acci- dents, passengers are protected only by the buckled safety belt and the belt ten- sioner and, depending on the severity of the accident, the airbag restraint sys- tem.c
Rollover protection system* – Convertible
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Following an unforeseen, automatic extension, the rollover protection sys- tem can be lowered again. To do this, remove the screwdriver han- dle and the special tool (stored on the socket wrench) from the onboard tool kit and push them together. d Pull out the head restraint upward. d Remove the protective cap upward
from the protective bar.
d Push the special tool into the guide of the click-and-pawl mechanism as far as possible (handle rests on the backrest) and hold in place.
d Gently press down the protective bar
until the special tool is loose.
d Pull out the special tool and press down the protective bar completely until it audibly engages.
d Remount the protective cap on the
protective bar and push on firmly. d Push in the head restraint again.
Follow the same procedure for the sec- ond protective bar. Have the rollover protection system checked by a BMW Retailer. aThe opened convertible top can not be closed with the rollover protection system extended.c Notes on safety No changes should be made to the indi- vidual components of the rollover pro- tection system or to its wiring. All work on the rollover protection sys- tem must be carried out by a BMW Retailer. Work carried out incorrectly may lead to the failure or an accidental triggering of the system. To check the system and to ensure its long-term operation, it is imperative that you observe the maintenance intervals of the Service Interval Display. The roll- over protection system must be in- spected every 2 years at the latest by a BMW Retailer.
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Steering/ignition lock
0 Steering lock engaged The key can only be inserted and removed in this position. After extracting the key, turn the steer- ing wheel a small amount to the left or right until you hear the lock engage. Your vehicle is equipped with an inter- lock; this means that the ignition key can not be turned into position 0 and removed until the selector lever is in position P. Furthermore, the selector lever is locked in position P when the ignition key is in position 0 or removed from the ignition switch. To turn the key back into position 0 or remove it, move the selector lever into position P first.
1 Steering lock disengaged You will often find that it is easier to turn the ignition key from position 0 to 1 if you move the steering wheel slightly to help disengage the lock. 2 Ignition on All electrical equipment and accesso- ries are available for use. 3 Starter activation bVehicles with manual transmis- sion: depress the clutch pedal while you turn on the ignition, otherwise a blocking system will prevent the engine from starting.c
Starting the engine
Before starting d Apply the parking brake. d The manual-shift gear lever should
be in neutral; the automatic transmis- sion selector lever should be in P or N.
d At low temperatures keep the clutch
pedal depressed.
d Start the engine without depressing
the accelerator.
bDo not operate the starter too briefly, but not longer than approx. 20 seconds. Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts. Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, drive off immediately at a moderate engine speed.c Should the engine fail to start on the first attempt, e.g., if it is very hot or cold: d Stop and pause briefly before repeat-
ing the starting procedure. This pre- vents the spark plugs from becoming damp.
d Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Starting the engine
Switching off the engine
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Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0. aAlways remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock before leaving the vehicle. Vehicles with manual transmission: Always engage the parking brake when parking on slopes and inclined surfaces, since selecting 1st gear or reverse may not provide adequate resistance to roll- ing. Vehicles with automatic transmission: Place the selector lever in Park.c
When starting a cold engine at extreme- ly low temperatures (+55F/-156 or be- low) or at high altitudes (above 3,300 ft./ 1,000 meters), proceed as follows: d At the first attempt, keep the starter
engaged for a bit longer (approx. 10 seconds).
d Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter. If you operate the vehicle for longer periods of time at high altitudes and very low temperatures, put into the engine an oil with a viscosity of 5W–30 (refer to page 126). Please contact your authorized BMW Retailer for additional information. aNever allow the engine to run with the vehicle standing in an enclosed ar- ea. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas. Breathing the ex- haust gases poses an extreme health risk, and can lead to unconsciousness and death. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, as such a vehicle represents a serious potential safety hazard.c
To avoid corrosion, apply the parking brake lightly from time to time when coasting to a standstill, e.g., at a traffic signal, provided that it is safe to do so.
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Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked, and acts on the rear wheels. aShould exceptional circumstances make it necessary to engage the brake with the vehicle in motion, do not apply excessive pressure. Keep your thumb pressed against the release button while carefully pulling up the lever to apply moderate pressure. Excessive pressure can lead to over- braking and loss of traction (fishtailing) at the rear. 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 surfaces, since selecting 1st gear or reverse may not provide adequate resistance to rolling. Vehicles with automatic transmission: Place the selector lever in "Park".c
To engage The lock engages automatically when you lift the lever. The "P" indicator lamp appears in the instrument cluster when you turn the ignition key to position 2 (refer to page 21). To release Pull up on the lever, then press the release button and lower the lever.
Manual transmission
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Reverse Select only with the vehicle stationary. Press the shift lever to the left to over- come the slight resistance. Backup lamps As you do this the backup lamps will turn on automatically when the ignition key is in position 2. aDo not "ride" the clutch to hold the vehicle in place on slopes; use the park- ing brake instead. A slipping clutch in- creases clutch wear.c
The shift lever's neutral plane (dot in the illustration) is located between 3rd and 4th gears Whenever you shift from any gear into "Neutral", the shift lever will automati- cally return to the specified gear plane.
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Automatic transmission*
Selector lever positions P R N D 3 2 1
Shift programs Switch: d A (Automatic) d M (Manual) Shift lever in position 3: d Sport program See next page for an explanation of the programs.Range selection A lock prevents inadvertent shifts into certain selector lever positions. To re- lease the shift-lock mechanism, press the button on the front side of the se- lector handle (arrow). The engine can only be started in selec- tor lever position P or N. bYou must step on the footbrake with the vehicle stationary before the selector lever will move out of P or N. The footbrake must also be depressed before selecting a drive position, since the vehicle "creeps" in idle when a drive position is engaged. At engine speeds of over 2500 rpm a lock also prevents shifting out of P or N.c However, it is possible to "rock" the car free by shifting rapidly between D and R, e.g., should you get stuck in deep snow or sand.
aPlace the selector lever in position P or N and firmly engage the parking brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine running, otherwise the vehicle could roll. Never leave the vehicle unat- tended with the engine running, since such a vehicle represents a serious po- tential safety hazard. If you should accidentally select Neutral while traveling at high speed, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal im- mediately. Wait until the engine is at idle speed; only then should you select a gear, otherwise the transmission could be damaged.c P - Park Select only with the vehicle stationary. Transmission locks to prevent rear wheels from turning. R - Reverse Select only with the vehicle stationary. N - Neutral Select only if your journey is interrupted for a longer period. Select while the car is being driven only if the vehicle begins to skid.
Automatic transmission*
D - Drive (automatic shift program) This position is designed for driving under all normal operating conditions. All forward gears are selected by the transmission as necessary. 3 - Sport Program, direct control This position is designed for perfor- mance-oriented driving, and features delayed upshifts for optimal utilization of the vehicle's power reserves. When D is engaged, the transmission may respond to certain conditions by repeatedly shifting between 3rd and 4th gears. You can select this position to suppress upshifts into 4th gear and pre- vent the transmission from "hunting" in this way.
2 and 1 - Mountain ascents and engine braking Select these positions to prevent un- desired shifts on mountain roads or extended uphill and downhill stretches. These ranges let you use the engine's braking effect to maximum advantage. The transmission upshifts only as far as the selected gear (1st or 2nd). Do not move the selector lever to either of these positions when traveling at speeds of 108 mph (170 km/h) or above. The transmission downshifts only at correspondingly low speeds. "Kickdown" (automatic downshift) To obtain maximum acceleration, the accelerator pedal can be depressed beyond the normal to the full-throttle position, at which a pressure point must be overcome.
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Shift programs A - Automatic program For economical driving. This is the initial position each time the engine is started. M - Manual program This program is for driving conditions under which the selected gear is to be retained. The transmission then remains in this gear both when starting off and during acceleration. With this program you drive only in 3rd gear in position D. It is advantageous, e.g., on slopes or when towing a trailer, to drive in selec- tor lever position 1 or 2, or in winter on slippery roads in selector lever position 3, which enables gentle starts and pre- vents undesirable shifting.
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Automatic transmission*
Indicator lamp for shift electronics
O Goes out after the engine has
started.
d If the lamp fails to go out or d if it lights up during driving, there is a malfunction in the shifting electronics or in the transmission.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select trans- mission position "P", set the parking brake and turn the engine off (ignition key to position 0). Wait a few seconds, then start the engine. If the indicator lamp goes out after a few seconds, normal transmission per- formance has been restored. Drive off normally. If the indicator lamp does not go out, all selector lever positions can still be selected, however in the forward posi- tions the vehicle has limited perfor- mances as it drives only in the 3rd or 4th gear. If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads and consult the nearest autho- rized BMW Retailer.
Turn signals/high beam
aNever carry out any work in the engine compartment without first ensuring that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. Never leave children in the vehicle unattended.c For information on tow-starting, towing and jump starting refer to pages 153 and 154.
1 High beam (blue indicator lamp) 2 Headlamp flasher 3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
lamp and rhythmic ticking of the blinker relay).
Flashing of the indicator lamp and tick- ing faster than normal: a turn-indicator lamp is defective. To signal briefly Press the lever up to but not beyond the lock.
61
aDo not use the washers when there is a danger of the fluid freezing on the windshield, as otherwise your vision could be obscured. Use antifreeze (refer to page 124). Do not use the washers when the reser- voir is empty, otherwise damage to the washer pump could result.c Windshield washer jets* The windshield washer jets are auto- matically heated with the ignition key in position 2.
Wiper/washer system
0 Wipers retracted 1 Intermittent wipe 2 Normal wipe 3 Fast wipe 4 Brief wipe 5 Automatic windshield washer
1 Intermittent wipe The length of the interval is varied auto- matically according to the car's actual road speed. The headlamp cleaning equipment* can also influence this interval. d Shift briefly out of 0 into 1, and back
to 0.
d The time lapse until the switching on (out of 0 into 1) is the desired interval (maximum 25 seconds).
Delete the programming: d approx. 10 seconds after the lever is
in position 0 or
d after switching off the engine. 2 Normal wipe The wipers automatically revert to inter- mittent operation when the vehicle is stationary.
