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When there is water on the roads, do not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm). If the water is at that depth, drive only at walking speed, otherwise the vehicle can sustain damage to the engine, the electrical systems and the transmission. Roll-up cover (coupe): Never use the roll-up cover to store heavy or bulky objects. If you do so, such objects could injure vehicle occu- pants during braking and evasive maneuvers or in a crash. Clothes hook (coupe): Hang items of clothing on the hooks in such a manner that they do not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so, they could cause personal injury during braking and evasive maneuvers or in a crash, for example.<
87n
88nCatalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces harmful exhaust emissions. It is designed for use with unleaded fuel only. Even minute quantities of lead would be enough to permanently damage both the catalytic converter and the system's oxygen sensor. To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine operation and to avoid potential damage: > Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements.
> Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
> Tow-start the vehicle only when the
engine is cold. Tow-starting when the engine is warm could cause unburned fuel to ignite to the catalytic converter, resulting in significant damage. It is better to start the vehicle with an outside starting aid.
> Avoid any other situations in which the fuel would not be (completely) burned, for instance: Frequent or consecutive extended starting attempts or repeated starting attempts when the engine fails to start. (Shutting down and restarting an engine which is running properly does not present a problem.) Never let the engine run with any of the spark plug connectors discon- nected.
Be sure to comply with the instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata- lytic converter. This could cause over- heating, leading to serious damage to the catalytic converter. Extreme temperatures occur at the catalytic converter on this and every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields are installed adjacent to some sections of the exhaust system. Never remove these shields; do not apply under- coating to their surfaces. When driving, standing while the engine is idling, or when parking, be careful to avoid contact between the hot exhaust system and easily-flammable materials (hay, dry grass, leaves, etc.). Such contact could cause a fire, resulting in personal injuries and property damage.<
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
89n
The concept ABS increases active safety by preventing the wheels from locking when braking. The reason: locked wheels are dangerous. When the front wheels slide, the driver loses steering control over the vehicle. Traction loss at the rear wheels can cause the rear end to break into an uncontrolled skid. The system can achieve the shortest braking distances possible under most conditions (on straight-aways, in curves and on various road surfaces.). ABS is designed to meet two essential requirements during every brake appli- cation: > To help provide vehicle stability. > Assured ability to steer and maneuver on the various road surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt, wet conditions, snow and ice).
Braking with ABS The system is operative once the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx. 6 mph (10 km/h). It is inactive once again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h). Therefore, the wheels could theoreti- cally tend to lock in the final phase of a braking action, but this is insignificant in actual practice. 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"). Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit cycles in fractions of a second. The pulsation at the brake pedal, together with sounds generated by the hydraulic control system, indicate to you that the vehicle is approaching its maximum braking range. It is a reminder to you that you must adapt the vehicle's road speed to existing road conditions. On road surfaces that have a loose surface layer on a firm base with good traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow, for example), braking distances may be longer than with locked wheels. This also applies for driving with snow chains. However, ABS continues to provide enhanced vehicle stability and steering response under these condi- tions.
90nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
In the event of a malfunction
The ABS warning lamp comes on, refer to page 22. The brake system then reverts to conven- tional operation as on vehicles without ABS. However, have the brake system checked by your
BMW center as soon as possible. To prevent undetected defects and cumu- lative faults from adversely affecting the brake system, refer any problems to your BMW center at the earliest oppor- tunity.
If the red warning lamp for the brake hydraulic system comes on together with the yellow indi- cator lamps for ABS and DSC (refer to page 21), the entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Continue to drive cautiously and defensively. Avoid full brake applications because the vehicle could become unstable and go out of control. Have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible.
Warning lamps for Canadian models.
Information for your safety Not even ABS can suspend the laws of physics. ABS alone cannot prevent accidents if the brakes are applied without an adequate, safe distance between vehicles or if the speed limit has been exceeded. Nor can it prevent the hazards of aquaplaning. Responsi- bility for these types of situations remains in the hands (and at the feet) of the driver. You should never allow the added safety of ABS to lull you into a false sense of security, or mislead you into taking increased risks that could affect your own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be performed by authorized technicians only.<
Antilock Brake System (ABS)/ Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering feature of the ABS. When braking while cornering at high speed or braking during high lateral acceleration, or when braking during a lane change, vehicle stability is improved and steering response is enhanced.
Disc brakes
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Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera- tion and braking control and greater fade resistance under heavy use. When the vehicle is driven only occa- sionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, or in oper- ating conditions where brake applica- tions are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion of the discs and accumulation of contamina- tion on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimal pressure which must be exerted by the pads to clean the discs by brake applications is not reached. If the brake discs are corroded, they will tend to respond to braking with a pulsating effect which even extended application will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only brake pads that BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non- approved brake pads to determine if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle in the event of their use.<
Driving notes While driving in wet conditions and in heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light pressure to the brake pedal every few miles – watch traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this braking process helps dry the brake pads and discs. Maximum braking force is obtained while the wheels continue to rotate, peaking when the wheels remain on the verge of locking without actually doing so. ABS maintains this state automati- cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert to the staggered braking technique described on page 94. Extended or steep mountain descents should be driven in the gear in which only minimal periodic brake application is required. This avoids excessive strain on the brakes and possible impairment of the braking effect. You can increase the engine's braking effect by selecting progressively lower gears, downshifting into first gear, if necessary.
Should engine braking prove inade- quate, you should still avoid extended, continuous braking. Instead, decelerate the vehicle with increased pressure on the brake pedal (watch for following traffic!), release the pedal and then repeat the brake application (staggered braking). This staggered braking tech- nique allows the brakes to cool in the intervals between active braking phases, preventing overheating and ensuring that full braking capacity remains available at all times.
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch depressed, with the shift
lever in neutral or with the engine shut off. The engine provides no braking control when the transmission is in neutral and there is no power assist for braking and steering when the engine is shut off. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals and obstruct their move- ment.<
92nBrake system
Brake fluid level
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the hydraulic brake system comes on: The brake fluid level is too low in the reservoir (refer to page 112). If the brake fluid level is too low
The warning lamp for the brake pads comes on: The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed to the nearest BMW center as soon as possible to have the pads replaced.
and brake pedal travel is noticeably longer, there may be a defect in one of the two hydraulic brake circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these conditions, and brake pedal travel may be significantly longer. Please remember to adapt your driving style accordingly.<
For your own safety: use only brake pads that BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non- approved brake pads to determine if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle in the event of their use.<
Winter operation
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The onset of winter is often accompa- nied by rapid changes in weather. Adaptations in driving style should be accompanied by preparations on the vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle operation through the winter remains safe and trouble-free.
Rubber seals and components In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW rubber treatment or silicone spray to weather-stripping on the doors, hood, luggage compartment and to convert- ible top seals.
Coolant Ensure that the coolant contains the year-round 50:50 ratio of water and antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This mixture provides protection against freezing down to approx. –34 7 (–37 6). Replace the coolant every three years.
Locks BMW door lock deicer can be used to free the doors if they are frozen. This deicer also contains lubricant. After using deicer, treatment with BMW lock cylinder grease is recommended.
A full range of car-care products is available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains Mount the BMW snow chains* only in pairs on the rear wheels only. Comply with the manufacturer's safety precau- tions. Do not exceed a speed limit of 30 mph (50 km/h) when driving with chains. As an exception in this situa- tion, we recommend that you deacti- vate the DSC and RDW when snow chains are mounted. Refer to page 65 or page 67.
Starting off When starting from a full stop or "rocking" free in deep snow, we recom- mend that you deactivate the DSC system. Refer to page 65.
Driving on low-traction road surfaces Use smooth, gentle pressure to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive engine speeds and shift to the next higher gear at an early point. Shift down into the next lowest gear when approaching uphill or downhill grades. Maintain an adequate distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
Braking Winter road conditions substantially reduce the traction available between the tires and the road surface. Remember that – in every situation – braking distances will be significantly longer as a result of this. ABS is intended to prevent the wheels from locking during brake applications, thus helping to maintain vehicle stability and steering response.
Power steering
Changes in steering response (high steering effort, for example): Consult a BMW center to have the system checked.
If the power steering fails, increased effort will be required
to steer the vehicle.<
94nWinter operation
If it should occur that the ABS does not respond in a critical braking situation and the wheels lock: reduce the pres- sure on the brake pedal until the wheels just start to roll again while still main- taining enough force to continue braking. Following that, increase pedal pressure again. Reduce the pressure as the wheels lock, then reapply pressure. Repeat this process. This type of staggered braking will lower the braking distance, and the vehicle still remains responsive to steering. You can still attempt to steer around hazards once you have reduced the pressure on the brake pedal.
Skid control Depress the clutch pedal and release the accelerator pedal. Countersteer carefully and attempt to regain control of the vehicle.
Parking Engage 1st or reverse gear. Depending on the steepness of the incline, you can apply the parking brake as well. In order to prevent the parking brake pads from locking due to frost or corrosion, dry them by gently applying the parking brake as the vehicle is coming to a stop. Make sure that following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light up when the parking brake is
applied.<
Do not shift down on slick road surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and skid, which could result in the loss of vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch pedal during hard braking on road surfaces
which provide only poor or uneven trac- tion.<
Cellular phone*
Radio reception
95n
Whenever necessary (when entering a car wash, for instance), remove the rod antenna* (refer also to page 116). To remove the antenna, grasp the rod at the bottom and unscrew it to the left from the antenna base.<
You will find additional information concerning radio reception in the chapter "Advanced technology" on page 150.
Mobile communications systems (cellular phones, two-way radios, etc.) are approved only up to a power output of 10 watts. Nonetheless, they may cause interference in the operation of your vehicle if they are not specifically designed for use in your vehicle. BMW can neither test nor assume responsi- bility for every individual product being offered on the market. We recommend that you consult your BMW center before purchasing any device of this kind. To ensure that your BMW continues to provide reliable and trouble-free opera- tion, refrain from using a cellular phone or other radio device with an antenna located inside the passenger compart- ment. The antenna should always be fitted on the outside of the vehicle.
Before loading the vehicle on a car-carrier train or driving it
through a car wash, remove the antenna.<
The reception and sound quality obtained from mobile radios varies according to a variety of factors, including the broadcast range of the transmitter and the directional orienta- tion of the antenna. Interference factors such as high- tension power lines, buildings and natural obstructions can all lead to unavoidable reception interference, regardless of how well the vehicle's sound system is operating. Climatic factors such as intense solar radiation, fog, rain and snow can also interfere with reception. Cellular phones without official BMW approval can also generate interference during use. This phenomenon assumes the form of a low-pitched hum emanating from the speaker system. Please refer to the Owner's Manual provided with your sound system for detailed information on its use.
96nHardtop* – roadster
The fabric top does not have to be removed even in winter, when the hardtop is normally in constant use. In order to prevent water spots and mildew stains, the fabric top must be completely dry before it is stored in the convertible top compartment. Two people are necessary for the installation and removal of the hardtop. Work with extreme caution during this operation to avoid paint damage and damage to the body and hardtop. You may purchase a Hardtop lift* from your BMW center. This accessory is especially designed to facilitate installa- tion and removal of the hardtop.
Installation Hook the protective fabric on the convertible top linkage (arrow). Open the convertible top and fold it down in the convertible top compart- ment. Refer to pages 37 and 41. When doing this, make sure the rear window is laid down evenly and free of creases. To prevent the rear window from being scratched, position the protective fabric in the window fold. Do not install the convertible top cover. Lower the side windows and remove the rod antenna if necessary to avoid damage.
Rotate the cover panel which is located in the right and left trim panels behind the seats in the direction of the arrow until the opening for the hardtop mount is completely free. Remove the hardtop from the protec- tive cover. Clean any dirt and dust from the contact surfaces between the hardtop and the vehicle body in order to protect against abrasion. Position the hardtop on the mounts with the assistance of a second person.
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Removal Reverse the above procedure for removal of the hardtop.
The two screws of the front hardtop fasteners remain perma- nently in the windshield frame of your vehicle to prevent their loss.<
Following the initial delivery of the vehicle, or after the hardtop has been in use for an extended period, closing the convertible top requires increased effort. You may find this operation easier with the assistance of a second person. Following that, the convertible top should remain closed for at least 12 hours.
Hardtop* – roadster
Using the wrench from the onboard tool kit (fastened to the jack with a Velcro® strip), turn the screw (arrow) two to three turns into the windshield frame on the right and left sides.
Turn the right and left locking levers of the rear hardtop mounting fasteners in the direction of the arrow to the stop.
The rear mounting fasteners are locked correctly when the locking levers engage audibly and point to the rear of the vehicle.<
Finally, tighten the screws in the wind- shield frame (refer to the left column) and secure the wrench in the onboard tool kit.
After you have driven approx. 30 to 60 miles (50 to 100 km),
check the front hardtop fasteners to be sure that they are seated securely.<
98n
Tire inflation pressure
Tire condition
Information for your safety The factory-approved radial tires are matched to your vehicle and have been selected to provide optimum safety and driving comfort on your vehicle. In a very real sense, tire life, driving comfort and your own safety are riding on correct tire specifications and infla- tion pressures.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road- holding ability of your BMW. Check tire inflation pressures regularly (refer to page 26), at least every two weeks and before you begin an extended journey. If this is not done, incorrect tire pres- sures may cause unstable driving, tire damage and accidents.<
Never continue driving on a deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and braking response, and can lead to complete loss of control over the vehicle. Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading causes over- heating and damage inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden inflation pressure loss. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate a flat tire or some other vehicle defect, as can variations in normal vehicle response, such as a pronounced tendency to pull to the left or right. Should this occur, respond by reducing your speed immediately. Drive carefully to the nearest BMW center or profes- sional tire dealer, or have the vehicle towed in to have it and its tires inspected. Tire damage (up to and including sudden and complete inflation pressure loss) can pose an extreme hazard for both vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Tire tread – Tire damage Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread pattern depth. The tread pattern depth should be at least 0.12 in (3 mm), although the legally permissible minimum tread pattern depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Wear indicators appear in the tread at 0.063 in (1.6 mm) to indicate that the legally permissible wear limit has been reached. There is a significantly increased risk of aquaplaning at higher speeds when the tread pattern depth is below 0.12 in (3 mm), even if there is only a small amount of water on the road surface.
Tire replacement
To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single tread configuration from a single manufac- turer. BMW tests and approves wheel and tire specifications. Refer to page 103.
DOT Quality Grades Tread wear Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these grades.<
Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled condi- tions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1g) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char- acteristics 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 speci- fied government 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 braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, aquaplaning, or peak traction charac- teristics.<
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 controlled condi- tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to a sudden flat
99n
tire. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent 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, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.<
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
100nTire replacement
Tire rotation
Between the axles Tread wear at the front and rear axle is different and will vary according to indi- vidual driving conditions. In the interest of safety and optimal vehicle response, we advise against rotating wheels from front to rear and vice versa. If rotating the wheels between the axles is under consideration for economic reasons, the costs for remounting the wheels must be calculated against any savings which might result from the anticipated extension in tire life. Rota- tion should always be carried out at short intervals (max. 3,000 miles/ 5,000 km). Consult your BMW center for more information.
Should you decide to rotate the wheels, it is essential to comply with the following: Rotate wheels on the same side of the vehicle only, otherwise braking effi- ciency and road grip could be adversely affected. Following rotation, correct the tire infla- tion pressure.
If tires with different sizes are mounted on the front and rear axles (refer to page 103), the wheels may not be rotated from one axle to the other.<
Do not use retreaded tires as this could negatively affect driving
safety. This is due to the possible varia- tions in casing structures and, in some instances, to their extreme age, factors which can lead to a decrease in their durability.<
Tire age The date on which the tire was manu- factured is indicated by the code on the sidewall: DOT ... 3200 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 32 of 2000. BMW recommends the replacement of all tires when the tires are no more than 6 years old, even if a tire usage of 10 years is possible. Spare tires over 6 years old should be used only in case of emergency. A tire of this age should be replaced by a new tire immediately, and should not be fitted together with new tires.
Wheel and tire combinations
101n
The right choice
Use only wheels and tires approved by BMW for the corre- sponding vehicle model, as otherwise the tires may make contact with the body as the result of tolerances despite the same nominal size being used, leading to serious accidents. If non- approved wheels and tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and therefore cannot be held liable for driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications approved by BMW, refer to the informa- tion on page 103.
The correct wheel and tire combi- nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC and RDW. The func- tion of these systems is impaired if improper wheel and tire combinations are used. For this reason, use only tires of the same brand and tread pattern on the vehicle and, for example, restore the approved wheel and tire combination following a flat tire as soon as possible.<
205/60 R 15 91 H
Codes on tires and wheels The code on tires has the following meaning. Codes on radial tires: Example: Nominal width in mm Aspect ratio in % Belt rating ID code for radial tires Wheel diameter in inches Load rating (not on ZR tires) Speed rating (before R on ZR tires)
The speed rating indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire. Summer tires: S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h) = up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h) W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h) Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h) ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)
All season and winter tires: Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h) T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h) Codes on light-alloy wheels: Example: Rim width in inches Code letter for flange type Symbol for full-drop center rim Rim diameter in inches Extended hump on the 2 rim shoulders
x 15 EH 2
Protect valve inserts against dirt by using screw-on valve caps. Dirt in the valves frequently leads to slow leaks.
Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting them against light whenever possible. Protect the tires against contact with oil, grease and fuel.
102nSpecial features of winter tires
Snow chains*
Tire condition, tire pressure Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in (4 mm), winter tires display a percep- tible decrease in their ability to cope with winter driving conditions, and should be replaced in the interest of safety. Comply with the specified tire inflation pressures – and be sure to have the wheel and tire assemblies balanced every time you change the tires.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow chains on winter tires is approved only in pairs and only on the rear wheels. Comply with all manufacturer's safety precautions when mounting the chains.
Deactivate the Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to malfunction warnings and undetected losses in pressure. For further information, refer to page 67.<
Choosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires (M+S radial tires) for operation under inclement winter driving conditions. While so-called all season tires (M+S designation) provide better winter trac- tion than summer tires with the load ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener- ally do not achieve the performance of winter tires. In the interests of sure tracking and safe steering response, mount winter tires which are made by the same manufac- turer and which have the same tread pattern at all four wheels.
Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by laymen to service tires can lead to damage and accidents. Have this work performed by skilled professionals only. Any BMW center has the required technical knowledge and the proper equipment and will be happy to assist you.<
Approved wheel and tire specifications
103n
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information. Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications
M roadster, M coupe Summer Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17
Winter (M+S) 225/45 R 17 90 HSuitable for snow chains
Light-alloy wheel
– –
7.5Jx17 AH 2 IS 41
9Jx17 AH 2 IS 8
Front: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 41
Rear: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 25Have winter tires mounted at your BMW center or a tire dealer.<
Snow chains*
Deactivate the Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to malfunction warnings and undetected losses in pressure. For further information, refer to page 67.<
Wheel with asymmetrical hump (AH) The rim design with a so-called asym- metrical hump results in a clearly extended holding of the tire on the rim in the case of a leak compared to the usual symmetrical hump, so that the vehicle can be braked to a stop more safely. Another advantage of the asym- metrical hump is that no special tire is required.
104n
Hood
Do not work on your vehicle without appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down before working in the engine compartment. Always disconnect the battery before working on any electrical systems or equipment, especially when these are located within the engine compartment. Comply with all appli- cable instructions and warnings. If you are not familiar with all guidelines, have the work performed by your BMW center. Otherwise, safety hazards for vehicle occupants and other road users may occur as a result of improper handling of components and mate- rials.<
To release Pull the lever located under the left- hand side of the instrument panel.
To open Grasp the hood on both sides on the level of the latch (arrow 1); press the latch upward and simultaneously lift the hood with both hands.
Hood
To close Allow the hood to fall from a height of about 12 in (30 cm) 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 it is determined that the hood is not completely closed while driving, stop immediately and close it securely.<
105n
106nEngine compartment
Engine compartment
1 Brake fluid reservoir 112
2 Fuse box 142
3 Coolant expansion tank 112
4 Engine oil dipstick 109
5 Engine oil filler neck 109
6 Reservoir for windshield andheadlamp* washer system 108
7 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
negative terminal 144
8 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
positive terminal 144
107n
108nFluids for the washer systems
Washer nozzles
Antifreeze agent for the washer systems is inflammable. For this reason, keep it away from sources of flame and store it only in its original container. Store it so that it is inacces- sible to children. Comply with the instructions on the containers.<
Windshield washer system Windshield: The spray from the nozzles should be directed so as to ensure effective cleaning, even at high speeds. If necessary, correct the adjustment with a needle, or have the adjustment made by your BMW center. Rear window – M coupe only: Have this system adjusted by your BMW center as required.
Headlamp washer system* Have this system adjusted by your BMW center as required.
Headlamp* and windshield washer system Capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts (5.3 liters). Fill with water and – if required – with an antifreeze agent (according to the manufacturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Engine oil
109n
To check oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface. 2 Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera- ture.
3 After approx. 1 minute, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar material.
4 Push the dipstick carefully 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.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is directly influenced by your driving style and vehicle operating conditions.
The space between the two marks on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 1.4 US quarts (1.3 liter). Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the engine.
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just above the lower mark before adding oil. Do not wait until the oil drops below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to operate without oil additives; the use of additives could lead to damage in some cases. This also applies to the manual transmission, differential and the power steering system.<
Viscosity – ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab- lished in SAE classes. The selection of the correct SAE class depends on the climatic conditions in the area where you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be utilized in all ambient temperatures.
110nEngine oil
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil which is selected has critical significance for the operation and service life of an engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW has approved only certain engine oils. Use only approved "BMW High Perfor- mance Synthetic Oil." If you are unable to obtain "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil", you can add small amounts of synthetic oil in between oil changes. Only use oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concerning the specific "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil" or "synthetic oils" which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Engine oil
Coolant
111n
Comply with the applicable envi- ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.<
Comply with the applicable envi- ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. Any skin areas that come in contact with oil should thus be thor- oughly washed with soap and water. Store oil, grease, etc., always out of reach of children. Comply with warning labels and information on containers. If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low temperatures (below +14 7/–10 6), the engine may become difficult to start. Special engine oils individually approved by BMW are preferred for use in your engine. Please contact your BMW center for details.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling system when the engine is hot. If
you do, escaping coolant can cause burns. To avoid the possibility of damage later on, do not use anything other than factory-approved, nitrite and amino- free extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor which can be used with aluminum radiator cores. Your BMW center is familiar with the approved specifications. Antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor agents are hazardous to health. Store them in their original containers. Keep the containers tightly closed and out of reach of children. Extended-duty antifreeze with corro- sion inhibitor contains the flammable substance ethylene glycol. For this reason, do not spill extended-duty anti- freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot engine components. If you do, it could be ignited and cause burns.<
112nCoolant
Brake fluid
To add coolant Wait until the engine cools before removing the cap from the expansion tank. The needle of the coolant temper- ature gauge in the instrument cluster must be located in the blue field; other- wise, there is a danger of scalding. 1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock- wise in order to allow accumulated pressure to escape. Then open. 2 If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant until the correct level is reached – do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. Always maintain the prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio for year-round protection against internal corrosion. No other additives are required. Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
If the warning lamp for the brake hydraulic system comes on: The brake fluid level is too low. Add brake fluid until the upper mark ("MAX") is reached.
To eliminate the cause of the brake fluid loss, please consult a BMW center. You can also receive information concerning approved brake fluids (DOT 4) there. Brake fluid loss may result in extended brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to the notes on page 92.
Checking coolant level The correct coolant level when the engine is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6). Unscrew the cap from the expansion tank. 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 (refer to the arrow in the illustra- tion), but no more than 0.8 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).
Brake fluid
Vehicle Identification Number
113n
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture from the air
over time. In order to ensure the operating safety and reliability of the brake system, have the brake fluid changed every two years by a BMW center. Refer also to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). Brake fluid is hazardous to health and will damage the vehicle's paint. You should always store it in its original container and in a location which is inaccessible to children. Avoid brake fluid spills. Do not fill brake fluid beyond the "MAX" mark in the reservoir. The brake fluid could ignite upon contact with hot engine parts and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi- ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
The Vehicle Identification Number is located in the engine compartment below the windshield (arrow) and on the top of the instrument panel.
114n
The BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System includes the Engine Oil Service as well as Inspections I and II. Determining the maintenance intervals according to the actual loads on the vehicle covers every kind of operating situation. However, since oil deteriorates over time regardless of use, even those who drive only short distances – signifi- cantly less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) annually – should have the engine oil changed regularly. Refer to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or to the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Service Interval Display Advanced technology is employed to calculate the optimal maintenance intervals, which are then indicated in the Service Interval Display. While conventional systems rely solely on distance traveled to determine when service is due, the BMW Maintenance System considers the actual conditions under which the vehicle operates. From the point of view of maintenance, 62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumu- lated in short-distance urban driving are not the equivalent of the same distance covered at moderate speeds in long- distance highway travel. In response to this fact, the BMW Maintenance System monitors operating conditions as the basis for determining the optimum service intervals for your indi- vidual vehicle.
The BMW Maintenance System has been designed as a reliable means of providing maximum driving and oper- ating safety – and as cost-effectively as
