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Z3 roadster
The lock The illustration depicts the luggage compartment lock of the Z3 roadster as an example. The controls and function for the Z3 coupe are the same as for the Z3 roadster. Only the master keys (refer to page 30) will fit in the luggage compartment lock.
37n
Operate the vehicle only when the luggage compartment lid is
closed, since exhaust fumes could penetrate the interior of the vehicle. Should it be absolutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the luggage compartment lid open (coupe; roadster with closed convertible top): > Close all windows. On the coupe,
close the sunroof
> Increase the air supply of the heating and ventilation system to a high level. Refer to page 82 or 86.<
Luggage compartment lid
To lock separately Turn the master key to the right past the pressure point and then pull it out in the horizontal position This locks the luggage compartment and disengages it from the central locking system. If you then surrender only the door and ignition key (refer to page 30), access to the vehicle through the luggage compartment is not possible. This is recommended for valet parking, for instance.
Manual operation (in the event of electrical malfunction) Turn the master key in the lock of the luggage compartment lid to the left to the stop – the luggage compartment lid opens slightly. The luggage compartment is locked again as soon as it is closed.
Z3 coupe
To close The illustration depicts the luggage compartment lid of the Z3 coupe. The handle recess in the interior trim panel of the luggage compartment lid (arrow) makes it easier to pull the lid down. On the Z3 roadster, the handle recess is located to the left of the lock mecha- nism.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the travel path of the luggage
compartment lid is clear when it is closed, as with all closing procedures.<
38nLuggage compartment lid Electric power windows
Z3 roadster
Emergency release – roadster only This lever releases the luggage compartment lid from the luggage compartment's interior.
Opening and closing windows From ignition key position 1 and up: > Press the rocker switch up to the
pressure point: The window continues moving for as long as you maintain pressure on the switch
> Press the rocker switch beyond the
pressure point (one-touch mode): The window moves automatically. Press the switch a second time to stop the window.
After the ignition has been switched off: Operation is still possible for up to 15 minutes in ignition key position 0 or if the ignition key has been removed, as long as no doors have been opened.
Because the power windows are sealed at high pressure to prevent
wind noise when closed, a powerful motor is required for efficient closing. When closing the windows, always ensure that they are not obstructed in any way. Unsupervised use of these systems can result in serious personal injury. Remove the ignition key to deac- tivate the electric power windows whenever you leave the vehicle. Never leave the keys in the vehicle with unsu- pervised children. Never place anything that could obstruct the driver's vision on or next to the windows.<
For convenience closing via the door lock, refer to page 32.
Electric power windows
Sunroof*, coupe
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Jam protection If one of the windows comes into contact with an object between the window and roof frame when it is closing, the closing cycle is interrupted immediately and the window will open again slightly.
You can override this jam protec- tion function (if there is an
attempted unauthorized entrance from the outside, for instance) by pressing the switch beyond the resistance point and holding it.<
Z3 coupe
Lifting – Closing From ignition key position 1 and up: To lift: press button 1. To close: press button 2.
To prevent injuries, exercise care when closing the sunroof. Keep it in your field of vision until it is closed.<
To avoid pressure or drafts in the passenger compartment when the sunroof is open, keep the air vents in the instrument panel open and increase the air supply if necessary, refer to pages 82 and 86.
40nManual convertible top, roadster
Weather protection The convertible top combines reliable protection from the elements with simple, convenient operation. Here are a few tips to ensure that you have plea- sure with your roadster. It is advisable to close the convertible top when the vehicle is parked. The closed convertible top not only protects the passenger compartment from unforeseeable damage from the weather, it also provides a certain degree of theft protection. In addition, keep valuables only in the locked luggage compartment, even with the convertible top closed. Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack on the convertible top. Please contact your BMW center for suitable securing devices and additional acces- sories. To prevent damage, do not operate the convertible top at temperatures at the freezing point.
To open 1. With the doors closed, lower the side
windows a few inches (centimeters) 2. To release the convertible top: pull
the levers outward on the left and the right of the convertible top frame (refer to the illustration)
3. Raise the convertible top approx. 8 in
(20 cm) from the convertible top frame on the inside to relieve tension on the top, refer to arrow 1
Be sure that the convertible top folds at the front linkage joints
first, refer to arrow 2. If it does not, the convertible top linkage could be bent.<
4. Continue to raise the top at the front and push it toward the rear into the convertible top compartment. In the process, make sure the rear window is laid down evenly and free of creases. To prevent the rear window from being scratched, a soft cloth should be laid in the window fold
Manual convertible top, roadster
41n
5. Fold the release levers against the
convertible top frame.
In order to avoid subsequent moisture damage, do not open
and store the convertible top when it is wet.<
To mount the cover The illustration depicts a representative schematic of the fasteners for the convertible cover. To secure, press the outer ring of the cover fastener onto the mating piece on the vehicle (refer to the arrows).
The attachment points of the cover are indicated by the four arrows in the illus- tration. 1. Position the convertible cover on the
convertible top compartment and align the upper portions of the fasteners with the lower portions on the vehicle
2. Lift the cover at the rear, reach
underneath it and engage the two middle fasteners
3. Attach the front fasteners
42nManual convertible top, roadster
4. Push the peripheral frame of the
cover under the edge of the convert- ible top compartment
5. Check the convertible cover to be
sure it is properly secured.
To close 1. To remove the convertible top cover: >Loosen the fasteners. Pull the cap
of the latch upward, refer to the arrow
In order to avoid damage and soiling of the inside of the convert-
ible top, always drive with the cover secured in place.<
Be sure that the cover is secured properly on the vehicle. If it is not
firmly secured, the flow of air while driving could loosen the cover at higher speeds.<
> Loosen the front fasteners (outer
arrows)
> Pull the outer frame of the cover under the edge of the convertible top compartment
> Lift the cover from the rear and
release the middle fasteners (middle arrows)
Manual convertible top, roadster
43n
> To avoid damage, carefully fold the
cover and store it in the luggage compartment.
Do not position heavy objects on the cover.
If you store the cover away from the vehicle, the cover should be spread out.<
2. When the doors are closed, lower the
side windows slightly
3. Pull the release lever away from the
frame as far as possible
4. Holding the convertible top at the
front convertible top frame, lift it out of the convertible top compartment and fold it forward
When folding the convertible top forward, do not grasp it by the
side linkage. If you do so, there is a risk of injury to your hands and fingers.<
5. Insert the pins 1, on the left and the
right, into the guides in the wind- shield frame. Using the handle recess in the center of the convert- ible top frame, pull the convertible top down. Hold the top in this posi- tion and secure both fasteners, refer also to page 109.
Be sure that the fastener hooks 2 on the left and right are securely
engaged in the frame of the windshield. If they are not, the convertible top could open while the vehicle is moving.<
At higher speeds, it may occur that the lower air pressure which
is created in the passenger compart- ment will cause the top or the rear window to flutter. Increase the air supply via the ventilation controls so that a low pressure draft does not occur in the vehicle.<
44nPower convertible top, roadster*
Operate the convertible top only when the vehicle is stationary.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top, since they would fall off when the convertible top is operated and cause damage or injuries. Do not reach into the convertible top mechanism during opening and closing. Keep children away from the moving parts of the convertible top during operation. The automatic sequence is interrupted immediately if the button for actuating the top (pages 45 and 48) is released. The sequence can be continued in the desired direction by pressing the button.<
To open 1. With the doors closed, lower the side
windows a few inches (centimeters) 2. To release the convertible top: pull
the levers outward on the left and the right of the frame of the top (refer to the illustration)
Weather protection The convertible top combines reliable protection from the elements with simple, convenient operation. Here are a few tips to ensure that you have plea- sure with your roadster. It is advisable to close the convertible top when the vehicle is parked. The closed convertible top not only protects the passenger compartment from unforeseeable damage from the weather, it also provides a certain degree of theft protection. In addition, keep valuables only in the locked luggage compartment, even with the convertible top closed. Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack on the convertible top. Please contact your BMW center for suitable securing devices and additional acces- sories. To prevent damage, do not operate the convertible top at temperatures at the freezing point. To conserve the battery, it is advisable to operate the top only with the engine running.
Power convertible top, roadster*
45n
3. Raise the convertible top approx. 8 in
5. Hold the footbrake down during the
(20 cm) from the convertible top frame on the inside to relieve tension on the top, refer to arrow 1
Be sure that the convertible top folds at the front linkage joints
first, refer to arrow 2. If it does not, the convertible top linkage could be bent.<
4. Press the release lever against the
frame of the top
entire opening procedure
6. Lift the convertible top frame. Press and hold the button for convertible top operation in the "Open" direction (2) until the opening process is completed and the convertible top is folded into the convertible top compartment.
If the convertible top has not been lifted far enough, or if the foot-
brake is not applied, the motor which operates the convertible top will not operate.<
In order to avoid subsequent moisture damage, do not leave
the convertible top open when it is wet.<
46nPower convertible top, roadster*
To mount the cover The illustration depicts a representative schematic of the fasteners for the convertible cover. To secure, press the outer ring of the cover fastener onto the mating piece on the vehicle (refer to the arrows).
The attachment points of the cover are indicated by the four arrows in the illus- tration. 1. Position the convertible cover on the
convertible top compartment and align the upper portions of the fasteners with the lower portions on the vehicle
2. Lift the cover at the rear, reach
underneath it and engage the two middle fasteners
3. Attach the front fasteners
4. Push the peripheral frame of the
cover under the edge of the convert- ible top compartment
5. Check the convertible cover to be
sure it is properly secured.
In order to avoid damage and soiling of the inside of the convert-
ible top, always drive with the cover secured in place.<
Be sure that the cover is secured properly on the vehicle. If it is not
firmly secured, the flow of air while driving could loosen the cover at higher speeds.<
Power convertible top, roadster*
47n
To close 1. To remove the convertible top cover: >Loosen the fasteners. Pull the cap
of the latch upward, refer to the arrow
> Release the front fasteners (outer
> To avoid damage, carefully fold the
arrows)
> Pull the outer frame of the cover under the edge of the convertible top compartment
> Lift the cover from the rear and
release the middle fasteners (middle arrows)
cover and store it in the luggage compartment.
Do not position heavy objects on the cover.
The cover should be spread out if you store it away from the vehicle.<
At higher speeds, it may occur that the lower air pressure which
is created in the passenger compart- ment will cause the top or the rear window to flutter. Increase the air supply via the ventilation controls so that a low pressure draft does not occur in the vehicle.<
48nPower convertible top, roadster*
2. When the doors are closed, lower the
6. Insert the pins 1, on the left and the
side windows slightly
3. Pull the release lever away from the
frame as far as possible
4. Hold the footbrake down during the
entire closing procedure
5. Press and hold the button for
convertible top operation in the "Close" direction (1) until the closing process is completed and the convertible top frame has docked against the windshield frame
right, into the guides in the wind- shield frame. Using the handle recess in the center of the convert- ible top frame, pull the convertible top down. Hold the top in this posi- tion and secure both fasteners, refer also to page 109.
If the footbrake is not applied, the motor which operates the
convertible top will not operate.<
Be sure that the fastener hooks 2 on the left and right are securely
engaged in the frame of the windshield. If they are not, the convertible top could open while the vehicle is moving.<
Seat adjustment
For maximum safety, please comply with the following:
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 acci- dent. Be sure that the safety belt is fastened firmly against your body at all times. In the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap belt could slide over your hips, leading to abdominal injury. In addition, the safety belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced if the belt is worn loosely. When adjusting your seat, select a position that provides the maximum distance between you and the steering wheel, instrument panel and door while still allowing comfortable and safe access to all vehicle controls.<
Correct sitting posture To reduce strain on your spinal column, sit all the way back in the seat and rest your back fully against the backrest. In the ideal sitting posture, your head extends along a straight line from your spine. For long-distance driving, you may wish to increase the backrest tilt angle slightly to reduce muscular tension. You should also be able to grasp the highest point of the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent. After a seat adjustment in the coupe, adjust the height of the safety belt also, refer to page 52.
1 Height* 2 Backward/forward adjustment
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50nSeat adjustment
Mirrors
Head restraints The head restraints are integrated into the backrests. Head restraints reduce the risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Backrest angle Pull the lever and apply or remove weight as required.
Read and comply with the adjust- ment instructions on page 49.
Failure to do so can result in diminished personal safety.<
Exterior mirrors Make adjustments with the large, four- directional mirror switch. Change to the other rearview mirror with the smaller switch: > Push the switch up – mirror on the
driver's side
> Push the switch down – mirror on the
passenger's side.
You can also adjust the mirrors manu- ally by pressing against the outer edges of their lenses.
Mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's side features a lens with a convex surface. When estimating the distance between yourself and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects reflected in the mirror are closer than they appear. This means that estimates of the distance to following traffic should not be regarded as precise.<
Electric defrosting* Both mirrors are defrosted automa- tically when the ignition key is in position 2.
Interior rearview mirror To reduce the glare effect from the rear while driving at night, tilt the mirror by moving the small lever.
Vanity mirrors Fold the sun visors down and push the cover (coupe only) to the side.
51n
52n
Safety belts
Z3 roadster
Z3 coupe
Drive with your safety belt on Fasten your safety belt before begin- ning every trip. To fasten: make sure you hear the catch engage in the belt buckle during the closing process. To release: press the red button in the buckle. Hold the belt and guide it back to its reel. The safety belt locks: > In an abrupt stop or a collision > If it is pulled out very quickly > During sudden braking or accelera-
tion
> When the vehicle is at an extreme
angle.
Z3 roadster Make sure the safety belts are routed through the belt guides on the seat backrests.
Safety belt height adjustment – Z3 coupe You can adjust the safety belts to fit your own physical dimensions by using the safety belt height adjustment mech- anism. Downward adjustment: Press the button down (arrow 1). Upward adjustment: Grasp the deflection fitting on the sides and slide it upward (arrows 2).
Safety belts
Comply with the following instruc- tions for wearing safety belts. If
you do not, maximum personal protec- tion will not be provided and the safety function of the belt is limited. These instructions also apply for vehicle passengers: 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. Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly across your pelvis and shoulder. Do not route the belt across hard or fragile objects. 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 wearing bulky clothing which will prevent proper belt fit. Pull the safety belt across your shoulders frequently to retension it. In the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap belt could slide over your hips, leading to abdominal injury. In addition, the safety belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced if the belt is worn loosely.
Expectant mothers should also wear their safety belt at all times, taking care to ensure that the lap belt fits against the lower hips and does not exert pres- sure on the abdominal area.<
For care and cleaning, refer to the "Caring for your vehicle" manual.
If the safety belt system has been stressed as a result of an accident
or if it has been damaged in any other way: have the belt system, including the safety belt tensioner replaced by a BMW center. In addition, have your BMW center inspect the safety belt anchors. If a child-restraint system was in your vehicle during an accident, consult the manufacturer's instructions regarding replacement.<
53n
54nAirbags
Operational readiness
The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster shows the airbag- system's operational readiness
starting with ignition key position 1. System operational: > The indicator lamp comes on briefly. System malfunction: > The indicator lamp fails to come on > The indicator lamp comes on briefly before going out and then lighting up again.
A system malfunction could prevent the system from responding to a high- intensity frontal impact occurring within its normal response range. Please have your BMW center inspect and repair the system as soon as possible.
The illustration depicts schematically the primary directions of vehicle impact which initiate airbag deployment.
The airbags will not be triggered in the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle roll-over, or an impact from the rear.<
1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger side
2 Side airbags on the driver and
passenger side
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 adequate. The side airbags help provide protection in the event of a side collision. Each side airbag provides support to the side chest area.
Airbags
Sitting correctly with airbags
For your safety, comply with the following instructions for the
airbags. If you do not, the airbags may not be able to provide their maximum protection. All passengers in the vehicle should be aware of and comply with this information: The airbags are supplemental restraint devices designed to provide extra protection; they are not a substitute for safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all times. Adjust your seat to a position that is comfortable for you, allowing unre- stricted vehicle operation, and is not closer to the steering wheel than neces- sary. Always grasp the steering wheel by the steering wheel rim, keeping your hands at the "9-o'clock" and "3-o'clock" posi- tions in order to minimize any risk of injury to hands or arms if the airbag does deploy. There should not be any other persons, animals or objects between the airbag and the passenger in that seat. Do not use the cover panel for the front airbag on the passenger side as a storage area.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the cover panels of the airbags, cover them or modify them in any other way. If you use a child-restraint system, read carefully and comply with the instruc- tions on page 56. Be sure that child-restraint systems are installed correctly and with the greatest possible distance from the airbag in the side trim panel. Do not allow children to lean out of the child-restraint system in the direction of the side trim panel. Otherwise, serious injuries could occur if the airbag is triggered.<
Even when you have complied with all of these guidelines, there is still a small residual risk of minor facial, hand and arm injuries from airbag deployment occurring in isolated instances. The ignition and inflation noise may cause a mild temporary hearing loss in extremely sensitive individuals. Corresponding airbag safety precau- tions are provided on both sun visors and the instrument panel (US models). For additional information concerning the airbag system, refer to pages 130 and 164.
This is the correct way a child should sit in a child restraint when side airbags (arrow) are provided.
55n
56n Airbags
Transporting children safely
This is the correct way a larger child should sit wearing the safety belt when side airbags (arrow) are provided.
In the interest of the child's safety, please read carefully and comply with the instructions for installation and use provided by the child restraint's manu- facturer whenever you use such a device. Do not allow children to lean out of a child-restraint system toward the door or instrument panel, as otherwise serious injuries may result if the airbag deploys. Always ensure that all occu- pants (of all ages) remain properly and securely restrained at all times. Read carefully and comply with the safety precautions covering safety belts on pages 52, 53. If you do not, the protective function of the safety belts will be limited.<
Before installing any child- restraint system, please read the
following: Never install a rear-facing child- restraint system in the passenger seat of this vehicle. If the airbag deploys and hits the back- rest of the rear-facing child seat, it is likely that the child sitting in the rear- facing child-restraint system will be seriously injured or killed. If it is necessary for a child (not an infant) to ride in the vehicle, certain precautions should be taken. First, move the passenger seat as far away from the instrument panel as possible. This important precaution is intended to maximize the distance between the airbag 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 secured with a safety belt.
Transporting children safely
57n
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. The belt cannot be retracted further. Comply with the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child-restraint system.
Z3 coupe
Child-restraint system installation The safety belt on the passenger side can be locked for mounting and securing child-restraint systems. A label with operating instructions is attached to the belt next to the sliding latch plate.
To release the belt Release the buckle, remove the child- restraint system and allow the inertia reel to retract the belt completely.
Z3 coupe For the use of child-restraint systems with a tether strap, an additional mounting point is provided in the coupe at the right rear on the roof frame. Attach the tether strap hook to the mounting point. Adjust the tether strap according to the child-restraint manu- facturer's instructions.
58n
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked This is the only position in which the ignition key can be inserted and removed. An acoustic warning sounds when you fail to remove the ignition key after opening the driver's door. After removing the key, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left or right until the lock engages.
Vehicles with automatic transmis- sion*:
Your vehicle is equipped with an inter- lock. This means that the ignition key cannot be turned to 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 lock. To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove it, first move the selector lever to position "P".<
1 Steering unlocked 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 detent. Individual electrical equipment and accessories are available for use.
2 Ignition on All electrical equipment and accesso- ries are available for use.
3 Starting the engine Vehicles with manual transmission: When starting, depress the clutch, since a lock otherwise prevents the engine from being started.
Starting the engine
Before starting > Engage the parking brake > Be sure that the gearshift lever is in "Neutral" (or the selector lever in "P" if the vehicle is equipped with auto- matic transmission)
> Depress the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine 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 repre- sents a potential safety hazard.<
59n
If these temperature conditions are anticipated for a longer period, have the engine oil changed to a special oil, refer to page 124. Please contact your BMW center for additional information. Usually, it is not necessary to depress the accelerator pedal. However, at high altitudes or in very hot or very cold weather, depress the pedal halfway down when starting the engine. 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 switch off any accessories which are not required. Switch off the ignition when the vehicle is not being driven.
Starting the engine > Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
Do not actuate the starter for too short a time. Do not turn it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release the ignition key immediately after the engine starts. Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moderate engine speed.<
Should the engine fail to start on the first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for instance): > Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures, from approx. +5 7 (–15 6) and at altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft (1,000 m): > On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx. 10 seconds).
60nSwitching off the engine Parking brake
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key while the vehicle is rolling. The steering locks and it is impossible to steer the vehicle. Always 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 even placing the gear- shift lever in 1st gear or reverse may not provide adequate resistance to rolling. Vehicles with automatic transmission: Place the selector lever in "P".<
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 your thumb pressed against the release button while care- fully pulling up the lever to apply moderate pressure. Excessive pressure can lead to over- braking and loss of traction at the rear (fishtailing). 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 even placing the gear- shift lever in 1st gear or reverse may not provide adequate resistance to rolling. Vehicles with automatic transmission: Place the selector lever in "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 instance), provided that it is safe to do so.
The parking brake is designed primarily to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. It operates against the rear wheels.
To engage The lever engages automatically when you pull it up, and the indicator lamp in the instrument panel comes on when the ignition key is in position 2, refer to page 21.
To release Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button and lower the lever.
Manual transmission
61n
Reverse Select reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. 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.<
Press the clutch pedal all the way down each time you shift, pressing the gear- shift lever into its proper end position. Depress the clutch when starting the vehicle, too, otherwise, lockout will prevent the engine from starting. The gearshift lever's neutral plane is located between 3rd and 4th gear. When shifting from each gear into "Neutral", the gearshift lever returns automatically to this neutral position because of its spring loading.
62nAutomatic transmission with Steptronic*
You can drive as with a normal auto- matic 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 tab the selector lever in the "+" or "–" direc- tion, 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 into the "D" position. The automatic transmission of your BMW is equipped with Adaptive Trans- mission Control (ATC), a system which reacts with precision to your individual driving style and the driving conditions. To achieve this, different shift programs are automatically engaged. For additional details concerning the ATC, please refer to the chapter "Advanced technology" on page 164.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Starting the engine The engine can only be started in selector lever positions P ("Park") or N ("Neutral").
Range selection A detent prevents inadvertent shifts to the "Reverse" or "Park" selector lever positions. To disengage the detent, press the button on the front side of the selector lever knob (arrow).
While the vehicle is stationary and before shifting out of "Park" or "Neutral", depress the footbrake in order to disengage the selector lever's lock mechanism (Shiftlock). Hold the footbrake down until starting off. The vehicle will otherwise "creep" when a drive position is engaged.<
If you leave the vehicle with the engine running, move the selector lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" position 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 repre- sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
63n
P — Park Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The transmission locks to prevent the rear wheels from turning.
R — Reverse Select only when the vehicle is
