BMW Convertible 1998 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual for the vehicle.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

A-Z

Contents

With a quick reference guide for your convenience.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Sedan 323is

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Coupe 328i Convertible 328is

318i 318is 323i

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. Therefore, we have this request:

Please take the time to read this Owner’s Manual and familiarize yourself with the information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new car. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in extracting maximum use and satisfaction from your BMW’s unique range of technical features. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to maintaining your BMW’s value throughout an extended service life.

This Owner’s Manual should be regarded as a permanent part of the vehicle. When the vehicle is sold, the manual should remain in the car to furnish the next owner with a source of important information on operation, safety and maintenance procedures.

This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information booklet (US models only). We recommend that you read this publication carefully.

Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:

New V ehicle Limited Warranty

Limited Rust Perforation Warranty

Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty

Federal Emissions Performance Warranty

California Emission Control System Limited Warranty

Detailed information on these warranties is contained in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.

We wish you many miles of driving pleasure and satisfaction. BMW AG

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Notes on the Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you require an initial overview of your vehicle, this can be found in the first chapter. The detailed table of contents immediately following the index is intended to arouse your curiosity about your BMW and stimulate you to read about it.

If at some time you wish to sell your BMW, remember to leave the Owner's Manual with the vehicle; consider it part of the vehicle.

Should you have any further questions, your BMW Retailer will be glad to assist at any time.

© 1997 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order-No. 01 41 9 790 377 US VIII/97 Printed in Germany Printed on environment-friendly paper (recyclable and chlorine-free).

Symbols used

indicates notes you should defi-

nitely read – for the sake of your own safety and the safety of others, and to avoid damages to your BMW.

indicates notes that alert you to

specific features of your vehicle.

special information on recycling.

indicates the end of a block of infor-

mation.

indicates special equipment, country-

specific equipment and optional extras.

indicates that you should study

the relevant section of this Owner's Manual in connection with a particular part or assembly.

The individual vehicle

In buying your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and fittings. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same vehicle range.

We hope you will understand that this manual describes equipment and features which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. You can easily recognize any differences, as all optional accessories are marked with an asterisk *.

If your BMW features equipment which is not described in this Owner's Manual (e.g., car radio or telephone), (Supplementary) Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals, too.

Status when going to press

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality standards combined with advanced, state-of-theart technology. For this reason, it is possible that the features described in this Owner’s Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. We are unable to completely eliminate the possibility that errors might have occurred. We therefore ask you to accept that no claims of a legal nature involving the specifications, illustrations and descriptions can be considered.

For your own safety

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Use unleaded gasoline only.

Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent) will not void the applicable warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel quality (i.e., volatility, composition, additives, etc.) among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels may result in driving, starting and stalling problems especially under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature and high altitude. Should you encounter problems while driving that you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized highquality brand. Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in unscheduled maintenance. Follow the relevant safety rules when you are handling gasoline.

Important safety information!

For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by BMW.

When you purchase accessories tested and approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on your vehicle.

BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workmanship.

BMW will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW.

BMW cannot test every product from other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occupants.

Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW Retailers.

Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones (including operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna) or transceiver equipment (e.g., C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle’s electrical system or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your authorized BMW Retailer for additional information.

Do not use key or remote control to lock doors or luggage compartment with anyone inside the car.

"Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automotive part."

The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

At a glance

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

Controls and features

Care and maintenance

Owner service procedure

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning

lamps 20

Hazard warning system 22

At a glance

Hazard warning triangle 22 First-aid kit 22 Refueling 23 Fuel specification 23 CARB OBD II interface 24 Tire inflation pressures 25

Locks and security systems:

Keys 30 Electronic immobilizing device 35 Doors 31 Trunk lid 33 Luggage compartment 34 Power windows 35 Sliding/tilt sunroof 36 Convertible top operation 37

Adjustments:

Controls and features

Seats 43 Steering wheel 45 Mirrors 46

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts 47 Child restraint system 48 Installing child seats 49 Airbags 50 Child-safety locks 52 Rollover protection system –

convertible 52

Driving:

Steering/ignition lock 54 Starting the engine 54 Switching off the engine 55 Parking brake 56 Manual transmission 57 Automatic transmission 58 Turn signals/high beam 60 Wiper/washer system 61 Cruise control 62

Everything under control:

Odometer 63 Tachometer 63 Energy control 63 Fuel gauge 64 Coolant temperature gauge 64 Service Interval Display 64 Multi-Information Display (MID) 66 Outside temperature display

and digital clock 68 Check Control 71 Check Control with outside

temperature display and

digital clock 74 Onboard computer 77

Technology for driving comfort and safety:

Automatic stability control

plus traction (ASC+T) 84

Contents

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Lamps:

Parking lamps/low beams 85 Instrument panel lighting 85 Foglamps 86 Interior lamps 86 Reading lamps 86

An inviting climate:

Heated seats 87 Independent ventilation

system 87

Controls and features

Automatic climate control 88

Cabin convenience:

BMW Hi-Fi System 93 Glove compartment 93 Ashtray 94 Coin box, cup holder 94 Cigarette lighter 94 Center arm rest, rear 95 Through-loading system 95 Ski bag 95 Cargo loading 98

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures 100 Driving notes 100 Catalytic converter 102 Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 103 Disc brakes 104 Brake system 105 Winter driving 105 Roof-mounted luggage rack 107 Radio reception 108

Care and maintenance

Mobile phones 108 Hardtop – Convertible 109 Technical modifications

to the vehicle 110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures 111 Tire tread 111 Tire replacement 112 Interaxle tire changes 112 The right choice 113 Winter tires 114 Approved wheels and tires 115

Under the hood:

Hood 118 Engine compartment 120 Washer fluids 124 Engine oil 124 Coolant 127 Brake fluid 128 Power steering fluid 128 Vehicle Identification Number 129

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance

System 130 Caring for your car 131 Cleaning and care

of the convertible top 136 Vehicle storage 137

Contents

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit 140 Windshield wiper blades 140 Lamps and bulbs 141 Master key with

battery lamp 145 Changing tires 146 Battery 149 Fuses 151

In case of electrical malfunction:

Owner service procedure

Fuel filler door 152 Sliding/tilt sunroof 152

Assistance, giving and receiving:

Jump-starting 153 Towing the vehicle 154 Towing 154

Airbags 156 Automatic Stability Control

plus Traction (ASC+T) 156 Radio reception 157 Safety belt tensioner 157

Advanced technology

Engine specifications 160 Dimensions 161 Weights 163 Capacities 166 Electrical system 167 Drive belts 167

Technical data

Everything from A to Z 172

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Owner service procedures

from A to Z 174

Index

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 20 Hazard warning system 22 Hazard warning triangle 22 First-aid kit 22 Refueling 23 Fuel specification 23 CARB OBD II interface 24 Tire inflation pressures 25

At a glance

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

Controls and features

Care and maintenance

Owner service procedure

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Cockpit

360us306

Cockpit

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

1 Lamp switch 85 2 Foglamps 86 3 Horn, entire surface 4 Wiper/washer lever 61 5 Rear window defroster 91 6 Hazard warning system 22

7 Automatic cruise control 8 Adjust steering wheel 9 Turn signals, high beam headlamps

and headlamp flasher 60

10 Engine hood unlocking device 118

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

Controls and featuresMaintenance

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Instrument cluster

360us319

Instrument cluster

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1 Fuel gauge with low-fuel

warning lamp 64 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 20 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator and warning lamps for

Battery charge current 20

High beams 20

Engine oil pressure 20

5 Tachometer 63

Energy control 63 6 Coolant temperature gauge 64 7 Indicator and warning lamps for

Brake pad wear 20

Brake system hydraulics 21

Parking brake 21

Airbag 50 8 Indicator lamp for ASC+T 20 9 Indicator and warning lamps for

Automatic transmission* 20

Warning lamp for Check Control*

Please fasten seat belts* 21

ABS 20

10 Trip odometer 63 11 Service Interval Display 64 12 Odometer 63

13 Indicator lamps for

Foglamps* 20

Emissions-related systems indicator 21

Rollover protection system* 21

14 Trip odometer reset button 63

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

Controls and featuresMaintenance

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Indicator and warning lamps

Turn signal left/right, green

Flashes when the turn signals are in operation.

Battery charge current, red

Goes out after the engine has

normal vehicle operation: The battery is no longer being charged. Indicates a defect in the generator drive belt or the charging circuit.

the coolant pump; overheating and potential engine damage would result. Contact your BMW Retailer.

High beam, blue

started. If the lamp comes on during

If the V-belt is defective, do not run

Lights up when the high beams are switched on or the headlamp flashers are activated.

Engine oil pressure, red

Goes out after the engine has

but must go out again at higher engine speed.

If the lamp comes on during normal vehicle operation: stop vehicle and switch off engine immediately. Check engine oil level; if necessary, add oil. If oil level is correct: contact your BMW Retailer.

Foglamps*, green

started. May come on briefly at idle when the engine is hot,

Lights up whenever you switch on the foglamps.

Airbags, red

This lamp turns on for an oper-

the operation check, it does not go on, or goes on while driving , have it checked at your BMW Retailer. Additional notes: Page 50

Automatic transmission*, yellow

ational check when you turn the ignition key to position 1. If, at

Goes out after the engine has started. Additional notes: Page 58

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus Traction), yellow

Goes out shortly after the igni-

Additional notes: Page 84

ABS (Antilock Brake System), yellow

tion: ABS has been deactivated in response to a system malfunction. Conventional braking force remains unimpaired. Additional notes: Page 103

Brake pad wear, yellow

If the lamp comes on during normal vehicle operation: replace brake pads immediately.

tion is switched on: System OK.

Goes out after the engine has started. If the lamp comes on during normal vehicle opera-

Lights up when starter is actuated and goes out when the engine is started.

aUse only original BMW-approved

brake pads otherwise the vehicle authorization is no longer valid.c

Indicator and warning lamps

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Brake hydraulics, red

Goes out after the engine has

normal vehicle operation: low brake fluid. Additional notes: Page 128

Parking brake, red

Additional notes: Page 56

Emissions-related systems

during normal vehicle operation, either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in one of the emissionsrelated electronic circuits. Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by a BMW Retailer at the earliest possible opportunity.

started. If the lamp comes on during

Goes out after the engine has started. Comes on when you engage the parking brake.

Lamp goes out once engine starts. If this indicator lamp lights up

Please fasten safety belts*, red

(With acoustic signal if the

ignition key is turned, and then goes out (in some models it goes out after you fasten safety belts).

BMW Convertible Rollover Protection System

yellow

;

driver’s belt is not buckled). Lights up briefly when the

Goes out shortly after the ignition is switched on: System OK.

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Hazard warning system Hazard warning triangle* First aid kit*

360de040

The button flashes intermittently when the hazard warning lamps are on.

The button is also illuminated whenever the vehicle lighting is switched on.

The warning triangle can be stored in the luggage compartment in a storage shelf at the right for convenient access.

aComply with legal requirements

concerning the need to carry a warning triangle in the car.c

On the right in the luggage compartment, on a shelf.

aSome of the items in the first-aid

kit are suitable for use for a limited period only. Therefore you should regularly check the contents and replace defective articles. These are available in any pharmacy. Comply with legal requirements concerning the need to carry a first-aid kit in the car.c

Refueling Fuel specification

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 9 790 377 - © 07/98 BMW AG

Unleaded gasoline only. Minimum octane requirement: 89 AKI BMW engines are equipped with knock

sensors and automatically adapt to operate with fuels of different octane ratings, as long as the minimum octane requirement is met.

Higher octane fuels will provide increased performance and fuel econ-

360de010

To unlock the filler door in the event of a central locking system failure, refer to page 152.

aWhen handling fuel, comply with

the safety regulations displayed by gas stations.c

omy, while the use of gasoline with a lower octane rating will ha ve an adv erse effect.

aNever use leaded fuel, as it would

cause permanent damage to both the catalytic converter and the engine-management system’s oxygen sensors.c

AKI = Anti Knock Index

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

CARB OBD II interface

360us301

The OBD II interface (data link connector) is located beneath a cover panel (with the letters "OBD") near the foot support in the driver’s side footwell (arrow).

Tire inflation pressures

If the driver's door is open, the inflation pressures are also visible on the door pillar. Inflation pressures are indicated in psi (bar) with tires cold (ambient temperature).

The inflation pressures apply to tires from BMW-approved manufacturers; your BMW Retailer will provide you with this information. Higher pressures may be required for tires from other manufacturers.

aPeriodically check the inflation

pressure – also of the spare tire – at least twice each month and before setting out on an extended trip. Failing this, incorrect tire pressure may render the car unstable or cause tire damage resulting in an accident.c

Sedan models

BMW model

318i

328i

See next page for additional models

Tire sizes Inﬂation pressures are indicated in psi (bar)

185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S 185/65 R 15 88 T

205/60 R 15 91 H 225/55 R 15 92 V 225/50 ZR 16 205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

205/60 R 15 91 H 225/50 ZR 16 205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

(2.0)

(2.2)

(2.0)

(2.4)

(2.2)

(2.3)

BCBC+C/$BCBC

(2.5)

(2.2)

(2.3)

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

(3.0)

(2.7)

(2.8)

Tire inflation pressures (cont.)

Coupe models

BMW model

318is 323is

328is

See next page for additional models

Tire sizes Inﬂation pressures are indicated in psi (bar)

205/60 R 15 91 H 225/55 R 15 92 V 225/50 ZR 16 205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

185/65 R 15 88 Q M+S

205/60 R 15 91 H 225/50 ZR 16 205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

(2.0)

(2.2)

(2.4)

(2.3)

BCBC+C/$BCBC

(2.2)

(2.5)

(2.3)

(2.7)

(3.0)

(2.8)

Tire inflation pressures (cont.)

Convertible models

BMW model

318i 323i

328i

Tire sizes Inﬂation pressures are indicated in psi (bar)

205/60 R 15 91 H 225/55 R 15 92 V 225/50 ZR 16 205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

205/60 R 15 91 H 225/50 ZR 16 205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

max.

(2.0)

(2.2)

(2.3)

BCBC+$BC-

(2.2)

(2.3)

At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

(2.7)

(2.8)

Locks and security systems:

Keys 30 Electronic vehicle immobilizer 30 Doors 31 Luggage compartment lid 33 Luggage compartment 34 Power windows 35 Sliding/tilt sunroof 36 Convertible top operation 37

Adjustments:

Seats 43 Steering wheel 45 Mirrors 46

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts 47 Child restraint system 48 Installing child seats 49 Airbags 50 Child-safety locks 52 Rollover protection system –

convertible 52

Driving:

Everything under control:

Odometer 63 Tachometer 63 Energy control 63 Fuel gauge 64 Coolant temperature gauge 64 Service Interval Display 64 Multi-Information Display (MID) 66 Outside temperature display

and digital clock 68 Check Control 71 Check Control with outside

temperature display and

digital clock 74 Onboard computer 77

Technology for driving comfort and safety:

Automatic Stability Control

plus Traction (ASC+T) 84

Lamps:

Headlamp switch 85 Instrument panel lighting 85 Foglamps 86 Interior lamps 86 Reading lamps 86

An inviting climate:

Heated seats 87 Independent ventilation

system 87

Automatic climate control 88

Cabin convenience:

BMW Hi-Fi System 93 Glove compartment 93 Ashtray 94 Coin box, cup holder 94 Cigarette lighter 94 Center arm rest, rear 95 Through-loading system 95 Ski bag 95 Cargo loading 98

At a glance

At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex

Controls and features

Care and maintenance

Owner service procedure

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

+ 149 hidden pages

BMW Convertible 1998 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

The individual vehicle

Status when going to press

For your own safety

Contents

At a glance

Cockpit

Instrument cluster

Indicator and warning lamps

Refueling Fuel specification

CARB OBD II interface

Tire inflation pressures