Owner's Manual for the Vehicle. With a quick reference guide for your convenience.
BMW recommends Castrol
M roadster M coupe
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. We therefore 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 BMW. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi-
mum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance operating and driving safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your vehicle throughout an extended service life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
–New Vehicle Limited Warranty
–Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
–Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
–Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
–California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW M
4
Notes on the Owner's Manual |
Symbols used |
We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you wish an initial overview of your vehicle, this can be found in the first chapter.
The detailed list of contents that directly follows the summary of contents is intended to stimulate your curiosity regarding your BMW and to encourage you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remember to pass the Owner's Manual on to the new owner – the manual represents a legally-required element of the vehicle.
If you have additional questions, your BMW center will be glad to advise you.
© 2001 BMW M GmbH Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich. Order No. 01 41 0 026 955
US English XII/2000
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Indicates instructions or precautions that must be followed
precisely in order to avoid the possibility of personal injury and serious damage to the vehicle.<
Contains information that will assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable you to care more effectively for your vehicle.<
Refers to measures that can be taken to help protect the
environment.<
< Marks the end of a specific item of information.
* Indicates special equipment, country-specific equipment and optional extras.
t Identifies index entries that refer to owner service procedures or topics on car care.
Your individual vehicle
In buying your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same group.
We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. Any differences can easily be identified, since all optional accessories and special equipment are marked with an asterisk *.
If your BMW features equipment which is not described in this Owner's Manual (a car radio or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.
5n
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development which is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this reason, it is possible that the features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no legal claims can be entertained on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.
6
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels containing up to and including
10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent) will not void the applicable warranties respecting defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel quality (i.e. volatility, composition or additives, etc.) among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels may result in driveability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain environmental conditions such as high ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in unscheduled maintenance.
Obey pertinent 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 centers.
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., walkietalkie, 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 BMW center for additional information.<
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.<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.
7n
The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, 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, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
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9
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Index
Overview |
Cockpit 16 |
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Instrument cluster 18 |
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Indicator and warning lamps |
20 |
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Hazard warning flashers 24 |
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Warning triangle 24 |
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First-aid kit 25 |
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Refueling 25 |
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Fuel specifications 26 |
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Tire inflation pressure 26 |
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Tire inflation pressure (table) |
27 |
Controls and features
Opening and closing:
Keys 30 Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 31
Central locking system 32 Opening and closing from the
outside 32
Opening and closing from the inside 33
Luggage compartment lid 34 Electric power windows 35 Sunroof – coupe 36 Convertible top – roadster 37
Adjustments:
Seats 46
Mirrors 47
Safety systems:
Safety belts 49 Airbags 51
Transporting children safely 53
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 55 Starting the engine 56 Switching off the engine 57 Parking brake 57
Manual transmission 58 Turn signal indicators/High
beams 58 Wiper/Washer system 59 Rear window defroster 60 Cruise control 61
Everything under control:
Odometer 62
Tachometer 62 Fuel gauge 62
Coolant temperature gauge 63 Engine oil temperature gauge 63 Service Interval Display 64 Outside temperature 64
Clock 64
Technology for safety and driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) 67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams 69 Interior lamps 70
Reading lamps 71
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/ Air conditioner 72
Seat heating 77
Controls and features
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment 78 Storage compartments 78 Storage boxes 78 Beverage holder 79 Ashtray 79
Cigarette lighter 80
Loading and transporting: coupe:
Roll-up cover 81 Partition net 81 Cargo loading 82 Roof-mounted luggage rack 83
Operation, care and maintenance
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure 86 Driving notes 87 Catalytic converter 88
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 89 Disc brakes 91
Brake system 92 Winter operation 93 Power steering 94 Cellular phone 95 Radio reception 95 Hardtop – roadster 96
Wheels and tires:
Notes on tire inflation pressure 98
Tire condition 98 Tire replacement 99 Tire rotation 100 Wheel and tire
combinations 101 Special features of winter
tires 102 Snow chains 102
Approved wheel and tire specifications 103
11n
Under the hood:
Hood 104
Engine compartment 106 Fluids for the washer
systems 108 Washer nozzles 108 Engine oil 109 Coolant 111
Brake fluid 112 Vehicle Identification
Number 113
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 114
Caring for your vehicle 115
Airbags 122
Storing your vehicle 123
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 124 California Proposition
65 Warning 124 OBD connector 125
Contents
procedures |
Replacement procedures: |
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Onboard tool kit 128 |
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Windshield wiper blades 128 |
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Lamps and bulbs 129 |
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Master key with battery- |
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service |
powered lamp 134 |
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Changing a wheel |
135 |
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Repairing a flat tire |
135 |
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Battery |
140 |
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Owner |
Fuses |
142 |
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In case of electrical |
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malfunction:
Power convertible top 143 Fuel filler door 143
Assistance, giving and receiving:
Jump-starting 144 Towing the vehicle 145
Advanced technology
Airbags 150
Radio reception 150 Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 151
Safety belt tensioner 151 Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming feature 152
Limited slip differential 153
Technical data
Engine specifications 156 Dimensions 157
Weights 158 Capacities 159 Electrical system 160 Drive belts 160
Index
13n
Everything from A to Z 164
14
Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20 Hazard warning flashers 24 Warning triangle 24
First-aid kit 25 Refueling 25
Fuel specifications 26 Tire inflation pressure 26
Tire inflation pressure (table) 27
15
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Index
36mus746
Cockpit
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 69
2Horn
3Wiper/Washer system 59
4Hazard warning flashers 24
5Cruise control* 61
6> Turn signal indicator 58
>High beams 58
>Headlamp flasher 58
7Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) 67
8Hood release 104
17
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
36mus725
Instrument cluster
1Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for reserve range 62
2Indicator lamp for turn signals 23
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps for:
>Battery charge current 20
>High beams 23
>Engine oil pressure 20
5Tachometer 62
6Coolant temperature gauge 63 Also refer to Engine oil temperature gauge on page 63
7Indicator and warning lamps for:
>Brake pad wear 22
>Brake hydraulic system/Cornering Brake Control (CBC) 20, 21
>Parking brake 21
>Airbags 21
8Indicator and warning lamps for:
>Service Engine Soon 22
>Check Filler Cap 22
>Safety belts 21
>Engine oil level 22
>Antilock Brake System (ABS) 22
9Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 21, 22
10 Trip odometer 62
11Service Interval Display 64, 114
12Odometer 62
13Indicator and warning lamps for:
>Engine electronics 22
>Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) 21, 22
14Trip odometer reset button 62
The illustration shows the instrument cluster in the US version. In the Canadian models, some of the indicator and warning lamps have a different appearance. Refer to pages 20 to 23.
19
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems of your BMW monitor themselves automatically, both during engine starts and while you are driving. Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by "●" are tested for proper functioning whenever the ignition key is turned. They each light up once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current ●
The battery is no longer being charged. The alternator drive belt is defective or there is a malfunc-
tion in the charging circuit of the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. Increased force is required to steer the vehicle if the drive belt is defective.<
Engine oil pressure ●
Stop the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level. Top up as required. If oil level is correct: please contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, otherwise, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate lubrication.<
Brake hydraulic system ●
The brake fluid level is too low. Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 92 and 112.
Brake hydraulic system warning lamp for Canadian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
Red and yellow: continue to drive cautiously
If the red warning lamp for the brake hydraulic system comes on together with the yellow indicator lamps for ABS and DSC: The entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Continue to drive cautiously and defensively and avoid full brake applications. Have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to pages 65, 89.
Warning lamps for Canadian models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking brake is applied.
For additional information, refer to page 57.
Parking brake warning lamp for Canadian models.
Please fasten your safety belt ● Together with an acoustic signal. Comes on until the safety belts
are fastened.
For additional information on safety belts, refer to page 49.
Airbags ●
Please have the system inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to pages 51, 150.
21
Yellow: stop immediately
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) ● Flashing warning lamp: a flat tire has occurred. To come to an
immediate stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any sudden, jerky braking or steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to page 67.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
22 Indicator and warning lamps
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ● ABS has been deactivated in response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is available without limitations. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to page 89.
Antilock Brake System warning lamp for Canadian models.
Engine oil level ●
Comes on while driving: the oil level is at the absolute
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do not drive more than approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information, refer to page 109.
Engine oil level ●
Comes on after the engine has been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you stop to refuel).
For additional information, refer to page 109.
Engine oil level ●
Comes on for a short time (approx. 15 seconds) after the
engine has been started: please have the system checked by your BMW center.
Brake pads ●
Have the brake pads checked. For additional information, refer
to page 92.
Tire Pressure Warning RDW ● RDW has been switched off via the button or has been deacti-
vated because of a malfunction. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to pages 26, 67.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ●
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive force and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after the engine is started, or if it comes on during normal driving and stays on: DSC has been switched off via the button or has been deactivated because of a malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer to page 65.
Service Engine Soon ●
If the indicator lamp comes on either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to page 125.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics ●
There is a fault in the engine's electronic control system. You
can continue to drive with reduced engine output or engine speed. Please have the system checked by your BMW center.
Check Filler Cap ●
If the indicator lamp lights up with the filler cap properly
closed: there is a fault in the fuel system. The system should be checked at the earliest possible opportunity at your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to page 25.
Indicator and warning lamps
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicators Flashes when the turn signal indicators are in operation.
Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to page 58.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to page 58.
23
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
24 Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle*
367de025
The button flashes intermittently when the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the button in an emergency, the button is also illuminated whenever the vehicle lamps are on.
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367de322 |
M coupe |
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M coupe
The warning triangle is located in the luggage compartment at the rear right behind a trim panel.
Release the cover:
1Fold the luggage compartment floor mat up.
2To release, turn the four mounting clips (arrows) of the right-hand trim panel on the rear wall of the luggage compartment approx. f turn with a coin or screwdriver.
3Pull out the clips and remove the trim
panel.
M roadster
The warning triangle is located in the luggage compartment in the area of the sill.
Comply with legal requirements that cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the vehicle.<
First-aid kit* |
Refueling |
M coupe
In the luggage compartment at the left rear. Release the Velcro® fasteners.
M roadster
In the luggage compartment on the left in a storage area; swing retaining strap upward.
Some of the articles in the first-aid kit may be used within a limited
time only. For this reason, check the expiration dates of each of the items regularly, and replace any whose expiration dates have passed. You can acquire replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements which cover availability of a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
367de391
Before filling the tank, shut off the engine, as otherwise fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the Service Engine Soon warning lamp may come on. Refer to page 22.<
Open the fuel filler cap:
Open the fuel filler door, turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and remove the cap. Place the filler cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
Open the filler cap carefully. If you do not, fuel could spray out.<
To unlock if the central locking system malfunctions, refer to page 143.
25
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
>results in premature shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor recovery system.
The fuel tank is full, whenever the fuel nozzle shuts off the first time, as is specified for proper service.
Tank capacity: refer to page 159.
Close the fuel filler cap:
Position the cap on the neck. Turn the cap clockwise to the stop.
Close the filler cap carefully after refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate the Check Filler Cap lamp.<
Close the fuel filler door.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
26 Refueling |
Fuel specifications |
Tire inflation pressure |
When handling fuels, comply with all of the applicable safety precau-
tions displayed at gas stations. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether they are empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<
367de388
The inflation pressures are indicated on a label attached to the B-pillar behind the driver's door (visible with door open).
Check tire pressures
On the next page you will find all pressure specifications, indicated in psi (kilopascal [kPa]) with the tires at ambient temperature.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, re-initialize the Tire
Pressure Warning (RDW) system, refer to page 67.<
Tire inflation pressure
Check tire inflation pressures regularly – at least every two
weeks and before beginning a longer trip. Incorrect tire pressure can otherwise lead to driving instability, tire damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval specifications
The inflation pressures in the table apply to tires made by BMW-approved manufacturers. Your BMW center is familiar with these pressures. Higher pressures may be specified for tires made by other manufacturers. You will find a list of approved tires on page 103.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that meet both US standards and European standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW-approved tires.
27
BMW |
Tires |
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All tire pressures are in |
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psi (kilopascals [kPa]) |
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M roadster |
Front: 225/45 ZR 17 |
32 (220) |
– |
35 (240) |
– |
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Rear: 245/40 ZR 17 |
– |
32 (220) |
– |
38 (260) |
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M coupe |
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225/45 R 17 90 H M+S |
32 (220) |
35 (240) |
35 (240) |
38 (260) |
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Have winter tires mounted at your
BMW center or a tire dealer.<
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
28
Opening and closing:
Keys 30 Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 31
Central locking system 32 Opening and closing from the
outside 32
Opening and closing from the inside 33
Luggage compartment lid 34 Electric power windows 35 Sunroof – coupe 36 Convertible top – roadster 37
Adjustments:
Seats 46
Mirrors 47
Safety systems:
Safety belts 49
Airbags 51
Transporting children safely 53
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 55 Starting the engine 56 Switching off the engine 57 Parking brake 57
Manual transmission 58 Turn signal indicators/High
beams 58 Wiper/Washer system 59 Rear window defroster 60 Cruise control 61
Everything under control:
Odometer 62
Tachometer 62 Fuel gauge 62
Coolant temperature gauge 63 Engine oil temperature gauge 63 Service Interval Display 64 Outside temperature 64
Clock 64
Technology for safety and driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) 67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams 69 Interior lamps 70
Reading lamps 71
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/ Air conditioner 72
Seat heating 77
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment 78 Storage compartments 78 Storage boxes 78 Beverage holder 79 Ashtray 79
Cigarette lighter 80
Loading and transporting cargo:
coupe:
Roll-up cover 81 Partition net 81 Cargo loading 82 Roof-mounted luggage rack 83
29
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Index
365de122
1Master key with battery-powered lamp (switch on by pressing the BMW symbol)
2Master key without lamp
3Spare key for storage in a safe place such as your wallet. This key is not intended for continuous use
4Door and ignition key
The luggage compartment lid and the storage boxes* cannot be opened with this key – this is useful for valet
parking, for instance
Replacement keys
Replacement keys are available exclusively through your BMW center. Your BMW center is obligated to ensure that a person requesting a key is authorized to do so since the keys belong to a security system (refer to "Electronic vehicle immobilizer" on the next page).
If possible, take all of the master keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replacement key, turn that key to position 2 in the ignition lock once (ignition switched on) and then back. This allows the electronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the new key.<