BMW SERIE 3 CONVERTIBLE 2000 User Manual

Owner's Manual for the Vehicle.
Contents
A - Z
With a quick reference guide for your convenience.
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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 vehicle. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi­mum 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 safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service life.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and maintenance information.
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 Emission 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 AG

Preface

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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 wish to gain only an ini­tial overview of your vehicle, you will find this 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 hand over the Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.
Should you have any further questions, your BMW center will be glad to assist at any time.
© 2000 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Part number 01 41 0 155 048 US Englisch I/00 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling)
Symbols used
These sections contain vital infor-
mation – please read the accom­panying text passages carefully, both for your own safety and to prevent
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damage to your BMW.
indicates notes that alert you to
specific features of your vehicle.
Indicates special information on
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recycling.
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Indicates the end of a note.
*
Indicates special equipment, coun­try-specific equipment and optional extras.
Alerts you to functions that can
be adjusted by your BMW center ("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer to page 60.
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The individual vehicle

On purchasing 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 range.
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 (car radio or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.
Notes Symbols The individual vehicle
.

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety 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 Owner's Manual.
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Status at time of printing
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For your own safety

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 (volatility, composition, additives, for example) 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. Follow the relevant safety rules when
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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 made by 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 (such as C.B., walkie­talkie, ham radio or similar devices) 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 center
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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 auto-
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motive part.
Symbol for vehicle parts
Denotes vehicle parts for which
you should consult this Owner's Manual.
For your own safety
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that 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 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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Reporting safety defects
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
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Index
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview

Contents

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 20 Multifunction steering wheel
Overview
(MFL) 24 Hazard warning flashers 25 Warning triangle 25 First-aid kit 25 Refueling 26 Fuel specifications 27 Tire inflation pressure 27
Opening and closing:
Keys 32 Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 33 Central locking system 34 Opening and closing – from
outside 34 Opening and closing – from
inside 38 Luggage compartment lid 39
Controls and features
Luggage compartment 40 Alarm system 42 Electric power windows 44 Manual convertible top 45 The fully automatic convertible
top 49 Wind deflector 51
Adjustments:
Seats 53 Seat and mirror memory 57 Steering wheel 58 Mirrors 58 Car Memory, Key Memory 60
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 61 ISOFIX Attachment of the
child seat 62 Airbags 63 Child restraints 66 Installing a child restraint
system 67 Rollover protection system 68
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 70 Starting the engine 70 Switch off the engine 71 Parking brake 72 Manual transmission 73 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 74
Turn signal indicator/
Headlamp flasher 77
Washer/Wiper system/
Rain sensor 77 Rear window defroster 79 Cruise control 80
Everything under control:
Odometer 82 Tachometer 82 Energy Control 82 Fuel gauge 83 Coolant temperature gauge 83 Service Interval Display 83 Check Control 84 Clock 84 Onboard computer 85
Technology for safety and driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 87 Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 88 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 89
Contents
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Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams 91 Instrument lighting 91 High beams/Parking lamps 92 Fog lamps 92 Interior lamps 92 Reading lamps 93
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control 94
Controls and features
Seat heating 99
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment 99 BMW Universal
Transmitter* 100 Storage compartments 102 Cellular phone 103 Ashtray front 103 Cigarette lighter 104 Ashtray rear 104
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag 105 Cargo loading 106 Luggage rack for the
hardtop 108
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures 112 Driving notes 113 Catalytic converter 113 Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 114 Disc brakes 116 Brake system 117 Winter operation 118 Power steering 120 Cellular phone 120 Radio reception 120 Hardtop 121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 123
Operation, care and maintenance
Tire condition 123 Tire replacement 124 Tire rotation 125 Wheel and tire
combinations 126 Winter tires 127 Snow chains 127 Approved wheel and tire
specifications 128
Under the hood:
Hood 129 Engine compartment 130 Washer fluids 132 Washer nozzles 132 Engine oil 133 Coolant 135 Brake fluid 136 Vehicle Identification
Number 137
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 138 Caring for your vehicle 139 Cleaning and caring for your
convertible top 144 Airbags 146 Vehicle storage 147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the
vehicle 148 OBD interface socket 149
Contents
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 152 Windshield wiper blades 152 Lamps and bulbs 152 Changing a wheel 159 Battery 162 Fuses 165
In case of electrical malfunction:
Fuel filler door 165 Fully automatic convertible
top 166
Owner service procedures
Assistance, giving and receiving:
Jump-starting 168 Towing the vehicle 169
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) 172 Airbags 173 Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 173 Radio reception 174 Safety belt tensioner 174 Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer 175 Rain sensor 176
Advanced technology
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 177 Self-diagnostics 178 Rollover protection system 179 Xenon lamp 179
Engine data 182 Dimensions 183 Weights 184 Capacities 185 Electrical system 186 Drive belts 186
Technical data
Everything from A to Z 190
Owner service procedures 196
Index
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14n
15n
Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 20 Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 24 Hazard warning flashers 25 Warning triangle 25 First-aid kit 25 Refueling 26 Fuel specifications 27 Tire inflation pressure 27

Overview

Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Overview
16n

Cockpit

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Cockpit
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 91
d
Turn signals indicators 77
2
>
Parking lamps 92
>
High beams 92
>
Headlamp flasher 77
>
Onboard computer*85 3 Washer/Wiper system 77 4 Shift lever/Selector lever
For vehicles equipped with manual transmission: to engage reverse gear, press the lever to the left and overcome the slight resistance you
will encounter 5 Hazard warning flashers 25 6 Central locking system 34 7 Rear window defroster 79 8 Horn: the entire surface 9 Adjusting steering wheel 58
10 Fog lamps 92
*
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73
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
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Instrument cluster

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Instrument cluster
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1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve 83 2 Turn signal indicator lamp 23 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator lamp for
>
Battery charge current 20
>
High beams 23
>
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level 20, 22 5 Tachometer and Energy Control 82 6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high" indicator 83
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for
>
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 20
>
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 22
>
Brake pads 22
>
Tire Pressure Control
*
(RDC)
>
Rollover protection system 68
>
Airbags 21
>
Please fasten safety belts 21
>
Cruise control 23 8 Reset button for
>
Clock 84
20, 22
9 Program display for automatic
* *
76
22, 76
*
,
transmission Indicator lamp for automatic transmission
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) 22
11 Display for
>
Odometer 82
>
Trip odometer 82
>
Clock 84
>
Service Interval 83
Display for onboard computer operation via the turn signal lever, refer to page 85:
>
Clock
>
Outside temperature
>
Average fuel consumption
>
Cruising range
>
Average speed 12 Display for Check Control 84 13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 82
14 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for
>
Fog lamps 23
>
Add washer fluid 22
>
Coolant level 23
>
Electronic Engine Power
*
Control (EML)
>
Engine 22
You can display the outside tem­perature and distance driven in
different units of measurement.
23
<
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
20n

Indicator and warning lamps

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 " 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 will light up while the vehicle is mov­ing. You will see how to react to this below.
" are tested for
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction of the alternator V-belt or in the charg­ing circuit of the alternator. Please con­tact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. The engine could be damaged due to overheating. If the V-belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.<
Engine oil pressure Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level and refill as required. If the oil level is correct, please contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)* In addition, an acoustic will go
off: a tire failure has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed immediately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake ap­plications. Do not oversteer. For additional information, refer to page 89.
Brake hydraulic system
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged, check the brake fluid level. Before driv­ing further, be sure to read the notes on pages 117 and 136.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
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Yellow: stop immediately
Engine oil level Comes on while driving:
Stop the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine. The oil level is at the absolute minimum. For additional information, refer to page 133.
Do not continue driving until you
have refilled the engine oil. If you continue to drive, the engine could be damaged because of inadequate lubrication.<
Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) If the brake warning lamp comes on together with the yel­low indicator lamps for ABS and DSC: The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con­tinue driving cautiously and defensively. Avoid hard brake applications. Please have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible. For additional information, refer to pages 88, 115.
CBC, ABS and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional acoustic signal sounds when starting off. For additional information, refer to page 72.
up for a few seconds or until the safety belt is fastened. For additional information on safety belts, refer to page 61.
BMW center. For additional information, refer to pages 63, 173.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
An acoustic warning signal
sounds at the same time. Lights
Airbags
Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Orange: consult the nearest BMW center
Automatic transmission* Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts only in the emergency program. Please consult the nearest BMW center. For additional information, refer to page 76.
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 115.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: check the engine oil level. For additional information, refer to page 133.
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer to page 117.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
Check the tire pressure.
For additional information, refer to pages 27 and 89.
*
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
DSC has been deactivated in response to system malfunction or by means of the button. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your BMW center. For additional information, refer to page 88.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest op­portunity. For additional information, refer to page 132.
Service Engine Soon
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit­tently, this indicates a fault in the emis­sions-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 149.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
23n
Engine Power Control (EML)* Malfunction in the EML. Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Add coolant The coolant level is too low. Top
off the coolant at the earliest op­portunity. For additional information, refer to page 135.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicators Flashes when the turn signal
indicators are operated. Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction. For additional information, refer to page 77.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for operation via the multifunction steering wheel. For additional information, refer to page 80.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps. For additional information, refer to page 92.
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 pages 77, 92.
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
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Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

The buttons integrated in the multifunc­tion steering wheel are provided so that you can operate a number of accesso­ries quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You can operate:
> selected radio functions > the cruise control > selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding sys-
tems must be switched on.<
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1 Radio/Cellular phone: select 2 Cellular phone: receive a call, start
dialing, terminate a call 3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume 4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or station buttons or scroll through
the phone listings 5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or station buttons or scroll through
the phone listings
6 Horn: the entire surface 7 Cruise control: activate stored
setting (resume)
8 Cruise control: store and accele-
rate (+); decelerate and store (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
cancel.

Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First-aid kit*

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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's lamps are on.
The turn signal indicator function
takes priority over the hazard warning flasher function. This means that with the ignition key in position 1, you can still use the turn signal indica­tor funtion, even if the hazard warning flashers are being used at the same time.<
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For easy access, the hazard warning triangle is stored in the onboard tool kit in the luggage compartment lid.
To open it, loosen the wing nut screw.
Comply with legal requirements for keeping a hazard warning
triangle in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the passenger seat.
To open: press the button (arrow) and fold the lid downward.
To close: fold the lid up until it audibly engages.
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 with passed dates. You can purchase replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply with legal requirements for keeping a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
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Refueling

Close the fuel 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 Service Engine Soon lamp.<
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Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot flow into the tank and the "Service Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler door to open and close it.
To unlock the filler door if the central locking system malfunctions, refer to page 165.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau­tions and regulations pertaining to fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
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Simple and environmentally friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Place (or put) the filler cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
> results in premature pump shutoff > and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank will be full whenever the filler nozzle has been used properly and shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 185.

Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure

27n
Use unleaded gasoline only. Recommended fuel: premium with a
minimum octane rating of 91 AKI. BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and will adapt automatically to different octane ratings, provided that the minimum octane requirement (87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will provide enhanced performance and lower fuel consumption, while the use of fuels with low octane ratings will have the opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma­nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
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You will find the inflation pressures on the inside door pillar (visible with door open).
Check tire pressures
All pressure specifications are stated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = ambient temperature). Refer to the next page as well.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
*:
(RDC) After correcting the tire inflation pres­sure, reactivate the system. Refer to page 89.
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks and before beginning a longer trip. Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can lead to driving instability or to tire dam­age and accidents. Check the tire pressure in the space­saver tire as well.<
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
28n
Tire inflation pressure
Observe 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. Ap­proved tire sizes are listed on page 128.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that meet US and European standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW-approved tires.
BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = ambient temperature)
All summer tires as well as
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For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.
extra-load tires Winter tires 33 (230) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320) Space-saver tire 61 (420)
30 (220) 33 (230) 36 (250) 44 (300)
29n
Index Data T echnolog y Repairs Car care Controls Overview
30n
Opening and closing:
Keys 32 Electronic vehicle immobilizer 33 Central locking system 34 Opening and closing – from
outside 34
Opening and closing – from
inside 38 Luggage compartment lid 39 Luggage compartment 40 Alarm system 42 Electric power windows 44 Manual convertible top 45 The fully automatic
convertible top 49 Wind deflector 51
Adjustments:
Seats 53 Seat and mirror memory 57 Steering wheel 58 Mirrors 58 Car Memory, Key Memory 60
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 61 ISOFIX Attachment of
the child seat 62 Airbags 63 Child restraints 66 Installing a child restraint
system 67 Rollover protection system 68

Controls

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