ABS BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE 2008 E88 Owner's Manual

Opening and closing
42 If you accelerate to over 30 mph/50 km/h while
the convertible top is moving, the procedure is
interrupted.
When operating the convertible top while
driving, pay extra attention to the traffic to
avoid an accident. If possible, do not move the
convertible top while driving in reverse gear,
because your view to the rear is severely limited
during the procedure. Do not operate the con-
vertible top while driving in windy conditions.
Do not drive faster than 30 mph/50 km/h, other-
wise damage to the vehicle can occur.<
LEDs
>While the convertible top is being operated,
the left LED lights up green. It goes out as
soon as the top is fully opened or closed.
In the following situations, a message appears
on the Control Display or an acoustic signal
sounds in addition to the LED lighting up:
>If the right-hand LED flashes red when you
release the button, the opening or closing
action has not yet finished.
>If the right-hand LED lights up red when the
button is pressed, the cargo bay partition is
raised, the luggage compartment lid is not
closed or there is a malfunction. The con-
vertible top cannot be moved.
Interruption
The automatic sequence of movements is
interrupted if the button for the convertible top
operation is released. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by pushing or
pulling the buttons.
If the opening or closing procedure is inter-
rupted for an extended period, the convertible
top remains in the raised position for approx.
10 minutes and then slowly moves to a stable
position.
A convertible top that is not fully opened
or closed is a safety hazard.<
If the convertible top is not fully opened or
closed, the luggage compartment lid can-
not be opened and the windows cannot be
moved.<
Convenient operation with remote
control or via door lock
Refer to pages30 and32.
Closing manually
Only close the convertible top manually if
it is absolutely necessary, and never open
it manually. The convertible top box cover can-
not be locked if there is an electrical defect and
would then open while the vehicle is in motion.
Incorrect handling can result in damage.<
Closing the convertible top manually should be
performed by two people. The rear seats must
not be occupied.
Before closing
1.If possible, close all windows and then lower
the rear windows by approx. 3/4 in/2 cm.
After you manually unlock the convertible
top box cover, the windows can no longer
be operated.
2.Open the luggage compartment lid. If there
is an electrical fault, unlock the lid using the
integrated key, refer to page33.
3.Take the Allen wrench and screwdriver out
of the onboard tool kit, refer to page223.
4.Using the screwdriver, loosen the two but-
tons in the cargo bay, arrows 1, and pull
them out forcefully as far as they will go.
The convertible top box cover is unlocked.
5.Close the luggage compartment lid. After
the convertible top box cover is unlocked
manually, the luggage compartment lid can
only be opened using the integrated key.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
82 until "PDC" is selected and press the con-
troller.
6.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display is shown on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e. g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or after a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Loud sound sources out-
side or inside the car can drown out the PDC
signal. Therefore, always drive cautiously, oth-
erwise there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty damage.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page116.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident.<

Things to remember when driving
116 The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page209.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page83.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page61.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page219.

Wheels and tires
210
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0708 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 7 of 2008.
Run-Flat Tires
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-
supporting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire on page85.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a puncture, refer to page87. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.

Replacing components
228 1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Remove the damper, arrow1, from the
lower holder by applying forward pressure.
3.Disengage the glove compartment by
pressing on both tabs, arrows 2, and fold it
down.
Spare fuses and a pair of plastic forceps are set
in holders on the distributor box.
Information on fuse assignment can be found
next to the distributor box.
After replacing a fuse, press the glove compart-
ment upward until it engages and reattach the
damper.

Giving and receiving assistance
230
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
luggage compartment lid. Press the tabs to take
it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's
engine can be started by connecting two
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order to prevent sparking at the battery,
which could cause injury.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page213. The cap is
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.

Everything from A - Z
244
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request229
Activated-charcoal filter101
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation101
Active steering88
Adaptive Head Light94
"Add digits" on the mobile
phone184
Additives
– coolant216
– engine oil215
"Address book" in
navigation131
Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering123,131
– selecting132
– storing131
– storing current position132
"Add to destination list"126
Airbags89
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp90
Air conditioner97
Air distribution
– automatic99
Air flow rate99
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents97Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure204
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
"Air recirculation on / off"53
Air vents97
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications202
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off an alarm35
– tilt alarm sensor35
"All channels" for satellite
radio161
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires211
"All stations", displaying with
the radio154
"AM", waveband150,154
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
99
Antenna for mobile phone176
Antifreeze
– coolant216
– washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights239
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights239
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest107
Arrival time
– computer69
Arrival time, refer to Starting
destination guidance136Arrow display for
navigation137
"Arrow display" in
navigation137
Ashtray107
Assist191
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
"Assist profile"197
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
"Audio"153,157
Audio150
– controls150
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
"Audio", refer to Tone
control151
Automatic
– air distribution99
– air flow rate99
– BMW Teleservice Call193
– cruise control65
– headlamp control92
– storing of stations155
Automatic car wash, refer to
Car wash116
Automatic car washes219
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution99
– settings via iDrive98
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps92
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control99
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic station search155

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic60
– interlock61
– selector lever lock61
– shiftlock61
– towing231
– tow-starting231
"Automatic ventilation" for
parked car ventilation101
AUTO program for automatic
climate control99
"Auto Request"193
"Autostore"
– on the radio156
"AUX"150,169,171
– AUX-In port169
– USB-audio interface170
AUX-In port169
Average fuel consumption69
– setting the units71
Average speed69
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation134
"Avoid highways" in
navigation134
Avoid highways in
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation134
Axle loads, refer to
Weights239
"A - Z"183,184
B
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment47
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints48
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb226
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag109
Balance, tone control151
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch230Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away232
Bass, tone control151
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass151
Battery227
– charging227
– disposal37,227
– jump starting230
– temporary power failure227
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle37
Being towed231
Belts, refer to Safety belts51
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts51
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate99
BMW
– car shampoo222
"BMW
Assist"192,193,194,195
BMW Assist
– activating196
– concierge service195
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations194
– Roadside Assistance192
– services offered191
– TeleServices193
"BMW Contact"186
"BMW Contact
Numbers"186
BMW Maintenance
System217
"BMW Service settings"197
BMW Teleservice Call
– automatic193
– manual193
BMW TeleServices193
– displaying194
– updating194
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control82Brake fluid
– service requirements72
Brake Force Display88
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display88
– replacing bulb226
Brake pads, breaking in114
Brake rotors116
– brakes114
– breaking in114
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– braking safely116
– breaking in114
– parking brake59
– service requirements72
Brake system114
– BMW Maintenance
System217
– breaking in114
– disc brakes116
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance229
Breaking in the clutch114
Break-in period114
"Brightness"80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs223
Bulbs, changing223
Button for starting the
engine58
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
"Call"184,195
Call
– accepting182
– displaying accepted184
– ending183
– missed184
– starting183

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires210
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires210
Run-Flat Tires210
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire85
– flat tire85
– new tires210
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire85
– tire inflation pressure204
– winter tires211
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires210
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment51
Safety belts51
– damage51
– indicator lamp51
– reminder51
– sitting safely45
Safety systems
– airbags89
– Antilock Brake System
ABS82
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
– rollover protection system,
convertible90
– safety belts51
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires210
"SAT"150,160
Satellite radio160
– displaying additional
information161
– enabling160
– selecting channel161
– storing channel161
Saving fuel114"Scan"
– sampling radio stations155
– sampling tracks on CD165
Scan
– CD changer165
– CD player165
– radio155
"Scan all" for audio mode165
"Scan directory" for audio
mode165
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting231
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio160
Seat and mirror memory49
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder51
Seats45
– heating49
– sitting safely45
Securing cargo110,111
"Select as
destination"130,195
"Select current speed"79
Selecting a country for
navigation124
Selecting an audio source150
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for
navigation139
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic61
"Service"214
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance229
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance229
Service data in remote
control217
"Service Info"73,193
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS217
"Service Request"186,193Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS217
"Service
requirements"73,193,214
Service requirements72
"Set date"76
"Set time"76
"Settings"197
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format76
– date format77
"Settings" for unlocking30
Setting times, refer to
Preselecting switch-on
times101
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic61
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever positions61
Short commands for the voice
command system240
Shortest route in navigation,
refer to Selecting route134
"Short route" in
navigation134
"Show current position"129
"Show destination
position"129
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer166
– CD player166
Side airbags89
Side windows, refer to
Windows38
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely45
– airbags45
– safety belt45
Ski bag109
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric39
Slot for remote control58
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray107,108
Snap-in adapter189
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest107