ABS BMW 128I 2009 E81 Owner's Manual

Opening and closing
32
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.
>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 pages20 and22.
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.Open the luggage compartment lid.
2.Take the screwdriver out of the onboard
tool kit, refer to page124.
3.If the convertible top lid is locked, release
the two buttons in the cargo bay, arrows1,
using the screwdriver and pull them out
forcefully as far as they will go. The convert-
ible top box cover is unlocked.
4.Close the luggage compartment lid. After
the convertible top box cover is unlocked
manually, the luggage compartment lid can
no longer be opened.
Closing
1.Slide the protective cap, arrow2, forward.
2.Slowly and smoothly open the convertible
top box cover all the way, arrow3.
3.The locking pins must have engaged com-
pletely. If they are still visible: close the con-
vertible top box cover as far as necessary
until the locking bolts engage audibly, then
slowly open the cover. During this process,

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
65
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 page98.
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
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock,
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are
still performed on the rear axle to enhance drive
output if the drive wheels experience a signifi-
cant loss of traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps for
DSC in the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:

Things to remember when driving
98 with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page111.
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 page66.
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 page50.
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 page120.

Wheels and tires
112
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 ... 3408 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 34 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 page67.
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
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
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 page69. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
129
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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
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 page115. 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.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
139
Dynamic Traction Control DTC acti-
vated, refer also to page65
Dynamic Stability Control DSC and
Dynamic Traction Control DTC deacti-
vated, refer also to page65Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution.
Suspension control system failed, refer
also to page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication
* in Canadian models:
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor
or Tire Pressure Monitor
*, have failed,
refer also to page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication
* in Canadian models:
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor
or Tire Pressure Monitor
*, have failed,
refer also to page64Driving stability limited during acceler-
ation and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models:
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your BMW center.
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Everything from A to Z
152
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System64
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request130
Activated-charcoal filter84
Active steering70
Adaptive Head Light76
Additives
– coolant117
– engine oil116
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Air conditioner79
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual80
Air flow rate80,83
Airing, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure106
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Air vents79
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications104
Alarm system24
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires113Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Antifreeze
– coolant117
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System
ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights149
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
88
Ashtray90
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air flow rate83
– cruise control54
– headlamp control74
Automatic car wash, refer to
Car wash98
Automatic car washes120
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution83
Automatic curb monitor42
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC83Automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– interlock50
– selector lever lock50
– shiftlock50
– towing132
– tow-starting132
AUTO program for automatic
climate control83
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149
B
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backrest width adjustment37
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb127
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag92
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch130
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away133
Battery128
– charging128
– disposal27,128
– jump starting131
– temporary power failure128
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle27
Being towed132
Belts, refer to Safety belts41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts41

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance
System118
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control65
Brake fluid
– service requirements61
Brake Force Display70
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display70
– replacing bulb127
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brakes
– ABS65
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– braking safely98
– breaking in96
– parking brake49
– service requirements61
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Breaking in the clutch96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs124
Bulbs, changing124
Button for starting the
engine47
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo bay149
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery128
Car care, refer to Care120
Care120
– automatic car washes120
– care products120
– carpets122
– CD/DVD drives123
– chrome parts122
– convertible top121
– displays123
– exterior120
– fine wood parts123
– headlamps121
– high-pressure washer120
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth
trim122
– washing the car
manually121
– windows121
– wiper blades121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo bay
– capacity149
– convenient access27
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps77
– lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
– opening from outside23Cargo bay lid, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid23
Cargo bay net, refer to
Securing cargo100
Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle99
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash98
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system97
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing wheels127
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment115
Check Control62
Checking oil level115
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child-restraint systems44
Child seats44
Chrome parts123
Chrome polish123
Cigarette lighter90

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
159
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener85
– luggage compartment lid20
– malfunctions21,27
– removing from the ignition
lock47
– service data118
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses128
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs124
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires112
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Reservoir for washer
systems53
Residual heat83
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts41
Restraint systems for
children44
Retreaded tires112
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
Roadside Assistance130
Roadside parking lamps76
– replacing bulbs125
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements61
Rollover protection system,
convertible72
– resetting73
Roof load capacity149
Roof-mounted luggage
rack100
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away133RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires112
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires112
Run-Flat Tires112
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire67
– flat tire67
– new tires112
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire
67
– tire inflation pressure106
– winter tires113
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires112
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment41
Safety belts41
– damage41
– indicator lamp41
– reminder41
– sitting safely35
Safety systems
– airbags71
– Antilock Brake System
ABS64
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
– rollover protection system,
convertible72
– safety belts41
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires112
Saving fuel96
Screw thread for tow
fitting132
Seat and mirror memory39
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder41
Seats35
– heating39
– sitting safely35Securing cargo92,93
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance130
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance130
Service data in remote
control118
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS118
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS118
Service requirements61
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format60
– date format60
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever positions50
Side airbags71
Side windows, refer to
Windows27
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belt35
Ski bag92
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric
29
Slot for remote control47
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray90
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest88
Snow chains113
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances90
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD119
Spare fuses128
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils116
Specified engine oils116