ABS BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE 2011 E88 Owner's Manual

Controls
39Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Push button: close convertible top
2Push button: open convertible top
3LEDs
The side windows move down when the
convertible top is opened.<
Operation while driving
You can open or close the convertible top while
driving, as long as the car is not moving faster
than approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.
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,
b e c a u s e yo u r v ie w t o t h e r ea r is s e v e re ly li m i t ed
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 area partition is
raised, the trunk lid is not closed or there is a
malfunction. The convertible 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 trunk lid cannot be opened
and the windows cannot be moved.<
Convenient operation with remote
control or via door lock
Refer to pages28 and30.
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.

Controls
81Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 page114.
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.<
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
114
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 page82.
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 page59.
Sports automatic transmission with dou-
ble clutch Never drive with the transmis-
sion in neutral or the engine switched off; other-
wise, there is no engine braking action or power
assist to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch depressed, the transmission in neutral,
or the engine switched off; otherwise, there is
no engine braking action or power assist to the
brakes and 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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage

Wheels and tires
200
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-sup-
porting 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 page83.
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 page85. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.

Replacing components
218
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page220.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or bring them to a recycling
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure
the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page74.
>Radio
In some cases, stations may have to be
stored again, refer to page143.
>Navigation system
Wait for the system to start, refer to
page137.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
*
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page48.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page104.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page87.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating; oth-
erwise, this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
In the glove compartment
Accessing the fuse box:
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.
Plastic tweezers are located on the distributor
box.
Information on fuse assignment can be found
next to the distributor box.
Spare fuses are available from your BMW cen-
ter.
After replacing a fuse, press the glove compart-
ment upward until it engages and reattach the
damper.

Giving and receiving assistance
220 The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo area in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
trunk 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 page203. 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.

Everything from A to Z
238
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System81
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control64
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request219
Activated-charcoal filter99
Activating
BMW Assist186,188
Active steering86
Adaptive light control92
Additives
– coolant205
– engine oil205
Address, entering121,127
Address for navigation
– entering121
Adjusting temperature97
Airbags88
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp89
Air conditioner96
Air distribution
– automatic97
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents96
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure194
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Air vents96
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications193Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection160
ALL program98
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires201
AM, waveband143
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone170
Antifreeze
– coolant205
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system
32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights229
Approved engine oils205
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest105
Arrival time
– computer70
Ashtray106
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC81
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audible instructions, refer to
Spoken instructions132Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air volume97
– cruise control66
– headlamp control91
Automatic car washes209
Automatic climate control96
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant93
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps91
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC98
Automatic Service
Request188
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing221
– tow-starting221
AUTO program for automatic
climate control97
AUX-IN port163
Available services188
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units72
Average speed70
Avoid highways in
navigation130
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights229

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints46
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb216
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag107
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch219
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away222
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter180
Bass, tone setting140
Battery217
– charging218
– disposal35,218
– jump-starting220
– replacing217
– temporary power failure218
Battery for mobile phone181
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders105
Blower, refer to Air volume98
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating172
BMW
– car shampoo210
BMW Assist184
BMW Maintenance
System207
BMW Search186
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders105
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control81
Brake fluid
– service requirements72
Brake Force Display87Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display87
– replacing bulb216
Brake pads, breaking in112
Brake rotors114
– brakes112
– breaking in112
Brakes
– ABS81
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– braking safely114
– breaking in112
– parking brake57
– service requirements72
Brake system112
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– breaking in112
– disc brakes114
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance219
Breaking in the clutch112
Break-in period112
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs213
Bulbs, changing213
Button for starting the
engine55
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting173
– ending174
– rejecting174
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing174
Calling, refer to Telephone
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders105
Capacities230
Capacity of the cargo area229Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery217
Car care, refer to Care209
Care209
– automatic car washes209
– care products209
– carpets212
– CD/DVD drives212
– chrome parts211
– convertible top210
– displays212
– exterior209
– fine wood parts212
– headlamps210
– high-pressure washer210
– interior211
– leather211
– light-alloy wheels211
– paintwork211
– plastic parts212
– rubber seals211
– safety belts212
– sensors and cameras212
– upholstery and cloth
trim211
– washing the car
manually210
– windows210
Cargo, securing116
Cargo area
– capacity229
– Comfort Access34
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system106
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps95
– lid, refer to Trunk lid31
– opening from outside31
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid31
Cargo area net, refer to
Securing cargo116
Cargo loading115
– securing cargo
116
– stowing cargo115
– vehicle114
Car jack
– jacking points217

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps216
Refueling192
Releasing
– hood202
Remaining distance, refer to
Computer70
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range70
Remote control26
– battery renewal35
– Comfort Access33
– garage door opener101
– malfunctions29,34
– removing from the ignition
lock55
– service data207
– trunk lid28
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control26
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses218
Replacement remote
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs213
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires200
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Reservoir for washer
systems66
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings142
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts49
Restraint systems for
children52
Retreaded tires200
Reverse
– CD changer153
– CD player153
Reverse gear61
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Road map132Roadside
Assistance185,219
Roadside parking lamps93
– replacing bulbs214
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements72
Rollover protection system,
Convertible90
– resetting90
Roof load capacity229
Roof-mounted luggage
rack116
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away222
Rotary/pushbutton control,
refer to Controller16
Route130,131
– bypassing sections131
– changing130,131
– changing criteria130
– displaying streets or towns/
cities131
– map view132
– selecting130
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions132
Route map, refer to Map
view132
Route section, changing131
Route selection130
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires200
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires200
Run-flat tires200,201
– flat tire83
– Inflation pressure194
– new tires200
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire83
– tire replacement200
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat
tires200
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment49
Safety belts49
– damage49
– indicator lamp49
– reminder49
– sitting safely43
Safety systems
– airbags88
– Antilock Brake System
ABS81
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC81
– rollover protection system,
Convertible90
– safety belts49
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires200
Satellite radio146
– enabling or unsubscribing
from a channel146
– favorites148
– selecting channel147
– storing channel147
– timeshift148
– Traffic Jump149
Saving fuel112
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting221
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio146
Seat and mirror memory48
Seat belt reminder, refer to
"Fasten safety belts"
reminder49
Seats44
– heating48
– sitting safely43
Securing cargo108,109
Selecting a detour136
Selecting new scale for
navigation133
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Selector lever positions60