BMW 3.0i ROADSTER 2003 Owner's Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
21
To unlock and open
>Either unlock the doors together with
the button for the central locking sys-
tem and then pull each of the release
handles above the armrests
or
>pull the release handle for each door
twice: the initial pull unlocks the door,
and the second one opens it.
To lock
>Either use the central locking button to
lock all doors at once
or
>press the individual door lock buttons
down.
To prevent the driver from being
inadvertently locked out of the
vehicle, the driver's door lock button
will not engage as long as the door is
open.<
Since persons or animals in the vehi-
cle could lock the doors from the
inside, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.<
Luggage compartment lid
To open from the outside
Turn the master key to the left as far as it
will go. The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly.
If the alarm system is armed, opening the
luggage compartment with the key will trig-
ger an alarm; refer also to page 27.
To open from the inside
If the luggage compartment lid has not
been locked separately, you can open it
with this button in the footwell on the
driver's side when the vehicle is stationary.
To close
The handle recess in the interior trim panel
of the luggage compartment lid makes it
easier to pull the lid down.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the luggage compart-
ment lid is clear when it is closed, following
the same precautions as with all closing
procedures.<
Operate the vehicle only when the
luggage compartment lid is closed,
since exhaust fumes could penetrate into
the interior of the vehicle. Should it be
absolutely necessary to operate the vehicle
with the luggage compartment lid open and
with the convertible top closed:
>Close all windows
>Increase the air supply from the air con-
ditioner or automatic climate control to
a high level. Refer to page 55 or 57.<

Opening and closing
22
Luggage compartment
Emergency release
This lever releases the luggage compart-
ment lid from inside the luggage compart-
ment.
To enlarge the luggage compartment
The luggage compartment can be enlarged
when the convertible top is closed.
Simultaneously turn the handles on both
sides of the luggage compartment to the
right past the resistance point.
The convertible top compartment panel is
raised.
Before opening the convertible top:
Turn the handles to the left and fold the
convertible top compartment panel down-
ward.
Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel has been folded down
in the luggage compartment to avoid any
possible damage.<
Electric power windows
The illustration shows the power window
switches in the trim of the passenger door.
To open and close the windows
Ignition key in position 1 or higher
>Press the switch until you feel resis-
tance: the window continues to move
downward as long as you continue to
press the switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the window moves automat-
ically. Pressing the switch again stops
the opening cycle.
You can close the windows in the same
manner by pulling the switch.
The window on the passenger side does
not move automatically.
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can still use the electric power win-
dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as no
one opens any of the doors.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key from the lock
and remember to close the doors to pre-
vent children from operating the power
windows and injuring themselves, etc.<
For convenience operation via the door
lock, refer to page 20.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
23
Manual convertible top
The fabric top offers perfect protection
against the weather and it can be opened
easily and quickly by one person alone.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your Z4 roadster:
>It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked.
The closed convertible top not only pro-
tects the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection
>In addition, only keep valuables in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed
>When the convertible top is open, the
central locking system also locks the
release button for the convertible top.
The convertible top cannot be oper-
ated. This provides better theft protec-
tion for valuables stored in the luggage
compartment
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.
To open the convertible top
Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.
Never store the convertible top for longer
than one day while it is wet to avoid perma-
nent damage from moisture.<
Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel in the luggage com-
partment is lowered to avoid any possible
damage; refer to page 22.<1.Flip the handle out and turn it to the end
stop
2.Open the convertible top and push it
toward the rear of the vehicle
3.Gently swing the convertible top down-
ward and press until it engages audibly.
To close the convertible top

Opening and closing
24 1.Press button; see arrow 1
The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly; see arrow 2
2.Holding on to the handle, pull the con-
vertible top forward onto the windshield
frame
3.Lock the convertible top by turning the
handle until you hear the convertible
top engage.
At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment
can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.<
Fully automatic convertible
top*
The fully automatic convertible top com-
bines assured protection against the ele-
ments with simple and easy handling.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your roadster:
>it is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
only keep valuables in the locked lug-
gage compartment, even with the con-
vertible top closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.
>To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
147/–106.
Never store the convertible top while
it is wet to avoid permanent damage
from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or closing
process has not been completed can
cause vehicle damage or personal injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top,
since they could fall off when the convert-ible top is operated and cause damage or
injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top mech-
anism during opening and closing. Keep
children away from the moving parts of the
convertible top during operation.<
If possible, only operate the convert-
ible top with the vehicle stopped, as
otherwise the process may be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion with
the vehicle stationary and then have to start
suddenly – for instance, at a traffic light –
you can still complete the operation by
driving as slowly as possible and again
pressing and maintaining pressure on the
button.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment
can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.<
To open and close
1To close
2To open
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running.
This saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove
any objects from the windshield frame that
could keep the convertible top from closing
properly.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
25
Ignition key in position 1 or higher.
With the vehicle standing.
1.Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2.Make sure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the luggage compart-
ment is lowered; refer to page 22. Oth-
erwise the convertible top cannot be
opened
3.Ensure that the luggage compartment
lid is closed
4.Press and hold the corresponding but-
ton for convertible top operation.
If the convertible top should halt right
before the closing phase is completed,
press against the front part of the convert-
ible top frame from the outside to help the
closing process along. Keep pressing the
button while doing so until the top starts up
again on its own.
Indicator lamps
>The red indicator lamp will light up while
the convertible top is in motion. It goes
out as soon as the opening or closing
operation has been completed
>If the red indicator lamp flashes after
the button has been released, then the
opening or closing operation has not
yet been completed.
The sequence can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing this but-
ton
>If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button pressed,
then the convertible top compartment
panel is raised and the convertible top
cannot be moved.
The side windows will lower slightly when
you press the button for operating the con-
vertible top.
After the opening or closing operation, the
side windows will go back up if you keep
the button pressed for more than 2 sec-
onds after the indicator lamp has gone out.
The automatic sequence will be interrupted
immediately if you release the button that
operates the top. The sequence can be continued in the desired direction by press-
ing this button.
If the convertible top operation has
been interrupted, do not close the
side windows using the power window but-
tons. Otherwise the side windows may not
close properly against the rubber seal of
the convertible top.<
After the convertible top has been
stored for an extended period of time
in the convertible top compartment – e.g. in
the winter months because the hardtop
was being used – you may have to support
the convertible top by hand when closing it
for the first time.<
If the opening or closing procedure has
been interrupted due to an electrical mal-
function, the convertible top will remain in
that position for 15 minutes. The procedure
can be resumed in the desired direction by
pressing the button. After that, the convert-
ible top can be moved again and, if it is an
emergency situation, you may have to help
the top along manually. This can also be
done in ignition key position 0.
Convenience operation from the
driver's door lock
Refer to page 20.
To close manually in the event of
an electrical malfunction
To release the convertible top
1.Pull out the handle in the luggage com-
partment as far as it will go
2.Turn the handle by 90˚ until it engages

Opening and closing
26 3.Pull on the cord in the rear luggage
compartment panel.
The storage compartment between the
backrests unlocks; refer also to
page 60
4.Press button; see arrow 1
The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly; see arrow 2
5.Grab the convertible top at its frame
and pull it up to the windshield frame
6.Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover
panel in the center of the front convert-
ible top frame7.Insert the Allen wrench into the hex slot
8.Pull the convertible top frame down as
far as possible
9.Continue turning the Allen wrench to
the left until the front convertible top
frame has locked onto the windshield
frame.
Wind deflector*
With the convertible top open, the wind
deflector keeps air movement in the pas-
senger compartment to a minimum, thus
providing you with a pleasant drive, even at
higher speeds.
Because of its slim dimensions, it can eas-
ily be stored in a storage compartment in
the luggage compartment lid.
The illustration shows the wind deflector
guide and the wind deflector panel on the
passenger side.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
27
Installation
Insert the wind deflector in the guides pro-
vided on the rollover bars.
The wind deflector panels inserted in the
rollover bars cannot be removed.
Clothes hooks
Located on the wind deflector panel in the
rollover bars.
Do not hang heavy objects on the
hooks. If you do so, personal injury
could result during braking or evasive
maneuvers, for example.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage
compartment lid is opened
>When attempts are made to start the
vehicle
>To movement inside the vehicle – inte-
rior motion sensor
>To alterations in the vehicle tilt, e.g. as
would occur during attempts to steal
the wheels or tow the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The alarm produced by the system in the
event of unauthorized vehicle entry and
attempted theft depends on the country
version:
>Sounding of an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>Activation of the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes.
Arming and disarming the alarm sys-
tem
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked
either via the driver's door lock or with the
remote control, the alarm system is simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.The hazard warning flashers blink once
when the alarm system has been properly
armed.
You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming
and disarming.<
You can open the luggage compartment lid
when the system is armed by pressing the
remote control button. Refer to page 19.
When it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.
Manual operation of the luggage
compartment lid triggers the alarm.
Refer to page 21.<
To cancel an alarm:
Press the button on the remote control,
refer to page 18, or turn the ignition key to
position 1. Refer to page 38.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp beneath the interior
mirror flashes continuously:
The system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes when it is
being armed:
A door, the hood or luggage compart-
ment lid is not completely closed. Even
if you do not close the area causing the
alert, the remaining areas are secured
and the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after 10 seconds.
However, the interior motion sensor is
not activated

Opening and closing
28 >If the indicator lamp goes out as soon
as the system is disarmed:
No manipulation or attempted intru-
sions have been detected in the period
since the system was armed
>If the indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is being
disarmed:
An attempted entry has been detected
in the period since the system was
armed.
After an alarm has been triggered, the indi-
cator lamp will flash continuously.
Interior motion sensor*
The system monitors the footwells and the
seating areas of the driver and passenger.
Deactivate the interior motion sensor
– refer to Avoiding unintentional
alarms – if children or animals are to remain
in the vehicle.<
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor can be deactivated at the same
time. You can do this to prevent a false
alarm from being triggered, for instance in
garages with elevator ramps or when the
vehicle is transported by train.
Lock the vehicle twice = arm the system:
Press the button on the remote control
twice in succession,
or
lock the vehicle twice with the key. Refer to
page 20.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor are
deactivated as long as the system is
armed.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
29
Adjustments
Safe seating position
For relaxed and fatigue-free driving you
should select a seating position that
reflects your personal requirements. The
correct seating position combines with
safety belts and airbags to enhance occu-
pant safety in the event of an accident. To
ensure that the vehicle's safety systems
provide you with optimal protection, we
request that you direct your careful atten-
tion to the following section.
For supplementary information on trans-
porting children, refer to page 34.
Sitting safely with airbags
Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the air-
bags.
Always hold the steering wheel by its rim
with hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injuries to your
hands or arms in the event of airbag
deployment. Never allow any objects, indi-
viduals or animals to obstruct the areas
between passengers and airbags. Never
use the front airbag's cover as a storage
tray or support for objects of any kind.
Never allow front passengers to rest their
feet or legs on the airbag cover.<
For airbag locations and additional infor-
mation on airbags, refer to page 33.
Sitting safely with safety belts
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passen-
ger's lap. Avoid twisting the belt while rout-
ing it firmly across the pelvis and shoulder,
wear it as snugly against your body as pos-
sible. Do not allow the belt to rest against
hard or fragile objects. Do not route the belt
across your neck, or run it across sharp
edges. Be sure that the belt does not
become caught or jammed. Avoid wearing
bulky clothing and pull on the lap belt peri-odically to retension it over your shoulders.
In the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over your hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced if
the belt is worn loosely. Expectant mothers
should always wear their safety belts, tak-
ing care to position the lap belt against the
lower hips, where it will not exert pressure
against the abdominal area.<
For information on using the safety belts,
refer to page 31.
Seats
Before adjusting your seat, always
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected movement,
and the ensuing loss of vehicle control
could result in an accident. Never ride with
the backrest inclined to an extreme angle –
especially important for the front passen-
ger to remember. If you do so, there is a
risk that you will slide under the safety belt
in the event of an accident, thus reducing
the protection provided by the safety belt.<
Seat adjustment
1Backward/forward
Pull lever 1 and slide the seat into the
desired position.

Adjustments
30 After releasing the lever, move the seat
backwards or forwards slightly to ensure
that the latch engages securely
2Height
Pull lever 2 and apply weight to or remove
weight from the seat as required
3Backrest
Pull lever 3 and apply weight to or remove
weight from the backrest as required.
Head restraints#
Adjustments
Height: pull or push.
In order to move to the lowest positions,
press button 1.
Adjust the head restraint so that its
center is approximately at the height
of your ears. Otherwise, there is a higher
risk of injury to the cervical vertebra in the
event of an accident.<
Removal
Pull the head restraint upward until it stops.
Press button 1 and remove the head
restraint.
Installation
Insert the head restraint into the guides.
Power seat adjustment
1Tilt angle
2Backward/forward adjustment
3Height
4Backrest angle
The head restraints are adjusted manually.
Refer to preceding section.
Read and comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 29. Failure to
do so can result in diminished personal
safety.<
Seat memory*
You can store and recall three different
driver's seat positions.
To store
1.Ignition key position 1 or 2
2.Adjust seat to desired position
3.Press the
MEMORY button: the indica-
tor lamp in the button lights up