BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Owners Manual

90
Controls1 Automatic air distribution
2 Individual air distribution
3 Temperature and air ßow display
4 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor - please keep clear and
unobstructed
5 To defrost windshield and door
windows
6 Air conditioner
7 Recirculated-air mode
8 Rear window defroster
9 Temperature control Ð right-hand
side
10 Air supply
11 Temperature control Ð left-hand side
Air conditioning for comfortUse the automatic system; switch on
AUTO key1. Select the interior temper-
ature that is comfortable for you, e.g.,
70 5F (226). With exterior temperatures
above 41 5F (56) you can also use air-
conditioning 6. This dries the air and
prevents window mist when e.g., per-
sons with damp clothing are in the vehi-
cle. Adjust vent 2 in such a way that the
air blows past you and does not strike
you directly. Turn the rotary control on
the left under the vents 2 for the upper
body area to a middle setting, so that
you will be driving in cooler air that
does not tire you out.
The following description gives you
additional individual settings.
Automatic air distribution
Individual air distribution
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When you activate the AUTO
mode, the program takes
over the setting of the air distribution
and the air supply and, in addition,
adjusts your temperature pre-selections
to exterior conditions (summer, winter).
This program maintains a comfortable
in-car climate regardless of the season.
Select the interior temperature that is
comfortable for you, e.g., 70 5F (226).
The temperature pre-selections as well
as the lettering AUTO for the air supply
appear in indicator 3.
Open the vent outlets for the upper
body area. Switch on the air conditioner
in warm weather.
The maximum cooling capacity is
achieved when you set the rotary dial 3
(refer to page 92) to cold.
You can cancel the automatic
program by selecting distri-
bution patterns to suit your
individual requirements. You
can direct air toward the windshield and
windows 7, toward the upper body
5
and/or into the footwell
6.
AUTO
Automatic climate control

91
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
To defrost windshield and door
windows
Air conditioner Circulated air mode/Automatic
recirculated air control (AUC)
*
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence:
dIndicator lamps off: outside air flow
operational.
dLeft-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehi-
cle.
dRight-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air into the vehicle is
permanently blocked. The system
then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.a
If the windshields fog over in circu-
lated air mode, switch off the circulated
air mode/Automatic recirculated air
control and increase the air supply. if
necessary.c
Rear window defrosterBMW Convertible: Heated rear-window
blower.
The rear-window blower is always
switched off with the convertible top
down.
When the hardtop
* is in place, press
the rear-window heating button.
Temperature
This program is designed for
rapid removal of ice and con-
densation from the windshield and side
windows.
The air conditioner cools and
dehumidifies incoming air
before reheating it to the selected tem-
perature.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Switching off the air conditioner at out-
side temperatures below approx. 41 5F
(56) will prevent the windows from
fogging up.
Frequently switching the air condi-
tioner on and off may also promote the
formation of condensation on the win-
dow surfaces.
b
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during operation,
which then exits under the vehicle. It is
not unusual for a small puddle to form
there.c
You can respond to unpleas-
ant odors in the outside air
by temporarily excluding the outside air.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
A
The indicator lamp comes
on to confirm that the rear
defroster is operating.
The defroster switches off automatically
after approx. 15 minutes.
On both the driver's and the
passenger's side you can
adjust the specific temperature. The fig-
ures in the display provide a general
indication of interior temperature. We
recommend 70 5F (226) as a standard
setting for comfortable travel, both with
and without the air conditioner. When
you start the vehicle, the system
ensures that the selected temperature
is achieved as quickly as possible and
maintained at a constant level by the
control.
Automatic climate control

92
Air supply
Draft-free ventilation
You can adjust the vent outlets for the
upper body area to select the optimum
airflow rates and directions for your
own personal requirements:
Use rotary controls 1 to open and close
the vents throughout and infinitely-vari-
able range. Use the levers 2 to adjust
the direction of the air flow.
The rotary control 3 allows you to mix
the air from the outlets for your upper
body by warming or cooling it as
desired:
Turn toward blue Ð colder
Turn toward red Ð warmer
MicrofilterThe microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The filter is
changed by your BMW Retailer when
you bring your vehicle for maintenance.
A substantial reduction in air flow indi-
cates that the filter needs to be
replaced prematurely. In the AUTO mode, the air
supply is controlled automat-
ically and AUTO appears in display 3,
refer to the summary on page 90. Using
"+" and "Ð" you can vary the air flow.
Your setting is indicated by bars, the
automatic control is switched off. You
can reactivate it by pressing the AUTO
key.
When you press "-" during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the fan, heating and air con-
ditioner are switched off, the air supply
is blocked. By pressing on any key of
the air conditioning you can again
engage the system.
Effective heating and cooling is ensured
at a medium blower speed.
1 2 3
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Automatic climate control

93
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
BMW Hi-Fi System (Harman/
Kardon)1On
2Off
In the "On" position, the listener is given
the impression of a considerably larger
passenger compartment with an
improved stereo effect in all seats.
This function should be switched off in
the case of poor radio reception due to
the frequent changes between stereo
and mono which result.
BMW Convertible:
You do not have to operate the con-
trols. The system detects whether the
top is open or closed and regulates the
sound automatically.
To openPress the button and fold down the
door.
The glove compartment lamp switches
on from ignition key position 1.To closeFold up door.To engage locksOnly possible with a master key. a
To reduce the risk of injury, always
close the glove compartment immedi-
ately after use.c
Rechargeable flashlightThe connection for the rechargeable
flashlight is located on the left side of
the glove compartment.
The flashlight features overcharging
protection, so it can be left in its holder
continuously.
However, it must be removed when the
battery is disconnected or removed.a
Ensure that the flashlight is off be-
fore inserting it in its holder.c
HIFI
1
2
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BMW Hi-Fi System*Glove compartment

94
To openPress against the recess (arrow).
To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the ash
and gently press the tip into the funnel.To emptyPress on the edge of the lid with the
ashtray open: the ashtray insert pops
up and can be removed.
The rear ashtray is operated in the
same manner.The components ashtray (1), coin box
(2) and the two cup holders (3) can be
arranged as you wish.
Simultaneously press lightly on the
ribbed surfaces (arrows) of the desired
components and pull them upward.
Replace the components in the bracket
in the desired arrangement and clip into
place.Press in. Remove as soon as the lighter
jumps back out.
a
Always hold the hot lighter by its
plastic knob, as otherwise serious
burns could result.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children
should never be left in the car unat-
tended.c
Cigarette lighter socket Suitable for attaching power supplies
for flashlights, car vacuum cleaners,
etc., up to a rating of approximately
200 watts at 12 volts.
Inserting plugs of a different shape or
size may damage the socket.
A
AUTO
2
1
3456
7 8 9 10 11
AUTO
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1
2
3
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Ashtray Coin box, cup holder Cigarette lighter

95
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Pull the strap to fold down the armrest.
To open drawer
*:
Unlock and pull out the drawer by pull-
ing on the drawer handle. The drawer
locks in any position. The cup holder
can be shifted as necessary.
BMW ConvertibleVehicles without ski bag
*: Storage
compartment, accessible by removing
the filler piece and releasing the trim
(refer to page 97).
The rear backrest is divided in the cen-
ter. Each side can be folded down sep-
arately to carry long objects.
To release:
Reach into the handle recess, press
down and pull forward.
When folding back the rear backrest,
make sure that the locking device is
properly engaged to ensure proper
operation of the safety belt. The red
slide must move downward.
If the rear backrest is not locked, the
safety belt can not be pulled out.It makes possible a safe, convenient
transport of 3 to a maximum of 4 pairs
of skis (BMW Convertible, maximum of
2 pairs of skis).
The length of the ski bag in combination
with the additional space in the luggage
compartment makes it possible to trans-
port skis of up to 6.8 ft. (2.10 m) in
length. Because the ski bag contracts
as additional skis are inserted, the bag
is suitable for transporting only two
pairs of skis when both are a maximum
of 6.8 ft. (2.10 m) long.
If the ski bag is not used for longer peri-
ods, it should be stored in a dry place.
It is advisable to wipe off any water
which has collected on the waterproof
ski bag from time to time.
a
The ski bag must not hinder the
driver during driving.c
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BMW Sedan/ Cou
pe
Center armrest (rear)*Through-loading system*Ski bag*

96
BMW Sedan - loading the ski bagFold down the center armrest. Detach
from the mounts (1) with one hand,
press slightly toward the rear with the
other hand (2) and remove upward.
Detach the Velcro
â strip at the top of
the cut-out trim and lay it on the seat.
b
When reinstalling the center arm-
rest, guide it into position from above,
then apply downward pressure until you
hear it snap into position (3).cPress the round button to unlock the
cover panel in the luggage compart-
ment.
Then unhook the retaining strap at the
top and fold it down.
Extend the ski sack between the front
seats. The zipper provides convenient
access to the inside of the sack, and
can also be left open to promote drying.Use the magnetic retainers to attach the
cover panel to the lower side of the rear
shelf within the luggage compartment.
Please ensure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Take
care to avoid damage from sharp
edges.
For general information on the ski bag,
refer to page 95.
3
2
1
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Ski bag*

97
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
BMW Convertible - loading the ski
bagRemoving filler piece.Detach cut-out trim at bottom.
Extend the ski sack between the front
seats. The zipper provides convenient
access to the inside of the sack, and
can also be left open to promote drying.
b
When remounting the trim, press it
firmly onto the guide rod at the bot-
tom.cOpen the cover panel from the luggage
compartment and use the magnetic
retainers to attach it to the lower side of
the rear shelf within the luggage com-
partment.
b
Secure the stored skis or other
objects by tightening down the strap on
the ski bag at the buckle.c
For general information on the ski bag,
refer to page 95.
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36cde004
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Ski bag*

98
Stowing a loadIf you are transporting a load in your
BMW
dStow a heavy load as far forward as
possible - directly behind the back-
rests or the front wall of the luggage
compartment - and on the ßoor.
dCover sharp edges and corners.
dDo not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
dIf the load is heavy and the rear seat
is unoccupied, put the outer safety
belt in its lock.
Securing loaddSecure smaller, lighter items with
retaining straps or draw straps (refer
to page 34).
dFor large, heavy items, see your
BMW Retailer for load-securing
devices
*. The lashing eyes on the
corners of the luggage compartment
are used to attach these straps.
dObserve the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
a
Always position and secure the
load correctly, otherwise it can endan-
ger the passengers in the event of brak-
ing or swerving.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and axle load (refer to page 16 3),
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
is no longer assured and does not com-
ply with traffic laws.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment, otherwise
they would be thrown around during
braking and evasive maneuvers and en-
danger the occupants.c
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Cargo loading

At a glance
Controls and featuresCare and maintenanceAdvanced technology
Technical data
Owner service procedure
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Index
99
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures100
Driving notes100
Catalytic converter102
Antilock Brake System (ABS)103
Disc brakes104
Brake system105
Winter driving105
Roof-mounted luggage rack107
Radio reception108
Cellular phones108
Hardtop Ð Convertible109
Technical modifications to
the vehicle110
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures111
Tire tread111
Tire replacement112
Interaxle tire changes112
The right choice113
Winter tires114
Approved wheels and tires115Under the hood:
Hood118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant127
Brake fluid128
Power steering fluid128
Vehicle Identification Number118
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System130
Caring for your car131
Cleaning and care of the
convertible top136
Vehicle storage137