BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Owners Manual

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a
Do not lift the hardtop by the seals.
Accidentally shifted or pulled-out seals
cause leaks.c
RemoveProceed as for mounting, however in
the reverse order.Any BMW Service station will gladly
provide information on the purpose of
technical modifications to the car, the
legal position and the manufacturer's
recommendations. For this purpose,
the Retailer requires the Vehicle Identi-
fication Number and, in some cases,
also the engine number.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Control units, displays and other interior
equipment of your vehicle have LED's
behind protective lenses as a light
source. These LEDs resemble conven-
tional lasers and are classified by law as
"Class 1 light-emitting diodes".a
Do not remove the protective
lens and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.c
Hardtop* Ð Convertible Technical modifications to the vehicle

111
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Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires have
been selected to provide optimum
safety and driving comfort on your vehi-
cle.
In a very real sense, both tire life and
your own safety are riding on correct
tire specifications and inflation pres-
sures.
Incorrect inflation pressures are a fre-
quent cause of tire damage. To a great
extent it also influences the ability of
your BMW to hold the road.a
Check the tire pressures Ð also in
the spare tire Ð at least every two weeks,
and before every extended trip.
Incorrect inflation pressures can also
lead to tire damage and accidents.c
Tire tread - tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
The tread depth should not be less than
0.12 in (3 mm). Otherwise there is an
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road.
We recommend that you always replace
the tires once the tread wears to 0.12 in
(3 mm). Once the tread has worn to
0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread depth indica-
tors appear.a
Never continue driving on a deflat-
ed (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over the
vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permitted load on the tires is not ex-
ceeded. This can cause overheating and
gradual internal damage. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden
air loss.Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect,
as can variations in normal vehicle
response, such as a pronounced ten-
dency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, you should respond by
immediately reducing your speed and
carefully proceeding to the nearest
BMW Retailer or professional tire cen-
ter, or having the vehicle towed in to
have it and its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.c
Tire inflation pressures Tire tread

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To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer.
a
Do not use retreaded tires, as oth-
erwise driving safety may be impaired.
This is due to the possible variations in
casing structures and, in some cases, to
their extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.cTread wear patterns differ at the front
and rear wheels according to the indi-
vidual operating conditions. In the inter-
est of safety and optimal vehicle
response, we advise against rotating
tires from front to rear and vice versa.
When considering the potential eco-
nomic benefits of interaxle tire rotation,
you must decide whether the expense
of having the tires rotated is likely to be
amortized during the anticipated exten-
sion in tire life. We recommend that you
discuss the matter with your BMW
Retailer.
Should you decide in favor of rotating
the tires, it is essential to observe the
following:
Leave the tires on the same side of the
vehicle (include spare in rotation pat-
tern as desired).
Braking response and traction may be
adversely affected.
Rotation should always be carried out
at short intervals, max. 3000 miles
(approx. 5000 km).
Following rotation always correct the
tire inflation pressure.Always replace tires after 10 years,
regardless of use or tread wear.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. Such a
tire should be replaced by a new tire
immediately, and should not be fitted
together with new tires.
The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on
the sidewall: DOT ... 327 indicates that
the tire was manufactured in Week 32
of 1997.
Tire replacement Interaxle tire changes

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Tires and wheelsUse only BMW-approved tires.
Due to the high speeds which this vehi-
cle can reach, the use of specific
brands, specifications and dimensions
is mandatory. Consult any BMW
Retailer for details.
Observe national, provincial and state
regulations.
The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire. The essential data for
radial tires are as follows:The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Use screw-on valve stem caps to
protect the tire valves against dirt. Dirt
in the valves frequently leads to slow
leaks.Example:Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Type of radial-code
letter for radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R 15 91 H
Codes on steel/light-alloy wheels:
7 J x 15 H 2
Hump width (inches)
Code letter for
flange type
Denotes
drop-center rim
Rim diameter (inches)
Hump of 2 rim shoulders
The right choice

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We recommend winter tires (M+S radial
tires) for operation under inclement win-
ter driving conditions. Although all-sea-
son M+S tires provide better winter
traction than standard summer tires
with H, V, W and ZR speed ratings, they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as standard snow tires
in winter driving.
If you fit winter tires, install radial tires
of the same tread configuration and
from a single manufacturer on all four
wheels (better still: on all five wheels).
This ensures safe tracking and steering
response.
Fit BMW-approved winter tires only.
Any BMW Retailer will be glad to pro-
vide you with information on the best
winter tires for your particular driving
conditions.Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
be replaced.
Observe the specified tire inflation
pressures - and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires!
a
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and ac-
cidents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. Your BMW Retailer will
be glad to assist you.c
Store tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Winter tires

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b
Size 185/65 R 15 88 T tires are
only for the BMW 318i Sedan.c
b
Sizes 225/55 R 15 92 V,
225/55 R 92 Q, T, H M+S, 225/50 ZR 16.
These tires are not suitable for use with
snow chains.c
ModiÞcations to the vehicle are required
before retrofitting tires in the above
dimensions.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
*
on summer or winter tires is only per-
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Always observe the tire manufacturerÕs
safety recommendations when fitting. Tire speciÞcations Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel Rim offset
(mm)
BMW 318is Coupe, 318i Convertible, 318i Sedan
185/65 R 15 88 T 6 J x 15 H2 Ð 42
185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S
6 J x
15 H2
Ð42
205/60 R 15 91 H
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
225/55 R 15 92 V
6g Jx15
H2 7 J x 15 H2 47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
225/50 ZR 16 Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
Approved wheels and tires

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b
Sizes 225/55 R 15 92 V,
225/55 R 92 Q, T, H M+S, 225/50 ZR 16.
These tires are not suitable for use with
snow chains.c
ModiÞcations to the vehicle are required
before retrofitting tires in the above
dimensions.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
*
on summer or winter tires is only per-
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Always observe the tire manufacturerÕs
safety recommendations when fitting. Tire speciÞcations Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel Rim offset
(mm)
BMW 323is Coupe, 323i Convertible
185/65 R 15 88 Q M+S
6 J x
15 H2
Ð42
205/60 R 15 91 H
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
225/55 R 15 92 V
6g Jx15
H2 7 J x 15 H2 47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
225/50 ZR 16 Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
Approved wheels and tires

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At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
b
Size 225/50 ZR 16 tires are not
suitable for use with snow chains.c
ModiÞcations to the vehicle are required
if retrofitting these tires.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
*
on summer or winter tires is only per-
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Always observe the tire manufacturerÕs
safety recommendations when fitting. Tire speciÞcations Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel Rim offset
(mm)
BMW 328is Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sedan
205/60 R 15 91 H Ð 7 J x 15 H2 47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2 47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
225/50 ZR 16 Ð 7 J x 16 H2 45/46
Approved wheels and tires

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Unlocking Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.a
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Always switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down be-
fore working in the engine compart-
ment.
Always disconnect the battery before
working on the electrical system. When
working on the vehicle, follow the rele-
vant instructions and information. When
you are not familiar with the relevant
specifications, have service operations
performed by your authorized BMW Re-
tailer. Failure to proceed in an informed,
professional manner when servicing
components and materials constitutes a
safety hazard for yourself and other us-
ers of the public roads.c
To openPush the release handle Ð at the front
left under the hood Ð upward and open
the hood.
To closeSimultaneously press down both sides
of the hood; continue pressing until you
hear the latches engage.a
Should you determine that the
hood is not completely closed while
driving, stop immediately and close it
securely.c
360de085
BMW360de307
BMW
360de308
Hood

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