brake BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 User Guide

57
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
The shift lever's neutral plane (dot in the
illustration) is located between 3rd and
4th gears
Whenever you shift from any gear into
"Neutral", the shift lever will automati-
cally return to the specified gear plane.
ReverseSelect only with the vehicle stationary.
Press the shift lever to the left to over-
come the slight resistance.Backup lampsAs you do this the backup lamps will
turn on automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2.a
Do not "ride" the clutch to hold the
vehicle in place on slopes; use the park-
ing brake instead. A slipping clutch in-
creases clutch wear.c
360de044Manual transmission

58
Selector lever positionsP R N D 3 2 1Shift programsSwitch:
dA (Automatic)
dM (Manual)
Shift lever in position 3:
dSport program
See next page for an explanation of the
programs.
Range selectionA lock prevents inadvertent shifts into
certain selector lever positions. To re-
lease the shift-lock mechanism, press
the button on the front side of the se-
lector handle (arrow).
The engine can only be started in selec-
tor lever position P or N.b
You must step on the footbrake
with the vehicle stationary before the
selector lever will move out of P or N.
The footbrake must also be depressed
before selecting a drive position, since
the vehicle "creeps" in idle when a drive
position is engaged.
At engine speeds of over 2500 rpm
a lock also prevents shifting out of P
or N.c
However, it is possible to "rock" the car
free by shifting rapidly between D and
R, e.g., should you get stuck in deep
snow or sand.
a
Place the selector lever in position
P or N and firmly engage the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, otherwise the vehicle
could roll. Never leave the vehicle unat-
tended with the engine running, since
such a vehicle represents a serious po-
tential safety hazard.
If you should accidentally select Neutral
while traveling at high speed, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal im-
mediately. Wait until the engine is at idle
speed; only then should you select a
gear, otherwise the transmission could
be damaged.c
P - ParkSelect only with the vehicle stationary.
Transmission locks to prevent rear
wheels from turning.R - ReverseSelect only with the vehicle stationary.N - NeutralSelect only if your journey is interrupted
for a longer period. Select while the car
is being driven only if the vehicle begins
to skid.
360us304Automatic transmission*

60
Indicator lamp for shift
electronicsdIf the lamp fails to go out or
dif it lights up during driving, there is a
malfunction in the shifting electronics
or in the transmission.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select trans-
mission position "P", set the parking
brake and turn the engine off (ignition
key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. Drive off
normally.
If the indicator lamp does not go out, all
selector lever positions can still be
selected, however in the forward posi-
tions the vehicle has limited perfor-
mances as it drives only in the 3rd or
4th gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW Retailer.
a
Never carry out any work in the
engine compartment without first
ensuring that the transmission is in Park
or Neutral. Never leave children in the
vehicle unattended.c
For information on tow-starting, towing
and jump starting refer to pages 153
and 154.
1 High beam (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp ßasher
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
lamp and rhythmic ticking of the
blinker relay).
Flashing of the indicator lamp and tick-
ing faster than normal: a turn-indicator
lamp is defective.
To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond the
lock.
O
Goes out after the engine has
started.
1
2
3
3
360de039
Automatic transmission*Turn signals/high beam

62
You can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 25 mph (40 km/h).
The stored speed is deleted when the
motor is switched off.
1 Accelerate Tap the lever briefly:
The system records and maintains the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
tap the button the speed increases by
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Hold the lever in this position:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. As soon
as you release the lever, the system
records and maintains the current
speed.
2 DecelerateHold the lever in this position:
With the cruise control active, the system
automatically reduces the throttle open-
ing to slow the vehicle. As soon as you
release the lever, the system records and
maintains the current speed.
Tap the lever briefly:
Each time you tap it you decelerate
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) if you are
cruising at a controlled speed.3 ResumeTap the lever briefly:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.4 OffTap the lever briefly:
Immediately deactivates the cruise con-
trol.
In addition, the system is also automati-
cally disabled in response to the follow-
ing conditions:
dWhen you apply pressure to the
brake or clutch pedal, and when you
move the automatic transmission
selector lever from Drive to Neutral,
dif you exceed the programmed speed
by more than 10 mph (16 km/h) for a
period of more than 30 seconds.The system is switched off and the
stored speed deleted from its memory
when you turn the ignition key to posi-
tion 0.
a
Refrain from using the cruise con-
trol on twisting roads, when high traffic
density prevents driving at a constant
speed and when driving on slippery
(snow, rain, ice) or loose (stones, sand)
road surfaces.c
b
If, on a downhill gradient, the
engine braking effect is not sufficient,
the controlled speed can be exceed-ed.
Speed can drop on uphill grades if the
engine output is insufficient.c
360de063Cruise control*

71
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Texts with messages and warnings are
used to alert the driver to defective sys-
tems. In addition, there is a warning
lamp in the instrument panel.
The time and date can be displayed
with the digital clock.
1 Status report symbol
2 Display
3 Plus symbol for additional messages
4 CHECK key
The defective-system messages are
divided into 3 different priorities:
Priority 1These defects are indicated immedi-
ately with the flashing warning lamp and
the flashing warning symbol (1). Several
simultaneous defects are displayed
consecutively. After 20 seconds or
when the CHECK key is pressed, the
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
stops flashing.
The messages continue to be displayed
until the defects are eliminated and can
not be deleted by pressing the CHECK
key (4).
Brake lamp electrical system
The brake lamps have failed. Fuse or
electrical circuit is defective. Refer to
page 151 or consult your BMW Retailer.
360us110Check Control*

Brake lamps defective
Brake lamps have failed - bulbs
defective.
Replace bulbs. Refer to page 143.Priority 2These defects appear when the ignition
key is in position 2. The warning sym-
bols remain after the message disap-
pears. If the plus symbol (3) appears:
Additional messages are present and
can be displayed by pressing the
CHECK key.
1 Brake lamp defective
A bulb has failed. Refer to page 143.
Low beams defective,
Backup lamps defective,
License plate lamp
Bulb has failed or fuse or electrical
circuit defective. Refer to pages 141,
143, 145 or visit a BMW Retailer.
Washer fluid low
Too low, top up at next opportunity.
Refer to page 124.
Check Control inactive
Messages and warnings can not be
displayed. See BMW Retailer.

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

10 0
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,250 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at different engine speeds and
vehicle speeds, but be careful not to
exceed the following engine speed:
4,500 rpm
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
After 1,250 miles (2,000 km) you can
gradually increase the number of revo-
lutions or the speed.
You should also observe these break-in
procedures if the engine or differential
is replaced later in the course of the
vehicle service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed. This
means that you should drive with addi-
tional caution for the first 200 miles
(300 km).Brake systemBrake pads and disks attain their opti-
mal wear patterns only after approx.
300 miles (500 km).
EngineDo not allow the engine to warm to its
normal operating temperature by leav-
ing it idling with the vehicle parked.
However, when starting in extremely
cold weather it is a good idea to allow
the engine to run at fast idle for about
30 seconds before getting underway;
this precaution ensures adequate lubri-
cation.
Avoid high engine speeds while the
engine is still cold; this helps avoid pre-
mature wear and reduced service life.
When driving under high engine loads
(acceleration, steep hills), try to keep
the engine running above 1,500 rpm.
We recommend downshifting into a
more suitable range, especially when
driving up extended inclines.
It is a good idea to follow extended
periods of low-speed operation (dense
urban traffic, stop-and-go driving) by
maintaining an engine speed consis-
tently above 3,000 rpm for several
miles. This procedure helps prevent
deposits from accumulating in the
engine.
Break-in procedures Driving notes

101
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
ClutchDepress the clutch throughout its com-
plete travel range to shift gears. Do not
"ride" the clutch by driving with your
foot resting against the pedal.a
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temper-
atures, brake wear and possibly even
brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
A wedge of water can form between
tires and road surface when you oper-
ate the vehicle on wet or slushy roads.
This phenomenon is referred to as
aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, and it is
characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface. The ultimate results
are loss of steering and braking control.Water on the roads:
When driving through water (maximum
depth one foot = 30 cm) always drive at
walking speed, otherwise damage to
the engine, the electrical system and
the transmission can occur.
Rear window shelf:
Never use the rear window shelf to
store heavy or bulky objects. They
could pose a danger to the occupants
when the car is braked heavily.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
the driver's vision. Refrain from hanging
heavy objects from the hooks, as these
could cause personal injury when the
car is braked heavily.c
Driving notes

10 3
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking under
braking. When the front wheels slide, the
driver loses steering control over the
vehicle. Traction loss at the rear wheels
can cause the rear end to break into
uncontrolled oversteer.
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every application:
dto help provide vehicle stability on all
types of road surface (asphalt,
cement, dirt, moisture, snow and ice).
dto help to retain steering and maneu-
vering capability under the same con-
ditions.
However, certain important consider-
ations must be borne in mind in connec-
tion with these requirements:
Not even ABS can suspend the normal
laws of physics. ABS alone can not pre-
vent accidents when the brakes are
applied without an adequate safety
interval between vehicles, when the car
reaches excessive rates of lateral accel-
eration in curves, or if aquaplaning
occurs. Responsibility for these types of
situations remains in the hands (and feet)
of the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking increased risks that could
affect your own safety and that of others.
Driving with ABSThe yellow ABS warning in the instru-
ment panel goes out as soon as the
engine is started.
The system becomes operative once the
vehicle exceeds a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h). The ABS is deactivated when-
ever the vehicle's speed drops below
approx. 2 mph (3 km/h). This means that
the wheels can lock in the Þnal phase of
a braking action - a factor of no signiÞ-
cance in actual practice.
The ABS system closed-loop control cir-
cuit cycles in fractions of a second. A
pulsation at the brake pedal indicates to
the driver that ABS is active, that is, that
the car is within its maximum braking
range. In addition, the audible pulsation
that accompanies the control operation
calls your attention to the reduced trac-
tion between tires and road surface
(marginal adhesion), and reminds you
that the vehicle's speed should be
reduced to adapt to road conditions.On road surfaces featuring a loose top
layer on a Þrmer substratum, e.g., on
gravel or snow, the braking distances
with ABS may be longer than with the
wheels locked. However, ABS continues
to provide enhanced vehicle and steer-
ing control under these conditions.
a
To ensure that the system remains
completely operational, never modify the
ABS. Service procedures on ABS are to
be performed by authorized technicians
only.c
ABS may fail to function with maximum
efÞciency when tires of different sizes
are mounted (e.g., winter tires/spare tire;
remount the correct tires at all wheels as
soon as possible).
In the event of a fault, the ABS warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 18. The braking system
then reverts to conventional operation as
on a vehicle without ABS. However,
have the brake system checked by your
BMW Retailer as soon as possible. To
prevent undetected defects and cumu-
lative faults from adversely affecting the
brake system, refer any problems to
your authorized BMW Retailer at the
earliest opportunity.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)

10 4
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control as well as
greater fade resistance under heavy
use.
Limited vehicle use, extended periods
with the car parked or in storage and
light loading will increase the tendency
for corrosion to form on the rotors, and
dirt to accumulate on the pads. This
happens because the minimum pres-
sure between the pad and the disc
required for the self-cleaning function
of the disc brakes is not achieved.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
a
Use only original BMW-approved
brake pads, as otherwise vehicle autho-
rization is no longer valid.c
Driving notes While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply
light pressure to the brake pedal every
few miles - Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
generated in this braking process helps
dry the brake pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique
described above (refer to page 106).
Extended or steep mountain descents
do not necessarily have to lead to
reduced braking efficiency; downshift
to a gear in which only minimal periodic
brake applications are required (you
can move the selector lever to the
appropriate lower range if your car is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion).
You can further increase the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ing the selector lever in position 1 (2).Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate the vehicle by applying more
substantial force at the pedal (watch for
following traffic!) and then pausing
before repeating the application. This
staggered braking technique allows the
brakes to cool in the intervals between
active braking phases, preventing over-
heating and ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
a
Do not allow the vehicle to coast by
pressing down the clutch pedal or shift-
ing into neutral while underway. Never
drive with the engine switched
off (!). The engine provides no braking
effect when the clutch is disengaged or
the transmission is in neutral, and there
is no power-assist for brakes and steer-
ing when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or other
objects to protrude into the area around
the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals
and obstruct their movement.c
Disc brakes