key BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 User Guide

35
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Operational from ignition key posi-
tion 1.
dDepress the rocker switch until you
feel resistance:
The window continues to move as
long as the rocker switch is pressed.
dBriefly press the rocker switch to just
beyond the pressure point (one-
touch mode):
The window moves automatically.
Press and let go again to stop move-
ment.
The one-touch mode can be used to
open and close the front windows and
to open the rear windows
*.On vehicles equipped with front and
rear
* power windows:
There are separate switches located
below the rear windows (except on the
BMW Convertible).
Safety switch
* (arrow)
In this way the actuation of the windows
by means of rear switches, e.g., by chil-
dren, can be prevented.a
Always keep the safety switch
(arrow) in the depressed position when
children ride in the rear seat.
Always remove the key from the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.c
After the ignition is switched off, the
windows remain operational
dwith the ignition key at position 1 and
0, or removed, or
dwhen the front doors are open (max.
15 minutes) or until the front doors
are opened for the Þrst time.
Convenience modeAfter closing the doors, hold the key in
the lock position:
Any windows still open will close.a
Careless and inattentive closing of
the windows can lead to injuries.c
Safety featureIf one of the windows encounters resis-
tance while closing, it will respond by
halting and then opening somewhat
again.
You can deactivate this protective func-
tion, (e.g., in case of unauthorized intru-
sion into the vehicle) by pressing the
switch beyond its pressure point and
holding it there.
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36
Pressing and holding down the center
button opens or closes all four side win-
dows simultaneously.
During opening, briefly press the rocker
switch to just beyond the pressure
point (one-touch mode): the side win-
dows move automatically. Press briefly
and let go again to stop movement.Operate in ignition key position 2.
Open and lowerPress recessed button (1) until pressure
point is reached.Close and raisePress raised button (2) until pressure
point is reached.
At transition from closing to raising and
vice-versa: system off.One-touch mode(only open/raise)
Briefly press the respective button
beyond the pressure point.
The sliding/tilt sunroof moves automati-
cally. Briefly press the button a second
time to stop the sunroof.
b
During raising, the headliner also
retracts a few inches.c
In the event of an electrical malfunc-
tion, you can also operate the sliding/tilt
sunroof manually, refer to page 152.
After the ignition is switched off, the
windows remain operational
dwith the ignition key at position 1 and
0, or removed, or
dwhen the front doors are open (max.
15 minutes) or until the front doors
are opened for the Þrst time.
Convenient closure
*
After closing the doors, hold the key in
the lock position: the still-open sunroof
is closed.
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BMW Convertible
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Power windows*Sliding/tilt sunroof*

37
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
a
Careless closing can lead to inju-
ries.
Always remove the key from the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.c
To avoid unpleasant drafts and pres-
sure variations within the passenger
compartment, you should keep the inte-
rior ventilation outlets open when the
sunroof is open and particularly when it
is raised, and select a higher blower
speed as required.
Manual convertible top
operationThe fabric top offers perfect weather
protection and can be opened and
closed simply and quickly by one
person.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you
have a lot of pleasure with your con-
vertible: It is advisable to close the top
when the vehicle is parked. The closed
convertible top not only protects the
passenger compartment from unfore-
seeable damage from the weather, it
also provides a certain degree of theft
protection.
Even with the top closed, it is always
advisable to keep valuables locked in
the luggage compartment.
Do not mount roof racks on the convert-
ible top.
Please contact your BMW Retailer for
suitable mounting equipment and other
accessories.a
When closing the power windows
while driving: always close the rear win-
dows first or all four windows simulta-
neously, otherwise the windows may
not seal tightly at higher speeds.c
Opening convertible topFold out the unlocking handle and turn
it to the end stop. Raise (relax) the top
approx. 8 in (20 cm).36cde006
Sliding/tilt sunroof*Convertible top operation

38
Unlock the convertible top storage
compartment with the handle in the rear
left side panel.
b
From ignition key position 1 or with
the door open: If the side windows are
closed, they move downward slightly
when the convertible top compartment
unlocking handle is operated.c
a
To prevent damage, it is not possi-
ble to unlock the convertible top com-
partment with the luggage compartment
open.cPosition the rear convertible top bow
vertically and hold in place. Raise the
convertible top compartment lid some-
what and unlock the catch lock by
pushing it to the right. Open the con-
vertible top compartment lid com-
pletely.
Lay the rear convertible top bow in the
convertible top compartment. Lift the
top at the front and also lay down
towards the rear.
In the process, make sure the rear win-
dow is laid down evenly and free of
folds. To prevent the rear window from
being scratched, a soft cloth should be
laid in the window fold. Close the convertible top compartment
lid by pressing down on both sides until
they are heard to engage securely.
When the convertible top compartment
lid is closed, the central locking system
is automatically unlocked, i.e., the lug-
gage compartment is no longer locked
and can be opened again.
a
If the convertible top compartment
lid is not properly closed, the luggage
compartment can not be opened to pre-
vent damage.
To prevent damage to the convertible
top due to the permanent presence of
moisture, never fold down the top while
wet (also refer to "Car care" starting on
page 136).c
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Convertible top operation

39
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Closing convertible topMove ignition key into position 1.
Unlock and open the convertible top
storage compartment. Lift out the top
by the side guide piece and the front
top frame.b
From ignition key position 1 or with
the door open: If the side windows are
closed, they move downward slightly
when the convertible top compartment
unlocking handle is operated. Move the
side windows into the desired position
or close them after closing the convert-
ible top.cPosition the rear top bow vertically.
Close the convertible top compartment
lid by pressing down on both sides until
they are heard to engage securely. Fold
down the top bow.
When the convertible top compartment
lid is closed, the central locking system
is automatically unlocked, i.e., the lug-
gage compartment is no longer locked
and can be opened again.
Pull the convertible top frame onto the
windshield frame with the locking han-
dle and lock the top by turning the han-
dle until it is heard to engage.
The rear convertible top bow is auto-
matically pressed onto the convertible
top compartment lid and closes water-
tight under tension.
b
If the convertible top or the rear
window begins to flutter at high speeds,
increase the air intake via the ventilation
control to prevent a vacuum from
resulting in the passenger compart-
ment.c
Fully automatic convertible top
operation
*
The fully automatic convertible top per-
fectly combines extremely simple, com-
fortable operation with reliable protec-
tion from the elements. Here are a few
tips to ensure that you have years of
pleasure with your convertible:
It is advisable to close the top when the
vehicle is parked. The closed top not
only protects the passenger compart-
ment from unforeseen weather-related
damage, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. Even with
the top closed, it is always advisable to
keep valuables locked in the luggage
compartment.
Do not mount roof racks on the convert-
ible top. Please contact your BMW
Retailer for suitable mounting equip-
ment and other accessories.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
top at temperatures below 325F (0
6
).
To protect the battery, it is advisable to
operate the top with the engine running
when possible.
36cde010Convertible top operation

41
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
b
The luggage compartment can not
be opened during convertible top oper-
ation.
The side windows move down slightly
when the convertible top operating but-
ton is pressed; if you continue to press
the button after the indicator lamp goes
out, they move up again as soon as the
opening process is completed.c
a
The side windows must be low-
ered slightly during convertible top op-
eration. If the convertible top operation
is interrupted, do not close the side win-
dows with the power window switches.
If the opening or closing process is in-
terrupted, it may not be possible to open
the luggage compartment.
To prevent damage from continuous
dampness, never fold down the convert-
ible top when wet.c
Convenience closing with the
driver's door lockHold the key in the "lock" position with
the door closed.
The windows/sunroof stop moving
immediately when you release the key.b
At higher speeds, low air pressure
in the passenger compartment can
cause the convertible top or the rear
window to begin to flutter. Increase the
air intake via the ventilation control to
prevent low pressure from resulting in
the passenger compartment.c
Closing convertible top manually
when electrical operation failsb
Manual closing is best carried out
from outside the vehicle with the driver's
door open and the driver's seat folded
forward. The rear seat bench must not
be occupied while doing so.c
1 Raise the left rear seat. Pull out the
strap until resistance is felt. Now con-
tinue to pull Þrmly (two audible clicks)
to disengage the drives for the con-
vertible top and convertible top com-
partment lid.
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Convertible top operation

42
2 Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid up to the stop with the lug-
gage compartment closed.
3 Grasp the convertible top on the lat-
eral guide section and on the front
soft-top frame and lift it out (arrow).
Position the rear convertible top bow
vertically and close the convertible
top compartment lid. Now fold down
the rear convertible top bow.4 Place a screwdriver at the middle of
the cover on the front convertible top
frame, and pry it out of its recess.
5 Using the doubly bent allen key from
the onboard tool kit, place it in the
internal hexagon (arrrow).
6 The closing process is continued by
turning to the left; turn until the front
convertible top frame is locked to the
windshield frame. The rear convertible
top frame is automatically pressed
onto the convertible top compartment
lid and closes watertight under ten-
sion.To eliminate the malfunction and re-
engage the drives, please see your
BMW Retailer.
a
Never open the convertible top
manually in case of an electrical mal-
function. The convertible top compart-
ment lid can not be locked and would
open during driving.c
b
Please follow the instructions for
cleaning and care of the convertible top
in your OwnerÕs manual from page 13 6.c
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Convertible top operation

46
Exterior mirrors1 Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment.
2 Switch for changing to the other
mirror:
dPush switch to left Ð driver's mirror.
dPush switch to right Ð passenger's
mirror.
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of the lens.
a
The mirror on the passenger's side
features a lens with a more convex cur-
vature than the mirror installed on the
driver's door. When estimating the dis-
tance between yourself and other traffic,
bear in mind that the objects reflected in
the mirror are closer than they appear.
This means that estimations of the dis-
tance to following traffic should not be
regarded as precise.c
Electric heatersBoth mirrors are heated automatically
corresponding to the outside tempera-
ture with the ignition key in position 2.
Inside rearview mirrorTo reduce glare from behind during
night driving: tilt small lever to dimmed
position.Lighted make-up mirrorFold down the sun visor, slide the cover
panel to the side.
The mirror lamps operate from ignition
key position 1 onward.Sun visorsThese can be folded down toward the
windshield or swiveled out against the
side windows.
1
2
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Mirrors

51
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
The airbags are triggered by impacts
coming from the directions shown in
the illustration. Note that the supple-
mentary protection against lateral
impact is available only on vehicles
equipped with optional door-mounted
airbags.Indicator lamp in instrument
clusterSystem operational:
dThe indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
dThe indicator lamp fails to come on.dIndicator lamp lights up for approx.
4 seconds, goes out brießy and then
lights up again.
A system malfunction could prevent the
system from responding to an impact
occurring within its normal response
range.
Please have your authorized BMW
Retailer inspect and repair the system
as soon as possible.
a
For your own safety, please ob-
serve the following precautions con-
cerning airbags, as otherwise their
protective function may be impaired. We
also request that you make this informa-
tion available to your passengers, and
that you urge them to observe the in-
structions for safety belt use: the air-
bags are a supplemental restraint
device designed to provide extra pro-
tection; they are not a substitute for
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all
times. The system does not respond to
minor collisions, if the vehicle rolls over,
or if the impact is at the rear of the vehi-
cle. In this situation, only the safety belt
protects you.
When adjusting your seat, select a posi-
tion that provides maximum distance
between you and the steering wheel, the instrument panel and the door while still
allowing comfortable and safe access to
all vehicle controls.
Always grip the steering wheel on its
rim with your hands at the 9 and 3 oÕclock
positions, otherwise hand and arm inju-
ries could occur when the airbag
inflates.
Never allow any objects to obstruct the
area between the airbag and the driver/
passenger.
Do not use the cover panel above the
passenger-side airbag as a storage
area.
Do not glue, cover or in any way alter
the padded covers on the steering
wheel, the instrument panel or the side
trim panels of the front doors.
Do not install a rear-facing child re-
straint device on the front passenger
seat. Children under 12 years of age
should only sit in the back.c
Even when all these guidelines are
observed, there is still a residual risk of
mild facial injuries occurring in isolated
instances of airbag actuation. The igni-
tion and inßation noise may induce a
mild temporary hearing loss in sensitive
individuals.
Airbag information is also located on
the sun visors.
p
The indicator lamp comes on from
ignition key position 1 to indicate
that the system is operational.
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52
Notes on safetyNever attempt to remove the gas gener-
ator for the airbag passenger-restraint
system from the vehicle. Testing and
service procedures are to be performed
exclusively by qualified technicians. In
the event of malfunction, deactivation
or triggering (in response to an acci-
dent), always entrust repair and service
operations to your authorized BMW
Retailer.
Do not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in
the airbag system; these include also
the padded covers on the steering
wheel, on the instrument panel or on
the side trim panels of the front doors.
Never apply adhesive materials to these
components and never cover or modify
them in any way. Do not remove or dis-
mantle the steering wheel.
The airbag generator can be disposed
of only by a BMW Retailer.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal
injury.Insert the key in the slot in one of the
rear door latch mechanisms and turn
toward the outside: the door can now
be opened from the outside only.The rollover protection system is acti-
vated automatically in the event of an
accident or in a critical driving situation
(extreme tilting in the longitudinal or lat-
eral axis, loss of ground contact). The
protective bars located behind the rear
head restraints extend within a fraction
of a second.
In addition to the roll bar integrated in
the windshield frame, the rollover pro-
tection system helps provide all vehicle
occupants, and in particular the rear
passengers, with needed headroom.
b
When the hardtop
* is on, it is
advisable to use "soft" protective cov-
ers, in order to prevent damage to the
luggage compartment lid when the sys-
tem is activated. Please contact your
authorized BMW Retailer for additional
information.c
a
Always keep the space required by
the rollover protection system free of
obstacles.
In the case of minor, non-rollover acci-
dents, passengers are protected only by
the buckled safety belt and the belt ten-
sioner and, depending on the severity of
the accident, the airbag restraint sys-
tem.c
360de012
BMW Sedan
Airbags Child-safety locks Rollover protection system*