BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Owner's Manual

20

Turn signal left/right, green

k

Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation.

Battery charge current, red

v

Goes out after the engine has
started.
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation:
The battery is no longer being charged.
Indicates a defect in the generator drive
belt or the charging circuit.

a

If the V-belt is defective, do not run
the coolant pump; overheating and
potential engine damage would result.
Contact your BMW Retailer.

c

High beam, blue

l
Lights up when the high beams
are switched on or the head-
lamp flashers are activated.
Engine oil pressure, redw
Goes out after the engine has
started. May come on briefly at
idle when the engine is hot,
but must go out again at higher engine
speed.
If the lamp comes on during normal vehi-
cle operation: stop vehicle and switch off
engine immediately. Check engine oil
level; if necessary, add oil. If oil level is
correct: contact your BMW Retailer.
Foglamps
*, green
t
Lights up whenever you switch
on the foglamps.
Airbags, redp
This lamp turns on for an oper-
ational check when you turn the
ignition key to position 1. If, at
the operation check, it does not go on,
or goes on while driving, have it checked
at your BMW Retailer.
Additional notes: Page 50
Automatic transmission
*, yellow
O
Goes out after the engine has
started.
Additional notes: Page 58
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction), yellows
Goes out shortly after the igni-
tion is switched on:
System OK.
Additional notes: Page 84
ABS (Antilock Brake System),
yellowo
Goes out after the engine has
started. If the lamp comes on
during normal vehicle opera-
tion: ABS has been deactivated in
response to a system malfunction. Con-
ventional braking force remains unim-
paired.
Additional notes: Page 103
Brake pad wear, yellow#
Lights up when starter is actu-
ated and goes out when the
engine is started.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: replace brake pads
immediately.
a
Use only original BMW-approved
brake pads otherwise the vehicle
authorization is no longer valid.c
Indicator and warning lamps

At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
21
Brake hydraulics, redn
Goes out after the engine has
started.
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation: low brake
fluid. Additional notes: Page 128
Parking brake, redm
Goes out after the engine has
started. Comes on when you
engage the parking brake.
Additional notes: Page 56
Emissions-related systemsY
Lamp goes out once engine
starts.
If this indicator lamp lights up
during normal vehicle operation, either
continuously or intermittently, this indi-
cates a fault in one of the emissions-
related electronic circuits. Although the
vehicle remains operational, you should
have the systems checked by a BMW
Retailer at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
Please fasten safety belts
*, red
q
(With acoustic signal
if the
driverÕs belt is not buckled).
Lights up briefly when the
ignition key is turned, and then goes out
(in some models it goes out after you
fasten safety belts).
BMW Convertible
Rollover Protection System
*,
yellow
;
Goes out shortly after the igni-
tion is switched on:
System OK.
Indicator and warning lamps

22
The button flashes intermittently when
the hazard warning lamps are on.
The button is also illuminated whenever
the vehicle lighting is switched on.The warning triangle can be stored in
the luggage compartment in a storage
shelf at the right for convenient access.
a
Comply with legal requirements
concerning the need to carry a warning
triangle in the car.cOn the right in the luggage compart-
ment, on a shelf.
a
Some of the items in the first-aid
kit are suitable for use for a limited
period only. Therefore you should regu-
larly check the contents and replace
defective articles. These are available in
any pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements con-
cerning the need to carry a first-aid kit in
the car.c
360de040Hazard warning system Hazard warning triangle*First aid kit*

At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
23
Refueling Fuel specificationTo unlock the filler door in the event of a
central locking system failure, refer to
page152.a
When handling fuel, comply with
the safety regulations displayed by gas
stations.cUnleaded gasoline only.
Minimum octane requirement: 89 AKI
BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and automatically adapt to op-
erate with fuels of different octane rat-
ings, as long as the minimum octane
requirement is met.
Higher octane fuels will provide in-
creased performance and fuel econ-
omy, while the use of gasoline with a
lower octane rating will have an adverse
effect.
a
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent damage to both the
catalytic converter and the engine-man-
agement systemÕs oxygen sensors.c
AKI = Anti Knock Index
360de010

24
The OBD II interface (data link connec-
tor) is located beneath a cover panel
(with the letters "OBD") near the foot
support in the driverÕs side footwell
(arrow).
360us301CARB OBD II interface

At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
25
BCBC+C/$
BCBC
Tire inflation pressures If the driver's door is open, the infla-
tion pressures are also visible on the
door pillar. Inflation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar) with tires cold
(ambient temperature).
The inflation pressures apply to tires
from BMW-approved manufacturers;
your BMW Retailer will provide you
with this information. Higher pres-
sures may be required for tires from
other manufacturers.a
Periodically check the inflation
pressure Ð also of the spare tire Ð at
least twice each month and before
setting out on an extended trip. Failing
this, incorrect tire pressure may ren-
der the car unstable or cause tire
damage resulting in an accident.cSedan models
BMW
modelTire sizes
Inßation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar)
318i185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S
185/65 R 15 88 T 29
(2.0)35
(2.4)36
(2.5)44
(3.0)
205/60 R 15 91 H
225/55 R 15 92 V
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.2)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)
328i205/60 R 15 91 H
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)
See next page for additional models

26
BCBC+C/$
BCBC
Tire inflation pressures (cont.)
Coupe models
BMW
modelTire sizes
Inßation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar)
318is
323is205/60 R 15 91 H
225/55 R 15 92 V
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)
185/65 R 15 88 Q M+S29
(2.0)35
(2.4)36
(2.5)44
(3.0)
328is205/60 R 15 91 H
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)
See next page for additional models

At a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index
27
BCBC+$
BC-
max.
Tire inflation pressures (cont.)
Convertible models
BMW
modelTire sizes
Inßation pressures are
indicated in psi (bar)
318i
323i205/60 R 15 91 H
225/55 R 15 92 V
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)
328i205/60 R 15 91 H
225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)

28
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle immobilizer 30
Doors31
Luggage compartment lid33
Luggage compartment34
Power windows35
Sliding/tilt sunroof36
Convertible top operation37
Adjustments:
Seats43
Steering wheel45
Mirrors46
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts47
Child restraint system48
Installing child seats49
Airbags50
Child-safety locks52
Rollover protection system Ð
convertible52Driving:
Steering/ignition lock54
Starting the engine54
Switching off the engine55
Parking brake56
Manual transmission57
Automatic transmission58
Turn signals/high beam60
Wiper/washer system61
Cruise control62
Everything under control:
Odometer63
Tachometer63
Energy control63
Fuel gauge64
Coolant temperature gauge64
Service Interval Display64
Multi-Information Display (MID)66
Outside temperature display
and digital clock68
Check Control71
Check Control with outside
temperature display and
digital clock74
Onboard computer77

At a glance
Controls and featuresCare and maintenanceAdvanced technology
Technical data
Owner service procedure
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Index
29
Technology for driving comfort
and safety:
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)84
Lamps:
Headlamp switch85
Instrument panel lighting85
Foglamps86
Interior lamps86
Reading lamps86
An inviting climate:
Heated seats87
Independent ventilation
system87
Automatic climate control88Cabin convenience:
BMW Hi-Fi System93
Glove compartment93
Ashtray94
Coin box, cup holder94
Cigarette lighter94
Center arm rest, rear95
Through-loading system95
Ski bag95
Cargo loading98