display BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Owner's Guide

11 4
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

13 0
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing the customer with maximum
vehicle safety and reliability with mini-
mum complication and expense.
Please remember that regular periodic
maintenance plays an essential part in
ensuring continued vehicle security. It
also helps maintain the resale value of
the vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals, which are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While con-
ventional maintenance systems rely on
mileage alone to determine when ser-
vice is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-
tem reflects the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated, because
mileage is not simply mileage:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance driving are not the
equivalent of the same distance cov-
ered in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service as well
as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the car
covers every kind of operating situation.
However, drivers who cover only
extremely short distances - substantially
less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally - should have the engine oil changed
at least once a year, as it continues to
age whether or not the car is used on a
regular basis.
Service and Warranty Information
bookletPlease refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information booklet for additional
information on maintenance intervals
and procedures.
Depending on operating conditions, as
a precaution against rust it may be a
good idea to have the body checked for
stone damage and chips at the same
time.
Please ensure that all maintenance
operations are entered in the Service
and Warranty Information booklet upon
completion. These entries will consti-
tute your proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance. They
are also required for warranty claims.b
Have your BMW Retailer carry out
the maintenance and repair. Your BMW
Retailer is always informed on the latest
maintenance work and repair tech-
niques and equipped with the required
special tools. In addition, the testing of
parts known from experience to be sub-
ject to wear is a permanent part of the
maintenance specifications.c
360us009The BMW Maintenance System

13 8
Conduct the following work immedi-
ately prior to storing the vehicle:
1 Activate the parking brake and foot-
brake to dry them; this will prevent
the brake disks and drums from cor-
roding.
2 Store the vehicle in a dry, well-venti-
lated room, shift into reverse gear or
set the selector lever to position P
and chock the wheels to prevent roll-
ing. Do not set the parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, recharge and
store in a cool, frost-free room.
During storage, recharge the battery
every three months, as otherwise it will
become unusable. Every time the bat-
tery is discharged, especially over
extended periods, its service life is
reduced.
Removing vehicle from storageRecharge the battery and replace if
necessary.
Then have Inspection I carried out by
your BMW Retailer.a
Storage periods during which the
battery is disconnected are not taken
into consideration by the Service Inter-
val Display for changing the brake fluid.
Therefore, make sure that the brake fluid
is changed every two years at the latest,
regardless of the display. Additional
notes: refer to page 128.c
Vehicle storage

15 0
Removal and installationa
Do not disconnect the battery
cable from its terminal while the engine
is running, as the resulting voltage surge
would destroy the vehicle's electronic
systems.c
When disconnecting, start with the neg-
ative terminal, then proceed to the pos-
itive side. Unscrew the battery retaining
clamp.
When installing the battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then proceed to
the negative pole.
a
When installing, always ensure that
the battery is properly mounted.
Otherwise it will not be sufficiently
secured in an accident.c
Charging the battery Always ensure that the engine is off
before recharging an installed battery. a
To avoid short circuits, always
disconnect the cable from the battery's
negative terminal before working on the
electrical system.cOn vehicles with a connecting point in
the engine compartment, it is easiest to
charge the battery by using this con-
necting point (positive pole), and a
ground in the engine compartment
(refer to "Jump-starting" on page 15 3).
If you are planning to remove the vehi-
cle from service for more than four
weeks, you should disconnect the bat-
tery at the negative terminal.
If you intend to store your car for longer
than six weeks: remove the battery,
charge it and store it in a cool (but frost-
free) room. Recharge the battery after
three months at the latest, as it will oth-
erwise be damaged beyond use. Every
time the battery is discharged, espe-
cially over extended periods, its service
life is reduced.
A
Bring used batteries to an autho-
rized collection point or a BMW Re-
tailer. Always maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and stor-
age. Secure the battery against tilting
when transporting.c
a
Storage periods during which the
battery is disconnected are not taken
into consideration by the Service Inter-
val Display for changing the brake fluid.
Therefore, make sure that the brake fluid
is changed every two years at the latest,
regardless of the display. Additional
notes: refer to page 128.c
Battery

171
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all detailsClock
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Cockpit
16
Coinbox 94
Computer 77
, 78
, 79
, 80
,
81
, 82
, 83
Consumption display
64
Convenient closure
31
Convertible, refer to BMW
convertible
Coolant
105
, 127
, 166
Coolant, Antifreeze 105
Cooling system
166
Cruise control 62
Cruising range 79
Cup holder
94
DDashboard
16
Dashboard lighting
85
Data
Dimensions
161
Engine
160
Road performance
163
Weights
163
Data, technical
160
Date
68
, 72
, 74
Daytime light switch
85
Decommissioning of the
Vehicle
137
Deep water 101
Defrost windshields
91
Defrost, windshields 91
Defrosting position 91
DieselInjection system
19
Interference
19
Digital clock
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Dimensions
161
Dipstik, engine oil
124
Disc brakes
104
Disconnect the battery
150
Display lighting
85
Distance, remaining
79
Door keys
30
Door locks 31
Doors, emergency actuation

31
Drive belts
167
Driver's airbag
50
Driving hints
100
Driving in winter
105
EElectric window actuator
35
Electrical seat
Adjustment
44
Electrical system
167
Electrolyte
149
Electronic unit
Vehicle immobilization
30
Elements of operation
16
Emergency actuation,
Central locking system 31
Tank cover
152
Energy Control 63
Engine coolant 166
Engine data
160
Engine oil
124Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
Engine oil additives 125
Engine oil consumption
124
Engine oil level
20
Engine oil pressure
20
Eyelets, tow starting and
Towing
154
FFailure message
71
Failure of an electrical
device
151
Fault display
71
Filler cap cover 23
Filling capacity 166
Final drive
Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
First aid
22
First aid kit 22
Flashers
60
Flat tire 111
, 146
Flower pollen 92
Foglight
86
Foglights, replace bulb
142
Folding
Rear backrest
95
Footbrake
104
Footwell light,
Replace bulb
145
Footwell lights 86
Front seat, position
43
FuelPreparation
160
Processing 160
Fuel consumption indicator

63
Fuel gauge
64
Fuses,
Replacing 151
GGlove compartment
93
Glove compartment light,
bulb replacement 145
Gross weight,
permissible
163
HHand light
93
Handbrake 56
Hazard warning system
22
Hazard warning triangle 22
Head restraint
43
Headlight cleaning System

124
Headlight cleaning system

166
Headlight covers, care
131
Headlight flasher
60
Heated seats
87
Height
161
Hi-Fi System
93
High beams 60
Highbeam headlights,
Replace lights
141
Hood release
118
Horn
17
Everything from A to Z

172
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all details
IIce warning
66
Identification mark, tires
113
Ignition
54
Ignition key
30
Ignition switch 54
Independent ventilation
81
Indicator lights
20
Inflation pressure 25
, 111
Inside mirror
46
Inside rearview mirror
46
INSPECTION
64
Installing child seats
49
Instrument
18
Instrument lighting
85
Interior lights
86
, 144
Interior lights,
Replace bulbs 144
Intermittent wiper switch
61
JJack
146
Jump start
153
KKeys
30
Kickdown
59
LLeather care
135
LED Light-emitting diodes

110
Length
161
License plate light,
Replace bulb
144Light switch
85
Light-emitting diode LED

110
Limit
80
Loading 98
Lock buttons
31
Locks, care 105
Lowbeam headlight
85
Lowbeam headlights,
Replace lights
141
Low-fuel warning light
64
Luggage straps
34
Lumbar support 45
MM+S-Tires
114
Maintenance 64
, 130
Make-up mirror
46
Manual transmission
57
Capacity
166
Manually controlled
recirculated-air
91
Maximum speed 163
Micro-filter
92
MID Multi-information
display
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Mirror heating
46
Mirrors
46
Multifunction switch
60
Multi-information display
MID
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
OOdometer
63
OilCapacity
166
Oil additives 125
Oil change interval,
Refer to the service
booklet
124
Oil consumption
124
Oil dipstick
124
Oil filter change
166
Oil filter renewal 166
Oil level, indicator light
20
Oil pressure, indicator light

20
OIL SERVICE
64
Oil, power steering
128
On-board computer 77
, 78
,
79
, 80
, 81
, 82
, 83
Operating
31
Outside rearview mirror
46
Outside temperature
66
, 78
Display
66
Outside temperature
indicator 68
PPaintwork, care
132
Paintwork, dirt and
contaminants 132
Paintwork, minor repairs

133
Paintwork, waxing
133
Parking brake
56
Parking light 85
Parking light,
Replace bulb 141Parking lights
60
Parking, Winter 106
Passenger airbag 50
Payload, maximum 163
Pocket light
93
Power door locks
31
Power steering, oil 128
Pressure, tire
25
Pressure, tires 111
Procedure
147
RRadiator
166
Reading lights
86
Rear backrest,
folding
95
Rear foglight
86
, 143
Reclining seat
43
Refueling
23
Remote control
On-board computer
83
Remove mist
Windshields
91
Replacement keys
30
Reverse
57
Rims
113
, 115
Road performance
163
Roof load, approved 163
Roof load, permissible 163
Roof rack
107
Roof-mounted luggage rack

107
Rubber parts
105
Rubber seals and
Everything from A to Z

173
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all detailscomponents
105
SSAFETY DEFECTS
7
Seat heaters
87
Seat, electric 44
Seat, mechanical
43
Seatback release 45
Seatbelts
47
Seats, adjustment
43
Selector lever, automatic
transmission
58
Service Interval Display
64
Shift programs
59
Side airbag
50
Sliding
106
Sliding/tilt sunroof
36
Close in case of electrical
fault
152
Slippery roads
105
Snow chains
105
Spare key
30
Spare keys 30
Spare tire 112
, 146
Spark plugs
167
Special oils 125
Speed warning activation
threshold 80
Sport seat 44
Start
54
Start the engine
Preheating
54
Starting assistance
153Starting problems
102
Steel wheel
115
Steering
128
Steering lock
54
Steering wheel lock
54
Stopwatch
80
Storage shelves
93
Summer tires
113
Sun visor
46
Switching off the engine
55
Switching off the vehicle 55
Symbols
4
Battery 149
TTachometer
63
Tailgate
33
Taillights 143
Taillights,
Replace bulbs
143
Tank cover
Unlock in case of
electrical fault 152
Technical Data 160
Technical data 160
Telephone
108
Temperature 91
Temperature display
66
Temperature layering 92
Tempomat
62
Thigh support
Ajustment 44
Third brake light
143Through loading system
95
Timer
81
Tire change
146
Tire damages 111
Tire inflation pressure
25
,
111
Tire inscription
113
Tire replacement 112
Tire sizes
115
Tire tread 111
Tool kit
140
Tools
140
Tow starting
154
Towing
154
Towing eyelets
154
Track
161
Trailer load, permissible
163
Trailer nose weight,
permissible
163
Transmission 57
Traveling abroad
102
Tread depth, tires 111
Trip
63
Trip distance recorder
63
Trip odometer
63
Trunk
Capacity
163
Trunk lights,
Replace bulb
145
Turn on
54
Turn signal indicator
60
Turn signal,Replace bulb
142
Turn signals
143
Turning circle 161
Turning radius 161
UUnloaded vehicle weight

163
Unlocking and locking doors

31
Used batteries
150
VVehicle care, interior
133
Vehicle decommissioning

137
Vehicle identification
129
Vehicle identification
number
129
Vehicle immobilization unit

30
Vehicle paintwork
132
Vehicle weight
163
Ventilate at a standstill
81
Ventilation, draft free
92
WWarm feet - cool head
92
Warning
71
Warning Light-On
85
Warning lights
20
Washer fluid
Add
124
Fill up 166
Washer fluid reservoir
Everything from A to Z

175
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all details
AAdd coolant 127
Adding oil 125
Adjusting washer
nozzles 124
Antifreeze, use 127BBackup lamp,
replace bulb 143
Battery,
charging 150
Battery change,
master key 145
radio remote control 145
Battery,
add distilled water 149
discharged 153
Brake fluid, add 128
Brake lamps,
replace bulb 143
Brakes, defects 105CCheck air pressure 24
Check Control 70
Check engine oil level 124
Coolant, add 127DDefrost windshields 91
Difficult steering 129Door, emergency
actuation 32
EElectrical fault
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152
Fuel filler door 152
Emergency actuation,
Door 32
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152
Fuel filler door 152
External starts 153FFailure messages 70
Failure of an
electrical device 151
Fault displays 70
First aid 21
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing 154
Flat tire 146
Foglamps,
replace bulb 142
Footwell lamp,
replace bulb 145GGlove compartment lamp,
replace bulb 145
HHazard warning system 21
Hazard warning triangle 21
Headlamp cover, care 141
Help in case of a
breakdown 153
High beam headlamps,
replace lamps 141IIndicator lamps 19
Inflation pressure 24
Interior lamps,
replace bulbs 144KKey, battery change 145LLicense plate lamp,
replace bulb 144
Low beam headlamps,
replace lamps 141
Luggage compartment lid,
emergency actuation 32
Luggage compartment
lamps, replace bulb 145MMaintenance 63OOnboard tool kit 140
PParking lamp,
replace bulb 141
Power steering,
add oil 128
Pressure, tires 24
Protective glazing,
care 131RRear foglamps,
replace bulb 142
Remove mist on
windshields 91
Replace bulbs 141
Replace fuses 151SSliding/tilt sunroof,
close in case of power
supply interruption 152
Snow chains 105
Starting difficulties 102, 153
Starting with a discharged
battery 153TTaillamp 143
Taillamp,
replace bulb 143
Tire change 146
Tire damage 111
Tools 140
Owner service procedures from A to Z