key BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Owners Manual

For your own safety

a

Use unleaded gasoline only.
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol or
other oxygenates with up to 2.8% ox-
ygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or
3% methanol plus an equivalent
amount of co-solvent) will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (i.e.,
volatility, composition, additives, etc.)
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in driving,
starting and stalling problems espe-
cially under certain environmental
conditions, such as high ambient tem-
perature and high altitude.
Should you encounter problems while
driving that you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using,
we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-
quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance. Follow the relevant
safety rules when you are handling
gasoline.

c

a

Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
BMW.
When you purchase accessories
tested and approved by BMW and
Original BMW Parts, you simulta-
neously acquire the assurance that
they have been thoroughly tested by
BMW to ensure optimum performance
when installed on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and work-
manship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved
by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from
other manufacturers to verify if it can
be used on a BMW safely and without
risk to either the vehicle, its operation,
or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accesso-
ries and other products approved by
BMW, together with professional
advice on using these items, are avail-
able from all BMW Retailers.Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components,
brake dust shields, telephones
(including operation of any portable
cellular phone from within the vehicle
without using an externally mounted
antenna) or transceiver equipment
(e.g., C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio or
similar) may cause extensive damage
to the vehicle, compromise its safety,
interfere with the vehicleÕs electrical
system or affect the validity of the
BMW Limited Warranty.
See your authorized BMW Retailer for
additional information.
Do not use key or remote control to
lock doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the car.
"Maintenance, replacement or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
automotive repair establishment or
individual using any certified automo-
tive part."

c

Contents

At a glance
Controls and features

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning
lamps20
Hazard warning system22
Hazard warning triangle22
First-aid kit22
Refueling23
Fuel specification23
CARB OBD II interface24
Tire inflation pressures25

Locks and security systems:

Keys30
Electronic immobilizing device35
Doors31
Trunk 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
convertible52
Driving:

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

Technology for driving comfort
and safety:

Automatic stability control
plus traction (ASC+T)84

Contents

Owner service procedure
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit140
Windshield wiper blades140
Lamps and bulbs141
Master key with
battery lamp145
Changing tires146
Battery149
Fuses151

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door 152
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152

Assistance, giving and receiving:

Jump-starting153
Towing the vehicle154
Towing154Airbags156
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)156
Radio reception157
Safety belt tensioner157Engine specifications 160
Dimensions 161
Weights 163
Capacities 166
Electrical system 167
Drive belts 167

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

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

30
1 Master key with battery-powered
lamp (switch on by pressing the BMW
symbol).
2 Master key without lamp.
3 Spare key to be kept in a safe place
e. g. in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use.
4 Door and ignition key
This key does not operate the locks
for the glove compartment and the
luggage compartment. This is useful
e. g. at a hotel.The electronic vehicle immobilization
unit increases the anti-theft protection
of your BMW Ð without additional
adjustment or activation of systems.
This electronic immobilization system is
designed to reduce the susceptibility of
the vehicle to theft by making it impos-
sible to start the engine using any
means other than the special keys fur-
nished with the vehicle.
The system features an electronic chip
integrated within the key as a supple-
ment to the conventional mechanical
locking system.
The lock mechanism itself is actually a
dual-function device, simultaneously
serving as a communications interface
designed to allow the car security sys-
tem to maintain a continuous stream of
variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
ignition, the flow of fuel and the starter
are enabled only after the key has been
recognized as "authorized".
b
External force can damage the
electronic circuitry integrated in the key.
Such a key can no longer be used to
start the engine.c
Replacement of a keyReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your authorized BMW
Retailer, who is also under obligation to
request verification of vehicle owner-
ship before issuing a substitute key.
Your BMW Retailer can also cancel or
restore the electronic system authoriza-
tion for individual keys (e.g., if a key is
lost). A deactivated key can no longer
be used to start the engine.For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units com-
ply with Part 15 of the FCC (Federal
Communication Commission) Regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the fol-
lowing:
FCC ID: LXBEWS
As defined in the regulations, such a
device is not to emit significant interfer-
ence and must also be shielded against
interference from external sources to
prevent unauthorized or inadvertent
activation.a
Any unauthorized modifications
or changes to these devices could void
the userÕs authority to operate this
equipment.c
14
BMW
BMW
BMW
BMW
23
365de122Keys Electronic vehicle immobilizer

31
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Operating central locking system
from outside the vehicle When the front doors are closed, the
activation of a door lock or of the lug-
gage compartment lock with a key
unlocks or locks the following:
dDoors
dLuggage compartment
dFuel filler door
dBMW Convertible: the glove com-
partment.
The double-lock system is engaged at
the same time. Both the door locks and
release handles remain locked.
a
Never use the keys or the remote
control* to lock an occupied vehicle, as
it would then be impossible to unlock it
from inside.c
Convenience closing
* for power win-
dows and sliding/tilt sunroof: after clos-
ing the doors, hold the key in the lock
position to close the windows and slid-
ing/tilt sunroof. The windows/sunroof
stop moving immediately when you
release the key. To be able to keep the
closing system in view, convenience
closing can only be activated via the
driver's door lock for safety reasons,
even on vehicles with remote control.
Emergency lock operation(in the event of electrical failure)
Turn the key to the end positions of the
door lock to unlock/lock the respective
door.
Activating the central locking
system from inside the vehiclePressing the lock button of a front door
unlocks/locks the doors and luggage
compartment, but does not arm the
alarm system.b
If the vehicle is locked from the
inside with this lock button, the fuel
filler door remains unlocked to allow
refueling. On the BMW Convertible, the
glove compartment also remains un-
locked to allow for its use.
It is also possible to unlock the car from
the inside by pulling on one of the front
door handles.c
To preclude accidental locking of the
vehicle
dit can not be locked with the lock
button when the driver's door is open
dthe safety button of the passenger
door activates the central locking
system only when both front doors
are locked.
360de011Doors

32
a
Children can lock the doors from
inside. Therefore, you should always
remove the key and take it with you to
ensure that you can unlock the car from
the outside at all times.c
In an accident, the central locking sys-
tem automatically unlocks the doors
and the interior lamps switch on.
Depending on the version, the hazard
warning flashers are also activated.
a
Avoid using the inside lock buttons
to lock the rear doors while driving, as
these doors would then fail to unlock au-
tomatically in the event of an accident.c
Opening doors from the insidePull interior door handle of a front door
twice in succession (the initial pull
unlocks the door, the second opens it).
Central locking system buttonThis button operates the central locking
system when the driverÕs door is
closed. It unlocks the doors and lug-
gage compartment, but does not arm
the alarm system.
The fuel filler door remains unlocked to
allow refueling.
The picture shows, as an example, the
shift arrangement for the BMW sedan.
Opening doors from the outsideLift the handle.Automatic window lowering (BMW Coupe, Convertible)a
The door windows are lowered
somewhat when the doors are opened
and then are raised again immediately
after the doors are locked. This makes it
easier to open the doors, prevents the
rubber door seals from being damaged
and ensures proper seating of the
windows in the rubber door seals after
closing.c
Driver's door lock heating
*
Lift the handle of the driver's door for
approx. 3 seconds: the heating
switches on. The switch-on time is
automatically controlled to save power.
S
360us124
Doors

33
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
The lock actuation is only possible with
a master key.Central locking system
To engage locksTo lock the luggage compartment
separately
The luggage compartment lid is locked
and disconnected from the central lock-
ing system. The luggage compartment
lid then remains locked when the cen-
tral locking system is unlocked with a
door lock or the lock knobs.
Access to the luggage compartment lid
is thus prevented when leaving the door
and ignition key with others (refer to
page 30); this is useful e.g., at a hotel.To unlock car
Emergency lock operation(in the event of electrical failure)
Turn the master key to the left as far as
possible: the luggage compartment lid
is unlocked.
After closing, the luggage compartment
lid must be locked again separately.
The luggage compartment lampis on when the luggage compartment
lid is open.
=
Turn to the right: The luggage
compartment lid and - if the
front doors are closed - the
doors are locked and the alarm system
is armed.
360de013
>
Turn the master key to the right
until the slot is horizontal, then
extract the key from the lock.
<
Turn to the left: the luggage
compartment lid and the doors
are unlocked.
Luggage compartment lid