tow BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 Owners Manual

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

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
36cde007
36cde008
36cde009
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
360de304
360de030
Mirrors

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*

59
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
D - Drive (automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving
under all normal operating conditions.
All forward gears are selected by the
transmission as necessary. 3 - Sport Program, direct controlThis position is designed for perfor-
mance-oriented driving, and features
delayed upshifts for optimal utilization
of the vehicle's power reserves.
When D is engaged, the transmission
may respond to certain conditions by
repeatedly shifting between 3rd and 4th
gears. You can select this position to
suppress upshifts into 4th gear and pre-
vent the transmission from "hunting" in
this way.
2 and 1 - Mountain ascents and
engine brakingSelect these positions to prevent un-
desired shifts on mountain roads or
extended uphill and downhill stretches.
These ranges let you use the engine's
braking effect to maximum advantage.
The transmission upshifts only as far as
the selected gear (1st or 2nd).
Do not move the selector lever to either
of these positions when traveling at
speeds of 108 mph (170 km/h) or
above. The transmission downshifts
only at correspondingly low speeds."Kickdown" (automatic downshift)To obtain maximum acceleration, the
accelerator pedal can be depressed
beyond the normal to the full-throttle
position, at which a pressure point must
be overcome.
Shift programsA - Automatic program
For economical driving. This is the initial
position each time the engine is started.
M - Manual program
This program is for driving conditions
under which the selected gear is to be
retained. The transmission then remains
in this gear both when starting off and
during acceleration. With this program
you drive only in 3rd gear in position D.
It is advantageous, e.g., on slopes or
when towing a trailer, to drive in selec-
tor lever position 1 or 2, or in winter on
slippery roads in selector lever position
3, which enables gentle starts and pre-
vents undesirable shifting.
Automatic 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

89
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
1 Air ßow directed against windshield
and door windows
2 Air ßow toward upper body
The rotary dial on the right affords
continuous opening or closing of the
air supply, the lever changes the
direction of the air ßow. The rotary dial
on the left tempers the air coming out
(page 92).
3 Front footwell ventilation
Corresponding vent outlets are also
located in the rear footwell.
4 ControlsAutomatic climate control

90
Controls1 Automatic air distribution
2 Individual air distribution
3 Temperature and air ßow display
4 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor - please keep clear and
unobstructed
5 To defrost windshield and door
windows
6 Air conditioner
7 Recirculated-air mode
8 Rear window defroster
9 Temperature control Ð right-hand
side
10 Air supply
11 Temperature control Ð left-hand side
Air conditioning for comfortUse the automatic system; switch on
AUTO key1. Select the interior temper-
ature that is comfortable for you, e.g.,
70 5F (226). With exterior temperatures
above 41 5F (56) you can also use air-
conditioning 6. This dries the air and
prevents window mist when e.g., per-
sons with damp clothing are in the vehi-
cle. Adjust vent 2 in such a way that the
air blows past you and does not strike
you directly. Turn the rotary control on
the left under the vents 2 for the upper
body area to a middle setting, so that
you will be driving in cooler air that
does not tire you out.
The following description gives you
additional individual settings.
Automatic air distribution
Individual air distribution
360us314
When you activate the AUTO
mode, the program takes
over the setting of the air distribution
and the air supply and, in addition,
adjusts your temperature pre-selections
to exterior conditions (summer, winter).
This program maintains a comfortable
in-car climate regardless of the season.
Select the interior temperature that is
comfortable for you, e.g., 70 5F (226).
The temperature pre-selections as well
as the lettering AUTO for the air supply
appear in indicator 3.
Open the vent outlets for the upper
body area. Switch on the air conditioner
in warm weather.
The maximum cooling capacity is
achieved when you set the rotary dial 3
(refer to page 92) to cold.
You can cancel the automatic
program by selecting distri-
bution patterns to suit your
individual requirements. You
can direct air toward the windshield and
windows 7, toward the upper body
5
and/or into the footwell
6.
AUTO
Automatic climate control

92
Air supply
Draft-free ventilation
You can adjust the vent outlets for the
upper body area to select the optimum
airflow rates and directions for your
own personal requirements:
Use rotary controls 1 to open and close
the vents throughout and infinitely-vari-
able range. Use the levers 2 to adjust
the direction of the air flow.
The rotary control 3 allows you to mix
the air from the outlets for your upper
body by warming or cooling it as
desired:
Turn toward blue Ð colder
Turn toward red Ð warmer
MicrofilterThe microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The filter is
changed by your BMW Retailer when
you bring your vehicle for maintenance.
A substantial reduction in air flow indi-
cates that the filter needs to be
replaced prematurely. In the AUTO mode, the air
supply is controlled automat-
ically and AUTO appears in display 3,
refer to the summary on page 90. Using
"+" and "Ð" you can vary the air flow.
Your setting is indicated by bars, the
automatic control is switched off. You
can reactivate it by pressing the AUTO
key.
When you press "-" during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the fan, heating and air con-
ditioner are switched off, the air supply
is blocked. By pressing on any key of
the air conditioning you can again
engage the system.
Effective heating and cooling is ensured
at a medium blower speed.
1 2 3
360de056
Automatic climate control

96
BMW Sedan - loading the ski bagFold down the center armrest. Detach
from the mounts (1) with one hand,
press slightly toward the rear with the
other hand (2) and remove upward.
Detach the Velcro
â strip at the top of
the cut-out trim and lay it on the seat.
b
When reinstalling the center arm-
rest, guide it into position from above,
then apply downward pressure until you
hear it snap into position (3).cPress the round button to unlock the
cover panel in the luggage compart-
ment.
Then unhook the retaining strap at the
top and fold it down.
Extend the ski sack between the front
seats. The zipper provides convenient
access to the inside of the sack, and
can also be left open to promote drying.Use the magnetic retainers to attach the
cover panel to the lower side of the rear
shelf within the luggage compartment.
Please ensure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Take
care to avoid damage from sharp
edges.
For general information on the ski bag,
refer to page 95.
3
2
1
360de065
360de066
360de067
Ski bag*