wheel 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

11

Contents

Controls and features
Care and maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/low beams85
Instrument panel lighting85
Foglamps86
Interior lamps86
Reading lamps86

An inviting climate:

Heated seats87
Independent ventilation
system87
Automatic climate control88

Cabin 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

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures100
Driving notes100
Catalytic converter102
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)103
Disc brakes104
Brake system105
Winter driving105
Roof-mounted luggage rack107
Radio reception108
Mobile phones108
Hardtop Ð Convertible109
Technical modifications
to the vehicle110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures111
Tire tread111
Tire replacement112
Interaxle tire changes112
The right choice113
Winter tires114
Approved wheels and tires115

Under the hood:

Hood118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant127
Brake fluid128
Power steering fluid128
Vehicle Identification Number129

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System130
Caring for your car131
Cleaning and care
of the convertible top136
Vehicle storage137

Controls and features MaintenanceAt a glanceControls Car care Repairs Technical Data Index

17
1 Lamp switch 85
2 Foglamps 86
3 Horn, entire surface
4 Wiper/washer lever 61
5 Rear window defroster 91
6 Hazard warning system 22
7 Automatic cruise control

*
62
8 Adjust steering wheel

*
45
9 Turn signals, high beam headlamps
and headlamp flasher 60
10 Engine hood unlocking device 118

Cockpit

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

43
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Longitudinal adjustment Pull lever 1 and slide seat into desired
position.
After releasing the lever, make sure that
the locking device engages properly.Height adjustmentPull lever 2 and load or relieve seat as
required.
Backrest anglePull lever and load or relieve as required.b
You can reduce the load on your
spinal column by sitting all the way
back in the seat with your back pressed
firmly against the backrest.
Ideal sitting posture is achieved with
your head extending from your spine in
a straight line.
For long-distance driving, you may wish
to increase the backrest angle slightly
to reduce muscular tension. Please
remember that you should always
remain able grasp the entire periphery
of the steering wheel without straight-
ening your arms.c
Front headrestsAdjust height by pulling out or pushing
in.
Adjust angle by swiveling.Remove and install the front
headrestsPull the headrests upward until they
stop.
With a forceful jerk, pull the headrests
out of their supports in the backrests.Rear head restraintsAdjust height by pulling out or pushing
in.
360de016
360de017
360de303
Seats

45
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Lumbar support
*
Adjust the curvature as desired with the
rocker switch.
You can adjust the backrest's contour
for additional support in the curvature
of your spine's lumbar region.
The upper hips and spinal column
receive supplementary support to help
you maintain a relaxed, upright posture.
Releasing backrest
*
Pull up lever: the backrest can now be
folded forward.
The outer levers also serve as a storage
point for the seat belt (not on BMW
Convertible).a
The front seat backrests must al-
ways be locked during driving.cdPull out clamping lever.
dAdjust steering wheel tilt for your
seating position.
dPush the lever back in to clamp the
steering wheel in the new position.
a
Never adjust the steering wheel
while driving Ð accident danger.c
360de020
360de021
360de028
Seats Adjusting steering wheel*

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.
390de142Airbags

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*

54
0Steering lock engagedThe key can only be inserted and
removed in this position.
After extracting the key, turn the steer-
ing wheel a small amount to the left or
right until you hear the lock engage.
Your vehicle is equipped with an inter-
lock; this means that the ignition key
can not be turned into position 0 and
removed until the selector lever is in
position P.
Furthermore, the selector lever is locked
in position P when the ignition key is in
position 0 or removed from the ignition
switch.
To turn the key back into position 0 or
remove it, move the selector lever into
position P first.
1 Steering lock disengagedYou will often find that it is easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to 1 if you
move the steering wheel slightly to help
disengage the lock.2 Ignition onAll electrical equipment and accesso-
ries are available for use.3 Starter activationb
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion: depress the clutch pedal while
you turn on the ignition, otherwise a
blocking system will prevent the engine
from starting.c
Before startingdApply the parking brake.
dThe manual-shift gear lever should
be in neutral; the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever should be in P
or N.
dAt low temperatures keep the clutch
pedal depressed.
dStart the engine without depressing
the accelerator.b
Do not operate the starter too briefly,
but not longer than approx. 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key as soon as the
engine starts. Do not allow the engine to
warm up by leaving it running while the
vehicle remains stationary. Instead, drive
off immediately at a moderate engine
speed.c
Should the engine fail to start on the first
attempt, e.g., if it is very hot or cold:
dStop and pause briefly before repeat-
ing the starting procedure. This pre-
vents the spark plugs from becoming
damp.
dPress the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
1 2
03
360de009Steering/ignition lock Starting the engine