tow BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE 2002 User Guide

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Air conditioningTemperature
The numbers in the display
panel are reference figures for
general orientation. We
recommend a setting of 70 7
(22 6) for a congenial in-car climate.
When you start the vehicle, this system
adjusts the air to the selected tempera-
ture as quickly as possible, and then
maintains that temperature constantly.
Air distribution
You can direct the emerging
air toward the windows ,
toward your upper body or
into the footwell . All inter-
mediate settings are also available. In
the setting, there is a low flow of air
onto the windows to keep them free of
condensation.
Air supply
You can control the emerging
air's flow rate through an infi-
nitely-variable range. The
heating and ventilation
become more and more effective as the
air supply settings are increased. In the
"0" setting, the blower and climate
control are switched off and the outside
air supply is blocked.
Rear window defroster
The indicator lamp comes
on to indicate that the rear
window defroster is in operation. The
rear window defroster switches off
automatically.
Cooling
The air conditioning cools
and dehumidifies the
incoming air before reheating it to the
selected temperature. Depending on
the weather, the windshield may fog
over briefly when the engine is started.
You can reduce condensation forming
on the windows by switching on the air
conditioning.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to
unpleasant odors in the
surrounding environment by using this
mode to temporarily suspend the flow
of outside air into the vehicle's interior.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with a multi-
function steering wheel
featuring a
recirculated-air button then you can
also select the recirculated-air mode
from this location (refer to page 22).
If the windows should fog over in
the recirculated-air mode, switch
the recirculated-air mode off and
increase the air supply as required.<

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Air conditioningDraft-free ventilation You can adjust the air outlets for the
upper body area for optimal personal
comfort:
1 Rotary dials for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
3 Rotary dial allows you to control the
temperature of the airflow as desired:
>Turn toward blue Ð colder
>Turn toward red Ð warmer.390de685
Rear passenger area ventilation1 Rotary dial for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely
variable range
2 Levers for selecting airflow direction.
The air that flows out here is somewhat
cooler than the air delivered to the foot-
well.Microfilter The microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. Your BMW
center will replace it during routine
maintenance. A substantial reduction in
airflow indicates that the filter needs to
be replaced early.390de687
To defrost windows and remove
condensation 1. Use the rotary temperature selector
to set the system for an interior
temperature that you find comfort-
able, such as 70 7 (22 6)
2. Set the air distribution rotary dial
to
3. Set the blower/air supply rotary dial
completely to the right
4. Close the air outlets in the rear
seating area
5. Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window.390us710

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
1 Airflow directed toward the wind-
shield and side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body
area111
3 Footwell ventilation4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Airflow for the upper body area in
the rear111
6 Automatic air distribution1097 Individual air distribution109
8 Temperature control Ð
left-hand side109
9 Display for temperature and
air supply109Automatic climate control
*
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Residual heating mode
The heat which is stored in
the engine is utilized for
heating the interior when the engine
has been switched off (while waiting at
a railroad crossing, for instance).
In ignition key position 1, you can alter
the settings of the automatic climate
control. In ignition key position 0, the
system automatically directs heated air
to the windshield, side windows and
footwells.
This function is available for oper-
ation when the outside tempera-
ture is below approximately 59 7
(15 6), with the engine warm from
recent operation and an adequate
charge in the battery. The LED on the
button will light up when all conditions
have been met.<
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the air outlets for the
upper body area completely for your
personal comfort:
1 Rotary dials for infinitely-variable
opening and closing of the vent
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 Rotary dial allows you to control the
temperature of the airflow as desired:
>Turn toward blue Ð colder
>Turn toward red Ð warmer.390de685
Rear passenger area ventilation1 Rotary dial for infinitely-variable
opening and closing of the vent
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 The rotary dial operates in the same
way as the front dial to adjust the
temperature of the emerging air.390de686

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Luggage compartment Cargo loadingRaise the cargo floorFor access to the compartment under
the floor or to the spare tire, etc.:
>Raise the cargo floor and secure it
with the support rod (arrow)
>Open the quick-release fasteners on
the spare tire cover.392de756
Stowing cargoWhen transporting loads in your BMW:
>Position heavy loads as far forward
as possible Ð directly behind the
backrests or the luggage compart-
ment partition panel Ð and at the
bottom (the illustration shows the
sport wagon)
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
>Pull out the partition net
* (refer to
page 123) and ensure that carried
items cannot pass through the parti-
tion net
>For very heavy loads when the rear
seat is not occupied, secure each
safety belt in the opposite buckle.
392de177
Securing the load>Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or a luggage net
*, or
use elastic straps (refer to page 42)
>For large, heavy pieces, visit your
BMW center for load-securing
devices
*. Anchorages are provided
at the corners of the luggage
compartment for attaching these
load-securing devices (the illustration
shows the sport wagon)
>Read and comply with the informa-
tion enclosed with the load-securing
devices.
392de178

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Break-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions.Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
BMW 525i, 530i: 100 mph (160 km/h)
BMW 540i: 106 mph (170 km/h).
Comply with all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), engine and vehicle speeds
can gradually be increased.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
For this reason, you should drive with
extra care during the initial 200 miles
(300 km).
Comply with all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life later
on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.< ClutchThe clutch will also begin to function
optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.

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Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety which depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressures are a
frequent cause of tire problems
and tire damage. Tire pressure also has
a major effect on your BMW's handling
response. We recommend that you
check the tire pressure Ð remember to
check the spare as well Ð before every
extended trip, as well as at least every
two weeks in normal use (refer to
page 26). Failure to observe these
precautions can result in incorrect tire
pressures, which cause instable
handling response as well as tire
damage, and can ultimately lead to an
accident.<
Tire tread Ð Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the
base of the tire's tread. Their locations
are indicated by the legend "TWI" Ð
Tread Wear Indicator Ð at various points
on the tire's shoulder. When the tread
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm),
these indicators appear to signal that
the tires have worn to the minimum
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively 390de331
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

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Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.390de647
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower gradu-
ation before adding oil, you should
never allow the oil level to fall below
this marking.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.390de626

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Attached to the underside of the
luggage compartment lid/tailgate.
Unscrew the wingnut for access.
394de080
Front1. Pull the wiper arm up slightly and
hold it firmly
2. Press back the release (arrow) and
pull the wiper blade back toward the
base of the wiper arm
3. Install the new blade and slide the
release back into position.390de766
Rear
*
1. Hold the wiper blade on the window
and remove/unclip the wiper arm at
the articulated joint (arrow)
2. Insert a new wiper blade and press it
on/clip it into the wiper arm.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.< 530de301
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades

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Lamps and bulbsSide turn signals5 watt bulb
1. Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lens (arrow) to press it
forward for removal
2. Press gently on the bulb and turn it to
the left to remove it.390de768
Front fog lampsH8 bulb, 35 watt
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and
protective gloves. Failure to observe
these precautions can result in physical
injury if the bulb breaks.<
1. Using a screwdriver, remove the
mounting clip for the air grill (arrow)
and remove the grill by bringing it
toward the front390de671
2. Loosen both screws (arrows)
3. Take off the cover panel next to the
headlamp
4. Turn the headlamp 903 to the left and
remove it by bringing it toward the
front
5. Disconnect the plug
6. Turn the lamp to the left and remove
it.390de672