BMW 3.0i Roadster & Coupe (2005 year). Instruction

Refere

nce

At a gl

Temperature

The temperature grades are A, the highest, B
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.

The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly

inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.

RSC: Run Flat tires

Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC.
Refer to page

M+S

Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance proper-
ties than summer tires.

Tire condition

Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.

Tire tread

Tread depth should not be allowed to go below
1/8 in / 3 mm even though in Europe, for exam-
ple, the legally specified minimum tread depth
is only 1/16 in / 1.6 mm. Below 1/8 in / 3 mm
tread depth, there is a very high risk of hydro-
planing, even with only small amounts of water
on the road and at relatively moderate speeds.

At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in / 4 mm,
winter tires display a perceptible decrease in
their ability to cope with winter driving condi-
tions, and should be replaced in the interest of
safety.

Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
see arrow, are distributed around the wheel cir-
cumference and are labeled on the tire sidewall
as TWI, Tread Wear Indicator. At a tread depth
of 1/16 in / 1.6 mm, the indicators signal that the
legally permissible wear limit has been reached.

Wheel/tire damage

Due to low-profile tires, please note that
wheels, tires and suspension parts are

more susceptible to road hazards and conse-
quential damages.

Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle malfunction. This type of
problem can be caused by contact with curbs,
etc. This is also true for irregularities in the vehi-
cle's handling characteristics, such as a pro-
nounced tendency to pull to the left or right.

Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed care-

fully to the nearest BMW center or professional
tire center, or have the vehicle towed there.
Tire damage up to and including sudden and
complete air loss can pose an extreme hazard
for both vehicle occupants and other road
users.

Wheels and tires

Run Flat tires fitted

Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC.
Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting tires
and special rims. The tire reinforcement
ensures that driving remains possible to a
restricted degree in the event of pressure drop
or even if the tire is deflated.

Wheel and tire replacement

Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by a BMW center or specialized tire shop

that works according to BMW requirements
with the appropriately trained personnel. Work
that is improperly carried out could result in
consequential damage and pose safety haz-
ards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.

BMW advises against using retreaded
tires, since driving safety may be

impaired. This is due to possible variations in
casing structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, factors which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.

The correct wheels and tires

BMW recommends using only wheels
and tires that have been approved by

BMW for your particular vehicle model, as oth-
erwise body contact and serious accidents can
result despite the use of the same nominal size,
e.g. due to manufacturing tolerances. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW can-
not evaluate their suitability, and therefore can-
not be held liable for driving safety.

Your BMW center can provide you with infor-
mation about the correct wheel and tire combi-
nations for your vehicle.
The correct wheel and tire combination also
affects other systems which would otherwise
be impaired, for example ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. In the event of a flat tire,
remount the previous wheel and tire combina-
tion as soon as possible.

Recommended tire brands

BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size,
classifies them as road-safe and approves
them. You can best find out about these at a
specialized shop, particularly your BMW center.
Observe any country-specific regulations, e.g.
on making a corresponding entry in the vehicle
documents.
The factory-approved radial-ply tires are
matched to your vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and driving
comfort when used properly.

Run Flat tires

When mounting new tires or replacing summer
tires with winter tires, or vice versa, use Run Flat
tires since no spare wheel is available in the
event of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to
provide you with more information.

For safety reasons, BMW recommends to
have Run Flat tires replaced, not repaired,

if they are damaged.

Special characteristics of winter tires

BMW recommends the use of winter tires for
operation under winter road conditions. While
all-season tires with M+S designation provide
better winter traction than summer tires, they
generally do not achieve the full performance of
winter tires.

Observing speed ratings

Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated. Unpro-

fessional attempts by laymen to service tires

can lead to damage and accidents. Have this
work performed by skilled professionals only.
The technicans at your BMW center will be glad
to assist you with the required professional
knowledge and specialized equipment.

Storage

Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting them
against light whenever possible. Protect the
tires from contact with oil, grease and fuel. Do
not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sures specified on the tire sidewall.

Snow chains*

Only certain types of snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as road-safe and
approved. Consult your BMW center for more
information. BMW recommends using only
approved fine-link snow chains. Use them in
pairs on either summer or winter tires, but only
on both rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety precau-
tions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h
when using snow chains.

Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
snow chains have been mounted.

When driving with snow chains, it may be useful
to deactivate the DSC briefly. Refer to
page

In the engine compartment

Do not attempt to service your vehicle if
you do not have the required technical

background. If you are not familiar with the reg-
ulations to be observed, have your vehicle ser-
viced only by a BMW center or a workshop that
works according to BMW requirements with the
appropriately trained personnel. Work that is
improperly carried out could result in conse-
quential damage and pose safety hazards.

Hood

To release

Pull the lever located under the left-hand side of
the instrument panel.

To open

Reach under the engine hood

Push the release handle up

Open the hood.

To close

Allow the hood to fall from a low height and
push on both sides so that it audibly engages.

As in all closing procedures, avoid injuries
by making sure that the travel path of the

hood is clear when it is closed.
If you notice while driving that the hood is not
completely closed, stop immediately and close
it securely.

Engine compartment

1 Reservoir for the headlamp and windshield

washer system

2 Engine oil filler neck

3 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting

4 Reservoir for brake fluid

5 Chassis ground, negative terminal
6 Engine oil dipstick

7 Coolant expansion tank

In the engine compartment

Washer fluids for washer

systems

Headlamp* and windshield washer

system

Capacity of windshield washer system: approx.
3.2 quarts/3 liters.
Capacity when equipped with headlamp
washer system: approx. 5.3 quarts/5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze
agent according to the manufacturer's recom-
mendations.

We recommend that you mix the washer
fluid before adding it to the reservoir.

Antifreeze agents for the washing sys-
tems are highly flammable. For this rea-

son, keep them away from sources of flame and
store them only in their original containers.
Store them so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainers.

Engine oil

Oil consumption is directly influenced by your
driving style and vehicle operating conditions.

Warning lamp

Engine oil pressure

The warning lamp lights up in red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and

switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top up if necessary. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW center.

Do not continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from inad-

equate lubrication.

Engine oil level

The warning lamp lights up in yellow
while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-

mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than 30 miles/50 km before refilling.

The warning lamp lights up in yellow
after the engine has been switched off:
Add engine oil at the earliest opportu-

nity, e.g. when you stop to refuel.

Engine oil sensor

The warning lamp lights up in yellow
within 20 seconds after the engine is
started:

The oil level sensor is defective. Please have it
checked by a BMW center.

Checking the oil level

With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface

Switch off the engine

After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick
out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material

Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again

The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick

Return the dipstick to the guide tube,
inserting it as far as it will go.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption is
directly influenced by your driving style and
vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks on the
dipstick corresponds to approx. 1.1 quarts/
1 liter.

Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the

engine.

Adding engine oil

Do not add oil until the oil level has dropped
almost to the lower mark on the dipstick, refer to
page

Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-

aged.

Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For this

reason, thoroughly wash any areas of skin that
come into contact with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to children. Com-
ply with warning labels and the information on
the containers.

Comply with the applicable environmen-
tal laws regulating the disposal of used

oil.

Oil change

Have your oil changed only by a BMW center or
a workshop that works according to BMW
requirements with the appropriately trained
personnel.

Approved engine oils

The quality of the engine oil is extremely impor-
tant for the function and life of an engine. Based
on extensive testing, BMW has approved cer-
tain grades of engine oil.
Use approved High Performance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain an approved High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small
volumes of other synthetic oils for topping up
between oil changes. Use only oils with the
specification API SH or higher.

Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific High Performance Syn-

thetic Oil or synthetic oils that have been
approved.

You can also call BMW of North America toll-
free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.

BMW engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of additives

could even lead to damage in some cases.

Coolant

Warning lamp

The warning lamp lights up:
The coolant level is too low. Top up the
coolant as soon as possible.

Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. If you do, escaping coolant

can cause burns.

Coolant consists of water and coolant additives.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Your BMW center knows
which additives are appropriate.

Use only approved additives, as the
engine could otherwise be damaged. The

additives are hazardous to health.

Comply with the applicable environmen-
tal laws regulating the disposal of coolant

additives.

In the engine compartment

Checking the coolant level

The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture

Open the cap of the expansion tank by turn-
ing it slightly counterclockwise to allow
accumulated pressure to escape, then
open completely

The coolant level is correct when the upper
end of the red float is at least even with the
upper edge of the filler neck but no more
than 3/4 in/2 cm above it, that is up to the
second mark on the float. Refer also to the
schematic diagram next to the filler neck

Slowly add coolant, if necessary, until the
correct level is reached; do not overfill

Turn the cap clockwise until it is tightly
closed

Have the cause for the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.

Brake system

Malfunction

Brake fluid

The warning lamp lights up although
the parking brake is not engaged:
Stop the vehicle immediately.

The brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.
At the same time, you may notice that brake
pedal travel is longer. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.

If you continue driving, extended pedal
travel may be necessary and braking dis-

tances may be significantly longer. Be sure to
adapt your driving style accordingly.

Indication of the above-described mal-
function in Canadian models.

Brake pads

The warning lamp lights up. The brake
pads have worn down to the minimum
safe limit. Have the brake pads

replaced as soon as possible.

For your own safety: use only brake pads
which BMW has approved for your spe-

cific vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if they are
suitable for use, and therefore cannot guaran-
tee the operating safety of the vehicle in the
event of their use.

Maintenance

The BMW Maintenance

System

The BMW Maintenance System helps maintain
the road safety and operating reliability of your
BMW.
Please keep in mind that regular maintenance is
not only necessary for the safety of your vehi-
cle, but also plays a significant role in maintain-
ing the resale value of your vehicle.

Service interval display

While conventional systems rely on distance
traveled alone to determine when a service is
due, the BMW Maintenance System has taken
the actual conditions under which the vehicle is
operated into consideration for years, because
miles can be traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the same
as 60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated at
moderate cruising speeds in long-distance
highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System includes the
Engine Oil Service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals based
on the actual loads on the vehicle covers every
kind of operating situation. Minimal use drivers,
who drive fewer than about 6,200 miles/
10,000 km per year, should nevertheless have
the oil changed at least every 2 years since
engine oil deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian

models

For additional information on required mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models, or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may be
advisable to have the body checked for damage
from rocks or gravel as a precaution against cor-
rosion.

BMW recommends that you have your
BMW center perform the maintenance

and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is recorded in
the Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models, Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries will
serve as proof that the vehicle has received reg-
ular maintenance.

Maintenance

OBD interface socket

The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface socket
is located on the left of the driver's side under
the instrument panel and under a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure
proper operation of the emission control sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and mal-
function.

If the Service engine soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously or
intermittently, this indicates a fault in

the emission-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational, you
should have the systems checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.

The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the next oppor-
tunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates a
high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed and
contact the nearest BMW center immediately.
Severe engine misfiring over even a short
period of time can seriously damage emission
control system components, especially the cat-
alytic converter.

Indication of the above-described mal-
function in Canadian models.

If the gas cap is not on tight enough, the
OBD system can detect leaking vapor

and the indicator will light up. If the gas cap is
then tightened, the indicator will usually go out
after a short period of time.

Event Data Recorders

Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.

Care

Interesting facts about the care of your vehicle
are found in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.

Replacement procedures

Onboard tool kit

The onboard tool kit is stored in a tool pouch. It
is located in the luggage compartment beneath
the floor panel.

Windshield wiper blades

Swich off the ignition

Fold the wiper arm completely out from the
windshield

Place the wiper blade in a position at right
angles to the wiper arm

Press the locking spring

Fold the wiper blade down and unhook it
toward the windshield

Pull the wiper blade past the wiper arm
toward the top

Insert a new wiper blade and apply pressure
until you hear it engage.

Lamps and bulbs

The lamps and bulbs make essential contribu-
tions to the safety of your vehicle. Therefore,
comply fully with the following instructions dur-
ing bulb replacement. If you are not familiar with
the procedures, BMW recommends that you
have your BMW center carry out the work.

Do not touch the glass portion of a new
bulb with your bare hands since even

small amounts of impurities burn in to the sur-
face and reduce the service life of the bulb. Use
a clean cloth, paper napkin or a similar material,
or hold the bulb by its metallic base.

A replacement bulb set is available from your
BMW center.

Before working on the electrical system,
switch off the electrical accessory you are

working on or disconnect the cable from the
negative terminal of the battery. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in short cir-
cuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, always comply
with any instructions provided by the bulb man-
ufacturer.

Accessing the headlamps

Protective cover in the wheel well

To gain access to the headlamp covers, turn the
front wheels in the required direction.

Replacemen

t pr

ocedures

Open the caps with a suitable object, e.g. a
coin or screwdriver

Fold up the protective cover in the wheel
well.

Headlamp cover

Pull the wire clamp out straight

Pull the wire clamp past the catches, see
arrows, and fold it down

Flip the headlamp cover open and remove.

Reinstall the headlamp cover carefully. If
it is not on tight, the headlamp installation

could be damaged.

Reinstall the headlamp cover in reverse order.

Low beams and high beams

Left side of engine compartment:
1 Low beams
2 High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts

The H7 bulb is pressurized. Therefore,
wear safety glasses and protective

gloves. Failure to comply with these precau-
tions could result in physical injury if the bulb is
damaged.

Turn the bulb holder to the left and pull out

Remove and replace the bulb

Install in the reverse order.

When cleaning the headlamps, please
observe the instructions in the Caring for

your vehicle brochure.

Xenon lamps*

The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driv-
ing with great caution using the fog lamps, pro-
vided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit
this.

Because of the extremely high voltages
involved, any work on the xenon lighting

system, including bulb-changing, should be
carried out by technically qualified personnel
only. Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal injury.

Front turn signal indicators

21 watt bulb

Insert a Phillips-head screwdriver from the
onboard toolkit into the appropriate open-
ing, arrows

Turn the screwdriver to the left, arrows

Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to pull
out the entire bulb holder

Replace the bulb

Install in the reverse order.

Side turn signal indicators

5 watt bulb

Turn the lamp to the left and remove

Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left to remove

Install in the reverse order.

Rear lamps

Tail lamps

1: 21/4 watt bulbs

Remaining bulbs: 21 watt
1 Tail lamp/brake lamp, red
2 Turn signal indicator, yellow
3 Backup lamp, white

On the right-hand side of the luggage compart-
ment:

Remove the cover by turning the lock to the
right; refer to the detail in the illustration

Applying light pressure, turn the bulb to the
left. Remove and exchange the bulb

Reinstall the cover.

Center high-mount brake lamp

The LED strip is in the luggage compartment
lid.

Replacemen

t pr

ocedures

Please contact a BMW center in case of a mal-
function.

License plate lamps

5 watt bulb

Push out the lamp with a suitable object and
remove it

Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.

Light-emitting diodes LEDs

Control elements, display units and other inte-
rior equipment in your vehicle use a light-emit-
ting diode behind a cover as a light source.
These light-emitting diodes are similar to con-
ventional lasers.

Do not remove the covers, and do not
look directly at the unfiltered light for sev-

eral hours. Otherwise, it can lead to retinal irrita-
tion of the eye.

Changing a wheel

Run Flat tires

Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss in
inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall with a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC.
Refer to page

BMW recommends that you consult your BMW
center if you wish to replace the tires of your
BMW, or change from summer to winter tires or
vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with Run

Flat tires and is equipped with the necessary
special tools.

When mounting or replacing summer
tires with winter tires, or vice versa, use

only Run Flat tires since no spare wheel is avail-
able in the event of a flat.

Jacking points

The jacking points are located at the positions
indicated in the illustration.

Your BMW center can provide you with a
suitable jack as an accessory.

Vehicle battery

Maintenance

The battery is completely maintenance-free.
This means that the original electrolyte will nor-
mally last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your BMW cen-
ter will be happy to advise you if you have any
questions concerning the battery.

Indicator lamp

The indicator lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being charged.
The alternator drive belt is defective or

there is a malfunction in the charging circuit of
the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW
center.

If the drive belt is defective, pull over and
switch off the engine immediately to pre-

vent overheating and serious engine damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a very
low level, increased steering effort may also be
necessary.

Charging the battery

Charge the battery in the vehicle only when the
engine has been switched off. Terminals, refer
to Jump starting, page

Battery disposal

After changing a battery, have the used
battery disposed of by your BMW center

or bring it to a recycling point. Maintain the bat-
tery in an upright position for transport and stor-
age. Secure the battery against tilting when
transporting.

Power loss

After a temporary power loss, e.g. due to a dis-
charged battery, some equipment will be lim-
ited in its use and must be reinitialized. Individ-
ual settings are also lost and must be reset:

Seat memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page

Time
must be reset, refer to page

Fuses

You will find the fuses and information on their
respective allocation behind the glove compart-
ment.

Open the glove compartment

Press the lock on the left; see arrow

Press the lock on the right; see arrow

Swing the glove compartment down.

Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasping
the fuses are found in the onboard tool kit; refer
to page

Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse or
replace it with a fuse having a different

color or amperage rating. To do this could
cause a fire in the vehicle as a result of circuit
overload.

Giving and receiving assistance

Receiving assistance

The BMW Group's Mobile Service offers you
24-hour assistance in the event of a breakdown,
even on weekends and holidays.
The telephone number of the Mobile Service
control center in your country is listed in the
Contact brochure.
If your vehicle has the necessary equipment,
you can contact the Mobile Service or issue an
emergency call using buttons in the center con-
sole, behind the parking brake under a cover.
When the emergency call is initiated, a tele-
phone connection is established with the BMW
Assist response center.
If your vehicle is equipped with an activated
BMW Assist and the current location of the
vehicle can be determined, this location is
transmitted to the BMW Assist response cen-
ter.
Requirements for initiating an emergency call or
contacting Mobile Service:

Ignition key in position 1 or higher

The car phone must be registered with a
mobile network

The emergency call system must be opera-
tional.

Access to the buttons

Fold up the cover.
1 Emergency call
2 Roadside Assistance

Initiating an emergency call*

Press button

1 for at least 2 seconds.

The indicator lamp in the button lights up. As
soon as a telephone connection to the BMW
Assist response center has been set up, the
indicator lamp flashes.
If the indicator lamp is flashing but you cannot
hear the emergency call center, you may still be
heard by the emergency call center.

For technical reasons, the emergency call
function cannot be guaranteed in certain

unfavorable conditions.

If certain requirements are met, an emergency
call is automatically initiated after a serious
accident. The automatic emergency call will not
be hindered by pressing the button.

Roadside Assistance*

Press button

2 for at least 2 seconds.

The indicator lamp in the button lights up. As
soon as a telephone connection to the Road-
side Assistance has been set up, the indicator
lamp flashes.
Depending on the country you are in, your vehi-
cle's current location will also be transmitted if
your vehicle is equipped with an activated BMW
Assist function.

Warning triangle*

The warning triangle is stored in the rear lug-
gage compartment panel.

BMW 3.0i Roadster & Coupe (2005 year). Instruction - part 5