Washing the vehicle

Especially during the winter months, ensure that the vehicle is washed more frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead to vehicle damage.

After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise, water can reduce braking efficiency over the short term and brake discs can corrode.

Preference should be given to cloth car washes.

Do not use high-pressure car washes; otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle around the windows.

Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is suitable for your BMW. Check the following:

> Dimensions of your vehicle.
> If necessary, fold in the outside rearview mirrors.
> Maximum permissible tire width.

Avoid car washes with guide rail heights over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the danger of damaging chassis parts.

> In Convertibles, do not treat the convertible top with wax. Ensure that a program is available that does not apply wax or is designed specifically for Convertibles.

Preparations before driving into an automatic car wash:

> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensorto prevent unintentional wiping.
> Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoilers or telephone antennas, if there is a possibility that they could be damaged.
> Leave the remote control in the ignition lock.

Automatic transmission

Before driving into an automatic car wash, perform the following steps to ensure that the vehicle can roll:

1.  Insert the remote control into the ignition lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.  Move the selector lever to position N.
3.  Release the parking brake.
4.  Switch off the engine.
5.  Leave the remote control in the ignition lock so that the vehicle can roll.

Sport automatic transmission with double clutch

Before driving into an automatic car wash, perform the following steps to ensure that the vehicle can roll:

1.  Insert the remote control into the ignition lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.  Engage transmission position N.
3.  Release the parking brake.
4.  Switch off the engine.
5.  Leave the remote control in the ignition lock so that the vehicle can roll.

The transmission is switched into position P:

> Automatically after approx. 30 minutes
> If you remove the infrared remote control from the ignition lock

Steam jets/high-pressure washers

When using steam jets or high-pressure washers, make sure to maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle and do not exceed a temperature of 140 7/60 6.

Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or temperature can lead to component damage or water penetration. Follow the operating instructions for the steam jet or high-pressure washer.

When using high-pressure washers, do not spray the sensors, e.g. of the Park Distance Control, for an extended period and maintain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm from them.

When washing the vehicle by hand, use large quantities of water and car shampoo if necessary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or washing brush, applying light pressure only.

Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the rain sensor or switch off the ignition to prevent unintentional activation of the wipers.

Observe local regulations pertaining to washing vehicles by hand.

Headlamps

Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or corrosive cleaning agents.

Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or insect remover and wash away with copious quantities of water.

Thaw ice with a windshield deicer and do not use an ice scraper.

Windows

Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.

Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners containing quartz.

The appearance and service life of the convertible top largely depends on its proper care and operation.

Please follow these instructions:

> Never attempt to fold and stow the convertible top in the convertible compartment when the top is wet or frozen. Otherwise, water stains, mildew, and chafe marks may occur.
> If water spots occur on the inside headliner despite precautions, remove them using a microfiber cloth and interior cleaner.
> If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area for a longer period of time, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation.
> Remove any bird droppings immediately, since they have corrosive properties which will corrode the convertible top and damage the rubber seals.

To remove stains from the convertible top, do not use stain removers, paint thinners, solvents, benzine or similar substances. These cleaners may damage the rubber seals. The improper care or cleaning methods may cause the convertible top and its seams to leak.

To remove heavy soiling, use a special convertible top cleaner.

Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

After washing the convertible top three to five times, treat it with an impregnating agent.

Regular care contributes to value retention and protects the paintwork against the long-term effects of damaging substances.

Region-specific environmental influences can damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is important to adapt the frequency and scope of car care accordingly.

Immediately remove aggressive materials such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or bird droppings to prevent damage to the paintwork.

Repairing paintwork damageImmediately repair scratches or similar damage, such as that caused by stones hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent rusting.

BMW recommends having paintwork damage repaired by a professional paint repair workshop according to BMW specifications using original BMW paint materials.

Preservation

A preservation treatment is necessary when water no longer beads off the clean paintwork surface. Only use products for paintwork preservation that contain carnauba or synthetic waxes.

Treat only with water or rubber care products.

Do not use silicon-containing care products on rubber seals; otherwise, noise and damage could occur.

Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radiator grill, door handles or window frames with copious quantities of water and a shampoo additive, especially when roads are treated with deicing salt. For additional treatment, use a chrome polish.

For technical reasons, dust is generated during braking that is deposited on the light-alloy wheels. Remove the dust regularly using acidfree rim cleaner.

Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly alkaline, or abrasive cleaning agents and do not use steam jets hotter than of 140 7/60 6; otherwise, damage may occur.

Keep the sensors and cameras on the outside of the vehicle, e.g. those for Park Distance Control, clean and free of ice to ensure that they remain fully functional.