Controls and features -> Cargo loading for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006

106 Cargo loading  
Always position and secure the  
You can enlarge the luggage com-  
partment when the convertible top  
is closed, refer to page 37. To do this  
you have to fold the convertible top  
compartment panel up.  
We recommend that you always fold  
the convertible top compartment panel  
down as soon as you have removed  
your cargo from the luggage compart-  
ment. This way, you can be sure that  
you can always operate you convertible  
top at any time.  
Conversely, when the convertible top is  
closed, raise the convertible top com-  
partment panel before stowing your  
cargo in the luggage compartment to  
avoid any damage to the convertible  
top compartment or your load.<  
load correctly. If you do not, it can  
endanger the passengers during brak-  
ing or evasive maneuvers.  
Do not exceed the approved gross  
weight or the approved maximum axle  
loads, refer to page 152. Otherwise the  
vehicle's operating safety is no longer  
assured and you are in violation of the  
law  
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in  
the passenger compartment without  
first securing them. Otherwise they  
would be thrown around during braking  
and evasive maneuvers and endanger  
the occupants.<  
Stowing cargo  
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as  
possible – directly behind the back-  
rests or the luggage compartment  
partition – and as low as possible  
>Cover sharp edges and corners.  
Cargo loading  
Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop*  
107  
When loading, be sure to remember not  
to exceed the approved roof weight or  
the approved gross vehicle weight or  
the axle loads. You will find the specifi-  
cations under Technical data on  
page 152.  
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,  
and attempt to distribute it evenly.  
Always load the heaviest pieces first so  
that they are at the bottom. Make sure  
that no objects get in the way when the  
luggage compartment lid is opening or  
closing.  
Securing the cargo in the luggage A special roof-rack system is available  
as an optional extra for your BMW.  
Please observe the precautions  
included with the installation instruc-  
tions.  
compartment  
Secure the roof-mounted luggage cor-  
rectly and safely to prevent it from shift-  
ing or being lost during driving.  
>For small, light items, use the rubber-  
lined non-skid side of the floor mat or  
secure with a luggage compartment  
net* or elastic straps, refer to page 37  
>For large, heavy pieces, see your  
BMW center for load-securing  
devices*. Lashing fittings located in  
the luggage compartment can be  
used for fastening the load-securing  
devices.  
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden  
acceleration or braking. Do not corner  
at high speeds.  
Anchorages  
Access to the mounting points:  
To fold up the cover – see arrow –  
please use the tool which is provided  
with the luggage system.  
Comply with the information enclosed  
with the load-securing devices.  
Loading and driving notes  
Because roof racks raise the center of  
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they  
exercise a major effect on its handling  
and steering response.