Controls and features -> Manual transmission for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

Manual transmission  
61n  
Reverse  
Select reverse only when the vehicle is  
stationary. Press the gearshift lever to  
the left to overcome the resistance.  
As you do this, the backup lamps will  
turn on automatically when the ignition  
key is in position 2.  
Do not hold the vehicle in place on  
slopes by slipping or "riding" the  
clutch. Use the parking brake instead,  
otherwise, the ensuing friction to the  
clutch plates will cause a great deal of  
wear and tear on the clutch.<  
Press the clutch pedal all the way down  
each time you shift, pressing the gear-  
shift lever into its proper end position.  
Depress the clutch when starting the  
vehicle, too, otherwise, lockout will  
prevent the engine from starting.  
The gearshift lever's neutral plane is  
located between 3rd and 4th gear.  
When shifting from each gear into  
"Neutral", the gearshift lever returns  
automatically to this neutral position  
because of its spring loading.