Get Operation, maintenance Guide for BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

97n

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure 98

Driving notes 99

In the engine compartment:

Hood 118

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical data

Engine compartment 120

Fluids for the washer

systems 122

Catalytic converter 100

Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 101

Washer nozzles 122

Engine oil 123

Coolant 125

Disc brakes 103

Brake system 104

Winter operation 105

Power steering 106

Cellular phone 107

Car radio reception 107

Hardtop – roadster 108

Brake fluid 126

Vehicle Identification 127

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance

System 128

Wheels and tires:

Airbags 130

Storing your vehicle 130

Notes on inflation pressures 110

Tire condition 110

Tire replacement 111

Tire rotation 113

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications 132

California Proposition

65 Warning 132

Wheel and tire

combinations 114

Special features of winter

tires 115

OBD interface socket 133

Snow chains 115

Approved wheel and tire

specifications 116

Index

Maintenance

⁹⁸ⁿBreak-in procedure

To ensure that your vehicle provides

maximum economy throughout a long

service life, we request that you

observe the following:

Tires

Brake system

Due to technical factors associated with Approx. 300 miles (500 km) must

their manufacture, tires do not achieve elapse before the brake pads and

their full traction potential until an initial rotors achieve the optimal surface and

break-in period has elapsed. You should wear pattern.

Engine and differential

therefore drive with extra caution during

To break-in the separate parking brake

Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):

Drive with varying engine and road

speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm

or 100 mph (150 km/h).

the initial 200 miles (300 km).

drums, apply the parking brake lightly

Comply with local and state maximum

speed limits.

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.

Comply with local and state maximum

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.<

Refrain from using full throttle and avoid

pressing the accelerator beyond the

kickdown point.

The brake lamps do not light up

when the parking brake is applied.

Vacuum for the brake system booster

on your BMW is available only when the

engine is running. When you move the

After you have driven 1,200 miles

(2,000 km), you can gradually increase

the engine and road speeds.

vehicle with the engine off – for instance

by towing – substantially higher levels

of pedal force will be required to brake

the vehicle.<

,

You should also comply with these

break-in procedures if the engine or

differential is replaced later in the

course of the vehicle's service life.

Clutch

The clutch will reach optimal function

after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift

gears carefully during the break-in

period.

Driving notes

99n

Brakes: Driving through water:

Do not drive with your foot resting When there is water on the roads, do

on the brake pedal. Even light but

consistent pedal pressure can lead to

high temperatures, brake wear and

possibly even brake failure.

not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft

(30 cm). If the water is at that depth,

drive only at walking speed, otherwise

the vehicle can sustain damage to the

engine, the electrical systems and the

transmission.

Aquaplaning:

When driving on wet or slushy roads,

reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a

wedge of water may form between the

tires and the road surface. This

phenomenon is referred to as aqua-

Clothes hooks (coupe):

Hang items of clothing on the hooks in

such a manner that they do not obstruct

the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy

planing or hydroplaning. It is character- objects on the hooks. If you do so, they

ized by a partial or complete loss of could cause personal injury during

contact between the tires and the road braking or evasive maneuvers.<

surface. The ultimate results are loss of

steering and braking control.

¹⁰⁰ⁿCatalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces harmful > Avoid any other situations in which

exhaust emissions.

Be sure to comply with the

instructions above to prevent

the fuel would not be (completely)

burned, for instance:

Frequent or consecutive extended

unburned fuel from reaching the cata-

lytic converter. Otherwise, the catalytic

It is designed for use with unleaded fuel

only.

starting attempts or repeated starting converter could respond by over-

Even minute quantities of lead would be

enough to permanently damage both

the catalytic converter and the system's

oxygen sensor.

attempts when the engine fails to

start. (Shutting down and restarting

an engine which is running properly

does not present a problem.) Never

allow the engine to run with any of

heating, leading to serious damage.

Extreme temperatures occur at the

catalytic converter on this and every

catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields

are installed adjacent to some sections

To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine

operation and avoid potential damage:

the spark plug cables disconnected. of the exhaust system. Never remove

these shields; do not apply under-

coating to their surfaces.

> Be sure to comply with the scheduled

maintenance requirements

> Fill the fuel tank well before it is

empty

When driving, standing while the engine

is idling, or when parking, be careful to

avoid contact between the hot exhaust

system and easily-flammable materials

(hay, dry grass, leaves, etc.). Such

contact could cause a fire, resulting in

personal injuries and property

> If the engine runs roughly, shut it off

as soon as possible

> Tow-start the vehicle only when the

engine is cold. Tow-starting when the

engine is warm could cause unburned

fuel to ignite on the way to the cata-

lytic converter, resulting in significant

damage. It is better to start the vehicle

with an outside starting aid

damage.<

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

101n

The ABS closed-loop control circuit

cycles in fractions of a second. The

The concept

Braking with ABS

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps The system is operative once the

the wheels from locking during braking, vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.

thereby enhancing active driving safety. 6 mph (10 km/h). It is inactive once

pulsation at the brake pedal, together

with sounds generated by the hydraulic

control system, indicate to you that the

vehicle is approaching its maximum

braking range. It is a reminder to you

that you must adapt the vehicle's road

speed to existing road conditions.

The reason: locked wheels are

again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h).

Therefore, the wheels could theoreti-

cally tend to lock in the final phase of a

braking action, but this is insignificant in

actual practice.

dangerous. When the front wheels

slide, the driver loses steering control

over the vehicle. Traction loss at the

rear wheels can cause the rear end to

break into an uncontrolled skid.

On road surfaces that have a loose

surface layer on a firm base with good

traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow,

for example), braking distances may be

longer than with locked wheels. This

also applies for driving with snow

chains. However, ABS continues to

provide enhanced vehicle stability and

steering response under these condi-

tions.

If you are in a situation which requires

full braking, you will exploit the full

braking distances possible under most benefits of the ABS system if you apply

The system can achieve the shortest

conditions (on straight-aways or in

curves, on the various road surfaces).

maximum brake pressure ("panic stop").

Since the vehicle maintains steering

responsiveness, you can avoid possible

obstacles with a minimum of steering

effort, despite the full brake application.

ABS is designed to meet two essential

requirements during every brake appli-

cation:

> To help provide vehicle stability

> Assured ability to steer and maneuver

on the various road surfaces (asphalt,

concrete, dirt, wet conditions, snow

and ice).

¹⁰²ⁿAntilock Brake System (ABS)

The red warning lamp for the

brake hydraulic system comes

on together with the yellow indi-

cator lamps for ABS, ASC+T/

DSC and ADB/DBC (refer to

Information for your safety

In the event of a fault

Not even ABS can suspend the laws

of physics. ABS alone cannot prevent

accidents if the brakes are applied

without an adequate, safe distance

between vehicles or if the speed limit

has been exceeded. Nor can it prevent

the hazards of aquaplaning. Responsi-

bility for these types of situations

The ABS warning lamp comes

on, refer to page 21. The brake

system then reverts to conven-

tional operation as on vehicles

page 21), the entire ABS, CBC,

ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC

control system has failed.

without ABS. However, have the

brake system checked by your

BMW center as soon as possible. To

prevent undetected defects and cumu-

Continue to drive cautiously and

defensively. Avoid full brake applica-

tions because the vehicle could

become unstable and go out of control.

Have the system checked by your BMW

center as soon as possible.

remains in the hands (and at the feet) of lative faults from adversely affecting the

the driver. You should never allow the

added safety of ABS to lull you into a

false sense of security, or mislead you

into taking increased risks that could

affect your own safety and that of

others.

brake system, refer any problems to

your BMW center at the earliest oppor-

tunity.

Warning lamps for Canadian

models.

Do not make any modifications to

the ABS system.

Service procedures on ABS are to be

performed by authorized technicians

only.<

Antilock Brake System (ABS)/

Cornering Brake Control (CBC)

CBC is an advanced engineering

design of the ABS. When braking while

cornering at high speed or braking

during high lateral acceleration, or

when braking during a lane change,

vehicle stability is improved and

steering response is enhanced.

ABS

Disc brakes

103n

Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-

tion and braking control and greater

fade resistance under heavy use.

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*

Driving notes

DBC is included in the DSC, refer to

information beginning on page 74.

While driving in wet conditions and in

heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light

pressure to the brake pedal every few

When the vehicle is driven only occa-

sionally, during extended periods when miles – watch traffic conditions to

the vehicle is not used at all, or in oper- ensure that this maneuver does not

If you step on the brake rapidly, this

system automatically produces

maximum braking force boost and thus

helps to achieve the shortest possible

braking distance during "panic stops".

All of the benefits of the ABS system

are exploited under these circum-

stances.

ating conditions where brake applica-

tions are less frequent, there is an

endanger other road users. The heat

generated in this process helps dry the

increased tendency for corrosion of the pads and rotors.

rotors and accumulation of contamina-

Maximum braking force is obtained

tion on the brake pads. This occurs

because the minimal pressure which

must be exerted by the pads to clean

the rotors by brake applications is not

reached.

while the wheels continue to rotate,

peaking when the wheels remain on the

verge of locking without actually doing

so. ABS maintains this state automati-

cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert

to the staggered braking technique

described on page 106.

Do not reduce the pressure on the

brake pedal for the duration of the

brake application. When the brake

pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-

vated.

If the brake rotors are corroded, they

will tend to respond to braking with a

pulsating effect which even extended

application will fail to cure.

In the event of a malfunction,

the brake warning lamp lights up

yellow. Normal braking effi-

ciency is still fully available.

Have the system checked and

repaired at your BMW center as

soon as possible.

Extended or steep mountain descents

should be driven in the gear in which

only minimal periodic brake application

is required. This avoids excessive strain

on the brakes and possible

For your own safety: use only

brake pads that BMW has

approved for your specific vehicle

model. BMW cannot evaluate non-

approved brake pads to determine if

they are suited for use, and therefore

cannot ensure the operating safety of

the vehicle in the event of their use.<

impairment of the braking effect.

You can increase the engine's braking

effect by selecting progressively lower

gears, downshifting into first gear, if

necessary. You can also downshift into

first gear if you are using the manual

mode in a vehicle with automatic trans-

mission, refer to page 63.

Please observe the section "Infor-

mation for your safety" concerning

the ABS system, which also applies to

the DSC system.<

¹⁰⁴ⁿDisc brakes

Brake system

Should engine braking prove inade-

quate, you should still avoid extended,

continuous braking. Instead, decelerate

the vehicle with increased pressure on

the brake pedal (watch for following

traffic), release the pedal and then

repeat the brake application (staggered

braking). This staggered braking tech-

nique allows the brakes to cool in the

intervals between active braking

Brake fluid level

Brake pads

The warning lamp for the

hydraulic brake system comes

on:

The warning lamp for the brake

pads comes on:

The brake pads have reached

The brake fluid level is too low in their minimum pad thickness. Proceed

the reservoir (refer to page 126). to the nearest BMW center as soon as

If the brake fluid level is too low possible to have the pads replaced.

and brake pedal travel has become

noticeably longer, there may be a

defect in one of the two brake system's

hydraulic circuits.

For your own safety: use only

brake pads that BMW has

phases, preventing overheating and

ensuring that full braking capacity

remains available at all times.

approved for your specific vehicle

model. BMW cannot evaluate non-

approved brake pads to determine if

they are suited for use, and therefore

Proceed to the nearest BMW

center. Higher brake application

Do not coast with the clutch

depressed or with the transmis-

sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not

coast with the engine switched off. The

engine provides no braking effect when

the clutch is depressed and there is no

power-assist for braking or steering

when the engine is not running.

Never allow floor mats, carpets or any

other objects to protrude into the area

around the accelerator, clutch and

brake pedals and obstruct their move-

ment.<

pressure may be necessary under these cannot ensure the operating safety of

conditions, and braking distances may

be significantly longer. Please

remember to adapt your driving style

accordingly.<

the vehicle in the event of their use.<

Winter operation

105n

The onset of winter is often accompa-

nied by rapid changes in weather.

Adaptations in driving style should be

accompanied by preparations on the

vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle

operation through the winter remains

safe and trouble-free.

Rubber seals and components

Starting off

In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW When starting from a full stop or

rubber treatment to weather-stripping

on the doors, hood, luggage compart-

ment and to convertible top seals.

"rocking" free in deep snow, we recom-

mend that you switch off the ASC+T/

DSC* system, refer to pages 73, 74.

A full range of car-care products is

available from your BMW center.<

Driving on low-traction road

surfaces

Coolant

Use smooth, gentle pressure to control

the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive

BMW snow chains* can be mounted on engine speeds and shift to the next

Ensure that the coolant contains the

year-round 50 :50 ratio of water and

antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This

mixture provides protection against

freezing down to approx. –34 7

(–37 6). Replace the coolant every

three years.

Snow chains

both summer and winter tires. Mount

them in pairs on the rear wheels only.

Comply with the manufacturer's safety

precautions. Do not exceed a speed

limit of 30 mph (50 km/h) when driving

with chains. As an exception in this

situation, we recommend that you

switch off the ASC+T/DSC* system

when snow chains are mounted. Refer

to pages 73, 74.

higher gear at an early point. Shift down

into the next lowest gear when

approaching uphill or downhill grades.

Maintain an adequate distance between

yourself and the vehicle ahead.

Locks

Brakes

BMW door lock deicer can be used to

free the doors if they are frozen. This

deicer also contains lubricant.

Winter road conditions substantially

reduce the traction available between

the tires and the road surface.

After using deicer, treatment with BMW

lock cylinder grease is recommended.

Remember that – in every situation –

braking distances will be significantly

longer as a result of this.

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels

from locking during brake applications,

thus helping to maintain vehicle stability

and steering response.

¹⁰⁶ⁿWinter operation

Power steering

If it should occur that the ABS does not

respond in a critical braking situation

and the wheels lock: reduce the pres-

sure on the brake pedal until the wheels

just start to roll again while still main-

taining enough force to continue

braking. Following that, increase pedal

pressure again. Reduce the pressure as

the wheels lock, then reapply pressure.

Repeat this process.

If you notice a change in steering

response (high steering effort, for

example):

Skid control

Depress the clutch and release the

accelerator pedal, or place the selector

lever of the automatic transmission into

the "Neutral" position. Countersteer

carefully and attempt to regain control

of the vehicle.

Consult a BMW center to have the

system checked.

If the power steering fails,

increased effort will be required

to steer the vehicle.<

Parking

Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your

vehicle is equipped with an automatic

transmission, place the selector lever in

"Park". On vehicles with manual trans-

mission, also apply the parking brake

when parking on inclined surfaces. In

order to prevent the parking brake

linings from locking due to frost or

corrosion, dry them by gently applying

the parking brake as the vehicle is

coming to a stop. Make sure that

following traffic is not endangered.

This type of staggered braking will

shorten the braking distance, and the

vehicle still remains responsive to

steering.

You can still attempt to steer around

hazards once you have reduced the

pressure on the brake pedal.

Do not shift down on slick road

surfaces. Doing so could cause

the rear wheels to lose traction and

skid, which could result in the loss of

vehicle control.<

The brake lamps do not light

up when the parking brake is

applied.<

Declutch during hard braking on

road surfaces which provide only

poor or uneven traction.<

Cellular phone*

Car radio reception

107n

Mobile communications systems

(cellular phones, two-way radios, etc.)

The reception and sound quality

obtained from mobile radios varies

are approved only up to a power output according to a variety of factors,

Whenever necessary (when

entering a car wash, for instance),

remove the rod antenna*. To remove

the antenna, grasp the rod at the

of 10 watts. Nonetheless, they may

cause interference in the operation of

your vehicle if they are not specifically

designed for use in your vehicle. BMW

can neither test nor assume responsi-

including the broadcast range of the

transmitter and the directional orienta-

tion of the antenna. Interference factors the antenna base.<

bottom and unscrew it to the left from

such as high-tension power lines, build-

ings and natural obstructions can all

You will find additional information

bility for every individual product being lead to unavoidable reception interfer-

offered on the market. We recommend ence, regardless of how well the

concerning car radio reception in the

chapter "Advanced technology" on

page 166.

that you consult your BMW center

before purchasing any device of this

kind.

vehicle's sound system is operating.

Climatic factors such as intense solar

radiation, fog, rain and snow can also

interfere with reception.

To ensure that your BMW continues to

provide reliable and trouble-free opera- Cellular phones without official BMW

tion, refrain from using a cellular phone approval can also generate interference

or other radio device with an antenna

located inside the passenger compart-

ment. The antenna should always be

fitted on the outside of the vehicle.

during use. This phenomenon assumes

the form of a low-pitched hum

emanating from the speaker system.

Please refer to the Owner's Manual

provided with your sound system for

detailed information on its use.

Before loading the vehicle on

a car-carrier train or driving it

through a car wash, remove the

antenna.<

¹⁰⁸ⁿHardtop* – roadster

The fabric top does not have to be

removed even in winter, when the

hardtop is normally in constant use. In

order to prevent water spots and

mildew stains, the fabric top must be

completely dry before it is stored in the

convertible top compartment.

Two people are necessary for the

installation and removal of the hardtop.

Work with extreme caution during this

operation to avoid paint damage and

damage to the body and hardtop.

Installation

Rotate the cover panel which is located

in the right and left trim panels behind

the seats in the direction of the arrow

until the opening for the hardtop mount

is completely free.

You may purchase a hardtop lift* from

your BMW center. This accessory is

especially designed to facilitate installa-

tion and removal of the hardtop.

Hook the protective fabric on the

convertible top linkage (arrow).

Open the convertible top and fold it

down in the convertible top compart-

ment, refer to pages 40 and 44.

Remove the hardtop from the protec-

tive cover. Clean any dirt and dust from

the contact surfaces between the

hardtop and the vehicle body in order

to protect against abrasion.

When doing this, make sure the rear

window is laid down evenly and free

of creases. To prevent the rear window

from being scratched, position the

protective fabric in the window fold.

Position the hardtop on the mounts with

the assistance of a second person.

Do not install the convertible top cover.

Lower the side windows and remove

the rod antenna if necessary to avoid

damage.

Hardtop* – roadster

109n

Removal

Reverse the above procedure for

removal of the hardtop.

The two screws of the front

hardtop fasteners remain perma-

nently in the windshield frame of your

vehicle to prevent their loss.<

Following the initial delivery of the

vehicle, or after the hardtop has been in

use for an extended period, closing the

convertible top requires increased

effort. You may find this operation

easier with the assistance of a second

person. Following that, the convertible

top should remain closed for at least

12 hours.

Using the wrench from the onboard tool Turn the right and left locking levers of

kit (fastened to the jack with a Velcro®

strip), turn the screw (arrow) two to

three turns into the windshield frame on

the right and left sides.

the rear hardtop mounting fasteners in

the direction of the arrow to the stop.

The rear mounting fasteners are

locked correctly when the locking

levers engage audibly and point to the

rear of the vehicle.<

Finally, tighten the screws in the wind-

shield frame (refer to the left column)

and secure the wrench in the onboard

tool kit.

After you have driven approx.

30 to 60 miles (50 to 100 km),

check the front hardtop fasteners to be

sure that they are seated securely.<

¹¹⁰ⁿNotes on inflation pressures

Tire condition

Information for your safety

The factory-approved radial tires are

matched to the vehicle and have been

selected to provide optimum safety and

driving comfort on your vehicle.

In a very real sense, both tire life and

your own safety are riding on correct

tire specifications and inflation pres-

sures, refer to page 26.

Incorrect tire inflation pressure is

a frequent cause of tire damage. It

also significantly influences the road-

holding ability of your BMW. Be sure to

check the tire inflation pressures,

including the spare tire, on a regular

basis, at least twice a month and before

doing any extended driving, refer to

page 26. If this is not done, incorrect

tire pressures can cause driving insta-

bility and tire damage, ultimately

resulting in accidents.<

Check the inflation pressure of

the spare tire

Tire tread – tire damage

Inspect your tires frequently for tread

wear, signs of damage and for foreign

objects lodged in the tread. Check the

For checking tire pressures, there is a

valve extension (arrow) on the storage

tray of the spare wheel which is acces- tread pattern depth.

sible from outside.

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 – Tread

Wear Indicator – 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

Tire condition

Tire replacement

111n

moderate speeds and with only small

amounts of water on the road.

Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW To maintain good handling and vehicle

center or professional tire center, or response, use only tires of a single tread

have the vehicle towed in to have it, its configuration from a single manufac-

Never continue driving on a wheels and tires inspected.

deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly Tire damage (up to and including

turer. BMW tests and approves wheel

and tire combinations, refer to page 116.

impairs steering and braking response, sudden and complete air loss) can pose

and can lead to complete loss of

control over the vehicle.

an extreme hazard for both vehicle

occupants and other road users.<

DOT Quality Grades

Tread wear

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that

the permitted load on the tires is not

exceeded. Overloading causes over-

heating and damage inside the tires.

The ultimate result can assume the

form of a sudden air loss.

All passenger vehicle tires must

conform to Federal Safety

Requirements in addition to these

grades.<

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.

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative

rating based on the wear rate of the tire

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified government test

course.

For example, a tire graded 150 would

wear one and one-half (1g) times as

well on the government course as a tire

graded 100. The relative performance

of tires depends upon the actual condi-

tions of their use, however, and may

depart significantly from the norm due

to variations in driving habits, service

practices and differences in road char-

acteristics and climate.

¹¹²ⁿTire replacement

Traction

Temperature

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The traction grades, from highest to

lowest, are AA, A, B and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability tire's resistance to the generation of

The temperature grades are A (the

highest), B and C, representing the

Quality grades can be found where

applicable on the tire sidewall between

tread shoulder and maximum section

width. For example:

to stop on wet pavement as measured

under controlled conditions on speci-

fied government test surfaces of

heat and its ability to dissipate heat

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified indoor laboratory

test wheel.

Tread wear 200

Traction AA

Temperature A

asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C

may have poor traction performance.

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

Do not use retreaded tires as this

could negatively affect driving

The traction grade assigned to

this tire is based on straight-

ahead braking traction tests, and does

not include acceleration, cornering,

hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-

teristics.<

safety. This is due to the possible varia-

tions in casing structures and, in some

cases, to their extreme age, factors

which can lead to a decrease in their

durability.<

passenger vehicle tires must meet

under the Federal Motor Vehicle 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.<

Tire replacement

Tire rotation

113n

Should you decide to rotate the tires,

it is essential to comply with the

following:

Tire age

Between the axles

The date on which the tire was manu-

Tread wear at the front and rear axle is

factured is indicated by the code on the different and will vary according to indi-

sidewall: vidual driving conditions. In the interest

DOT ... 2501 indicates that the tire was of safety and optimal vehicle response,

Rotate wheels on the same side of the

vehicle only, otherwise braking effi-

ciency and road grip could be adversely

affected.

manufactured in week 25 of 2001.

we advise against rotating tires from

front to rear and vice versa.

BMW recommends the replacement

of all tires when the tires are no more

than 6 years old, even if a tire usage of under consideration for economic

Following rotation, correct the tire infla-

tion pressure.

If rotating the tires between the axles is

10 years is possible.

reasons, the costs for remounting the

wheels must be calculated against any

savings which might result from the

anticipated extension in tire life. Rota-

tion should always be carried out at

short intervals, with a maximum of

3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your

BMW center for more information.

If tires with different sizes are

mounted on the front and rear

Spare tires over 6 years old should be

used only in case of emergency. A tire

of this age should be replaced by a new

tire immediately, and should not be

fitted together with new tires.

axles (refer to the information beginning

on page 116), the wheels may not be

rotated from one axle to the other.<

¹¹⁴ⁿWheel and tire combinations

All season and winter tires:

The right choice

Codes on tires and wheels

Use only wheels and tires

The code on the tires has the following

meaning.

Q

T

M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

approved by BMW for the corre-

sponding vehicle model, as otherwise

the tires may make contact with the

body as the result of tolerances despite

the same nominal size being used,

resulting in serious accidents. If non-

approved wheels and tires are used,

BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,

and therefore cannot be held liable for

driving safety.<

H

Codes on radial tires:

Codes on light-alloy wheels:

Example:

205/60 R 15 91 H

7

J

x 15

H

2

Nominal width

in mm

Rim width

in inches

Aspect ratio in %

Belt rating ID code

for radial tires

Code letter for

flange type

Wheel diameter in inches

Load rating

Symbol for full-drop

center rim

For wheel and tire specifications

approved by BMW, refer to the informa-

tion beginning on page 116.

(not on ZR tires)

Speed rating

(before R on ZR tires)

Rim diameter in inches

Hump on the 2 rim shoulders

Protect valve inserts against dirt by

The correct wheel and tire combi-

nation affects different systems

such as ABS and ASC+T/DSC*. The

function of these systems is impaired if

improper wheel and tire combinations

are used.

The speed rating indicates the

approved maximum speed for the tire.

using screw-on valve caps. Dirt in the

valve inserts frequently causes a slow

loss in tire pressure.

Summer tires:

S

T

=

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

up to 167 mph (270 km/h)

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

Storage

Store tires in a cool, dry place,

H

V

W

Y

For this reason, use only tires of the

same manufacture and tread configura-

tion. In the event of a flat tire, for

example, remount the approved wheel

and tire combination as soon as

possible.<

protecting them against light whenever

possible. Protect the tires against

contact with oil, grease and fuel.

ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)

Special features of winter tires

Snow chains*

115n

BMW narrow-link snow chains are

intended for mounting in pairs at the

Choosing the right tire

Tire condition, tire pressure

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S

radial tires) for operation under

Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in

(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-

tible decrease in their ability to cope

with winter driving conditions, and

rear wheels only. Comply with all manu-

facturer's safety precautions when

mounting the chains. Do not exceed a

speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while

driving with mounted snow chains.

inclement winter driving conditions.

While so-called all season tires (M+S

designation) provide better winter trac- should be replaced in the interest of

tion than summer tires with the load

ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener-

ally do not achieve the performance of

winter tires.

safety.

Comply with the specified tire inflation

pressures – and be sure to have the

wheel and tire assemblies balanced

In the interests of sure tracking and safe every time you change the tires.

steering response, mount winter tires

which are made by the same manufac-

turer and which have the same tread

configuration at all four wheels.

Comply with recommended speed

Never exceed the maximum

speed for which the winter tires

are rated.

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to

service tires can lead to damage and

accidents.

Have this work performed by skilled

professionals only. Any BMW center

has the required technical knowledge

and the proper equipment and will be

happy to assist you.<

¹¹⁶ⁿApproved wheel and tire specifications

Use the spare wheel only for short

distances (to reach the nearest BMW

center, for instance). Due to the altered

handling characteristics, do not exceed

a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Mounting snow chains on the spare tire

is not possible. Be sure that all tires are

properly inflated, refer to page 27.

BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and

approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.

Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in

the vehicle documents.

Tire specifications

Suitable for

snow chains

Steel wheel

(rim)

Light-alloy

wheel

Z3 roadster 2.5i

Summer

The use of rims and lug bolts that

do not meet the specifications of

the original factory-installed equipment

will affect the safe operation of your

vehicle and may cause an accident and

personal injury.

225/50 R 16 92 V

225/50 ZR 16

6

–

7Jx16

Front: 225/45 ZR 17

Rear: 245/40 ZR 17

–

7.5Jx17

8.5Jx17

Never mix tires of different design, such

as steel-belted radials with bias-belted

or bias-ply tires etc. Mixing tire types

will adversely affect road-holding and

can lead to loss of vehicle control.<

Winter (M+S)

205/60 R 15 91 Q/T/H

6

6.5Jx15

7Jx16

7Jx15

7Jx16

205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H

225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H

–

7.5Jx17

8Jx17

225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H

6

Spare tire

T 115/90 R 16 92 M

–

3.00Bx16

–

Approved wheel and tire specifications

117n

Use the spare tire only for short

BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and

approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.

Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in

the vehicle documents.

distances (to reach the nearest BMW

center, for instance). Due to the altered

handling characteristics, do not exceed

a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Mounting snow chains on the spare tire

is not possible. Be sure that all tires are

properly inflated, refer to page 27.

Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i

Summer

225/50 R 16 92 V

225/50 ZR 16

The use of rims and lug bolts that

do not meet the specifications of

the original factory-installed equipment

will affect the safe operation of your

vehicle and may cause an accident and

personal injury.

6

–

7Jx16

Front: 225/45 ZR 17

Rear: 245/40 ZR 17

Winter (M+S)

–

7.5Jx17

8.5Jx17

Never mix tires of different design, such

as steel-belted radials with bias-belted

or bias-ply tires etc. Mixing tire types

will adversely affect road-holding and

can lead to loss of vehicle control.<

205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H

225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H

6

7Jx16

–

7.5Jx17

8Jx17

225/45 R 17 91 Q

Spare tire

T 115/90 R 16 92 M

–

3.00Bx16

–

¹¹⁸ⁿHood

Do not work on your vehicle

without appropriate skills. Always

switch off the engine and allow it to

cool down before working in the engine

compartment. Always disconnect the

battery before working on any electrical

systems or equipment, especially when

these are located within the engine

compartment. Comply with all appli-

cable instructions and warnings. If you

are not familiar with all guidelines, have

the work performed by your BMW

center. Otherwise, safety hazards for

vehicle occupants and other road users

may occur as a result of improper

handling of components and mate-

rials.<

To release

To open

Pull the lever located under the left-

hand side of the instrument panel.

Grasp the hood on both sides on the

level of the latch (arrow 1); press the

latch upward and simultaneously lift the

hood with both hands.

Hood

119n

To close

Allow the hood to fall from a height of

about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly

engages.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the hood is clear

when it is closed, as with all closing

procedures.

If it is determined that the hood is not

completely closed while driving, stop

immediately and close it securely.<

¹²⁰ⁿEngine compartment – Z3 roadster 2.5i, 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i

Engine compartment – Z3 roadster 2.5i, 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i

121n

1 Engine oil dipstick 123

2 Brake fluid reservoir,

the illustration shows the reservoir for

Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i 126

3 Fuse box 156

4 Coolant expansion tank 125

5 Engine oil filler neck 123

6 Reservoir for windshield and

headlamp* washer fluid 122

7 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –

negative terminal 158

8 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –

positive terminal 158

¹²²ⁿFluids for the washer systems

Washer nozzles

Antifreeze agent for the washer

systems is flammable. For this

Windshield washer system

Windshield:

reason, keep it away from sources of

flame and store it only in its original

container. Store it so that it is inacces-

sible to children. Comply with the

instructions on the containers.<

The spray from the nozzles should be

directed so as to ensure effective

cleaning, even at high speeds.

If necessary, correct the adjustment

with a needle, or have the adjustment

made by your BMW center.

Rear window – Z3 coupe only:

Have this system adjusted by your

BMW center as required.

Headlamp* and windshield

washer system

Headlamp washer system*

Have this system adjusted by your

BMW center as required.

Capacity: approx. 5.3 US quarts

(5.0 liters).

Fill with water and – if required – with an

antifreeze agent (according to the

manufacturer's recommendations).

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

Engine oil

123n

To check oil level

To add oil

The space 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.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface

2. Switch the engine off after it has

reached normal operating tempera-

ture

While you should wait until the level has

dropped to just above the lower mark

before adding oil, you should never

allow the oil level to fall below this

mark.

3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the

dipstick out and wipe it off with a

clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or

similar material

BMW engines are designed to

operate without oil additives; the

use of additives could lead to damage

in some cases. This also applies to the

manual and automatic transmission, the

differential and the power steering

system.<

4. Push the dipstick carefully all the way

into the guide tube and pull it out

again

5. The oil level should be between the

two marks on the dipstick.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

¹²⁴ⁿEngine oil

Specified engine oils

Viscosity – ratings

The quality of the engine oil which is

Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-

selected has critical significance for the lished in SAE classes.

operation and service life of an engine.

The selection of the correct SAE class

depends on the climatic conditions in

the area where you drive your BMW.

Based on extensive testing, BMW has

approved only certain engine oils.

Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-

mance Synthetic Oil".

Approved oils are in SAE classes

5W-40 and 5W-30.<

If you are unable to obtain "BMW High

Performance Synthetic Oil", you can

add small amounts of synthetic oil in

between oil changes. Only use oils with

the API SH specification or higher.

These oils may be utilized in all ambient

temperatures.

Ask your BMW center for details

concerning the specific "BMW

High Performance Synthetic Oil" or

"synthetic oils" which have been

approved.<

You can also call BMW of North

America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this

website: to obtain

this information.

Engine oil

Coolant

125n

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of used oil.<

Do not add coolant to the cooling

system when the engine is hot. If

you do, escaping coolant can cause

burns.

Recommendation: have the oil changed To avoid the possibility of damage later

by your BMW center only.

on, do not use anything other than

factory-approved, nitrite and amino-

free extended-duty antifreeze with

corrosion inhibitor which can be used

with aluminum radiator cores. Your

BMW center is familiar with the

approved specifications.

Continuous exposure to used oil

has caused cancer in laboratory

testing. Any skin areas that come in

contact with oil should thus be thor-

oughly washed with soap and water.

Store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of

children. Comply with warning labels

and information on containers.

Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents

are hazardous to health. Store them in

their original containers. Keep the

Checking coolant level

Correct coolant level when the engine

is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):

If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low containers tightly closed and out of

Unscrew the cap from the expansion

tank.

temperatures (below +14 7/–10 6),

the engine may become difficult to

start.

reach of children.

Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-

sion inhibitor contains the flammable

substance ethylene glycol. For this

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 (refer to the arrow in the illustra-

tion), but no more than 0.8 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).

Special engine oils individually

approved by BMW are preferred for use reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-

in your engine. Please contact your

BMW center for details.<

freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot

engine components. If you do, it could

be ignited and cause burns.<

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of extended-duty antifreeze

with corrosion inhibitor.<

¹²⁶ⁿCoolant

Brake fluid

To add coolant

Wait until the engine cools before

removing the cap from the expansion

tank. The needle of the coolant gauge

in the instrument cluster must be

located in the blue field; otherwise,

there is a danger of scalding.

1. Turn the cap slightly counterclock-

wise in order to allow accumulated

pressure to escape, then open

2. If the coolant is low, slowly add

coolant until the correct level is

reached – do not overfill.

Z3 roadster 2.5i

Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i

If the warning lamp for the brake

hydraulic system comes on:

Brake fluid loss may result in extended

brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer

to the notes on page 104.

The coolant is a mixture of water and

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

inhibitor. Always maintain the

The brake fluid level is too low, refer

also to the instructions on page 104.

For adding brake fluid or for deter-

mining and correcting the cause of

brake fluid loss, consult your BMW

center. Your BMW center is familiar

with the specifications for factory-

approved brake fluids (DOT 4).

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,

it absorbs moisture from the air

over time.

prescribed all-season 50 :50 mixture

ratio for year-round protection against

internal corrosion. No other additives

are required.

In order to ensure the operating safety

and reliability of the brake system, have

the brake fluid changed every two years

by a BMW center, refer also to the

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models) or the Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian

models).

Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to

the Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models) or the Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian

models).

Brake fluid

Vehicle Identification

127n

Brake fluid is hazardous to health and

will damage the vehicle's paint. You

should always store it in its original

container and in a location which is

inaccessible to children. Avoid brake

fluid spills. Do not fill brake fluid beyond

the "MAX" level in the

reservoir. The brake fluid could ignite

upon contact with hot engine parts and

cause serious burns.<

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of brake fluid.<

The Vehicle Identification Number is

located in the engine compartment

below the windshield and on the top

of the instrument panel.

¹²⁸ⁿThe BMW Maintenance System

The BMW Maintenance System

includes the Engine Oil Service as well

as Inspections I and II.

Service Interval Display

Advanced technology is employed to

calculate the optimal maintenance

intervals, which are then indicated in

the Service Interval Display. While

conventional systems rely solely on

distance traveled to determine when

service is due, the BMW Maintenance

Determining the maintenance intervals

according to the actual loads on the

vehicle covers every kind of operating

situation. However, since oil deteriorates

over time regardless of use, even those

System considers the actual conditions who drive only short distances – signiﬁ-

under which the vehicle operates.

cantly less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km)

annually – should have the engine oil

changed regularly. Refer to the Service

and Warranty Information Booklet (US

models) or to the Warranty and Service

Guide Booklet (Canadian models).

From the point of view of maintenance,

62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated

in short-distance urban driving are not

the equivalent of the same distance

covered at moderate speeds in long-

distance highway travel. In response

to this fact, the BMW Maintenance

System monitors operating conditions

as the basis for determining the

The BMW Maintenance System has

been designed as a reliable means of

providing maximum driving and oper-

ating safety – and as cost-effectively as

possible for you.

Please keep in mind that regular main-

tenance is not only necessary for the

safety of your vehicle, but also plays a

significant role in maintaining the resale

value of your vehicle.

optimum service intervals for your indi-

vidual vehicle.

The BMW Maintenance System

129n

Have your BMW center perform

the maintenance and repair.

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models)/Warranty

Your BMW center is always informed on

the latest maintenance work and repair

techniques and is equipped with the

required special tools. In addition,

and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models)

For detailed information on required

maintenance items and the work

checking parts known from experience

to be subject to wear is a permanent

part of the maintenance specifications.

Be sure that all maintenance work is

confirmed in the Service and Warranty

Information Booklet (US models) or the

Warranty and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models). These entries will

constitute your proof that the vehicle

has received regular maintenance. They

are also required for warranty claims.<

involved, please refer to the Service

and Warranty Information Booklet (US

models) or to the Warranty and Service

Guide Booklet (Canadian models).

Depending upon operating conditions,

it may be advisable to have the body

checked for damage from rocks or

gravel as a precaution against rust.

¹³⁰ⁿAirbags

Storing your vehicle

Do not make modifications of any kind

to the individual components or system

wiring. These include the upholstered

If you intend to store the vehicle

for longer than three months, have

the maintenance operations described

covers on the steering wheel hub, in the on this page performed.<

instrument panel and in the side trim

panels of the doors. Never apply adhe-

sive materials to these components or

cover or modify them in any way. Do

not attempt to disassemble the steering

wheel itself.

Preparation for storage

Have the following operations

performed by your BMW center:

1. Clean and apply a rust-proofing

agent or other treatment to the

engine, engine compartment, under-

carriage, axles and major compo-

nents in accordance with approved

repair procedures. Wash the vehicle,

clean the interior and treat painted

and chromed parts. Clean the rubber

seals around the hood, luggage

compartment and doors

To ensure compliance with applicable

safety regulations, have the airbag

generators disposed of by a BMW

center only.

1 Front airbags on the driver and

passenger side

Unprofessional attempts to service the

system could lead to failure in an emer-

gency or undesired airbag activation,

either of which could result in personal

injury.<

2 Side airbags on the driver and

passenger side

Important safety notices

2. Change the engine oil and oil filter

with the engine at operating temper-

ature. As an additional corrosion

protection measure, an anticorrosive

agent can be added to the engine in

accordance with the manufacturer's

instructions

Do not attempt to remove the gas

generators of the airbag restraint

system from the vehicle or to disas-

semble them.

Have inspection and service proce-

dures performed by specially-trained

personnel only.

3. Check the coolant level and concen-

tration and top up if necessary

4. Check the fluid level of the wind-

shield washer fluid reservoir; top up if

necessary

If the airbag restraint system malfunc-

tions, is deactivated or triggered as a

response to an accident, have the

system repaired by a BMW center only.

Storing your vehicle

131n

5. Fill the fuel tank completely to

prevent the formation of condensa-

tion

During storage

Removing the vehicle from

storage

Recharge the battery every six months.

If it is not recharged, it will not be

serviceable. Every time the battery is

discharged, especially over extended

periods, its service life is reduced.

Recharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"

turns black, refer to page 154.

6. Increase the tire inflation pressure to

51 psi (350 kPa).

Then have Inspection I performed by

your BMW center, including a brake

fluid replacement if necessary, refer to

the Service Manual.

Before parking the vehicle for

storage

1. Dry the parking brake and footbrake

by brake applications to prevent the

brake rotors and drums from

corroding

2. Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,

and well-ventilated room. Place the

transmission in 1st gear or set the

selector lever to the "P" position.

Chock the wheels to prevent the

vehicle from rolling if necessary. Do

not set the parking brake

3. Remove the battery, charge it

completely and store it in a cool (but

frost-free) room

Z3 roadster:

4. Remove the hardtop* and store it

separately, refer to page 109

5. Close the convertible top.

¹³²ⁿTechnical modifications

California Proposition 65 Warning

Any BMW center will be happy to

California laws require us to state the

advise you concerning the advisability, following warning:

legal implications and factory recom-

mendations for technical modifications

to the vehicle. For this purpose, the

BMW center will require the Vehicle

Identification Number. The engine

number is also required in some

instances.

Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to

cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.<

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

Light-emitting diodes installed behind

translucent lenses serve as the light

source for many of the controls and

displays in your vehicle. These LEDs

are similar to conventional laser tech-

nology.

Do not remove the protective lens

and avoid staring directly at the

unfiltered beam for extended periods

(several hours), since inflammation of

the iris could result.<

OBD interface socket

133n

When the filler cap is not properly

An illuminated indicator informs

you of the need for service,

but not of the need to stop the

tightened, the OBD system can

detect the vapor leak and the indicator

will light up. If the filler cap is subse-

vehicle. However, the systems should

be checked by your BMW center at the quently tightened, the indicator should

earliest possible opportunity.

go out within a few days.<

Under certain conditions, the indicator

will blink or flash. This indicates a rather

severe level of engine misfire. When

this occurs, you should reduce speed

and consult the nearest BMW center as

soon as possible. Severe engine misfire

over only a short period of time can

seriously damage emission control

components, especially the catalytic

converter.

Access to the interface socket for the

Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD):

Lift off the side cover in the center

console on the passenger's side

(arrow).

"Service Engine Soon" warning

lamp for Canadian models.

The purpose of the OBD system is to

ensure proper operation of the emis-

sion control system throughout the

vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-

sion-related components and systems

for deterioration and malfunction.

Operation, maintenance for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

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