Get Owner service procedures Guide for BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

135n

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit 136

Windshield wiper blades 136

Lamps and bulbs 137

Master key with battery

lamp 143

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, maintenance

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical data

Remote control 144

Wheel change 146

Battery 153

Fuses 156

In case of electrical

malfunction:

Power convertible top 157

Fuel filler door 157

Assistance, giving and

receiving:

Jump-starting 158

Towing the vehicle 159

Index

Repairs

¹³⁶ⁿOnboard tool kit

Windshield wiper blades

The onboard tool kit is located in the

luggage compartment, under the floor

mat.

Rear window wiper – Z3 coupe

Follow the same procedure as

described for changing the front wiper

blades, except that the wiper does not

have to be positioned vertically.

Z3 coupe:

Grasp the floor mat by the straps on the

left and right. Pull it upward and remove

it.

Fold the wipers back onto the

window before you turn the igni-

tion key to position 1 or 2.<

Z3 roadster:

Lift the floor mat from the rear by the

strap and fold it forward.

Use only wiper blades which have

been approved by BMW.<

Front

1. Position the wipers vertically. To do

this, switch on the wipers and switch

off the ignition when the wipers are

approximately vertical

2. Raise the wiper arm completely

3. Press the spring retainer (arrow) and

extract the blade, pulling toward the

wiper arm

4. Insert a new wiper blade and apply

pressure until you hear it engage.

Lamps and bulbs

137n

1. Turn the bulb holder with the bulb to

The lamps and bulbs make essential

contributions to the safety of your

vehicle. Therefore, comply fully with the

following instructions during bulb

replacement. If you are not familiar with

any of the procedures, consult your

BMW center.

the left and remove toward the rear

2. Pull off the plug

3. Push the new bulb holder with the

bulb into the plug – ensure proper

locking

4. Reinstall in reverse order.

Do not touch the glass portion of

a new bulb with your bare hands

since even small amounts of impurities

burn in to the surface and reduce the

service life of the bulb. Use a clean

cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-

rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic

base.<

When cleaning the headlamps,

please observe the following:

> Do not wipe dry (this causes

scratches) and never use abrasives

or strong solvents to clean the covers

> Remove dirt and contamination (such

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

of water

The illustration depicts the right side

of the engine compartment.

1 High beams

HB3 bulb, 65 watts

A replacement bulb set is available from

your BMW center.

> Always use a deicer spray to remove

accumulated ice and snow – never

use a scraper.<

2 Low beams

HB4 bulb, 55 watts

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 circuits.

The bulb is pressurized. There-

fore, wear safety glasses and

protective gloves. Failure to comply

with these precautions could result in

physical injury if the bulb breaks.<

To prevent injuries and damage,

comply with any instructions provided

by the bulb manufacturer.<

¹³⁸ⁿLamps and bulbs

Position lamps

Front turn signals

Side turn signals

5 watt bulb

21 watt bulb

5 watt bulb

1. Using your fingertip, press forward

on the rear edge of the lamp (arrow)

and remove

1. Turn the bulb holder with the bulb to 1. Use finger pressure against the front

edge of the lamp (arrow) to press it

toward the rear for removal

the left and remove toward the rear

2. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb

2. Turn the bulb holder with the bulb to

the right and remove it from the lamp

3. Pull the bulb out of the socket and

replace

to the left. Remove and exchange the 2. Turn the bulb holder with the bulb to

bulb the right and remove it from the lamp

3. Insert the bulb holder and turn to the 3. Pull the bulb out of the socket and

right as far as possible.

replace

4. Install in the reverse order.

Lamps and bulbs

139n

Z3 roadster

Front fog lamps*

Tail lamp assembly – Z3 roadster

1. Open the quick-release fastener

(arrow) and remove the cover

H1 bulb, 55 watts

Tail lamp, side marker lamps:

5 watt bulbs

Remaining bulbs: 21 watt

2. Turn the corresponding bulb holder

to the left and remove it

1. Unclip the plastic cover (on the

inside of the lamp) with a screwdriver

3. Press gently while turning the defec-

tive bulb to the left. Remove the bulb

and replace it

2. Loosen two screws, tilt the fog lamp 1 Turn signal

outward and remove it

3. Release the plastic cap on the back

of the fog lamp and remove it

4. Remove the plug

indicator

yellow or white

2 Brake lamp

red

white

red

4. Insert the bulb holder and turn to the

right as far as possible

5. Secure the cover.

3 Backup lamp

4 Tail lamp, reflector

5 Side marker lamp

5. Detach the wire clamp

6. Replace the bulb

7. Install in the reverse order.

red

¹⁴⁰ⁿLamps and bulbs

Z3 coupe

1. Lift up the luggage compartment

floor mat

Z3 coupe

Tail lamp assembly – Z3 coupe

4. Turn the corresponding bulb holder

to the left (arrow) and remove it

5. Press gently while turning the defec-

tive bulb to the left. Remove the bulb

and replace it

Tail lamp, side marker lamp:

5 watt bulbs

Remaining bulbs: 21 watt

2. To loosen, turn the mounting clips

(arrows) of the right-hand trim panel

on the rear wall of the luggage

compartment approx. f turn with a

coin or screwdriver

1 Turn signal

indicator

6. Insert the bulb holder and turn to the

right as far as possible

yellow or white

2 Backup lamp

3 Tail lamp, reflector

4 Brake lamp

white

red

3. Pull out the clips and remove the trim

panel

Side marker lamps:

Pull the bulb holder out of the tail lamp

assembly toward the front.

red

7. Reinstall the trim panel in the oppo-

site order:

5 Side marker lamps

red

Insert the clips and turn them approx.

f turn to secure them.

Lamps and bulbs

141n

Z3 roadster

Z3 coupe

Center (high-mount) brake lamp – Center (high-mount) brake lamp – License plate lamps

Z3 roadster

Z3 coupe

5 watt bulb

In the event of a malfunction, please

consult your BMW center.

In the event of a malfunction, please

consult your BMW center.

1. Press the lamp to the left and remove

it

2. Turn the bulb holder with the bulb to

the left and remove it from the lamp

3. Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket

and replace

4. Install in the reverse order.

¹⁴²ⁿLamps and bulbs

Interior lamp – Z3 roadster

Interior lamps – Z3 coupe

Reading lamps – Z3 coupe

10 watt bulb

Front:

15 watt bulb

10 watt bulbs

1. Use a screwdriver to press out the

lens at the left recess

2. Pull the bulb out of the contact lugs.

1. Use a screwdriver to press out the

lamp at the left recess

1. Use a screwdriver to press out the

lamp at the left recess

2. Press gently while turning the defec-

tive bulb to the left. Remove the bulb

and replace it.

2. Press back the plastic tab on the

reflector, open the reflector and

replace the bulb.

When reinstalling the lens, first

position it on the left, then snap it

into place.<

Rear:

10 watt bulb

Luggage compartment lamp –

Z3 roadster

1. Use a screwdriver to press out the

lamp at the side recess

5 watt bulb

2. Press back the plastic tab on the

reflector, open the reflector and

replace the bulb.

The lamp is located above in the

luggage compartment.

1. Use a screwdriver to pry out the

lamp

2. Pull the bulb out of the contact lugs.

Master key with battery lamp

143n

Return used batteries to a

recycling point or to your BMW

center.<

If light intensity drops, renew the

battery to safeguard against acid

escaping.

Battery change

1. Remove the cover on the back of the

key with a screwdriver

2. Insert a new battery (refer to the illus-

tration) of the same type (CR 2025)

so that it touches the contacts

3. Snap the cover into place and apply

uniform pressure to seat it.

¹⁴⁴ⁿRemote control

Changing battery

New master key with remote

control

2. Loosen the two screws (arrows) and

remove the cover.

Renew when the LED no longer lights

up when a button is pressed and it is

not possible to lock the vehicle using

the remote key.

If you place a new master key with

remote control into service (either a

replacement or an additional key), it

must be initialized together with all

existing master keys (with remote

control):

The battery type and its installation

position are stamped into the base of

the battery compartment.

Install only a battery of the specification

(CR 2016) indicated in the battery

compartment and make sure that the

battery is installed in the correct posi-

tion.

Return used batteries to a recy-

cling point or your BMW center.<

1. Have all existing master keys with

remote control as well as the spare-

or ignition key present, refer to

page 30

1. Use a screwdriver to lift the cover at

the recess (arrow)

2. Enter the vehicle and close the doors

3. Briefly turn the spare key 2 or the

ignition key 3 (max. 5 seconds) to

position 1 in the steering lock, then

return it to position 0

Remote control

145n

4. Press and hold down button 1 (see

illustration). Maintain pressure on

button 1 while rapidly pressing

button 2 three times in succession

within a period of 10 seconds

Turn each new master key into

ignition position 2 (ignition

switched on) and back again to allow

the electronic vehicle immobilizer (refer

to page 31) to recognize the new key.

To prevent unauthorized use of the

5. Release button 1. LED 3 flashes

slowly for a maximum of 10 seconds master key, surrender only the door and

6. The central locking system engages

and releases all lock mechanisms in

ignition key 3 or the spare key 2 (refer

to page 30) for valet parking, for

rapid succession to indicate that the instance.<

initialization procedure has been

successfully completed.

If the LED does not flash or if the

central locking system fails to respond,

the initialization procedure will have to

be repeated.

All additional master keys with remote

control for your vehicle (up to a

maximum of four units) must now be

initialized. Make sure that no more than

30 seconds is allowed to elapse

between the individual initialization

procedures. Repeat steps 4 and 5. The

central locking system will respond to

each initialization procedure as

descriped in step 6.

In the event of a system malfunction,

please contact your BMW center, who

can also provide you with replacement

keys.

¹⁴⁶ⁿWheel change

Safety measures in the event of a Place the jack on a firm support

flat tire or a wheel change: surface.

Stop the vehicle on a firm, level surface Do not place wooden blocks or similar

as far as possible from the flow of

traffic. Turn on the hazard warning

flashers.

objects under the jack. If this is done,

the jack might not be able to reach its

full support capacity because of the

Turn the steering wheel to the straight- limited height.

ahead position and engage the steering Do not lie under the vehicle or start the

lock, engage the parking brake and

shift into 1st or reverse gear (selector

engine when the vehicle is supported

by the jack. This creates the risk of fatal

lever in "Park" with automatic transmis- injury.<

sion).

Z3 coupe

All passengers should be outside the

vehicle and well away from your imme-

diate working area (for instance, behind

the guardrail).

What you will need

The illustration depicts an example of

the onboard tool kit of the Z3 coupe.

Other than the warning triangle, the

same tools are arranged somewhat

differently in the storage compartment

of the Z3 roadster.

If a warning triangle or portable hazard

warning lamp is available, set it up on

the roadside at an appropriate distance

from the rear of the vehicle. Comply

with all safety guidelines and regula-

tions.

In order to avoid rattling noises later,

note the position of the tools when you

remove them and return them to their

original position when you are through

using them.

Change the wheel only on a level, firm

surface which is not slippery. Avoid

jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery

support surface (snow, ice, tiles, loose

gravel, etc.), since it could slide side-

ways.

> Jack

Release the Velcro®fastener in the

luggage compartment under the floor

mat next to the battery.

After use, wind down the jack

completely

Wheel change

147n

> Wedge (wheel chock)

Next to the jack

> Lug wrench, centering pin, spark-

plug wrench and lifting handle

In the luggage compartment under

the floor mat

> Spare wheel

Stored under the luggage compart-

ment on the vehicle floor and

protected with a storage tray.

Z3 coupe

Z3 roadster

Remove the spare wheel

Z3 roadster:

Loosen the screw connection on the

floor of the storage tray (arrow) at the

right in the luggage compartment and

remove the compartment.

Z3 coupe:

Remove the floor of the storage

compartment (arrow) at the right in the

luggage compartment.

Release the Velcro®fastener and

remove the warning triangle.

¹⁴⁸ⁿWheel change

Raise and secure the floor panel in the

luggage compartment.

Right-hand attachment point:

Place the spark plug wrench on the

hexagon nut and, using the alignment

tool to assist you, loosen the hexagon

nut. Remove the hexagon nut and the

protective cap.

Left-hand attachment point:

Take the lifting handle from the tool kit,

lower it on the rope and fit it on the

hexagon nut. Hold the rope at the top

and unscrew the nut with the lifting

handle.

The spare wheel is secured at two

mounting points.

Left-hand attachment point – arrow 1.

Right-hand attachment point – arrow 2.

Place the hexagon nut in a secure

location.<

Wheel change

149n

Pull the lifting handle up until the spare Pull the storage tray with the spare

wheel tray is lifted slightly. At the same wheel completely out of the spare

Lift the spare wheel at the front. Lay it

down toward the rear next to the

storage tray and with the valve facing

upward. Quickly unscrew the valve

extension from the valve of the spare

wheel. Unscrew the valve cap from the

storage tray and mount it on the spare

wheel.

time, compress the locking spring

(arrow). This releases the spare wheel

(weight: approx. 8.8 lbs/4 kg). The

spare wheel must then be held with the

lifting handle.

wheel bracket toward the rear.

Using the lifting handle, lower the spare

wheel bracket with storage tray and

spare wheel and place it on the ground.

When the valve extension is

screwed onto or off of the spare

wheel, you may hear a brief hissing as

air escapes.<

Do not put your feet beneath the

rear of the vehicle because the

spare wheel could fall as it is being

lowered.<

The procedure for removing the spare

wheel is also illustrated with picto-

graphs located on the floor mat of the

luggage compartment.

¹⁵⁰ⁿWheel change

The wheel with the flat tire cannot

Mount the spare wheel

be placed in the spare wheel

bracket in the place of the spare

wheel.<

1. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from

rolling:

Place the wedge against the rear

surface of the front tire on the side

opposite the side being raised. If the

vehicle is parked on a downward

slope, place the wedge securely in

front of the tire. If the wheel must be

changed on a surface with a more

severe slope, take additional precau-

tions to secure the vehicle from

rolling

There is a plastic bag in the onboard

tool kit. Put the flat tire and the storage

tray into this bag.

Do not reposition the storage tray

in the spare wheel bracket without

the spare wheel.<

The spare wheel is returned to its orig-

inal position in the same manner as it is

removed, however in the reverse order.

When doing so, make sure that:

Using the lifting handle, pull the spare

wheel bracket upward until the spring

retainer catches. Secure the bracket

with the hexagon nut – ensure that it is

tightened down correctly.

2. Wheels with full wheel covers*:

reach into the ventilation openings

and pull the cover off

3. For wheels equipped with hub

covers*: position a screwdriver in the

slot and pry the hub cover off

4. Loosen the lug bolts g a turn

> The valve extension is mounted on

the spare wheel valve

> The storage tray is facing toward the

rear (see arrow) with the valve exten-

sion pointing to the inside left to

ensure that it is possible to check the

tire inflation pressure.

Wheel change

151n

5. Position the jack on the vehicle:

> Plastic elements are mounted on

the vehicle floorpan for positioning

the jack. These positions (refer to

the arrows) are located approx.

16 in (40 cm) from the front wheel

opening and

> Position the jack at the jacking

point closest to the flat tire so that

the jack base is vertically below

the jacking point and the entire

surface of the head of the jack will

move squarely into the recess of

the plastic element when the jack

is cranked

8. Take the centering pin from the

vehicle tool kit. Insert the centering

pin together with the plastic cap

into one of the bolt sockets

9. Position the spare wheel and screw

at least two lug bolts into opposite

bolt sockets. Remove the centering

10 in (25 cm) from the rear wheel

opening

> Crank the jack until the wheel you 10. Screw in the remaining lug bolts.

> If necessary, remove snow, ice or

mud from the plastic elements

> Screw the jack arm up until the

jack just fits under the vehicle

are changing is off of the ground.

6. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove

the wheel

Tighten all the bolts down correctly

11. Lower the jack and remove it from

beneath the vehicle

7. Remove accumulations of mud or

dirt from the mounting surfaces of

the wheel and hub. Clean the lug

bolts

12. Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal

pattern

¹⁵²ⁿWheel change

13. Wheels with full wheel covers:

Place the wheel cover with the

valve opening over the valve. Use

both hands to press the cover

securely onto the rim

If light-alloy wheels other than Original

BMW light-alloy wheels have been

mounted, it may be necessary to use

different lug bolts for those wheels.

Driving with the spare wheel

Drive cautiously and do not exceed a

speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Be aware that vehicle handling will be

altered. Slower brake response time,

longer braking distances and changed

steering characteristics may be antici-

pated when approaching limit condi-

tions.

Replace the defective tire as soon as

possible and have the new wheel/tire

balanced.

14. Check and correct the inflation

pressure at the earliest opportunity.

Use only the full wheel cover

installed by the factory. Other

wheel covers may not fit securely. The

full wheel cover may not be installed on

the spare wheel because the cover

could be damaged.<

Only one spare wheel may be

mounted at any time. Mount a

wheel and tire with the same size and

specifications as the others at the

earliest possible opportunity. Maintain

the specified tire inflation pressures,

refer to the table on page 27.<

The jack is designed for changing

wheels only. Do not attempt to lift

a different vehicle model or any other

type of load with the jack. To do so

could lead to property damage or

personal injury.

To ensure continued safety, check the

tightness of the lug bolts at the earliest

opportunity (torque specification:

72 lbs ft [100 Nm]).<

Battery

153n

Do not allow sparks or open

flame near the battery. Do not

smoke near the battery. Avoid

Battery care

The battery is completely maintenance-

free. That means that the original elec-

trolyte will normally last for the service

life of the battery under moderate

climatic conditions.

sparks from electrical cables or elec-

trical equipment. Turn the key to

position 0 in the ignition lock when the

battery is disconnected or connected.

Do not short circuit the battery termi-

nals. This creates a risk of personal

injury from high-voltage sparks.

Symbols

You will find the following symbols on

your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,

please comply with the corresponding

precautions whenever you work with or

near the battery.

A highly-explosive gas is gener-

ated when the battery is charged.

Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead

and lead compounds. Wash hands after

handling.<

If acid is accidentally splashed

into your eyes, rinse them thor-

oughly for 15 minutes with clear

water. Following that, consult a physi-

cian immediately. If acid splashes onto

your skin or clothing, rinse immediately

with ample clean water. If acid is acci-

dentally swallowed, consult a physi-

cian immediately.

Please read the following infor-

mation before working with the

battery.

Wear eye protection. Do not

allow particles containing

Battery location

The battery is located in the luggage

compartment under the floor mat.

battery acid or lead to come into

contact with your eyes, your skin, or

your clothing.

Z3 coupe:

Grasp the floor mat by the straps on the

Battery acid is extremely corro-

sive. Wear eye protection and

protective gloves. Do not tip the

battery. Battery acid can leak from the

ventilation openings.

left and right. Pull it upward and remove

it.

In order to protect the battery

case from ultraviolet radiation,

do not place it in direct sunlight.

A discharged battery can freeze. Store

the battery in areas where temperature

remains above freezing.

Z3 roadster:

Lift the floor mat from the rear by the

strap and fold it forward.

Ensure that children keep well

away from batteries and battery

acid.

¹⁵⁴ⁿBattery

If you intend to store your vehicle for

longer than twelve weeks: remove the

battery, charge it and store it in a cool

(but frost- and dust-free) room. Every

three months and before reinstalling the

battery, have it recharged. 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, refer also to

page 131.

Charging the battery

Charge the battery in the vehicle only

when the engine is switched off.

Charge the battery using the auxiliary

jump-start terminal and a ground in the

engine compartment, refer to Jump-

starting on page 158.

Before performing any work on

the electrical system, disconnect

the cable from the negative terminal. If

you do not, short circuits can create the

risk of fire or personal injury.<

Return used batteries to a recy-

cling point or your BMW center.

Maintain the battery in an upright posi-

tion for transport and storage. Secure

the battery against tilting when trans-

porting.<

Charge condition

You can read the charge condition of

the battery with the "Magic Eye"

(hydrometer):

If you plan to park the vehicle for longer

than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery

from the vehicle electrical system by

disconnecting the cable at the negative

terminal. Then recharge the battery with

an appropriate battery charger.

> Green: adequate charge

> Black: not charged adequately.

The battery must be recharged

Please contact your BMW center.

> Yellow: replace the battery.

The projected service life of the

battery can only be reached if the

battery is fully-charged at all times.

Check the charge condition of the

battery frequently if the vehicle is used

primarily for driving short distances. <

Battery

155n

Removal and installation

Do not disconnect the battery

cables when the engine is running.

Disconnecting the battery cables when

the engine is running will cause a

voltage surge which will damage the

vehicle's onboard electronics.

Do not make any modifications in the

wires leading to the positive terminal. If

you do so, the battery safety terminal's

safety function will no longer be guaran-

teed. Repair and disposal must be

performed by trained technicians only.<

Z3 coupe

Z3 coupe:

Loosen the screw (arrow) on the battery

safety bar and remove the bar.

When removing the battery, disconnect

the negative terminal first, then the

positive terminal.

When installing the battery, connect the

positive terminal first, then connect the

negative terminal.

Unscrew the battery retaining clamp.

When installing the battery, be

sure that the battery and the

safety bar (Z3 coupe) are mounted

properly. If this is not done, the battery

will not be adequately secured in case

of an accident.<

¹⁵⁶ⁿFuses

A listing of the fuses, their respective

ampere ratings and the equipment in

their circuits is provided on the cover of

the fuse box.

When you close the fuse box, be sure

that the cover is seated securely.

Do not attempt to repair a burned

fuse or replace it with a fuse

having a different color or ampere

rating. To do this could cause a fire in

the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-

load.<

If an electrical accessory should fail,

switch it off and check the fuse.

If a fuse burns through again, have the

source of the fault checked and

corrected by a BMW center.

The fuse box (electrical distribution

center), which contains spare fuses,

relays and plastic tweezers, is located

on the left-hand side of the engine

compartment, refer to page 120.

1. Press the retaining flap in and lift off

the cover

2. Use the plastic tweezers to remove

the fuse for the accessory or equip-

ment that has stopped working

3. If the fuse is burned through

("blown"), the metal strip will have

melted and separated. Replace the

blown fuse with a new fuse of the

same ampere rating (color code).

Power convertible top*

Fuel filler door

157n

Z3 roadster

Closing manually

Releasing manually

For roadsters with electrical power

convertible top*, the convertible top

drive unit is located in the luggage

compartment behind the left side trim

panel.

The illustration shows the example

of the Z3 roadster.

Operation and function for the

Z3 coupe is the same as for the

Z3 roadster.

Turn the clip at the top of the trim panel

to the left or right and swing the trim

panel to the side.

Pull the button at the right in the

luggage compartment sharply (arrow).

Please consult your BMW center to

have the defect corrected.

Turn the T-pin a half turn to the left

(refer to the illustration).

The convertible top drive unit is disen-

gaged and the convertible top can be

operated manually, refer to page 40.

Please have your BMW center eliminate

the defect and reengage the drive.

¹⁵⁸ⁿJump-starting

Never use spray starter fluids to start

the engine.

When your battery is discharged you can

used two jumper cables to start your

vehicle with power from the battery in a

second vehicle. You can also use the

same method to help start another

vehicle. Always use jumper cables with

fully insulated handles on the terminal

clamps.

Do not touch components

carrying high-voltage on a running

engine. Contact with components

carrying high voltage can cause fatal

injury. Carefully observe the following

instructions to avoid personal injury

and/or damage to one or both vehi-

cles.<

4. Start the engine on the support

vehicle and allow it to run

6. Then connect the negative terminals.

Connect one end of the other jumper

cable (–) to either the support

5. Use the jumper cable (+) to connect

the positive terminal of the battery in

the support vehicle with the auxiliary

positive terminal provided in the

engine compartment of your BMW

specifically for jump-starting. The

cover on this auxiliary terminal is

identified by a "+" symbol, refer to

the illustration. Pull up to open the

cover

vehicle's negative battery terminal or

a suitable ground on its engine or

bodywork. Connect the other end to

the negative battery terminal or a

suitable ground on the vehicle being

started. There is a special nut on the

strut dome of your BMW; refer to the

arrow in the illustration

1. Ensure that the battery in the support

vehicle is also rated at 12 volts. This

information is provided on the top of

the battery casing

2. Do not disconnect the battery from

your vehicle's electrical system.

Switch off all electrical accessories in

both vehicles

Always adhere to this sequence

when connecting jumper cables;

failure to observe this procedure can

lead to sparks at the battery terminals

and pose an injury hazard.<

3. Make absolutely certain that there is

no contact between the bodywork of

the two vehicles – short circuit

hazard

Jump-starting

Towing the vehicle

159n

7. Start the support vehicle's engine

and let it run at an increased idling

speed for a few minutes. Start the

engine on the vehicle needing the

jump-start, and allow it to run as

usual. If the first start attempt is not

successful, wait a few minutes

before another attempt in order to

allow the discharged battery to

recharge

8. Before disconnecting the jumper

cables let the engines run for a few

minutes

Tow fitting

Rear:

Use a screwdriver to press the cover

out.

9. Then disconnect the jumper cables

in reverse sequence.

The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the

onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains

in the vehicle at all times. This fitting

is designed for installation in the tow

sockets located at the front and rear of

the vehicle, and is intended for towing

on paved road surfaces only.

Depending on the cause of the fault,

have the battery recharged by your

BMW center.

Screw the tow fitting in until it is

tight against the stop. If you do

not, the threads can be damaged.

Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-

nents of the running gear, or lash them

down in any way. If you do so, the

components could be damaged,

leading to possible accidents.<

It should not be used to pull a vehicle

out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.

Comply with all applicable towing laws

and regulations at all times.

Use only a nylon towing strap to tow

the vehicle, since the inherent resil-

ience of this material helps protect both

vehicles from sudden jerking move-

ments.

Access to tow sockets

Front:

Use a screwdriver to press the cover

out.

¹⁶⁰ⁿTowing the vehicle

The towed vehicle should always

Towing a vehicle with automatic

transmission

be the lighter of the two vehicles.

If this is not the case, it will not be

possible to control vehicle handling.<

1. Place the selector lever in

position "N"

2. Towing speed:

Tow-starting

max. 45 mph (70 km/h)

It is not possible to start the engine of a 3. Towing distance:

vehicle with an automatic transmission

by towing or pushing the vehicle.

max. 95 miles (150 km)

4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to

ensure that brake lamps, turn signal

indicators, horn and windshield

wipers remain operative, and to

prevent the steering lock from

engaging

For instructions on jump-starting, refer

to page 158.

Never attempt to use your vehicle to

push another vehicle. This could result

in damage to the energy-absorbing

bumpers.

Towing with a commercial tow

truck

5. Switch on the hazard-warning

flashers (observe applicable legal

regulations).

> Do not tow with sling-type equipment

> Use a wheel-lift or flatbed equipment

> Comply with applicable towing laws.

Find some means of identifying the

vehicle in tow. Place a sign or warning

triangle in the rear window, for

instance.

Never allow passengers to ride in

a towed vehicle for any reason.

Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,

straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control

arms, or any other part of the vehicle

suspension, as severe damage to these

components will occur, leading to

possible accidents.<

Even when the electrical system

has failed, make sure that the igni-

tion key remains in position 1 to prevent

the steering lock from engaging.

The steering and brakes are without

power assist when the engine is off.

This means that increased effort is

required for steering and braking.<

Owner service procedures for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

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