Get DRIVING TIPS Guide for BMW Z4 2 Door First Generation (2002-2008)

DRIVING TIPS

Things to remember when driving ........................................................ 238

Saving fuel ................................................................................................ 242

237

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Things to remember when driving

Engine, transmission, and axle

drive

Vehicle features and

options

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Do not exceed the maximum engine and road

speed:

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are

not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due

to the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems. When using these functions and systems,

the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

▷ For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and

100 mph/160 km/h.

Avoid full load or kickdown under all circumstan‐

ces.

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km

The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be

increased.

Breaking-in period

Tires

General information

Tire traction is not optimal due to manufacturing

circumstances when tires are brand-new; they

achieve their full traction potential after a break-in

time.

Moving parts need to begin working together

smoothly.

The following instructions will help you to ach‐

ieve a long vehicle life and good efficiency.

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

During break-in, do not use the Launch Control,

refer to page 127.

Brake system

Brake discs and brake pads only reach their full

effectiveness after approx. 300 miles/500 km.

Drive moderately during this break-in period.

Safety information

Warning

Due to new parts and components, safety and

driver assistance systems can react with a de‐

lay. There is a risk of accident. After installing

new parts or with a new vehicle, drive conser‐

vatively and intervene early if necessary. Ob‐

serve the break-in procedures of the respective

parts and components.

Following part replacement

Observe the break-in procedures again, if com‐

ponents mentioned above are replaced.

238

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Mobile communication devices

in the vehicle

General driving notes

Closing the trunk lid

Safety information

Warning

Vehicle electronics and mobile phones can in‐

fluence one another. There is radiation due to

the transmission operations of mobile phones.

There is a risk of injury or risk of damage to

property. If possible, in the car's interior use

only mobile phones with direct connections to

an exterior antenna in order to exclude mutual

interference and deflect the radiation from the

car's interior.

Warning

An open trunk lid protrudes from the vehicle

and can endanger occupants and other traffic

participants or damage the vehicle in the event

of an accident, braking or evasive maneuvers.

In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the car's

interior. There is a risk of injury or risk of dam‐

age to property. Do not drive with the trunk lid

open.

Hydroplaning

On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can

form between the tires and road surface.

Driving with the trunk lid open

This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning.

It is characterized by a partial or complete loss of

contact between the tires and the road surface,

ultimately undermining your ability to steer and

brake the vehicle.

If driving with the tailgate open cannot be

avoided:

▷ If the convertible top is closed, close all win‐

dows.

▷ Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.

▷ Drive moderately.

Driving through water

Hot exhaust gas system

General information

When driving through water, follow the following:

Warning

▷ Drive through calm water only.

During driving operation, high temperatures can

occur underneath the vehicle body, for instance

caused by the exhaust gas system. If combusti‐

ble materials, such as leaves or grass, come in

contact with hot parts of the exhaust gas sys‐

tem, these materials can ignite. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Do not

remove the heat shields installed and never ap‐

ply undercoating to them. Make sure that no

combustible materials can come in contact with

hot vehicle parts in driving operation, idle or

during parking. Do not touch the hot exhaust

gas system.

▷ Drive through water only if it is not deeper

than maximum 9.8 inches/25 cm.

▷ Drive through water no faster than walking

speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.

Safety information

NOTICE

When driving too quickly through too deep wa‐

ter, water can enter into the engine compart‐

ment, the electrical system or the transmission.

There is a risk of damage to property. When

driving through water, do not exceed the maxi‐

239

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

mum indicated water level and the maximum

speed for driving through water.

The heat generated during braking dries brake

discs and brake pads and protects them against

corrosion.

In this way braking efficiency will be available

when you need it.

Braking safely

General information

The vehicle is equipped with the Antilock Brake

System ABS as a standard feature.

Hills

General information

Perform an emergency stop in situations that re‐

quire such.

Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear

that requires least braking effort. Otherwise, the

brakes may overheat and reduce brake effi‐

ciency.

Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid any

obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.

You can increase the engine's braking effect by

shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if

needed.

Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from the

hydraulic circuits indicate that the Antilock Brake

System ABS is in its active mode.

In certain braking situations, the perforated brake

discs can emit functional noises. However, func‐

tional noises have no effect on the performance

and operational reliability of the brake.

Safety information

Warning

Light but consistent brake pressure can lead to

high temperatures, brakes wearing out and

possibly even brake failure. There is a risk of

accident. Avoid placing excessive stress on the

brake system.

Objects in the area around the

pedals

Warning

Objects in the driver's floor area can limit the

pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.

There is a risk of accident. Stow objects in the

vehicle such that they are secured and cannot

enter into the driver's floor area. Use floor mats

that are suitable for the vehicle and can be

safely attached to the floor. Do not use loose

floor mats and do not layer several floor mats.

Make sure that there is sufficient clearance for

the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats are se‐

curely fastened again after they were removed,

for instance for cleaning.

Warning

In idle state or with the engine switched off,

safety functions, for instance engine braking ef‐

fect, braking assistance and steering assis‐

tance, may not be available. There is a risk of

accident. Do not attempt to drive in idle state or

with the engine switched off.

Brake disc corrosion

Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination

on the brake pads are increased by the following

circumstances:

Driving in wet conditions

When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain, gen‐

tly press the brake pedal every few miles.

▷ Low mileage.

▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not

used at all.

Ensure that this action does not endanger other

traffic.

240

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

▷ Infrequent use of the brakes.

▷ Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning

agents.

Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause a

pulsating effect on the brakes in their response -

generally this cannot be corrected.

Condensation water under the

parked vehicle

When using the automatic climate control, con‐

densation water develops and collects under‐

neath the vehicle.

Driving on racetracks

Higher mechanical and thermal loads during

racetrack operation lead to increased wear. This

wear is not covered by the warranty. The vehicle

is not designed for use in motor sports competi‐

tion.

Have vehicle checked by a dealer’s service cen‐

ter or another qualified service center or repair

shop before and after driving on a racetrack.

241

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

Saving fuel

Tires

Vehicle features and

options

General information

Tires can affect consumption in various ways, for

instance tire size may influence consumption.

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are

not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due

to the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems. When using these functions and systems,

the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

Check the tire inflation pressure

regularly

Check and, if needed, correct the tire inflation

pressure at least twice a month and before start‐

ing on a long trip.

Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐

sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and

tire wear.

Reducing fuel consumption

Drive away without delay

Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while the

vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right

away, but at moderate engine speeds.

General information

The vehicle contains advanced technologies for

the reduction of consumption and emission val‐

ues.

This is the quickest way of warming the cold en‐

gine up to operating temperature.

Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐

ferent factors.

Carrying out certain measures, such as a moder‐

ate driving style and regular maintenance, can in‐

fluence fuel consumption and the environmental

impact.

Look well ahead when driving

Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel

consumption.

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle

driving ahead of you.

Remove unnecessary cargo

Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Avoid high engine speeds

Driving at low engine speeds lowers fuel con‐

sumption and reduces wear.

Remove attached parts following

use

Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aerody‐

namics and increase the fuel consumption.

If necessary, observe the vehicle's gear shift indi‐

cator, refer to page 138.

Close the windows

Open windows increase air resistance and there‐

fore lead to greater fuel consumption.

Use coasting conditions

When approaching a red light, take your foot off

the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.

242

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

For going downhill take your foot off the acceler‐

ator and let the vehicle roll.

ECO PRO

The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.

Concept

ECO PRO supports a driving style that saves on

consumption. For this purpose, the engine con‐

trol and comfort features, for instance the climate

control output, are adjusted.

Switch off the engine during

longer stops

Switching off the engine

Under certain conditions the engine is automati‐

cally decoupled from the transmission in the D

selector lever position. The vehicle continues

traveling with the engine idling to reduce con‐

sumption. The D selector lever position remains

engaged.

Switch off the engine during longer stops, for in‐

stance at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in

traffic congestion.

Auto Start/Stop function

The Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle auto‐

matically switches off the engine during a stop.

In addition, context-sensitive information, ECO

PRO tips, can be displayed to assist with a fuel-

efficient driving style.

If the engine is switched off and then restarted

rather than leaving the engine running con‐

stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are re‐

duced. Savings can begin within a few seconds

of switching off the engine.

The achieved extended range is displayed in the

instrument cluster as bonus range.

General information

The system includes the following

EfficientDynamics functions and

EfficientDynamics displays:

In addition, fuel consumption is also determined

by other factors, such as driving style, road con‐

ditions, maintenance or environmental factors.

▷ ECO PRO bonus range, refer to page 244.

Switch off any functions that are

not currently needed

Functions such as seat heating and the rear win‐

dow defroster require a lot of energy and in‐

crease fuel consumption, especially in city and

stop-and-go traffic.

▷ ECO PRO seat climate control, refer to

page 244.

▷ ECO PRO climate control, refer to page 244.

▷ ECO PRO light and sight, refer to page 244.

▷ Coasting driving condition, refer to page 245.

▷ Driving style analysis, refer to page 246.

Switch off these functions if they are not needed.

The ECO PRO driving mode supports the en‐

ergy conserving use of comfort features. These

functions are automatically deactivated partially

or completely.

Overview

Have maintenance carried out

Have the vehicle maintained regularly to achieve

optimal vehicle efficiency and service life. BMW

recommends that maintenance work be per‐

formed by a BMW service center.

For information on the BMW Maintenance Sys‐

tem, refer to page 290.

243

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

Button

An ECO PRO tip is displayed if the speed of

the set ECO PRO limit is exceeded.

▷ Adjust the ECO PRO limit speed:

"Notification at:"

Activating ECO PRO

Press the button. ECO PRO is displayed

in the instrument cluster.

Select the desired speed.

Coasting

Efficiency can be optimized by disengaging the

engine and coasting with the engine idling.

Configuring ECO PRO

INDIVIDUAL

ECO PRO seat climate control

The activation of ECO PRO will reduce the out‐

put of the seat heating.

Via the Driving Dynamics Control

1. Activate ECO PRO.

2. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"

ECO PRO climate control

Climate control is set to be efficient.

Via iDrive

1. "CAR"

This means, it is possible to deviate slightly from

the set temperature or to heat or cool the car's

interior more slowly, to economize on consump‐

tion.

2. "Settings"

3. "Driving mode"

4. "ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL"

5. Select the desired setting.

ECO PRO light and sight

The output of exterior mirror heating and rear

window defroster is reduced.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

Activating/deactivating ECO PRO

functions

The following ECO PRO functions can be acti‐

vated/deactivated:

Resetting the settings

Reset ECO PRO INDIVIDUAL to the standard

settings:

"Reset to ECO PRO STANDARD"

Display in the instrument cluster

General information

▷ "ECO PRO speed"

▷ "Coasting"

▷ "ECO PRO seat climate control"

▷ "ECO PRO climate control"

▷ "ECO PRO light and sight"

When ECO PRO driving mode is activated, the

display switches to a special configuration.

Settings are stored for the driver profile currently

used.

ECO PRO bonus range

ECO PRO limit

▷ Activate the ECO PRO limit:

A modified driving style helps you

extend your driving range.

"ECO PRO speed"

The range extension can be dis‐

played as the bonus range in the

instrument cluster.

244

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

The efficiency display includes the bonus range,

refer to page 132.

Indications on the Control

Display

If the bonus range appears in gray, the current

driving style is inefficient.

General information

The display turns blue as soon as all conditions

for efficient driving are met.

Information about the current effectiveness of

the ECO PRO functions can be displayed as en‐

ergy flow.

The intervals for resetting the bonus range de‐

pend on the settings of the trip data, refer to

page 141.

Displaying energy flow information

Via iDrive:

Consumption display

1. "CAR"

2. "Driving information"

3. "Energy flow"

The following functions are displayed:

▷ Auto Start/Stop function.

▷ Energy recovery.

▷ Coasting.

A pointer in the consumption display informs

about the current driving style:

Coasting

▷ The current consumption in relation to the

average consumption is displayed.

Concept

Under certain conditions the engine is automati‐

cally decoupled from the transmission in the D

selector lever position. The vehicle continues

traveling with the engine idling to reduce con‐

sumption. Selector lever position D remains en‐

gaged.

▷ Pointer in the area of arrow 1: display of the

energy recovered by coasting or when brak‐

ing.

▷ Pointer in the area of arrow 2: display when

accelerating.

This driving condition is referred to as coasting.

If the acceleration is inefficient, the area between

the average consumption and the current con‐

sumption is colored red.

As soon as you step on the brake or accelerator

pedal, the engine is automatically coupled again.

In addition, the following information is displayed,

depending on the situation:

General information

▷ Depending on the equipment: the total dis‐

tance driven while coasting, refer to

page 246.

Coasting is a component of the ECO PRO driv‐

ing mode.

Coasting is automatically activated when ECO

PRO mode is called via the Driving Dynamics

Control.

▷ The total time that the engine has been

switched off, refer to page 114, during auto‐

matic engine stops.

A proactive driving style helps the driver to use

the function often and supports the efficient ef‐

fect of coasting.

▷ A gear shift indicator, refer to page 138, rec‐

ommending the use of a more efficient gear.

245

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

Functional requirements

The function is available in the speed range from

approx. 16 mph/25 km/h to 100 mph/160 km/h.

The function is active if the following conditions

are met:

▷ Accelerator pedal not depressed.

▷ Brake pedal not depressed or only slightly

depressed.

Color code blue: coasting mode.

▷ The selector lever is in selector lever position

D.

▷ Engine and transmission are at operating

temperature.

Displaying energy flow information

Via iDrive:

▷ Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function,

ACC, not activated.

1. "CAR"

2. "Driving information"

3. "Energy flow"

Operation via shift paddles

Concept

System limits

The coasting driving condition can be influenced

with the shift paddles.

The function is not available under one of the fol‐

lowing conditions.

▷ DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.

Activating/deactivating coasting via

shift paddles

▷ Driving in the dynamic limit range and on

steep uphill or downhill grades.

1. Shift to the highest gear by pulling the right

shift paddle.

▷ Battery charge status temporarily too low or

vehicle electrical system drawing excessive

current.

2. To activate coasting mode, actuate the right

shift paddle again.

To deactivate, actuate the left shift paddle.

Driving style analysis

Display

Concept

The function helps develop an especially effi‐

cient driving style and to conserve fuel.

Display in the instrument cluster

The coasting distance traveled is indicated

in coasting mode.

For this purpose, the driving style is analyzed.

The assessment is done in various categories

and is displayed on the Control Display.

Indications on the Control Display

The coasting mode is displayed under energy

flow while driving.

This display will help you adjust your driving style

and save some fuel.

The distance traveled in coasting mode is dis‐

played in the trip data.

General information

The current trip is assessed.

246

Saving fuel

DRIVING TIPS

To assist with an efficient driving style, ECO

PRO tips are displayed during driving.

The range of the vehicle can be extended by ad‐

justing your driving style.

This gain in range is displayed as a bonus range

in the instrument cluster and on the Control Dis‐

play.

Functional requirement

The function is available in ECO PRO driving

mode.

Calling up the Driving style

analysis

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Driving information"

3. "Driving style analysis"

Display on the Control Display

The display of the Driving style analysis shows

the efficiency of the Driving style.

The more efficient the driving style, the more

bars are displayed in color and the faster the bo‐

nus range increases.

In contrast, a reduced number of bars will be dis‐

played with an inefficient driving style.

247

248

DRIVING TIPS for Your BMW Z4 2 Door First Generation (2002-2008)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals