Get Operation, care and maintenance Guide for BMW Z8 Roadster First Generation (2000-2003)

85n

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures 86

Driving notes 87

Under the hood:

Hood 105

Overview

Engine compartment 108

Washer fluids 110

Washer nozzles 110

Engine oil 111

Catalytic converter 87

Antilock Brake System (ABS) 88

Dynamic Brake Control

(DBC) 90

Controls and features

Coolant 113

Disc brakes 90

Brake system 92

Brake fluid 114

Vehicle Identification

Number 115

Winter operation 92

Power steering 94

Cellular phone 94

Operation, care

and maintenance

Maintenance and care:

The BMW Maintenance

System 116

Car radio reception 95

Wind deflector 95

Hardtop 96

Caring for your vehicle 117

Airbags 123

Vehicle storage 124

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical data

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure 99

Tire condition 99

Tire replacement 100

Tire rotation 101

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications 125

California Proposition 65

Warning 125

Wheel and tire

OBD interface socket 126

combinations 102

Special features of winter

tires 103

Snow chains 103

Approved wheel and tire

specifications 104

Index

Car care

⁸⁶ⁿBreak-in procedures

To ensure that your vehicle provides

maximum economy throughout an

extended service life, we request that

you comply with the following informa-

tion.

Following the Break-In Inspection at

1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can gradu-

ally increase engine or road speeds.

Brake system

Approximately 300 miles (500 km) must

elapse before the brake pads and

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.

rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface

and wear patterns required for trouble-

free operation and long service life.

Your BMW Z8 is an especially

high-quality vehicle. To protect

your own investment, we recommend

that you follow he break-in instructions

carefully. By doing so, you will create

the basis for optimal service life of the

vehicle.<

To break in the separate parking brake

drums, apply the parking brake lightly

when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic

signal, for instance), provided that

traffic conditions allow you to do so.

Tires

Owing to technical factors associated

with their manufacture, tires do not

achieve their full traction potential until To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-

an initial break-in period has elapsed.

Thus drive with extra care during the

initial 200 miles (300 km).

dure from time to time.

Engine and differential

The brake lamps do not come

on when the parking brake is

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

Comply with local and state maximum

speed limits.

Drive at varying engine and road

speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm

or a road speed of 106 mph (170 km/h).

engaged.

Vacuum for the brake system servo unit

on your BMW is available only when the

engine is running. When you move the

vehicle with the engine shut off – when

towing, for instance – substantially

higher levels of pedal force will be

required to brake the vehicle.<

When the vehicle is being driven

on wet or slushy roads, a wedge

of water may form between the tire and

Comply with local and state maximum

speed limits.

Avoid depressing the accelerator to the the road surface. This phenomenon is

full-throttle position.

referred to as "aquaplaning" and can

lead to partial or complete loss of trac-

tion, vehicle control and braking effec-

tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet

roads.<

Clutch

The clutch will also begin to function

optimally after about 300 miles

(500 km). Engage the gears carefully

and without high engine speeds during

this break-in period.

Driving notes

Catalytic converter

87n

Brakes: The catalytic converter reduces harmful

Do not rest your foot on the brake exhaust emissions.

Be sure to comply with the

instructions above to prevent

pedal while driving. Even light but

consistent pressure on the brake pedal

could lead to high temperatures, brake

wear, and possibly, to brake system

failure.

unburned fuel from reaching the cata-

lytic converter. Otherwise, there is the

danger of overheating and damage to

the catalytic converter.

It is designed for use with unleaded fuel

only. Even minute quantities of lead

would be enough to permanently

damage both the catalytic converter

and the system's oxygen sensor.

Extreme temperatures are present with

the catalytic converter both on this and

every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat

shields are installed adjacent to some

sections of the exhaust system. Never

remove these shields; do not apply

undercoating to their surfaces. When

driving, standing at idle, and parking

the vehicle, take care to avoid contact

between the exhaust system and flam-

mable materials (grass, hay, leaves

etc.). Such contact could start a fire,

resulting in serious personal injury and

property damage.<

Aquaplaning:

To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine

operation and to avoid potential

damage:

Reduce speed while driving on wet or

slushy roads, otherwise, a wedge of

water can form between the tires and

the road surface. This phenomenon is

referred to as "aquaplaning" or "hydro-

planing." It is characterized by a partial

or complete loss of contact between

the tires and the road surface. The ulti-

mate results are loss of steering and

braking control.

> Be sure to comply with the scheduled

maintenance requirements

> Fill the fuel tank well before it is empty

> Tow-start only when the engine is

cold. If you attempt to tow-start with

a warm engine, unburned residual

fuel could ignite on the way to the

catalytic converter and cause

Driving through water:

damage. It is better to start the

vehicle with a battery charger or

assistance from another vehicle

> Avoid other situations where the fuel

is either not burned or burns incom-

pletely, such as engaging the starter

frequently or for extended periods, or

repeated start attempts in which the

engine does not start (stopping and

restarting an engine which is running

properly does not present a problem).

Never allow the engine to run with

any of the spark plug cables discon-

nected.

When there is water on the roads, do

not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft

(30 cm), and even then, only at walking

speed, otherwise the vehicle can

sustain damage to the engine, the elec-

trical systems and the transmission.<

⁸⁸ⁿAntilock Brake System (ABS)

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 to driving with snow

chains. However, ABS continues to

provide enhanced vehicle stability and

steering response under these condi-

tions.

The concept

Braking with ABS

ABS enhances active safety by helping The system is operative once the

to prevent the wheels from locking

under braking. Why is this important?

When front wheels lock up and cease

to turn, the tires break into a slide.

Result: the driver loses the ability to

steer the vehicle. Traction loss at the

vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.

6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-

vated whenver the vehicle's speed

drops back below approx. 4 mph

(6 km/h). This means that the wheels

can lock only in the final phase of a

rear wheels can cause the back end of panic stop – a factor of no substantive

significance in actual use.

the vehicle to slip sideways and break

away in uncontrolled oversteer.

The ABS system works best in situa-

With ABS, you will achieve the shortest- tions requiring maximum pressure on

possible braking distances under all

given conditions (braking while driving

straight ahead or in curves, different

road surfaces).

the pedal (full braking). Since the

vehicle maintains steering responsive-

ness, you can nevertheless avoid

possible obstacles with a minimum of

steering effort.

ABS is designed to meet two essential

requirements during every brake appli- The ABS system's closed-loop control

cation:

circuit cycles in fractions of a second.

A pulsing of the brake pedal, combined

with the sounds associated with the

hydraulic controls, tells you that the

brake system is within its maximum

limit range and reminds you that you

should adapt your vehicle's speed to

road conditions.

> To help provide vehicle stability

> To help retain steering and maneu-

vering capability on all types of road

surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt, wet

surfaces, snow and ice).

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

89n

Information for your safety

In case of a system malfunction

Not even ABS can suspend the laws of

physics. The consequences of brake

applications with inadequate clear-

ances for safety between vehicles,

excessive speed or if aquaplaning

occurs are always the responsibility of

the driver. You should never allow the

added safety provided by ABS to

mislead you into taking risks of any

kind.

If the ABS warning lamp comes

on, refer to page 21. The brake

system will then function the

same as on vehicles without

ABS. However, have the brake

system checked by your BMW

center as soon as possible. To prevent

undetected defects and cumulative

faults from adversely affecting the

brake system, refer any problems to

your BMW center at the earliest oppor-

Do not make any modifications to tunity.

the ABS system.

Service procedures on ABS are to be

performed by authorized technicians

only.<

Cornering Brake Control (CBC)

CBC is an advanced ABS engineering

design. Vehicle stability is also

enhanced when braking during

cornering at high rates of lateral accel-

eration and during lane changes.

⁹⁰ⁿDynamic Brake Control (DBC)

Disc brakes

If you step on the brake rapidly, this

system automatically produces maxi-

mum braking force boost and thus

helps to achieve the shortest-possible

braking distance during "panic stops."

All of the benfits of the ABS system are

exploited under these circumstances.

Disc brakes furnish optimal decelera-

tion and braking control and greater

fade resistance under heavy use.

For your safety

Not even DBC can suspend the laws of

physics. The consequences of brake

applications with inadequate clear-

ances for safety between vehicles,

excessive speed or if aquaplaning

occurs are always the responsibility of

the driver. You should never allow the

added safety provided by DBC to

When the vehicle is driven only occa-

sionally, during extended periods when

the vehicle is not used at all, or in oper-

ating conditions where brake applica-

tions are less frequent, there is an

increased tendency for corrosion of the

rotors and accumulation of contamina-

tion on the brake pads. This occurs

because the minimal pressure which

must be exerted by the pads to clean

the disc brakes by brake applications is

not achieved.

Do not reduce the pressure on the

brake pedal during the brake applica-

tion. When the brake pedal is released, mislead you into taking risks of any

the DBC is deactivated. kind.

In the event of a malfunction,

the yellow brake warning lamp

comes on. Normal braking effi-

ciency and ABS are still fully

available. Have the system

If the brake rotors are corroded, they

will tend to respond to braking with a

pulsating effect that even extended

brake applications will fail to cure.

checked and repaired at your

BMW center as soon as possible.

For your own safety: use only

brake pads 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 if they

are installed.<

Disc brakes

91n

Even if engine braking fails to slow the

vehicle sufficiently, you should still

make every effort to avoid prolonged

braking with continuous application of

low to moderate pressure at the pedal.

It is better to decelerate the vehicle by

applying a higher level of force at the

pedal (watch following traffic!) and then

subsequently pausing to allow the

brakes to cool briefly before starting on

your next braking cycle. By protecting

brake system components against

overheating, the cooling phases

Driving notes

When driving in heavy rain and on wet

roads it is advisable to apply light pres-

sure to the brake pedal every few miles.

Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that

this maneuver does not pose a hazard

to you or to other road users. The heat

generated in this braking process helps

dry the pads and rotors

Maximum braking force is obtained

while the wheels are not locked, but

rather when they are still barely turning

immediately prior to locking. ABS main-

tains this state automatically. If the ABS

fails, you should revert to the staggered

braking technique (refer to page 93).

afforded by this staggered, or intermit-

tent braking technique help maintain

consistent availability of optimal braking

response when it is needed.

When descending steep hills and

extended grades, downshift to a gear

that will allow you to continue safely

with only a minimal amount of braking.

By minimizing the loads placed on the

brake system, this strategy helps

ensure that optimal brake system

response will remain available at all

times.

Do not coast with the clutch pedal

depressed, the gear-shift lever in

neutral, or, above all, with the engine

off; otherwise, the engine will provide

no braking effect if the transmission is

in neutral, and there is no braking or

steering power assist if the engine is

not running. Never allow floor mats,

carpets or any other objects to obstruct

the accelerator, clutch or brake pedals

and pose a safety hazard by reducing

their available travel range.<

You can enhance the engine's braking

effect by downshifting, into first gear, if

necessary.

⁹²ⁿBrake system

Winter operation

Winter is often accompanied by rapid

changes in weather, requiring not only a

different driving style, but also certain

preparations to the vehicle itself to

ensure that your progress through the

winter months remains safe and

trouble-free.

Brake fluid level

Brake pads

The brake warning lamp comes

on with the parking brake

released:

The warning lamp for the brake

pads comes on:

The brake pads have reached

their minimum thickness. Proceed to

the nearest BMW center as soon as

possible to have the pads replaced.

The brake fluid level in the

reservoir is too low, refer to

page 114.

If the brake fluid level is too low and

brake pedal travel has become notice-

ably longer, there may be a defect in

one of the brake system's hydraulic

circuits.

Coolant

For your own safety: use only

brake pads which BMW has

Be sure that the coolant mixture

contains the year-round ratio of 50:50

water and extended-duty antifreeze

with corrosion inhibitor. This mixture

provides protection against freezing

down to approx. –34 7 (–37 6).

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 if they are installed.<

Proceed to the nearest BMW

center. Higher brake application

pressure may be necessary under these

conditions, and brake pedal travel may

be significantly longer. Please

remember to adapt your driving style

accordingly.<

Locks

BMW door lock deicer can be used to

free doors if frozen. This deicer also

contains lubricant.

After using the deicer, treatment with

BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-

mended.

Winter operation

93n

If the ABS does not respond in a critical

Rubber seals and components

Driving on low-traction road

surfaces

braking situation and the wheels lock,

reduce the pressure on the brake pedal

until the wheels just start to roll again

while still maintaining enough force to

continue braking.

To prevent the weather-stripping from

freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat- Do not activate the Sport mode (refer to

ment or silicone spray to the door, hood page 66). Use smooth, gentle pressure

and luggage compartment lid seals.

to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid

excessive engine speeds and upshift

Then increase the pressure, reduce the

pressure when the wheels lock, reapply

pressure etc.

A full range of car-care products is early. Downshift well in advance when

available from your BMW center.< approaching uphill or downhill grades.

Maintain an adequate distance

This staggered braking procedure will

reduce braking distances while helping

you maintain steering control.

between yourself and the vehicle

ahead.

Snow chains

Mount BMW snow chains* only in pairs

on rear tires, complying with the manu-

facturer's safety precautions. Do not

exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph

(50 km/h) while the snow chains are

You can always then attempt to steer

around hazards after you have reduced

pressure on the brake pedal.

Brakes

Winter road conditions substantially

reduce the amount of traction available

mounted and refrain from activating the between the tires and the road surface.

Never downshift to exploit engine

braking when driving on slippery

road surfaces, as this could lead to a

loss of traction at the rear wheels,

impairing your ability to control the

vehicle.<

Flat Tire Monitor, as the snow chains

could trigger false alarms and/or

prevent the system from detecting

actual pressure loss.

The resulting increases in braking

distance are considerable and should

be kept in mind at all times.

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels

from locking during brake applications,

thus helping to maintain vehicle stability

Starting off

When starting off in deep snow or when and steering response.

"rocking" the vehicle to free it, it may be

advisable to temporarily deactivate the

DSC. Refer to page 65.

Depress the clutch during hard

braking on road surfaces that

provide only poor or uneven traction.<

To maintain vehicle stability,

always drive with the system

switched on whenever possible.<

⁹⁴ⁿWinter operation

Power steering

Cellular phone

If there is a change in steering response Mobile communications systems

– e.g. difficult or over-responsive (cellular phone, radio, etc.) are

steering – at increasing speeds, consult permitted with an output of up to

Skid control

Depress the clutch and release the

accelerator pedal. Countersteer care-

fully and attempt to regain control over

the vehicle.

a BMW center to have it checked.

10 watts only. Mobile communications

devices not specifically designed for

use in your vehicle may trigger malfunc-

If the power steering fails,

increased effort will be required to tions while you are operating your

Parking

steer the vehicle.<

vehicle. BMW can neither test nor

assume responsibility for every indi-

vidual product being offered on the

market. We recommend that you

consult your BMW center before

purchasing any device of this kind.

Engage first or reverse gear. Depending

on the steepness of the incline, you can

apply the parking brake as well. In order

to prevent the parking brake pads 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.

To ensure reliable and trouble-free

operation of your BMW, do not use any

cellular phones or other radio devices

where the antenna is located either

inside the passenger compartment or

otherwise not attached to the outside of

the vehicle.

The brake lamps do not come

on when the parking brake is

engaged.<

You will find instructions for operating

your cellular phone in the supplemen-

tary Owner's Manual.

Car radio reception

Wind deflector

95n

The reception and sound quality

obtained from mobile radios vary

according to a variety of factors,

including the broadcast range of the

transmitter and the directional orienta-

tion of the antenna. Interference factors

such as high-tension power lines,

structural or natural obstructions can all

lead to unavoidable reception interfer-

ence, regardless of how well the vehicle

sound system is operating. Climatic

factors such as intense solar radiation,

fog, rain and snow can also interfere

with reception.

Mounting

2. Guide the four fasteners to their

respective slots, attach them at an

angle, and press them into place

using the strap hanging in front of

them. Shove the four straps under

the inner side of the convertible top

3. Shove both the center elements all

Attach the wind deflector while the

convertible top is open and its cover is

not mounted.

Radio interference can also be caused

by either cellular phones not recom-

mended by BMW or by portable

phones. This phenomenon assumes the

form of a low-pitched hum emanating

from the speaker system.

1. Push the brackets for the wind

deflector, with the zippers fastened

and facing to the front, onto both roll-

over protection bars as far as to the

upper edge of the chrome collars

(arrow)

the way to the vehicle's outside edge

(arrows), so that the cover can then

easily be mounted

Please refer to the Owner's Manual that

you received for detailed information on

settings and operation of your radio.

4. Fit the cover if you wish to drive with

the convertible top open (refer to

page 42).

You will find additional details

concerning radio reception in the

chapter "Advanced technology" on

page 150.

⁹⁶ⁿWind deflector

Hardtop

Removal

Pull the four straps to release the

retainers, then reverse the installation

sequence to remove the wind deflector.

Fold the wind deflector and place it in

its protective slipcase prior to storing it

in the luggage compartment.

While driving

Removal

You can always drive with the wind Your BMW Z8 roadster is equipped

deflector installed. Whenever the with a hardtop as standard equipment.

convertible top is closed, flip the center Two individuals are required for its

section of the wind deflector down to

get a better view to the rear.

removal. When removing the top,

always proceed with utmost caution to

avoid damage to the vehicle's paint and

bodywork as well as to the hardtop

itself.

1. With the two stud fasteners closed,

first unfasten the zippers entirely.

2. Release the two stud fasteners and

lay down the center section either to 1. Set up the hardtop cart as described

the rear or the front, as shown in the

illustration.

in the accompanying assembly

instructions

2. Lower the side windows.

3. Press to release the side trim (arrow)

When reattaching, first fasten the two

stud fasteners, then zip the zippers up.

Every time you press on it, you

either lock or unlock the side trim

panel.<

Hardtop

97n

4. Remove both the left and right side

trim panels

5. Remove the tool used for locking the

6. Remove the two oval cover panels

from the front of the hardtop frame,

using a screwdriver, if necessary

9. Place the hardtop on the hardtop

cart as described in the enclosed

assembly instructions.

hardtop, located next to the hardtop 7. Position the tool for locking the

catch on the left side, position the

tool and turn it forward until you hear

an audible click. Do this both on the

left and right side of the hardtop to

release both catches

hardtop, and turn it outward until you

hear an audible click. Do this both on

the left and right side of the hardtop

frame to release both catches

8. The hardtop's detent mechanism is

now completely disengaged. With

the aid of an assistant, lift the

hardtop up and over the rear of the

vehicle

To avoid possible damage, take

care not to jam the electrical wires

on the left and right sides.<

Do not set the hardtop down

upright, as damage could result.<

⁹⁸ⁿHardtop

Two individuals are required for

removal and installation. When

removing and installing the top, always

proceed with utmost caution to avoid

damage to the vehicle's paint and

bodywork or to the hardtop itself.

The hardtop headining fabric must

not contact the hardtop cart.

Otherwise it jams and can lead to

damage.<

Installing

10. Press the left and right protective

covers onto the hardtop brackets.

Goes the same way as for taking the

hardtop off, just do it in reverse order.

Attach the protective cloth insert to the

roof brace (arrow) before placing the

convertible top on the hardtop cart.

Whenever the hardtop is in constant

use, the fabric convertible top does not

need to be dismantled, even in winter.

Before storing the fabric convertible top

in the convertible top compartment, it

has to be completely dry to keep any

water or mildew stains from forming.

Tire inflation pressure

Tire condition

99n

Information for your safety

Safety tires

The vehicle's factory-approved safety

tires have been specially designed to

provide optimum safety and driving

comfort on your vehicle.

Your BMW Z8 is equipped with safety

tires.

The assembly consists of self-

supporting tires mounted on specially-

designed wheel rims. Special reinforce-

ment elements support the sidewalls in

the event of pressure loss. Although tire

performance is then restricted, the

vehicle can still be driven on the

deflated tire for a limited distance. Your

vehicle is equipped with a Flat Tire

Monitor that signals you in case of a flat

tire.

It is not merely the tire's service life, but

also driving comfort and – above all else

– driving safety that depend on the

condition of the tires and the mainte-

nance of the specified tire pressure.

Incorrect inflation pressure is a

frequent cause of tire damage. It

also significantly influences the road-

holding ability of your BMW. Check tire

inflation pressures regularly (refer to

page 26), at least every two weeks and

before beginning a longer trip. If this is

not done, incorrect tire pressures can

cause driving instability and tire

damage, ultimately resulting in acci-

dents.<

Tire tread – tire damage

Inspect your tires frequently for tread

depth, wear, signs of damage and for

foreign objects lodged in the tread.

For further information, refer to

pages 67, 137.

Tread depth should not be allowed to

fall below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though

the legally specified minimum tread

depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At at

tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread

depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-

groove base will indicate that the legally

permissible wear limit has been

reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread

depth, there is an increased risk of

aquaplaning, even at relatively

moderate speeds and with only small

amounts of water on the road.

¹⁰⁰ⁿTire condition

Tire replacement

Avoid overloading the vehicle so

To maintain good handling and vehicle practices and differences in road char-

that the permitted load on the tires response, use only tires of a single

is not exceeded. Overloading can lead tread configuration from a single manu-

to overheating and increases the rate at facturer. BMW tests and approves

acteristics and climate.

Traction

which damage develops inside the

tires. You could have a blowout as a

result.

wheel and tire combinations. Refer to

page 104.

The traction grades, from highest to

lowest, are AA, A, B and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability

to stop on wet pavement as measured

under controlled conditions on speci-

fied government test surfaces of

Unusual vibrations encountered during

normal vehicle operation can indicate a

flat tire or some other vehicle defect, as

can variations in normal vehicle

response, such as a pronounced

tendency to pull to the left or right.

Should this occur, respond by immedi-

ately reducing your speed. Proceed

carefully to the nearest BMW center or

professional tire center, or have the

vehicle towed in to have it and its tires

inspected.

DOT Quality Grades

Tread wear

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C

may have poor traction performance.

All passenger vehicle tires

must conform to Federal Safety

Requirements in addition to these

grades.<

The traction grade assigned to

this tire is based on straight-

ahead braking traction tests, and does

not include acceleration, cornering,

aquaplaning, or peak traction charac-

teristics.<

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.

Tire damage can endanger the lives of

both the vehicle occupants and other

road users.<

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

Tire replacement

Tire rotation

101n

Temperature

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Between the axles

The temperature grades are A (the

highest), B and C, representing the

tire's resistance to the generation of

heat and its ability to dissipate heat

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified indoor laboratory

test wheel.

Quality grades can be found where

applicable on the tire sidewall between

tread shoulder and maximum section

width. For example:

If different tire sizes are mounted

on the front and rear axles (refer to

page 104), then the tires may not be

rotated from one axle to the other.<

Tread wear 200 Traction AA

Temperature A

The tread wear patterns at the front end

differ from those at the rear – the actual

patterns will vary according to indi-

vidual driving conditions. In the inter-

ests of safety and maintaining optimal

handling characteristics, tire rotation is

not recommended.

Sustained high temperature can cause

the tire material to degenerate and

reduce tire life, and excessive tempera-

ture can lead to sudden flat tire. The

grade C corresponds to a level of

performance which all 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.

Use only safety tires as there is no

spare tire available if you get a flat

tire.

For further information, refer to

page 137.<

Tire age

The date on which the tire was manu-

factured is indicated by the code on the

sidewall:

DOT ... 3201 indicates that the tire was

manufactured in week 32 of 2001.

Although tires may have a theoretical

service life of up to 10 years, BMW

strongly recommends that you replace

all tires after an absolute maximum of

6 years.

The temperature grade for this tire

is established for a tire that is

properly inflated and not overloaded.

Excessive speed, underinflation, or

excessive loading, either separately or

in combination, can cause heat buildup

and possibly a flat tire.<

¹⁰²ⁿWheel and tire combinations

Codes on light-alloy wheels:

For example:

x 18 EH2

The right choice

Codes on tires and wheels

Use only wheels and tires

The code on tires has the following

meaning.

8

J

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.<

Rim width

in inches

Codes on radial tires:

Code letter for

flange type

For example:

245/45 R 18 96 W

Nominal width

in mm

Symbol for full-drop

center rim

Rim diameter in inches

Aspect ratio in X

Radial tire code

Hump on the 2 rim shoulders

Rim diameter in inches

Load rating

Protect tire valves from dirt by using

screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the

valves frequently leads to slow leaks.

(not on ZR tires)

Speed rating

(before R on ZR tires)

For wheel and tire specifications

approved by BMW, refer to page 104.

Safety tires carry additional designation

codes; these vary according to manu-

facturer:

The speed rating indicates the

approved maximum speed for the tire.

The correct wheel and tire combi-

nation affects different systems

that otherwise will not function prop-

erly, e.g. ABS, DSC and Flat Tire

Monitor.

Bridgestone RFT

Summer tires:

Dunlop

Goodyear

Michelin

DSST

EMT

ZP

S

T

H

V

= up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

= up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

= up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

= up to 150 mph (240 km/h)

For this reason, use only tires of the

same brand and tread pattern on the

vehicle and, for example, restore the

approved wheel and tire combination

following a flat tire as soon as

possible.<

Storage

W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)

= up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h)

Always store tires in a cool, dry place,

protecting them against light whenever

possible. Protect the tires against

contact with oil, grease and fuel.

Y

Winter tires:

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

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

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

Special features of winter tires

Snow chains*

103n

The use of narrow-link BMW snow

chains is permissible in pairs only on

the rear wheels with winter tires with

tire size 245/45 R 18 96 H. Comply with

all manufacturer's safety precautions

when mounting the chains. Do not

exceed a speed of 30 mph (50 km/h)

while driving with mounted snow

chains.

Choosing the right tire

Do not exceed specified

maximum speeds

For winter road driving, BMW recom-

mends winter tires (M+S radial belt

tires). Although all-season M+S tires

Never exceed the maximum speed

for which winter tires are rated.

provide better winter traction than stan- Unprofessional attempts by laymen to

dard summer tires with H, V, W, Y and

ZR speed ratings, they generally fail to

service tires can lead to damage and

accidents.

provide the same levels of performance Have this work performed by skilled

as standard snow tires in winter driving. professionals only. Your BMW center

will be glad to assist you with both their

In the interests of safe tracking and

Do not activate the Flat Tire

Monitor when driving with snow

chains mounted. Malfunction warnings

and undetected losses in pressure are

a possibility when driving with snow

chains.

expertise and the proper equipment for

steering response, install radial tires

your vehicle.<

made by the same manufacturer and

with the same tread configuration on all

Tire condition, tire pressure

four wheels if you elect to mount winter

tires.

Once the tread depth on winter tires is

less than 0.16 in (4 mm), they are no

longer suitable for winter road driving,

and in the interest of safety should be

replaced.

For further information, refer to

page 67.<

When selecting winter tires,

remember that you should never

mount anything other than safety tires,

as your vehicle is not equipped with a

spare tire.

Comply with the specified tire inflation

pressures – and be sure to have the

wheel and tire assemblies balanced

every time you change the tires.

For further information, refer to

page 137.<

¹⁰⁴ⁿApproved wheel and tire specifications

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

approves them. Your BMW center can provide further information.

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

the vehicle documents.

Tire specifications

BMW Z8

Light-alloy wheel

Summer tires

Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W

Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W

Winter tires

8Jx18EH2

9Jx18EH2

245/45 R 18 96 H M+S

8Jx18EH2

The use of rims and wheel bolts

that do not meet the specifica-

tions of the original factory-installed

equipment will affect the safe operation

of your vehicle and may cause an acci-

dent and personal injury.

Snow chains*

It is impossible to install snow chains

on 275/40 R 18 99 W summer tires.

Do not activate the Flat Tire

Monitor when driving with snow

chains mounted. Malfunction warnings

and undetected losses in pressure are

a possibility when driving with snow

chains.

Never mix tires of different design, such

as steel-belted radials with radial bias-

belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire

types will adversely affect roadholding

and can lead to loss of vehicle

For further information, refer to

page 67.<

control.<

Hood

105n

Never attempt to carry out service

or repair operations on your

vehicle if you do not have the required

professional skills and technical back-

ground. 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 applicable instructions

and safety precautions. Failure to work

in an informed, professional manner

when servicing components and mate-

rials constitutes a safety hazard for

vehicle occupants and other road

To release

To open

Pull the lever located under the left-

hand side of the instrument panel.

Press the release handle upward and

open the hood.

users. If you are not familiar with official

servicing procedures, please have the

work performed by your BMW center.<

¹⁰⁶ⁿHood

To close

Lower the front of the hood to within

several inches of the lock, then allow it

to fall of its own weight. Next, press

both sides down simultaneously,

continuing until you hear the detent

mechanism engage.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the hood is clear

when it is being 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.<

107n

¹⁰⁸ⁿEngine compartment

Engine compartment

109n

1 Brake fluid reservoir 114

2 Auxiliary terminal for

jump-starting 145

3 Coolant expansion tank 113

4 Engine oil filler neck 111

5 Engine oil dipstick 111

6 Reservoir for windshield and

headlamp washer system 110

¹¹⁰ⁿWasher fluids

Washer nozzles

Antifreeze agents for the washer

systems are highly flammable.

Windshield washer system

The spray from the nozzles should be

directed onto the windshield so as to

ensure effective cleaning, even at high

speeds. Use a needle to adjust the

nozzles if required, or have them

adjusted by your BMW center.

For this reason, keep it away from

sources of flame and store it in its orig-

inal container. Store it so that it is inac-

cessible to children. Comply with the

instructions on the containers.<

Headlamp washer system

Have this system adjusted by your

BMW center, if required.

Headlamp and windshield washer

system

Capacity in US quarts (liters):

approx. 5.6 (5.3)

Fill with water and – if required – with a

washer antifreeze (according to manu-

facturer's recommendations).

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

Engine oil

111n

Checking the oil level

Adding engine oil

The oil volume 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. Let the warmed-up engine idle for

about 15 seconds, then turn it off

3. Pull the dipstick out after about

1 minute and wipe it off with a clean

lint-free cloth, tissue, or similar mate-

rial

Wait until the level has dropped to just

above the lower mark before adding oil.

However, never let the oil drop below

this mark.

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 transmission, differential and

the power steering system.<

4. Carefully push the dipstick 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.

¹¹²ⁿEngine oil

Specified engine oil

Viscosity ratings

The quality of the engine oil is

Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-

lished in SAE classes.

extremely important for the function

and life of an engine. Based on exten-

sive testing, BMW has approved only

certain types of engine oils.

Select the correct SAE class based on

the climatic conditions in the area

where you typically drive your BMW Z8

Use only approved "BMW High Perfor- roadster.

mance Synthetic Oil."

Approved oils are 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. Use only oils with

API SH specification or higher.

These oils may be used for driving in all

ambient temperatures.

Ask your BMW center for details

concerning the specific "BMW

High Performance Synthetic Oil" or

"synthetic oils" that have been

approved.<

You can also call BMW of North

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

website: for more

detailed information.

Engine oil

Coolant

113n

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of used oil.<

Do not add coolant to the coolant

system when the engine is hot,

since escaping coolant can cause

burns.

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

by your BMW center only.

on, never use anything other than

factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-

free, extended-duty antifreeze with

corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is

familiar with the official specifications.

Antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor is

hazardous to health. Always store in

tightly closed original containers kept

well out of the reach of children.

Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-

sion inhibitor contains the flammable

substance ethylene–glycol: never allow

the antifreeze to spill onto hot engine

components, as fire and serious

personal injury in the form of burns

could result.<

Continuous exposure to used oil

has caused cancer in laboratory

testing.

For this reason, thoroughly wash any

areas of skin that come into contact

with oil using soap and water.

Always store oils, grease, etc. so that

they are inaccessible to children, and

follow warning lables on containers.<

Checking coolant level

The correct coolant level when the

engine is cold (approx. 687/206):

Up to the "MAX" mark on the translu-

cent expansion tank.

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of extended-duty antifreeze

with corrosion inhibitor.<

¹¹⁴ⁿCoolant

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,

it absorbs moisture from the air

Adding coolant

To guard against the possibility of

scalding injuries, always wait until the

engine cools (temperature gauge

needle in blue sector) before

unscrewing the cap on the expansion

tank.

over time.

In order to ensure the safety and reli-

ability 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). Brake fluid is toxic and attacks

the vehicle's paintwork. You should

always store it in its original container

and in a location that is inaccessible to

children.

1. Turn the cap slightly counterclock-

wise in order to allow accumulated

pressure to escape. Then open

2. Slowly add coolant until the correct

level is reached – do not overfill.

The brake warning lamp comes on and

the parking brake has been released:

The brake fluid is too low.

The coolant is a mixture of water and

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

inhibitor. Always maintain the

Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the

brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"

mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon

contact with hot engine parts and

cause serious burns.<

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).

prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture

ratio for year-round protection against

internal corrosion. No other additives

are required.

Replace the coolant every three years.

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of brake fluid.<

Brake fluid loss can increase brake

pedal travel. For this type of situation,

refer to the notes on page 92.

Vehicle Identification Number

115n

In the engine compartment, on the

right-hand strut dome (arrow) and on

the upper left-hand edge of the instru-

ment panel.

¹¹⁶ⁿThe BMW Maintenance System

Service Interval Display

Service Warranty Information

Booklet (US models)/Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models)

Optimal maintenance intervals are

calculated by using advanced tech-

nology; these then are indicated in the

Service Interval Display. While conven- For additional information on mainte-

tional systems rely on distance traveled nance intervals and procedures, please

alone to determine when service is due, refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-

the BMW Maintenance System has for mation Booklet (US models) or the

years considered the actual conditions Warranty and Service Guide Booklet

under which the vehicle operates,

because miles can be traveled in many

different ways:

(Canadian models).

Have your BMW center perform

maintenance and repair work.

62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated Your BMW center is always informed on

From the maintenance point of view,

The BMW Maintenance System has

been designed as a reliable means of

ensuring that our customers enjoy

optimal vehicle safety and reliability

with only minimum effort and expense.

in short-distance urban driving are not

equivalent to the same distance

covered at moderate speeds in long-

distance highway travel.

the latest maintenance work and repair

techniques and equipped with the

required special tools. In addition,

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).

Please keep in mind that regular service

not only plays a vital role in ensuring

continued vehicle safety, but also plays

a significant role in maintaining your

vehicle's resale value.

The BMW Maintenance System, which

is based on operating conditions,

includes the Engine Oil Service and

Inspections I and II.

Determining the maintenance intervals

according to the actual loads on the

vehicle covers every kind of operating

situation. However, even those drivers

who put significantly less than

These entries are your proof of regular

vehicle maintenance and the basis for

warranty claims.<

6,000 miles (10,000 km) on their vehicle

anually should have the engine oil

changed at least every two years since

oil deteriorates over time, regardless of

use.

Caring for your vehicle

117n

> the wheels and tires of your vehicle

cannot be damaged by the convey-

When cleaning the headlamps,

please observe the following:

ance devices of the car-wash system > Do not clean by wiping with a dry

Washing your vehicle

You can have your new BMW washed

in an automatic car wash. Car-wash

systems that do not employ brushes

are preferable.

> the vehicle is cleaned with minimum

brush pressure, and that ample water

is available for washing and rinsing.

cloth. 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

Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and

remove dead insects before washing

the vehicle.

Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-

sible to the automatic washer – such as

door sills, door and hood edges, etc. –

should be cleaned by hand.

In order to avoid spots, do not wash the

vehicle when the hood is warm, or

during or immediately after exposure to

strong sunlight.

> Always use a deicer spray to remove

accumulated ice and snow – never

use a scraper.<

In the winter months, it is especially

important to ensure that the vehicle is

washed on a regular basis. Large quan-

tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to

remove, and they also cause damage to

the vehicle.

After washing the vehicle, apply

the brakes briefly to dry them.

In order to protect your convertible top,

do not use washing programs featuring

wax application on your vehicle. The

small amount of beading wax always

used in automatic car washes will not

harm the convertible top.

Braking efficiency might otherwise be

reduced by the moisture and the brake

rotors could also be corroded.<

If spray wands or high-pressure

washers are used, be sure to

When using an automatic car wash, be

sure that

maintain an adequate distance between

the spray source and the vehicle's

surface. Inadequate distance and

excessive pressure can damage or

weaken the finish, making it more

susceptible to further damage. In addi-

tion, moisture could penetrate to

vehicle components, leading to long-

term damage.<

> the car-wash system is suited for the

dimensions of your vehicle

> no damage will occur on vehicles

with attached body accessories (such

as spoilers or antennas). Consult the

car-wash operator if necessary

¹¹⁸ⁿCaring for your vehicle

Clean off bird droppings immediately,

since they attack the convertible top

and cause the rubber seals to swell due improper care, cleaning or as the result

Dents and discoloration may show up

on the convertible top because of

Cleaning and care of the

convertible top

The appearance and life of the convert-

ible top are highly dependent on its

proper care and operation. You should

to their caustic characteristics.

of excessive usage. The convertible top

and its seams may also develop leaks.

These problems are not covered by the

warranty. For repairs, please consult

your BMW center.

Besides water, treat rubber seals only

pay particular attention to the following with talcum powder, rubber-care prod-

ucts or silicone spray, particularly when

they feel dry or tend to stick.

instructions if your vehicle has a light-

colored top.

Protect the vehicle from exposure to

intense sunlight whenever possible by

parking it in the shade. This will help to

prevent the paint, rubber and fabric-

covered parts from being attacked.

Eliminate noises such as squeaks with

lubricant spray.

Special wash for the top

Respond to more extensive dirt, which

is especially visible on light-colored top

materials, by cleaning the top with the

BMW Convertible Cleaning Set. Please

proceed as follows:

Never use sharp-edged objects to

clean the rear window of snow or ice. If

using a deicer spray, make sure that

none of the spray comes into contact

with the convertible top. Because of the

risk of damage and discoloration, do

not apply adhesive tape, stickers, or

similar materials to the window or cover

with plastic film.

Never fold up the convertible top and

store it in the convertible top compart-

ment when it is wet, dirty or frozen, as

mildew stains and chafe spots may

result.

Spray the convertible top with the

cleaning agent and then rub with a well-

dampened sponge using circular

motions until a foam develops. Then

you can finish washing the vehicle in an

automatic car wash. After three to five

washings the convertible top should be

treated with a special impregnating

spray. Please follow the instructions on

the spray can.

To prevent the formation of a crease in

the rear window and to avoid mildew

stains, do not leave the top folded in

the convertible top compartment for

long periods.

If the vehicle will be parked for lengthy

periods in an enclosed space, be sure

that the convertible top is dry and that

there is adequate ventilation.

Caring for your vehicle

119n

To remove stains from the

convertible top, use only BMW-

approved cleaning agents. Do not use

spot removers, paint thinners, solvents,

gasoline or similar substances for

removing stains; these agents destroy

the rubber seals, which in turn leads to

leaks.

Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,

Exterior finish

animal droppings (strong alkali effect)

and even tree secretions (resins and

pollen), all contain substances capable

of causing damage to the finish of your

vehicle if allowed to remain for an

extended period of time (such as stains,

bumps, scratches and separation of the

top coat).

Your vehicle is protected by a multilayer

finish applied at the factory. Protection

against corrosion is provided by cata-

phoretic immersion priming using mate-

rials that have been specially developed

over many years of sustained research.

Regular maintenance makes an impor-

tant contribution to maintaining the

safety and value of your vehicle.

A full range of car-care products is

available from your BMW center.<

In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,

lime, oily soot, precipitation containing

sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-

ronmental pollutants will damage the

vehicle's finish unless adequate care is

provided – even though this is generally

limited to the outside horizontal

surfaces.

Increasing awareness of the effects of

harmful environmental factors on

vehicle finishes have led paint and

vehicle manufacturers to initiate

Hardtop

Please observe and follow the instruc-

tions for caring for your vehicle starting

on page 117.

programs designed to further improve

the durability of their finishes. Despite

this, environmental factors that occur

locally or regionally can have negative

effects on the finish of your vehicle.

This should guide you in determining

the frequency and extent of your efforts

to maintain the vehicle finish.

In tropical climates intense ultraviolet

radiation and high atmospheric

humidity are accompanied by tempera-

tures that can exceed 105 7 (40 6) in

the shade. Under those conditions, light

paints can reach temperatures of up to

175 7 (80 6) while darker finishes can

heat to levels as high as 250 7

(120 6).

¹²⁰ⁿCaring for your vehicle

Caring for the vehicle finish

Waxing your vehicle

Repairing the paint

Regular washing is a preventive Protect the finish using carnauba or

measure against long-term effects from synthetic-based waxes only.

substances that are harmful to the

You can touch up small areas of paint

damage with a BMW spray paint or a

BMW touchup stick.

The best way to determine when the

vehicle's finish, especially if you drive

finish needs to be waxed is by noting

The color code of your vehicle is

provided on a tag located near the

vehicle data plate and on the first page

of the Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models) or the Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian

models).

your vehicle in areas with high levels of

when water stops beading on the

air pollution or natural contaminants

surface.

(tree resins, pollen).

You can use a glass cleaner to remove

Nevertheless, you should immediately

remove especially aggressive

any wax or silicone that may have been

left on the windows during waxing.

substances. Failure to do so can lead to

changes in the paint's chemical struc-

Use the cleaning and car-care

More extensive paint damage should

be repaired professionally in accor-

dance with the manufacturer's instruc-

tions. Your BMW center uses original

BMW finish materials in accordance

with approved repair procedures.

ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled

products available at your BMW

during refueling, oil, grease, brake fluid

and bird droppings should always be

cleaned up immediately.

center.<

Any contamination remaining on the

surface of the vehicle will be especially

conspicuous after washing. Use

cleaning fluid or alcohol and a clean

cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove

tar spots with tar remover. After

cleaning, the affected areas should be

waxed to ensure continued protection.

Use the cleaning and car-care

products available at your BMW

center.<

Caring for your vehicle

121n

Rubber components should be cleaned

Window care

Caring for other vehicle

components and materials

with water only; a rubber treatment or

silicone spray may also be applied.

You can use window and glass cleaner

to clean inside window surfaces and

mirrors without smearing and streaking. with alloy wheel cleaner, especially

Light-alloy wheels should be treated

The safety belts should be cleaned with

Never use polishing pastes or abrasive during the winter months. However, do a mild soap and water solution without

(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.

not use aggressive products containing being removed from the vehicle. Never

acids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do

not use steam cleaners operating at

temperatures above 140 7 (60 6).

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as

damage to the belt fabric could result.

Clean the wiper blades with soapy

water. The wiper blades should be

replaced twice a year – before and after

the cold season.

After cleaning, never allow the inertia

reel to retract the belts until they are

completely dry. Dirty safety belts

Carefully clean chrome parts such as

Use only wiper blades approved

by BMW.<

lamp sockets assemblies, door handles prevent the inertia reel mechanism from

and similar items with an ample amount retracting the strap properly, thus

of clean water – and shampoo, too, if

necessary – especially if there is an

accumulation of road salt. Use a

chrome polish for an additional treat-

ment.

constituting a safety hazard.

Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*

can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.

The floor mats can be removed from

the vehicle for cleaning.

Use water to clean plastic components,

headliners, lamp lenses, and surfaces

sprayed dull black – adding vinyl

shampoo, if necessary. Do not allow

moisture to soak through the seats or

headliner. Never use solvents such as

lacquer thinner, heavy-duty grease

remover, fuels, or similar substances.

Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off the

clear covers of the instruments, using

methylated spirits with distilled water as

a cleaning solvent, if necessary, at a

mixing ratio of 1:1.

Clean aluminum surfaces with water

and, if necessary, with a mild soap.

Never use solvents such as lacquer

thinner, heavy-duty grease remover,

fuels, or similar substances.

Use only a wet cloth to clean painted

inner parts. Dry them afterwards with a

soft cloth.

Use the cleaning and car-care

products available at your BMW

center.<

¹²²ⁿCaring for your vehicle

Since dirt and grease gradually attack

the protective layer of the leather, the

cleaned surfaces should be treated

Cleaning agents can contain

dangerous or health-threatening

substances. Therefore, always comply

Leather care

The leather upholstery used by BMW is

a natural product of the highest quality,

processed using state-of-the-art

with BMW leather care agent. This also with the warnings and danger notices

prevents static electricity.

on the package.

methods to ensure that it will maintain

its high quality for years to come,

provided that it is properly cared for.

Open the doors or windows on your

vehicle when cleaning the interior

(when the convertible top is closed).

Never clean your vehicle with solvents

or other materials not specifically

intended for this application.<

For protection against dampness or

moisture, treat the leather with a BMW

impregnating agent.

Because the leather upholstery is

crafted using unadulterated natural

We recommend that you perform this

materials, it will display individual char- procedure twice a year on leather

acteristics and possible surface irregu- exposed to normal use.

larities. You should also bear in mind

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

that this kind of material needs special

Remove grease and oil stains without

care and attention.

rubbing, but rather by dabbing with

Regular periodic cleaning and care are spot remover.

essential, as dust and road dirt act as

If the upholstery is to be exposed to

abrasives in the pores and creases of

intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

the material. This leads to wear spots

stored for an extended period, cover all

and premature brittleness on the

leather surfaces (or, better yet, the

surface of the leather. We therefore

suggest that you clean the leather with

windows) to prevent fading.

a vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent

Use the cleaning and car-care

intervals.

products available at your BMW

For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning center.<

foam.

Airbags

123n

Do not modifiy or tamper with either the

wiring or the individual components in

the airbag system. These include the

padded steering wheel hub, the instru-

ment panel, and the side trim panels of

the doors. Never apply adhesive mate-

rials to these components or cover or

modify them in any way. Do not remove

or dismantle the steering wheel your-

self.

To ensure compliance with applicable

safety regulations, have a BMW center

dispose of airbag generators.

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 front

passenger side

Important safety notices

Do not attempt to remove the gas

generators of the airbag restraint

system from the vehicle. Testing and

servicing are to be performed only by

trained technicians.

In the event of a malfunction, deactiva-

tion, or triggered actuation (as a

response to an accident) of the airbag

restraint system, consult your BMW

center for repairs or service operations.

¹²⁴ⁿVehicle storage

If the vehicle is to be stored for

4. Check the fluid level of the wind-

shield washer fluid reservoir; top off

if necessary

During storage

more than three months, ensure

that the following service operations

are carried out first.<

Recharge a battery that has been taken

out of the vehicle every six months. If it

is not recharged, it will not be service-

able. Every time the battery is

5. Fill the fuel tank completely to

prevent the formation of condensa-

tion

Preparations for storage

discharged, especially over extended

periods, its service life is reduced.

6. Increase the tire inflation pressure to

51 psi (350 kPa).

Have your BMW center perform the

following procedures:

Removing the vehicle from

storage

1. Clean and apply a rust proofing

agent or other treatment to the

Before parking the vehicle

1. Dry the parking brake and footbrake

by brake applications to prevent the

brake discs and drums from

corroding

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

Recharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"

turns black, refer to page 138.

Then have Inspection I performed by

your BMW center, including a brake

fluid replacement, if necessary. Refer to

the Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models) or the Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian

models).

2. Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,

and well-ventilated area. Place the

transmission in first gear or, if neces-

sary, chock the wheels to prevent the

vehicle from rolling. Do not engage

the parking brake

weather-stripping around the hood,

luggage compartment and doors

2. Change engine oil and oil filter at

operating temperature. As an addi-

tional corrosion protection measure,

an anticorrosive agent can be added

to the engine in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions

3. Remove the battery, charge it

completely and store it in a cool (but

frost-free) room

4. Remove the hardtop and store it

separately, refer to page 96

5. Close the convertible top.

3. Check the coolant level and concen-

tration and top off if necessary

Technical modifications

California Proposition 65 Warning

125n

Any BMW center will be happy to

California laws require us to state the

advise you concerning the advisability, following warning:

legal requirements and factory recom-

mendations for technical modifications

to the vehicle. The BMW center will

require the Vehicle Identification

Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals

Number and, in some cases, the engine known to the State of California to

number as well.

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 light-

emitting diodes are similar to conven-

tional lasers.

Do not remove the protective lens

and avoid staring directly at the

unfiltered beam for extended periods

(several hours). To do so could result in

inflammation of the iris.<

¹²⁶ⁿOBD interface socket

An illuminated indicator informs

you of the need for service, but

not of the need to stop the

When the filler cap is not properly

tightened, the OBD system can

detect the vapor leak and the indicator

will light up. If the filler cap is subse-

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

vehicle. However, the systems 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 controll

components, especially the catalytic

converter.

The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-

face socket is located on the driver's

side at the bottom of the instrument

panel and under a cover. The cover has

the letters "OBD" on it.

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-

sions-related components and systems

for deterioration and malfunction.

127n

Operation, care and maintenance for Your BMW Z8 Roadster First Generation (2000-2003)

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