Get Operation, care and maintenance -> Special operating instructions: Break-in, Driving notes Guide for BMW Z8 Roadster First Generation (2000-2003)

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.<

Operation, care and maintenance -> Special operating instructions: Break-in, Driving notes for Your BMW Z8 Roadster First Generation (2000-2003)

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