2000 BMW Z8 battery

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Starting the engine Turning the engine off Before starting>Engage the parking brake
>Manual-shift gear lever in idling
position
>Depress the clutch pedal
>Key in position 2.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses
an extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<520de141
>Start the engine (by pressing the start
button) but do not step on the accel-
erator pedal.
Do not press on the starter button
for too short a time, but do not hold
it down for longer than 20 seconds,
either. Do not allow the engine to warm
up by leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, drive off im-
mediately at a moderate engine speed.<
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
from approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) and at alti-
tudes above 3,300 ft (1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds)
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always deactivate electrical de-
vices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is rolling. If you
did so, the ignition lock would engage
when the steering wheel is turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always re-
move the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces, since placing the lever in first
gear or reverse may not provide ade-
quate resistance to rolling.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Reading lamps

The reading lamps can be switched on
and off using the push button located
next to each lamp.520de041
In order to prevent battery dis-
charge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key has been turned to position 0.<

104n
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel. 520de084
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all applica-
ble instructions and warnings. If you are
not familiar with the guidelines speci-
fied for the work you are doing on your
vehicle, have it done by a BMW center,
otherwise, improper servicing of parts
and materials constitutes a safety risk
for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
To openPress the release handle upward and
open the hood.520de085
Hood

122n
Storing your vehicle
If you plan on parking the vehicle
for more than three months,
please adhere the maintenance opera-
tions described below.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in accor-
dance with approved repair proce-
dures. Wash the vehicle, clean the
interior and treat painted and
chromed parts. Clean the weather-
stripping around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top off
if necessary
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding
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
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 95
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge a battery that has been taken
out of the car every six months. If it is
not recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black, refer to page 136.
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).

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Changing a wheel135
Battery136
Fuses138
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door140
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment140
Passenger-side door141
Closing the convertible top141
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump starting143
Towing144
Repairs

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Lamps and bulbs The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your vehi-
cle. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replace-
ment. If you are not familiar with any of
the procedures, consult your BMW
center.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar material,
or hold the bulb by its metallic base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the electri-
cal system, switch off the electri-
cal accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, com-
ply with any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
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
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never
use a scraper.<
Xenon lamps

The main headlamps for your BMW
Z8 roadster have been designed using
xenon-light technology. The service life
of these bulbs is very long and the
probability of a failure is very low, pro-
vided that they are not switched on and
off an unusual number of times.
Should a lamp ever fail, however,
please contact your BMW center for
assistance.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
lighting system should be performed
only by authorized technicians. Failure
to comply with this creates a risk of
fatal injury.<
Neon lampsThe front turn signal indicators (side
marker lamps), the rear turn signal indi-
cators, the rear and brake lamps, as
well as the high-mount brake lamp, are
of neon-light technology. The service
life for these lamps is very high and the
likelihood of failure very minimal.
Should a lamp ever fail, however,
please contact your BMW center for
assistance.

136n
Battery
Battery posts, terminals, and re-
lated accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Installation location The battery is located under the lug-
gage compartment's floor panel.Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition
of the battery with the "Magic Eye"
(hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not charged adequately. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information
>Yellow: replace the battery.520de076
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge
state often.<
MaintenanceThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original bat-
tery acid will normally last for the ser-
vice life of the battery under moderate
climate conditions.
For all questions regarding the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following is for
your information only.<
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the following pre-
cautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing bat-
tery acid or lead to come into
contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Be sure that children keep well
away from batteries and battery
acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks when work-
ing around electrical cables or equip-
ment. Turn the key to position 0 in the
ignition when disconnecting or con-
necting the battery. Do not short-circuit
the battery terminals. This creates a risk
of injury from high-energy sparks.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Battery
A highly explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in
your eyes, rinse thoroughly for
some minutes with clear water.
Consult a physician immediately. If you
get acid spray on your skin or clothing,
rinse with plenty of water. If acid is acci-
dentally ingested, consult a physician
immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.
Removing and installing
Do not disconnect the battery
cable when the engine is running.
Disconnecting the battery cable when
the engine is running will cause a volt-
age surge which will damage the vehi-
cle's onboard electronics.
Do not make any modifications in the
wires to the positive terminal. If you do
so, the protective function of the safety
battery terminal is no longer ensured.
Repairs and disposal may only be per-
formed by specially trained personnel.<
When removing, first disconnect the
cable to the negative terminal, then dis-
connect the cable to the positive termi-
nal. Loosen the center adjusting screw
for the battery's retaining strap (use the
screwdriver found in the onboard tool
kit) and remove the bracket.
When installing, first connect the cable
for the positive terminal, then the cable
for the negative terminal.
When installing, make sure that
the battery is seated properly, and
that the battery bracket is installed with
the center adjusting screw, because
otherwise in the event of an accident,
the battery will not be secure enough.<
Charging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running. Use the
connections provided in the engine
compartment (for correct connections,
refer to "Jump starting" on page 143).
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can create the
risk of fire or personal injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle's electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If you intend to store the vehicle for
longer than 12 weeks, remove the bat-
tery, charge it and store it in a cool and
dust-free room where there is no dan-
ger of freezing. During storage, have the
battery recharged every six months.
Also, recharge the battery before it is
reinstalled. If this is not done, the bat-
tery will not be serviceable. Every time
the battery is discharged, especially
over extended periods, its service life
is reduced.