2000 BMW Z8 steering wheel

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability even in
critical driving situations. The system
optimizes vehicle stability during accel-
eration and when starting from a full
stop, as well as optimizing traction. In
addition, the system recognizes unsta-
ble vehicle conditions (understeering or
oversteering, for example) and holds
the vehicle on a sure course by inter-
vening via the engine and by braking
intervention at the individual wheels,
within physically feasible limits.
The system starts up automatically
each time you start the engine.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 20.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
If the indicator lamp does not go out
after the engine is started, or if it comes
on during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the button.
You can continue to drive the vehicle
normally, but without DSC.
Please consult your BMW center for re-
pairs.
To deactivate the systemPress the button, and the indicator
lamp comes on and stays on.
When the DSC is deactivated, you are
operating the vehicle in the conven-
tional drive mode.
In the following rare circumstances, it
may be a good idea to deactivate the
DSC for a short period of time:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on when possible.<520de035
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)The conceptThe RDW monitors the tire pressure in
all four wheels while driving. The sys-
tem provides an alert whenever the in-
flation pressure drops significantly in
one of the tires.
For RDW to "learn" the correct tire infla-
tion pressure, check the inflation pres-
sure in all tires, comparing them with
the values in the inflation pressure table
(refer to page 25), and make correc-
tions as necessary. Then activate the
system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will flash to inform
you if the inflation pressure in
one of the tires has dropped signifi-
cantly.
To activate the system 1 Turn the ignition key to position 2
2 Press the switch long enough for the
indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter to light up red for a few seconds
3 The RDW undergoes an automatic
"learning" process while you are driv-
ing, and stores this data to aim for op-
timal conditions. This one-time "learn-
ing" process lasts at least 10 minutes,
after which the RDW is able to detect
and report any tire failure.
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement.
Once the pressures have been adjusted
to the reference values used in the
"learning" process, do not activate the
system a further time.520de117
Tire failureThe red indicator lamp will flash in the
event of a tire failure.
A supplementary gong is also heard.
Carefully reduce speed to less than
50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding any hard
braking or steering maneuvers while
doing so.
For additional details, refer to page 135.
The RDW cannot alert you to
severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors.
Nor can it detect the gradual loss of
pressure at all four tires that normally
occurs over a period of time.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures84
Driving notes85
Catalytic converter85
Antilock Brake System (ABS)86
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)88
Disc brakes88
Brake system89
Winter operation90
Power steering92
Cellular phone92
Radio reception92
Wind protection93
Hardtop94
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure96
Tire condition97
Tire replacement98
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Winter tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103Under the hood:
Hood104
Engine compartment106
Washer fluids108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113
Maintenance and care:
The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags121
Storing your vehicle122
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications123
California Proposition 65
Warning123
OBD interface socket124

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Antilock Brake System (ABS) The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der braking. This is because: locked
wheels are dangerous. When the front
wheels slide, the driver loses steering
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at
the rear wheels can cause the rear end
to break into an uncontrolled skid.
With ABS, you will achieve the shortest-
possible braking distances under all
given conditions (braking while driving
straight ahead or in curves, different
road surfaces).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>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).
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the vehi-
cle exceeds a speed of approx. 6 mph
(10 km/h). The ABS is deactivated
whenever the vehicle's speed drops
back below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h).
This means that the wheels can tend
to lock in the very final phase of a panic
stop, which in actual practice is not
critical.
The ABS system works best in situa-
tions requiring maximum pressure on
the pedal (full braking). Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness,
you can nevertheless avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
The ABS system's closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsing of the brake pedal, com-
bined 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.On road surfaces that have a loose layer
on a firm base (on gravel or snow, for in-
stance), the braking distances with ABS
may be longer than with the wheels
locked. This also applies for driving with
snow chains. However, ABS continues
to provide enhanced vehicle stability
and steering response under these
conditions.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakes Brake systemDriving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
which is generated by the brake appli-
cations helps to dry the brake 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 91).
Long or steep mountain descents do
not necessarily lead to reduced braking
efficiency if you drive downhill with the
transmission in a gear requiring minimal
brake applications.
Braking effect on the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid ex-
tended, continuous braking. Instead of
maintaining low to moderate pressure
over an extended period of time, you
should decelerate by applying more
substantial pressure to the brake pedal
(watch for following traffic), releasing
the pedal, and then repeating the appli-
cation (staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from overheat-
ing and retain full braking capacity.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed, the gear-shift lever in
neutral, or, above all, with the engine
shutt off; otherwise, the engine will pro-
vide no braking effect if the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no brak-
ing or steering power assist if the
engine is not running. Do not allow floor
mats, carpets or any other objects to
protrude into the area around the brake
pedal, the clutch or the accelerator
which could obstruct their freedom of
movement.<
Brake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level is too low in
the reservoir (refer to page 112).
If the brake fluid level is too low
and brake pedal travel has become no-
ticeably longer, there may be a defect
in one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen-
ter. Higher brake application pres-
sure may be necessary under these con-
ditions, and brake pedal travel may be
significantly longer. Please remember to
adapt your driving style accordingly.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationDriving on low-traction road
surfacesDo not activate the Sport Mode (refer to
page 64). Use smooth, gentle pressure
to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid
excessive engine speeds and shift to
the next higher gear at an early point.
Shift down into the next lowest gear
when approaching uphill or downhill
grades. Maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the vehicle
ahead.BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking dis-
tance 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
and steering response.If the ABS does not respond in a critical
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.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can always then attempt to steer
around hazards after you have reduced
pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces if you want to decelerate.
Doing so could cause the wheels to
lose traction and skid, thus resulting in
the loss of vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that pro-
vide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal. Countersteer care-
fully and attempt to regain control of the
vehicle.ParkingEngage 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.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
engaged.<

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Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireFor winter road driving, BMW recom-
mends winter tires (M+S radial belt
tires). Although all-season M+S tires
provide better winter traction than stan-
dard summer tires with H, V, W and ZR
speed ratings, they generally fail to pro-
vide the same levels of performance as
standard snow tires in winter driving.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Mount only winter tires that have been
approved by BMW. Any BMW center
will be glad to provide you with informa-
tion on the best winter tires for your
particular driving conditions.
Use only winter tires with emer-
gency driving characteristics as
there is no spare tire available if you get
a flat.
For further information, refer to
page 135.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce 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.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
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 activate the RDW system
while using snow chains.
Malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure are possible when
driving with snow chains.
For further information, refer to
page 65.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Airbags 1 Front airbags for driver and
passenger
2 Side airbags 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 re-
sponse to an accident) of the airbag
restraint system, consult your BMW
center for repairs or service operations.
520de021
Do not modify 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 materi-
als 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 an BMW center
dispose of airbag generators.
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.<