2000 BMW Z8 engine

60n
1 Odometer With the ignition key in position 0, you
can activate the displays shown in the
illustration by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster (arrow).2 Trip odometerTo reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1.520us004
Avoid engine speeds in the gauge's red
warning zone.
If the needle gets into this range, fuel
supply is interrupted to protect the en-
gine, resulting in a noticeable loss of
power.520de029
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
Once the indicator lamp comes on and
stays on, there are approx. 2.6 gallons
(10 liters) of fuel left in the fuel tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to
page 157.
Certain operating conditions (such
as those encountered in mountainous
areas) may cause the needle to fluctu-
ate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result
in damage to the engine or catalytic
converter.<520us005
Odometer Tachometer Fuel gauge

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle, the engine has overheated.
Turn it off immediately and let it cool
down.520de031
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response
to high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
For checking coolant level, refer to
page 111.
Remaining distance before
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The remaining distance in miles before
the next scheduled service will appear
together with the display OILSERVICE
or INSPECTION.
The computer bases its calculations for
the remaining distance on the preced-
ing driving conditions.
A flashing display and a "Ð" in front of
the number indicate that service is past
due by the number of miles displayed.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.520us006

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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)

64n
Dynamic Stability Control Dynamic Driving ControlTo reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style remains the
responsibility of the driver. For this rea-
son, do not use the additional safety
margin provided by the system as an
excuse to take risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Service procedures on
the system are to be performed by
authorized technicians only.<
For additional details concerning DSC,
please refer to the chapter "Advanced
technology" on page 149.
Whenever required, the system can be
switched from sporty-comfortable ori-
entation Ð based on what the driver is
demanding in terms of vehicle perfor-
mance via the accelerator pedal Ð to a
purely sports-oriented response. This
means that the switch-over is sponta-
neous and in response to the demands
made on the system through the accel-
erator pedal (detecting the sport mode).Every time the engine is started, the
sporty-comfortable orientation is acti-
vated.520de057
Detecting the Sport ModeActivating
In ignition position 2, press the button.
The indicator lamp will come on.
Deactivating
Whenever the indicator lamp is on, it
will go out if you press the button again.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Side lamps (Side marker lamps)
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. For light-
ing on one side for parking, refer to
page 68.
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition
and the low beams are still on,
only the side lamps (side marker
lamps) remain on.
520de036
"Follow-Me-Home" lamps:
If you actuate the headlamp
flasher after you have parked the vehi-
cle and shut off the engine, the low
beams will remain on for a brief period.
You may also have this function deacti-
vated if you wish.<
"LAMPS ON" warningIf you turn the ignition key in position 0,
an acoustic signal will sound for a few
seconds after the driver's door has
been opened if the low beam head-
lamps have not been switched off.Daytime running lamps switch
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daylight driving when
ignition key is in position 2.
Turn the knob to adjust the lighting
intensity.520us008
Side lamps/Low beams Instrument lighting

72n
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioningAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The higher the set-
ting, the greater the amount of
heat and air supply. In position
0, the blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off.
Temperature
In order to increase the inte-
rior temperature, turn to the
right. For rapid heating, turn
completely to the right. Then
select an interior temperature that is
comfortable for you.
Air distribution
You can direct the airflow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . You can also make
all intermediate settings. The "6 o'clock"
setting is recommended for normal con-
ditions (refer also to the illustration and
overview on page 70).
Recirculated air mode
If there are unpleasant odors
in the outside air, you can tem-
porarily block the air supply.
The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over when
using recirculated air, turn off the
recirculated air mode and increase the
airflow if necessary, or press the button
for "defrosting and defogging the win-
dows."<
Venting in outside air
Recommended when driving
with the convertible top open.
The degree to which the pas-
senger compartment is
heated depends on temperature selec-
tion and air distribution.
Air conditioner/Venting in outside
air
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and Ð depending on
the temperature setting Ð
warmed again when the air
conditioner system is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Do not turn on the air conditioner if out-
side air temperature is below approx.
41 7 (5 6). This will help to prevent
the windows from fogging.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back on.
Air conditioner/Recirculated air
mode
Both systems are operating.
Another advantage is that a
hot vehicle cools down more
quickly with the convertible
top closed. This way, you will get the
lowest possible vented air temperature
(turn the temperature rotary dial all the
way to the left).

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

84n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following instructions:
Your BMW Z8 roadster is an espe-
cially high-quality vehicle. It is in
your best interest to follow the break-in
instructions very closely. Doing this will
create the basis for a long, optimum
service life.<
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
(4,500/min), or a road speed of 106 mph
(170 km/h).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Absolutely refrain from the full-throttle
position with the accelerator.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can begin to gradually
increase both the engine speed and
road speed.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle service life.TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus, drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is being driven
on wet or slushy roads, a wedge
of water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as "aquaplaning," or "hydro-
planing," and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle con-
trol and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life.
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 traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is en-
gaged.
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 Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles (500 km).
Engage the gears carefully and without
high engine speeds during this break-in
period.
Break-in procedures