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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.<
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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
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High beams/Parking lamps
Rear foglamp Interior lamps
1 High beam (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Parking lampsParking lamp, left or rightWith the ignition key in position 0,
engage the lever in the appropriate
turn signal position.520de025
The yellow indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up
whenever the rear foglamps are
switched on.
Obey the legal stipulations regarding
foglamp use.
520de039
The interior lamps operate automati-
cally.Switching the interior lamps on
and off manuallyTurn the knob.
If you want the interior lamps to remain
turned off, keep the knob turned for
approx. 3 seconds.
Turn the knob again to turn it back on.Footwell lampsThe footwell lamps operate in the same
way as the interior lamps.520de040
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioning
If the windows fog over when
using recirculated air, turn off the
recirculated air mode, and increase air-
flow if necessary, or press the button
for "defrosting and defogging the win-
dows."<
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This operation quickly re-
moves ice and condensation
from the windshield and the
side windows.
Rear window defroster
Whenever the hardtop is on,
the indicator lamp lights up
when the rear window de-
froster is turned on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
Refer to page 58.
The indicator lamp is always
active. The rear window defroster
will not work if the hardtop is not in
place.<
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the air outlets for the up-
per body area for your personal comfort:
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.520de043
You can adjust the direction of the air-
flow using the levers 2.
Set the air outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you.MicrofilterThe microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. Your BMW cen-
ter will change this filter during routine
maintenance. A substantial reduction in
air flow indicates that the filter needs to
be replaced early.520de140
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Storage compartmentsIn the center consoleTo open:
Flip the cover up (arrow 1) Ð access to
the ashtray and cigarette lighter.
When the glove compartment has been
unlocked, press the button (arrow 2) Ð storage shelf for
the cellular phone.
To close:
Flip the cover back into place.
Manual operation(in the event of electrical malfunction)
Refer to page 140 for operating
the
storage shelf for the cellular phone.
520de050
Behind the seatsBy way of example, the illustration
shows the storage compartment behind
the driver's seat.
To open:
Unlock by turning the master key all the
way to the left.
The cover will open slightly and can
then be flipped all the way up.
To close:
Press down until you hear it snap into
place. The cover has been locked
again.
If you turn over only your door and
ignition key for valet parking (refer
to page 28), access is impossible.<520de082
Rechargeable flashlight Located in the storage compartment
behind the driver's seat.
Because of overload-protection, the
flashlight can remain in its holder.
Be sure that the flashlight is
switched off when it is inserted
into its holder. Failure to do so could
lead to overcharging and damage.<520de070
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Cigarette lighterPress the lighter in. Remove as soon as
the lighter jumps back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result
in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. Therefore do not leave unsu-
pervised children in the vehicle.<520de053
Cigarette lighter socketThis socket is suitable for attaching
power supplies for flashlights, car vac-
uum cleaners, or other appliances up to
a rating of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts.
Avoid damaging the socket by inserting
plugs of improper shapes or sizes.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loadingStowing cargo If you are carrying cargo in the luggage
compartment of your BMW Z8 roadster:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible, directly behind the luggage
compartment partition
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
If you are stowing cargo behind the
seats in your BMW Z8 roadster:
>Stow only lightweight objects, such
as clothing items
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
Do not stow either heavy cargo or
cargo with sharp edges and cor-
ners behind the seats, or else they
could damage the back of the seat or
the rear trim panel.
Cargo that is too big or unwieldy and
stowed behind the seats can also pre-
vent the seat from locking properly into
position. Therefore, check to make sure
that the seat is properly locked into
place, moving the seat forward if nec-
essary. Refer to page 43.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can endanger
the passengers during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and axle load (refer to page 156),
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
is no longer assured and you are in
violation of the law.
Make sure to secure heavy or hard
objects you stow in the passenger area,
otherwise, these objects could be flung
about during braking or evasive
maneuvers and possibly injure vehicle
occupants.<
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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