2000 BMW Z8 Owners Manual

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The automatic convertible top
In order to avoid subsequent
moisture damage, do not leave
the convertible top open when it is wet
(further reference to this made begin-
ning on page 116, in the chapter "Car-
ing for your vehicle").<
To mount the cover
In order to avoid damaging or
getting dirt on the inside of the
convertible top, always drive with the
convertible cover installed.<
Take the folded up cover out of the lug-
gage compartment and pull it out of its
protective sleeve.
1 Unfold the cover and lay it out on top
of the convertible top
2 First guide the front cover's left, then
the right tab into the slot (arrow par-
tial section)
While guiding the tabs in, use one
hand to press the inside part of the
convertible top down inside, so that it
does not get jammed in or damaged.<
520de108
3 Circling it around, push the cover
under the rear edge of the convertible
top well. Lightly pounding on the
cover makes it easier to attach prop-
erly520de107

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The automatic convertible top4 Lock the cover by pressing down to
the right and left
5 Pull on the knob to check that it is
securely locked
Each time you press down on the
locking device, you will either lock
or unlock the cover.<
Be sure that the cover is secured
properly on the vehicle. If it is not
firmly secured, the flow of air while driv-
ing could loosen the cover at higher
speeds.<520de038
To remove the cover Follow the same steps as for assembly,
however, in reverse sequence.
After removing, feed both of the outside
ends for the cover under its respective
retaining strap, fold it in the middle and
then fold it toward the outside (leather
on leather).
Put the folded up cover back into its
protective sleeve and stow it in the lug-
gage compartment.520de109
Closing1 Press and hold the switch in the
"Close" (2) direction until the auto-
matic closing procedure stops of its
own accord, right before the convert-
ible top frame is lying on top of the
window frame520de083

42n
The automatic convertible top2 Grab the recessed handle. Doing this
will activate the button. Press and
hold the button down
3 Pull the convertible top frame onto
the window frame. The button you
are pressing on releases the auto-
matic locking device for the convert-
ible top as it attaches to the window
frame.
The closing procedure is finished
after you hear the locking device
audibly click into place; the indicator
lamp on the instrument panel will
then go out (refer to page 16).
The indicator lamp stays on while the
convertible top is in motion. The indica-
tor lamp will flash if you let go of one of
the buttons before the opening proce-
dure has been completed.520de104
Power loss or malfunctionShould the electrical system malfunc-
tion, an opened convertible top can be
operated manually. Refer to page 141.Wind protectionRefer to page 93.HardtopRefer to page 94 and following.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
For maximum safety when adjusting the
seating position, please observe the
following:
Never try to adjust your seat while
driving the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected move-
ment, and the ensuing loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident.
Be sure that the safety belt remains
firmly against your body at all times. In
the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over the hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced
if the belt is worn loosely.
Never ride with the backrest reclined to
an extreme angle (especially important
for the passenger to remember). If you
do so, there is a risk that you will slide
under the safety belt in an accident,
thus reducing the protection provided
by the safety belt.<
Correct sitting postureTo reduce strain on the spinal column,
sit all the way back in the seat and rest
your back fully against the backrest.
The ideal sitting posture is achieved
with your head extending from your
spine in a straight line.
For long-distance driving, you may wish
to increase the backrest tilt-angle
slightly to reduce muscular tension.
You should be able to grasp the steer-
ing wheel at its highest point with your
arms slightly bent.
1 Backward/Forward adjustment
2 Cushion height
3 Backrest angle
Adjust the head restraint manually.
Move the seat backward only if
the backrest is first locked into
place. Whenever the backrest has been
flipped forward, moved back and sub-
sequently folded back into place, it
cannot lock, which can damage the
back of the backrest and the rear trim
panel.
Do not move a seat whose backrest has
been tilted too far back, otherwise, the
back of the backrest and the rear trim
panel could be damaged.<
520de017
Seat adjustment

44n
Head restraints Seat backrest Belt guideAdjustments Upward: by pulling.
Downward: unlock by first pressing the
button located on the right under the
leather (arrow 1).
Head restraints reduce the risk
of spinal injury in the event of an
accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its
center is approximately level with your
ears.<520de016
To unlockPull on the outermost edge of the strap
and tip the backrest forward.
The straps are located on the outer
sides of the backrests. On the passen-
ger seat straps are also located on the
inner side of the backrest.
Lock both backrests while driving,
otherwise there is a danger of an
unexpected movement causing an
accident.
Do not use the strap as a holder, e. g.
for newspapers or other items. This
could cause the backrests to unlock.<520de098
The strap for the belt guide can be
opened: release the push button.
Should it be necessary, this can relieve
the load or the access to the equipment
in the rear well.
For further information regarding load-
ing, refer to page 81.
Before each trip, insert the safety
belt into the strap for the belt
guide, otherwise, it will not hold
securely and become ineffective due
to a loosely worn safety belt.<520de099

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Adjusting the steering wheel
Mirrors
Press button: set the steering wheel
vertical to the seating position.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected movement.<520de118
Exterior mirrors1 Switch for 4-way adjustment
2 Selection switch for changing
between mirrors, switch either all the
way to the left or the right 520de018
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.
When estimating the distance be-
tween yourself and other traffic,
bear in mind that the objects reflected
in the mirror are closer than they ap-
pear. This means that estimating of the
distance to following traffic should not
be regarded as precise. with the ignition key in position 2.

46n
Mirrors Car Memory, Key MemoryInterior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer By responding to ambient light and the
glare from traffic behind you, this mirror
automatically dims through an infinitely
variable range. Two photocells are re-
sponsible for this. One of the photocells
is located in the mirror frame (arrow),
while the other is slightly offset and
located on the back side of the mirror.
The mirror switches to its clear, un-
dimmed mode whenever you shift into
reverse. 520de019
Keep the photocells clean for optimum
performance and keep the area be-
tween the mirror and windshield clear,
not even fastening any stickers or simi-
lar items.
For an explanation of the electro-chro-
mic technology used in this mirror, refer
to page 150.
How the system functions You have probably frequently wished
that you could configure your vehicle
individual functions to reflect your own
personal requirements. In engineering
your vehicle, BMW has included several
user-defined functions in the vehicle's
design. Your BMW center can make
these settings for you.
There are settings related to the vehicle
("Car Memory") and settings related to
individuals ("Key Memory"). You can
have up to four different basic settings
adjusted for four different persons. The
only requirement is that each person
uses his or her own remote control key.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes
the individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes
adjustments accordingly.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car Memory, Key MemoryWhat the system can doYour BMW center can provide you with
details on the capabilities of the Car
Memory and Key Memory systems.
Below are a few examples:
Examples for Car Memory:
>Various signals you can use as ac-
knowledgement for locking and un-
locking your vehicle
>Deactivating/activating the "follow-
me-home" lamps function
Example for Key Memory:
>Locking your vehicle after starting to
drive
You will see this symbol through-
out the Owner's Manual. It is to
remind you at appropriate places of the
settings that are available to you.<