2000 BMW Z8 check engine light

18n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems for your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
in the alternator V-belt or in the charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
V-belt is defective, increased steering
effort is also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

l

Stop vehicle and switch off en-
gine immediately. Check the en-
gine oil level and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.

<



Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)

l

Flashing warning lamp in addi-
tion to an acoustic signal: a tire
failure has occurred. Carefully reduce
speed to less than 50 mph (80 km/h),
thus preventing any hard braking or
steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.
Brake warning indicator

l

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged,
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to read the notes on
pages 89 and 112.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Brake pads

l


Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 89.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) l
Malfunction in the DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Warning lamp, Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC) for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
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:
DSC has been switched off or has been
deactivated because of a malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 63.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp either re-
mains on or comes on intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 124.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
Malfunction in the engine elec-
tronic control system. The elec-
tronics will permit continued driving at
reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Yellow: for your information
Rear foglamp
Lights up whenever the rear
foglamp is turned on.
For additional information, refer to
page 68.

112n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must fall within
the blue zone. If it is not, there is a
danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add cool-
ant until the correct level is reached Ð
do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every three years.If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been re-
leased:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can increase brake
pedal travel. For this type of situation,
refer to the notes on page 89.
520de093
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and eats away the
vehicle's paintwork. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

124n
OBD interface socket The OBD interface socket for onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the in-
strument panel and under a cover panel.
The cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system throughout the
vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-
sion-related components and systems
for deterioration and malfunction.520de130
An Illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, but
not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When this
occurs, you should reduce speed and
consult the nearest BMW center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over
only a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
Warning lamp "Service Engine
Soon" for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.<

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19,86
Accessories4
Activated charcoal filter73
Adding engine oil109
Adding washer
fluid108,157
Adjusting the
temperature72
Adusting seats43
Air conditioner70
Air distribution72
Air nozzles70
Air outlets70
Air pressure96
Air supply72
Airbags19,49,121,148
Alarm system36
Antenna92
Antifreeze111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19,86
Anti-theft alarm system36
Anti-theft protection30
Aquaplaning85,97
Ashtray79
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner80
Automatic car washes115
Automatic speed control59 Automatic windshield
washer58
Avoiding unwanted
alarm37
Axle loads156
B
Backrest, unlock44
Backup lamps56
bulb replacement130
Battery136,158
charge137
discharged143
Battery capacity158
Battery charge current18
Belts48
Beverage can holder78
Blower72
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Bore154
Brake fluid112
Brake hydraulic system18
Brake pads20
Brakes88
brake faults89
Breaking in the vehicle84
Bulb replacement129 C
California Proposition 65
Warning123 Can holder78
Car Memory46
Car radio62,92
refer also to the car radio
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception92,148
Car telephone79
Car wash115
Care
exterior117
interior119
Caring for the vehicle
finish118
Catalytic converter85
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)19
CD mode, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Cellular phone92
refer also to "Radio and
Information Systems
Owner's Manual"
Central locking system30
key34
Changing the oil filter157
Check air pressure24
Child restraint systems51
Child seat safety52
Child seats51
Cigarette lighter80
Clock62
Cockpit14 Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch56
Compartments76,77
Compartments for stowing
items76
Compression154
Configuring the settings46
Connector for On-Board-
Diagnostics124
Consumption display60
Controls14
Convertible top39
closing after an electrical
malfunction141
Coolant111,157
Coolant temperature
gauge61
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)19
Cruise control59
Curb weight156
Current check indicator18
D
Dashboard14
Data
dimensions155
engine154
technical154
weights156

A-Z

Everything from A to Z
163n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Daytime running lamps
switch67
Daytime-driving lamp
switch67
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)88
Defrost position73
Defroster, rear
window58,73
Defrosting the windows73
Dimensions155
Dipstick109
Disc brakes88
Displacement154
Display lighting67
Displays16
Door keys28
Door warning lamp
bulb replacement132
Doors
emergency actuation30
remote control31
unlocking and locking30
DOT Quality Grades98
Draft-free ventilation73
Drive belts158
Driving hints85
Driving lamps67
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)20,63,149
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)88 Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)20,63,149
E
Electric power seat
adjustment43
Electric power windows38
Electrical defect
passenger-side door141
Electrical equipment
failure138
Electrical system158
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer29
Emergency actuation
doors30
Emergency operation
fuel filler door140
passenger-side door141
Engine compartment106
Engine coolant111
Engine cooling157
Engine data154
Engine oil109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Engine oil level19
check109
Engine oil pressure18 Engine output154
Engine speed154
Engine, starting54
Exit lamps
bulb replacement132
Exterior mirrors45
F
Fault, ABS87
Fill capacities157
Filler cap cover23
Filling capacities157
Filling the washer
reservoir157
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir157
First aid22
First-aid kit22
Fittings, tow starting and
towing144
Flashlight77
Flat tire135
Foglamps
bulb replacement131
Follow-Me-Home lamps67
Footbrake88
Footwell lamps68
bulb replacement132
For car phones and
telephones, please refer to
the manufacturer's
Owner's Manual Front seat adjustment43
Frost protection,
radiator111
Fuel24
preparation154
Fuel filler door
release after an electrical
defect140
Fuel gauge60
Fuel indicator60
Fuel quality24
Fuel tank capacity157
Fuses138
G
Gasoline24
Glove compartment76
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement133
Gross vehicle weight156 H
Handbrake55
Handsfree system79
Hardtop94
Hazard warning flashers22
Hazard warning triangle22
Head restraint44
Headlamp covers,
care115,129
Headlamp flasher68