2000 BMW Z8 check oil

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.

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Indicator and warning lamps

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The red brake warning lamp
comes on together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, DSC and
DBC control system has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake
applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 63, 86.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp

l

Comes on when the parking
brake is applied Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 55.



Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts

l

Together with an acoustic sig-
nal. Comes on until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 48.
Airbags

l



Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 49, 148.

Yellow: check as soon as
possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in re-
sponse to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able and unrestricted. Please have the
system inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 86.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level


Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than approx. 30 miles (50 km) until
you add oil.
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 109.

61n
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

109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface
2 Let the warmed-up engine idle for
about 15 seconds, then turn it off
3 Pull the dipstick out after about
1 minute and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, tissue, or similar
material
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.520de089
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.520de091
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, differential and
the power steering system.<520de090

114n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed so that it will ensure reli-
able vehicle transportation and opera-
tion with the least amount of cost and
effort on your part as possible.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
520us006
Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are cal-
culated by using advanced technology;
these are then indicated in the Service
Interval Display. While conventional
systems rely on distance traveled alone
to determine when service is due, the
BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From the maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
equivalent to the same distance cov-
ered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System, which
is based on operating conditions,
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the ve-
hicle covers every kind of operating sit-
uation. However, even those drivers who
put significantly less than 6,000 miles
(10,000 km) on their vehicles annually,
should have the engine oil changed at
least every two years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Service Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair work.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be
subject to wear is a permanent part of
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries are
your proof of regular vehicle mainte-
nance and the basis for warranty
claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

122n
Storing your vehicle
If you plan on parking the vehicle
for more than three months,
please adhere the maintenance opera-
tions described below.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in accor-
dance with approved repair proce-
dures. Wash the vehicle, clean the
interior and treat painted and
chromed parts. Clean the weather-
stripping around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top off
if necessary
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated area. Place the
transmission in first gear or, if neces-
sary, chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling. Do not engage
the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 95
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge a battery that has been taken
out of the car every six months. If it is
not recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black, refer to page 136.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement, if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).

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