2000 BMW Z8 key battery

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.

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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.

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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.

28n
Keys1 The master keys with remote control
determine the Key Memory functions.
Refer to page 46
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master
key that is not being used, use that key
approximately once every year while
driving for an extended period to
charge the battery. Also refer to
page 31.<
2 Spare key, store in a safe place, such
as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use 520de142
3 Door and ignition key
The lock for the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key.
This is recommended for valet park-
ing, for instance.
There is a key case available for using
your master key on a regular basis.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Your
BMW center is obligated to ensure that
a person requesting a key is authorized
to do so, since the keys belong to a
security system (refer to "Electronic
vehicle immobilizer" in the following
columns).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn it once to position 2 in
the ignition lock (ignition switched on)
and then back, so that the electronic
vehicle immobilizer can "learn" the
new key.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for unlock-
ing and locking your vehicle. Further-
more, it provides three additional
functions that you can only execute by
means of the remote control:
>Switch on the interior lamps
With this function, you can also
"search for" your vehicle Ñ if, for
example, it is parked in an under-
ground garage
>Open the luggage compartment lid
>Panic Mode
In case of danger, you can trigger
an alarm.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated/activated simultaneously with the
unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and
the alarm system is disarmed/armed,
and the interior lamps are turned on/off.
Master keysKeys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 28.
You can have various signals set
as an acknowledgment message
when locking.<
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this rea-
son, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.<520de010
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle via the remote control, the bat-
tery is discharged. Use this key while
driving for an extended period in order
to charge the battery. Refer also to
page 28.
To prevent unauthorized use of the
remote control, surrender only the door
and ignition key 3 or the spare key 2
(refer to page 28) when leaving the
vehicle for valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<

39n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The automatic convertible topWeather protectionThe fabric convertible top combines re-
liable protection from the elements with
simple, convenient operation. Here are
a few tips to ensure that you enjoy your
roadster.
It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from un-
foreseeable damage from the weather,
it also provides a certain degree of theft
protection. Even if the convertible top is
closed, store your valuables only in the
locked luggage compartment.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures at the
freezing point.Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary,
otherwise the procedure will be inter-
rupted. Driving before the opening or
closing procedure has been properly
concluded can lead to either damage
or injury.
Make sure that no objects or people get
in the way while the convertible top is
opening or closing, so that no damage
or injuries occur.
The automatic operating procedure is
interrupted immediately if the button for
actuating the top is released. The pro-
cedure can be continued in the desired
direction by pressing this button.<
To open from insideFrom ignition key position 1:
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running in
order to save on the battery.
Press and hold the switch in the "Open"
(1) direction until the opening procedure
has ended with the convertible top
being stored in the convertible top com-
partment and the indicator lamp on the
instrument cluster has gone out (refer to
page 16).
While the convertible top is in motion,
the indicator lamp will stay on. If the
opening procedure is not complete, the
indicator lamp will flash after you re-
lease the button.520de055

53n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Your car has a steering-column lock
driven by an electric motor.Releasing the steering and
electricity supply>Insert the key in position 0. The steer-
ing is audibly released.
Encountering any resistance when
turning the key to the right means:
the steering column is still not un-
locked. Turning the steering column
to the right and left can make it easier
to turn the key.
The vehicle immobilizer is deacti-
vated
>In position 1, the radio and certain
electrical consumers are operational
>In position 2, the ignition, the starter
and all electrical consumers are op-
erational.520de023
Removing the keyThe key is removed in position 0. Turn
the steering wheel to engage the steer-
ing lock and activate the electronic
vehicle immobilizer.
With a discharged or discon-
nected battery, the steering col-
umn will not be locked or unlocked.
Leaving the key in the ignition uses up a
minimal amount of power. In order to
avoid discharging the battery, remove
the key if the vehicle is to be parked for
an extended period of time.<
If the steering is locked and the
battery discharged or discon-
nected, do not tow the vehicle, as it will
not be possible to turn the steering
wheel.<
Steering/Ignition lock

54n
Starting the engine Turning the engine off Before starting>Engage the parking brake
>Manual-shift gear lever in idling
position
>Depress the clutch pedal
>Key in position 2.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses
an extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<520de141
>Start the engine (by pressing the start
button) but do not step on the accel-
erator pedal.
Do not press on the starter button
for too short a time, but do not hold
it down for longer than 20 seconds,
either. Do not allow the engine to warm
up by leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, drive off im-
mediately at a moderate engine speed.<
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
from approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) and at alti-
tudes above 3,300 ft (1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds)
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always deactivate electrical de-
vices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is rolling. If you
did so, the ignition lock would engage
when the steering wheel is turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always re-
move the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces, since placing the lever in first
gear or reverse may not provide ade-
quate resistance to rolling.<

69n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Reading lamps

The reading lamps can be switched on
and off using the push button located
next to each lamp.520de041
In order to prevent battery dis-
charge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key has been turned to position 0.<

136n
Battery
Battery posts, terminals, and re-
lated accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Installation location The battery is located under the lug-
gage compartment's floor panel.Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition
of the battery with the "Magic Eye"
(hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not charged adequately. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information
>Yellow: replace the battery.520de076
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge
state often.<
MaintenanceThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original bat-
tery acid will normally last for the ser-
vice life of the battery under moderate
climate conditions.
For all questions regarding the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following is for
your information only.<
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the following pre-
cautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing bat-
tery acid or lead to come into
contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Be sure that children keep well
away from batteries and battery
acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks when work-
ing around electrical cables or equip-
ment. Turn the key to position 0 in the
ignition when disconnecting or con-
necting the battery. Do not short-circuit
the battery terminals. This creates a risk
of injury from high-energy sparks.