102n
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireFor winter road driving, BMW recom-
mends winter tires (M+S radial belt
tires). Although all-season M+S tires
provide better winter traction than stan-
dard summer tires with H, V, W and ZR
speed ratings, they generally fail to pro-
vide the same levels of performance as
standard snow tires in winter driving.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Mount only winter tires that have been
approved by BMW. Any BMW center
will be glad to provide you with informa-
tion on the best winter tires for your
particular driving conditions.
Use only winter tires with emer-
gency driving characteristics as
there is no spare tire available if you get
a flat.
For further information, refer to
page 135.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tread depth on winter tires is
less than 0.16 in (4 mm), they are no
longer suitable for winter road driving,
and in the interest of safety should be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains is permissible in pairs only on
the rear wheels with winter tires with
tire size 245/45 R 18 96 H. Comply with
all manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains.
Do not activate the RDW system
while using snow chains.
Malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure are possible when
driving with snow chains.
For further information, refer to
page 65.<
110n
Engine oil Specified engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is ex-
tremely important for the function and
life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain types of engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
"synthetic oils" that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site, www.bmwusa.com, to obtain this
information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
Select the correct SAE class based
on the climatic conditions in the area
where you typically drive your BMW Z8
roadster.
Approved oils are SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
outside temperatures.
530us050
111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: Have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease, etc. so that
they are inaccessible to children, and
follow warning labels on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot,
since escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than fac-
tory-approved, nitrite- and amino-free,
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Your BMW center is familiar
with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original containers
and in a location that is inaccessible to
children. Extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor contains the flamma-
ble substance ethylene-glycol. For this
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
engine components. If you do, it could
be ignited and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Adjust coolant level when the engine is
cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):
Up to the MAX mark on the transparent
reservoir.520de092
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
118n
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or natural contaminants (tree
resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease, brake fluid
and bird droppings should always be
cleaned up immediately.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol and a clean cloth
or cotton pad to remove. Remove tar
spots with tar remover. After cleaning,
the affected areas should be waxed to
ensure continued protection.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Repairing the paint You can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The color code of your vehicle is pro-
vided on a tag located near the vehicle
data plate and on the first page of the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.
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).
157n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 19.3 (approx. 73)
approx. 2.6 (approx. 10)Fuel quality: page 24
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx 5.3)For details: page 108
Cooling system including heater
circuitquarts (liters) 16.4 (15.5) For details: page 111
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) "BMW High Performance Synthetic
Oil." For details: page 110
Manual transmission quarts (liters) 2.0 (1.9) Lifetime fluid; no fluid change required
Differential quarts (liters) 1.3 (1.2) Fluid change at the 1,200 Mile Service,
then lifetime fluid; no fluid change
required
Everything from A to ZHeadlamp washer
system108,157
Headlamp washers58
Heating and ventilation70
Heating, rapid75
Heavy loads81
Height155
High beams21,56,68
Holder for beverage
cans78
Hood release104
Horn15 I
Identification, tires101
Ignition keys28
Ignition lock53
Indicator lamps18
Inflation pressure24,96
monitoring65
INSPECTION61
Instrument cluster16
Instrument lighting67
Instruments16
Interaxle tire rotation100
Interface socket for On-
Board-Diagnostics124
Interference
cellular phone92
Interior lamps32,68
bulb replacement133
remote control32 Interior motion sensor36
Interior rearview mirror
with automatic
dimmer46,150
Intermittent wipe57
J
Jump starting143 K
Key Memory46
Key with remote control28
Keys28 L
Lamps on warning67
Leather care120
Length155
License plate lamp
bulb replacement131
Light switch67
Light-alloy wheels103
Lighter80
Loading81
Louvers70
Low beam headlamps67
Low beam light inside
rearview mirror46
Low traction road
surfaces91 Luggage compartment
capacity156
emergency release35
remote control33
Luggage compartment lamp
bulb replacement134
Luggage compartment
lid35
emergency release35
M
M+S tires102
Maintenance61,114
Manual transmission56
Microfilter73
MID (Multi-Information
Radio)62
Mirrors45
Mobile cellular phones92
Modifications,
technical4,123
Multi-Information Radio
(MID)62 N
Navigation system, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Neckrest44 O
OBD interface socket124 Odometer60
Oil
additives109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick109
Oil level
check109
indicator lamp19
Oil pressure
indicator lamp18
OILSERVICE61
Onboard tool kit128
Opening and closing
from inside34
from outside30
Outlets, ventilation70
Outside temperature
display62
P
Paint blemishes117
Paint, care117