Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster16
Indicator and warning lamps18
Hazard warning flashers22
Warning triangle22
First-aid kit22
Refueling23
Fuel quality24
Tire inflation pressure24
Locks and security systems:
Keys28
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer29
Central locking system30
Opening and closing Ð from
outside30
Using the key30
Using the remote control31
Opening and closing Ð from
inside34
Luggage compartment lid35
Alarm system36
Electric power windows38
The automatic convertible
top39
Adjustments:
Seats43
Steering wheel45
Mirrors45
Car Memory, Key Memory46
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts48
Airbags49
Child restraints51
Child seat safety52
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock53
Starting the engine54
Turning the engine off54
Parking brake55
Manual transmission56
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher56
Wiper/Washer system57
Rear window defroster58
Cruise control59
Everything under control:
Odometer60
Tachometer60
Fuel gauge60
Coolant temperature gauge61
Service Interval Display61
Clock62
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)62
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)63
Dynamic Driving Control64
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)65
Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
13n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster16
Indicator and warning lamps18
Hazard warning flashers22
Warning triangle22
First-aid kit22
Refueling23
Fuel quality24
Tire inflation pressure24
Overview
17n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve60
2 Speedometer with indicator and
warning lamps for
>
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)20
>
Engine electronics20
3 Instrument lighting67
4 Tachometer60
with indicator and warning lamps
for
>
Battery charge current18
>
Convertible top operation39
>
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)18
>
Antilock Brake System (ABS)19
>
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)18
>
Service Engine Soon20
>
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level18, 19
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
warning lamp61
6 Indicator and warning lamps for
>
Rear foglamps20
>
Turn signal indicator right21
7 Clock628 Control knob for
>
Clock62
>
Trip odometer, reset to zero60
9 Indicator and warning lamps for
>
Please fasten safety belts19
>
High beams21
>
Airbags19
10 Indicator for
>
Odometer60
>
Trip odometer60
>
Service Interval61
11 Indicator and warning lamps for
>
Turn signal indicator left21
>
Brake pads20
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.
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock53
Starting the engine54
Turning the engine off54
Parking brake55
Manual transmission56
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher56
Wiper/Washer system57
Rear window defroster58
Cruise control59
Everything under control:
Odometer60
Tachometer60
Fuel gauge60
Coolant temperature gauge61
Service Interval Display61
Clock62
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)62
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)63
Dynamic Driving Control64
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)65Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams67
Instrument lighting67
High beams/Parking lamps68
Rear foglamp68
Interior lamps68
Reading lamps69
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioning70
Seat heating75
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment76
Storage compartments76
Beverage can holder78
Cellular phone79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading81
64n
Dynamic Stability Control Dynamic Driving ControlTo reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style remains the
responsibility of the driver. For this rea-
son, do not use the additional safety
margin provided by the system as an
excuse to take risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Service procedures on
the system are to be performed by
authorized technicians only.<
For additional details concerning DSC,
please refer to the chapter "Advanced
technology" on page 149.
Whenever required, the system can be
switched from sporty-comfortable ori-
entation Ð based on what the driver is
demanding in terms of vehicle perfor-
mance via the accelerator pedal Ð to a
purely sports-oriented response. This
means that the switch-over is sponta-
neous and in response to the demands
made on the system through the accel-
erator pedal (detecting the sport mode).Every time the engine is started, the
sporty-comfortable orientation is acti-
vated.520de057
Detecting the Sport ModeActivating
In ignition position 2, press the button.
The indicator lamp will come on.
Deactivating
Whenever the indicator lamp is on, it
will go out if you press the button again.
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.<
129n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Lamps and bulbs The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your vehi-
cle. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replace-
ment. If you are not familiar with any of
the procedures, consult your BMW
center.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar material,
or hold the bulb by its metallic base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the electri-
cal system, switch off the electri-
cal accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, com-
ply with any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth. Never use abrasives or strong
solvents to clean the covers
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never
use a scraper.<
Xenon lamps
The main headlamps for your BMW
Z8 roadster have been designed using
xenon-light technology. The service life
of these bulbs is very long and the
probability of a failure is very low, pro-
vided that they are not switched on and
off an unusual number of times.
Should a lamp ever fail, however,
please contact your BMW center for
assistance.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
lighting system should be performed
only by authorized technicians. Failure
to comply with this creates a risk of
fatal injury.<
Neon lampsThe front turn signal indicators (side
marker lamps), the rear turn signal indi-
cators, the rear and brake lamps, as
well as the high-mount brake lamp, are
of neon-light technology. The service
life for these lamps is very high and the
likelihood of failure very minimal.
Should a lamp ever fail, however,
please contact your BMW center for
assistance.