2001 BMW Z8 winter tires

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Side lamps/low beams69
Instrument panel lighting69
High beams/parking lamps70
Rear fog lamp70
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Drink holder80
Cellular phone81
Ashtray81
Cigarette lighter82

Loading and transporting:

Cargo loading83

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter87
Antilock Brake System (ABS)88
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)90
Disc brakes90
Brake system91
Winter operation92
Power steering94
Cellular phone94
Radio reception94
Wind deflector95
Hardtop96

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure98
Tire condition98
Tire replacement99
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Special features of winter
tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103

Under the hood:

Hood104
Engine compartment106
Washer fluids108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113

Maintenance and care:

The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags121
Vehicle storage122

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications123
California Proposition 65
Warning123
OBD interface socket124

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter87
Antilock Brake System (ABS)88
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)90
Disc brakes90
Brake system91
Winter operation92
Power steering94
Cellular phone94
Radio reception94
Wind deflector95
Hardtop96
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure98
Tire condition98
Tire replacement99
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Special features of winter
tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103Under the hood:
Hood104
Engine compartment106
Washer fluids108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113
Maintenance and care:
The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags121
Vehicle storage122
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications123
California Proposition 65
Warning123
OBD interface socket124

92n
Brake system Winter operationBrake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum thickness. Proceed to
the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Winter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather, requiring not only
a different driving style, but also certain
preparations to the vehicle itself to
ensure that your progress through the
winter months remains safe and
trouble-free. CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. Ð 34 7
(Ð 37 6). LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free doors if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
mended.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center. * only in pairs
on the rear wheels with approved winter
tires. Always follow the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
Do not activate the RDW system while
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are possible when driving with snow
chains.
Starting offWhen starting off in deep snow or when
"rocking" the vehicle to free it, it may be
advisable to temporarily deactivate the
DSC system. Refer to page 65.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on whenever possible.<

93n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationDriving on low-traction road
surfacesDo not activate the Sport mode (refer to
page 66). Use smooth, gentle pressure
to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid
excessive engine speeds and upshift
early. Downshift well in advance when
approaching uphill or downhill
grades. Maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the vehicle
ahead.BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking
distance are considerable and should
be kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock,
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can always then attempt to steer
around hazards after you have reduced
pressure on the brake pedal.
Never downshift to exploit engine
braking when driving on slippery
road surfaces, as this could lead to a
loss of traction at the rear wheels,
impairing your ability to control the
vehicle.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal. Countersteer care-
fully and attempt to regain control of the
vehicle.ParkingEngage first or reverse gear. Depending
on the steepness of the incline, you can
apply the parking brake as well. In order
to prevent the parking brake pads from
locking due to frost or corrosion, dry
them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a stop.
Make sure that following traffic is not
endangered.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
engaged.<

101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to page 103.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems that
otherwise will not function properly,
e.g. ABS, DSC and RDW.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel-tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the approved
maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h) For example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
245/45 R 18 96 W
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks.
Tires with emergency driving character-
istics also possess an additional identi-
fication mark that varies by manufac-
turer, e. g.:
Bridgestone RFT
Dunlop DSST
Goodyear EMT
Michelin ZPStorage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light when-
ever possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. For example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
8x18EH 2
J

102n
Special features of 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
provide 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.
Use only winter tires with emer-
gency driving characteristics as
there is no spare tire available if you get
a flat tire.
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.
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 67.<

103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications Snow chains
*
It is impossible to install snow chains
when using summer tires
275/40 R 18 99 W.
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 67.< BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Your BMW center can provide further information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in
the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Light-alloy wheel
BMW Z8
Summer tires
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W 8Jx18EH2
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W 9Jx18EH2
Winter tires
245/45 R 18 96 H M+S 8Jx18EH2
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle control.<

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the
vehicle when the hood is warm, or
during or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
In order to protect your convertible top,
do not use washing programs featuring
wax application on your vehicle. The
small amount of beading wax always
used in automatic car washes will not
harm the convertible top.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that
>the car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>no damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car wash operator if necessary >the wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>the vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer Ð such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ð
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to further damage. In addi-
tion, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
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.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle