2001 BMW Z8 ECO mode

91n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakes Brake systemDriving notesWhen driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is advisable to apply light pres-
sure to the brake pedal every few miles.
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
to you or to other road users. The heat
generated in this braking process helps
dry the pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 93).
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times.
You can enhance the engine's braking
effect by engaging a lower gear, down-
shifting as far as first gear when
descending extremely steep slopes. Even if engine braking fails to slow the
vehicle sufficiently, you should still
make every effort to avoid prolonged
braking with continuous application of
low to moderate pressure at the pedal.
It is better to decelerate the vehicle by
applying a higher level of force at the
pedal (watch following traffic!) and then
subsequently pausing to allow the
brakes to cool briefly before starting on
your next braking cycle. By protecting
brake system components against
overheating, the cooling phases
afforded by this staggered, or intermit-
tent braking technique help maintain
consistent availability of optimal braking
response when it is needed.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed, the gear-shift lever in
neutral, or, above all, with the engine
off; otherwise, the engine will provide
no braking effect if the transmission is
in neutral, and there is no braking or
steering power assist if the engine is
not running. Never allow floor mats,
carpets or any other objects to obstruct
the accelerator, clutch or brake pedals
and pose a safety hazard by reducing
their available travel range.<
Brake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level in the reser-
voir is too low, refer to page 112.
If the brake fluid level is too low
and brake pedal travel has become
noticeably longer, there may be a
defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<

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

Everything from A to Z
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
MM+S tires102
Maintenance63
Malfunction, ABS89
Manual transmission58
Map lamps71
Microfilter75
Mirrors47
Mobile phones94
Modifications,
technical6, 123
Multi-Information Radio
(MIR)64NNavigation system, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Neckrest46
Neon lamps129OOBD interface socket124
Odometer62
Oil
additives109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick109
Oil filter change157
Oil level
check109
indicator lamp21
Oil pressure
indicator lamp20
OILSERVICE63
Onboard tool kit128t
Opening and closing
from inside36
from outside32
Operation in winter92
Outlets, ventilation72
Outside temperature
display64
PPaint, care117
Paintwork
minor repairs118
waxing118
Parking brake57
Parking lamps70
Parking, winter93Performance154
Phone, refer to cellular
phone94
Pocket flashlight79
Pollen75
Power steering94
Power windows40
Pressure tires26t, 98
monitoring67
RRadio64, 94
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Radio reception94, 148
Rapid heating77
RDW (Tire Pressure
Warning)67
Reading lamps71
Rear fog lamp70
bulb replacement131t
Rear window
defroster60, 75
Rearview mirror47
Recirculated air mode74
Refill washer
reservoir108t
Refueling25
Remaining fuel indicator62
Remote control33Removing condensation
from the windows75t
Removing the vehicle from
storage122
Replacement keys30
Replacing fuses138t
Replacing lamps and
bulbs129t
Replacing windshield wiper
blades128t
Replenish washer
fluid108t
Reporting Safety Defects7
Restraint systems53
Return used
batteries138t
Reverse17, 58
Roof load capacity156
Rotating the tires100
Rubber parts92
SSafety belt tensioner149
Safety belts50
Safety buttons36
Seat adjustment45
Seat heating77
Securing cargo83
Self-defrosting mirrors47
Service Booklet114