2001 BMW Z8 engine

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate clear-
ances for safety between vehicles,
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
occurs are always the responsibility of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to mislead you into
taking risks of any kind.
Do not make any modifications
to the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<
In case of a system malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp comes
on, refer to page 21. The brake
system will then function the
same as on vehicles without
ABS. However, have the brake
system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible. To prevent
undetected defects and cumulative
faults from adversely affecting the brake
system, refer any problems to your
BMW center at the earliest opportunity.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced ABS engineering
design. Vehicle stability is also
enhanced when braking during
cornering at a higher rate of lateral
acceleration and during lane changes.

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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.<

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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.<

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Never attempt to carry out service
or repair operations on your
vehicle if you do not have the required
technical background. Always switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down
before working in the engine compart-
ment. Always disconnect the battery
before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all appli-
cable instructions and safety precau-
tions. Failure to work in an informed,
professional manner when servicing
components and materials constitutes
a safety hazard for vehicle occupants
and other road users. If you are not
familiar with official servicing proce-
dures, please have the work performed
by your BMW center.<
To release
Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel. 520de084
To open
Press the release handle upward and
open the hood.520de153
Hood

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Engine compartment
520de155

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment 1 Brake fluid reservoir112
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting143
3 Coolant expansion tank111
4 Engine oil filler neck109
5 Engine oil dipstick109
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system108

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface
2 Let the warmed-up engine idle for
about 15 seconds, then turn it off
3 Pull the dipstick out after about
1 minute and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, tissue, or similar
material
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.520de089
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.520de091
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, differential and
the power steering system.<520de090

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Engine oil Specified engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain 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
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com for more
detailed 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.
530us200