Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Changing a wheel135
Battery136
Fuses138
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door140
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment140
Passenger door141
Closing the convertible top141
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump starting143
Towing the vehicle144Airbags148
Radio reception148
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)149
Safety belt tensioner149
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer150
Xenon lamps151Engine data154
Dimensions155
Weights156
Capacities157
Electrical system158
Drive belts158
30n
Keys1 The key memory functions are stored
in the remote-control key, refer to
page 48
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master
key that is not in regular use, use that
key approximately once every year
while driving for an extended period to
charge the battery. Also refer to
page 33.< 520de142
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use
3 Door and ignition key
The lock for the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key.
This is recommended for valet
parking, etc.
There is a key case available for using
your master key on a regular basis.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Your
BMW center is obligated to ensure that
a person requesting a key is authorized
to do so, since the keys are an integral
element of the security system (refer to
"Electronic vehicle immobilizer" in the
following columns).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn it once to position 2 in
the ignition lock (ignition switched on)
and then back, so that the electronic
vehicle immobilizer can initialize the
new key.<
33n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from outsideUsing the remote control Remote control offers you optimal
convenience in using your vehicle's
locking system while also providing
three exclusive supplementary features:
>Interior lamp activation, refer to
page 34.
With this function, you can also
"search for" your vehicle Ñ if, for
example, it is parked in an under-
ground garage.
>Opening the luggage compartment
lid, refer to page 35.
>Panic mode, refer to page 35.
In case of danger, you can trigger
an alarm.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated/activated simultaneously with the
unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and
the alarm system is disarmed/armed,
and the interior lamps are turned on/off.
Master keysKeys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 30.
You can have different confirma-
tion signals programmed into the
system to verify that the vehicle has
been locked correctly.<
Because children left within the
vehicle could lock the doors from
the inside, you should always remove
the key and take it with you to ensure
that you remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside at all times.<520de010
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the steering
lock every time you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to charge the battery. Refer also
to page 30.
To prevent unauthorized use of the
remote control, surrender only the door
and ignition key 3 or the spare key 2
(refer to page 30) when leaving the
vehicle for valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<
122n
Vehicle storage
If the vehicle is to be stored for
more than three months, ensure
that the following service operations
are carried out first.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rust proofing 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
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure,
an anticorrosive agent can be added
to the engine in accordance with the
manufacturer'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
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion
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
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 96
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).
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
127n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Changing a wheel135
Battery136
Fuses138
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door140
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment140
Passenger door141
Closing the convertible top141
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump starting143
Towing the vehicle144
Repairs
129n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Lamps and bulbs The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your
vehicle. Therefore, comply fully with the
following instructions during bulb
replacement. 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 elec-
trical system, switch off the elec-
trical 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,
comply with any instructions provided
by the bulb manufacturer.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not wipe dry (scratches). 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,
provided 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.
The xenon light unit operates at
extremely high voltages; contact
with the unit's electrical components
can be fatal. We therefore urge you to
refer all service and repairs, including
bulb changes, to qualified professional
technicians.<
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.
Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)21, 88
Accessories6
Activated charcoal filter75
Add
brake fluid112t
engine coolant112t
engine oil109t
washer fluid108, 157
Adjust
seats45
temperature74
washer nozzles108t
Adjustment setting
configuration48
Air conditioner72
Air distribution74
Air outlets72
Air pressure98
Air supply74
Airbags21, 51, 121, 148
Alarm system38
Antenna94
Antifreeze111
radiator92
Antifreeze/corrosion
protection92
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21, 88
Anti-theft alarm system38
Anti-theft protection32Approved gross vehicle
weight156
Aquaplaning98
Ashtray81
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner82
Automatic car washes115
Automatic headlamp
washers60
Automatic windshield
washer60
Avoiding a false alarm39t
Axle loads156
BBackrest
adjusting45
unlock46
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement130t
Battery136, 158
add distilled water136t
capacity158
charge current20
charging137t
discharged143
recycling138t
removing and
installing137t
Belts50
Beverage can holder80
Blower74BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Bore154
Brake hydraulic
system20, 91
Brake system91
faults91t
fluid112t
pads22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure86
Bulbs and lamps129t
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning123
Can holder80
Car Memory48
Car phone81
Car radio64
reception94, 148
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Car wash115
Care
exterior117
for the vehicle finish118
interior119
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 89CD player, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system32
key36
Changing a wheel135t
Changing the oil filter157
Changing tires135t
Checking air pressure26t
Checking engine oil
level109t
Child restraint
systems53, 54
Child seat safety54
Child seats53
Cigarette lighter82
Clean headlamps60
Clock64
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn
signal indicator/headlamp
flasher58
Compartments79
for stowing items78
Compression154
Connector for On-Board-
Diagnostics124
Consumption display62
A-Z
Everything from A to ZService Interval
Display63, 114
Shelves78, 79
Side airbags51
Side lamps69
bulb replace-
ment129t
Side marker lamps69
Skid control93
Slippery roads93
Snow chains92, 103
Socket82
for flashlights82
for power supplies82
for vacuum cleaners82
Sound system, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Spare key30
Spark plugs158
Speaker81
Specified engine oil110
Speedometer18
Starting56
problems87t, 143
Steel wheels103
Steering94
Steering wheel lock55
Stopping the vehicle56
Storage areas78, 79
Storing your vehicle122
Stroke154
Summer tires101Switching off the engine56
Switching off the interior
motion sensor39t
Switching off the tilt sensor
alarm system39t
Symbols4, 136
TTachometer62
Tail lamps130
bulb replacement130t
Tank capacity157
Technical data154
Technical
modifications6, 123
Telephone81
Temperature display
outside temperature64
Temperature gauge
engine coolant63
Temperature
selection74, 75
Tilt alarm34
Tilt alarm sensor39
Tire codes101
Tire damage98t
Tire inflation
pressure26, 98
Tire pressure monitor67
Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW)67
Tire replacement99, 100Tire rotation100
Tire specifications103
Tire tread98
Tools128t
Torque154
Tow fittings144t
Tow starting144t
Towing the vehicle144t
Track155
Traction Control System
refer to DSC65
Transmission58
Transmitter key30
Tread depth, tires98
Trip odometer62
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid37
Turn signal indicator23, 58
Turning radius155
UUniform Tire Quality
Grading100
Unusually high steering
effort20, 94
Use anti-freeze112t
radiator112t
Used batteries,
disposal138t
VVacuum cleaner82
Vehicle battery136, 158
Vehicle care
exterior117
interior119
Vehicle equipment
options and accessories5
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)113
Vehicle immobilizer31
Vehicle painting117
Vehicle storage122
Vehicle weight156
Vehicle, starting56
Vehicle, stopping56
Ventilation72
draft-free75
Vinyl upholstery, care119WWarning lamps20
Washer nozzles,
adjusting108t
Washer reservoir,
filling108t
Washing your car115
Water on roadways87
Waxing, paintwork118
Wear indicator in the
tires99
Weights156