2001 BMW Z8 change time

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Mirrors Car Memory, Key MemoryInterior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer This mirror automatically responds to
ambient light and headlight glare from
following vehicles by dimming through
an infinitely variable range. The
dimming function is regulated by two
photocells; one is integrated in the
mirror's frame (arrow), while the other is
located at an offset position on the rear
of the mirror. 520de019
The mirror switches to its clear,
undimmed mode whenever you shift
into reverse.
To ensure that the photocells continue
to operate effectively, make certain that
their surfaces remain clear, and refrain
from allowing objects of any kind
(including windshield stickers) to
obstruct the area between the photocell
and the windshield.
For a more detailed explanation of the
electrochromatic technology used in
this mirror, please refer to page 150.
The conceptNo doubt you have reflected at one
time or another on how great it would
be if you could permanently configure
your car's various features and adjust-
ments to mirror your own individual
preferences. In developing the Z8,
BMW has incorporated a number of
options for personal adjustment that
can be programmed into your car by
your BMW center.
The available configuration data fall into
two categories, according to whether
their primary orientation is the vehicle
("Car Memory") or the individual ("Key
Memory"). Provided that each person
has a separate remote control key, you
can have your BMW center enter
adjustment data for as many as four
different individuals into the system.
The system then relies on a bilateral
data exchange to identify the individual
user and dial in the selected settings
whenever the remote control unit is
used to disengage the door locks.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)The conceptRDW monitors the tire pressure in all
four wheels while driving. The system
provides an alert whenever the inflation
pressure drops significantly in one of
the tires.
For RDW to "learn" the correct tire infla-
tion pressure, check the inflation pres-
sure in all tires, comparing them with
the values in the inflation pressure table
(refer to page 27), and make correc-
tions as necessary. Then activate the
system.
The indicator lamp within the in-
strument cluster flashes to alert
you to substantial pressure loss
in any of the tires.
To activate the system 1 Turn the ignition key to position 2
2 Press the switch long enough for
the indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up red for a few
seconds
3 RDW carries out an automatic
initialization process while you are
driving, and stores this data to aim for
optimal conditions. This one-time
"learning" process lasts at least
10 minutes, after which the RDW is
able to detect and report a flat tire.520de117
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement.
Do not reactivate the system after
periodic corrections of inflation pres-
sures to maintain them at the levels
stored during an earlier initialization
process.

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.<

112n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant To guard against the possibility of
scalding injuries, always wait until the
engine cools (temperature gauge
needle in blue sector) before
unscrewing the cap on the expansion
tank.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue
turning to remove.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every three years.The brake warning lamp comes on and
the parking brake has been released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can increase brake
pedal travel. For this type of situation,
refer to the notes on page 91.
520de157
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and attacks the
vehicle's paintwork. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<

114n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
ensuring that you enjoy optimal vehicle
safety and reliability with only minimum
effort and expense.
Please keep in mind that regular service
not only plays a vital role in ensuring
continued vehicle safety, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining your
car's resale value.
520us006
Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are
calculated by using advanced tech-
nology; these are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates,
because miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From the maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
equivalent to the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System, which
is based on operating conditions,
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those drivers
who put significantly less than
6,000 miles (10,000 km) on their
vehicles annually should have the
engine oil changed at least every two
years since oil deteriorates over time,
regardless of use.
Service Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair work.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent part
of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries are
your proof of regular vehicle mainte-
nance and the basis for warranty
claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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).

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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.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 19.3 (approx. 73)
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10)Fuel quality: page 26
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx 5.3)For details: page 108
Cooling system including heater
circuitquarts (liters) 12.7 (12.0) For details: page 111
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) "BMW High Performance Synthetic
Oil." For details: page 110
Manual transmission quarts (liters) 2.0 (1.9) Lifetime fluid; no fluid change required
Differential quarts (liters) 1.3 (1.2) Fluid change at the
1,200-Mile Service, then lifetime fluid;
no fluid change required