20n
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems for your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
identified by "
l
" are tested for proper
operation whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
The indicator lamps signal defects in
monitored systems either by remaining
lit after the engine is started or by
coming on in the course of normal
vehicle operation. Refer to the following
section for detailed information on how
to respond to the various types of warn-
ings.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
The alternator is no longer
charging the battery. Indicates a
defect in the alternator drive belt or the
charging circuit. Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Never attempt to continue driving
if the V-belt is defective: the
engine could overheat and sustain
serious damage. A broken or damaged
V-belt will also lead to a sudden
increase in steering effort.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop vehicle and switch off
engine immediately. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
If the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The
engine could sustain damage
owing to inadequate lubrication.
<
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)
l
Flashing warning lamp in addi-
tion to an acoustic signal: a tire
failure has occurred. Carefully reduce
speed to less than 50 mph (80 km/h),
and avoid hard braking or steering
maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 67.
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged,
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 91 and 112.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
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
110n
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.
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