Page 10 of 170

Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside32
Using the key32
Using the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Alarm system38
Electric power windows40
The automatic convertible
top41
Adjustments:
Seats45
Steering wheel47
Mirrors47
Car Memory, Key Memory48
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts50
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
Driving:
Ignition and steering lock55
Starting the engine56
Turning the engine off56
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher58
Washer/Wiper system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display63
Clock64
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Dynamic Performance
Control66
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67
Contents
Page 12 of 170
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
Page 38 of 170

38n
Alarm systemThe conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds
>when a door, the hood or the luggage
compartment lid is opened
>to movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor)
>to variations in the vehicle's tilt angle
such as those occurring during
attempts to steal the wheels or tow
the vehicle
>to interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to attempts of
unauthorized vehicle incursion and theft
by simultaneously activating the
following
>an alarm sounds for 30 seconds
>the hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes
>the high beams flash on and off in the
same rhythm.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
via a door lock or with the remote
control, the alarm system is also simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and tilt alarm
sensor are activated approx.
30 seconds after you have finished
locking the vehicle.
The system indicates that it has been
correctly armed by switching on the
hazard warning flashers for a single
cycle and by emitting an acoustic
signal.
You can select the individual
confirmation signal used to indi-
cate that the alarm system has been
armed or disarmed.<
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located in the
inside rear view mirror's rotary knob.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed>The indicator lamp ßashes during
arming: a door, the hood or luggage
compartment lid is not completely
closed. Even if you do not respond by
securing the affected area, the system
starts to monitor all other points and
the indicator lamp reverts to contin-
uous, uninterrupted operation once
ten seconds have elapsed. The interior
motion sensor remains off>The indicator lamp goes out during
disarming: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed520de014
Page 48 of 170

48n
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.
Page 81 of 170
81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cellular phone Ashtray Located in the storage compartment in
the center console.To remove 1 Press the button (arrow 1) and
remove the plug.
2 Press the button (arrow 2) and
remove the telephone.
Return the phone to its original position
by proceeding in reverse sequence.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.520de159
Hands free systemLocated over the interior rearview
mirror.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.520de131
To openLift cover.
To extinguish a cigarette, brush off the
ash and gently press the tip into the
funnel (arrow 1). To empty Press button (arrow 2): the ashtray rises
and can now be extracted. 520de052
Page 147 of 170
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
147n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Airbags148
Radio reception148
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)149
Safety belt tensioner149
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer150
Xenon lamps151
Technology
Page 150 of 170

150n
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimmer The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimmer reduces glare from
following traffic by adapting the inten-
sity of the reflected images to corre-
spond to levels of light registered by
the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts
to its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One light
sensor is mounted on the front of the
mirror housing. This forward-facing
sensor measures light intensity in the
area ahead of the vehicle. The second
light sensor is integrated within the
mirror's frame. The electronic control
system compares the light intensity
from front and rear. The difference
provides the basic parameter used to
modulate an electrical current and
induce chemical changes in a semisolid
layer incorporated in the lens.520de096
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the mirror manually, and the driver
can concentrate completely on traffic
conditions.
Page 164 of 170

Everything from A to ZFog lamp, bulb
replacement131t
Follow-Me-Home
lamps49, 69
Footbrake90
Footwell lamps70
bulb replacement132t
Front seat adjustment45
Frost protection,
radiator111
Fuel26
gauge62
indicator62
quality26
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault140t
Fuel tank capacity157
Fuel-injection system154
Fuses138GGasoline26
quality26
Glove compartment78
bulb replacement133t
Gross vehicle weight156
HHand lamp79
Handbrake57
Handsfree car phone
system81
Hardtop96
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning
triangle24t
Head restraint46
Headlamp covers,
care115t, 129t
Headlamp flasher70
Headlamp washer
system60, 108, 157
Headlamps70
Headlight glare in rearview
mirror48
Heated mirrors47
Heated seats77
Heating and ventilation72
Heating, rapid77
Heavy loads83
Height155
High beams23, 58, 70
Holder for beverage
cans80
Hood release104t, 104
Horn17
Hydraulic system88, 91
IIdentification, tires101
Ignition keys30
Ignition lock55
Imprint4
Incoming air mode74
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressure26t, 98
monitoring67
INSPECTION63
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel lighting69
Instruments18
Interaxle tire rotation100
Interface socket for On-
Board-Diagnostics124
Interference
cellular phone94
radio reception94
Interior lamps34, 70
bulb replacement133t
remote control34
Interior motion sensor38
deactivating34
Interior rearview mirror
with automatic
dimmer48, 150
Intermittent mode of wiper
system59
JJump starting143KKey Memory48
Key with remote control30
Keys30LLamps and bulbs129t
Leather care120
Length155
License plate, bulb
replacement131t
Light switch69
Light-alloy wheels103
Lighter82
Loading83
Lock deicer92
Louvers72
Low beam headlamps69
Low traction road
surfaces93
Luggage compartment37
bulb replacement134t
capacity156
remote control35
Luggage compartment
lid37
emergency release37t