2001 BMW Z8 towing

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

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loadingStowing cargo If you are carrying cargo in the luggage
compartment of your BMW Z8 roadster:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible, directly behind the luggage
compartment partition
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
If you are stowing cargo behind the
seats in your BMW Z8 roadster:
>Stow only lightweight objects, such
as clothing
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
Do not stow either heavy cargo or
cargo with sharp edges and
corners behind the seats, or else they
could damage the back of the seat or
the rear trim panel.
Cargo that is too big or unwieldy and
stowed behind the seats can also
prevent the seat from locking properly
into position. Therefore, check to make
sure that the seat is properly locked
into place, moving the seat forward if
necessary. Refer to page 45.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can endanger
the vehicle occupants during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and axle load (refer to page 156),
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
is no longer assured and you are in
violation of the law.
Make sure to secure heavy or hard
objects you stow in the passenger area,
otherwise, these objects could be flung
about during braking or evasive
maneuvers and possibly injure vehicle
occupants.<

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To ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide maximum economy throughout
an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the
following section.
Your BMW Z8 is a masterpiece of
superlative technology. To ensure
that you derive maximum satisfaction
from its extensive array of advanced
features while simultaneously creating
the basis for many years of driving
pleasure, we urge you to observe the
following precautions during the initial
operation period.<
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
(4,500/min), or a road speed of 106 mph
(170 km/h).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Avoid depressing the accelerator to the
full-throttle position .
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can begin to gradually
increase both the engine speed and
road speed.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle service life.TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus, drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is being driven
on wet or slushy roads, a wedge
of water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as "aquaplaning" and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
engaged.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles (500 km).
Engage the gears carefully and without
high engine speeds during this break-in
period.
Break-in procedures

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

144n
Jump starting Towing the vehicle6 Start the support vehicle's engine
and let it run
7 Start the engine on the vehicle
needing the jump start, and allow it to
run as usual. If the first start attempt
is not successful, wait a few minutes
before another attempt in order to
allow the discharged battery to
recharge
8 Before disconnecting the jumper
cables from your BMW, turn on the
lamps, set the blower to the highest
speed and allow the engine to run for
at least 10 seconds. This will prevent
a voltage surge from the voltage
regulator to the electrical accessories
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Have the battery recharged if necessary.
Tow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle. It is intended for towing on
paved road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.Access to tow socketsFront:
The uppermost grille stub is clipped on
the grille Ð which is located below the
main grille on the lower right Ð and this
grille can be pulled off, if you pull
forward on it.520de152
Rear:
Use a screwdriver to press sideways on
the opening to remove the cover (arrow).
Screw the tow fitting in until it
bottoms firmly. If this is not done,
the threads could be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do so, the
components could be damaged,
leading to possible accidents.<
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle. The inherent resilience of
this material helps protect both vehicles
from sudden jerking movements.520de164

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Towing the vehicle
Avoid "off-center" towing. Be sure
that the tow rope is pulled tightly
when the towing vehicle begins to
move.<
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingFor instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 143.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle1 Put the manual-shift gear lever in
neutral
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4 Leave the ignition key in position 1
to ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(comply with country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, e. g. place a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even
when the electrical system has failed
to prevent the steering lock from
engaging. The steering and brakes are
without power assist when the engine is
not running. This means that increased
effort is required for steering and
braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed equipment
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<520us014

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 Z
163n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Controls16
Convertible top41
closing in event of
electrical
malfunction140t
manual operation141t
Coolant111, 157
Coolant temperature
gauge63
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 89
Curb weight156
Current check indicator20DDashboard16
Data
dimensions155
engine154
technical154
weights156
Daytime-driving lamp69
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)90
Deactivating the tilt sensor
alarm system and interior
motion sensor34
Deep water87
Defrosting the
windows60, 75
Difficult steering20, 94Dimensions155
Dipstick109
Disc brakes90
Displacement154
Display lighting69
Displays18
Disposal
engine oil111
used batteries138t
Door keys30
Door warning lamp, bulb
replacement132t
Doors
emergency
actuation32t
mirrors47
remote control33
unlocking and locking32
DOT Quality Grades99
Draft-free ventilation75
Drink holder78, 80
Drive belts158
Driving in winter92
Driving notes87
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 65, 149
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)90
Dynamic Performance
Control66
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22, 65, 149
EElectric defrosting of
mirrors47
Electric power seat45
Electric power windows40
Electrical equipment
failure138t
Electrical failure
convertible top140t
doors32t
fuel filler door140t
luggage
compartment140t
passenger-side
door141t
Electrical system158
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Emergency operation
convertible top140t
doors32t
fuel filler door140t
luggage
compartment140t
passenger-side
door141t
Engine
coolant111, 157
data154
output154
speed154
starting56
switching off56Engine compartment106
Engine oil109
add109t
consumption109
filling capacity157
filter change157
pressure indicator
lamp20
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Engine oil level21
check109
Equipment
options and accessories5
Exit lamps, bulb
replacement132t
Exterior finish117
Exterior mirrors47
FFailure to start144t
Fault in ABS89
Filler cap cover25
Filling capacities157
Filling the washer
reservoir157
First-aid kit24
Fittings, tow starting and
towing144t
Flashlight79
Flat tire135t