
33n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from the outsideWith the remote control
*
The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for 
unlocking and locking your vehicle. 
Furthermore, it provides an additional 
function which you can only execute via 
the remote control:
>To switch on the interior lamps, refer 
to page 34.
With this function, you can also 
"search for" the vehicle, when parked 
in an underground garage, for 
instance.
Whenever you unlock (lock) the vehicle, 
you simultaneously deactivate (activate) 
the anti-theft system and switch the 
interior lamps on (off).
Master keyKeys with remote control units are 
master keys, refer to page 30.
Since passengers or animals 
remaining in the vehicle might be 
able to lock the doors from the inside, 
always take the vehicle keys with you 
so that the vehicle can be opened again 
from the outside at any time.< 
Every transmission is indicated by a 
light signal. If the signal no longer lights 
up when a button is pressed and 
locking with the remote control is no 
longer possible:
Change the battery, refer to page 144.367de383
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.<  

59n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Starting the engineBefore starting>Engage the parking brake
>Be sure that the gearshift lever is in 
"Neutral" (or the selector lever in "P" 
if the vehicle is equipped with auto-
matic transmission)
>Depress the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine in enclosed 
spaces. The exhaust gases 
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless 
and colorless, but highly toxic gas. 
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an 
extreme health risk, and can lead to 
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.< 
Starting the engine>Do not press the accelerator pedal 
while starting the engine.
Do not actuate the starter for too 
short a time. Do not turn it for 
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release 
the ignition key immediately after the 
engine starts. 
Do not allow the engine to warm up 
by leaving it running while the vehicle 
remains stationary. Instead, begin to 
drive immediately at a moderate engine 
speed.< 
Should the engine fail to start on the 
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for 
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway 
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures, 
from approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) and at 
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft 
(1,000 m):
>On the first start attempt, engage the 
starter for a longer period (approx. 
10 seconds).
If these temperature conditions are 
anticipated for a longer period, have the 
engine oil changed to a special oil, refer 
to page 124. Please contact your BMW 
center for additional information.
Usually, it is not necessary to depress 
the accelerator pedal. However, at high 
altitudes or in very hot or very cold 
weather, depress the pedal halfway 
down when starting the engine.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the 
engine computer system. Increased 
speeds at start-up are normal and 
should decrease as the engine warms 
up. If engine speed does not decrease, 
service is required.
To prevent the battery from 
discharging, always switch off any 
accessories which are not required. 
Switch off the ignition when the vehicle 
is not being driven. 

66n
Washer/Wiper system Rear window defroster6 Intermittent operation/
Cleaning the rear windowPress the lever briefly:
The intermittent setting of the rear 
window wiper is switched on or off.
Press and hold the lever:
The system sprays washer fluid against 
the rear window and activates the 
wiper. After the lever is released, the 
wiper continues to cycle for a few 
seconds.
To change the wiper blades, refer to 
page 136.
Cleaning the headlamps*If the headlamps are on, they will also 
be cleaned every fifth time you activate 
the cleaning the windshield 5 mode.
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will freeze 
on the windshield, otherwise vision 
could be obscured. For this reason, use 
an antifreeze agent, refer to page 122.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty, otherwise damage to the 
washer pump could result.< Windshield washer nozzlesThe windshield washer nozzles are 
heated automatically
* when the ignition 
key is in position 2.
The Z3 coupe is equipped with a rear 
window defroster.To switch onPress the button, the indicator lamp 
comes on.To switch offPress the button if the indicator lamp is 
on.367us721
Z3 coupe 

71n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Computer
*
To enter the timeEnter the numbers for hours and 
minutes by pressing the   button.
Enter the hour first. Each time the 
button is pressed, the hour display 
increases by one. Pressing and holding 
the button starts the rapid advance.
Confirm the time set with the   
button. Now enter the minutes when 
two zeros appear.
Enter the minutes in the same manner 
as the hours.
Press the save button  : the time is 
started exactly on the second. The 
colon stops flashing.To reset the timePress and hold the   button for 
approx. 3 seconds: enter the hour when 
the colon begins to flash.
Enter the numbers by pressing the   
button in the same manner as when 
entering the time.
Setting the 12-hour or 24-hour 
modePress and hold the     buttons 
simultaneously for approx. 1 second.
Then press the   button. Now, the 
mode changes from 12 to 24 hours 
whenever you press the   button.
When you select the 12-hour mode, 
AM or PM will appear on the right-hand 
side of the display panel.
The last mode selected is adopted 
when you press   or automatically 
stored approx. 5 seconds after the last 
setting.
Outside temperatureIf the outside temperature drops to 
approx. +37.5 7 (+3 6), a warning 
signal sounds (ice warning). The 
temperature display appears automati-
cally and flashes for 8 seconds.
The warning is repeated whenever the 
temperature has reached at least 
+43 7 (+6 6) and then drops to 
+37.5 7 (+3 6) again.
The ice warning does not alter the 
fact that surface ice can form at 
temperatures above +37.5 7 (+3 6), 
on bridges or shaded road surfaces, for 
instance.< 367us712 

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While so-called all season tires (M+S 
designation) provide better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load 
ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener-
ally do not achieve the performance of 
winter tires. 
In the interests of sure tracking and safe 
steering response, mount winter tires 
which are made by the same manufac-
turer and which have the same tread 
configuration at all four wheels.Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the 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. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.< 
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in 
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope 
with winter driving conditions, and 
should be replaced in the interest of 
safety.
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.BMW narrow-link snow chains are 
intended for mounting in pairs at the 
rear wheels only. Comply with all manu-
facturer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a 
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while 
driving with mounted snow chains. 

126n
Coolant Brake fluid To add coolantWait until the engine cools before 
removing the cap from the expansion 
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge 
in the instrument cluster must be 
located in the blue field; otherwise, 
there is a danger of scalding.
1. Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated 
pressure to escape, then open
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 regularly. Refer to 
the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian 
models).If the warning lamp for the brake 
hydraulic system comes on:
The brake fluid level is too low, refer 
also to the instructions on page 104.
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).
367de741
Z3 roadster 2.5i
Brake fluid loss may result in extended 
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer 
to the notes on page 104.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, 
it absorbs moisture from the air 
over time. 
In order to ensure the operating safety 
and reliability 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).367de740
Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i 

128n
The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the 
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a 
significant role in maintaining the resale 
value of your vehicle.
367us709
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to 
calculate the optimal maintenance 
intervals, which are then indicated in 
the Service Interval Display. While 
conventional systems rely solely on 
distance traveled to determine when 
service is due, the BMW Maintenance 
System considers the actual conditions 
under which the vehicle operates.
From the point of view of maintenance, 
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated 
in short-distance urban driving are not 
the equivalent of the same distance 
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel. In response 
to this fact, the BMW Maintenance 
System monitors operating conditions 
as the basis for determining the 
optimum service intervals for your indi-
vidual vehicle. The BMW Maintenance System 
includes the Engine Oil Service as well 
as Inspections I and II. 
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual loads on the 
vehicle covers every kind of operating 
situation. However, since oil deteriorates 
over time regardless of use, even those 
who drive only short distances Ð signiÞ-
cantly less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) 
annually Ð should have the engine oil 
changed regularly. Refer to the Service 
and Warranty Information Booklet (US 
models) or to the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
The BMW Maintenance System 

149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Wheel changePull the lifting handle up until the spare 
wheel tray is lifted slightly. At the same 
time, compress the locking spring 
(arrow). This releases the spare wheel 
(weight: approx. 8.8 lbs/4 kg). The 
spare wheel must then be held with the 
lifting handle.
Using the lifting handle, lower the spare 
wheel bracket with storage tray and 
spare wheel and place it on the ground.
Do not put your feet beneath the 
rear of the vehicle because the 
spare wheel could fall as it is being 
lowered.< 367de270
Pull the storage tray with the spare 
wheel completely out of the spare 
wheel bracket toward the rear.367de276
Lift the spare wheel at the front. Lay it 
down toward the rear next to the 
storage tray and with the valve facing 
upward. Quickly unscrew the valve 
extension from the valve of the spare 
wheel. Unscrew the valve cap from the 
storage tray and mount it on the spare 
wheel. 
When the valve extension is 
screwed onto or off of the spare 
wheel, you may hear a brief hissing as 
air escapes.< 
The procedure for removing the spare 
wheel is also illustrated with picto-
graphs located on the floor mat of the 
luggage compartment.367de277