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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
The BMW Maintenance SystemService and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For detailed information on required
maintenance items and the work
involved, please refer to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Depending upon operating conditions,
it may be advisable to have the body
checked for damage from rocks or
gravel as a precaution against rust.Have your BMW center perform
the maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and is 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 will
constitute your proof that the vehicle
has received regular maintenance. They
are also required for warranty claims.<
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Airbags Storing your vehicle1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger side
2 Side airbags on the driver and
passenger sideImportant safety notices
Do not attempt to remove the gas
generators of the airbag restraint
system from the vehicle or to disas-
semble them.
Have inspection and service proce-
dures performed by specially-trained
personnel only.
If the airbag restraint system malfunc-
tions, is deactivated or triggered as a
response to an accident, have the
system repaired by a BMW center only.
367de730
Do not make modifications of any kind
to the individual components or system
wiring. These include the upholstered
covers on the steering wheel hub, in the
instrument panel and in the side trim
panels of the doors. Never apply adhe-
sive materials to these components or
cover or modify them in any way. Do
not attempt to disassemble the steering
wheel itself.
To ensure compliance with applicable
safety regulations, have the airbag
generators disposed of by a BMW
center only.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal
injury.< If you intend to store the vehicle
for longer than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparation for storageHave the following operations
performed by your BMW center:
1. Clean and apply a rust-proofing
agent or other treatment to the
engine, engine compartment, under-
carriage, axles and major compo-
nents in accordance with approved
repair procedures. Wash the vehicle,
clean the interior and treat painted
and chromed parts. Clean the rubber
seals around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors
2. Change the engine oil and oil filter
with the engine at operating temper-
ature. As an additional 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 up if necessary
4. Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top up if
necessary
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Storing your vehicle5. 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 vehicle for
storage1. Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake rotors and drums from
corroding
2. Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated room. Place the
transmission in 1st gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling if necessary. Do
not set the parking brake
3. Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
Z3 roadster:
4. Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately, refer to page 109
5. Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery 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 154.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary, refer to
the Service Manual.
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Any BMW center will be happy to
advise you concerning the advisability,
legal implications and factory recom-
mendations for technical modifications
to the vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number. The engine
number is also required in some
instances.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. These LEDs
are similar to conventional laser tech-
nology.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), since inflammation of
the iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning
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OBD interface socketAccess to the interface socket for the
Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD):
Lift off the side cover in the center
console on the passenger's side
(arrow).
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system throughout the
vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-
sion-related components and systems
for deterioration and malfunction.367us235
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service,
but not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When
this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire
over only a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.<
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit136
Windshield wiper blades136
Lamps and bulbs137
Master key with battery
lamp143
Remote control144
Wheel change146
Battery153
Fuses156
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Power convertible top157
Fuel filler door157
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting158
Towing the vehicle159
Repairs
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The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment, under the floor
mat.
Z3 coupe:
Grasp the floor mat by the straps on the
left and right. Pull it upward and remove
it.
Z3 roadster:
Lift the floor mat from the rear by the
strap and fold it forward.
Front1. Position the wipers vertically. To do
this, switch on the wipers and switch
off the ignition when the wipers are
approximately vertical
2. Raise the wiper arm completely
3. Press the spring retainer (arrow) and
extract the blade, pulling toward the
wiper arm
4. Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.365de097
Rear window wiper Ð Z3 coupeFollow the same procedure as
described for changing the front wiper
blades, except that the wiper does not
have to be positioned vertically.
Fold the wipers back onto the
window before you turn the igni-
tion key to position 1 or 2.<
Use only wiper blades which have
been approved by BMW.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades