2002 BMW Z3 ignition

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Electric power windows Sunroof
*, coupe
Jam protectionIf one of the windows comes into
contact with an object between the
window and roof frame when it is
closing, the closing cycle is interrupted
immediately and the window will open
again slightly.
You can override this jam protec-
tion function (if there is an
attempted unauthorized entrance from
the outside, for instance) by pressing
the switch beyond the resistance point
and holding it.<
Lifting Ð ClosingFrom ignition key position 1 and up:
To lift: press button 1.
To close: press button 2.367de689
Z3 cou
pe
To prevent injuries, exercise care
when closing the sunroof. Keep it
in your field of vision until it is closed.<
To avoid pressure or drafts in the
passenger compartment when the
sunroof is open, keep the air vents in
the instrument panel open and increase
the air supply if necessary, refer to
pages 82 and 86.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepiarsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's
side features a lens with a convex
surface. When estimating the distance
between yourself and other traffic, bear
in mind that the objects reflected in the
mirror are closer than they appear. This
means that estimates of the distance to
following traffic should not be regarded
as precise.<
Electric defrosting
*
Both mirrors are defrosted automa-
tically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Interior rearview mirrorTo reduce the glare effect from the rear
while driving at night, tilt the mirror by
moving the small lever.Vanity mirrorsFold the sun visors down and push the
cover (coupe only) to the side.367de017

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Airbags1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger side
2 Side airbags on the driver and
passenger sideProtective effectThe front airbags help protect the driver
and passenger in the event of a head-
on collision where the protection
provided by the safety belt alone would
not be adequate. The side airbags help
provide protection in the event of a side
collision. Each side airbag provides
support to the side chest area.367de730
The illustration depicts schematically
the primary directions of vehicle impact
which initiate airbag deployment.
The airbags will not be triggered in
the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle roll-over, or an impact from the
rear.< 367de736
Operational readiness
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster shows the airbag-
system's operational readiness
starting with ignition key position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp fails to come on
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
before going out and then lighting up
again.
A system malfunction could prevent the
system from responding to a high-
intensity frontal impact occurring within
its normal response range.
Please have your BMW center inspect
and repair the system as soon as
possible.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
AirbagsSitting correctly with airbags
For your safety, comply with the
following instructions for the
airbags. If you do not, the airbags may
not be able to provide their maximum
protection. All passengers in the vehicle
should be aware of and comply with this
information:
The airbags are supplemental restraint
devices designed to provide extra
protection; they are not a substitute for
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at
all times.
Adjust your seat to a position that is
comfortable for you, allowing unre-
stricted vehicle operation, and is not
closer to the steering wheel than neces-
sary.
Always grasp the steering wheel by the
steering wheel rim, keeping your hands
at the "9-o'clock" and "3-o'clock" posi-
tions in order to minimize any risk of
injury to hands or arms if the airbag does
deploy.
There should not be any other persons,
animals or objects between the airbag
and the passenger in that seat.
Do not use the cover panel for the front
airbag on the passenger side as a
storage area.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them
or modify them in any other way.
If you use a child-restraint system, read
carefully and comply with the instruc-
tions on page 56.
Be sure that child-restraint systems are
installed correctly and with the greatest
possible distance from the airbag in the
side trim panel. Do not allow children to
lean out of the child-restraint system in
the direction of the side trim panel.
Otherwise, serious injuries could occur
if the airbag is triggered.<
Even when you have complied with all
of these guidelines, there is still a small
residual risk of minor facial, hand and
arm injuries from airbag deployment
occurring in isolated instances.
The ignition and inflation noise may
cause a mild temporary hearing loss in
extremely sensitive individuals.
Corresponding airbag safety precau-
tions are provided on both sun visors
and the instrument panel (US models).
For additional information concerning
the airbag system, refer to pages 130
and 164.This is the correct way a child should sit
in a child restraint when side airbags
(arrow) are provided.
367de359

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0 Steering lockedThis is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted and
removed.
An acoustic warning sounds when you
fail to remove the ignition key after
opening the driver's door.
After removing the key, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the left or right
until the lock engages.367de009
Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion
*:
Your vehicle is equipped with an inter-
lock. This means that the ignition key
cannot be turned to position 0 and
removed until the selector lever is in
position "P".
Furthermore, the selector lever is
locked in position "P" when the ignition
key is in position 0 or removed from the
ignition lock.
To turn the key back to position 0 or to
remove it, first move the selector lever
to position "P".<
1 Steering unlockedYou will often find that it is easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to 1 if
you move the steering wheel slightly to
help disengage the detent.
Individual electrical equipment and
accessories are available for use.2 Ignition onAll electrical equipment and accesso-
ries are available for use.3 Starting the engineVehicles with manual transmission:
When starting, depress the clutch,
since a lock otherwise prevents the
engine from being started.
Ignition lock

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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.

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Switching off the engine Parking brakeTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is rolling. The
steering locks and it is impossible to
steer the vehicle.
Always remove the ignition key and
engage the steering lock before leaving
the vehicle.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since even placing the gear-
shift lever in 1st gear or reverse may not
provide adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "P".<
The parking brake is designed primarily
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when
parked. It operates against the rear
wheels.To engageThe lever engages automatically when
you pull it up, and the indicator lamp in
the instrument panel comes on when
the ignition key is in position 2, refer to
page 21.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the
button and lower the lever.367de028
If, in exceptional circumstances,
it should be necessary to engage
the parking brake while the vehicle is
in motion, do not pull it with excessive
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed
against the release button while care-
fully pulling up the lever to apply
moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction at the rear
(fishtailing).
The brake lamps do not come on when
the parking brake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since even placing the gear-
shift lever in 1st gear or reverse may not
provide adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "P".<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake lightly
from time to time when coasting to a
standstill (at a traffic signal, for
instance), provided that it is safe to do
so.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Manual transmissionPress the clutch pedal all the way down
each time you shift, pressing the gear-
shift lever into its proper end position.
Depress the clutch when starting the
vehicle, too, otherwise, lockout will
prevent the engine from starting.
The gearshift lever's neutral plane is
located between 3rd and 4th gear.
When shifting from each gear into
"Neutral", the gearshift lever returns
automatically to this neutral position
because of its spring loading.367de353
ReverseSelect reverse only when the vehicle is
stationary. Press the gearshift lever to
the left to overcome the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will
turn on automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or "riding" the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead,
otherwise, the ensuing friction to the
clutch plates will cause a great deal of
wear and tear on the clutch.<