2002 BMW Z3 steering wheel

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle
operation through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantEnsure that the coolant contains the
year-round 50 : 50 ratio of water and
antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This
mixture provides protection against
freezing down to approx. Ð 34 7
(Ð 37 6). Replace the coolant every
three years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free the doors if they are frozen. This
deicer also contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW
lock cylinder grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW
rubber treatment to weather-stripping
on the doors, hood, luggage compart-
ment and to convertible top seals.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chainsBMW snow chains
* can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only.
Comply with the manufacturer's safety
precautions. Do not exceed a speed
limit of 30 mph (50 km/h) when driving
with chains. As an exception in this
situation, we recommend that you
switch off the ASC+T/DSC
* system
when snow chains are mounted. Refer
to pages 73, 74.
Starting offWhen starting from a full stop or
"rocking" free in deep snow, we recom-
mend that you switch off the ASC+T/
DSC
* system, refer to pages 73, 74.
Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Shift down
into the next lowest gear when
approaching uphill or downhill grades.
Maintain an adequate distance between
yourself and the vehicle ahead.Brakes Winter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that Ð in every situation Ð
braking distances will be significantly
longer as a result of this.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.

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Winter operation Power steeringIf it should occur that the ABS does not
respond in a critical braking situation
and the wheels lock: reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal until the wheels
just start to roll again while still main-
taining enough force to continue
braking. Following that, increase pedal
pressure again. Reduce the pressure as
the wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this process.
This type of staggered braking will
shorten the braking distance, and the
vehicle still remains responsive to
steering.
You can still attempt to steer around
hazards once you have reduced the
pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Declutch during hard braking on
road surfaces which provide only
poor or uneven traction.<
Skid controlDepress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal, or place the selector
lever of the automatic transmission into
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.ParkingEngage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park". On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake
linings from locking due to frost or
corrosion, dry them by gently applying
the parking brake as the vehicle is
coming to a stop. Make sure that
following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light
up when the parking brake is
applied.<
If you notice a change in steering
response (high steering effort, for
example):
Consult a BMW center to have the
system checked.
If the power steering fails,
increased effort will be required
to steer the vehicle.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Tire condition Tire replacementmoderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Never continue driving on a
deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly
impairs steering and braking response,
and can lead to complete loss of
control over the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading causes over-
heating and damage inside the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete air loss) can pose
an extreme hazard for both vehicle
occupants and other road users.< To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufac-
turer. BMW tests and approves wheel
and tire combinations, refer to page 116.
DOT Quality GradesTread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades. rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.

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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.

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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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Wheel change
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or a wheel change:
Stop the vehicle on a firm, level surface
as far as possible from the flow of
traffic. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock, engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear (selector
lever in "Park" with automatic transmis-
sion).
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (for instance, behind
the guardrail).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, tiles, loose
gravel, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.
Place the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. This creates the risk of fatal
injury.<
What you will needThe illustration depicts an example of
the onboard tool kit of the Z3 coupe.
Other than the warning triangle, the
same tools are arranged somewhat
differently in the storage compartment
of the Z3 roadster.
In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack
Release the Velcro¨ fastener in the
luggage compartment under the floor
mat next to the battery.
After use, wind down the jack
completely367de685
Z3 coupe

152n
Wheel change13. Wheels with full wheel covers:
Place the wheel cover with the
valve opening over the valve. Use
both hands to press the cover
securely onto the rim
14. Check and correct the inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Use only the full wheel cover
installed by the factory. Other
wheel covers may not fit securely. The
full wheel cover may not be installed on
the spare wheel because the cover
could be damaged.<
The jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to lift
a different vehicle model or any other
type of load with the jack. To do so
could lead to property damage or
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, check the
tightness of the lug bolts at the earliest
opportunity (torque specification:
72 lbs ft [100 Nm]).<
If light-alloy wheels other than Original
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.
Driving with the spare wheelDrive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Be aware that vehicle handling will be
altered. Slower brake response time,
longer braking distances and changed
steering characteristics may be antici-
pated when approaching limit condi-
tions.
Only one spare wheel may be
mounted at any time. Mount a
wheel and tire with the same size and
specifications as the others at the
earliest possible opportunity. Maintain
the specified tire inflation pressures,
refer to the table on page 27.<

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Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be
possible to control vehicle handling.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle with an automatic transmission
by towing or pushing the vehicle.
For instructions on jump-starting, refer
to page 158.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle. This could result
in damage to the energy-absorbing
bumpers.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1. Place the selector lever in
position "N"
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 brake lamps, turn signal
indicators, horn and windshield
wipers remain operative, and to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning
flashers (observe applicable legal
regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow. Place a sign or warning
triangle in the rear window, for
instance.
Even when the electrical system
has failed, make sure that the igni-
tion key remains in position 1 to prevent
the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
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 flatbed equipment
>Comply with applicable towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to
possible accidents.< 367us124