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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Roof-mounted luggage rackA special roof-rack system is available
for your coupe as an optional acces-
sory. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation
instructions.
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded. For this reason, they
have a major effect on the vehicle's
handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof load
capacity, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle loads when loading
the rack. You will find the specifications
for this under "Technical Data" on
page 172.
Make sure that the load is not too large
in size, and distribute it evenly. Always
load the heaviest pieces first (on the
bottom). Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the
sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.Secure the roof luggage correctly
and securely to prevent it from
shifting or being lost during driving
(danger to following traffic).<
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration and braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
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Catalytic converterThe catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only.
Even minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
the catalytic converter and the system's
oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and avoid potential damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty
>If the engine runs roughly, shut it off
as soon as possible
>Tow-start the vehicle only when the
engine is cold. Tow-starting when the
engine is warm could cause unburned
fuel to ignite on the way to the cata-
lytic converter, resulting in significant
damage. It is better to start the vehicle
with an outside starting aid>Avoid any other situations in which
the fuel would not be (completely)
burned, for instance:
Frequent or consecutive extended
starting attempts or repeated starting
attempts when the engine fails to
start. (Shutting down and restarting
an engine which is running properly
does not present a problem.) Never
allow the engine to run with any of
the spark plug cables disconnected.Be sure to comply with the
instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata-
lytic converter. Otherwise, the catalytic
converter could respond by over-
heating, leading to serious damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply under-
coating to their surfaces.
When driving, standing while the engine
is idling, or when parking, be careful to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust
system and easily-flammable materials
(hay, dry grass, leaves, etc.). Such
contact could cause a fire, resulting in
personal injuries and property
damage.<
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. ABS alone cannot prevent
accidents if the brakes are applied
without an adequate, safe distance
between vehicles or if the speed limit
has been exceeded. Nor can it prevent
the hazards of aquaplaning. Responsi-
bility for these types of situations
remains in the hands (and at the feet) of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking increased risks that could
affect your own safety and that of
others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.< Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a fault
The ABS warning lamp comes
on, refer to page 21. The brake
system then reverts to conven-
tional operation as on vehicles
without ABS. However, have the
brake system checked by your
BMW center as soon as possible. To
prevent undetected defects and cumu-
lative faults from adversely affecting the
brake system, refer any problems to
your BMW center at the earliest oppor-
tunity.
The red warning lamp for the
brake hydraulic system comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS, ASC+T/
DSC
and ADB/DBC
(refer to
page 21), the entire ABS, CBC,
ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC
control system has failed.
Continue to drive cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions because the vehicle could
become unstable and go out of control.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Hardtop
* Ð roadster
Using the wrench from the onboard tool
kit (fastened to the jack with a Velcro¨
strip), turn the screw (arrow) two to
three turns into the windshield frame on
the right and left sides.367de386
Turn the right and left locking levers of
the rear hardtop mounting fasteners in
the direction of the arrow to the stop.
The rear mounting fasteners are
locked correctly when the locking
levers engage audibly and point to the
rear of the vehicle.<
Finally, tighten the screws in the wind-
shield frame (refer to the left column)
and secure the wrench in the onboard
tool kit.
After you have driven approx.
30 to 60 miles (50 to 100 km),
check the front hardtop fasteners to be
sure that they are seated securely.< 367de387
RemovalReverse the above procedure for
removal of the hardtop.
The two screws of the front
hardtop fasteners remain perma-
nently in the windshield frame of your
vehicle to prevent their loss.<
Following the initial delivery of the
vehicle, or after the hardtop has been in
use for an extended period, closing the
convertible top requires increased
effort. You may find this operation
easier with the assistance of a second
person. Following that, the convertible
top should remain closed for at least
12 hours.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
HoodTo closeAllow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 367de393
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Lamps and bulbsFront fog lamps
*
H1 bulb, 55 watts
1. Unclip the plastic cover (on the
inside of the lamp) with a screwdriver
2. Loosen two screws, tilt the fog lamp
outward and remove it
3. Release the plastic cap on the back
of the fog lamp and remove it
4. Remove the plug
5. Detach the wire clamp
6. Replace the bulb
7. Install in the reverse order.367de725
Tail lamp assembly Ð Z3 roadsterTail lamp, side marker lamps:
5 watt bulbs
Remaining bulbs: 21 watt
1 Turn signal
indicator yellow or white
2 Brake lamp red
3 Backup lamp white
4 Tail lamp, reflector red
5 Side marker lamp red367de370
Z3 roadster
1. Open the quick-release fastener
(arrow) and remove the cover
2. Turn the corresponding bulb holder
to the left and remove it
3. Press gently while turning the defec-
tive bulb to the left. Remove the bulb
and replace it
4. Insert the bulb holder and turn to the
right as far as possible
5. Secure the cover.367de378
Z3 roadster
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Lamps and bulbsTail lamp assembly Ð Z3 coupeTail lamp, side marker lamp:
5 watt bulbs
Remaining bulbs: 21 watt
1 Turn signal
indicator yellow or white
2 Backup lamp white
3 Tail lamp, reflector red
4 Brake lamp red
5 Side marker lamps red367us629
Z3 cou
pe
1. Lift up the luggage compartment
floor mat
2. To loosen, turn the mounting clips
(arrows) of the right-hand trim panel
on the rear wall of the luggage
compartment approx. f turn with a
coin or screwdriver
3. Pull out the clips and remove the trim
panel367de322
Z3 coupe
4. Turn the corresponding bulb holder
to the left (arrow) and remove it
5. Press gently while turning the defec-
tive bulb to the left. Remove the bulb
and replace it
6. Insert the bulb holder and turn to the
right as far as possible
Side marker lamps:
Pull the bulb holder out of the tail lamp
assembly toward the front.
7. Reinstall the trim panel in the oppo-
site order:
Insert the clips and turn them approx.
f turn to secure them.367us630
Z3 coupe
Page 148 of 187
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Wheel changeRaise and secure the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.
The spare wheel is secured at two
mounting points.
Left-hand attachment point Ð arrow 1.
Right-hand attachment point Ð arrow 2.367de312
Right-hand attachment point:
Place the spark plug wrench on the
hexagon nut and, using the alignment
tool to assist you, loosen the hexagon
nut. Remove the hexagon nut and the
protective cap.
Place the hexagon nut in a secure
location.< 367de268
Left-hand attachment point:
Take the lifting handle from the tool kit,
lower it on the rope and fit it on the
hexagon nut. Hold the rope at the top
and unscrew the nut with the lifting
handle.367de269