
154n
BatteryCharge condition You can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
(hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not charged adequately.
The battery must be recharged
Please contact your BMW center.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The projected service life of the
battery can only be reached if the
battery is fully-charged at all times.
Check the charge condition of the
battery frequently if the vehicle is used
primarily for driving short distances. < 367de337
Charging the batteryCharge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is switched off.
Charge the battery using the auxiliary
jump-start terminal and a ground in the
engine compartment, refer to Jump-
starting on page 158.
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can create the
risk of fire or personal injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If you intend to store your vehicle for
longer than twelve weeks: remove the
battery, charge it and store it in a cool
(but frost- and dust-free) room. Every
three months and before reinstalling the
battery, have it recharged. 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, refer also to
page 131.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting when trans-
porting.<

155n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
BatteryRemoval and installation
Do not disconnect the battery
cables when the engine is running.
Disconnecting the battery cables when
the engine is running will cause a
voltage surge which will damage the
vehicle's onboard electronics.
Do not make any modifications in the
wires leading to the positive terminal. If
you do so, the battery safety terminal's
safety function will no longer be guaran-
teed. Repair and disposal must be
performed by trained technicians only.<
When removing the battery, disconnect
the negative terminal first, then the
positive terminal.
Unscrew the battery retaining clamp.
Z3 coupe:
Loosen the screw (arrow) on the battery
safety bar and remove the bar.
When installing the battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then connect the
negative terminal.
When installing the battery, be
sure that the battery and the
safety bar (Z3 coupe) are mounted
properly. If this is not done, the battery
will not be adequately secured in case
of an accident.< 367de336
Z3 cou
pe

158n
Jump-startingNever use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
When your battery is discharged you can
used two jumper cables to start your
vehicle with power from the battery in a
second vehicle. You can also use the
same method to help start another
vehicle. Always use jumper cables with
fully insulated handles on the terminal
clamps.
Do not touch components
carrying high-voltage on a running
engine. Contact with components
carrying high voltage can cause fatal
injury. Carefully observe the following
instructions to avoid personal injury
and/or damage to one or both vehi-
cles.<
1. Ensure that the battery in the support
vehicle is also rated at 12 volts. This
information is provided on the top of
the battery casing
2. Do not disconnect the battery from
your vehicle's electrical system.
Switch off all electrical accessories in
both vehicles
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles Ð short circuit
hazard
4. Start the engine on the support
vehicle and allow it to run
5. Use the jumper cable (+) to connect
the positive terminal of the battery in
the support vehicle with the auxiliary
positive terminal provided in the
engine compartment of your BMW
specifically for jump-starting. The
cover on this auxiliary terminal is
identified by a "+" symbol, refer to
the illustration. Pull up to open the
cover 367de381
6. Then connect the negative terminals.
Connect one end of the other jumper
cable (Ð) to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal or
a suitable ground on its engine or
bodywork. Connect the other end to
the negative battery terminal or a
suitable ground on the vehicle being
started. There is a special nut on the
strut dome of your BMW; refer to the
arrow in the illustration
Always adhere to this sequence
when connecting jumper cables;
failure to observe this procedure can
lead to sparks at the battery terminals
and pose an injury hazard.< 367de639

159n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Jump-starting Towing the vehicle7. Start the support vehicle's engine
and let it run at an increased idling
speed for a few minutes. Start the
engine on the vehicle needing the
jump-start, and allow it to run as
usual. If the first start attempt is not
successful, wait a few minutes
before another attempt in order to
allow the discharged battery to
recharge
8. Before disconnecting the jumper
cables let the engines run for a few
minutes
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables
in reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery recharged by your
BMW center.
Tow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on paved road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Comply with all applicable towing laws
and regulations at all times.Access to tow socketsFront:
Use a screwdriver to press the cover
out.367de375
Rear:
Use a screwdriver to press the cover
out.
Screw the tow fitting in until it is
tight against the stop. If you do
not, the threads can be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do so, the
components could be damaged,
leading to possible accidents.<
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.367de376

174n
Electrical system Drive belts Battery12V, 70 AhSpark plugsNGK BKR 6 EQUP
This spark ignition system meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interfer-
ence-Causing Equipment Regulations
(ICES-2).Generator Ð Water pump Ð
Power steering
Drive belt 6 PK x 1538
A/C compressor
Drive belt 5 PK x 863You can obtain Original BMW
parts and accessories, as well as
professional advice from your BMW
center.<

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)101
Accessories6
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)62, 164
ADB (Automatic Differential
Braking)74
Adding
brake fluid126t
engine coolant126t
engine oil123t
washer fluid122t
Additional storage areas90
Adjusting
backrest50
mirrors50, 51
seat49
washer nozzles122t
Air conditioner84
Air distribution82, 86
Air outlets80, 84
ventilation85
Air supply82, 86
Air vents80, 84
Airbags21, 54, 164
important safety
notices130
sitting correctly55Antenna107
Antifreeze126
Antifreeze protection,
radiator105, 125
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)101
Anti-theft system32
Approved gross vehicle
weight172
Approved wheel and tire
specifications116
Aquaplaning99, 111
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction)73, 165
Ashtray91
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)62, 164
Automatic cruise control67
Automatic Differential
Braking (ADB)74
Automatic rear window
washer65
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T)73, 165
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
gear indicator68Automatic windshield
washer122
Average fuel
consumption72
Average speed72
BBackrest, adjusting50
Backup lamps61
bulb replace-
ment139t, 140t
Battery153, 174
capacity174
charge condition154
charging154
discharged158
disposal154t
removal and
installation155
Battery change, keys143
Battery charge indicator
lamp20
Battery safety terminal155
Beverage holder91
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil124
Brake fluid126
disposal127tBrake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb replace-
ment139t, 140t
Brake pads22, 104
Brake system103, 104
brake fluid126
fluid level104
winter road
conditions105
Brakes, malfunctions104
Break-in procedure98
Bulb replacement137t
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning132
Capacities173
Car jack146t
Car keys30
Car radio
reception107, 166
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
From A to Z

Everything from A to Z
179n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Care of paintwork, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo loading94
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Catalytic converter100
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)102
Cellular phone107
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp141
Central locking system32
Changing a wheel146t
Charge condition of the
battery154t
Charging the battery154t
Chassis number127
Checking oil level123t
Checking tire
pressure26t, 110
Child seat56
Child-restraint device56Child-restraint system56
installation57
Z3 coupe with tether
strap57
Cigarette lighter92
Cleaning the headlamps66
Cleaning the rear
window66
Cleaning the windshield65
Clock70
Cockpit16
Coin box91
Cold start59
Compartments90
Computer70
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Connecting a car vacuum
cleaner92
Controls, cockpit16
Convertible top
electrical
malfunction157t
manual operation157t
operation40, 44
weather protection44
Coolant105, 126Coolant temperature69
Coolant, antifreeze
protection105
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)102
Cover, convertible
top41, 46
Cruise control67
Cruising range72
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder91
Curb weight172
DDashboard16
Data link connector for
Onboard Diagnostics133
Daytime driving lamps76
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)103
Deep water99
Defrost windows and
remove
condensation83, 88
Defrosting
rear window66
mirrors51Difficult steering106t
Digital clock70
Dimensions171
Dipstick, engine oil123
Disc brakes103
Displacement170
Display lighting76
Displays18
Disposal
batteries154t
brake fluid127t
coolant125t
engine oil125t
Door key30
Doors
electrical
malfunction32t
manual operation32t
operating with the remote
control33
unlocking and locking32
DOT Quality Grades,
tires111
Drive belts174
Driving notes99
Driving through water99

Everything from A to Z
181n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Heated seats89
Heating and
ventilation80, 84
Heat-up, rapid83
Height171
Height adjustment, seats49
Help with jump starting158
High beams23, 64
bulb replacement137t
High Performance Synthetic
Oil124
High-mount brake lamp
(center)141
Hood release118t
Horn17
Hub cover150
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBCIIce warning71
Identification number of the
vehicle127
Identification, tires114
Ignition key30
Ignition switch58
Immobilizer, electronic31
Immobilizer, vehicle31Imprint4
Indicator lamps20
Inflation
pressures26t, 110
Inflation pressures,
tires26t
INSPECTION69
Instrument panel16
lighting76
Instruments18
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD)133
Interior lamps77
bulb replacement142t
Interlock58
Intermittent wipe switch65
JJack146t
Jump-starting158tKKeys30
Keys with remote
control30, 33
Key, battery change143t
Kickdown63
LLamp switch76
Lashing eyes94
Leather care, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Length171
License plate lamps
bulb replacement141t
Light-alloy wheel116
LIGHTS ON warning76
Limited slip differential166
Load-securing devices94
Lock buttons36
Locks, care105
Low beams76
bulb replacement137t
Low-fuel indicator lamp68
Lug bolts150, 151
Lug wrench147t
Luggage compartment36
capacity172
locking separately37
Luggage compartment lamp
bulb replacement142tLuggage compartment
lid36
electrical
malfunction37t
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior38
manual operation37t
MM + S tires115
Magic Eye
refer to Battery charge
condition154
Maintenance69, 128
Malfunction, cellular
phone107
Manual operation
doors32t
fuel filler door157t
luggage
compartment37t
luggage compartment
lid37t
Manual transmission61
Master key with battery
lamp143