Page 118 of 187
118n
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all appli-
cable instructions and warnings. If you
are not familiar with all guidelines, have
the work performed by your BMW
center. Otherwise, safety hazards for
vehicle occupants and other road users
may occur as a result of improper
handling of components and mate-
rials.<
To release Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.365de063
To openGrasp the hood on both sides on the
level of the latch (arrow 1); press the
latch upward and simultaneously lift the
hood with both hands.367us050
Hood
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123n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Engine oil To check oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material
4. Push the dipstick carefully all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.367de738
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual and automatic transmission, the
differential and the power steering
system.< 367de344
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128n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of your vehicle.
367us709
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals, which are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While
conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System considers the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates.
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel. In response
to this fact, the BMW Maintenance
System monitors operating conditions
as the basis for determining the
optimum service intervals for your indi-
vidual vehicle. The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service as well
as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, since oil deteriorates
over time regardless of use, even those
who drive only short distances Ð signiÞ-
cantly less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km)
annually Ð should have the engine oil
changed regularly. Refer to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
The BMW Maintenance System
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130n
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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
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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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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140n
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