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 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 128 of 187

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. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 133 of 187

133n
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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139n
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