
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.<

153n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Battery
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Battery locationThe battery is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Z3 coupe:
Grasp the floor mat by the straps on the
left and right. Pull it upward and remove
it.
Z3 roadster:
Lift the floor mat from the rear by the
strap and fold it forward.367de335
Z3 d Z3
Battery careThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original elec-
trolyte will normally last for the service
life of the battery under moderate
climatic conditions.SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the corresponding
precautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Please read the following infor-
mation before working with the
battery.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing
battery acid or lead to come into
contact with your eyes, your skin, or
your clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Ensure that children keep well
away from batteries and battery
acid.
Do not allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke near the battery. Avoid
sparks from electrical cables or elec-
trical equipment. Turn the key to
position 0 in the ignition lock when the
battery is disconnected or connected.
Do not short circuit the battery termi-
nals. This creates a risk of personal
injury from high-voltage sparks.
A highly-explosive gas is gener-
ated when the battery is charged.
If acid is accidentally splashed
into your eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly for 15 minutes with clear
water. Following that, consult a physi-
cian immediately. If acid splashes onto
your skin or clothing, rinse immediately
with ample clean water. If acid is acci-
dentally swallowed, consult a physi-
cian immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.

164n
For vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion, Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) performs the optimum gear selec-
tion based on a number of factors. This
system reacts to your individual driving
style and the current driving conditions.
The ATC recognizes your individual
driving style from the positions and
movements of the accelerator pedal,
delays during braking, and the vehicle's
lateral acceleration when cornering.
ATC makes the appropriate selection
from different shift characteristics
which range from comfort-oriented to
performance-oriented.
367us358
In order to take driving conditions into
account, ATC registers corners and
both uphill and downhill gradients. For
example, if you maintain speed through
a curve, the transmission does not
upshift.
On uphill gradients, it shifts only when
the engine speed increases in order to
make more efficient use of power
reserves. On downhill gradients ATC
downshifts when the speed of the vehi-
cles increases causing the driver to
step on the brakes.
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the physical forces acting upon
the vehicle. In the event of a severe
frontal impact, the gas generators of
the driver and passenger-side front
airbags are ignited simultaneously.
However, the passenger-side airbag is
only triggered if an additional sensor
has recognized that the passenger seat
is occupied.
If it is necessary during a side impact, a
side airbag will be triggered on the side
where the collision occurs.
390de012
ATC
*
Airbags

165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of
a few milliseconds. In this process they
tear through the designed breaking
points of the upholstered covers or
press them out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of
ignition and inflation noise. The gas
required to inflate the airbags is not
dangerous, and it dissipates together
with the associated smoke.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.Precision sensors monitor the number of
revolutions of the wheels. When
equipped with DSC, they also monitor
steering angle, lateral acceleration,
brake pressure and the movement of the
vehicle around its vertical axis.
If differences in the wheel speeds occur,
ASC+T recognizes the danger of wheel-
spin and reduces the drive torque. If
necessary, the system also responds
with additional applications of the brakes
at the rear wheels.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condition
and compares it with an ideal condition
that is calculated from the sensor's
signals. If deviations from this occur
(understeering or oversteering, for
instance), DSC can stabilize the vehicle
in fractions of a second by adjusting
engine output and with the assistance of
braking intervention at individual wheels.
Within physically possible limits
dangerous skids can be prevented even
as they are just beginning.You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system's interven-
tion. However, it provides optimum
propulsive force and driving stability.
The braking intervention may be accom-
panied by a certain degree of noise.Airbags ASC+T/DSC
*

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

Everything from A to Z
183n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Replacing fuses156t
Replacing windshield wiper
blades136t
Reporting safety defects7
Reservoir, washer
system122t
Roll-up cover93
Roof load capacity172
Roof-mounted luggage
rack95
Rubber seals and
components, winter105SSafety belt tensioner166
Safety belts52
Safety defects, reporting7
Seals and components,
winter105
Seat adjustment49
Seat heating89
Securing cargo94
Selector lever, automatic
transmission62
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)129Service Interval
Display69, 128
Set temperature82, 86
Shiftlock62
Side airbags54, 130
Side marker lamps, bulb
replacement139t
Sitting correctly with
airbags55
Skid control106
Slippery roads105
Snow chains105t
Socket92
electrical appliances92
flashlight92
vacuum cleaner92
Spare keys30
Spare tire147t
Spare wheel147t
Spark plugs174
Special features of winter
tires115
Special oils124
Specifications, engine170
Speed, average72
Speed control67
Starting assistance158tStarting problems
59, 100, 158
Starting the engine59
Steel wheel116
Steering106
Steering wheel lock58
Steptronic62
Storage boxes90
Storage compartments90
Storage trays90
Storing the vehicle130
Summer tires114
Sunroof39
Switching off the engine60
Symbols4, 153
TTachometer68
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement139t
Tail lamps139, 140
bulb replace-
ment139t, 140t
Tank capacity173
Technical Data169
Technical
modifications6, 132Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature display
engine coolant69
outside temperature71
Temperature
layering82, 87
Third brake lamp141
Tire change, refer to wheel
change146t
Tire condition110
Tire failure, Z3 roadster,
Z3 coupe146
Tire inflation pressures110
checking26t
Tire Quality Grading112
Tire replacement111, 112
Tire rotation between front
and rear113
Tire size116
Tire tread110
Tires, identification114
Tools136t
Torque170
Tow fittings159t
Towing the vehicle159t