Page 165 of 187

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
*
Page 169 of 187
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
169n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Engine specifications170
Dimensions171
Weights172
Capacities173
Electrical system174
Drive belts174
Data
Page 170 of 187
170n
Z3 roadster 2.5i Z3 roadster 3.0i,
Z3 coupe 3.0i
Displacement
Number of cylinderscu. in (cm
m) 152.2 (2,494)
6181.8 (2,979)
6
Maximum power output
at engine speedhp
rpm184
6,000225
5,900
Maximum torqueat engine speedlb-ft (Nm)
rpm175 (237)
3,500214 (290)
3,500
Compression ratioe 10.5 10.2
Stroke
Borein (mm)
in (mm)2.95 (75.0)
3.31 (84.0)3.53 (89.6)
3.31 (84.0)
Fuel-injection system Digital electronic engine-management systemEngine specifications
Page 173 of 187
173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 13.5 (approx. 51)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8.0)Fuel specification: page 26
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 5.3 (approx. 5.0)For details: page 122
Cooling system including heating circuit quarts (liters) 11.1 (10.5) For details: page 125
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts (liters) 6.9 (6.5) "BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil"
For details: page 124
Manual transmission, automatic
transmission and differentialÐ Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required
Page 178 of 187

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
Page 179 of 187

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
Page 180 of 187

Everything from A to ZDSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)74, 165
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)103
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)74, 165EElectric convertible top
operation44
Electric power windows38
Electrical malfunction
convertible top157t
doors32t
fuel filler door157t
luggage compartment
lid37t
power convertible
top157t
Electrical system174
Electronic immobilizer31
Emergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior38
Engine
compartment120, 121Engine coolant126
adding126t
Engine oil123
adding123t
dipstick123
disposal125t
grades124
level21, 123t
pressure20
viscosity124
Engine output170
Engine specifications170
Exterior mirrors50
FFailure of an electrical
accessory156t
Fan82, 86
Filler cap cover25
Filling the washer
reservoir122t
First-aid kit24
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing159t
Flasher, headlamp64Flat tire111
Z3 roadster,
Z3 coupe146t
Folding top40
Footbrake103
Front airbags54, 130
Front fog lamps76
bulb replacement139t
Frost protection,
radiator105
Fuel26
Fuel consumption,
average72
Fuel filler door
electrical
malfunction157t
manual operation157t
Fuel gauge68
Fuel specifications26
Fuel tank capacity173
Fuses156
GGasoline26
Gear indicator68
Glass sunroof39
Glove compartment90
Grilles80, 84
Gross vehicle weight172HHardtop108
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning system24
Hazard warning
triangle24t
Head restraints50
Headlamp cleaning
system122
Headlamp cover,
care137t
Headlamp flasher64
Headlamp washers66
Headlamps, high
beam23, 64
bulb replacement137t
Headlamps, low beam76
bulb replacement137t
Page 183 of 187

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