Page 12 of 187
Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit136
Windshield wiper blades136
Lamps and bulbs137
Master key with battery
lamp143
Remote control144
Wheel change146
Battery153
Fuses156
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Power convertible top157
Fuel filler door157
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting158
Towing the vehicle159Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)164
Airbags164
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)165
Car radio reception166
Safety belt tensioner166Engine specifications170
Dimensions171
Weights172
Capacities173
Electrical system174
Drive belts174
Page 64 of 187

64n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Turn signals/High beams
Available displays
S M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
there is a fault in the transmis-
sion system.
All of the selector lever positions can
continue to be used; in the forward
drive positions, however, the vehicle
will be operating with restricted gear
availability.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest BMW
center.
367us723
Do not work in the engine
compartment when a drive gear
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you
do so, the vehicle could move.<
Information on jump-starting, tow-
starting and towing, refer to
pages 158, 159.
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicators (green indicator
lamp and rhythmic clicking of the
relay)
If the indicator lamp and the clicking
from the relay are both faster than
normal, one of the turn signal indicators
has failed.To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the pressure point. It then returns to the
center position when released.367us024
Page 121 of 187
121n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Engine compartment Ð Z3 roadster 2.5i, 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i1 Engine oil dipstick123
2 Brake fluid reservoir,
the illustration shows the reservoir for
Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i126
3 Fuse box156
4 Coolant expansion tank125
5 Engine oil filler neck123
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp
* washer fluid122
7 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting Ð
negative terminal158
8 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting Ð
positive terminal158
Page 135 of 187
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
135n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit136
Windshield wiper blades136
Lamps and bulbs137
Master key with battery
lamp143
Remote control144
Wheel change146
Battery153
Fuses156
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Power convertible top157
Fuel filler door157
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting158
Towing the vehicle159
Repairs
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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.<
Page 158 of 187

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
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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
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160n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be
possible to control vehicle handling.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle with an automatic transmission
by towing or pushing the vehicle.
For instructions on jump-starting, refer
to page 158.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle. This could result
in damage to the energy-absorbing
bumpers.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1. Place the selector lever in
position "N"
2. Towing speed:
max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to
ensure that brake lamps, turn signal
indicators, horn and windshield
wipers remain operative, and to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning
flashers (observe applicable legal
regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow. Place a sign or warning
triangle in the rear window, for
instance.
Even when the electrical system
has failed, make sure that the igni-
tion key remains in position 1 to prevent
the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed equipment
>Comply with applicable towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to
possible accidents.< 367us124