
 
11n
 
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
 
Cabin convenience:
 
Glove compartment90
Storage compartments90
Storage boxes90
Beverage holder91
Ashtray91
Cigarette lighter92
 
Loading and transporting:
 
coupe:
Roll-up cover93
Partition net93
Cargo loading94
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack95
 
Special operating instructions:
 
Break-in procedure98
Driving notes99
Catalytic converter100
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)101
Disc brakes103
Brake system104
Winter operation105
Power steering106
Cellular phone107
Car radio reception107
Hardtop Ð roadster108
 
Wheels and tires:
 
Notes on inflation pressures110
Tire condition110
Tire replacement111
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire 
combinations114
Special features of winter 
tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications116
 
In the engine compartment:
 
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Fluids for the washer 
systems122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification127
 
Care and maintenance:
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System128
Airbags130
Storing your vehicle130
 
Laws and regulations:
 
Technical modifications132
California Proposition
65 Warning132
OBD interface socket133 

73n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
The conceptThis system helps provide additional
dynamic stability, particularly when 
starting off, accelerating and cornering.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present
in traction loss and will increase driving 
stability and traction by reducing the 
engine's output, and if necessary, by 
applying the brakes individually to the 
rear wheels.
ASC+T is available as soon as the 
engine starts up.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to page 22.
The indicator lamp flashes: 
ASC+T controls the drive and braking 
forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after 
the engine is started, or if it comes on 
during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the 
system was switched off with the 
button. Consequently, interventions to 
increase driving stability (as described 
in the preceding column) are not avail-
able. You can still drive the vehicle 
normally without ASC+T. 
In the event of a malfunction, please 
consult your BMW center.
Switch off ASC+TPress the button (arrow); the indicator 
lamp comes on and stays on.
In the following rare situations, it may 
be effective to switch off the ASC+T for 
a brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability, drive 
with the ASC+T switched on 
whenever possible.<367de701
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) 

75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*Switch off DSC/activate ADBPress the DSC switch (arrow) Ð the indi-
cator lamp comes on and remains on.
DSC has been switched off; ADB is in 
ready mode.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to activate 
the ADB for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered 
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been 
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.367de739
Switch off DSC and ADBHold the DSC switch down for at least 
3 seconds. The indicator lamp and the 
red warning lamp for the brake 
hydraulic system remain on.
In this case, no interventions to 
increase stability and traction for engine 
and brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability, drive 
with the DSC switched on when-
ever possible.< 
Reactivate DSC and ADBPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. It will 
always be the driver's responsibility to 
drive in a manner that matches road 
conditions. We therefore urge you to 
avoid using the additional safety margin 
of the system as an excuse for taking 
risks.
The DSC is deactivated and will not 
carry out any stabilizing intervention 
when the ADB is in ready mode.
Do not make any modifications to the 
DSC system. Allow only authorized 
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.< 
You will find additional details 
concerning DSC in the chapter 
"Advanced technology" on page 165. 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
97n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure98
Driving notes99
Catalytic converter100
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)101
Disc brakes103
Brake system104
Winter operation105
Power steering106
Cellular phone107
Car radio reception107
Hardtop Ð roadster108
Wheels and tires:
Notes on inflation pressures110
Tire condition110
Tire replacement111
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire 
combinations114
Special features of winter 
tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire 
specifications116In the engine compartment:
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Fluids for the washer 
systems122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification127
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance 
System128
Airbags130
Storing your vehicle130
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications132
California Proposition 
65 Warning132
OBD interface socket133
Maintenance 

101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps 
the wheels from locking during braking, 
thereby enhancing active driving safety. 
The reason: locked wheels are 
dangerous. When the front wheels 
slide, the driver loses steering control 
over the vehicle. Traction loss at the 
rear wheels can cause the rear end to 
break into an uncontrolled skid. 
The system can achieve the shortest 
braking distances possible under most 
conditions (on straight-aways or in 
curves, on the various road surfaces).
ABS is designed to meet two essential 
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>Assured ability to steer and maneuver 
on the various road surfaces (asphalt, 
concrete, dirt, wet conditions, snow 
and ice). 
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the 
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx. 
6 mph (10 km/h). It is inactive once 
again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h). 
Therefore, the wheels could theoreti-
cally tend to lock in the final phase of a 
braking action, but this is insignificant in 
actual practice.
If you are in a situation which requires 
full braking, you will exploit the full 
benefits of the ABS system if you apply 
maximum brake pressure ("panic stop"). 
Since the vehicle maintains steering 
responsiveness, you can avoid possible 
obstacles with a minimum of steering 
effort, despite the full brake application.The ABS closed-loop control circuit 
cycles in fractions of a second. The 
pulsation at the brake pedal, together 
with sounds generated by the hydraulic 
control system, indicate to you that the 
vehicle is approaching its maximum 
braking range. It is a reminder to you 
that you must adapt the vehicle's road 
speed to existing road conditions. 
On road surfaces that have a loose 
surface layer on a firm base with good 
traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow, 
for example), braking distances may be 
longer than with locked wheels. This 
also applies for driving with snow 
chains. However, ABS continues to 
provide enhanced vehicle stability and 
steering response under these condi-
tions. 

105n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. 
Adaptations in driving style should be 
accompanied by preparations on the 
vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle 
operation through the winter remains 
safe and trouble-free.CoolantEnsure that the coolant contains the 
year-round 50 : 50 ratio of water and 
antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This 
mixture provides protection against 
freezing down to approx. Ð 34 7 
(Ð 37 6). Replace the coolant every 
three years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to 
free the doors if they are frozen. This 
deicer also contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW 
lock cylinder grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW 
rubber treatment to weather-stripping 
on the doors, hood, luggage compart-
ment and to convertible top seals.
A full range of car-care products is 
available from your BMW center.< Snow chainsBMW snow chains
* can be mounted on 
both summer and winter tires. Mount 
them in pairs on the rear wheels only. 
Comply with the manufacturer's safety 
precautions. Do not exceed a speed 
limit of 30 mph (50 km/h) when driving 
with chains. As an exception in this 
situation, we recommend that you 
switch off the ASC+T/DSC
* system 
when snow chains are mounted. Refer 
to pages 73, 74.
Starting offWhen starting from a full stop or 
"rocking" free in deep snow, we recom-
mend that you switch off the ASC+T/
DSC
* system, refer to pages 73, 74.
Driving on low-traction road 
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control 
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive 
engine speeds and shift to the next 
higher gear at an early point. Shift down 
into the next lowest gear when 
approaching uphill or downhill grades. 
Maintain an adequate distance between 
yourself and the vehicle ahead.Brakes Winter road conditions substantially 
reduce the traction available between 
the tires and the road surface. 
Remember that Ð in every situation Ð 
braking distances will be significantly 
longer as a result of this.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels 
from locking during brake applications, 
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability 
and steering response.  

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While so-called all season tires (M+S 
designation) provide better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load 
ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener-
ally do not achieve the performance of 
winter tires. 
In the interests of sure tracking and safe 
steering response, mount winter tires 
which are made by the same manufac-
turer and which have the same tread 
configuration at all four wheels.Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.< 
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in 
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope 
with winter driving conditions, and 
should be replaced in the interest of 
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures Ð and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.BMW narrow-link snow chains are 
intended for mounting in pairs at the 
rear wheels only. Comply with all manu-
facturer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a 
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while 
driving with mounted snow chains. 

116n
Approved wheel and tire specificationsBMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and 
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in 
the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Suitable for 
snow chainsSteel wheel
(rim)Light-alloy 
wheel
Z3 roadster 2.5i
Summer
225/50 R 16 92 V
225/50 ZR 16[Ð 7Jx16
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17Ð
ÐÐ
Ð7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Winter (M+S)
205/60 R 15 91 Q/T/H[ 6.5Jx15 7Jx15
205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H
225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H[7Jx16 7Jx16
225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H[Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8Jx17
Spare tire 
T 115/90 R 16 92 M Ð 3.00Bx16 Ð
Use the spare wheel only for short 
distances (to reach the nearest BMW 
center, for instance). Due to the altered 
handling characteristics, do not exceed 
a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). 
Mounting snow chains on the spare tire 
is not possible. Be sure that all tires are 
properly inflated, refer to page 27.
The use of rims and lug bolts that 
do not meet the specifications of 
the original factory-installed equipment 
will affect the safe operation of your 
vehicle and may cause an accident and 
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such 
as steel-belted radials with bias-belted 
or bias-ply tires etc. Mixing tire types 
will adversely affect road-holding and 
can lead to loss of vehicle control.<