20n
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by "
l
" are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this in the
following section.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
l
The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive
belt is defective or there is a malfunc-
tion in the charging circuit of the alter-
nator. Please contact the nearest BMW
center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.
<
Brake hydraulic system
l
The brake fluid level is too low.
Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 104 and 126.
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.
71n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Computer
*
To enter the timeEnter the numbers for hours and
minutes by pressing the button.
Enter the hour first. Each time the
button is pressed, the hour display
increases by one. Pressing and holding
the button starts the rapid advance.
Confirm the time set with the
button. Now enter the minutes when
two zeros appear.
Enter the minutes in the same manner
as the hours.
Press the save button : the time is
started exactly on the second. The
colon stops flashing.To reset the timePress and hold the button for
approx. 3 seconds: enter the hour when
the colon begins to flash.
Enter the numbers by pressing the
button in the same manner as when
entering the time.
Setting the 12-hour or 24-hour
modePress and hold the buttons
simultaneously for approx. 1 second.
Then press the button. Now, the
mode changes from 12 to 24 hours
whenever you press the button.
When you select the 12-hour mode,
AM or PM will appear on the right-hand
side of the display panel.
The last mode selected is adopted
when you press or automatically
stored approx. 5 seconds after the last
setting.
Outside temperatureIf the outside temperature drops to
approx. +37.5 7 (+3 6), a warning
signal sounds (ice warning). The
temperature display appears automati-
cally and flashes for 8 seconds.
The warning is repeated whenever the
temperature has reached at least
+43 7 (+6 6) and then drops to
+37.5 7 (+3 6) again.
The ice warning does not alter the
fact that surface ice can form at
temperatures above +37.5 7 (+3 6),
on bridges or shaded road surfaces, for
instance.< 367us712
74n
ASC+T Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*Reactivate the ASC+TPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. 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.<
For additional details concerning
ASC+T, please refer to the chapter,
"Advanced technology," page 165.
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the vehicle on a
steady course by reducing the engine
speed and brake applications to the
individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC includes the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 102.
The ADB (Automatic Differential
Braking) copies the function of conven-
tional differential and transverse locks
through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e. g. when driving on snow-
covered roads.
If the DSC is deactivated the ADB is in
ready mode.
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:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the
button; ADB is in ready mode.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp remain on:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been switched off via the button
or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
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.
106n
Winter operation Power steeringIf it should occur that the ABS does not
respond in a critical braking situation
and the wheels lock: reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal until the wheels
just start to roll again while still main-
taining enough force to continue
braking. Following that, increase pedal
pressure again. Reduce the pressure as
the wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this process.
This type of staggered braking will
shorten the braking distance, and the
vehicle still remains responsive to
steering.
You can still attempt to steer around
hazards once you have reduced the
pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Declutch during hard braking on
road surfaces which provide only
poor or uneven traction.<
Skid controlDepress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal, or place the selector
lever of the automatic transmission into
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.ParkingEngage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park". On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake
linings from locking due to frost or
corrosion, dry them by gently applying
the parking brake as the vehicle is
coming to a stop. Make sure that
following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light
up when the parking brake is
applied.<
If you notice a change in steering
response (high steering effort, for
example):
Consult a BMW center to have the
system checked.
If the power steering fails,
increased effort will be required
to steer the vehicle.<
146n
Wheel change
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or a wheel change:
Stop the vehicle on a firm, level surface
as far as possible from the flow of
traffic. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock, engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear (selector
lever in "Park" with automatic transmis-
sion).
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (for instance, behind
the guardrail).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, tiles, loose
gravel, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.
Place the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. This creates the risk of fatal
injury.<
What you will needThe illustration depicts an example of
the onboard tool kit of the Z3 coupe.
Other than the warning triangle, the
same tools are arranged somewhat
differently in the storage compartment
of the Z3 roadster.
In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack
Release the Velcro¨ fastener in the
luggage compartment under the floor
mat next to the battery.
After use, wind down the jack
completely367de685
Z3 coupe
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