Page 10 of 174

 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26
 
Locks and security systems:
 
Keys30
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð from the 
outside32
Using the key32
Using the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Alarm system38
Electric power windows40
The automatic convertible 
top41
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats45
Steering wheel47
Mirrors47
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory49
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts50
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
 
Driving:
 
Ignition and steering lock55
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher58
Washer/Wiper system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display63
Clock64
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)64
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)65
Dynamic Performance 
Control66
Flat Tire Monitor67
 
Contents 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 15 of 174
 
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
 
15n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26  
Overview 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 19 of 174

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for 
fuel reserve62
2 Speedometer with indicator and 
warning lamps for
 
>
 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)22
 
>
 
Engine electronics22
3 Instrument panel lighting69
4 Tachometer62
with indicator and warning lamps 
for:
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
Convertible top operation41
 
>
 
Flat Tire Monitor20
 
>
 
Antilock Brake System (ABS)21 
 
>
 
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)20
 
>
 
Service Engine Soon22
 
>
 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil 
level20, 21
5 Coolant temperature gauge with 
"Coolant temperature too high" 
warning lamp63
6 Indicator and warning lamps for: 
 
>
 
Rear fog lamp22
 
>
 
Turn signal, right23
7 Clock648 Control button for:
 
>
 
Clock64
 
>
 
Trip odometer, reset to zero62
9 Indicator and warning lamps for: 
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
High beams23
 
>
 
Airbags21
10 Indicator for:
 
>
 
Odometer62
 
>
 
Trip odometer62
 
>
 
Service Interval63
11 Indicator and warning lamps for:
 
>
 
Turn signal, left23
 
>
 
Brake pads22 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 22 of 174

 
22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Brake pads l
 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 92.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) l
 
Malfunction in the DBC system. 
The brake system continues to 
provide unrestricted conventional 
performance. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 90.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating engine 
torque and braking force.
If the indicator lamp does not go out 
after the engine is started, or if it comes 
on during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been switched off or has been 
deactivated because of a malfunction. 
In the event of a malfunction, have the 
system checked by your BMW center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 65.
Service Engine Soon l 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuosly or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 126.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
Electronic engine-management 
system
Malfunction in the electronic 
engine-management system. The elec-
tronics revert to a default mode permit-
ting continued operation, but at lower 
than usual engine speeds and with 
reduced power. Please have the 
system inspected by your BMW center. 
Yellow: for your information
Rear fog lamp
Lights up whenever the rear fog 
lamp is turned on. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 70. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 29 of 174

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Ignition and steering lock55
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher58
Washer/Wiper system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display63
Clock64
Multi-Information Radio (MIR)64
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)65
Dynamic Performance 
Control66
Flat Tire Monitor67Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Instrument lighting69
High beams/Standing lamps70
Rear fog lamp70
Interior lamps71
Reading lamps71
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Beverage holder80
Cellular phone81
Ashtray81
Cigarette lighter82
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading83 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 66 of 174

66n
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Dynamic Performance To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.
Not even DSC can suspend the 
laws of physics. Responsibility for 
careless driving remains in the hands 
(and feet) of the driver. Never use the 
added safety provided by DSC as an 
excuse for taking unnecessary risks.
Do not make any modifications to the 
DSC system. Service procedures on 
the system are to be performed by 
authorized technicians only.<
For additional information concerning 
DSC, please refer to the chapter 
"Advanced technology" on page 151.
The system reacts to current conditions 
with an instantaneous recalibration. It 
revises the accelerator's standard 
response designed to furnish an ideal 
combination of comfort and perfor-
mance orientation Ð with a more perfor-
mance-oriented response program. The 
result is crisper, faster reaction to 
throttle inputs (Sport mode).
The system resets to the standard 
response mode, with its combination of 
comfort and performance orientation, 
each time the engine is restarted. 520de057 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 99 of 174

99n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Information for your safetyThe vehicle's factory-approved safety 
tires have been specially designed to 
provide optimum safety and driving 
comfort on your vehicle. 
It is not merely the tire's service life, but 
also driving comfort and Ð above all else 
Ð driving safety that depend on the 
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a 
frequent cause of tire damage. It 
also significantly influences the road-
holding ability of your BMW. Check tire 
inflation pressures regularly (refer to 
page 26), at least every two weeks and 
before beginning a longer trip. If this is 
not done, incorrect tire pressures can 
cause driving instability and tire 
damage, ultimately resulting in acci-
dents.<
Safety tiresYour BMW Z8 is equipped with safety 
tires. 
The assembly consists of self-
supporting tires mounted on specially-
designed wheel rims. Special reinforce-
ment elements support the sidewalls in 
the event of pressure loss. Although tire 
performance is then restricted, the 
vehicle can still be driven on the 
deflated tire for a limited distance. Your 
vehicle is equipped with a Flat Tire 
Monitor that signals you in case of a flat 
tire. 
For further information, refer to 
pages 67, 137.
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread 
depth, wear, signs of damage and for 
foreign objects lodged in the tread. 
Tread depth should not be allowed to 
fall below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though 
the legally specified minimum tread 
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At at 
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread 
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base will indicate that the legally 
permissible wear limit has been 
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread 
depth, there is an increased risk of 
aquaplaning, even at relatively 
moderate speeds and with only small 
amounts of water on the road.390de331
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 126 of 174

126n
OBD interface socket The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the driver's 
side at the bottom of the instrument 
panel and under a cover. The cover has 
the letters "OBD" on it.
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-
sions-related components and systems 
for deterioration and malfunction.520de130
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 controll 
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.<