2002 BMW Z8 CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
To release Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel. 520de084
Never attempt to carry out service
or repair operations on your
vehicle if you do not have the required
professional skills and technical back-
ground. Always switch off the engine
and allow it to cool down before
working in the engine compartment.
Always disconnect the battery before
working on any electrical systems or
equipment, especially when these are
located within the engine compartment.
Comply with all applicable instructions
and safety precautions. Failure to work
in an informed, professional manner
when servicing components and mate-
rials constitutes a safety hazard for
vehicle occupants and other road
users. If you are not familiar with official
servicing procedures, please have the
work performed by your BMW center.<
To openPress the release handle upward and
open the hood.520de153
Hood

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HoodTo closeLower the front of the hood to within
several inches of the lock, then allow it
to fall of its own weight. Next, press
both sides down simultaneously,
continuing until you hear the detent
mechanism engage.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is being closed, as with all
closing procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<520de154

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

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Engine compartment
520de155

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment 1 Brake fluid reservoir114
2 Auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting 145
3 Coolant expansion tank113
4 Engine oil filler neck111
5 Engine oil dipstick111
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system110

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Washer fluids Washer nozzlesHeadlamp and windshield washer
system Capacity in US quarts (liters):
approx. 5.6 (5.3)
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 520de080
Antifreeze agents for the washer
systems are highly flammable.
For this reason, keep it away from
sources of flame and store it in its orig-
inal container. Store it so that it is inac-
cessible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Windshield washer systemThe spray from the nozzles should be
directed onto the windshield so as to
ensure effective cleaning, even at high
speeds. Use a needle to adjust the
nozzles if required, or have them
adjusted by your BMW center. Headlamp washer systemHave this system adjusted by your
BMW center, if required.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Let the warmed-up engine idle for
about 15 seconds, then turn it off
3. Pull the dipstick out after about
1 minute and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, tissue, or similar mate-
rial
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.520de089
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.520de091
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
this mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, differential and
the power steering system.<520de166

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Engine oil Specified engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain types of engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
"synthetic oils" that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com for more
detailed information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
Select the correct SAE class based on
the climatic conditions in the area
where you typically drive your BMW Z8
roadster.
Approved oils are SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
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