77n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner Seat heatingRapid heating 1. Set the rotary control for the air
supply to positon 3
2. Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right
3. Rotary control for air distribution in
position
4. Select incoming-air mode.520de045
HeatingWhen the windows are free of ice and
condensation, we recommend the
following settings:
1. Set the rotary control for the air
supply to position 2
2. Use the rotary temperature control to
select an interior temperature which
is comfortable for you
3. Rotary control for air distribution in
position .520de047
The seat cushion and backrest can
be heated when the ignition key is in
position 2.
By repeatedly pressing the button, you
can select one of three different opera-
tion modes:
>Two indicator lamps on: heating at
high temperature
>One indicator lamp on: heating at low
temperature
>Indicator lamps off: seat heating
deactivated.520de048
91n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDriving notesWhen driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is advisable to apply light pres-
sure to the brake pedal every few miles.
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
to you or to other road users. The heat
generated in this braking process helps
dry the pads and rotors
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 93).
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times.
You can enhance the engine's braking
effect by downshifting, into first gear, if
necessary. Even if engine braking fails to slow the
vehicle sufficiently, you should still
make every effort to avoid prolonged
braking with continuous application of
low to moderate pressure at the pedal.
It is better to decelerate the vehicle by
applying a higher level of force at the
pedal (watch following traffic!) and then
subsequently pausing to allow the
brakes to cool briefly before starting on
your next braking cycle. By protecting
brake system components against
overheating, the cooling phases
afforded by this staggered, or intermit-
tent braking technique help maintain
consistent availability of optimal braking
response when it is needed.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal
depressed, the gear-shift lever in
neutral, or, above all, with the engine
off; otherwise, the engine will provide
no braking effect if the transmission is
in neutral, and there is no braking or
steering power assist if the engine is
not running. Never allow floor mats,
carpets or any other objects to obstruct
the accelerator, clutch or brake pedals
and pose a safety hazard by reducing
their available travel range.<
92n
Brake system Winter operationBrake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low, refer to
page 114.
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum thickness. Proceed to
the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Winter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather, requiring not only a
different driving style, but also certain
preparations to the vehicle itself to
ensure that your progress through the
winter months remains safe and
trouble-free. CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor. This mixture
provides protection against freezing
down to approx. Ð34 7 (Ð37 6).LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free doors if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
mended.
93n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationRubber seals and componentsTo prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.
on rear tires, complying with the manu-
facturer's safety precautions. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) while the snow chains are
mounted and refrain from activating the
Flat Tire Monitor, as the snow chains
could trigger false alarms and/or
prevent the system from detecting
actual pressure loss.
Starting off When starting off in deep snow or when
"rocking" the vehicle to free it, it may be
advisable to temporarily deactivate the
DSC. Refer to page 65.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on whenever possible.<
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces Do not activate the Sport mode (refer to
page 66). Use smooth, gentle pressure
to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid
excessive engine speeds and upshift
early. Downshift well in advance when
approaching uphill or downhill grades.
Maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the vehicle
ahead. BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking
distance are considerable and should
be kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock,
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can always then attempt to steer
around hazards after you have reduced
pressure on the brake pedal.
Never downshift to exploit engine
braking when driving on slippery
road surfaces, as this could lead to a
loss of traction at the rear wheels,
impairing your ability to control the
vehicle.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
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
Everything from A to Z
169n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Low traction road
surfaces93
Luggage compartment37
bulb replacement136t
capacity160
remote control35
Luggage compartment
lid37
emergency release37t
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior38MM+S tires103
Maintenance63, 116
Malfunction, ABS89
Manual transmission58
Map lamps71
Microfilter75
MIR (Multi-Information
Radio)64
Mirrors48
Mobile phones81, 94
Modifications,
technical6, 125
Multi-Information Radio
(MIR)64
NNavigation system, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Neckrest46
Neon lamps131OOBD interface socket126
Odometer62
Oil
additives111
consumption111
fill capacity161
quality112
specifications112
viscosity112
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil dipstick111
Oil filter change161
Oil level
check111
indicator lamp21
Oil pressure
indicator lamp20
OILSERVICE63
Onboard tool kit130tOpening and closing
from the inside36
from the outside32
Operation in winter92
Outlets, ventilation72
Outside temperature
display64
PPaint, care119
Paintwork
minor repairs120
waxing120
Parking brake57
Parking lamps69, 70
bulb replacment132t
Parking, winter94
Performance158
Phone, refer to cellular
phone94
"Please fasten your safety
belt" warning lamp21
Pocket flashlight79
Pollen75
Power steering94
Power windows40
Pressure, tires26t, 99
monitoring67
RRadio64, 94
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Radio reception95, 151
Rapid heating77
Reading lamps71
Rear fog lamp70
bulb replacement133t
Rear window
defroster60, 75
Rearview mirror48
Recirculated-air mode74
Refill washer
reservoir110t
Refueling25
Remaining fuel indicator62
Remote control33
Removing condensation
from the windows75t
Removing the vehicle from
storage124
Replacement keys30
Replacing fuses140t
Replacing lamps and
bulbs131t
Replacing windshield wiper
blades130t
Replenish washer
fluid110t
Reporting Safety Defects7