102n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to page 104.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
that otherwise will not function prop-
erly, e. g. ABS, DSC and Flat Tire
Monitor.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel and tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h)
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h) For example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
245/45 R
1896W
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks.
Safety tires carry additional designation
codes; these vary according to manu-
facturer:
Bridgestone RFT
Dunlop DSST
Goodyear EMT
Michelin ZPStorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. For example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
8 x 18 EH2
J
111n
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
120n
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive
your vehicle in areas with high levels of
air pollution or natural contaminants
(tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive
substances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease, brake fluid
and bird droppings should always be
cleaned up immediately.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol and a clean
cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove
tar spots with tar remover. After
cleaning, the affected areas should be
waxed to ensure continued protection.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Repairing the paintYou can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The color code of your vehicle is
provided on a tag located near the
vehicle data plate and on the first page
of the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.
121n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleWindow careYou can use window and glass cleaner
to clean inside window surfaces and
mirrors without smearing and streaking.
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.
Clean the wiper blades with soapy
water. The wiper blades should be
replaced twice a year Ð before and after
the cold season.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially
during the winter months. However, do
not use aggressive products containing
acids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do
not use steam cleaners operating at
temperatures above 140 7 (60 6).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Carefully clean chrome parts such as
lamp sockets assemblies, door handles
and similar items with an ample amount
of clean water Ð and shampoo, too, if
necessary Ð especially if there is an
accumulation of road salt. Use a
chrome polish for an additional treat-
ment.
Use water to clean plastic components,
headliners, lamp lenses, and surfaces
sprayed dull black Ð adding vinyl
shampoo, if necessary. Do not allow
moisture to soak through the seats or
headliner. Never use solvents such as
lacquer thinner, heavy-duty grease
remover, fuels, or similar substances.
Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off the
clear covers of the instruments, using
methylated spirits with distilled water as
a cleaning solvent, if necessary, at a
mixing ratio of 1:1.Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.
The safety belts should be cleaned with
a mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the vehicle. Never
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts
prevent the inertia reel mechanism from
retracting the strap properly, thus
constituting a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from
the vehicle for cleaning.
Clean aluminum surfaces with water
and, if necessary, with a mild soap.
Never use solvents such as lacquer
thinner, heavy-duty grease remover,
fuels, or similar substances.
Use only a wet cloth to clean painted
inner parts. Dry them afterwards with a
soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
124n
Vehicle storage
If the vehicle is to be stored for
more than three months, ensure
that the following service operations
are carried out first.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1. Clean and apply a rust proofing
agent or other treatment to the
engine, engine compartment, under-
carriage, axles and major compo-
nents in accordance with approved
repair procedures. Wash the vehicle,
clean the interior and treat painted
and chromed parts. Clean the
weather-stripping around the hood,
luggage compartment and doors
2. Change engine oil and oil filter at
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure,
an anticorrosive agent can be added
to the engine in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions
3. Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4. Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top off
if necessary
5. Fill the fuel tank completely to
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion
6. Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle1. Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding
2. Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated area. Place the
transmission in first gear or, if neces-
sary, chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling. Do not engage
the parking brake
3. Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4. Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 96
5. Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge a battery that has been taken
out of the vehicle every six months. If it
is not recharged, it will not be service-
able. Every time the battery is
discharged, especially over extended
periods, its service life is reduced.Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black, refer to page 138.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement, if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
129n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit130
Windshield wiper blades130
Lamps and bulbs131
Changing a wheel137
Battery138
Fuses140
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door142
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment142
Passenger door143
Closing the convertible top143
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump-starting145
Towing the vehicle146
Repairs
142n
Manual release Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol
(arrow) on the right trim panel of the
luggage compartment. 520de151
Manual release >Tilt the backrest for the passenger's
seat forward and open the storage
compartment located behind it
>Lift the cover off the fuse box
>Pull the ring to release the luggage
compartment lid (arrow 1) or the
cellular phone holder (arrow 2). 520de128
Fuel filler door Luggage compartment lid, storage compartment
158n
BMW Z8
Displacement
Number of cylinders cu in (ccm) 301.5 (4,941)
8
Maximum output
at engine speedhp
rpm394
6,600
Maximum torque
at engine speedft Ibs (Nm)
rpm368 (500)
3,800
Compression ratioe
11
Stroke
Borein (mm)
in (mm)3.50 (89.0)
3.70 (94.0)
Fuel injection system Digital electronic engine-management system
Engine data