2002 BMW Z8 ESP

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Mirrors Exterior mirrors1 Switch for 4-way adjustment
2 Selection switch for changing
between mirrors, switch either all the
way to the left or the right520de018
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.
When estimating the distance
between yourself and other traffic,
bear in mind that the objects reflected
in the mirror are closer than they
appear. This means that estimates of
the distance to following traffic should
not be regarded as precise. defrosted with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2.
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer This mirror automatically responds to
ambient light and headlight glare from
following vehicles by dimming through
an infinitely-variable range. The
dimming function is regulated by two
photocells; one is integrated in the
mirror's frame (arrow), while the other is
located at an offset position on the rear
of the mirror. 520de019

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Airbags 1 Front airbag on driver and passenger
side
2 Side airbags on driver and passenger
sideProtectionThe front airbags protect the driver and
passenger in the event of severe frontal
impacts in which a safety belt alone is
not enough to provide optimal protec-
tion. The side airbags help provide
protection in the event of a collision
from the side. Each of the side airbags
is designed to help support the seat
occupant's upper body.520de021
The illustration shows the system's
effective response range; major
impacts occuring within this area will
initiate airbag deployment.
The airbags do not respond to
minor impacts, if the vehicle rolls
over, or if the vehicle is hit from the
rear.<520de022
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster comes on to
confirm the system's operational
status from ignition key position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
then goes out.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp fails to come on
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
before going out and then lighting up
again.
A system malfunction could prevent the
system from responding to a high-
intensity impact sustained within its
normal response range.
Have your BMW center inspect the
system immediately.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cruise controlYou can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Refrain from using the cruise
control on twisting roads, when
high traffic density prevents driving at a
constant speed, and when driving on
slippery (snow, rain, ice) or loose
(gravel, sand) road surfaces.<520de061
Store and maintain
speed/acceleratePress the lever briefly in direction 1:
The system maintains the current
vehicle speed. Every time you briefly
press the lever, the speed increases by
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold the lever in position 1:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the lever, the system main-
tains the current speed.
The vehicle may accelerate
beyond the preselected speed on
steep downhill stretches, where engine
braking alone may not be enough to
slow the vehicle. It can also slow when
the engine fails to maintain the prese-
lected speed when ascending steep
grades.< To decelerate Press the lever briefly in direction 2:
With the cruise control active, the
speed decreases by approx. 0.6 mph
(1 km/h) every time you briefly touch the
lever.
Press and hold the lever in position 2:
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the lever, the system
registers and maintains the current
speed. To cancel the cruise controlPress the lever briefly in direction 3:
The cruise control is immediately
canceled.
In addition, the system automatically
deactivates in response to the following
conditions:
>braking
>clutch disengagement
>when vehicle speed deviates from
the preset speed for an extended
period, for instance, as a result of
pressure on the accelerator pedal. To deactivate the system Turn ignition key to position 0.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on in the course of
normal vehicle operation, the engine
has overheated. Turn it off immediately
and let it cool down.520de031
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response
to high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
For checking coolant level, refer to
page 113.
Remaining distance before
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The remaining distance in miles and the
next scheduled service will appear
together with the display OILSERVICE
or INSPECTION.
The computer bases its calculations for
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing display and a "Ð" in front of
the number indicate that service is past
due by the number of miles displayed.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.520us006

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability even in
critical driving situations.
DSC maintains optimal, predictable
response while maximizing traction
when you accelerate from a standing
start or speed up while already
underway. The system recognizes any
tendency for the vehicle to assume an
instable attitude such as oversteer and
understeer, and counteracts this
tendency with a combination of gradu-
ated reductions in engine torque and
braking intervention at individually
selected wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability Ð within the limits defined by
the laws of physics.
The system automatically assumes
operational status each time the engine
is started.
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:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp does not go out
after the engine is started, or it comes
on during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the
button. You can continue to drive the
vehicle normally, but without DSC.
Please respond to any suspected
defects by referring the problem to your
BMW center.
To deactivate the systemPress the button, the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
When DSC is deactivated, you are
operating the vehicle in the conven-
tional drive mode.
In the following rare circumstances, it
may be effective to deactivate the DSC
for a short period of time:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on when possible.<520de035
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

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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

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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout an
extended service life, we request that
you comply with the following informa-
tion.
Your BMW Z8 is an especially
high-quality vehicle. To protect
your own investment, we recommend
that you follow he break-in instructions
carefully. By doing so, you will create
the basis for optimal service life of the
vehicle.<
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or a road speed of 106 mph (170 km/h).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
Avoid depressing the accelerator to the
full-throttle position.
Following the Break-In Inspection at
1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can gradu-
ally increase engine or road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is being driven
on wet or slushy roads, a wedge
of water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as "aquaplaning" and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
engaged.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
and without high engine speeds during
this break-in period.
Break-in procedures

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking
under braking. Why is this important?
When front wheels lock up and cease
to turn, the tires break into a slide.
Result: the driver loses the ability to
steer the vehicle. Traction loss at the
rear wheels can cause the back end of
the vehicle to slip sideways and break
away in uncontrolled oversteer.
With ABS, you will achieve the shortest-
possible braking distances under all
given conditions (braking while driving
straight ahead or in curves, different
road surfaces).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help retain steering and maneu-
vering capability on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt, wet
surfaces, snow and ice).
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-
vated whenver the vehicle's speed
drops back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h). This means that the wheels
can lock only in the final phase of a
panic stop Ð a factor of no substantive
significance in actual use.
The ABS system works best in situa-
tions requiring maximum pressure on
the pedal (full braking). Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsive-
ness, you can nevertheless avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.
The ABS system's closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsing of the brake pedal, combined
with the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range and reminds you that you
should adapt your vehicle's speed to
road conditions. On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow,
for example), braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels. This
also applies to driving with snow
chains. However, ABS continues to
provide enhanced vehicle stability and
steering response under these condi-
tions.