
25n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the 
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot 
flow into the tank and the Service 
Engine Soon lamp may come on.< 
Press on the lower part of the button to 
open (fuel pump symbol).
To unlock the fuel filler door if the 
central locking system malfunctions, 
refer to page 142.
Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station 
when handling fuel. 
Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, 
these containers can leak, cause an 
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of 
a collision.<
520de006
Simple and environmentally 
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to 
prevent fuel from spraying out. 
Fuel spray may cause injury. 
Do not top off. Topping off may cause 
fuel spillage.< 
Store the cap in the holder provided on 
the inside of the fuel filler door while 
refueling.
520de007
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling 
the nozzle out of the pipe during 
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is used correctly, the 
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the 
first time.
Tank capacity, approx. 19.3 gal. 
(73 liters), incl. a reserve capacity of 
approx. 2.5 gal. (10 liters).
Close the filler cap carefully after 
refueling until a "click" is heard. 
While closing, be sure not to squeeze 
the strap which is fastened to the cap. 
A loose or missing cap will activate the 
Service Engine Soon lamp.<  

26n
Fuel quality Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use 
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen 
sensor and the catalytic converter.< 
You will find the tire inflation pressures 
on the door pillar (visible with door 
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated 
in psi (kilopascal) for cold tires at 
ambient temperature (refer also to the 
next page).
Remember to reactivate the Flat 
Tire Monitor after every wheel or 
tire change, refer to page 67.<520de008
Check tire inflation pressures 
regularly Ð at least every two 
weeks and before each extended 
journey. Otherwise, incorrect tire pres-
sure can lead to poor handling, tire 
damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval 
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table 
apply to tires made by BMW-approved 
manufacturers. Your BMW center is 
familiar with these pressures. Higher 
pressures may be specified for tires 
made by other manufacturers. 
You will find a list of approved tire sizes 
on page 104.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that 
not only meet US standards, but also 
European standards. We recommend 
the exclusive use of BMW-approved 
tires. 

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 

31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizer The key to securityThe electronic vehicle immobilizer 
reduces your BMW's susceptibility to 
theft by rendering it impossible to start 
the engine using any means other than 
the car's own individual keys. The 
system operates automatically, with no 
action or intervention on your part. Your 
BMW center can cancel the system 
authorization for individual keys (for 
instance, if a key is lost). A deactivated 
key can no longer be used to start the 
engine.520de146
Advanced electronics in actionAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the 
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, simulta-
neously serving as a communications 
interface designed to allow the security 
system to maintain a continuous stream 
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with 
the electronic circuitry in the key. The 
system will release the ignition, elec-
trical steering lock, fuel injection and 
starter for use only if it detects an 
"authorized" key.
Exposure to external force can 
damage the key's integrated elec-
tronic circuitry and render it inoperative. 
A damaged key can no longer be used 
to start the engine or release the 
steering lock.< 

41n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The automatic convertible topWeather protectionThe fabric convertible top combines 
reliable protection from the elements 
with simple, convenient operation. Here 
are a few tips to ensure that you enjoy 
your BMW Z8 roadster.
It is advisable to close the convertible 
top when the vehicle is parked. The 
closed convertible top not only protects 
the passenger compartment from 
unforeseeable damage from the 
weather, it also provides a certain 
degree of theft protection. Even if the 
convertible top is closed, store your 
valuables only in the locked luggage 
compartment.
To prevent damage to its rear window, 
avoid opening or closing the fabric top 
unless the temperature is well above 
freezing. Operate the convertible top only 
when the vehicle is stationary, 
otherwise the procedure will be inter-
rupted. Driving before the opening or 
closing procedure has been properly 
concluded can lead to damage or 
injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible 
top, since they would fall off when the 
convertible top is operated and cause 
damage or injuries. 
Make sure that no objects or people get 
in the way while the convertible top is 
opening or closing, so that no damage 
or injuries occur.
The automatic operating procedure is 
interrupted immediately if the switch 
for actuating the top is released. The 
procedure can be continued in the 
desired direction by pressing this 
switch.<
To openFrom ignition key position 1:
If at all possible, only operate the 
convertible top if the engine is running 
to avoid discharging the battery.
Press and hold the switch in the 
"Open" (1) direction until the opening 
procedure has been completed with the 
convertible top being stored in the 
convertible top compartment and the 
indicator lamp on the instrument cluster 
(refer to page 18) has gone out. 
The side windows will lower slightly 
when the convertible top is being 
opened. To reclose the side windows, 
maintain pressure on the switch after 
the indicator lamp goes out. 520de055 

56n
Starting the engine Before starting>Engage the parking brake 
>Make sure that the transmission is in 
neutral 
>Depress the clutch pedal 
>Turn ignition key to position 2. 
Do not allow the engine to run in 
enclosed areas. The exhaust 
gases contain carbon monoxide, an 
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic 
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses 
an extreme health risk, and can lead to 
unconsciousness and death. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<520de141
Do not press the accelerator pedal 
while starting the engine (pressing the 
starter button). 
Do not actuate the starter button 
for too short a time, but do not 
keep it pressed for more than approx. 
20 seconds.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by 
leaving it running while the vehicle 
remains stationary. Instead, begin to 
drive immediately at a moderate engine 
speed.
Cold starts at very low temperatures, 
from approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) and at alti-
tudes above 3,300 ft (1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the 
starter for a longer period (approx. 
10 seconds). 
Engine idle speed is controlled by the 
electronic engine-management system. 
A fast idle immediately after starting is 
normal and should decrease as the 
engine warms up. If the idle does not 
return to normal as the engine reaches 
normal operating temperature, service 
is required. 
To prevent the battery from 
discharging, always deactivate elec-
trical devices that are not in use. Switch 
the ignition off when the vehicle is not 
being driven. 

57n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Switching off the engine  Parking brake Turn ignition key to position 1 or 0. 
Never remove the ignition key 
while the vehicle is rolling. If you 
do so, the ignition lock would engage 
when the steering wheel is turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key and engage the 
steering lock. 
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on hills and inclined surfaces, 
as first gear or reverse may not provide 
adequate resistance to rolling.<
The parking brake is primarily designed 
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while 
parked. It operates on the rear wheels. To engage The lock engages automatically when 
you lift the lever, and the indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster comes on 
when the ignition key is in position 2. 
Refer to page 21.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the 
button and lower the lever. 520de024
If, in rare circumstances, it should 
be necessary to engage the 
parking brake while the vehicle is in 
motion, do not pull hard on the lever. 
Keep your thumb pressed against the 
release button while carefully pulling 
the lever up to apply moderate pres-
sure.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction (fishtailing) 
at the rear axle. 
The brake lamps do not come on when 
the parking brake is engaged. 
Always engage the parking brake when 
parking on hills and inclined surfaces, 
as selecting first gear or reverse may 
not provide adequate resistance to 
rolling.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided 
braking, apply the parking brake lightly 
from time to time when coasting to a 
standstill (at a traffic signal, for 
instance), provided that it is safe to do 
so.  

58n
Manual transmission  Indicator/Headlamp ßasher Every time you shift gears, always 
depress the clutch pedal all the way 
down, pushing the gear lever into the 
desired position. 
Always remember to depress the clutch 
pedal when starting the engine; a lock-
out device prevents starting when the 
clutch is engaged.
The shift lever's neutral plane is located 
between 3rd and 4th gears. 
The shift lever automatically returns to 
the 3rd/4th plane whenever you select 
neutral. 520de158
When shifting across the gate to 
the 5th/6th gear plane always 
remember to push the lever to the right 
to avoid inadvertent engagement of 3rd 
or 4th gear.<
Reverse  Select only when the vehicle is 
stationary. Press the shift lever to the 
left to overcome the resistance. 
As you do this, the backup lamp will 
turn on automatically when the ignition 
key is in position 2. 
Never slip the clutch to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling backwards 
when stopping on hills. Slipping the 
clutch for extended periods leads to 
rapid, premature clutch wear.<
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp) 
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator 
lamp) 
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator 
lamp and cyclical clicking from the 
blinker relay) 
If the indicator lamp and the clicking 
from the relay are faster than normal, 
one of the turn signal bulbs is defective. To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond 
the pressure point. It then returns to the 
center position when released. 520de025