117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car-wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the
vehicle when the hood is warm, or
during or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
In order to protect your convertible top,
do not use washing programs featuring
wax application on your vehicle. The
small amount of beading wax always
used in automatic car washes will not
harm the convertible top.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that
>the car-wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>no damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car-wash operator if necessary>the wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car-wash system
>the vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer Ð such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ð
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to further damage. In addi-
tion, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth. Never use abrasives or strong
solvents to clean the covers
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never
use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle
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).
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel Safety tiresYour BMW Z8 roadster is equipped
with safety tires.
The safety tires are made 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 tire pressure
monitor that signals you in case of a flat
tire.
In the event of a flat tireThe red indicator lamp on the instru-
ment panel will flash in the event of a
flat tire. In addition, a gong will sound.
Refer to page 67.
Carefully reduce speed to less than
50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding any hard
braking or steering maneuvers while
doing so.
You will still be able to drive approx.
155 miles (250 km) on your safety tire,
until you can get to a safe place to park,
a gas station, or to your nearest BMW
center. Under minimum vehicle loading,
it could conceivably last more than
155 miles (250 km).
If you cannot immediately determine
which tire is defective just by looking
at it, then check the tire pressure in all
four tires.Have your BMW center replace
your tires. For safety reasons, do
not have safety tires repaired. Your
BMW center has been trained to work
with the safety tires and is equipped
with the necessary special tools.<
If necessary, please have your
BMW center switch the tires on
your vehicle from summer to winter
tires, or the reverse.<
Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 21, 88
Accessories 6
Activated charcoal filter 75
Add brake fluid 114t
engine coolant 114t
engine oil 111t
washer fluid 110, 161
Adjust seats 45
steering wheel 47
temperature 74
washer nozzles 110t
Adjustment setting configuration 49
Air conditioner 72
Air distribution 74
Air outlets 72
Air pressure 99
Air supply 74
Airbags 21, 51 , 123 , 150
Alarm system 38
Antenna 94
Antifreeze 113
radiator 92
Antifreeze/corrosion protection 92
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 21, 88 Anti-theft alarm system
38
Anti-theft protection 32
Approved gross vehicle weight 160
Aquaplaning 99
Ashtray 81
Attach vehicle vacuum cleaner 82
Automatic car washes 117
Automatic headlamp washers 60
Automatic windshield washer 60
Avoiding a false alarm 39t
Axle weights 160
B
Backrest
adjusting 45
unlock 46
Backup lamps 58
bulb replacement 133t
Battery 138, 162
add distilled water 138t
capacity 162
charge current 20
charging 139t
discharged 145t
recycling 140t
removing and
installing 139t Belts
50
Beverage holder 80
Blower 74
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 112
Bore 158
Brake hydraulic system 20, 92
Brake system faults 92t
fluid 114t
pads 22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure 86
Bulbs and lamps 131tC
California Proposition 65
Warning 125
Can holder 80
Car Memory 49
Car phone 81, 94
Car radio 64, 95
reception 95, 151
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Car wash 117
Care exterior 119
for the vehicle finish 120
interior 121 Catalytic converter
87
CBC (Cornering Brake Control) 21, 89
CD player, refer to the radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone 94
refer also to separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system 32
key 36
Changing a wheel 137t
Changing the oil filter 161
Changing tires 137t
Checking air pressure 26t
Checking engine oil level 111t
Child restraint systems 54
Child seat safety 54
Child seats 53
Child-restraint systems 53
Cigarette lighter 82
Clean headlamps 60
Clock 64
Cockpit 16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn signal indicator/headlamp
flasher 59
Compartments 79
for stowing items 78
Compression 158
Everything from A to ZFFailure to start146t
Fault in ABS89
Filler cap cover25
Filling capacities161
Filling the washer
reservoir161
First-aid kit24
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing146t
Flashlight79
Flat tire137t
Flat Tire Monitor67
Fog lamp, bulb
replacement133t
"Follow me home"
lamps49, 69
Footbrake90
Footwell lamps71
bulb replacement134t
Front seat adjustment45
Frost protection,
radiator113
Fuel26
gauge62
indicator62
quality26
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault142tFuel injection system158
Fuel tank capacity161
Fuses140
GGasoline26
quality26
Glove compartment78
bulb replacement135t
Gross vehicle weight160HHand lamp79
Handbrake57
Hands-free system81
Hardtop96
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning
triangle24t
Head restraint46
Headlamp covers,
care117t, 131t
Headlamp flasher70
Headlamp washer
system60, 110, 161
Headlamps70
Headlight glare in rearview
mirror48
Heated mirrors48
Heated seats77
Heating and ventilation72Heating, rapid77
Heavy loads83
Height159
High beams23, 58, 70
Holder for beverage
cans80
Hood release105t
Horn17
Hydraulic system88, 92
IIdentification, tires102
Ignition keys30
Ignition lock55
Imprint4
Incoming-air mode74
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressure26t, 99
monitoring67
INSPECTION63
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel lighting69
Instruments18
Interaxle tire rotation101
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostic126
Interference
cellular phone94
radio reception95
Interior lamps34, 71
bulb replacement135t
remote control34Interior motion sensor39
deactivating34
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic
dimmer48, 154
Intermittent mode of wiper
system59
JJump-starting145KKey Memory49
Key with remote control30
Keys30LLamps and bulbs131t
Leather care122
Length159
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement133t
Light switch69
Light-alloy wheels104
Lighter82
LIGHTS ON warning69
Loading83
Lock deicer92
Louvers72
Low beam headlamps69
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
Everything from A to ZRestraint systems53
Return used
batteries140t
Reverse17, 58
Roof load capacity160
Rotating the tires101
Rubber parts93SSafety belt tensioners153
Safety belts50
Safety buttons36
Safety tires99
Seat adjustment45
Seat heating77
Securing cargo83
Self-defrosting mirrors48
Service Interval
Display63, 116
Shelves78, 79
Should131t
Side airbags51
Side marker lamps69
bulb
replacment131t, 132t
Skid control94
Slippery roads93
Snow chains93, 103, 104
Socket82
for flashlights82
for power supplies82
for vacuum cleaners82Sound system, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Spare key30
Spark plugs162
Speaker81
Specified engine oil112
Speedometer18
Starting56
problems87t, 145
Steel wheels104
Steering94
Steering wheel lock55
Stopping the vehicle57
Storage areas78, 79
Storing your vehicle124
Stroke158
Summer tires102
Switching off the engine57
Switching off the interior
motion sensor39t
Switching off the tilt alarm
sensor39t
Symbols4, 138
TTachometer62
Tail lamps132
bulb replacment132t
Tank capacity161
Technical data158
Technical
modifications6, 125Telephone81
Temperature display
outside temperature64
Temperature gauge
engine coolant63
Temperature
selection74, 75
Tilt alarm34
Tilt alarm sensor39
Tire codes102
Tire damage99t
Tire inflation
pressure26, 99
Tire pressure monitor67
Tire replacement100, 101
Tire rotation101
Tire specifications104
Tire tread99
Tools130t
Torque158
Tow fittings146t
Towing the vehicle146t
Tow-starting146t
Track159
Traction Control System
refer to DSC65
Transmission58
Transmitter key30
Tread depth, tires99
Trip odometer62
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid37Turn signal indicator23, 59
Turning circle159
UUniform Tire Quality
Grading101
Unusually high steering
effort20, 94
Use antifreeze114t
radiator114t
Used batteries,
disposal140tVVacuum cleaner82
Vehicle battery138, 162
Vehicle care
exterior119
interior121
Vehicle equipment
options and accessories5
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)115
Vehicle immobilizer31
Vehicle painting119
Vehicle storage124
Vehicle weight160
Vehicle, starting56
Vehicle, stopping57
Ventilation72
draft-free75
Vinyl upholstery, care121
To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information
when you stop for fuel, we recommend
that you take the time to fill out the ad-
joining chart by entering the data that
apply to your vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations.
Fuel Please enter your preferred fuel here. Engine oil The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressure
Summer tires Winter tires
front rear front rear
2 passengers
Refueling