112n
Engine oil Specified engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain types of engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
"synthetic oils" that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com for more
detailed information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
Select the correct SAE class based on
the climatic conditions in the area
where you typically drive your BMW Z8
roadster.
Approved oils are SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
530us200
113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease, etc. so that
they are inaccessible to children, and
follow warning lables on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the coolant
system when the engine is hot,
since escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-
free, extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor is
hazardous to health. Always store in
tightly closed original containers kept
well out of the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethyleneÐglycol: never allow
the antifreeze to spill onto hot engine
components, as fire and serious
personal injury in the form of burns
could result.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelThe correct coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. 687/206):
Up to the "MAX" mark on the translu-
cent expansion tank.520de156
116n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
ensuring that our customers enjoy
optimal vehicle safety and reliability
with only minimum effort and expense.
Please keep in mind that regular service
not only plays a vital role in ensuring
continued vehicle safety, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining your
vehicle's resale value.
520us006
Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are
calculated by using advanced tech-
nology; these then are indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates,
because miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From the maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
equivalent to the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System, which
is based on operating conditions,
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those drivers
who put significantly less than
6,000 miles (10,000 km) on their vehicle
anually should have the engine oil
changed at least every two years since
oil deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.
Service Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair work.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
These entries are your proof of regular
vehicle maintenance and the basis for
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System
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.
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).
161n
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 19.3 (approx. 73)
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10) Fuel quality: page
26
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx 5.3) For details: page 110
Cooling system including heater
circuit quarts (liters) 12.7 (12.0) For details: page
113
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil." For details: page 112
Manual transmission quarts (liters) 2.0 (1.9) Lifetime fluid; no fluid change required
Differential quarts (liters) 1.3 (1.2) Fluid change at the 1,200-mile-service, then lifetime
fluid; no fluid change required
Everything from A to Z
167n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Connector for Onboard
Diagnostic126
Consumption display62
Controls16
Convertible top41
closing in event of
electrical
malfunction143t
manual operation143t
Coolant113, 161
Coolant temperature
gauge63
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 89
Cruise control61
Curb weight160
Current check indicator20DDashboard16
Data
dimensions159
engine158
technical158
weights160
Daytime driving lamps69
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)90
Deactivating the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor34Deep water87
Defrosting the
windows60, 75
Difficult steering20, 94
Dimensions159
Dipstick111
Disc brakes90
Displacement158
Display lighting69
Displays18
Disposal
engine oil113
used batteries140t
Door keys30
Door warning lamp, bulb
replacement134t
Doors
emergency
actuation32t
mirrors48
remote control33
unlocking and locking32
DOT Quality Grades100
Draft-free ventilation75
Drink holder78, 80
Drive belts162
Driving in winter92
Driving notes87
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 65, 152
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)90Dynamic Performance
Control66
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22, 65, 152
EElectric defrosting of
mirrors48
Electric power seats45
Electric power windows40
Electrical equipment
failure140t
Electrical failure
convertible top143t
doors32t
fuel filler door142t
luggage
compartment142t
passenger-side
door143t
Electrical system162
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Emergency operation
convertible top143t
doors32t
fuel filler door142t
luggage
compartment142t
passenger-side
door143tEmergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior38
Engine
coolant113, 161
data158
output158
speed158
starting56
switching off57
Engine compartment108
Engine oil111
add111t
consumption111
filling capacity161
filter change161
pressure indicator
lamp20
quality112
specifications112
viscosity112
Engine oil level
check111
Equipment
options and accessories5
Exit lamps, bulb
replacement134
Exterior finish119
Exterior mirrors48
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