Page 10 of 174

Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel quality26
Tire inflation pressure26
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside32
Using the key32
Using the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Alarm system38
Electric power windows40
The automatic convertible
top41
Adjustments:
Seats45
Steering wheel47
Mirrors47
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory49
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts50
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
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 Monitor67
Contents
Page 12 of 174
Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
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 vehicle146Airbags150
Car radio reception151
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)152
Safety belt tensioner153
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer154
Xenon lamps155Engine data158
Dimensions159
Weights160
Capacities161
Electrical system162
Drive belts162
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39n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Alarm systemIndicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located in the
inside rear view mirror's rotary knob.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during
arming: a door, the hood or luggage
compartment lid is not completely
closed. Even if you do not respond by
securing the affected area, the system
starts to monitor all other points and
the indicator lamp reverts to contin-
uous, uninterrupted operation once
ten seconds have elapsed. The inte-
rior motion sensor remains off
>The indicator lamp goes out during
disarming: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed520de014
>The indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is
disarmed: an attempted entry has
been detected in the period since the
system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarms The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time to prevent a false alarm from being
triggered (in garages with elevator
ramps, for instance), or when the
vehicle is transported by trailer or train:
Lock the vehicle twice (= arm the
system) by pressing button 2 on the
remote control twice in succession
(refer to page 34), or lock the vehicle
twice with the key (refer to page 32).
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
remain deactivated for as long as the
system is armed.
Interior motion sensorIn order for the interior motion sensor to
function properly, the windows and the
luggage compartment lid must be
closed.
Nevertheless, you should deactivate
the interior motion sensor (refer to the
previous column) if
>children or animals are left in the
vehicle
>windows should remain open.
For US vehicles only:
The interior motion sensor is not
installed on US models as it has not
received FCC (Federal Communica-
tions Commission) approval.<
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48n
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
Mirrors Vehicle Memory, Key MemoryThe mirror switches to its clear,
undimmed mode whenever you shift
into reverse.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview
mirror and the windshield. Do not
attach any kind of stickers on the wind-
shield in front of the mirror, either.
For a more detailed explanation of the
electrochromatic technology used in
this mirror, please refer to page 153.
The conceptNo doubt you have reflected at one
time or another on how great it would
be if you could permanently configure
your vehicle's various features and
adjustments to mirror your own indi-
vidual preferences. In developing the
Z8, BMW has incorporated a number of
options for personal adjustment that
can be programmed into your vehicle
by your BMW center.
The available configuration data fall into
two categories, according to whether
their primary orientation is the vehicle
("Vehicle Memory") or the individual
("Key Memory"). Provided that each
person has a separate remote-control
key, you can have your BMW center
enter adjustment data for as many as
four different individuals into the
system.
The system then relies on a bilateral
data exchange to identify the individual
user and dial in the selected settings
whenever the remote-control unit is
used to disengage the door locks.
What the system can doYour BMW center can provide you with
details on the capabilities of the Vehicle
Memory and Key Memory systems.
Below a few examples:
A Vehicle Memory sampler:
>Various signals to confirm release
and engagement of the vehicle's
locks.
>Activate/deactivate the "Follow me
home" lamps.
A Key Memory sampler:
>Engage vehicle locks as soon as the
vehicle is underway.
At various points throughout this
Owner's Manual you will find this
symbol, indicating that the equipment
or system described in the adjacent
section can be preset for automatic
adjustment using the Vehicle or Key
Memory.<
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cellular phone
Ashtray
Located in the storage compartment in
the center console. To remove1. Press the button and remove the
plug.
2. Slide the button to the left and
remove the telephone.
Press the phone into the storage
compartment to return. The button
locks the phone back in place.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.520de159
Hands-free systemLocated over the interior rearview
mirror.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.520de131
To openLift cover.
To extinguish a cigarette, brush off the
ash and gently press the tip into the
funnel (arrow 1). To emptyPress button (arrow 2): the ashtray rises
and can now be extracted. 520de052
Page 149 of 174
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Airbags150
Car radio reception151
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)152
Safety belt tensioner153
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer154
Xenon lamps155
Tech-
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154n
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimmer The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimmer reduces glare from
following traffic by adapting the inten-
sity of the reflected images to corre-
spond to levels of light registered by
the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts to
its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One light
sensor is mounted on the front of the
interior mirror housing. This forward-
facing sensor measures light intensity in
the area ahead of the vehicle. The
second light sensor is integrated within
the mirror's frame. The electronic
control system compares the light
intensity from front and rear. The differ-
ence provides the basic parameter
used to modulate an electrical current
and induce chemical changes in a
semisolid layer incorporated in the lens.520de096
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromatic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the interior mirror manually, and the
driver can concentrate completely on
traffic conditions.