2003 BMW Z4 2.5I roof

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
23
Manual convertible top
The fabric top offers perfect protection
against the weather and it can be opened
easily and quickly by one person alone.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your Z4 roadster:
>It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked.
The closed convertible top not only pro-
tects the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection
>In addition, only keep valuables in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed
>When the convertible top is open, the
central locking system also locks the
release button for the convertible top.
The convertible top cannot be oper-
ated. This provides better theft protec-
tion for valuables stored in the luggage
compartment
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.
To open the convertible top
Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.
Never store the convertible top for longer
than one day while it is wet to avoid perma-
nent damage from moisture.<
Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel in the luggage com-
partment is lowered to avoid any possible
damage; refer to page 22.<1.Flip the handle out and turn it to the end
stop
2.Open the convertible top and push it
toward the rear of the vehicle
3.Gently swing the convertible top down-
ward and press until it engages audibly.
To close the convertible top

Opening and closing
24 1.Press button; see arrow 1
The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly; see arrow 2
2.Holding on to the handle, pull the con-
vertible top forward onto the windshield
frame
3.Lock the convertible top by turning the
handle until you hear the convertible
top engage.
At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment
can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.<
Fully automatic convertible
top*
The fully automatic convertible top com-
bines assured protection against the ele-
ments with simple and easy handling.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your 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, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
only keep valuables in the locked lug-
gage compartment, even with the con-
vertible top closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.
>To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
147/–106.
Never store the convertible top while
it is wet to avoid permanent damage
from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or closing
process has not been completed can
cause vehicle damage or personal injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top,
since they could fall off when the convert-ible top is operated and cause damage or
injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top mech-
anism during opening and closing. Keep
children away from the moving parts of the
convertible top during operation.<
If possible, only operate the convert-
ible top with the vehicle stopped, as
otherwise the process may be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion with
the vehicle stationary and then have to start
suddenly – for instance, at a traffic light –
you can still complete the operation by
driving as slowly as possible and again
pressing and maintaining pressure on the
button.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment
can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.<
To open and close
1To close
2To open
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running.
This saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove
any objects from the windshield frame that
could keep the convertible top from closing
properly.<

Maintenance
82
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety –
and as cost-effectively for you as possible.
Please keep in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety
of your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of your
vehicle.
Service interval display
While conventional systems rely on dis-
tance traveled alone to determine when a
service is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-
tem has taken the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated into consid-
eration for years, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles / 100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the
equivalent of the same distance covered at
moderate speeds in long-distance highway
travel.
The BMW Maintenance System includes
the Engine Oil Service and Inspections I
and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
based on the actual loads on the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
Minimal use drivers, who drive fewer than
6,200 miles / 10,000 km per year, should
nevertheless have the oil changed at least every 2 years since engine oil deteriorates
over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
For detailed information on required main-
tenance items and the work involved,
please refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or to the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may
be advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel as a precau-
tion against corrosion.
BMW recommends that you have your
BMW center perform the mainte-
nance and repair.
Check that the maintenance work is
recorded in the Service Manual. These
entries will serve as proof that the vehicle
has received regular maintenance.<
Care
Interesting facts about the care of your
vehicle are found in the Caring for your
vehicle brochure.