2003 BMW Z4 2.5I run flat

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
Everything under control
47Odometer
47Tachometer
47Fuel gauge
47Coolant temperature gauge
48Service interval display
48Outside temperature
48Clock
49Computer*
Technology for safety and driving
convenience
51Dynamic Stability Control DSC
52Brake Force Display
53Antilock Brake System ABS
53Flat Tire Monitor
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving
55Air conditioning
57Automatic climate control*
Interior conveniences
60Glove compartment
60Storage compartments
61Beverage holder
61Preparations for the cellular phone*
61Ashtray*
Special operating instructions
64Break-in procedures
65Driving notes
65Brake system
66Cargo loading
67Hardtop preparation*
Refueling
70Fuel filler door
70Fuel specifications
Wheels and tires
71Tire inflation pressure
73Tire condition
73Tire replacement
74Wheel and tire combinations
75Run Flat tires
76Winter tires
76Snow chains*
In the engine compartment
77Hood
78Engine compartment
79Washer fluids for washer systems
79Engine oil
80Coolant
81Brake fluid
Maintenance
82The BMW Maintenance System
82Care
Laws and regulations
83California Proposition 65 warning
83OBD interface socket
Replacement procedures
84Onboard tool kit
84Windshield wiper blades
84Lamps and bulbs
87Changing a wheel
87Battery
Giving and receiving assistance
89Warning triangle*
89First-aid kit*
89Jump-starting
90Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Technical data
94Engine data
94Weights
95Dimensions
96Capacities
Everything from A - Z
97Index

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
53
>Forceful braking and braking with ABS:
Brake lamps 1 and 2 light up on both
vehicle sides together with the center
brake lamp.
Antilock Brake System ABS
The concept
ABS keeps the wheels from locking during
braking, thereby enhancing active driving
safety.
Malfunction
If the yellow indicator lamps for the
Antilock Brake System ABS come
on together with the brake warning
lamp and the indicator lamp for the
Dynamic Stability Control DSC:
The entire ABS and DSC control
system has failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively. Avoid
hard brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center as
soon as possible.
ABS and DSC indicator and warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.
Braking with ABS
If you are in a situation which requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits of
the ABS system if you apply maximum
brake pressure – panic stop.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The tire pressure is determined using the
signals of the ABS sensors.
The system provides an alert whenever the
tire pressure of one tire drops relative to
that of another.
Prerequisites
In order for the system to "learn" the cor-
rect tire inflation pressures, please do the
following:
>Check the inflation pressure in all tires
>Compare to the inflation pressure table
– refer to page 72 – and correct if nec-
essary
>Initialize the system.
Check the tire pressures regularly
and correct if necessary. Refer to
page 71.<
Indicator lamp
In the event of a flat tire
The indicator lamp lights up red; in
addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded:
Respond immediately by carefully reducing
vehicle speed to under 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Avoid hard brake applications and steering
maneuvers.
If your vehicle is equipped with
Run Flat tires, note the information on
page 75.<
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert you
to severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors. Another factor
which the Flat Tire Monitor does not recog-
nize is the even and very gradual pressure
loss that takes place in all tires over an
extended period of time.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
71
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The factory-approved Run Flat tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all else –
driving safety that depend on the condition
of the tires and the maintenance of the
specified tire pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a fre-
quent cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability of
your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures regu-
larly – at least every two weeks and
before every extended journey. If this is not
done, incorrect tire pressures can cause
driving instability or tire damage, ultimately
resulting in accidents.<
Checking tire pressures
The specified inflation pressures are pro-
vided on a sticker attached to the B-pillar
and are visible when the driver's door is
open.
All pressures are specified in the units usu-
ally used in your country – psi and kilopas-
cal – for tires at ambient temperatures; also
refer to the following tire inflation pressure
table.
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
correcting the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to page 53.
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the table apply to
BMW-approved tire sizes and tire brands.
Your BMW center will be glad to supply this
information. Other tire brands may require
a higher inflation pressure, which may
impair handling and vehicle response.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
73
Tire condition
Tire tread – Tire damage
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below
1/8 in / 3 mm, even though in
Europe, for example, the legally specified
minimum tread depth is only
1/16 in /
1.6 mm.
Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove
base – see arrow – are distributed around
the wheel circumference and are labeled
on the tire sidewall as TWI – Tread Wear
Indicator. At a tread depth of
1/16 in /
1.6 mm, the indicators signal that the
legally permissible wear limit has been
reached.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can cause over-
heating and damage inside the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the form of
a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate tire
failure or some other vehicle malfunction.
This type of problem can be caused by
contact with curbs, etc. This is also true for
irregularities in the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics, such as a pronounced ten-
dency to pull to the left or right. Should this
occur, respond by immediately reducing
your speed. Proceed carefully to the near-
est BMW center or professional tire center,
or have the vehicle towed there to have it
and its wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage – up to and including sudden and complete air loss – can pose an
extreme hazard for both vehicle occupants
and other road users.<
Tire replacement
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer.
BMW advises against using retreaded
tires as this could negatively affect
driving safety. This is due to possible varia-
tions in casing structures and, in some
cases, to their extreme age, factors which
can lead to a decrease in their durability.<
Tire age
The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT … 3602 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of the year 2002.
BMW recommends the replacement of all
tires every 6 years at the latest, even if a tire
usage of 10 years is possible.
Run Flat tires
When replacing tires, always use
Run Flat tires since a spare wheel is
not provided to replace a flat tire.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 75.<
DOT quality grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
75
Run Flat tires
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC.
Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some
residual safety in the event of pressure
drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
Because the sides of the Run Flat
tires are reinforced, a drop in inflation
pressure usually cannot be detected from
the outside.<
Flat tire
The red warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when a tire
has failed. In addition, an acoustic
signal is heard. Refer to pages 14, 53.
1.Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers
2.Do not exceed 50 mph / 80 km/h again
3.Find out which tire has been damaged;
to do so, check the tire inflation pres-
sure of all four tires at the earliest
opportunity. Refer to page 71
4.Correct the tire inflation pressure if you
wish to continue driving and if it is safe
to do so. Refer to the following section
5.Have the damaged tires changed by
your BMW center.
BMW recommends that you consult
your BMW center if you wish to replace the tires of your BMW, or change
from summer to winter tires or vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the nec-
essary special tools.<
For safety reasons, do not have Run
Flat tires repaired.
When replacing tires or changing from
summer to winter tires – or vice versa – use
Run Flat tires only since a spare tire will not
be available in the event of a flat tire.<
Driving with a damaged tire
When using Run Flat tires, you can con-
tinue driving cautiously at a maximum
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h, depending on
the cargo load and the extent of tire dam-
age.
You can estimate the distance you can
continue driving on the basis of the follow-
ing values:
>Tire inflation pressure of 0 psi / 0 kPa:
approx. 100 miles / 150 km
>Tire inflation pressure of 7 – 15 psi
50 – 100 kPa:
approx. 300 miles / 500 km
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi / 100 kPa:
approx. 600 miles / 1,000 km.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. In the
event of pressure loss, changes in handling
characteristics – such as reduced stability
when braking, increased stopping dis-
tance, and altered steering response – may
occur.<

Wheels and tires
76
Winter tires
Choosing the right tire
BMW recommends Run Flat winter tires –
M+S – for operation under inclement winter
driving conditions. While all-season tires
with the M+S identification mark do indeed
possess better winter traction than summer
tires that have the H, V, W, Y and ZR speed
ratings, they generally do not provide the
same levels of performance as true winter
tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response, mount winter tires
which are made by the same manufacturer
and which have the same tread configura-
tion on all four wheels.
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Please consult your BMW center if you
wish to replace the tires of your BMW or
change from summer to winter tires, or vice
versa.
When replacing tires or changing from
summer to winter tires – or vice versa –
use only Run Flat tires since a spare tire will
not be available in the event of a flat tire.<
Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. Any BMW center has the
required technical knowledge and the
proper equipment and will be happy to
assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressure
Once the tire wears to below 3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible
decrease in their ability to cope with winter
driving conditions, and should be replaced
in the interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by BMW, classified as road-
safe and approved. Consult your BMW
center for more information. BMW recom-
mends using only approved fine-link snow
chains.
Their use is only permitted in pairs on the
winter tires on the rear wheels. Comply
with all manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the fol-
lowing tires:
245/40 R 17
255/35 R 18
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h when using snow chains.<
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after snow chains have been
mounted.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
useful to deactivate the DSC briefly. Refer
to page 51.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
87
1.Remove the cover by turning the lock to
the right; refer to the detail in the illus-
tration
2.Applying light pressure, turn the bulb to
the left. Remove and exchange the bulb
3.Reinstall the cover.
Center high-mount brake lamp
The LED strip is in the luggage compart-
ment lid.
Please contact a BMW center in case of a
malfunction.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
1.Push out the lamp with a suitable object
and remove it
2.Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.
Changing a wheel
Run Flat tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss
in inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 75.
BMW recommends that you consult your
BMW center if you wish to replace the tires
of your BMW, or change from summer to
winter tires or vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the nec-
essary special tools.
When replacing tires or changing
from summer to winter tires – or vice
versa – use only Run Flat tires since a spare
tire will not be available in the event of a flat
tire.<
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the posi-
tions indicated in the illustration.
Your BMW center can provide you
with a suitable jack.<
Battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-
free. This means that the original electro-
lyte will normally last for the service life of
the battery under moderate climatic condi-
tions.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
101
N
Navigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Nets 60
O
OBD socket 83
Odometer 47
Oil 79
– additives 80
– capacity 96
– quality 80
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 79
Oil dipstick 79
Oil filter change 96
Oil level 79
– checking 79
– indicator lamp 14
Oil pressure 79
– indicator lamp 14
Oil sensor 79
– indicator lamp 14
OIL SERVICE 48
Oil types 80
Onboard computer, refer to
Computer or to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 84
Operating elements 12
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation 56, 59
Output 94
Outside air mode
– air conditioning 56
Outside temperature
display 48
– changing units 49
– in computer 49
P
Paintwork, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure
Panel lighting 46
Panic mode 19
Parking brake 39
– indicator lamp 14
Parking lamps 45
Particle filter
– automatic climate
control 56
Passenger airbags
– activation/deactivation 34
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 59
– Particle filter 56
Power seat 30
Power steering, electric 42
Power windows 22
Preparations for the cellular
phone 61
Pressure monitor, tires 53
Pressure, tires 71
R
Radiator 96
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 43
Reading lamps 46
Rear lamps 86
– bulb replacement 86
Rear window defroster
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 59
Rearview mirror 32
Recirculated air mode
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Refueling 70
Remote control 18
– interior motion sensor 19
– luggage compartment
lid 19
– malfunction 19Remote control keys 18
Replacement key 18
Replacement of tires 73
Reserve tank indicator
lamp 47
Restraint systems 34
Reverse 40
Run Flat tires 73, 75, 87
– flat tire 75
S
Safety belts 31
Safety defects 8
Seat adjustment
– storing 30
Seat heating 31
Seat memory 30
Seats 29
– adjustment,
mechanical 29
– adjustment, power 30
Securing loads 66
Securing, locking the
vehicle 19
Selector lever
– automatic
transmission 40
– position, automatic
transmission 40
Service 48
Service and warranty 7
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 82
Service Engine Soon 83
– indicator lamp 14
Service interval
display 48, 82
Shiftlock 40
Side airbags 33
Snow chains 76
Socket
– for Onboard
Diagnostics 83
– refer to Cigarette lighter
socket 61
Spare fuses 88
Spare key 18
Special oils 80
Speed control, refer to
Cruise control 44