2003 BMW Z4 2.5I seats

Contents
Contents
Notes
6About this Owner's Manual
6Symbols used
6Symbol on vehicle parts
6Your individual vehicle
6Status at time of printing
7For your own safety
7Service and warranty
8Reporting safety defects
Overview
12Cockpit
13Instrument cluster
14Indicator and warning lamps
Opening and closing
18Keys
18Central locking system
18Remote control
20Door lock
20Interior
21Luggage compartment lid
22Luggage compartment
22Electric power windows
23Manual convertible top
24Fully automatic convertible top*
26Wind deflector*
27Alarm system*
Adjustments
29Safe seating position
29Seats
30Seat memory*

31Seat heating*
31Safety belts
32Steering wheel
32Mirrors
33Airbags
34Transporting children safely
37Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
Driving
38Ignition lock
38Engine
39Parking brake
40Manual transmission
40Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
42Electric Power Steering EPS
42Drivelogic*
42Turn signal indicators/Headlamp
flasher
43Washer/wiper system and
rain sensor*
44Cruise control*
Lamps
45Parking lamps/Low beams
46High beams/Standing lamps
46Instrument lighting
46Fog lamps
46Interior lamps
© 2002 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 897
US English VIII/02
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper –
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
29
Adjustments
Safe seating position
For relaxed and fatigue-free driving you
should select a seating position that
reflects your personal requirements. The
correct seating position combines with
safety belts and airbags to enhance occu-
pant safety in the event of an accident. To
ensure that the vehicle's safety systems
provide you with optimal protection, we
request that you direct your careful atten-
tion to the following section.
For supplementary information on trans-
porting children, refer to page 34.
Sitting safely with airbags
Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the air-
bags.
Always hold the steering wheel by its rim
with hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injuries to your
hands or arms in the event of airbag
deployment. Never allow any objects, indi-
viduals or animals to obstruct the areas
between passengers and airbags. Never
use the front airbag's cover as a storage
tray or support for objects of any kind.
Never allow front passengers to rest their
feet or legs on the airbag cover.<
For airbag locations and additional infor-
mation on airbags, refer to page 33.
Sitting safely with safety belts
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passen-
ger's lap. Avoid twisting the belt while rout-
ing it firmly across the pelvis and shoulder,
wear it as snugly against your body as pos-
sible. Do not allow the belt to rest against
hard or fragile objects. Do not route the belt
across your neck, or run it across sharp
edges. Be sure that the belt does not
become caught or jammed. Avoid wearing
bulky clothing and pull on the lap belt peri-odically to retension it over your shoulders.
In the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over your hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced if
the belt is worn loosely. Expectant mothers
should always wear their safety belts, tak-
ing care to position the lap belt against the
lower hips, where it will not exert pressure
against the abdominal area.<
For information on using the safety belts,
refer to page 31.
Seats
Before adjusting your seat, always
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected movement,
and the ensuing loss of vehicle control
could result in an accident. Never ride with
the backrest inclined to an extreme angle –
especially important for the front passen-
ger to remember. If you do so, there is a
risk that you will slide under the safety belt
in the event of an accident, thus reducing
the protection provided by the safety belt.<
Seat adjustment
1Backward/forward
Pull lever 1 and slide the seat into the
desired position.

Adjustments
34 gered in every type of collision, e.g. in the
event of minor accidents, certain vehicle
roll-over situations or collisions from the
rear. In these instances, the safety belt pro-
vides sufficient protection.
Adjust your seat to a position that provides
maximum distance between you and the
steering wheel and the instrument panel
while still allowing comfortable and safe
access to all vehicle controls.
To minimize the risk of sustaining hand and
arm injuries, always hold the steering wheel
on the rim with the hands at or near the
9 and 3 o'clock positions. Do not place
your hands on the center pad.
Never allow any objects to obstruct the
area between the airbags and an occupant.
Do not use the cover panel above the pas-
senger side airbags as a storage area.
Never allow front passengers to lean
against or rest their feet or legs on the air-
bag cover panel.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Never install a rear-facing child-restraint
system in the passenger seat of this vehi-
cle, unless the passenger airbags have
been turned off and the indicator lamp in
the center console indicates that the pas-
senger airbags are deactivated.
If you transport children, carefully read and
comply with the instructions in the follow-
ing section.
Be sure that child-restraints are mounted
correctly and as far as possible towards the
rear and in the lowest position. <
Even when all these guidelines are
observed, there is still a small residual risk
of injuries resulting from contact with
deploying airbags in isolated instances.
The ignition and inflation noise from the air-
bags may induce a mild temporary hearing
loss in sensitive individuals.
Transporting children safely
Deactivating/reactivating passenger
airbags
The passenger airbags must be deac-
tivated before using a rear-facing
child-restraint system on the passenger
seat, refer also to page 36 for explanation.
BMW also recommends that the passenger
airbags be deactivated if a child is trans-
ported in a front-facing child-restraint sys-
tem, regardless of the age of the child. If
you transport a child in the passenger seat
– not an infant in a rear-facing seat – who is
properly seated and seat-belted at all
times, the potential benefits of airbags
deploying in an accident generally out-
weigh the risks of the child being injured by
the force of a deploying airbag.
Therefore, you should deactivate the pas-
senger airbags only if you find it difficult to
ensure that the child will remain properly
seated and seat-belted at all times.
Always position the passenger seat as far
back as possible and at the lowest level.
The above warning and recommendations
are compatible with regulations estab-
lished by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration – NHTSA – permitting
the deactivation of front passenger airbags
by means of an on-off switch for members
of certain "at risk" groups.
Specifically, the 'at risk' groups are:
>Infants in rear-facing infant seats
>Persons with certain medical conditions
>Children aged 12 and under in the front
passenger seat.
NHTSA provides this information via their
website – www.nhtsa.dot.gov – or via their
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-
9393 or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C.
area.<

Adjustments
36
LATCH child-restraint mounting
system*
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren
The anchorage points for the LATCH child-
restraint system are located at the posi-
tions indicated by the arrows.
For Canadian models only:
The position of the anchorage points is
indicated by a label on the seat; refer to
detail in illustration.
Carefully slide the brackets through the
gaps in the upholstery at the indicated
locations, see arrows.
To mount the LATCH child-restraint
system, please follow the manufac-
turer's operating and safety precautions.<
Commercially available child seats comply-
ing with the legal standard are designed to
be secured with a seat belt or with the seat
belt portion of a combination lap/shoulder
belt.
Improperly or inadequately installed child-
restraint systems can increase the risk of
injury to children. Always read and follow
the instructions that come with the system.Before installing any child-restraint
device or child seat, please read the
following:
Never install a rear-facing child-restraint
system in the passenger seat of this vehi-
cle, unless the passenger airbags have
been turned off and the indicator lamp in
the center console indicates that the pas-
senger airbags are deactivated.
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag
restraint system for the passenger.
Because the backrest on any rear-facing
child-restraint system – of the kind
designed for infants under 1 year and
20 lbs/9 kg – would be within the airbag's
deployment range, you must deactivate the
passenger's airbags, as the impact of the
airbags against the child-restraint's back-
rest could lead to serious or fatal injuries, if
the airbags are not deactivated.
For a child – not an infant –, certain precau-
tions should be taken. Position the passen-
ger seat as far back as possible and at the
lowest level. This important precaution is
intended to maximize the distance
between the airbags and the child. Younger
children should be secured in an appropri-
ate forward-facing child-restraint system
that has first been properly secured. Older
children should be tightly secured with a
safety belt, sitting with their back against
the vehicle seat back.
Always ensure that all occupants – of all
ages – remain properly and securely
restrained at all times.<
Securing the child-restraint system
The front passenger's safety belt can be
locked for mounting and securing a child-
restraint system.
A label with the appropriate instructions for
this is located in the immediate vicinity of
the buckle latch of the safety belt.

Interior conveniences
60
Interior conveniences
Glove compartment
To open
Press the two push buttons together.
To close
Swing the door up.
To prevent injury in the event of an
accident, close the glove compart-
ment immediately after use.<
Storage compartments
Storage compartment between
backrests
To open
1.Press button; see arrow 1
2.Swing the cover downward.
To close
Swing the door up.
Locking/unlocking
The storage compartment between the
backrests is automatically locked and
unlocked with the central locking system.
Releasing manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction of
the central locking system, you can manu-
ally unlock the storage compartment
between the seats.
1.Pull on the cord in the rear luggage
compartment panel.
The storage compartment between the
seats unlocks
2.Press button; see arrow 1.
Other compartments and nets*
You will find additional storage compart-
ments in the front doors and in the center
console.
Depending on the particular version, the
vehicle may also be equipped with two
storage compartments behind the seats.
A net
* is located on the passenger side
along the center console.

Special operating instructions
66 the engine switched off. Otherwise the
engine provides no braking effect and there
is no power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is off.<
Brake pads
The yellow indicator lamp for the
brake pads lights up:
Have the condition of the brake
pads inspected.<
For your own safety: use brake pads
which the manufacturer has approved
for your specific vehicle model. The manu-
facturer cannot evaluate non-approved
brake pads to determine if they are suitable
for use, and therefore cannot ensure the
operating safety of the vehicle in the event
of their use.<
Cargo loading
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible – directly behind the luggage
compartment partition – and as low as
possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
With the convertible top closed, you
can increase the space in your lug-
gage compartment. Refer to page 22.
We recommend that you always fold the
convertible top compartment panel down
as soon as you have removed your cargo
from the luggage compartment. This way,
you can be sure that you can always oper-
ate the convertible top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is
closed, raise the convertible top compart-ment panel before stowing your cargo in
the luggage compartment to avoid any
damage to the convertible top compart-
ment or your load.<
If you stow cargo behind the seats of your
BMW Z4 roadster:
>Only stow light objects such as cloth-
ing, etc.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top
edge of the backrests.
To avoid damaging the rear of the
backrest or the rear interior trim
panel, do not stow heavy cargo or cargo
with sharp edges and corners behind the
seats.
In addition, large and bulky cargo stowed
behind the seats may prevent the backrest
from engaging properly. Ensure that the
backrest is securely locked by moving the
seat forward if necessary. Refer to
page 29.<
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can endan-
ger the passengers during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight or the specified maximum axle
loads. Refer to page 94. Otherwise the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer
assured and you are in violation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment without first
securing them. Otherwise they would be
thrown around during braking and evasive
maneuvers and would endanger the occu-
pants.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
97
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 53
– indicator lamp 14
Accessories 7
Activated-charcoal filter 59
Air conditioning 55, 56
– air distribution 56
– air supply 56
– automatic climate
control 58
– defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 56
– outside-air mode 56
– rear window defroster 56
– recirculated-air mode 56
– temperature 56
Air distribution
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Air outlets 56, 59
Air pressure 71
– checking 71
Air supply
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Airbags 33
– activation/deactivation 34
– indicator lamp 14, 33
– passenger airbags
lamp 35
Alarm system 27
– arming/disarming 27
– indicator lamp 27
– tilt alarm sensor 28
– triggering 19
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 76
Antifreeze
– coolant 81
– washer fluid 79Antilock Brake System ABS
– indicator lamp 14
Anti-theft alarm system,
refer to Alarm system 27
Approved axle load 94
Approved gross vehicle
weight 94
Ashtray 61
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated air control 58
Automatic
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– cruise control 44
– lamp control 45
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 57, 58
– air conditioning 58
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– Automatic recirculated air
control AUC 58
– defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 58
– maximum cooling 58
– outside air 58
– rear window defroster 59
– recirculated air mode 58
– temperature 58
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
– display 41
– electronic transmission
control 41
– indicator lamp 14
– manual mode 41
– selector lever position 40
– sport program 41
Automatic windshield
washer 44Average fuel
consumption 50
Average speed 50
Axle load, approved 94
B
Backrest, refer to Seats 30
Backup lamps 40
– bulb replacement 86
Bandages 89
Battery 87
Battery charge current
– indicator lamp 14, 88
Belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 31
Belts 31
Beverage holder 61
Blinker, refer to Turn signal
indicators 42
Blower
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
BMW High Performance
synthetic oils 80
BMW Maintenance
System 82
Bore 94
Brake fluid 81
– indicator lamp 14, 81
– refilling 81
Brake Force Display 52
Brake hydraulic system 65
Brake hydraulics
– indicator lamp 14
Brake lamps
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Brake pads 66
– indicator lamp 14
Everything from A - Z
Index

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
99
Driving lamps
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Driving notes 65
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 51
– indicator lamp 14
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 51
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 52
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 51
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 51
– indicator lamp 14
E
Electric Power Steering
EPS 42
– indicator lamp 15
Electric power windows 22
Electrical convertible
top 25
Electrical fault
– convertible top 25
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Emergency operation
– convertible top 25
– doors 20
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Emergency release
– from inside luggage
compartment 22
Engine 38
– break-in procedures 64
– starting 38
– switching off 39
Engine compartment 78
Engine coolant 96
– refilling 81Engine oil 79
– capacity 96
– quality 80
– refilling 79
Engine oil consumption 79
Engine oil level 79
– checking 79
Engine oil pressure 79
– indicator lamp 14
Engine oil sensor 79
– indicator lamp 14
Engine oil types 80
Engine output 94
Engine speed 94
EPS Electric Power
Steering 42
ESP, refer to DSC 51
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 65
Exterior mirrors 32
– automatic dimming
feature 33
Eyelet for tow-starting and
towing 90
F
False alarm 28
Fault
– storage compartment 60
First-aid kit 89
Flat tire 73, 75
Flat Tire Monitor 53
– indicator lamp 14, 53
Fog lamps 46
– indicator lamp 14
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes 65
Front airbags 33
Fuel consumption 50
– display 47
Fuel filler door 70
– unlocking in case of elec-
trical fault 70
Fuel gas cap 70
Fuel gauge 47
Fuel specifications 70, 94
Fuel tank capacity 96
Fuses 88
G
Gasoline gauge, refer to
Fuel gauge 47
Gasoline specifications,
refer to Fuel
specifications 70
Glove compartment 60
Gross vehicle weight,
approved 94
Guide Booklet, Warranty
and Service 82
H
Handbrake 39
Hands-free system 61
Hardtop preparation 67
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Hazard warning flashers 12
Hazard warning triangle 89
Head restraints 30
Headlamp flasher 42, 46
Headlamp washer
system 79, 96
Headlamps 84
– access 84
– high beam 42
Heated seats 31
Heavy loads 66
Height 95
High beams 42, 46
– bulb replacement 85
– indicator lamp 14
High temperatures 65
Hood 77
Hood release 77
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC
Hydroplaning 65
I
Ignition lock 38
Imprint 4, 6
Indicator and warning
lamps 14