2003 BMW Z4 2.5I towing

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

Driving
42 positions, however, the vehicle will be
operating in the fourth gear only.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
Never work in the engine compart-
ment when a drive gear – forward or
reverse – is engaged. If you do so, the vehi-
cle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting and jump-starting:
refer to the information beginning on
page 89.
Electric Power Steering EPS
The concept
The electric power steering is a direct,
sporting steering system that is speed-sen-
sitive.
Power support is reduced with an increase
in driving speed.
Indicator lamp
Electric Power Steering
The indicator lamp stays lit:
The system has malfunctioned or is
faulty.
Please have the system inspected by the
nearest BMW center.
Steering remains operational.
Drivelogic*
The Drivelogic feature lets you select
between the standard and sport program.
The sport program is recommended for
performance-oriented driving.
Activating Drivelogic
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the key lights up.
The sport program of the automatic
transmission is enabled by activating
the Drivelogic system. Thus, the selector
lever does not have to be shifted from D to
M/S; refer also to page 41.
The electric power steering switches from
standard mode to sport mode. Power sup-
port is reduced for a more sporting driving
style.<
Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher
1High beams – blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher – blue indicator lamp
3Turn signal indicator – green indicator
lamps accompanied by a periodic click-
ing sound from the relay
To signal briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond the
detent. It then returns to the center position
when released.
If the flashing indicator lamp and the
clicking from the relay are both faster
than normal, one of the turn signal indica-
tors has failed.<

Special operating instructions
64
Special operating instructions
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle provides maxi-
mum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the fol-
lowing:
Engine and differential
Up to 1,250 miles / 2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds,
but do not exceed the following engine or
road speed:
4,500/min or 100 mph / 160 km/h:
Obey your local and state maximum speed
limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point.
After you have driven 1,250 miles /
2,000 km, you can gradually increase the
engine or road speeds.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures if the engine or differential is
replaced later in the course of the vehicle's
service life.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until an initial break-in
period has elapsed. You should therefore
drive with extra caution during the first
200 miles / 300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed
limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet
or slushy roads, a wedge of water
may form between the tire and the road
surface. This phenomenon is referred to as
hydroplaning and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles / 500 km must elapse
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
their optimal surface and wear pattern.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly when
coasting to a standstill – at a traffic signal,
for instance; use caution to avoid posing a
danger to other road users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo
unit on your BMW is available only
when the engine is running. When you
move the car with the engine off – e.g., by
towing – substantially higher levels of pedal
force will be required to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The clutch will achieve its optimal function-
ality after approx. 300 miles / 500 km. Shift
gears carefully during the break-in period.

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.<

Giving and receiving assistance
90 4.Start the engine on the support vehicle
and allow it to run
5.Open the cover of the BMW jump-start
support terminal by pulling on the tab;
see arrow.
Connect jumper cable
Always adhere to this sequence when
connecting jumper cables, even when
jump-starting other vehicles. Failure to
observe this procedure can lead to sparks
and pose a danger of personal injury.<
1.With the + jumper cable, connect the
positive terminal of the drained battery
and the positive terminal of the support
battery
2.With the – jumper cable, connect the
negative terminals of both vehicles.
Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut for this purpose, refer to Engine
compartment on page 78.
To do so:
>Attach one cable clamp to the nega-
tive battery terminal or to a suitable
ground on the engine or body work of
the support vehicle
>Attach the second cable clamp to
the negative battery terminal or to a
suitable ground on the engine or body
work of the vehicle to be jump-started.
Jump-starting the vehicle
1.Let the engine of the support vehicle
run for several minutes at a slightly ele-
vated engine idle speed
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle as
usual
>If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the
discharged battery to recharge.
3.Let the engines run for several minutes
4.Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery checked and
recharged at a BMW center.<
Towing and tow-starting the
vehicle
Towing eyelet
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in
the vehicle at all times. This eyelet is
designed for installation in the tow sockets
located at the front and rear of the vehicle,
and is intended for towing on paved road
surfaces only.
Access to towing socket
Front:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
91
Rear:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Make sure the towing eyelet is firmly
screwed all the way in, otherwise the
thread could be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any components
of the chassis or suspension, or lash them
down in any way. If you do, the compo-
nents could be damaged, possibly leading
to accidents.
If the engine is off, increased effort will be
required to steer the vehicle since power
support will not be available.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms or any other part of the vehicle sus-
pension, as severe damage to these com-
ponents will occur, leading to possible
accidents.<

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

Everything from A - Z
102 Speedometer 13
Sport program
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 41
– Drivelogic 42
Standing lamps, refer to
Parking lamps 45, 46
Starting problems 89
Starting the engine 38
Steering lock 38
Steering wheel
– adjusting 32
Steptronic 40
Storage compartments 60
– electrical fault 60
– opening manually 60
Storage nets 60
Storage, tires 76
Storing the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Stroke 94
Switching gears, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
Symbols 6
Synthetic oils 80
T
Tachometer 47
Tail lamps
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Tank capacity 96
Technical data 94
– engine 94
– weight 94
Technical
modifications 7
Telephone preparation 61
Telephone, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
– tires 74Temperature display
– engine coolant 47
– outside temperature 48
– outside temperature in
computer 49
Third brake lamp 87
Tilt alarm sensor 19, 28
– deactivating 28
– remote control 19
Tire change 87
Tire damage 73
Tire inflation pressure 71
– checking 71
Tire pressure monitor 53
Tires
– age 73
– approval 71
– break-in procedures 64
– condition 73
– damage 73
– DOT quality grades 73
– flat tire 75
– inflation pressure 71
– M+S tires 76
– replacement 73
– Run Flat tires 73, 75, 87
– temperature 74
– traction 74
– tread 73
– tread wear 73
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 74
– wheel-tire
combination 74
– winter tires 76
Tool kit, refer to Onboard
tool kit 84
Torque 94
Towing 90
Towing eyelet 90
Tow-starting 90
Track width 95
Traction 74
Transmission, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
Transporting children
safely 34
Tread depth, tires 73
Tread wear 73
Tread wear indicator 73Trip odometer 47
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 21, 22
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment 22
Turn signal indicators 42
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamps 14
Turning circle 95
U
Undercoating, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 74
Unintentional alarm 28
Unlocking the vehicle 19
Used batteries, refer to
Battery disposal 88
V
Vacuum cleaner, refer to
Cigarette lighter
socket 61
Vehicle
– battery 87
– break-in procedures 64
– data 94
Vehicle Memory 37
Vehicle storage, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Vehicle vacuum cleaner,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket 61
Ventilation 56, 59
Vents, refer to
Ventilation 56, 59
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 14
Warning triangle 89
Warranty and service 7
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet 82