2004 BMW Z4 2.5I brake light

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in various colors and combinations.
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked soon
or
for your information
>Green:
For your information
>Blue:
For your information. Please fasten safety belts
+30
Airbags
+56
Battery charge current
+91
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level/Engine oil sensor
+83
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tems/Dynamic Brake Control/
Brake fluid
+38/ 52/ 53/ 85
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tems/Dynamic Brake Control/
Brake fluid for Canadian models
+38/ 52/ 53/ 85
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control systems
+54/ 52
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control systems for Canadian
models
+54/ 52
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
+52
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
+52
Flat Tire Monitor
+54
Automatic transmission/
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG
+40/ 42
Brake pads
+70
Add coolant84
CHECK GAS CAP
+74
Service Engine Soon +87
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models
+87
Defective bulbs46
Turn signal indicators43
Fog lamps47
Headlamp flasher/
High beams43/ 47
Electric Power Steering EPS
+43
Engine electronics
+
Engine electronics malfunction.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.

Driving
38
Parking brake
The parking brake is designed primarily to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up when
the parking brake is engaged; if you
start driving, an acoustic signal is
heard as well.
The indicator lamp for Canadian
models lights up when the parking
brake is engaged; if you start driv-
ing, an acoustic signal is heard as well.
To engage
The detent engages automatically and the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-
ton and lower the lever.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it
should be necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
do not pull it with excessive pressure. Keep
the release button on the parking brake
lever pressed down while pulling up the
lever.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking
and loss of traction, fishtailing, at the rear
axle.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is engaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces, since shifting into 1st gear or reverse
may not provide adequate resistance to
rolling. Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: place the selector lever in
position P.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake
lightly from time to time when coasting to a
standstill – at a traffic signal, for example –
provided that it is safe to do so.<
Manual transmission
6-gear transmission*
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, it is
important to press the gear shift lever to the
right to avoid accidentally engaging 3rd or
4th gear.
Reverse
Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. Press the gearshift lever to the left
to overcome the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn
on automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or riding the clutch.
Use the parking brake instead, otherwise,
the ensuing friction to the clutch plates will
cause a great deal of wear and tear on the
clutch.<

Technology for safety and driving convenience
52
Technology for safety and driving
convenience
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering. It
also maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical driving situations.
DSC recognizes unstable vehicle condi-
tions, such as understeering or oversteer-
ing, and, within physically feasible limits,
helps keeping the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing engine speed and by
brake applications at individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. It includes the following func-
tions:
>Automatic Stability Control plus Trac-
tion ASC+T
>Dynamic Traction Control DTC
>Dynamic Brake Control DBC
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed even with DSC. It will always
be the driver's responsibility to drive in a
manner that matches road conditions. We
therefore urge you to avoid using the addi-
tional safety margin of the system as an
excuse for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
DSC.<
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamps in the instrument clus-
ter go out shortly after you switch on the
ignition.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-
cator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs
drive torque and braking forces.The indicator lamp stays lit:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC and
Dynamic Traction Control DTC have been
switched off via the button.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC indi-
cator lamp lights up permanently:
DTC has been deactivated via the
DSC button.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-
cator lamp flashes:
Dynamic Traction Control DTC indi-
cator lamp lights up permanently:
DTC is actively regulating drive
torque and braking forces.
Interventions to increase stability are
being performed to a limited degree
only.<
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
indicator lamp and yellow brake
warning lamp for Dynamic Brake
Control DBC light up continuously:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC,
Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
Dynamic Brake Control DBC are malfunc-
tioning.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC indi-
cator lamp and yellow brake warn-
ing lamp for Dynamic Brake Control
DBC for Canadian models:
The vehicle remains completely oper-
ational without the DSC, DTC and
DBC functions.<
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your BMW center.

Technology for safety and driving convenience
54 The display has two levels:
>Normal braking:
Brake lamp 1 lights up on both sides of
the vehicle together with the center
brake lamp
>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.
Malfunctions
If the yellow indicator lamp for the
Antilock Brake System ABS comes
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.
Indicator lamp for the Antilock
Brake System ABS with the brake
warning lamp and the indicator
lamp for the Dynamic Stability Con-
trol DSC 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
As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps
track of pressure levels in all four tires. The
system alerts you whenever the inflation
pressure of a tire falls significantly below
the pressure of another tire.
The system actually detects pressure loss
by monitoring differences in the relative
speeds of the four wheels. It interprets vari-
ations outside specified limits as severe
pressure loss, and then responds by gen-
erating a warning.
System requirements
In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn the
correct tire inflation pressure, please do the
following:
1.Check the tire inflation pressures in all
tires
2.Compare to the inflation pressure table,
refer to page 76, and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
If the system is not initialized,
undetected losses in pressure or
false warnings that indicate a non-exis-
tent flat tire are possible.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot provide
you with advance warning of sudden
and severe tire damage caused by external
factors and does not detect the balanced
and very gradual pressure loss that takes

Special operating instructions
68
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 1,200 miles / 2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds,
but do not exceed the following engine or
road speed:
4,500 rpm / 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 1,200 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.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
Up to 1,200 miles / 2,000 km:
Avoid using the acceleration assistant dur-
ing the vehicle's break-in period.
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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
69
Driving notes
Parking the vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, which then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground underneath the vehi-
cle are thus normal.
Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the tires
and the road surface. This phenomenon
can lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effective-
ness.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft / 30 cm,
and then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems
and the transmission may be damaged.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur with every
vehicle equipped with a catalytic con-
verter. Heat shields are installed adjacent
to some sections of the exhaust system.
Never remove these shields; do not apply
undercoating to their surfaces. When driv-
ing, standing at idle and parking the vehi-
cle, take care to avoid contact between the
hot exhaust system and flammable materi-
als, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such con-
tact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious
personal injury and property damage.<
Brake system
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up
although the parking brake is not
engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. It is very impor-
tant that you follow the instructions on
page 85 before driving on.
Disc brakes
Corrosion
Limited vehicle use, extended periods with
the vehicle parked or in storage, and oper-
ating conditions in which braking is
restricted to gentle, low-pressure applica-
tions will all increase the tendency for cor-
rosion to form on the rotors and contamina-
tion to accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
which must be exerted by the pads to clean
the rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a pulsating
effect which even extended application will
fail to cure.
Wet roads
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads, it is useful to apply light pressure
to the brake pedal every few miles. Watch
traffic conditions to ensure that this maneu-
ver does not endanger other road users.
The resulting heat dries the brake rotors
and brake pads. Immediate braking control
is then available if necessary.
Inclines
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear or drive posi-
tion in which only minimal periodic brake
application is required. This helps avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem. Observe the maximum allowable
engine speed when doing so; refer to
page 48.

Special operating instructions
70 Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmission or
selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with
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
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Otherwise, overheating and
inner damage to the tires may result. The
ultimate result can assume the form of a
sudden air loss.<
Determining the maximum load
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs; otherwise
damage to the vehicle and unstable
driving conditions could result.<2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passenger that will be riding
in your vehicle
3.Substract the combined weight of the
driver and passenger from XXX kilo-
grams or YYY pounds
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
551 lbs. and there will be two 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 251 lbs.
551 lbs. minus 300 lbs. = 251 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the
occupants' weights and the weight of the
cargo. The greater the weight of the occu-
pants, the less cargo can be transported.
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.
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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
85
allow accumulated pressure to escape,
then open completely
2.The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck but no more than 3/4 in/2 cm
above it, that is up to the second mark
on the float. Refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck
3.If necessary, add coolant. Slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached; do not overfill.
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of
antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.<
Brake fluid
Indicator lamp
The brake warning lamp lights up
red when the parking brake is not
engaged: the brake fluid level is too
low, refer to page 69.
The brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models lights up red when the
parking brake is not engaged: the
brake fluid level is too low, refer to page 69.
Brake fluid, refilling
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, also refer
to the notes on page 69.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it
absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake fluid
changed every two years by a BMW center.
Refer also to page 49 and the Service Man-
ual.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the vehi-
cle's paint. You should always store it in the
closed original container and in a location
inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the brake
fluid reservoir beyond the MAX mark. The
brake fluid could ignite upon contact with
hot engine parts and cause serious
burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of
brake fluid.<
Brake fluid level
Low brake fluid level in the reservoir com-
bined with extended pedal travel may indi-
cate a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
BMW recommends that you proceed
to the nearest BMW center. Higher
brake application pressure may be neces-
sary under these conditions, and braking
distances may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<