2004 BMW Z4 2.5I brake fluid

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.

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.

In the engine compartment
82
Engine compartment
1Reservoir for the headlamp and wind-
shield washer system 83
2Engine oil filler neck 84
3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting 944Reservoir for brake fluid 85
5Chassis ground, negative terminal
6Engine oil dipstick 83
7Coolant expansion tank 84

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.<

Everything from A to Z
104
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 54
– indicator lamp 13
Accessories, refer to
– For your own safety 5
– Your individual vehicle 5
Accident, refer to
Emergency call 93
Activated-charcoal filter 63
Adaptive Transmission
Control ATC 40
Air, drying,
refer to Air conditioning
mode 59, 62
Airbags 56
– deactivation 33
– indicator lamp 13
– passenger airbags
indicator lamp 34
– reactivation 33
– safe seating position 27
Airbag switch 33
Air conditioning 58
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
Air conditioning mode
switching on/off
manually 59, 62
Air distribution
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
Airing out, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63
Air outlets,
refer to Ventilation 59, 63
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 75
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 59, 63Air supply/blower
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 74
Alarm system
– avoiding unintentional
alarms 26
Antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Antifreeze 83, 84
– coolant 84
– washing fluids 83
Antilock Brake System
ABS 54
– indicator lamp 13
Anti-theft alarm system,
refer to Alarm system 25
Anti-theft protection 25
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 101
Approved engine oils 84
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights 101
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray 65
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
ATC Adaptive Transmission
Control 40
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air
control 63Automatic
– air distribution 62
– air supply/blower 62
– cruise control 45
– headlamp control 46
– luggage compartment lid
operation 19
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 61
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 63
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– ignition 36
– indicator lamp 13
– interlock 36
– selector lever lock 39
– shiftlock 39
AUTO program,
refer to Automatic air
distribution 62
Average fuel
consumption 51
– setting units of
measure 50
Average speed 51
– setting units of
measure 50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 101
B
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 28
Backup lamps 38
– bulb replacement 90
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 94
Everything from A to Z
Index

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
Battery 91
– disposal 92
– indicator lamp 13, 91
– jump-starting 94
– remote control 17
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 30
Belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 30
Beverage holders 65
Blower
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
Blower, refer to Air
supply 59, 62
BMW 5
Bore, refer to Engine
data 100
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders 65
Brake fluid 85
– filling 85
– indicator/warning
lamp 13, 85
– level 85
Brake force display 53
Brake hydraulic system 85
– indicator/warning
lamp 13, 69, 85
Brake lamps
– bulb replacement 90
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp 13
Brake pads 70
– break-in procedures 68
– indicator lamp 70
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads 70
– indicator lamp 13
Brake rotors
– brake system 69
– break-in procedures 68
Brakes 69
– ABS 54
– brake fluid 85
– break-in procedures 68
– indicator/warning
lamps 13, 52, 53, 54
– parking brake 38Brake system 69
– brake fluid level 85
– brake pads 70
– break-in procedures 68
– disc brakes 69
– indicator lamp 13
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor 54
Break-in procedures 68
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 88
Buttons in steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition
65 warning 87
Can holders, refer to
Beverage holders 65
Capacities 103
Car battery 91
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– vehicle 70
Car keys, refer to Keys 16
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio
Car telephone, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Telephone
Car wash, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 69
CD player operation, refer
to Owner's Manual
for Radio
Center high-mount brake
lamp
– bulb replacement 90Central locking system 16
– interior 18
Changing a wheel 91
Charge indicator
lamp 13, 91
Check Gas Cap
– indicator lamp 13
Child-restraint mounting
system, LATCH 35
Child-restraint systems 33
Child seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 33
Chrome parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 65
Cigarette lighter socket 65
Cleaning the rear window,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the windshield 44
Clock 49, 50
– 12- or 24-hour mode 50
– refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting 49
Clothes hooks 25
Clutch
– break-in procedures 68
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine 36
Compact disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio
Compartments 64
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 100
Computer 50
– clock, 12- or 24-hour
mode 50
– refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
Computer, refer to
Onboard Computer 50
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 59, 62

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Electric Power Steering
EPS 43
– indicator lamp 13
Electric power windows 20
Electronic Stability
Program ESP, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Electronic transmission
control module 40
Emergency call 93
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
– convertible top 23
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– storage compartments 64
Engine 36
– break-in procedures 68
– data 100
– electronics 13
– indicator lamp 13
– speed 48
– starting 36
– switching off 37
Engine compartment 82
Engine coolant 84
Engine coolant
temperature gauge 48
Engine data 100
Engine oil 83
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
– capacity 103
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil level 83
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil pressure 83
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil sensor 83
– indicator lamp 13
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 100
Engine speed, refer to
Engine data 100
EPS Electric Power
Steering 43
Equipment range, see
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 69
Exterior mirrors 31
– automatic dimming
feature 31
Eyelet, towing 96
F
False alarm, stopping
alarm 26
Fasten safety belts 30
– warning lamp 13, 30
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter 59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 63
Fine wood, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 94
First-aid kit 94
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor 54
– indicator/warning
lamp 13
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition 78
Flat Tire Monitor 54
– indicator lamp 13, 55
– initializing 55
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water 69
Floor covers, carpets, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Floor mats, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir
– washing systems 83
Fog lamps 47
– indicator lamp 13Follow me home lamps 46
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes 69
Front airbags 56
Front turn signal indicators
– bulb replacement 90
Fuel
– average
consumption 51
– content, refer to
Capacities 103
– display 48
– preparation, refer to
Engine data 100
– quality 74
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 48
Fuel filler door 74
– unlocking in case of
electrical fault 74
Fuel gas cap 74
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 103
Fuses 92
G
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 74
Gasoline gauge, refer to
Fuel gauge 48
Gear indicator 40
Gear lever
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Glove compartment 64
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 101
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 38
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Preparations for
the cellular phone 65
Hands-free system 65
Hardtop, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation 71

Everything from A to Z
108 Hazard warning flashers 10
Headlamp cover, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
Headlamps
– bulb replacement 88
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– cleaning 44
Headlamps, automatic
control 46
Headlamp washer
reservoir 83
– content, refer to
Capacities 103
Headlamp washer
system
– cleaning the
headlamps 44
– washing fluids 83
Head restraints 28
Heated mirrors 31
Heated seats 30
Heating 58
– exterior mirrors 31
– rear window 59, 63
– seats 30
Heavy loads, refer to
Stowing cargo 70
Height, refer to
Dimensions 102
Height adjustment
– seats 28
– steering wheel 30
High beams 47
– bulb replacement 89
– headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
High Performance
Synthetic Oil 84
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
High temperatures 69
Holders for beverages 65
Hood 81
Horn 10
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to Dynamic Brake
Control DBC 52Hydraulics
– brakes 85
Hydroplaning 69
I
Ice warning 50
Identification mark
– Run Flat tires 80
Ignition 36
Ignition key 16
Ignition lock 36
Inclines 69
Index 104
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags 57
– alarm system 26
– brakes 13
– coolant temperature 49
– DSC 52
– engine temperature 48
– Flat Tire Monitor 55
– fog lamps 47
– passenger airbags 34
– please fasten safety
belts 30
– reserve 48
Indicator and warning
lamps, overview 12
Individual air
distribution 59, 62
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 31
Inflation pressure, tires 75
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor 54
INSPECTION 49
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 47
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Interior lamps 47
– remote control 17
Interior motion sensor 26
Interior rearview mirror 31
– automatic dimming
feature 31
Interior temperature
– adjusting 59, 62Interlock, refer to
Steering lock 36
Intermittent
– operation, wipers 44
Interval
– display, service 49
J
Jack 91
Jacking points 91
Jets, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63
Jump-starting 94
K
Key Memory 31
Keys 16
Key switch for passenger
airbags 33
Kickdown 39
Knock control 74
L
Lamps 46
Lamps and bulbs 88
LATCH, child-restraint
mounting system 35
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Length, refer to
Dimensions 102
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 91
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Lighter 65
Lighting
– of the instruments 47
Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting 47
LIGHTS ON warning 46
Light switch 46
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading 70
Loads, securing 70