
Driving
42 You accelerate from higher gears, e.g. dur-
ing passing, by downshifting manually.
In the following situations, the SMG in the 
sequential mode assists you:
>The transmission will only execute 
upshifts and downshifts that will result 
in an appropriate combination of vehi-
cle speed and engine rpm. For 
instance, downshifts that would result 
in excessive engine speed cannot be 
executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automati-
cally downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent mini-
mum speed is reached, the gearbox 
shifts down automatically without you 
taking any action.
Display in the instrument cluster
Gear indicator
R N 1 2 3 4 5 6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The currently engaged gear, the selected 
mode, and any possible malfunctions are 
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Malfunctions
Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the trans-
mission system.
All of the selector lever positions can con-
tinue to be engaged; however, in the for-
ward drive positions the range of available 
gears is restricted.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads 
and consult the nearest BMW center.
Warning tone
An acoustic signal sounds if the SMG gear-
box overheats; if possible you should either 
stop or increase your pullaway speed so 
that the system can cool down. 
For jump-starting and towing, refer to the 
information on page 94.
Driving Dynamic Control
The Driving Dynamic Control feature lets 
you select between a standard and a sport 
program. 
Sport program 
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to any motion of the accelerator 
pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and 
traction is enhanced
Additionally with SMG and automatic 
transmission:
>The shifting times are reduced 
>The engine speed range is optimally uti-
lized in the drive mode.
Activating the Sport program
In ignition key position 2
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up.
With automatic transmission:
The sport program of the automatic 
transmission is enabled by activating the 
Driving Dynamic Control system. Thus, the 
selector lever does not have to be shifted 
from D to M/S; refer also to page 39.< 

In the engine compartment
84 The oil volume between the two marks on 
the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond the 
upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will 
damage the engine.
Adding engine oil 
While you should wait until the level has 
dropped to just above the lower mark 
before adding oil, you should never allow 
the oil level to fall below this mark.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without oil additives; the use of 
additives could even lead to damage in 
some cases. This also applies to manual 
and automatic transmissions and to the dif-
ferential.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has 
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For 
this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of 
skin that come into contact with oil using 
soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar mate-
rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and the 
information on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of 
used oil.<
Approved engine oils 
The quality of the engine oil is extremely 
important for the function and life of an 
engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW 
has approved certain grades of engine oil. 
Use approved High Performance Synthetic 
Oil. 
If you are unable to obtain an approved 
High Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small volumes of other synthetic oils for 
topping up between oil changes. Use only 
oils with the specification API SH or higher. 
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils that 
have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America 
toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this 
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this 
information. 
Coolant 
The yellow coolant indicator lamp 
lights up:
The coolant level is too low: top up 
as soon as possible.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. If you do, 
escaping coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are 
hazardous to health. You should always 
store them in their original containers and 
in a location inaccessible to children.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are 
flammable. For this reason, do not spill 
them on hot engine parts. They could ignite 
and cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Checking the coolant level 
Correct coolant level when the engine is 
cold, approx. 687/206:
1.Open the cap of the expansion tank by 
turning it slightly counterclockwise to  

Giving and receiving assistance
96
Towing the vehicle 
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck 
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Never allow passengers to ride in a 
towed vehicle for any reason.<
Towing the vehicle with the front axle 
raised
Vehicles with automatic 
transmission
>Towing speed: 
Maximum 45 mph / 70 km/h 
>Towing distance: 
Maximum 90 miles/150 km. 
Vehicles with sequential manual 
gearbox SMG
With the ignition on, move the selector 
lever to position N, then turn off the igni-
tion.
Towing eyelet 
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page 88; be sure 
that it remains in the vehicle at all times. It 
can be attached at the front or rear of the 
vehicle.
Access to towing socket 
Front
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Rear
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Use only the towing eyelet supplied 
with the vehicle and screw it in firmly 
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for tow-
ing on paved roads only. If you do not fol-
low these instructions, the towing eyelet 
could be torn out and vehicle damage 
could occur. 
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.< 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 101
Weights  
Z4 2.5iZ4 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg
lbs/kg2,932/1,330
2,976/1,350
2,998/1,3602,998/1,360
3,020/1,370
3,042/1,380
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg
lbs/kg3,483/1,580
3,527/1,600
3,549/1,6103,549/1,610
3,571/1,620
3,593/1,630
Load lbs/kg 551/250 551/250
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,720/780 1,742/790
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,841/835 1,863/845
Luggage compartment capacity 
with the convertible top compartment raisedcu ft/l
cu ft/l8.5/240
9.2/2608.5/240
9.3/260
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the approved gross vehicle weight. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 103
Capacities 
Notes
Fuel tank 
reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 14.5/55
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specifications: 
page 74
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer systemquarts/liters
quarts/litersapprox. 3.2/3 
approx. 5.3/5For details: page 83
Cooling system including heat-
ing circuit
with manual transm. or SMG
with automatic transmissionquarts/liters
quarts/liters8.8/8.3
9.3/8.8For details: page 84
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts/liters 6.9/6.5 For details: page 84
Manual transmission, SMG, 
automatic transmission and 
differential quarts/liters –Lifetime lubricant, no oil 
change required 

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 

Everything from A to Z
106 Condensation, removing 
from windows
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate 
control 62
Configuring settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory 31
Connecting a vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Cigarette 
lighter 65
Consumption, refer to 
Average consumption 51
Consumption display, refer 
to Fuel gauge 48
Control elements, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– convertible top 18
– from outside 18
– windows 18
Convertible top 21, 22
– care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation 18
– electrical fault 23
– emergency closing 23
– fully automatic 22
– malfunction 23
– manual 21
Convertible top 
compartment panel 20
Coolant 84
– indicator lamp 13
– level 84
– temperature 48
Coolant water, refer to 
Coolant 84
Cooling, maximum 62
Cooling, refer to Air 
conditioning mode 59, 62
Cooling system, refer to 
Capacities 103
Cruise control 45
Cruising range 51
Cup holders, refer to 
Beverage holders 65
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 101
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data 100
D
Data, technical 100
– capacities 103
– dimensions 102
– engine data 100
– weights 101
Daytime driving lamps 46
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Defective bulb 46
Defrosting rear window
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate 
control 63
Defrosting windows 60, 62
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate 
control 62
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate 
control 62
Defrosting windshield, refer 
to Defrosting 
windows 60, 62
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting 
windows 60, 62
Differential
– break-in procedures 68
Digital clock 49
Dimensions 102
Dimming mirror 31
Dipstick, engine oil 83
Directional indicators, refer 
to Turn signal 
indicators 43
Disc brakes 69
Displacement, refer to 
Engine data 100
Display elements 12
Display lighting, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting 47
Displays, refer to 
Instrument cluster 12Disposal
– oil 84
– vehicle battery 92
Distance remaining, refer to 
Range 51
Door key 16
Door lock 18
Doors, unlocking and 
locking
– from inside 18
– from outside 17, 18
DOT quality grades 77
Draft-free ventilation 59, 63
Driving Dynamic Control 42
Driving light, refer to 
Parking lamps/Low 
beams 46
Driving notes 69
– break-in procedures 68
– driving tips 69
Driving stability control 52
Dry air, refer to Air 
conditioning mode 59, 62
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 40
– convertible top 23
– door lock 18
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– luggage compartment 
lid 19
– storage compartments 64 

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