Special operating instructions
70 sure 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.
Interior and exterior mirrors with
automatic dimming feature*
Two photocells in the interior rearview mirror
serve to control the interior and exterior mirrors
with automatic dimming feature. One photocell
is positioned in the mirror's lens, see arrow,
while the other is on the opposite side of the
mirror.
To ensure perfect functioning, keep the photo-
cells clean and the area between the interior
rearview mirror and the windshield free of any
obstruction like stickers, etc.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation formed in the air conditioning
system during operation exits under the vehi-
cle. Traces of condensed water on the ground
underneath the vehicle are thus normal.
Mobile equipment in the vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile
equipment, e.g. cellular phones, inside
the vehicle without connecting them directly to
an outside antenna. Otherwise, it cannot be
ruled out that vehicle electronics and the mobile
equipment interfere with one another. In addi-
tion, it is not ensured that the radio waves emit-
ted during transmission are directed outside of
the vehicle interior.<
Cargo loading
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permissible carrying capacity of the tires
is not exceeded. Otherwise, overheating and
inner damage to the tires may result. The ulti-
mate 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 occupants
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.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passenger from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
551 lbs. and there will be two 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
251 lbs.
551 lbs. minus 300 lbs. = 251 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
99
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph /
70 km/h or a towing distance of 90 miles/
150 km. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
could be damaged.<
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
To push or tow the vehicle, turn on the ignition
and move the selector lever to position N, then
turn the ignition off again.
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to tow the
vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope on public
roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable towing
regulations for the country in which you are
driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
vehicle handling can no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should be
on the same side. If the tow bar can only be
used in a diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are driving
around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces late-
ral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
lets. Other parts of the vehicle could oth-
erwise be damaged.<
With a tow rope
When the towing vehicle is driving off, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach tow ropes only to the tow-
ing eyelet. Other parts of the vehicle could oth-
erwise be damaged.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported by a tow truck with
a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eye-
let, or by parts of the body or chassis.
Otherwise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with automatic
transmission.
Jump-starting, refer to page97.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic conver-
ters if the engine is cold. It is better to have the
vehicle jump-started, refer to page97.
1.Turn on the hazard warning flashers; com-
ply with national regulations
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2
3.Engage the 3rd gear. For vehicles with
SMG, refer to following column
4.Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and then
slowly release the clutch pedal. After the
engine has started, immediately depress
the clutch pedal again completely
5.Pull over at a suitable location, remove the
tow bar or tow rope, and turn on the hazard
warning flashers
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
>Have the vehicle towed with the selector
lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will automatically be selected and engaged.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
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 convertible top compartment panel raisedcu ft/l
cu ft/l8.5/240
9.2/2608.5/240
9.2/260
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the approved gross vehicle weight.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 14.5/55
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specifications: page76
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer systemquarts/liters
quarts/litersapprox. 3.2/3
approx. 5.3/5For details: page86
Cooling system including heating
circuit
with manual transm. or SMG
with automatic transmissionquarts/liters
quarts/liters8.8/8.3
9.3/8.8For details: page87
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts/liters 6.9/6.5 For details: page87
Everything from A to Z
106
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System50
– indicator lamp13
Acceleration assistant42
Accessories, refer to
– For your own safety6
– Your individual vehicle5
Accident, refer to Emergency
call96
Acknowledgment signal for
vehicle locking/unlocking16
Activated-charcoal filter63
Adjusting the thigh support29
Air, drying,
refer to Air conditioning
mode59,62
Airbags53
– deactivation33
– indicator lamp12
– passenger airbags indicator
lamp34
– reactivation33
– safe seating position27
Airbag switch33
Air conditioning58
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Air conditioning mode
switching on/off
manually59,62
Air distribution
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Airing out, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Air outlets,
refer to Ventilation59,63
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure78Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated air
mode59,62
Air supply/blower
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications76
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms26
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires81
Antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Antifreeze86,87
– coolant87
– washing fluids86
Antilock Brake System
ABS50
– indicator lamp13
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft protection16,25
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights103
Approved engine oils87
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights103
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray65
Assistant systems,
refer to Dynamic Stability
Control DSC50
AUC Automatic recirculated
air control62Automatic
– air distribution62
– air supply/blower62
– cruise control44
– headlamp control56
– luggage compartment lid
operation19
Automatically dimming
interior rearview mirror31
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control61
Automatic recirculated air
control AUC62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– ignition36
– indicator lamp13
– interlock36
– selector lever lock38
– shiftlock38
– towing the vehicle99
– tow-starting99
AUTO program,
refer to Automatic air
distribution62
Average fuel consumption49
– setting unit of measure48
Average speed49
– setting unit of measure48
Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
Axle loads, refer to
Weights103
B
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment28
Backup lamps38
– bulb replacement93
Everything from A to Z
Index
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning mode59,62
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control50
– indicator lamp13,51
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control50
– indicator lamp13,51
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC50
– indicator lamp13
– warning lamp51
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
– indicator lamp13,51
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC50
– indicator lamp13,51
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– convertible top23
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– SMG41
– storage compartments64
Electric Power Steering
EPS42
– indicator lamp13,42
Electric power windows20
– power loss20
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
Electronic transmission
control module39
Emergency call96Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top23
– doors18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– storage compartments64
Emergency service, refer to
Mobile Service96
Engine36
– break-in procedures68
– data102
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– speed46
– starting36
– switching off37
Engine compartment85
Engine coolant87
Engine coolant temperature
gauge46
Engine data102
Engine oil86
– alternative oils87
– approved engine oils87
– capacity105
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil level86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil pressure86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil sensor86
– indicator/warning lamp
13
Engine output, refer to Engine
data102
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data102
EPS Electric Power
Steering42
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC50
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system69
Exterior mirrors31
– automatic dimming
feature70
– folding in and out31Eyelets, towing and tow-
starting98
F
False alarm, refer to
– Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
– Stopping the alarm26
Fasten safety belts
– refer to Safety belts30
– warning lamp12,30
Fault
– automatic transmission39
– luggage compartment lid18
– SMG41
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter63
Fine wood, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Finger guard system, power
windows20
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit97
First-aid kit97
Flat
– Run Flat tires82
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor52
– indicator/warning lamp13
– Run Flat tires82
Flat tire, refer to
– Changing a wheel94
– Tire condition81
Flat Tire Monitor52
– indicator/warning
lamp13,53
– initializing52
– warning lamp53
Flat tire service, refer to
Mobile Service96
Floods, refer to Driving
through water69
Floor covers, carpets, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Everything from A to Z
110 Floor mats, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid reservoir, washer
systems86
Fog lamps57
– indicator lamp13
Follow me home lamps56
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes69
Front airbags53
Fuel
– average
consumption49
– display46
– quality76
– volume, refer to
Capacities105
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Fuel filler door76
– unlocking in case of
electrical fault76
Fuel reserve indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge46
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities105
Fuses95
G
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality76
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Gear indicator
– for automatic transmission
with Steptronic38
– for sequential manual
gearbox SMG40
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission38
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG40Gear shifts
– via automatic transmission
with Steptronic38
– via sequential manual
gearbox SMG41
Glove compartment64
Gross weight, refer to
Weights103
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake37
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Preparations for the
cellular phone65
Hands-free system65
Hardtop, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation72
Hazard warning flashers10
Headlamp cover, care, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Headlamp flasher42
– indicator lamp13
Headlamps
– bulb replacement91
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning43
Headlamps, automatic
control56
Headlamp washer
reservoir86
– volume, refer to
Capacities105
Headlamp washer
system
– cleaning the headlamps43
– washing fluids86
Head restraints28
Heated mirrors31
Heated seats30
Heating58
– exterior mirrors31
– rear window59,63
– seats30Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo71
Height, refer to
Dimensions104
Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel31
High beams57
– bulb replacement92
– headlamp flasher42
– indicator lamp13
High Performance
Synthetic Oil87
– alternative oils87
– approved oils87
Holders for beverages64
Hood84
Horn10
Hot exhaust system69
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to Dynamic Brake
Control DBC50
Hydraulics, brake88
Hydroplaning69
I
Ice warning48
Identification mark
– Run Flat tires82
– tire coding80
Ignition36
Ignition key16
Ignition lock36
Imprint2
Inclines69
Index106
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags54
– alarm system26
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– brakes13
– coolant temperature47
– DSC51
– engine temperature46
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– fog lamps57
– passenger airbags34
– please fasten safety belts30
– reserve46
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG41
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview12
Individual air
distribution59,62
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory31
Inflation pressure, tires78
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor52
Inspection47
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting57
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Interior lamps57
– remote control17
Interior motion sensor26
– deactivating26
Interior rearview mirror31
– automatic dimming
feature70
Interior temperature
adjusting59,62
Interlock, refer to
Steering lock36
Intermittent
– operation, wipers43
Interval
– display, service47J
Jack94
Jacking points94
Jets, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Jump-starting97
K
Key Memory31
Keys16
Key switch for passenger
airbags33
Kickdown39
Knock control76
L
Lamps and bulbs91
LATCH, child-restraint
mounting system35
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs Light-emitting
diodes94
Length, refer to
Dimensions104
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement94
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs94
Lighter65
Lighting
of the instruments57
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
Low beams56
LIGHTS ON warning56
Light switch56
Load, vehicle70
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading70
Loads, securing71
Lock buttons on doors,
refer to Locking18Locking the doors
– from inside18
– from outside17
Locking the vehicle
– from inside18
– from outside16
Low beams56
– automatic56
– bulb replacement92
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Lug bolts, wrench91
Luggage compartment19
– capacity103
– floor panel91
– increasing capacity19
– opening/closing,
refer to Luggage
compartment lid18
– opening from inside the
vehicle19
– opening from the outside18
– opening with remote
control17
Luggage compartment lid18
– emergency operation19
– opening from inside the
vehicle19
– opening from the outside18
– remote control17
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires82
Maintenance, refer to Service
interval display47,89
Maintenance System89
Making telephone calls, refer
to Owner's Manual for
Telephone
Malfunction
– convertible top23
– door lock18
– fuel filler door76
– storage compartments64
Malfunction of electrical
accessory95
Manual convertible top20