2005 BMW Z4 ROADSTER 2.5I light

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
41
Kickdown:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during passing,
depress the accelerator pedal completely. You
achieve maximum acceleration.
To switch back to sequential mode: tap the
selector lever again to the right toward D, or
change the current gear via the shift paddles or
the selector lever.
When driving off on inclines, drive
smoothly without pausing. Do not keep
the vehicle in place by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal; instead, apply the parking brake. Oth-
erwise, the gearbox could overheat.<
Shifting gears
With selector lever
>To upshift, tap the selector lever toward +
>To downshift, tap the lever toward –.
With shift paddles on steering wheel
>To upshift, pull one of the shift paddles
>To downshift, push the paddle.
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 appro-
priate combination of vehicle speed and
engine rpm. For instance, downshifts that
would result in excessive engine speed
cannot be executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automatically
downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent minimum
speed is reached, the gearbox automatically
shifts down without you taking any action.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The trans-
mission system is malfunctioning.
Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can continue
to be engaged; in the forward drive positions,
however, the vehicle will be operating in a
restricted gear range only. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Towing and tow-starting, refer to page98;
Jump starting, refer to page97.
Overheating
An acoustic warning signal sounds. The gear-
box is overheating. If possible, stop the vehicle
or drive off swiftly so that the system can cool
off again.
Driving Dynamic Control
Driving Dynamic Control allows your BMW to
react in a sportier driving style at the touch of a
button:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to any motion of the accelerator pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced
>Cruise control:
When the speed last stored is called up, this
speed is attained more quickly.
Additional features with SMG:
>Gears are shifted more quickly
>The engine speed range is optimally utilized
in the drive mode.
With automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.

Driving
42
To activate the system
Ignition key in position 2
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up.
To deactivate the system
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button goes out.
Acceleration assistant with SMG
The acceleration assistant permits optimum
racing-style acceleration on skid-resistant
roads.
Do not use the acceleration assistant too
often, as this could cause the vehicle's
parts to wear prematurely.<
1.Activate Driving Dynamic Control
2.Press the DTC button, refer to page51, for
more than three seconds
3.Depress the accelerator all the way down
rapidly: kickdown. The optimum rpm for
driving off will be adjusted.
To maintain vehicle stability, drive with
the DSC switched on whenever possi-
ble.<
Electric Power Steering EPS
The concept
The electric power steering is a direct, sporting
steering system that is speed-sensitive.
Power support is reduced with an increase in
driving speed.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp stays lit:
The system has malfunctioned or is
faulty.
Steering remains operational.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signal indicators
If the flashing of the indicator lamp
and the clicking from the relay are
both faster than normal, one of the turn sig-
nal indicators has failed.<
To signal briefly
Press the lever up to the detent but not beyond.
It then returns to the center position when
released.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
43
Washer/wiper system
0Wipers retracted
1Intermittent operation or rain sensor
*
2Normal wiper speed
3Fast wiper speed
4Brief wipe
5To set interval time or sensitivity of the rain
sensor
Intermittent operation or rain sensor*
In vehicles equipped without a rain sensor, the
wipe interval is predefined.
The interval time can be set over four stages. In
addition, the wipe interval is varied automati-
cally depending on road speed.
On vehicles with a rain sensor, the wipe interval
is automatically controlled according to rain
intensity. You can adjust the sensitivity of the
rain sensor. It is positioned on the windshield,
directly in front of the interior rearview mirror.
To activate intermittent operation or
rain sensor
Ignition key in position 1 or higher:
Lever to position 1.
In any case, the wipers will move once across
the windshield.
In vehicles equipped with a rain sensor, you can
leave the lever continuously in position1. Then,
as long as the ignition key is in position 1 or
higher, you only need to activate the rain sen-
sor.
Turn rotary dial5 briefly.
To set interval time or sensitivity of the
rain sensor
Turn rotary dial 5.
To deactivate intermittent operation or
rain sensor
Return lever to position 0.
Turn the rain sensor off in automatic car
washes. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
Normal wiper speed
When the vehicle is stopped the wipers switch
to intermittent wipe, except in vehicles without
rain sensor.
Fast wiper speed
When the vehicle is stopped the wipers switch
to normal wiping speed, except in vehicles with-
out rain sensor.
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
0Wipers retracted
1Cleaning windshield and headlamps
*
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
If the vehicle's lights are on, the headlamps are
cleaned at reasonable intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield, otherwise vision could be
obscured. Therefore, use antifreeze, refer to
page86.
Do not use the washers if the fluid reservoir is

Everything under control
46
Everything under control
Odometer
1Odometer
2Trip odometer
Odometer
With the ignition key in position 0, you can acti-
vate the displays shown in the illustration by
pressing the button – see arrow – in the instru-
ment cluster.
Trip odometer
To set to zero
Ignition key position 1
Keep the button pressed until the trip odometer
counter is set to zero.
Tachometer
Never allow the engine to operate with the nee-
dle in the red overspeed sector of the gauge.
To protect the engine, the fuel supply is inter-
rupted when you approach this sector.
Fuel gauge
When indicator lamp1 begins to stay on contin-
uously, there are still approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters
of fuel in the fuel tank.
Tank capacity: approx. 14.5 gallons/55 liters.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, for example when
you are driving in mountainous areas, the nee-
dle may fluctuate slightly.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is empty.
Driving to the last drop of fuel can prevent
the engine from operating properly and result in
damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the indicator
lamp comes on briefly to indicate an operational
check.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.

Technology for safety and driving convenience
50
Technology for safety and driving
convenience
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with a series of systems
that help maintain driving stability even in
adverse driving situations.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS keeps the wheels from locking during
braking. Steering stability is maintained even
during full brake applications. In this way, active
safety is enhanced.
ABS is operational each time the engine is
started. Braking safely, refer to page69.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls brake-force application at
the rear wheels in order to obtain increased sta-
bility in the vehicle's braking response.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When the brake pedal is depressed quickly, this
system automatically supplies maximum brake-
servo boost, thereby helping to keep the vehi-
cle's braking distance as short as possible dur-
ing full brake applications. At the same time, the
benefits of the ABS are also exploited.
As long as you are braking, do not reduce pres-
sure on the brake pedal. When the brake pedal
is released, the DBC is switched off.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels while
starting off and accelerating the vehicle. DSC
also recognizes unstable vehicle conditions,
such as fishtailing or nose-diving. In these
cases, and subject to physical limits, DSC helps
to keep the vehicle on a steady course by
reducing engine speed and by applying brakes
at individual wheels.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. Therefore, do not
limit the additional safety margin by practicing
risky driving.<
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a variant of the DSC in which forward
momentum is optimized for special road condi-
tions, e.g. snow-covered roads that have not
yet been cleared. The system ensures maxi-
mum forward momentum, but driving stability is
limited. Therefore, drive carefully in accordance
with conditions.
In the following exceptional circumstances, it
may be effective to activate the DTC for a short
period:
>When driving on snow-covered grades, in
slush or on uncleared, snow-covered roads
>When rocking the vehicle or starting off in
deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Reactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
goes out in the instrument cluster.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
51
Deactivating DTC and DSC at the same
time
Press and hold the button for at least
3 seconds; the DSC indicator lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster. No more interventions
to increase stability and forward momentum are
carried out.
To enhance vehicle stability, reactivate DSC as
soon as possible.
Reactivating DSC
Press the button briefly; the indicator lamp goes
out in the instrument cluster.
Checking
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating drive torque
and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DTC and DSC have been deactivated together
by pressing the DTC button.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DTC has been activated by pressing
the DTC button.
The DSC indicator lamp flashes and the
DTC indicator lamp is lit:
DTC is actively regulating drive torque
and braking forces.
Malfunction in the driving stability
control systems
The warning lamp for the brake system
lights up in red, together with the yellow
indicator lamps for ABS and DSC:
The driving stability control systems
have failed.
Continue driving cautiously and defensively.
Avoid hard brake applications. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication of the above-described mal-
function in Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up
together with the yellow warning lamp
for the brake system:
DSC, including DTC and DBC, are mal-
functioning.
The stabilizing interventions are no longer avail-
able. The vehicle remains operational. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Indication of the above-described mal-
function in Canadian models.

Technology for safety and driving convenience
52
Brake force display
The Brake force display lights up in two stages
depending on how strongly you are braking.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the center brake lamp
light up
>Hard braking or braking with ABS:
In addition, the illuminated surface of the
brake lamps is extended, refer to the pic-
ture.
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.
In the event of tire pressure loss, the rolling
radius of the tire changes, thereby affecting the
rotational speed of the wheels. This change is
detected, and a flat tire warning is issued to the
driver.
System requirements
To ensure a reliable flat tire warning, the system
must be initialized with the correct tire inflation
pressures.
Each time you correct the pressure in a
tire, or change a wheel or tire, the system
must be re-initialized.<
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 place in all four
tires over an extended period of time.<
The system could issue a false warning or func-
tion in a delayed manner in the following situa-
tions:
>System was not initialized
>You are driving on a snow-covered or slip-
pery road surface
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the
drive wheels, high levels of lateral accelera-
tion
>You are driving with snow chains.
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed while you
are driving, and can be interrupted at any
time. Initialization is automatically continued
when you continue driving.
When driving with snow chains, do not initialize
the system.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Press the button as long as you need to until
the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up for a few seconds
3.Drive off.
Initialization is completed during the drive,
without any feedback issued.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
53
Flat tire warning
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up in red. This visual alert
is accompanied by an acoustic warning
signal. There is a flat tire or a signficant loss of
tire pressure.
1.Carefully reduce your speed to under
50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid strong braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle
is not equipped with Run Flat tires,
refer to page82. If you continue to drive
with a flat tire, a serious accident could
result.<
2.Check the inflation pressure in all four tires
as soon as possible.
If the inflation pressure is correct in all
four tires, it is possible that the Flat
Tire Monitor was not initialized. In this case,
initialize the system.<
3.If there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi/0 kilopascal, or obvious tire dam-
age, you can gauge the mileage for contin-
ued driving on the basis of the following
indications:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
1 person, luggage compartment full,
or
2 persons with luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed
of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Driving characteris-
tics change if there is a loss of tire pressure.
This includes diminished track stability during
braking, longer braking distances and modified
steering. If unusual vibrations occur while driv-
ing, this can indicate a complete failure of the
damaged tire. Reduce your speed and pull over as soon as possible. Do not continue driving
and contact a BMW center.<
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up yellow. The Flat Tire
Monitor is malfunctioning or out of
order. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and passenger
2Side airbags for driver and passenger
3Knee airbags for driver and passenger
Protective effect
Comply with the instructions on page27,
or the occupants' personal safety will be
diminished.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
passenger in the event of a head-on collision
where the protection provided by the safety belt
alone would not be adequate. The side airbags
help provide protection in the event of a colli-
sion from the side. Each of the side airbags is
designed to help support the seat occupant's
upper body. The knee airbags help provide
additional protection in the event of a head-on
collision.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in
every impact situation, e. g. not in less severe
accidents, certain roll-over conditions, or rear-
end collisions.