2006 BMW Z4 COUPE towing

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
23
Closing
The handle recess in the interior trim of the lug-
gage compartment lid makes it easier to pull
down.
Make sure that the closing path of the
luggage compartment lid is clear, other-
wise injuries may result.<
Cargo bay
Emergency release
Pull the lever in the cargo bay. The luggage
compartment lid/tailgate is unlocked.
Roadster: increasing cargo bay
capacity
The cargo bay can be enlarged when the con-
vertible top is closed.Turn the handles on both sides of the cargo bay
outward beyond the resistance point at the
same time, arrow 1.
The convertible top compartment panel swings
up, arrow 2.
Before opening the convertible top:
Turn both handles inward.
The convertible top compartment panel is
folded down.
To avoid any damage when opening the
convertible top, make sure that the con-
vertible top compartment panel in the cargo bay
has been folded down.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage com-
partment lid/tailgate is opened
>When attempts are made to start the vehi-
cle
>When there are movements in the vehicle
interior: interior motion sensor, refer to
page24
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away: Tilt alarm sensor, refer to
page24
>When there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery
The alarm system signals unauthorized entry
attempts for a short time by means of:
>An acoustic alarm

Driving
42 the transmission can cool down again. You can
continue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked immediately.
Yellow warning lamp
The transmission system is malfunc-
tioning. 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.
Instructions on towing, tow-starting and jump-
starting begin on page99.
Driving Dynamic Control
At the touch of a button, Driving Dynamic Con-
trol enables you to drive your BMW in an even
sportier style:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to any motion of the accelerator pedal.
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced.
>Cruise control
*:
The stored speed is achieved more quickly
when called up.
In addition with automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.
To activate the system
Press the SPORT button while the key is in
position 2.
The LED in the button lights up.
To deactivate the system
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button goes out.
Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signal indicators
Unusually rapid flashing of the indica-
tor lamp indicates that a turn signal
indicator has failed.<
To signal briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to indicate a turn.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever as far as the resistance point.
The turn signals flash three times.
If you wish, you can have this function
activated.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
73
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as possi-
ble, directly behind the cargo bay partition,
and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
To avoid damaging the rear of the back-
rests 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
behind a seat may prevent the backrest from
engaging properly. Therefore, check the back-
rest to see if it is properly engaged, and move
the seat forward if necessary; refer to page31.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can endanger
the occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page109, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roadster: convertible top
compartment
The cargo bay can be enlarged when the
convertible top is closed, refer to page23.
I t i s r e c o m m e n d ed t h a t y o u a lw a y s f o l d t h e c o n -
vertible top compartment panel down as soon
as you have taken your cargo out of the cargo
bay. This way, you can be sure that you can
always operate the convertible top at any time.
When the convertible top is closed, fold the
convertible top compartment panel up before
stowing your cargo in the cargo bay, to avoid
any damage to the convertible top compart-
ment or your load.
Do not stow any items on the convertible top
compartment panel, otherwise the convertible
top could be damaged while it is opening.<
If you stow cargo behind the seats of your
BMW:
>Only stow light objects such as clothing,
etc.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrests.
Roadster: hardtop
preparation*
Pull covers off, see arrow1.
The brackets for attaching the hardtop
are located underneath the covers; see arrow2.

Giving and receiving assistance
100 1.Open the cover of the BMW jump-starting
connection. Do so by pulling the tab.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a jump-starting connection of the
vehicle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a jump-starting connection
of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Your BMW is equipped with a special nut,
refer also to the engine compartment over-
view on page87.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle as
usual.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray starter fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Using the towing eyelet
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be attached at the front or rear
of your BMW.
It is located in the onboard tool kit, refer to
page93.
Only use the towing eyelet supplied with
the vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing on
paved roads only. Avoid subjecting the towing
eyelet to lateral loads, e.g. do not lift the vehicle
using the towing eyelet. Otherwise the tow fit-
ting and the vehicle could be damaged.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
101
Access to the threaded socket
Press out the cover with a screwdriver inserted
in the recess at the top.
Being towed
Make sure that the key is in position 1,
because otherwise the steering lock
could engage and the vehicle could no longer
be steered. There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to exert
more force to brake and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if required
by national regulations. If the electrical system
has failed, clearly identify the vehicle being
towed, e.g. by placing a sign or a warning trian-
gle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idling position.
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.<
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 towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should be
on the same side. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
Before the towing vehicle starts to drive off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the tow fit-
tings only, as attaching it to other parts of the
vehicle could result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported by a tow truck with
a lift sling or a flat bed.
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 an auto-
matic transmission. Vehicles with a cata-
lytic converter should only be tow-started if the

Everything from A to Z
112
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System49
– indicator lamp12
Accident, refer to Emergency
call98
Acknowledgment signal for
locking/unlocking vehicle19
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control63
Additives
– coolant89
– engine oil89
Adjusting
– seats30
Adjusting the thigh support32
Airbags52
– deactivating36
– indicator/warning lamp13
– passenger airbags indicator
lamp36
– reactivation36
– safe seating position30
Airbag switch, refer to Key
switch for passenger
airbags35
Air conditioning58
Air-conditioning operation,
refer to Cooling
function59,62
Air distribution
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
– individual59,62
Air flow rate
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Airing out, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation59,63Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure80
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode59,63
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications79
Alarm system23
– avoiding unintentional
alarms24
– interior motion sensor24
– switching off an alarm24
– tilt alarm sensor24
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires83,85
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode59,63
Ambient temperature
display46
Antenna, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze44,89
– coolant89
– washer fluids44
Antilock Brake System
ABS49
– indicator/warning lamp12
– indicator lamp13
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system23
Anti-theft protection19,23
Approved engine oils89
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray65
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems49
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control63Automatic
– air distribution62
– air flow rate62
– cruise control44
– headlamp control55
– luggage compartment lid
operation22
– recirculated-air control
AUC63
– tailgate operation21
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control61
Automatic convertible top27
Automatic lamps55
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– indicator lamp13
– interlock38,40
– selector lever41
– selector lever lock40
– shiftlock40
– shift paddles on steering
wheel41
– towing the vehicle101
– tow-starting101
AUTO program for automatic
climate control62
Average fuel consumption48
– setting unit of measure48
Average speed48
– setting unit of measure48
Avoiding unintentional
alarms24
Axle loads, refer to
Weights109
B
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment31

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement96
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit99
Bar, refer to Towing
methods101
Battery97
– charging97
– disposal97
– indicator/warning
lamp12,97
– jump-starting99
– power supply interruption97
– remote control18
Being towed101
Belts, refer to Safety belts33
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts33
Beverage holders65
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate59,62
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System91
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders65
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC49
Brake fluid90
– indicator/warning lamp13
– level90
– warning lamp90
Brake Force Display52
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brake system90
Brake hydraulic system
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake lamps
– brake force display52
– bulb replacement96
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Brake pads90
– break-in procedures70
– warning lamp90
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads90
– indicator/warning lamp13Brake rotors72
– brake system72
– break-in procedures70
Brakes
– ABS49
– brake fluid90
– brake pads90
– braking safely71
– break-in procedures
70
– indicator/warning
lamps13,50
– parking brake39
Brake system90
– brake fluid90
– brake pads90
– break-in procedures70
– disc brakes72
– indicator/warning lamp13
Brake wear warning90
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor51
Breaking in the clutch70
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential70
Break-in procedures70
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting99
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs93
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs93
Burned fuel, refer to
Fuel specifications79
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California laws
– Event Data Recorders92
– Proposition 65 warning5
Can holders, refer to Beverage
holders65
Capacity
– cargo bay, refer to
Weights109
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery97Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Care products, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cargo bay23
– capacity109
– floor panel93
– increasing capacity23
– opening and closing21,22
– opening from inside the
vehicle21,22
– opening from the outside21
– roller-blind cover65
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo73
– vehicle72
Car jack
– jacking points97
Car keys, refer to The key
set18
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system70
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Center high-mount brake
lamp, bulb replacement96
Central locking
– from inside21
Central locking system19

Everything from A to Z
116 Exterior mirrors34
– adjusting34
– automatic dimming
feature71
– automatic heating34
– folding in and out34
Eyeglasses compartment65
Eyes, tow-starting and towing
away100
F
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms24
– refer to Switching off an
alarm24
Fasten safety belts, refer to
Safety belts33
Filter
– refer to Microfilter60
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter63
Fine wood, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit99
First-aid kit99
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires84
Flat tire51
– Flat Tire Monitor51
– indicator/warning lamp13
– refer to Changing a wheel96
– refer to Tire condition83
– Run-Flat Tires84
Flat Tire Monitor FTM51
– indicator/warning lamp51
– initializing the system51
– snow chains85
– system limits51
Flat tire service, refer to
Roadside Assistance98
Floods, refer to Driving
through water71
Floor covers, carpets, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochureFloor mats, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fog lamps56
– indicator lamp13
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely71
For your own safety5
Front airbags52
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor51
Fuel
– average consumption48
– capacity, refer to
Capacities110
– display46
– quality79
– tank capacity79
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Fuel filler flap, refer to Gas
cap78
Fuel level
– refer to Fuel tank capacity79
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities110
Fully automatic convertible
top27
Fuses97
G
Gas cap78
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
specifications79
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic40
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission40
Glove compartment64Gross weight, refer to
Weights109
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs94
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake39
Hands-free microphone67
Hardtop, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation73
Hazard warning flashers14
Headlamp control,
automatic55
Headlamp flasher42
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps
– bulb replacement94
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning43
– cleaning system, washer
fluid44
– cover94
– glass, care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– washer reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir44
– washer reservoir volume,
refer to Capacities110
Head restraints32
– safe seating position30
Heated
– rear window59,63
– seats33
Heated mirrors34
Heating
– mirrors34
– rear window59,63
– seats33
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading72
Height, refer to
Dimensions107,108