2009 BMW Z4 SDRIVE30I ROADSTER steering

Technology for driving comfort and safety
86
Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention
system from the vehicle. Do not modify the indi-
vidual components of the system or its wiring in
any way. This includes the upholstered covers
of the steering wheel, the dashboard and the
seats. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle
the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remo val and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and th at has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesi red airbag activation,
either of which could resu lt in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
The system determines whether the passenger
seat is occupied by meas uring the resistance of
the human body. Front, knee and side airbags
on the passenger side ar e activated or deacti-
vated accordingly.
Make sure that the passenger keeps his
or her feet in the footwell; otherwise, the
passenger airbags may not function properly. <
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the passen-
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, see page 48.
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
The front, knee and side airbags can also be
deactivated by adolescents and adults sitting in
certain positions; the in dicator lamp for the pas-
senger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the pa ssenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting posi tion, do not transport
the passenger in the vehicle.
To make sure that occupa tion of the seat cush-
ion can be detected correctly:
> Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion
padding, ball mats or other items to the pas-
senger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by BMW.
> Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. <
Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the passenger's
front, knee and side airbags in accordance with
whether and how the passenger seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a child
who is properly seated in a child-restraint
system intended for that purpose is
detected on the seat or the seat is empty.
The front, knee and side airbags for the pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the sys-
tem, especially child seats required by the
NHTSA at the time of vehicle production.

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Welcome lamps are activated and are
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the head lamp flasher after park-
ing the car, with the lig hts switched off, the
low beams come on and remain on for a
certain time.
You can adjust the operating period or deacti-
vate the function.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Pathway light.:"
4. Set or deactivate the duration.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lamps
The daytime running lamps light up in switch
position 0, 1 and 3. They are less powerful than
the low beams.
Activating/deactivating the daytime
running lamps
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Daytime running lamps" Daytime running lamps are activated and
are stored for the remote control currently
in use.
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that en ables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adapti ve Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page 88.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light directs light towards the passenger
side when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Malfunction
A message appears on the Control Display.
Adaptive Head Light is malfunctioning or has
failed. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.

Controls
93Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Air conditioning system
1Air distribution
2 Recirculated-air mode
3 Cooling function 4
Temperature
5 Air flow rate
6 Rear window defroster
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the win-
dows , to the upper body area
or to the knee area and footwell
. Intermediate settings are pos-
sible. In the 6 o'clock position, a small amount
of air is also directed towards the windows in
order to keep them from fogging over.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off the supply to the interior of the car
temporarily. The system then recirculates the
air currently within the vehicle.
You can also activate/d eactivate the recircu-
lated-air mode by means of a button
* on the
steering wheel, refer to page 11.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air flow rate as
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
continuously for lengthy periods, otherwise the
quality of the air inside the car will gradually
deteriorate. <
Air flow rate
Press the corresponding button.
The higher the rate, the more
effective the heating or cooling
will be.
The air flow rate may be reduced or the blower
may be switched off entire ly to save on battery
power.
Switching the system on/off
With the blower at its lowest set-
ting, press the left side of the but-
ton. Thes blower and air condi-
tioner are completely switched off and the air
supply is cut off.
To switch on the air cond itioner, set the desired
air flow rate.
Switching cooling function on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as re quired, according to the
temperature setting. This function is only avail-
able while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
Depending on the weathe r, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.

Practical interior accessories
100
Digital compass*
1Adjustment button
2 Display
The display shows you the main or secondary
compass direction in which you are driving.
Operating principle
You can call up various functions by pressing
the adjustment button with a pointed object
such as a pen or similar item. The following
adjustment options are displayed one after the
other, depending on how long you keep the
adjustment button pressed:
> Press briefly: switch display on/off
> 3 to 6 seconds: set the compass zone
> 6 to 9 seconds: calibrate the compass
> 9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right-hand
steering
> 12 to 15 seconds: Setting the language
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to your
vehicle's geographic loca tion so that the com-
pass can function correctl y; refer to the world
map with compass zones.
To set the compass zone, press the adjustment
button for approx. 3-4 seconds. The number of
the compass zone set is shown in the display.
To change the zone se tting, briefly press the
adjustment button repeat edly until the display shows the number of the compass zone corre-
sponding to your current location.
The compass is operational again after approx.
10 seconds.

Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:
> An incorrect compass direction is shown.
> The compass direction shown does not
change although the direction of
travel does.
> Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1.Make sure that no la rge metal objects or
overhead power lines are in the vicinity of
your vehicle and that you have enough
space to drive in a circle.
2. Set the currently valid compass zone.
3. ensure that the retractable hardtop is fully
closed.
4. Press the adjustment button for approx.
6-7 seconds to call up C. Then drive in at
least one full circle at a speed of no more
than 4mph or 7km/h.
If calibration is successful, the display
changes from C to a compass direction.
5. Open the retractable hardtop fully and
repeat step 4.
Setting right-hand/left-hand steering
Your digital compass is factory-set to right-
hand or left-hand steeri ng, in accordance with
your vehicle.
Setting the language
You can set the language of the display:
Press the adjustment button for approx.
12-13 seconds. Briefly press the adjustment
button again to switch between English, "E",
and German, "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle, arrow 2.
The light in the glove compartment comes on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately
after use. <
Closing
Fold cover up.
Locking
Lock with a key, arrow 1.
If you hand out the remote control without
the integrated key, such as at a hotel,
refer to page 28, the glove compartment cannot
be unlocked.
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to
page 153.

Things to remember when driving
112
The risk of hydroplaning
increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tire s, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 194.
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not
deeper than 1 ft/25 cm and at this height
no faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/
10 km/h. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may be
damaged. <
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Ot herwise greater clutch
wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page 80.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors. Full
braking efficiency will th en be available when
you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least br aking is required. Even light but consistent brak
e pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 54.
7-gear sport automatic transmission with
dual clutch: Never drive with the trans-
mission in neutral or with the engine switched
off; otherwise, engine braking action will not be
present or there will be no power assistance to
the brakes or steering.
Manual transmission: Never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
engine braking action will not be present or
there will be no power a ssistance to the brakes
or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise peda l function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to re spond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail
to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms wh ile the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.

Navigation
Driving tips
125Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Entering a destination by
voice commands*
You can enter a desired destination via the
voice activation system. During the destination
input, you can switch between voice entry and
entry via iDrive at any ti me. To do so, reactivate
the voice activation system if necessary.
You can have the possible commands
read aloud via {Voice commands }.<
Entering an address
1. Press the button on the steering wheel.
3. Wait for the system to prompt you for a par-
ticular part of the address.
5. Say the name of the destination state/prov-
ince in the language of the voice activation
system.
Entering a town/city
The destination town/cit y can be spelled or
entered as a complete word
*.
The methods of entry depend on the nav-
igation data in use and the country and
language settings. <
Spelling the destination
To enter a destination, sp ell it in the way it is
commonly spelled in the destination country.
Pronounce the letters smoothly and at normal
volume, avoiding excessive emphases and
pauses. The system can suggest up to 20 destinations
that meet your entries. Up to 7 entries at a time
appear on the Control Display.
The town/city can also be
selected from the list
via iDrive: turn the controller until the destina-
tion is selected and press the controller.
Entering the destination as a
complete word
The names of towns/cities and streets located
in the region in which th e language of the voice
activation system is spoken can be entered as
an entire word.
Example: to enter a U.S. destination as an entire
word, the system language must be English.
Speak smoothly and at normal volume, and
avoid excessive emphases and pauses.
1. Wait for the system to ask for the town/city
of destination.
The system may suggest multiple destina-
tions that meet your entries.
Identical-sounding towns/cities that can-
not be distinguished by the system are
compiled in a separate list and shown as a des-
tination followed by three dots.
If necessary, select this entry with {Yes }. Then
select the desired tow n/city from that list.<
2.
{Enter address }
4. Say the particular part of the address,
e.g. {State }
1. Spell the town/city:
Say at least the first three letters of the
town/city. The more letters you say, the
more accurately th e system will recog-
nize the town/city.
The system suggests a location.
2. Select a location:
>Select a highlighted town/city: {Yes }
> Select another town/city: {No }
> Select an entry, e.g. {Entry 2 }
> Re-enter the town/city: {New entry }
2. Say the name of the destination
town/city.
The system suggests a location.
3. Select a location:
>Select a highlighted town/city: {Yes }
> Select another town/city: {No }
> Select an entry, e.g. {Entry 2 }
> Enter the town/city by spelling:
{Spell city }

On/off and tone
138
On/off and tone
The following audio and video sources share
the same control elements and adjustments:
>Radio
> CD/DVD player
> CD/DVD changer
*
>Video
> External devices, e.g. MP3 player
Controls
The audio and video sources can be controlled
using the:
>Buttons near th e CD/DVD player
> iDrive
> Buttons on the steeri ng wheel, refer to
page 11
> Programmable memory keys, refer to
page 21
> Voice activation system
Buttons near the CD/DVD player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off,
volume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on the unit, the last set
radio station or track is played.
> Turn: adjust volume.
2 Eject CD/DVD
3 CD/DVD drive
4FM/AM : change the radio station wave-
band 5MODE
: change the audio and video
sources
6 Station scan/track search
> Change radio station.
> Select track for CD/DVD player and CD/
DVD changer.
Switching on/off
In order to switch the entertainment sound out-
put on and off:
Press button 1 next to the CD/DVD player.
This symbol on the Control Display indicates
that sound output is switched off.
The sound output is available for approx.
20 minutes after the igni tion is switched off.
For sound output, switch the unit back on.
Adjusting volume
Turn button 1 next to the CD/DVD player until
the desired volume is obtained.
You can also adjust the volume with buttons on
the steering wheel, refer to page 11.
The setting is stored fo r the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Tone control
You can alter various tone settings, e.g. treble
and bass or the speed-dependent volume
increase.
The tone settings are applied to all audio
sources.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use.