2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I belt

Engaging transmission positions N, D,
R▷Transmission position P can only be disen‐
gaged if the engine is running.▷Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, depress the
brake; otherwise, the transmission will not
shift.
Press on the brake pedal until you start
driving
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a driving position, maintain pressure on
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.◀
Briefly push the selector lever in the desired di‐
rection, beyond a resistance point if necessary.
When shifting out of P or into R, press button 1
at the same time.
The engaged transmission position is also dis‐
played on the selector lever.
When you release the selector lever, it returns to
its center position.
N is Neutral
The vehicle can roll.
N remains engaged after the engine is switched
off if the remote control remains in the ignition
lock. This function can be used in an automatic
car wash, refer to page 182, for example. P is
automatically engaged after approx. 30 minutes.
D drive mode
In drive mode, all forward gears are shifted au‐
tomatically.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
P Park
The rear wheels are locked.
P is engaged automatically when the following
conditions are met:▷The driver's door is opened while the engine
is running, the safety belt is not fastened and
neither the brake pedal nor the accelerator
is activated.▷The engine is switched off unless N is en‐
gaged and the remote control is in the igni‐
tion lock.▷The remote control is removed from the ig‐
nition lock, refer to page 45.
Before leaving the vehicle, ensure that the trans‐
mission position P is engaged; otherwise, the
vehicle may begin to roll.
Engaging transmission position P
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Press button P.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Press the accelerator past the re‐
sistance point.
Seite 56ControlsDriving56
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

SafetyVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:1Front airbags2Side airbags in the seat backrests3Knee airbag
Front airbags
Front airbags help protect the driver and pas‐
senger by responding to frontal impacts in
which safety belts alone cannot provide ade‐
quate restraint.
Side airbags
In a lateral impact, the side airbag protects the
side of the body in the chest area.
Knee airbag
The knee airbag supports the legs in a frontal
impact.
Protective action
Airbags are not triggered in every impact situa‐
tion, e.g., in less severe accidents or rear-end
collisions.
Even when all instructions are followed closely,
injury from contact with the airbags cannot be
ruled out in certain situations.
The ignition and inflation noise may lead to
short-term and, in most cases, temporary hear‐
ing impairment in sensitive individuals.
Information on how to ensure the optimal
protective effect of the airbags▷Keep at a distance from the airbags.▷Always grasp the steering wheel on the
steering wheel rim, holding your hands at
the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, to keep
the danger of injury to your hands or arms as
low as possible if the airbag is triggered.▷There should be no people, animals, or ob‐
jects between an airbag and a person.▷Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.▷Keep the dashboard and window on the
front passenger side clear, i.e., do not cover
with adhesive labels or coverings, and do not
attach holders such as for navigation instru‐
ments and mobile phones.▷Make sure that the front passenger is sitting
correctly, i.e., keeps his or her feet and legs
in the footwell; otherwise, leg injuries can
occur if the front airbag is triggered.▷Do not place slip covers, seat cushions or
other objects on the front passenger seat
that are not approved specifically for seats
with integrated side airbags.Seite 73SafetyControls73
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

The indicator lamp for the front passenger air‐
bags indicates the operating status of the front
and side airbags on the front passenger side de‐
pending on the seat occupation. 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 de‐
tected on the seat or the seat is empty. The
front and side airbags on the front passen‐
ger side are not activated. Most child seats
are detected by the system, Especially the
child seats required by NHTSA at the time
that the vehicle was manufactured. After in‐
stalling a child seat, make sure that the indi‐
cator lamp for the front passenger airbags
lights up. This indicates that the child seat
has been detected and the front passenger
airbags are not activated.▷The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a person of sufficient size and
in a correct sitting position is detected on
the seat. The front and front passenger air‐
bags on the front passenger side are acti‐
vated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
When the ignition, refer to page 46, is switched
on, the warning lamp comes on briefly to indi‐
cate that the entire airbag system and the belt
tensioners are operational.
Airbag system malfunction▷The warning lamp does not light up when the
ignition is switched on.▷Warning lamp remains permanently on.
Have the airbag system checked without
delay if there is a malfunction
In the event of a malfunction in the airbag sys‐
tem, have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe accident
occurs.◀
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire on
the basis of speed differences between the in‐
dividual wheels during a trip.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum‐
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed
of the affected wheel. This change is detected
and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirements
The system must have been initialized when the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured. In‐
itialize the system after each correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limits Sudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in ad‐
vance.◀
A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires can‐
not be detected.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:
▷When the system has not been initialized.Seite 75SafetyControls75
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Through-loading opening
with integrated transport bag
Always secure skis
Always secure transported skis or similar
objects with the ski support as they could oth‐
erwise endanger occupants during braking ma‐
neuvers and swerving.◀
The transport bag lets you transport up to two
pairs of standard skis safely and cleanly.
With the transport bag you can stow skis up to
a length of 5.4 ft/1.70 m. When stowing skis with
a length of 5.4 ft/1.70 m, the capacity of the
transport bag is reduced as the bag narrows.
Loading1.Fold the cover down.2.In the trunk: press the handle up and fold the
cover down.3.Undo the fastener and spread out the trans‐
port bag between the seats.4.Insert the latch plate of the retaining strap
into the belt buckle under the transport bag.5.Load the transport bag. The zipper eases
access to the stored items.
Only place clean skis in the transport bag. Wrap
sharp edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo Securing the transport bag
Secure the transport bag by tightening the
retaining strap; otherwise, the contents could
present a source of danger to the passengers,
for example during braking or evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
After loading, secure the transport bag and its
contents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten‐
sioning buckle for this purpose.
To store the transport bag, perform the steps
described for loading in reverse order.
Seite 101Interior equipmentControls101
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Caring for special components
Light-alloy wheels
Use wheel cleaner, particularly during the winter
months. Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly
alkaline or abrasive cleaners, or steam jets
above 140 ℉/60 ℃; follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Chrome surfaces
Carefully clean components such as the radiator
grille or door handles with an ample supply of
water, possibly with shampoo added, particu‐
larly when they have been exposed to road salt.
Rubber components
Aside from water, treat only with rubber cleans‐
ers.
When cleaning rubber seals, do not use any sil‐
icon-containing car care products in order to
avoid damage or reduced noise damping.
Fine wood parts
Clean fine wood facing and fine wood compo‐
nents only with a moist rag. Then dry with a soft
cloth.
Plastic components
These include:▷Imitation leather surfaces.▷Headliner.▷Lamp lenses.▷Instrument cluster cover.▷Matte black spray-coated components.▷Painted parts in the interior.
Clean with a microfiber cloth.
Moisten the cloth lightly with water if necessary.
Do not soak the headliner.
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or sol‐
vents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead to
surface damage.◀
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
No chemical cleaning
Do not clean chemically; this can destroy
the webbing.◀
Use only a mild soapy solution, with the safety
belts clipped into their buckles.
Do not allow the reels to retract the safety belts
until they are dry.
Carpets and floor mats No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as for cleaning.◀
Floor mats can be removed from the passenger
compartment for cleaning.
When returning the floor mats, secure them
again to prevent slipping.
If the floor carpets are very dirty, clean with a
microfiber cloth and water or a textile cleaner. To
prevent matting of the carpet, rub back and forth
in the direction of travel only.
Cleaning the interior
When cleaning the interior, do not move
both seats all the way forward while moving
them to their uppermost position and leaning
the backrests forward. Otherwise, the seatsSeite 184MobilityCare184
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Indicator/warning lampsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it alsodescribes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Overview
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors. See the ta‐
ble for information on causes and how to re‐
spond. Note whether a lamp comes on alone or
in combination with another. Some lamps can
light up in different colors. Corresponding dis‐
tinctions are made in the text. 12CauseHow to respondTurn signalThe high beams/headlamp flasher are
switched on.Fasten safety belts.Fasten safety belt, refer to
page 38.Indication in US modelsLights up in red:The parking brake is set.Release the parking brake.Lights up in yellow:Parking brake malfunctioning.Have the system checked imme‐
diately.Parking brake malfunctioning.
Emergency braking with the parking brake not
possible.Have the system checked imme‐
diately.Seite 186MobilityIndicator/warning lamps186
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

12CauseHow to respondThe cargo area partition is not in the lower‐
most position.Press down the cargo area parti‐
tion until it engages on both
sides.Roof activation only possible while vehicle is
stationary.The vehicle is not level; roof activation is not
possible.Move the vehicle to a level sur‐
face.The trunk lid is open.The fuel cap is missing or loose.Make sure that the fuel cap is
correctly positioned and close it
until it clicks audibly. Do not jam
the strap between the fuel cap
and the vehicle.The windshield washer fluid level is too low.Add washer fluid as soon as pos‐
sible, refer to page 52.Lights up in red:Service is due.Arrange a service appointment.
Check the service requirements,
refer to page 65.Lights up in yellow:The engine will start the next time the Start/
Stop button is touched, possibly without the
brake or clutch being depressedThe remote control is malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, was not detected.The engine cannot be started.
Have the remote control
checked, if necessary.The battery in the remote control is dis‐
charged.Use the remote control for a lon‐
ger journey or, in cars with Com‐
fort Access, replace the battery.The belt tensioners and/or airbag system has
failed.Have the system checked imme‐
diately.Seite 189Indicator/warning lampsMobility189
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Band-aids, refer to First aidkit 177
Bar, refer to Towing meth‐ ods 180
Battery– Disposal 30, 175– Power failure 174– Remote control 20– Replacement in the remote
control 30– Replacement, vehicle bat‐
tery 174– Vehicle 174
Before entering the car
wash 182
Being towed 179
Belts, refer to Safety belts 38
Belt tensioners, refer to Safety belts 38
Beverage holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 105
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 90, 93
BMW Assist 145
BMW Assist, refer to Connec‐ tedDrive 145
BMW EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 112
BMW homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW Maintenance Sys‐ tem 168
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 105
Brake assistant, refer to Dy‐ namic Brake Control 81
Brake discs, breaking in 108
Brake force display 80
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 81
Brake lamps
– Brake force display 80– Bulb replacement 172, 173
Brake lights, adaptive 80
Brake pads, breaking in 108
Brakes
– ABS 81Braking– Notes 109– Parking brake 49
Braking safely 109
Breakdown assistance 177
Breaking in 108
Bulbs, replacing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 170
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/Stop button 45
Buttons on the steering wheel 12
Bypassing, see Starting aid 177
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera, care 185
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 105
Capacities
– Cargo area, refer to
Weights 204– Fuel tank, refer to Filling ca‐
pacities 206
Car battery 174
Car care products 183
Care 182
Care, displays 185
Care, vehicle 183
Cargo 110
Cargo area
– Capacity 204– Lamp, refer to Interior
lamps 72– Opening from the inside 27– Opening from the out‐
side 27
Cargo, securing 101
Cargo straps, securing cargo 112
Car key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 20
Carpet, care 184
Car phone– Installation location, refer to
Center armrest 103
Car vacuum cleaner, connect‐
ing, refer to Connecting elec‐
trical devices 100
Car wash 182
Car wash
– With Comfort Access 29
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 109
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 168
CD/DVD changer 124
CD/DVD notes 126
Cell phone, installation loca‐ tion, refer to Center arm‐
rest 103
Center armrest 103
Center brake lamp
– Bulb replacement 173
Center console, refer to
Around the center con‐
sole 15
Central locking
– Comfort Access 28– From the inside 26– Setting the unlocking char‐
acteristics 22
Central locking system
– From the outside 21– Principle 21
Changes, technical, refer to
Safety 6
Changing wheels/tires 161
Chassis number, refer to En‐ gine compartment 163
Check Control 66
Children, transporting safely 43
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 43
Child seats, refer to Transport‐ ing children safely 43
Chrome parts, care 184
Circulation of air, refer to Re‐ circulated air mode 90, 94
Seite 209Everything from A to ZReference209
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500