2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE28I Owners Manual

Pull the button in the trunk with the fuel pump
symbol down. This releases the fuel filler flap.
Observe the following when refueling Handling fuels
Obey safety regulations posted at the gas
station.◀
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com‐
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank, as that would lead
to:
▷Premature pump shutoff.▷Reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov‐
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 14.5 gallons/55 liters.
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FuelVehicle 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.
Fuel quality
Do not use fuels that are labeled at the fuel pump
as containing metals.
Only refuel with lead-free gasoline without
metal additives
Do not refuel with leaded gasoline or gasoline
with metal additives, e. g., manganese or iron;
otherwise, the catalytic converter and other
components will be permanently damaged.◀
Do not refuel with ethanol E85
Do not refuel with E85, i.e., fuel with an
ethanol content of 85 %, or with Flex Fuel, as this
would damage the engine and fuel supply sys‐
tem.◀
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
Gasoline with lower AKI
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI.
The minimum AKI rating is: 89
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat‐
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.This has no effect on the engine life.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not use any gasoline below the mini‐
mum specified fuel grade; otherwise, engine
damage may occur.◀
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differ‐
ences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, ad‐
ditives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale in
the United States and Canada.
Fuels containing up to and including 10 % etha‐
nol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen
by weight, that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol
plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not
void the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
Minimum fuel grade
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
driveability, starting and stalling problems es‐
pecially under certain environmental conditions
such as high ambient temperature and high al‐
titude.
Should you encounter driveability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in unscheduled maintenance.◀Seite 154MobilityFuel154
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Wheels and tiresVehicle 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.
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres‐
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an
accident.◀
Checking the pressure
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When the tires
are warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, rein‐
itialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to page 75.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to page 78.Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes
approved and tire brands recommended by
BMW; a list of these is available from your serv‐
ice center.
For correct identification of the right tire inflation
pressures, observe the following:▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.▷Maximum allowable driving speed.
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h, ad‐
just pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column for traveling speeds up to 100 mph/
160 km/h to achieve optimum driving comfort.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's
door is open.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed
The maximum permissible speed for these tire
pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h Do not exceed
this speed; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents could occur.◀
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Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph or 160 km/h
Adjust the tire inflation pressures
To drive at maximum speeds in excess of
100 mph/160 km/h, adjust pressures to the re‐
spective tire inflation pressures listed on the fol‐
lowing pages in the column for traveling speedsincluding those exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/
h. Otherwise, tire damage and accidents could
occur.◀
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits; otherwise, violations of the laws could oc‐
cur.
Tire inflation pressures Z4 sDrive28i

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSITraveling speeds of up
to 100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds in‐
cluding those exceed‐
ing 100 mph/160 km/hAll pressure specifications in the table are in‐
dicated in bar/psi with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperatureWithout Sport Package:225/45 R 17 91 V RSC
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S RSC
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL RSC2.5/363.0/442.5/363.0/44Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V RSC-2.7/39-2.7/39Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W RSC-2.9/42-2.9/42Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL RSC-2.9/42-2.9/42With Sport Package:225/45 R 17 91 W RSC
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S RSC
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL RSC2.5/363.0/442.5/363.0/44Front: 225/45 R 17 91 W RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W RSC-2.7/39-2.7/39Seite 156MobilityWheels and tires156
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Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIFront: 225/40 R 18 88 W RSC2.5/36-2.6/38-Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W RSC-2.9/42-3.1/45Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL RSC-2.9/42-3.0/44More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 204.
Tire inflation pressures Z4 sDrive35i

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSITraveling speeds of up
to 100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds in‐
cluding those exceed‐
ing 100 mph/160 km/hAll pressure specifications in the table are in‐
dicated in bar/psi with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperatureWithout Sport Package:225/45 R 17 91 H M+S RSC
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL RSC2.5/363.0/442.5/363.0/44Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V RSC-2.7/39-2.7/39Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W RSC-2.9/42-2.9/42Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL RSC-2.9/42-2.9/42With Sport Package:225/45 R 17 91 H M+S RSC
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL RSC2.5/363.0/442.5/363.0/44Front: 225/45 R 17 91 W RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W RSC-2.7/39-2.8/41Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W RSC2.5/36-2.7/39-Seite 157Wheels and tiresMobility157
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Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSIRear: 255/35 R 18 90 W RSC-2.9/42-3.2/46Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL RSC-2.9/42-3.0/44More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 204.
Tire inflation pressures Z4 sDrive35is

Tire sizePressure specifications in bar/PSITraveling speeds of up
to 100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds in‐
cluding those exceed‐
ing 100 mph/160 km/hAll pressure specifications in the table are in‐
dicated in bar/psi with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature225/45 R 17 91 H M+S RSC
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL RSC2.5/363.0/442.5/363.0/44Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W RSC2.7/39-2.7/39-Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W RSC-3.2/46-3.2/46Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL RSC2.5/36-2.5/36-Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL RSC-3.0/44-3.0/44More details on the permissible load and weights, refer to page 204.Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Example: 225/45 R 17 91 V
225: nominal width in mm
45: aspect ratio in %
R: radial tire code
17: rim diameter in inches91: load rating, not for ZR tires
V: speed rating, before the R on ZR tires
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/hSeite 158MobilityWheels and tires158
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Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
DOT xxxx xxx 3311
xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand
xxx: tire size and tire design
3311: tire age
Tire age
The tire manufacturing date is contained in the
tire identification mark: DOT ... 3311 means that
the tire was manufactured in the week 33 of
2011.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires af‐
ter 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.◀
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (11/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfa‐
ces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering, hydro‐
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus‐
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and pos‐
sible tire failure.◀Seite 159Wheels and tiresMobility159
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RSC – Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
page 161.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire tread
Summer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the tire's
circumference and have the legally required
minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They are marked on the side of the tire with TWI,
Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces, as
well as debris, curbs and other obstacles can
cause serious damage to wheels, tires and sus‐
pension parts. This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less cushioning
between the wheel and the road. Be careful to
avoid road hazards and reduce your speed, es‐
pecially if your vehicle is equipped with low-pro‐
file tires.
Inspect your tires often for damage, foreign ob‐
jects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:▷Unusual vibrations during driving.▷Unusual handling such as a strong tendency
to pull to the left or right.
In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
wheels and tires checked right away; otherwise,
there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the next service center or tire
shop.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
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