2012 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I warning light

Indicator/warning lamps
Instrument clusterThe indicator and warning lamps can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lamps are checked for proper
functioning when the engine is started or the ig‐
nition is switched on, and light up briefly.
What to do in case of a malfunction
A list of all indicator and warning lamps, as well
as notes on possible causes of malfunctions and
on how to respond, refer to page 186.
All around the center console
1Hazard warning system   1762Central locking system  263Air conditioner  90
Automatic climate control   924Professional Radio  1165Seat heating  38PDC Park Distance Control   87Close the retractable hard‐
top   33Seite 15CockpitAt a glance15
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Operating from the inside
Via the button for the central locking system.
If the vehicle is locked from the inside, the fuel
filler flap remains unlocked.
If an accident of a certain severity occurs, the
central locking system unlocks automatically.
The hazard warning system and interior lamps
come on.
Opening and closing: from the
outside
Using the remote control
General information Take the remote control with you
People or animals left unattended in a
parked vehicle can lock the doors from the in‐
side. Always take the remote control with you
when leaving the vehicle so that the vehicle can
then be opened from the outside.◀
Conditions for operating the retractable hardtop
using the remote control:
▷The doors and trunk lid are closed.▷The cargo area partition is folded down and
engaged on both sides, refer to page 34.
Unlocking
Press the button. The vehicle is unlocked.
You can set how the vehicle is to be unlocked.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Operating principle, refer to page 62.1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 45.2.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
lever up or down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display, accompanied by the
word "SET".3.Press button 2.4.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
lever down repeatedly until the symbol ap‐
pears in the display.5.Press button 2.6.Use button 1 to select one of the following:▷
Only the driver's door and the fuel
filler flap are unlocked. Pressing again
unlocks the entire vehicle.
▷
The entire vehicle is unlocked.
7.Press button 2.Seite 22ControlsOpening and closing22
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Confirmation signals from the vehicle
Operating principle, refer to page 62.1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page 45.2.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
lever up or down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display, accompanied by the
word "SET".3.Press button 2.4.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
lever down repeatedly until the desired sym‐
bol appears in the display.▷ Confirmation signal during unlocking▷ Confirmation signal during locking5.Press button 2.6.Use button 1 to select one of the following:▷ The hazard warning system flashes
during unlocking/locking.▷ An acoustic signal sounds during
unlocking/locking.▷ The hazard warning system
lights up and an acoustic signal sounds
during unlocking/locking.▷ The function is deactivated.7.Press button 2.
The setting is stored.
Retrieving the seat and mirror settings
The driver's seat and exterior mirror positions
used last are stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
When the vehicle is being unlocked, these po‐
sitions are automatically retrieved if the setting
is activated.
Keep the footwell behind the driver's seat
clear
When this Personal Profile function is used, first
make sure that the footwell behind the driver's
seat is free of obstacles. Failure to do so could
result in damage to the objects if the seat were
to move rearward.◀
The adjustment procedure is interrupted:
▷When a seat position switch is pressed.▷When a button of the seat and mirror mem‐
ory is pressed briefly.
Operating principle, refer to page 62.
1.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
lever up or down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display, accompanied by the
word "SET".2.Press button 2.Seite 24ControlsOpening and closing24
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

sumers are switched off before locking the ve‐
hicle.
Window and convertible top operation
With the ignition in the radio ready state or be‐
yond, the windows and the convertible top can
be opened and closed when a remote control is
located inside the vehicle.
Unlocking the trunk lid separately
Press on the top half of the BMW emblem. This
corresponds to pressing the
button.
If a remote control accidentally left in the trunk
is detected in the locked vehicle, then the trunk
lid opens again. The hazard warning system
flashes and an acoustic signal sounds.
Switching on the radio ready state
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches on the
radio ready state, refer to page 45.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch; other‐
wise, the engine will start.
Starting the engine
The engine can be started or the ignition can be
switched on when a remote control is inside the
vehicle. It is not necessary to insert a remote
control into the ignition lock, refer to page 45.
Switching off the engine in cars with
Sport automatic transmission
When the engine is switched off, transmission
position P is engaged automatically unless N is
engaged and the remote control is inserted in
the ignition lock.
Driving into an automatic car wash with a
Sport automatic transmission
To make it possible for the vehicle to roll, such
as in an automatic car wash, follow the instruc‐
tions in Car washes, refer to page 182.
Malfunction
The Comfort Access functions can be disturbed
by local radio waves, such as by a mobile phone
in the immediate vicinity of the remote control or
when a mobile phone is being charged in the
vehicle.
If this occurs, open or close the vehicle using the
buttons on the remote control or use the
integrated key in the door lock.
To start the engine afterward, insert the remote
control into the ignition switch.
Warning lamps The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when you attempt to
start the engine: the engine cannot be
started.
The remote control is not inside the vehicle or is
malfunctioning. Take the remote control with
you inside the vehicle or have it checked. If nec‐
essary, insert another remote control into the
ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up while the engine is
running: the remote control is no lon‐
ger inside the vehicle.
After the engine is switched off, the engine can
only be restarted within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up: replace the remote
control battery.Seite 29Opening and closingControls29
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Avoid using the washer when the reservoir is
empty; otherwise, you could damage the
pump.◀
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated au‐
tomatically while the engine is running or the ig‐
nition is switched on.
Washer fluid
General information Antifreeze for washer fluid
Antifreeze is flammable. Therefore, keep
it away from sources of ignition.
Only keep it in the closed original container and
inaccessible to children.
Follow the instructions on the container.◀
Washer fluid reservoir Adding washer fluid
Only add washer fluid when the engine is
cool, and then close the cover completely to
avoid contact between the washer fluid and hot
engine parts.
Otherwise, there is the danger of fire and a risk
to personal safety if the fluid is spilled.◀
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser‐
voir.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to the manufacturer's rec‐
ommendations.
Mix the washer fluid before adding to maintain
the correct mixing ratio.
Capacity
Approx. 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Manual transmission
Pay attention to the shift plane
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, push
the gearshift lever to the right; otherwise inad‐
vertent shifting into the 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage.◀
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. When
the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a slight
resistance needs to be overcome.
Malfunction The warning lamp lights up yellow. In
addition, a signal sounds.
The clutch temperature is too high.
More information, refer to page 186.
Seite 52ControlsDriving52
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

DisplaysVehicle 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.
Odometer, outside
temperature display, clock1Knob in the instrument cluster2Outside temperature display and clock3Odometer and trip odometer
Knob in the instrument cluster
▷To reset the trip odometer while the ignition
is switched on.▷To display the time, external temperature
and odometer briefly while the ignition is
switched off.
Units of measure
To set the respective units of measure, miles or
km for the odometer and ℃ or ℉ for the external
temperature, refer to page 63.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Time, outside temperature display
Set the time, refer to page 64.
External temperature warning
If the display drops to 37 ℉/3 ℃, a signal sounds
and a warning lamp lights up. There is the in‐
creased danger of ice.
Ice on roads
Even at temperatures above +37 ℉/+3 ℃,
there can be a risk of ice on roads.
Therefore, drive carefully on bridges and shady
roads, for example, to avoid the increased dan‐
ger of an accident.◀
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting trip odometer:
With the ignition switched on, press button 1 in
the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is parked
If you still want to view the time, outside tem‐
perature and odometer reading briefly after the
remote control has been taken out of the ignition
lock:
Press button 1 in the instrument cluster.Seite 60ControlsDisplays60
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 184 - 09 11 500

Possible displays1Button for selecting functions2Service requirements3Engine oil4Roadworthiness test5Front brake pads6Rear brake pads7Brake fluidThe sequence of displayed service items may
vary. The data for the next service appointment
is shown first.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys‐
tems monitored.
Such Check Control messages involve indicator
or warning lamps in the instrument cluster and,
in some circumstances, an acoustic signal.Indicator/warning lamps
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
a variety of combinations and colors.
Seite 66ControlsDisplays66
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