2013 BMW Z4 manual transmission

The transmission is operated using the selec‐
tor lever and two shift paddles on the steering
wheel.
Functions:▷Choice of manual or automatic operation:
manual mode or drive mode.▷Automatic downshifting and protection
against selecting the wrong gear, even in
manual mode.▷Acceleration assistant, Launch Control, re‐
fer to page 68.▷Automatic throttle blip.
System limits
This transmission is equipped with an over‐
heating protection system that protects the
clutches against extremely high loads.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow if
the transmission becomes too warm.
Avoid high engine loads and driving
off frequently.
If the transmission overheats, the indicator
lamp lights up red and power flow to the en‐
gine is interrupted. You can only continue driv‐
ing after the transmission has cooled down.
Avoid driving off frequently with high accelera‐
tion and do not hold the vehicle on inclines by
depressing the accelerator lightly; otherwise,
the transmission may overheat.
Transmission positionsP R N D M/S + –
Displays in the instrument cluster
The gear position and the engaged gear, such
as M4, are displayed.
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.
Seite 66ControlsDriving66
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

N is NeutralThe 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 255, for
example. P is automatically engaged after ap‐
prox. 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 ParkThe rear wheels are locked.
P is engaged automatically when the following
conditions are met:▷The driver's door is opened while the en‐
gine is running, the safety belt is not fas‐
tened 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 55.
Before leaving the vehicle, ensure that the
transmission 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
resistance point.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Press the selector lever from gear position D to
the left to activate the Sport program.
Sport program
This position is recommended for a perform‐
ance-oriented driving style.
The gear position and the engaged gear are
displayed in the instrument cluster, for in‐
stance S1.
Manual mode
When you press the selector lever forward or
backward, or when you pull one of the shift
paddles, manual mode is activated and the
gear is changed.
The gear position and the engaged gear are
displayed in the instrument cluster, for in‐
stance M1.
Seite 67DrivingControls67
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

The transmission provides assistance in the
following situations:▷Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi‐
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus,
for example, a downshift that would cause
the engine to overrev will not be executed
by the system.▷When the vehicle stops, the transmission
automatically shifts down to first gear.▷Shortly before the vehicle slows down to
below the minimum speed of the gear cur‐
rently engaged, the transmission automati‐
cally shifts down without requiring your in‐
tervention.
Shifting down rapidly: even in manual mode,
you can skip several gears to achieve optimal
acceleration. Do so by pressing the accelerator
past the resistance point.
Changing to drive mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
Shifting gears via the selector lever In manual mode:
▷To shift up, pull back the selector lever.▷To shift down, push it forward.
Shifting gears using the shift paddles
on the steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears with‐
out taking your hands off the steering wheel.
You do not need to raise your foot from the ac‐
celerator when doing so.
▷Shift up: pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: pull left shift paddle.
Gears can be shifted using the shift paddles in
drive mode or in manual mode.
Gear change in manual mode
When manual mode is active, refer to page 67,
gears can be changed using the shift paddles
or the selector lever.
Gear change in drive mode
The shift paddles can be used to change gears in drive mode as well.
Afterwards, if the shift paddles are not used for
some time and vehicle acceleration is insuffi‐
cient, the forward gears are changed again au‐ tomatically.
Launch Control
Launch Control enables you to drive off with an
optimal vehicle acceleration on a high grip road
surface.
Do not use Launch Control too often
Do not use Launch Control too often, as
the higher loads on the vehicle lead to prema‐
ture component wear.◀
Launch Control is available when the engine is
at operating temperature, i.e., after driving con‐
tinuously for at least 6 miles/10 km.
1.With the engine running, depress the brake
pedal with your left foot.2.Activate the SPORT+ program of the Dy‐
namic Driving Control, refer to page 100.3.With the vehicle stationary, activate manual
mode and select first gear.4.Press the accelerator all the way down.
The engine speed when driving off is con‐
trolled. A flag symbol appears in the instru‐
ment cluster.Seite 68ControlsDriving68
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

5.The vehicle accelerates when you release
the brake pedal. Keep the accelerator
pressed all the way down.6.The transmission shifts up automatically as
long as the accelerator is pressed all the
way down.
Launch Control only becomes available again
after a certain distance has been driven.
Launch Control can only be used after the
break-in phase, refer to page 128.
To maintain driving stability, activate DSC
whenever possible.
Manually releasing and engaging the
transmission lock
If a power failure occurs, e.g., if the battery is
discharged or disconnected, the transmission
lock must be released manually, otherwise the
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot
be towed.
Release the transmission lock manually for
towing only and set the parking brake before‐
hand to prevent the vehicle from rolling. After
parking the vehicle, engage the transmission
lock again manually, refer to page 70.
Manual release
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.3.Unclip and raise cover frame.4.Insert an Allen wrench of the right size into
the cap.5.Turn the cap with the Allen wrench, ar‐
row 1, and remove it, arrow 2.6.Insert the Allen wrench into the opening,
arrow 1.
Turn the Allen wrench in the correct
direction
Do not turn the Allen wrench in the oppo‐
site direction as this may damage the
mechanism.◀7.Turn the Allen wrench as far as it will go,
arrow 2. The transmission lock is released.8.Draw the Allen wrench out of the opening.
Locking the transmission lock again
After parking the vehicle, lock the trans‐
mission lock again to prevent the vehicle from
rolling.◀
Seite 69DrivingControls69
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

Driving comfortVehicle 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
systems.
Cruise controlThe concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The car
then stores and maintains the speed that you
specify using the lever on the steering column.
In order to maintain the specified speed, the
system brakes the vehicle when the engine
braking effect is insufficient on downhill gradi‐
ents.
Do not use cruise control
Do not use the system if unfavorable
conditions make it impossible to drive at a con‐
stant speed, for instance:▷On curvy roads.▷In heavy traffic.▷On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or
on a loose road surface.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi‐
cle and cause an accident.◀
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti‐
vated. An indicator lamp notifies you that you
should shift gears when you drive for an ex‐
tended period at very high or very low engine
speeds, or the system is deactivated.
One lever for all functions1Storing and maintaining speed or acceler‐
ating2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler‐
ating3Deactivating cruise control4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Push the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, ar‐
row 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main‐
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking ef‐
fect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys‐
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired
speed is reached.
▷Each time the lever is pressed to the point
of resistance, the desired speed increases
by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is in‐
creased by up to 5 mph/10 km/h.Seite 103Driving comfortControls103
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
and hold until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, and hold until the desired speed is
reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired
speed is displayed.▷Each time the lever is pulled to the resist‐
ance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is re‐
duced by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph/30 km/h is ach‐
ieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Interrupting the system
Push the lever upwards or downwards, ar‐
row 3.
The displays in the speedometer change color.
In addition, the system is automatically inter‐
rupted in the following situations:
▷When the brakes are applied.▷In cars with manual transmission, when
gears are shifted very slowly or if neutral is
engaged.▷In cars with Sport automatic transmission,
when transmission position N is engaged.▷When DTC is activated or DSC is deacti‐
vated.▷When DSC or ABS is intervening.
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp A message appears on the ControlDisplay.
The warning lamp comes on, for ex‐
ample, when cruise control has been deacti‐
vated as a result of DSC intervention.
Deactivating the system
▷Press the lever upward or downward twice,
arrow 3.▷Switch off the ignition.
The stored speed is cleared.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand Press the button, arrow 4. The last stored
speed is resumed and maintained.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed2Selected speed is displayed briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears in
the instrument cluster display, it is possible
that the system prerequisites for operation are
currently not met.
Call up Check Control messages, refer to
page 83.
Seite 104ControlsDriving comfort104
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again when they are returned after being
removed, such as for cleaning.◀
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger
other road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required.
Otherwise, the brake system may overheat, re‐
sulting in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if necessary.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 8-gear
Sport automatic transmission, refer to
page 64.
Downshifting in manual mode of the 7-gear
Sport automatic transmission with dual clutch,
refer to page 67.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Never drive with the transmission in neu‐
tral, with the engine switched off or with the
clutch depressed; otherwise, you will have nei‐
ther the braking action of the engine or nor its
power assistance when braking or steering.◀Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are normal.
Loading Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carry‐
ing capacity of the tires, never overload the ve‐
hicle. Overloading can lead to overheating and
increases the rate at which damage develops
inside the tires. This could result in a sudden
loss of tire inflation pressure.◀
Secure heavy objects
Never transport unsecured heavy or hard
objects in the passenger compartment, as they
could be thrown around and pose a safety haz‐
ard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Seite 130Driving tipsThings to remember when driving130
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13

Tow-starting and towingSport automatic transmission:
transporting your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the
event of a breakdown.
Observe in the event of a breakdown
Have the vehicle transported on a load‐
ing platform only, or damage may occur.◀
Tow truck
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for
maneuvering the vehicle only.
7-gear Sport automatic transmission
Vehicles with a 7-gear Sport automatic trans‐
mission with a dual clutch can be towed for
short distances if the following instructions are
adhered to.
Manually release the transmission lock, refer to
page 69.
Manually release the transmission lock
Manually release the transmission lock,
even if there is no malfunction involving the
transmission. Otherwise, there is the danger
that the transmission lock will be engaged au‐
tomatically during towing.◀
Adhere to the towing speed and distance
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing distance of
30 miles/50 km or damage to the transmission
can occur.◀
Blocked parking brake
The parking brake cannot be released
manually.
When the parking brake is blocked, do not tow
the vehicle or else it may be damaged.
Contact your service center.◀
Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions, or vehicle
damage or accidents may occur.◀▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to control the vehicle
response.
Secure the vehicle against rolling off
Apply the parking brake after towing and
secure the vehicle against rolling off if neces‐
sary.
Have the operability of transmission position P
checked by the service center.◀
Seite 252MobilityBreakdown assistance252
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 911 315 - VI/13