airbag off BMW Z4 3.0SI COUPE 2008 E86 Owner's Manual

Adjustments
30
Adjustments
Safe seating position
For relaxed driving with as little fatigue as pos-
sible, you should select a seating position that
reflects your personal requirements. In combi-
nation with the safety belts, the head restraints
and the airbags, the seating position has a
major influence on your safety in the event of an
accident. To ensure that the vehicle's safety
systems provide you with optimal protection,
we request that you direct your careful attention
to the following section.
For supplementary information on transporting
children refer to page36.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered
off.
Never allow any objects, individuals or animals
to obstruct the areas between passengers and
airbags.
Never use the front airbag's cover as a storage
tray or support for objects of any kind. Ensure
that the passenger is correctly seated, e.g. does
not prop feet or legs against the dashboard.
Otherwise, leg injury could result if the knee air-
bag and front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that the passenger does not lean his
or her head against the side airbag, otherwise
serious injuries could result if the airbags sud-
denly deployed.<
Even when all these guidelines are observed,
the risk of injury as a result of contact with the
airbags cannot entirely be ruled out in some sit-
uations. In sensitive individuals, the ignition and
inflation noise may induce a mild hearing loss
that is temporary in most cases.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page56.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page32.
Safety belt
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices,
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace
them.
Your vehicle offers two sitting positions, each of
which is equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits
low against the hips and does not press against
the abdomen. The safety belt must never rest
against the throat, rub against sharp edges,
pass over hard or fragile objects or be pinched.
Fasten the safety belt around your body snugly,
ma king sure tha t it is pulled taut across your lap
and shoulder and that it is not twisted; other-
wise, the belt can slide over the hips in the event
of a frontal collision and injure your abdomen.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull
the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise
its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page33.
Seats
Before adjusting your seat, always
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while driving.
Otherwise, the seat could respond with
unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
33
Convenience function
1.Unlock and open the driver's door or turn
the key to position 1, refer to page40.
2.Press memory button 1, 2 or 3 briefly.
Movement stops when one of the seat adjust-
ment or memory buttons is operated during the
adjustment process.
You can have this feature programmed so
that after you use the remote control from
your personalized key to unlock your door, your
seat will move into your own preferred posi-
tion.<
Safety function
1.Close the driver's door and turn the key to
position 0 or 2.
2.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or 3
until the adjustment process is completed.
If you press the M
EMORY button accidentally:
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Before activating the programmed
adjustment feature, ensure that the space
behind the driver's seat is empty and unob-
structed. If you fail to do so, objects behind the
seat could be damaged, should the seat move
backward.<
Seat heating*
The seat cushion and backrest can be heated
with the ignition key in position 2.
Press once for each temperature level.
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.
To switch off:
Press button longer.
Safety belts
Comply with the instructions on page30,
or the occupants' personal safety will be
diminished.<
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices,
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace
them.
To fasten
Make sure you hear the lock engage in the belt
buckle.
The upper belt anchor is suitable for adults of
any stature as long as the seat is adjusted prop-
erly, refer to page31.
To unlock
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
'Fasten safety belts' reminder
The indicator lamp flashes or lights up.
A signal also sounds. Check whether
the safety belt has been fastened cor-
rectly.
The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is issued as
long as the driver's safety belt has not been fas-
tened. The 'Fasten safety belts' reminder is also
activated at road speeds above approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h if the passenger's safety belt is not fas-
tened, if heavy objects are placed on the pas-
senger seat, or if driver or passenger unfasten
their safety belts.

Transporting children safely
36
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening
the doors, for example.<
Children on the passenger seat
Children under 13 years of age or under
5 ft/150 cm in height may only be trans-
ported in child-restraint systems suitable for
their age, weight and size and if the passenger
airbags are deactivated. Otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent or should the airbags deploy.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child-restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, weight and size.
For a child, not an infant, certain precautions
should be taken. Position the passenger seat as
far back as possible and at the lowest level. This
important precaution is intended to maximize
the distance between the airbags and the child.
Deactivating/reactivating passenger
airbags
The passenger airbags must be deacti-
vated before using a rear-facing child-
restraint system on the passenger seat, refer
also to page37 for explanation.
BMW also recommends that the passenger air-
bags be deactivated if a child is transported in a
front-facing child-restraint system, regardless
of the age of the child. If you transport a child in
the passenger seat, not an infant in a rear-fac-
ing seat, who is properly seated and seat-belted
at all times, the potential benefits of airbags
deploying in an accident generally outweigh the
risks of the child being injured by the force of a
deploying airbag.
Therefore, you should deactivate the passen-
ger airbags only if you find it difficult to ensure
that the child will remain properly seated and seat-belted at all times.
Always position the passenger seat as far back
as possible and at the lowest level.
The above warning and recommendations are
compatible with regulations established by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
NHTSA, permitting the deactivation of passen-
ger airbags by means of an on-off switch for
members of certain at-risk groups.
Specifically, the at-risk groups are:
>Infants in rear-facing infant seats
>Persons with certain medical conditions
>Children aged 12 and under in the passen-
ger seat.
NHTSA provides this information via their web-
site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or via their Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123
in Washington, D.C. area.<
Key switch for passenger
airbags
The front, side and knee airbags for the passen-
ger can be deactivated and reactivated using a
key switch. It is located on the passenger side
on the side of the dashboard.
The passenger airbags can only be deactivated
and reactivated while the vehicle is at a stand-
still and the passenger door is open.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
Deactivating
Use the key to turn the key switch to the OFF
position.
The passenger airbags are deactivated in this
position. The airbags for the driver remain
active.
Reactivate the passenger airbags as soon
as a child-restraint system is no longer
installed on the passenger seat; otherwise they
may not deploy as intended in the event of an
accident.<
Reactivating
Use the key to turn the key switch to the ON
position.
The passenger airbags in the vehicle are reacti-
vated and will be triggered in certain situations.
Operational status of the passenger
airbags
>The indicator lamp remains lit when the
passenger airbags are deactivated.
>The indicator lamp is not lit when the pas-
senger airbags are activated.
When the seat is empty, the passenger
airbags are always deactivated. The indi-
cator lamp is not lit.<
Installing child-restraint
systems
Before installing a child-restraint system
on the passenger seat, make sure that the
front and side airbags for the passenger are
deactivated, otherwise there is an increased
risk of injury if the airbags deploy. Observe the child-restraint system manufacturer's instruc-
tions for selecting, installing and using child-
restraint systems. Otherwise the protective
effect may be diminished.<
Child seat security
The passenger's safety belt can be prevented
from being pulled out in order to fasten child-
restraint systems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child-restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3.Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle.
2.Remove the child-restraint system.
3.Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the
way.
Coupe: child-restraint system with
tether strap
There is an anchor fitting in the cargo bay for
child-restraint systems with a tether strap.

Everything from A to Z
116
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System51
– indicator lamp12
Accident, refer to Emergency
call103
Acknowledgment signal for
locking/unlocking vehicle19
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control67
Additives
– coolant94
– engine oil94
Adjusting
– seats30
Adjusting the thigh support32
Airbags56
– deactivating37
– indicator/warning lamp13
– passenger airbags indicator
lamp37
– reactivation37
– safe seating position30
Airbag switch, refer to Key
switch for passenger
airbags36
Air conditioning62
Air-conditioning operation,
refer to Cooling
function63,66
Air distribution
– air conditioning63
– automatic66
– automatic climate control66
– individual63,66
– manual66
Air flow rate
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
Airing out, refer to
Ventilation63,67Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation63,67
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure84
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode63,67
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications83
Alarm system23
– avoiding unintentional
alarms24
– interior motion sensor24
– switching off an alarm24
– tilt alarm sensor24
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires87,89
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode63,67
Ambient temperature
display48
Antenna, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze46,94
– coolant94
– washer fluids46
Antilock Brake System
ABS51
– indicator/warning lamp12
– indicator lamp13
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system23
Anti-theft protection19,23
Approved engine oils94
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray69
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems51AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control67
Audio device, external68
Automatic
– air distribution66
– air flow rate66
– cruise control46
– headlamp control59
– luggage compartment lid
operation22
– recirculated-air control
AUC67
– tailgate operation21
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control65
Automatic convertible top27
Automatic lamps59
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– indicator lamp13
– interlock40,42
– selector lever43
– selector lever lock42
– shiftlock42
– shift paddles on steering
wheel43
– towing the vehicle106
– tow-starting106
AUTO program for automatic
climate control66
AUX-In jack68
Average fuel consumption50
– setting unit of measure50
Average speed50
– setting unit of measure50
Avoiding unintentional
alarms24
Axle loads, refer to
Weights113

Everything from A to Z
120 Equipment scope, refer to the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control51
Event Data Recorders97
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system75
Exterior mirrors34
– adjusting34
– automatic dimming
feature34
– automatic heating34
– folding in and out34
External audio device68
Eyeglasses compartment69
Eyes, tow-starting and towing
away105
F
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms24
– refer to Switching off an
alarm24
Fasten safety belts, refer to
Safety belts33
Filter
– refer to Microfilter64
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter67
Fine wood, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit104
First-aid kit104
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– refer to Changing a
wheel101
– refer to Tire condition87
– Run-Flat Tires88
– Tire Pressure Monitor54Flat Tire Monitor FTM53
– flat tire warning53
– indicator/warning lamp53
– initializing the system53
– snow chains90
– system limits53
Floods, refer to Driving
through water76
Floor covers, carpets, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Floor mats, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fog lamps60
– indicator lamp13
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely76
For your own safety5
Front airbags56
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor53
Fuel
– average consumption50
– capacity, refer to
Capacities114
– display48
– quality83
– refer to Average fuel
consumption50
– refer to Fuel
specifications83
– tank capacity83
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Fuel filler door, refer to Gas
cap82
Fuel level
– refer to Fuel tank capacity83
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities114
Fully automatic convertible
top
27
Fuses102
G
Gas cap82
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
specifications83Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic42
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic42
– manual transmission42
Glove compartment68
Gross weight, refer to
Weights113
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs99
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake41
Hands-free microphone71
Hardtop, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation78
Hazard warning flashers14
Headlamp control,
automatic59
Headlamp flasher44
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps
– bulb replacement99
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning45
– cleaning system, washer
fluid46
– cover99
– glass, care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– washer reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir46
– washer reservoir volume,
refer to Capacities114

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
125
Steering wheel10
– adjusting35
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– lock40
Steptronic, refer to Sport
program and Manual
operation43
Storage compartments68
–
eyeglasses
compartment69
– glove compartment68
Storage nets69
Storage space
– refer to Cargo bay23
– refer to Storage
compartments68
Storing seat position, refer to
Seat memory32
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments68
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires84
Supply reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir46
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switch for passenger
airbags36
Switching cooling function on/
off manually63,66
Symbols4
T
Table of contents3
Tachometer48
Tailgate21
– emergency operation22
– indicator lamp13
– opening from inside the
vehicle21
– opening from the outside21
– opening manually22
– remote control20
– roller-blind cover70
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps101Tail lights, refer to Rear
lamps101
Tank contents
– refer to Capacities114
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge48
Technical data110
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety5
Telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Telephone preparation
package71
Temperature
– air conditioning63
– automatic climate control66
– coolant, refer to Coolant
thermometer49
– engine49
Temperature display
– outside temperature48
– outside temperature
warning48
– setting unit of measure50
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control46
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp101
Three-point safety belt, refer
to Safety belts33
Tilt alarm sensor24
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror34
Tire, flat53,55
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– indicator/warning lamp13
– Run-Flat Tires88
– Tire Pressure Monitor54
Tire inflation pressure84
– checking84
– loss53,54
– restoring84
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– Tire Pressure Monitor
54Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM54
– indicator/warning lamp55
– resetting the system54
– system limits54
Tire Quality Grading86
Tire renewal88
Tires
– age86,88
– break-in procedures74
– changing88
– coding86
– condition87
– damage88
– DOT quality grades86
– flat53,55
– inflation pressure84
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor53
– replacement88
– size84
– storage89
– temperature87
– traction87
– tread87
– tread wear87
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading86
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth87
– wheel and tire
replacement88
– winter tires89
– with emergency features,
refer to Run-Flat Tires88
Tire storage89
Tool kit, refer to Onboard tool
kit98
Torque, refer to Engine
data110
Tow bar106
Tow fitting
– screw thread106
Towing eyelet105
Towing the vehicle105
– methods106
– with automatic
transmission106
Tow rope106