BMW Z3 2002 Owners Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Beverage holder
*
Ashtray
*
The beverage holder is located in the
center console next to the parking
brake.
You will find a coin box in front of the
beverage holders.367us743
To openPress down on the left of the lid (arrow).
To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the
ash and gently press the tip into the
funnel.367de038
To emptyOpen the lid and press down (arrow):
The ashtray insert pops up and can be
removed.367de308

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Cigarette lighter
*
Press in. The lighter can be removed as
soon as it pops up.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result
in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children
should never be left in the vehicle unat-
tended.< 367de734
Cigarette lighter socketThis socket can be used for connecting
a ßashlight, car vacuum cleaner, or
other appliances up to approx.
200 watts at 12 volts. Do not damage
the socket by inserting plugs of a
different shape or size.
Non-smoker's equipment
package
*
On vehicles with the non-smoker's
equipment package, the socket is
concealed by a cover.
For access to the socket: lift the cover
off.367de733

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it
into the holders at the rear.
The roll-up cover can carry light items
such as articles of clothing.
Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the roll-up cover.
These objects could endanger vehicle
occupants during heavy brake applica-
tions and evasive action or in a crash.
Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap
back when it is retracted. This could
damage it.< 367de628
Z3 cou
pe
Pull out the partition net on the strap
and grip the bar firmly with the other
hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides,
pull it up and position it into the
holders. This process will work out best
if you do it from inside the passenger
compartment.
Do not allow the partition net to
snap back when it is retracted. If
this is done, there is a risk of personal
injury, and the partition net could be
damaged.< 392de163
Z3 cou
pe
Roll-up cover Partition net
*

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Cargo loadingStowing cargoIf you are transporting cargo in your
coupe:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible Ð directly behind the
luggage compartment partition Ð and
as low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
>Pull the partition net
* out (refer to
page 93). Be sure that no items are
able to penetrate the partition net.
367de702
Z3 cou
pe
Securing cargoFor securing luggage, you can obtain
load-securing devices
* from your BMW
center. The lashing eyes located in the
luggage compartment serve for
mounting these load-securing devices.
Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
367de627
Z3 cou
pe
Always position and secure the
cargo correctly. If you do not, it
can endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers, for
example.
Do not exceed the approved gross
vehicle weight or the specified
maximum axle loads (refer to
page 172), otherwise the vehicle's
operating safety is no longer assured
and you are in violation of the law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be
projected through the air during braking
and evasive maneuvers, for example,
thus endangering vehicle occupants.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Roof-mounted luggage rackA special roof-rack system is available
for your coupe as an optional acces-
sory. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation
instructions.
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded. For this reason, they
have a major effect on the vehicle's
handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof load
capacity, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle loads when loading
the rack. You will find the specifications
for this under "Technical Data" on
page 172.
Make sure that the load is not too large
in size, and distribute it evenly. Always
load the heaviest pieces first (on the
bottom). Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the
sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.Secure the roof luggage correctly
and securely to prevent it from
shifting or being lost during driving
(danger to following traffic).<
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration and braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.

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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure98
Driving notes99
Catalytic converter100
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)101
Disc brakes103
Brake system104
Winter operation105
Power steering106
Cellular phone107
Car radio reception107
Hardtop Ð roadster108
Wheels and tires:
Notes on inflation pressures110
Tire condition110
Tire replacement111
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire
combinations114
Special features of winter
tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire
specifications116In the engine compartment:
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Fluids for the washer
systems122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification127
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System128
Airbags130
Storing your vehicle130
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications132
California Proposition
65 Warning132
OBD interface socket133
Maintenance

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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive with varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or 100 mph (150 km/h).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed. You should
therefore drive with extra caution during
the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal surface and
wear pattern.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system booster
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off Ð for instance
,
by towing Ð substantially higher levels
of pedal force will be required to brake
the vehicle.<
ClutchThe clutch will reach optimal function
after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift
gears carefully during the break-in
period.
Break-in procedure

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Driving notes
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm). If the water is at that depth,
drive only at walking speed, otherwise
the vehicle can sustain damage to the
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission.
Clothes hooks (coupe):
Hang items of clothing on the hooks in
such a manner that they do not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they
could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<

100n
Catalytic converterThe catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only.
Even minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
the catalytic converter and the system's
oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and avoid potential damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty
>If the engine runs roughly, shut it off
as soon as possible
>Tow-start the vehicle only when the
engine is cold. Tow-starting when the
engine is warm could cause unburned
fuel to ignite on the way to the cata-
lytic converter, resulting in significant
damage. It is better to start the vehicle
with an outside starting aid>Avoid any other situations in which
the fuel would not be (completely)
burned, for instance:
Frequent or consecutive extended
starting attempts or repeated starting
attempts when the engine fails to
start. (Shutting down and restarting
an engine which is running properly
does not present a problem.) Never
allow the engine to run with any of
the spark plug cables disconnected.Be sure to comply with the
instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata-
lytic converter. Otherwise, the catalytic
converter could respond by over-
heating, leading to serious damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply under-
coating to their surfaces.
When driving, standing while the engine
is idling, or when parking, be careful to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust
system and easily-flammable materials
(hay, dry grass, leaves, etc.). Such
contact could cause a fire, resulting in
personal injuries and property
damage.<