BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I 2012 Owners Manual

Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the event
of a pressure loss.
Driving can continue with a damaged tire, refer
to page 77.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
Information on the correct wheel-tire combina‐
tion and rim versions for your vehicle can be ob‐
tained from your service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair the
function of a variety of systems such as ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they
are mounted.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
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Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire spe‐
cialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for the
winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against swapping wheels between the front and
rear axles.
This can impair the handling characteristics.
Rotating the tires is not permissible when using
different types of tires.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Snow chains
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your service center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufactur‐
er's instructions when mounting snow chains.
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h when
using snow chains.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if snow
chains are mounted; otherwise, the instrument
might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, it can be bene‐
ficial to temporarily activate DTC, refer to
page 83.Seite 162MobilityWheels and tires162
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Engine compartmentVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it alsodescribes 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.
Important features in the engine compartment
1Coolant expansion tank   1662Starting aid terminal, negative termi‐
nal   1783Vehicle identification number4Filler neck for washer fluid for the headlamp
and window washer system   525Engine oil filler neck  1656Starting aid terminal, positive termi‐
nal   178Seite 163Engine compartmentMobility163
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Hood
Opening the hood Working in the engine compartment
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without the
necessary professional technical training.
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide‐
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a service center.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are resting against the wind‐
shield before you open the engine compart‐
ment. Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down; otherwise, injuries may
result.◀1.Pull the lever.2.Push the release lever to the right and open
the hood.Danger of injury when the hood is open
There is a danger of injury from protruding
parts when the hood is open.◀
Closing the hood
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage.
Hood open when driving
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, pull over imme‐
diately and close it securely.◀
Danger of pinching
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may result.◀
Checking the oil level
The concept
Your car is equipped with an electronic engine
oil level check.
Requirements
▷The engine must be running and warm after
the vehicle has been driven for at least
6.2 miles/10 km.▷The vehicle is stopped or being driven on a
level roadway.Seite 164MobilityEngine compartment164
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Display in the instrument cluster1.Press button 1 in the turn indicator lever up
or down repeatedly until the appropriate
symbol appears in the display, accompanied
by the word "OIL".2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator lever.
The oil level is checked and the reading dis‐
played.
Possible displays
Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, surplus oil can lead to engine dam‐
age.◀
1Oil level OK2Oil level is being checked. This can take
about 3 minutes if the car is at a standstill on
a level surface, or about 5 minutes while the
car is on the move.3Oil level at minimum: add engine oil as soon
as possible, but no more than 1 US quart/
1 liter.4Oil level is too high.5The oil level sensor is defective. Do not add
engine oil. It is possible to continue driving.
Note the newly calculated remaining mile‐
age until the next oil service. Have the sys‐
tem checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
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Depending on the engine, the filler neck is lo‐
cated in the middle, as shown, or at the front
corner in the engine cover.
Add a maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter of
oil only after the following warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster or the oil level monitor
shows "+1qt" or "+1l".
Add oil promptly
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result.◀
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and heed the warnings on the containers
to prevent health risks.◀
Oil types for refilling
Notes No oil additives
Oil additives may lead to engine damage. ◀
Viscosity classes of engine oils
When selecting an engine oil, ensure that
the engine oil belongs to one of the viscosity
classes SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40,
or SAE 5W-30, or malfunctions or engine dam‐
age may occur.◀
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Some oil types are not available in all countries.
Approved oil typesSpecificationBMW High Performance SAE 5W-30BMW Longlife-01BMW Longlife-01 FE
Further information on approved oil types can be
obtained from the service center.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/liter of an oil with the following
specification can be used:
SpecificationAPI SM or a higher quality standard
Oil change
An oil change should be carried out by the serv‐
ice center only.
Coolant
General information Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while the
engine is hot; otherwise, escaping coolant may
cause burns.◀
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Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise, en‐
gine damage may occur. The additives are
harmful to your health.◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are suit‐
able for your vehicle. Ask your service center for
suitable additives.
Checking the coolant level1.Let the engine cool.2.Turn the expansion tank cap counterclock‐
wise slightly to allow any accumulated pres‐
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.6.Have the cause of the coolant loss elimi‐
nated as soon as possible.
Disposal
Comply with the appropriate environmen‐
tal protection regulations when disposing
of coolant additives.
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MaintenanceVehicle 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.
BMW Maintenance System
The maintenance system provides information
on required maintenance measures and thus
provides support in maintaining road safety and
the operational reliability of the vehicle.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service deter‐
mines the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance you need to your user
profile.
Details on the service requirements, refer to
page 65, can be displayed on the instrument
cluster.
Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is con‐
tinuously stored in the remote control. Your
service center will read out this data and suggest
the right array of service procedures for your ve‐
hicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control that you used most recently.Storage periods
Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/acti‐
vated-charcoal filter.
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor‐
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
Maintenance and repair should be performed by
your service center. Make sure to have regular
maintenance procedures recorded in the vehi‐
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models, and in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These en‐
tries are proof of regular maintenance.Seite 168MobilityMaintenance168
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Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis
An OBD socket for testing components that are
critical to exhaust composition is located under
a cover on the driver's side.
Emissions
▷The warning lamp lights up:
The emissions values are deterio‐
rating. Have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible.▷The warning lamp flashes under certain cir‐
cumstances:
This indicates that there is excessive misfir‐
ing in the engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have the sys‐
tem checked immediately; otherwise, seri‐
ous engine misfiring within a brief period can
seriously damage emission control compo‐
nents, in particular the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal‐
functions on Canadian models.
Fuel cap The indicator lamp lights up.
If the fuel cap is not properly tightened,
the OBD system may conclude that fuel vapor is
escaping. If the cap is then tightened, the display
should go out in a short time.
Data memory
Your vehicle records data relating to vehicle op‐
eration, faults and user settings. These data are
stored in the remote control and can be read out
with suitable devices, particularly when the ve‐
hicle is serviced. The data obtained in this way
provide valuable information for service proc‐
esses and repair or for optimizing and develop‐
ing vehicle functions further. In addition, if you
signed a service contract for Assist, certain ve‐
hicle data can be sent directly from the vehicle
to facilitate the desired services.Seite 169MaintenanceMobility169
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Replacing componentsVehicle 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.
Tool kit
The onboard vehicle tool kit is stored in a pouch
under the trunk floor panel.
Replacing the wiper blades
1.Fold up the wiper arm.2.Fold the wiper blade upwards.3.Press the hook.4.Pull the wiper blade downward out of the
holder and remove it toward the top left, see
arrow.
Do not fold out the wiper arms
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are resting against the windshield
before you open the engine compartment.◀
Lamp and bulb replacement
General information
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety.
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
that you entrust corresponding procedures to
your service center if you are unfamiliar with
them or they are not described here.
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your service center.
Danger of burns
Only change bulbs when they are cool;
otherwise, there is the danger of getting
burned.◀
Working on the lighting system
When working on the lighting system, you
should always switch off the lights affected to
prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.◀
Do not touch the bulbs
Do not touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare hands, as even minute amounts of
contamination will burn into the bulb's surface
and reduce its service life.
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