steering BMW 3.0i ROADSTER 2003 User Guide

Special operating instructions
66 the engine switched off. Otherwise the
engine provides no braking effect and there
is no power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is off.<
Brake pads
The yellow indicator lamp for the
brake pads lights up:
Have the condition of the brake
pads inspected.<
For your own safety: use brake pads
which the manufacturer has approved
for your specific vehicle model. The manu-
facturer cannot evaluate non-approved
brake pads to determine if they are suitable
for use, and therefore cannot ensure the
operating safety of the vehicle in the event
of their use.<
Cargo loading
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible – directly behind the luggage
compartment partition – and as low as
possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
With the convertible top closed, you
can increase the space in your lug-
gage compartment. Refer to page 22.
We recommend that you always fold the
convertible top compartment panel down
as soon as you have removed your cargo
from the luggage compartment. This way,
you can be sure that you can always oper-
ate the convertible top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is
closed, raise the convertible top compart-ment panel before stowing your cargo in
the luggage compartment to avoid any
damage to the convertible top compart-
ment or your load.<
If you stow cargo behind the seats of your
BMW Z4 roadster:
>Only stow light objects such as cloth-
ing, etc.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top
edge of the backrests.
To avoid damaging the rear of the
backrest or the rear interior trim
panel, do not stow heavy cargo or cargo
with sharp edges and corners behind the
seats.
In addition, large and bulky cargo stowed
behind the seats may prevent the backrest
from engaging properly. Ensure that the
backrest is securely locked by moving the
seat forward if necessary. Refer to
page 29.<
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can endan-
ger the passengers during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight or the specified maximum axle
loads. Refer to page 94. Otherwise the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer
assured and you are in violation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment without first
securing them. Otherwise they would be
thrown around during braking and evasive
maneuvers and would endanger the occu-
pants.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
75
Run Flat tires
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC.
Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some
residual safety in the event of pressure
drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
Because the sides of the Run Flat
tires are reinforced, a drop in inflation
pressure usually cannot be detected from
the outside.<
Flat tire
The red warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when a tire
has failed. In addition, an acoustic
signal is heard. Refer to pages 14, 53.
1.Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers
2.Do not exceed 50 mph / 80 km/h again
3.Find out which tire has been damaged;
to do so, check the tire inflation pres-
sure of all four tires at the earliest
opportunity. Refer to page 71
4.Correct the tire inflation pressure if you
wish to continue driving and if it is safe
to do so. Refer to the following section
5.Have the damaged tires changed by
your BMW center.
BMW recommends that you consult
your BMW center if you wish to replace the tires of your BMW, or change
from summer to winter tires or vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the nec-
essary special tools.<
For safety reasons, do not have Run
Flat tires repaired.
When replacing tires or changing from
summer to winter tires – or vice versa – use
Run Flat tires only since a spare tire will not
be available in the event of a flat tire.<
Driving with a damaged tire
When using Run Flat tires, you can con-
tinue driving cautiously at a maximum
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h, depending on
the cargo load and the extent of tire dam-
age.
You can estimate the distance you can
continue driving on the basis of the follow-
ing values:
>Tire inflation pressure of 0 psi / 0 kPa:
approx. 100 miles / 150 km
>Tire inflation pressure of 7 – 15 psi
50 – 100 kPa:
approx. 300 miles / 500 km
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi / 100 kPa:
approx. 600 miles / 1,000 km.
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. In the
event of pressure loss, changes in handling
characteristics – such as reduced stability
when braking, increased stopping dis-
tance, and altered steering response – may
occur.<

Wheels and tires
76
Winter tires
Choosing the right tire
BMW recommends Run Flat winter tires –
M+S – for operation under inclement winter
driving conditions. While all-season tires
with the M+S identification mark do indeed
possess better winter traction than summer
tires that have the H, V, W, Y and ZR speed
ratings, they generally do not provide the
same levels of performance as true winter
tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response, mount winter tires
which are made by the same manufacturer
and which have the same tread configura-
tion on all four wheels.
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Please consult your BMW center if you
wish to replace the tires of your BMW or
change from summer to winter tires, or vice
versa.
When replacing tires or changing from
summer to winter tires – or vice versa –
use only Run Flat tires since a spare tire will
not be available in the event of a flat tire.<
Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. Any BMW center has the
required technical knowledge and the
proper equipment and will be happy to
assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressure
Once the tire wears to below 3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible
decrease in their ability to cope with winter
driving conditions, and should be replaced
in the interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by BMW, classified as road-
safe and approved. Consult your BMW
center for more information. BMW recom-
mends using only approved fine-link snow
chains.
Their use is only permitted in pairs on the
winter tires on the rear wheels. Comply
with all manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the fol-
lowing tires:
245/40 R 17
255/35 R 18
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h when using snow chains.<
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after snow chains have been
mounted.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
useful to deactivate the DSC briefly. Refer
to page 51.<

Replacement procedures
88 Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. Since the battery is
absolutely maintenance-free, the following
statements are for your information only.<
Do not disconnect the battery cables
when the engine is running. Discon-
necting the battery cables when the engine
is running will cause a voltage surge which
will damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp for the battery
charge current lights up:
The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive belt is defec-
tive or there is a malfunction in the charging
circuit of the alternator. Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over
and switch off the engine immediately
to prevent overheating and serious engine
damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a
very low level, increased steering effort
may also be necessary.<
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when
the engine is not running. Use the terminals
provided in the engine compartment. For
information on connections, refer to Jump-
Starting on page 89.
Battery disposal
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or to your BMW center. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery
against tilting when transporting.<
Fuses
You will find the fuses and information on
their respective allocation behind the glove
compartment.
1.Press the lock on the left; see arrow 1
2.Press the lock on the right; see arrow 2
3.Swing the glove compartment down.
Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasp-
ing the fuses are found in the onboard tool
kit; refer to page 84.
Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse
or replace it with a fuse having a dif-
ferent color or amperage rating. To do this
could cause a fire in the vehicle as a result
of circuit overload.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
99
Driving lamps
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Driving notes 65
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 51
– indicator lamp 14
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 51
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 52
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 51
– indicator lamp 14
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 51
– indicator lamp 14
E
Electric Power Steering
EPS 42
– indicator lamp 15
Electric power windows 22
Electrical convertible
top 25
Electrical fault
– convertible top 25
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Emergency operation
– convertible top 25
– doors 20
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Emergency release
– from inside luggage
compartment 22
Engine 38
– break-in procedures 64
– starting 38
– switching off 39
Engine compartment 78
Engine coolant 96
– refilling 81Engine oil 79
– capacity 96
– quality 80
– refilling 79
Engine oil consumption 79
Engine oil level 79
– checking 79
Engine oil pressure 79
– indicator lamp 14
Engine oil sensor 79
– indicator lamp 14
Engine oil types 80
Engine output 94
Engine speed 94
EPS Electric Power
Steering 42
ESP, refer to DSC 51
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 65
Exterior mirrors 32
– automatic dimming
feature 33
Eyelet for tow-starting and
towing 90
F
False alarm 28
Fault
– storage compartment 60
First-aid kit 89
Flat tire 73, 75
Flat Tire Monitor 53
– indicator lamp 14, 53
Fog lamps 46
– indicator lamp 14
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes 65
Front airbags 33
Fuel consumption 50
– display 47
Fuel filler door 70
– unlocking in case of elec-
trical fault 70
Fuel gas cap 70
Fuel gauge 47
Fuel specifications 70, 94
Fuel tank capacity 96
Fuses 88
G
Gasoline gauge, refer to
Fuel gauge 47
Gasoline specifications,
refer to Fuel
specifications 70
Glove compartment 60
Gross vehicle weight,
approved 94
Guide Booklet, Warranty
and Service 82
H
Handbrake 39
Hands-free system 61
Hardtop preparation 67
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Hazard warning flashers 12
Hazard warning triangle 89
Head restraints 30
Headlamp flasher 42, 46
Headlamp washer
system 79, 96
Headlamps 84
– access 84
– high beam 42
Heated seats 31
Heavy loads 66
Height 95
High beams 42, 46
– bulb replacement 85
– indicator lamp 14
High temperatures 65
Hood 77
Hood release 77
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC
Hydroplaning 65
I
Ignition lock 38
Imprint 4, 6
Indicator and warning
lamps 14

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
101
N
Navigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Nets 60
O
OBD socket 83
Odometer 47
Oil 79
– additives 80
– capacity 96
– quality 80
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 79
Oil dipstick 79
Oil filter change 96
Oil level 79
– checking 79
– indicator lamp 14
Oil pressure 79
– indicator lamp 14
Oil sensor 79
– indicator lamp 14
OIL SERVICE 48
Oil types 80
Onboard computer, refer to
Computer or to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 84
Operating elements 12
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation 56, 59
Output 94
Outside air mode
– air conditioning 56
Outside temperature
display 48
– changing units 49
– in computer 49
P
Paintwork, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure
Panel lighting 46
Panic mode 19
Parking brake 39
– indicator lamp 14
Parking lamps 45
Particle filter
– automatic climate
control 56
Passenger airbags
– activation/deactivation 34
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 59
– Particle filter 56
Power seat 30
Power steering, electric 42
Power windows 22
Preparations for the cellular
phone 61
Pressure monitor, tires 53
Pressure, tires 71
R
Radiator 96
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 43
Reading lamps 46
Rear lamps 86
– bulb replacement 86
Rear window defroster
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 59
Rearview mirror 32
Recirculated air mode
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Refueling 70
Remote control 18
– interior motion sensor 19
– luggage compartment
lid 19
– malfunction 19Remote control keys 18
Replacement key 18
Replacement of tires 73
Reserve tank indicator
lamp 47
Restraint systems 34
Reverse 40
Run Flat tires 73, 75, 87
– flat tire 75
S
Safety belts 31
Safety defects 8
Seat adjustment
– storing 30
Seat heating 31
Seat memory 30
Seats 29
– adjustment,
mechanical 29
– adjustment, power 30
Securing loads 66
Securing, locking the
vehicle 19
Selector lever
– automatic
transmission 40
– position, automatic
transmission 40
Service 48
Service and warranty 7
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 82
Service Engine Soon 83
– indicator lamp 14
Service interval
display 48, 82
Shiftlock 40
Side airbags 33
Snow chains 76
Socket
– for Onboard
Diagnostics 83
– refer to Cigarette lighter
socket 61
Spare fuses 88
Spare key 18
Special oils 80
Speed control, refer to
Cruise control 44

Everything from A - Z
102 Speedometer 13
Sport program
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 41
– Drivelogic 42
Standing lamps, refer to
Parking lamps 45, 46
Starting problems 89
Starting the engine 38
Steering lock 38
Steering wheel
– adjusting 32
Steptronic 40
Storage compartments 60
– electrical fault 60
– opening manually 60
Storage nets 60
Storage, tires 76
Storing the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Stroke 94
Switching gears, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
Symbols 6
Synthetic oils 80
T
Tachometer 47
Tail lamps
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Tank capacity 96
Technical data 94
– engine 94
– weight 94
Technical
modifications 7
Telephone preparation 61
Telephone, refer to the
Owner's Manual for the
telephone
Temperature
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
– tires 74Temperature display
– engine coolant 47
– outside temperature 48
– outside temperature in
computer 49
Third brake lamp 87
Tilt alarm sensor 19, 28
– deactivating 28
– remote control 19
Tire change 87
Tire damage 73
Tire inflation pressure 71
– checking 71
Tire pressure monitor 53
Tires
– age 73
– approval 71
– break-in procedures 64
– condition 73
– damage 73
– DOT quality grades 73
– flat tire 75
– inflation pressure 71
– M+S tires 76
– replacement 73
– Run Flat tires 73, 75, 87
– temperature 74
– traction 74
– tread 73
– tread wear 73
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 74
– wheel-tire
combination 74
– winter tires 76
Tool kit, refer to Onboard
tool kit 84
Torque 94
Towing 90
Towing eyelet 90
Tow-starting 90
Track width 95
Traction 74
Transmission, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
Transporting children
safely 34
Tread depth, tires 73
Tread wear 73
Tread wear indicator 73Trip odometer 47
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 21, 22
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment 22
Turn signal indicators 42
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamps 14
Turning circle 95
U
Undercoating, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 74
Unintentional alarm 28
Unlocking the vehicle 19
Used batteries, refer to
Battery disposal 88
V
Vacuum cleaner, refer to
Cigarette lighter
socket 61
Vehicle
– battery 87
– break-in procedures 64
– data 94
Vehicle Memory 37
Vehicle storage, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Vehicle vacuum cleaner,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket 61
Ventilation 56, 59
Vents, refer to
Ventilation 56, 59
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 14
Warning triangle 89
Warranty and service 7
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet 82