manual transmission BMW Z4 2.5I 2003 Owners Manual

Contents
Contents
Notes
6About this Owner's Manual
6Symbols used
6Symbol on vehicle parts
6Your individual vehicle
6Status at time of printing
7For your own safety
7Service and warranty
8Reporting safety defects
Overview
12Cockpit
13Instrument cluster
14Indicator and warning lamps
Opening and closing
18Keys
18Central locking system
18Remote control
20Door lock
20Interior
21Luggage compartment lid
22Luggage compartment
22Electric power windows
23Manual convertible top
24Fully automatic convertible top*
26Wind deflector*
27Alarm system*
Adjustments
29Safe seating position
29Seats
30Seat memory*

31Seat heating*
31Safety belts
32Steering wheel
32Mirrors
33Airbags
34Transporting children safely
37Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
Driving
38Ignition lock
38Engine
39Parking brake
40Manual transmission
40Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
42Electric Power Steering EPS
42Drivelogic*
42Turn signal indicators/Headlamp
flasher
43Washer/wiper system and
rain sensor*
44Cruise control*
Lamps
45Parking lamps/Low beams
46High beams/Standing lamps
46Instrument lighting
46Fog lamps
46Interior lamps
© 2002 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 897
US English VIII/02
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper –
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

Driving
38
Driving
Ignition lock
0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition switched on
3Engine started
Steering locked
This is the only position in which the igni-
tion key can be inserted or removed.
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly to the left or right until the
lock engages.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic signal
sounds when the driver's door is opened.
Once the ignition has been switched off –
ignition key in position 0 or removed – the
radio functions are still available for approx.
20 minutes. Turn the radio back on to use it.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
do not move the selector lever from
position P until the engine is running – igni-
tion key in position 2.
In order to turn the key back to position 0 or
to remove it, move the selector level into
position P first – Interlock.<
Steering unlocked
You will often find that it is easier to turn the
ignition key from position 0 to 1 if you move
the steering wheel slightly to help disen-
gage the detent.
Individual electrical equipment and acces-
sories are available for use.
Engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up while
the vehicle is stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and should
decrease as the engine warms up. If engine
speed does not decrease, service is
required.
To prevent the battery from discharging,
always deactivate electrical devices that
are not in use. Switch the ignition off when
the vehicle is not being driven.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas. Breathing
the exhaust gases poses an extreme health
risk, and can lead to unconsciousness and
death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. An unattended vehicle
with a running engine poses a safety haz-
ard.
When driving, standing at idle and parking
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact
between the hot exhaust system and flam-
mable materials – e.g. hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Starting the engine
Do not press the accelerator pedal while
starting the engine.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time, but do not actuate it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
39
the ignition key immediately when the
engine starts.<
Extended starting attempts, charac-
terized by excessively frequent or
long periods with the starter engaged, can
damage the catalytic converter.<
If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt – if it is very hot or cold, for
instance:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down.
Cold starts at very low temperatures –
starting at approx. +57 / –156
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period –
approx. 10 seconds.
Manual transmission
1.Engage the parking brake
2.Gearshift lever in idling position
3.Depress clutch pedal
4.Start the engine.
Automatic transmission
1.Depress footbrake
2.Place selector lever in position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, place the selector
lever in position P and pull the parking
brake.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. An unattended vehicle
with a running engine poses a safety haz-
ard.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key while
the vehicle is still moving. If you did so,
the steering lock would engage when the
steering wheel is turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and engage the steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake when park-
ing on downhill roads.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Place the selector lever in position P and
turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Parking brake
The parking brake is designed primarily to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.
The brake warning lamp lights up
when the parking brake is engaged;
if you start driving, an acoustic sig-
nal is heard as well.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
To engage
The detent engages automatically and the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-
ton and lower the lever.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it
should be necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
do not pull it with excessive pressure. Keep
your thumb pressed against the release
button while carefully pulling up the lever.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking
and loss of traction – fishtailing – at the rear
axle.

Driving
40 The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is engaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake
when parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces, since shifting into 1st gear or reverse
may not provide adequate resistance to
rolling. Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: place the selector lever in
position P.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake
lightly from time to time when coasting to a
standstill – at a traffic signal, for example –
provided that it is safe to do so.<
Manual transmission
6-gear transmission*
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, it is
important to press the gear shift lever to the
right to avoid accidentally engaging 3rd or
4th gear.
Reverse
Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. Press the gearshift lever to the left
to overcome the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn
on automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or "riding" the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead, oth-
erwise, the ensuing friction to the clutch
plates will cause a great deal of wear and
tear on the clutch.<
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
You can drive as with a normal automatic
transmission. In addition, you can also shift
manually.
When you move the selector lever from the
D position to the left into the M/S range, the
performance-oriented shift programs of the
automatic transmission are engaged. As
soon as you briefly tap the selector lever in
the "+" or "–" direction, Steptronic changes
the gear. The manual mode is engaged.
When you wish to use the automatic trans-
mission mode again, move the selector
lever to the right to position D.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Engine started
The engine can only be started in selector
lever positions P – Park – or N – Neutral.
Range selection
A detent prevents inadvertent shifting into
selector lever positions R and P. To disen-
gage the detent, press the button on the
front of the selector lever button, see
arrow.
While the vehicle is stationary and
before shifting out of P or N, depress
the footbrake in order to disengage the
selector lever's lock mechanism – Shift-
lock.
Hold the footbrake down until starting off.
The vehicle will otherwise "creep" when a
drive position is engaged.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
41
If you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, move the selector
lever to the P position and apply the park-
ing brake. If you fail to do this, the vehicle
could move.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. An unattended vehicle
with a running engine poses a safety haz-
ard.<
PPark
Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. The transmission locks to prevent
the rear wheels from turning.
RReverse
Select reverse only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
NNeutral – idling
Select only when stopping for an extended
period.
DDrive – automatic shift program
This position is designed for driving under
all normal operating conditions. All forward
gears are available.
Kickdown
In the kickdown mode, you achieve maxi-
mum acceleration in position D.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-throt-
tle position.
M/S Manual mode and
Sport program
When you change from D to M/S, the Sport
program is activated. This is indicated in the gear indicator by SD. The M/S mode is
recommended for performance-oriented
driving.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport program
to the manual mode.
When you tap the selector lever in the "+"
direction, the transmission shifts up. When
the lever is tapped in the "–" direction, the
transmission shifts down. M1 to M 5 appear
in the gear indicator.
The Adaptive Transmission Control ATC
executes upshifts or downshifts only when
the new gear will provide a suitable combi-
nation of engine and road speed, i.e. ATC
will not execute downshifts if the engine
speed is too high. The desired gear will
appear briefly in the instrument cluster, fol-
lowed by the actual gear.
If you are driving in the manual mode
and wish to accelerate rapidly – to
pass another vehicle, for example – shift
down manually or with the kickdown func-
tion.<
Shifting from M/S to selector lever posi-
tions P, R and N is possible only by going
through position D.
Available indicators
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the trans-
mission system.
All of the selector lever positions can con-
tinue to be engaged; in the forward drive

In the engine compartment
80 The oil volume between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts / 1 liter. Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil
will damage the engine.
Adding engine oil
While you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never allow
the oil level to fall below this mark.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without oil additives; the use of
additives could even lead to damage in
some cases. This also applies to manual
and automatic transmissions and to the dif-
ferential.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For
this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of
skin that come into contact with oil using
soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar mate-
rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and the
information on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of
used oil.<
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely
important for the function and life of an
engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW
has approved certain grades of engine oil.
Use approved "BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil".
If you are unable to obtain an approved
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small volumes of other synthetic
oils for topping up between oil changes.
Use only oils with the specification API SH
or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils that
have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America
toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
Coolant
The yellow coolant indicator lamp
lights up:
The coolant level is too low: top up
as soon as possible.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. If you do,
escaping coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original containers and
in a location inaccessible to children.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
flammable. For this reason, do not spill
them on hot engine parts. They could ignite
and cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Checking the coolant level
Correct coolant level when the engine is
cold – at approx. 687 / 206:
1.Open the cap of the expansion tank by
turning it slightly counterclockwise to

Technical data
94
Technical data
Engine data
Weights

Z4 roadster 2.5iZ4 roadster 3.0i
Displacement
Number of cylinderscu in/cmµ152.1/2,494
6181.7/2,979
6
Maximum power output
at engine speedhp/kW
rpm184/141
6,000225/170
5,900
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb ft/Nm
rpm181/245
3,500222/300
3,500
Compression ratio
ε10.5 10.2
Stroke
Borein/mm
in/mm2.95/75
3.31/843.53/89.6
3.31/84
Fuel-injection system Digital electronic engine-management system DME
Z4 roadster 2.5iZ4 roadster 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg2,932/1,330
2,998/1,3602,998/1,360
3,042/1,380
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg3,483/1,580
3,549/1,6103,549/1,610
3,593/1,630
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,720/780 1,742/790
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,841/835 1,863/845
Luggage compartment capacity
with the convertible top compartment raisedcu ft/l
cu ft/l8.5/240
9.2/2608.5/240
9.3/260
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the approved gross vehicle weight.

Technical data
96
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 14.5/55
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specifications:
page 70
Windshield washer reservoir
Headlamp washer reservoirquarts/liters
quarts/litersapprox. 3.2/3
approx. 5.3/5For details: page 79
For details: page 79
Cooling system including
heating circuitquarts/liters 9.3/8.8 for manual
transmission
9.5/9.0 for automatic
transmissionFor details: page 80
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts/liters 6.9/6.5 For details: page 80
Manual transmission,
automatic transmission and
differential–Lifetime lubricant, no
oil change required

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
97
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 53
– indicator lamp 14
Accessories 7
Activated-charcoal filter 59
Air conditioning 55, 56
– air distribution 56
– air supply 56
– automatic climate
control 58
– defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 56
– outside-air mode 56
– rear window defroster 56
– recirculated-air mode 56
– temperature 56
Air distribution
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Air outlets 56, 59
Air pressure 71
– checking 71
Air supply
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Airbags 33
– activation/deactivation 34
– indicator lamp 14, 33
– passenger airbags
lamp 35
Alarm system 27
– arming/disarming 27
– indicator lamp 27
– tilt alarm sensor 28
– triggering 19
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 76
Antifreeze
– coolant 81
– washer fluid 79Antilock Brake System ABS
– indicator lamp 14
Anti-theft alarm system,
refer to Alarm system 27
Approved axle load 94
Approved gross vehicle
weight 94
Ashtray 61
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated air control 58
Automatic
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– cruise control 44
– lamp control 45
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 57, 58
– air conditioning 58
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– Automatic recirculated air
control AUC 58
– defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 58
– maximum cooling 58
– outside air 58
– rear window defroster 59
– recirculated air mode 58
– temperature 58
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
– display 41
– electronic transmission
control 41
– indicator lamp 14
– manual mode 41
– selector lever position 40
– sport program 41
Automatic windshield
washer 44Average fuel
consumption 50
Average speed 50
Axle load, approved 94
B
Backrest, refer to Seats 30
Backup lamps 40
– bulb replacement 86
Bandages 89
Battery 87
Battery charge current
– indicator lamp 14, 88
Belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 31
Belts 31
Beverage holder 61
Blinker, refer to Turn signal
indicators 42
Blower
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
BMW High Performance
synthetic oils 80
BMW Maintenance
System 82
Bore 94
Brake fluid 81
– indicator lamp 14, 81
– refilling 81
Brake Force Display 52
Brake hydraulic system 65
Brake hydraulics
– indicator lamp 14
Brake lamps
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Brake pads 66
– indicator lamp 14
Everything from A - Z
Index

Everything from A - Z
100 Indicator lamps
– airbag 33
– alarm system 27
– brake fluid 81
– engine temperature 47
– flat tire 75
– Flat Tire Monitor 53
– reserve tank 47
Inflation pressure 71
– monitor 53
INSPECTION 48
Instrument cluster 13
Instrument lighting 46
Instrument panel 12
Interior
– central locking system 20
Interior lamps 19, 46
– remote control 19
Interior mirror
– automatic dimming
feature 33
Interior motion sensor 19
– deactivating 28
Interior rearview mirror 32
Interlock 38
Intermittent operation,
windshield wipers 43
J
Jack 87
– jacking points 87
Jets, refer to
Ventilation 56, 59
Jump-starting 89
K
Key Memory 37
Keys 18
– spare 18
– with remote control 18
Knee airbags 33
L
Lamp
– passenger airbags 35
Lamp control 45
Lamp replacement 84Lamps
– backup lamp 86
– brake lamp 86
– bulb replacement 84
– center high-mount brake
lamp 87
– daytime driving lamps 45
– defective bulbs 45
– fog lamps 46
– headlamp flasher 46
– headlamps 84
– high beams 46, 85
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
– instrument lighting 46
– interior lamps 46
– lamp replacement 84
– license plate lamps 87
– LIGHTS ON warning 45
– low beams 45, 85
– low beams, automatic 45
– parking lamps 45
– reading lamps 46
– rear lamp 86
– standing lamps 46
– turn signal indicators 86
– xenon lamps 85
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 36
Length 95
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 87
Light switch 45
Lighter 61
LIGHTS ON warning 45
Loads, securing 66
Lock
– door 20
Locking 19
Longlife oils 80
Low beams 45
– automatic 45
– bulb replacement 85
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Luggage
compartment 22, 94
– capacity 94
– enlarging 22
– remote control 19Luggage compartment
lid 21
– emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior 22
– opening from the
inside 21
– opening from the
outside 21
– opening/closing 21
– remote control 19
M
M+S tires 76
Maintenance system 82
Malfunction
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 70
– remote control 19
– storage compartment 60
Malfunction of electrical
accessory 88
Manual convertible top 23
Manual operation
– door lock 20
– electrical convertible
top 25
– fuel filler door 70
– storage compartment 60
Manual transmission 40
Master key 18
Maximum cooling 58
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Mechanical convertible
top 23
Mechanical seat 29
Memory
– seats 30
Memory, refer to Key Mem-
ory, Vehicle Memory 37
Microfilter 59
Microphone, cellular
phone 61
Mirrors 32
– heating 32
Modifications,
technical 7