battery BMW Z4 2.5I 2004 Owners Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in various colors and combinations.
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked soon
or
for your information
>Green:
For your information
>Blue:
For your information. Please fasten safety belts
+30
Airbags
+56
Battery charge current
+91
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level/Engine oil sensor
+83
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tems/Dynamic Brake Control/
Brake fluid
+38/ 52/ 53/ 85
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tems/Dynamic Brake Control/
Brake fluid for Canadian models
+38/ 52/ 53/ 85
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control systems
+54/ 52
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control systems for Canadian
models
+54/ 52
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
+52
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
+52
Flat Tire Monitor
+54
Automatic transmission/
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG
+40/ 42
Brake pads
+70
Add coolant84
CHECK GAS CAP
+74
Service Engine Soon +87
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models
+87
Defective bulbs46
Turn signal indicators43
Fog lamps47
Headlamp flasher/
High beams43/ 47
Electric Power Steering EPS
+43
Engine electronics
+
Engine electronics malfunction.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.

Opening and closing
16
Opening and closing
Keys
The key set
1Master keys with remote control: they
determine the functions of the Key
Memory, refer to page 31.
You can mark individual keys for subse-
quent identification by applying the col-
ored decals that you received when
accepting delivery of your vehicle
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key
with remote control that is otherwise
not used, use that key approximately
once a year while driving for an
extended period to charge the bat-
tery.<
2Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet.
This key does not open the lock of the
luggage compartment lid – useful for
valet parking, for example.
This key is not intended for constant
use
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The system simultaneously
engages and releases the locks on the>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door
>storage compartment between the
backrests
>opened manual convertible top.
The central locking system can be oper-
ated
>from outside using the remote control
or via the driver's door lock
>from inside via the central locking sys-
tem button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler
door will not be locked. Refer to page 18.
The anti-theft system is automatically acti-
vated whenever you activate the central
locking system from outside the vehicle. It
prevents the doors from being unlocked
with the lock buttons or release handles.
The alarm system is also armed.
The central locking system unlocks auto-
matically in the event of an accident. In
addition, the hazard warning flashers and
interior lamps come on.
Remote control
The concept
The remote control provides two additional
functions for central locking.
>Switching on interior lamps, refer to
page 17.
With this function, you can also search
for the vehicle when parked in an
underground garage, for instance
>Opening the luggage compartment lid
separately, refer to page 17. It will open
slightly, regardless of whether it was
locked or unlocked.
Whenever you unlock or lock the vehicle,
you simultaneously deactivate/activate
the anti-theft system, disarm/arm the alarm

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
17
system and switch the interior lamps on/
off.
You can have a signal set to confirm
that the vehicle's locks have engaged
securely.<
Since persons or animals in the vehi-
cle could lock the doors from the
inside, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.<
If it is no longer possible to lock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key while
driving for an extended period in order to
recharge the battery.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You can
also obtain replacement keys there.<
1To unlock
2To lock and secure, activate interior
lamps, disarm tilt alarm sensor and inte-
rior motion sensor
3To open the luggage compartment
To unlock
1.Press the button to unlock the driver's
door and the fuel filler door
2.Press the button a second time to dis-
engage all vehicle locks.
To lock and secure
Press the button.
To switch on the interior lamps
With the vehicle locked:
Press the button.
To deactivate the tilt alarm* and
interior motion sensors*
Press the button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to
page 26.
To open the luggage compartment
Press the button.
The luggage compartment lid will open
slightly, regardless of whether it was
locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure that
the luggage compartment lid has not
been opened unintentionally.<
Panic mode*: triggering alarm
By pressing the button for 2 to 5 seconds,
the alarm can be sounded in the event of
danger. The alarm is turned off by pressing
the unlocking button 1 again.
Malfunctions
External systems or devices may cause
local interference in the functions of the
remote control.
Should this occur, you can still open and
close the vehicle using the master key in
either the door or luggage compartment
locks.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply
with part 15 of the FCC, Federal Communi-
cations Commission, regulations. Opera-
tion is governed by the following:

Opening and closing
22
To close the convertible top
1.Press button 1
The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly
2.Holding on to the handle, pull the con-
vertible top forward onto the windshield
frame
3.Turn the handle until it audibly engages.
The convertible top is locked.
At higher speeds, the passenger
compartment may develop relatively
low air pressure, which can cause the con-
vertible top to begin fluttering. Increase the
air supply so that low pressure does not
occur in the vehicle.<
Fully automatic convertible
top*
The fully automatic convertible top com-
bines assured protection against the ele-
ments with simple and easy handling.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your BMW:
>It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. When
closed, the top not only guards the pas-
senger compartment from unforesee-
able damage from the weather, but also
affords a degree of protection against
theft. In addition, only keep valuables in
the locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.
>To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
147/–106.Never store the convertible top while
it is wet to avoid permanent damage
from moisture.
Driving when the opening or closing pro-
cess has not been completed can cause
vehicle damage or personal injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top,
since they could fall off when the convert-
ible top is operated and cause damage or
injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top mech-
anism during opening and closing. Keep
children away from the moving parts of the
convertible top during operation.<
If possible, only operate the convert-
ible top with the vehicle stopped, as
otherwise the process may be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion
while the vehicle is stationary and then
have to start suddenly, for instance at a
traffic light, you can still complete the pro-
cedure by driving as slowly as possible and
again holding the corresponding button
pressed.<
At higher speeds, the passenger
compartment may develop relatively
low air pressure, which can cause the con-
vertible top to begin fluttering. Increase the
air supply so that low pressure does not
occur in the vehicle. 1To close
2To open
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running.
This saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove
any objects from the windshield frame that

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
25
Installation
Insert the wind deflector in its proper orien-
tation into the guides 1 provided on the
rollover bars.
Refer to the labeling on the wind deflector
to determine its proper orientation.
The wind deflector must engage
firmly, as it could otherwise become
detached at higher vehicle speeds.<
The wind deflector panels 2 in the rollover
bars cannot be removed.
Removal
Slide both locks inward and remove the
wind deflector.
Clothes hooks
Clothes hooks 1 are located on the wind
deflector panels in the rollover bars.Do not hang heavy objects on the
hooks. If you do, they could endanger
the passengers, for example during braking
or evasive maneuvers.<
Storage
For storage, e.g. to achieve a better view to
the rear when the convertible top is closed,
there are two brackets on the inside of the
luggage compartment lid.
Insert the wind deflector into the brackets.
Make sure that the wind deflector
cannot be damaged by objects in the
luggage compartment.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage
compartment lid is opened
>When attempts are made to start the
vehicle
>To movement inside the vehicle
>To alterations in the vehicle tilt, e.g. as
would occur during attempts to steal
the wheels or tow the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The alarm produced by the system in the
event of unauthorized vehicle entry and
attempted theft depends on the country
version:
>Sounding of an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>Activation of the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes.

Driving
36
Driving
Ignition lock
0 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.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
do not move the selector lever from
position P until the engine is running.<
Interlock
In order to turn the key back to position 0 or
to remove it, move the selector level into
position P first.
1 Steering unlocked
You will find that it is often 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.
2 Ignition switched on
All systems are operational.
3 Engine started
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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
87
Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65
warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of CA to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash your hands after
handling. Used engine oil contains chemi-
cals that have caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Always protect your skin by wash-
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
OBD interface socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime. The system monitors emission-related
components and system for deterioration
and malfunction.
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously
or intermittently, this indicates a
fault in the emissions-related electronic
systems. Although the vehicle remains
operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the earli-
est possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop
the vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce
speed and contact the nearest BMW center
immediately. Severe engine misfiring over
even a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control system compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models.
If the gas cap is not on tight enough,
the OBD system can detect leaking
vapor and the indicator will light up. If the
gas cap is then tightened, the indicator will
usually go out after a short period of time.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
91
Please contact a BMW center in case of a
malfunction.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
1.Push out the lamp with a suitable object
and remove it
2.Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.
Changing a wheel
Run Flat tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss
in inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 80.
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.
When mounting or replacing summer
tires with winter tires, or vice versa,
use only Run Flat tires since no spare
wheel is available in the event of a flat.<
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the posi-
tions indicated in the illustration.
Your BMW center can provide you
with a suitable jack.<
Battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-
free. This means that the original electro-
lyte will normally last for the service life of
the battery under moderate climatic condi-
tions.
Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery.<
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.<

Replacement procedures
92
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when
the engine is not running. For information
on connections, refer to Jump-starting on
page 94.
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.Open the glove compartment
2.Press the lock on the left; see arrow 1
3.Press the lock on the right; see arrow 2
4.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 88.
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.<

Giving and receiving assistance
94
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is stored in the rear
luggage compartment panel.
Pull the ends of the rubber bands upward
and out of the fasteners.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a warning triangle to be car-
ried in the vehicle.<
First-aid kit*
The first-aid kit is located beneath the pas-
senger seat.
To open
Pull the handle and fold the cover down-
ward.
To close
Fold the cover up and press into the catch.
Some of the articles in the first-aid kit
have a limited period of use before
expiration. For this reason, check the expi-
ration dates of each of the items regularly,
and replace any whose expiration dates
have passed. You can acquire replace-
ments in any drugstore or pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations requir-ing a first-aid kit to be carried in the vehi-
cle.<
Jump-starting
When your battery is discharged you can
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle
with power from the battery in a second
vehicle. You can also use the same method
to help start another vehicle. Always use
jumper cables with fully insulated handles
on the terminal clamps.
Do not touch components carrying
current on a running engine. Contact
with these components can cause fatal
injury. Carefully observe the following
instructions to avoid personal injury and/or
damage to one or both vehicles.<
Preparations
1.Check whether the battery of the sup-
port vehicle has 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacity – measured in
Ah. This information is provided on the
battery
2.Stop the engine of the support vehicle
3.Switch off all electrical accessories in
both vehicles
Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles: short circuit hazard.<