towing BMW Z4 2.5I 2005 Owners Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
A detent prevents inadvertent shifting into
selector lever positions R and P. To disengage
the detent, press the button on the front of the
selector lever knob, see arrow.
PPark
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
transmission locks to prevent the rear wheels
from turning.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
NNeutral
Select this, for example, in car washes. The
vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic shift program
This position is designed for driving under all
normal operating conditions. All forward gears
are available.
Kickdown
With kickdown, you achieve maximum acceler-
ating performance.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-throttle
position.
M/S Manual mode and Sport program
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into the M/S range:
The Sport program is activated. This is indi-
cated by the display SD in the instrument clus-
ter. This position is recommended for perfor-
mance-oriented driving. The Sport program is
enabled automatically when the Driving
Dynamic Control system is activated, refer to
page41.
Steptronic enters the manual selection mode
and executes the desired shift whenever you
tap the selector lever in the direction indicated
by + or –. M1 to M 5 appear in the instrument
cluster.
The transmission will only execute upshifts and
downshifts that will result in an appropriate
combination of vehicle speed and engine rpm.
For instance, downshifts that would result in
excessive engine speed will not be executed.
The desired gear will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster, followed by the actual gear.
To use the automatic transmission mode again,
move the selector lever to the right to position
D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The trans-
mission system is malfunctioning.
Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can continue
to be engaged; in the forward drive positions,
however, the vehicle will be operating in a
restricted gear range only. Have the system
checked immediately.
Towing and jump starting beginning with
page97.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
41
Kickdown:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during passing,
depress the accelerator pedal completely. You
achieve maximum acceleration.
To switch back to sequential mode: tap the
selector lever again to the right toward D, or
change the current gear via the shift paddles or
the selector lever.
When driving off on inclines, drive
smoothly without pausing. Do not keep
the vehicle in place by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal; instead, apply the parking brake. Oth-
erwise, the gearbox could overheat.<
Shifting gears
With selector lever
>To upshift, tap the selector lever toward +
>To downshift, tap the lever toward –.
With shift paddles on steering wheel
>To upshift, pull one of the shift paddles
>To downshift, push the paddle.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
sequential mode assists you:
>The transmission will only execute upshifts
and downshifts that will result in an appro-
priate combination of vehicle speed and
engine rpm. For instance, downshifts that
would result in excessive engine speed
cannot be executed
>During a stop the gearbox is automatically
downshifted into first gear
>Shortly before a gear-dependent minimum
speed is reached, the gearbox automatically
shifts down without you taking any action.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The trans-
mission system is malfunctioning.
Avoid heavy loads.
All of the selector lever positions can continue
to be engaged; in the forward drive positions,
however, the vehicle will be operating in a
restricted gear range only. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Towing and tow-starting, refer to page98;
Jump starting, refer to page97.
Overheating
An acoustic warning signal sounds. The gear-
box is overheating. If possible, stop the vehicle
or drive off swiftly so that the system can cool
off again.
Driving Dynamic Control
Driving Dynamic Control allows your BMW to
react in a sportier driving style at the touch of a
button:
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to any motion of the accelerator pedal
>The vehicle is steered more directly and
traction is enhanced
>Cruise control:
When the speed last stored is called up, this
speed is attained more quickly.
Additional features with SMG:
>Gears are shifted more quickly
>The engine speed range is optimally utilized
in the drive mode.
With automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.

Special operating instructions
68
Special operating instructions
Break-in procedures
Moving parts need to be given some time until
they can interact smoothly with one another. To
ensure that your vehicle provides maximum
economy throughout a long service life, we
request that you observe the following:
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following engine or road speed:
4,500 rpm / 4,500/min or 100 mph / 160 km/h.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles/2,000 km,
you can gradually increase the engine or road
speeds.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until an initial break-in period has
elapsed. You should therefore drive with extra
caution during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form
between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse before
the brake pads and rotors achieve their 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; use
caution to avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the car with
the engine off, e.g. by towing, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The clutch will achieve its optimal functionality
after approx. 300 miles/500 km. Shift gears
carefully during the break-in period.
After replacing components
Follow the same break-in procedure again if any
of the components mentioned above have to be
replaced in the future.
Driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed, otherwise exhaust fumes could pene-
trate into the interior of the vehicle.<
Should it be absolutely necessary to operate
the vehicle with the luggage compartment lid
open and with the convertible top closed:

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
71
Load
The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as possi-
ble, directly behind the luggage compart-
ment partition, and as low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
To avoid damaging the rear of the back-
rest 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. Therefore, ensure that the
backrest is securely locked and if necessary,
move the seat forward, refer to page28.
Always position and secure the load as
described above; otherwise, it can endanger
the passengers, for example during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight or the specified maximum axle loads.
Refer to page103. 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 pas-
senger compartment without first securing
them. Otherwise they would be thrown around
during braking and evasive maneuvers and
would endanger the occupants.<
Convertible top compartment
With the convertible top closed, you can
enlarge the luggage compartment, refer
to page19.
It is advisable to always fold down the covertible
top compartment panel as soon as you have
removed your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that you can
always operate the convertible top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is closed,
raise the convertible top compartment panel
before stowing your cargo in the luggage com-
partment to avoid any damage to the convert-
ible top compartment or your load.
Do not stow any items on the convertible top
compartment panel since the convertible top
could be damaged while it is opening.<
If you stow cargo behind the seats of your
BMW:
>Only stow light objects such as clothing,
etc.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrests.

Giving and receiving assistance
98 positive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary jump-starting terminal of the vehicle to
be jump-started.
Your BMW is equipped with a special nut,
refer also to the engine compartment over-
view on page85
3.With the– jumper cable, connect the nega-
tive terminals of both vehicles.
To do this:
Attach one cable clamp to the negative bat-
tery terminal or to a suitable ground on the
engine or body work of the support vehicle.
Attach the second cable clamp to the nega-
tive battery terminal or to a suitable ground
on the engine or body work of the vehicle to
be jump-started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the support vehicle and
let it run for several minutes at a slightly ele-
vated engine idle speed
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle as
usual.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge
3.Allow the engines to run for several minutes
4.Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence
5.Depending on the cause of the fault, have
the battery checked and recharged.
Never use spray starter fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing and tow-starting the
vehicle
Using the towing eyelet
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in the
vehicle at all times. It can be attached at the
front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instructions in
order to avoid damaging the towing eye-
let or the vehicle: use only the towing eyelet
supplied with the vehicle, and screw it in firmly
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting the tow-
ing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g. do not lift the
vehicle using the towing eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socket
Press out the cover with a screwdriver inserted
in the recess at the top.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, because the steering lock could
otherwise engage and the vehicle could no
longer be steered. There is no power assist
while the engine is off. Therefore, you will need
to exert more force to brake and steer the vehi-
cle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if required
by national regulations. If the electrical system
has failed, clearly identify the vehicle being
towed, e.g. by placing a sign or a warning trian-
gle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idling position.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
99
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph /
70 km/h or a towing distance of 90 miles/
150 km. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
could be damaged.<
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
To push or tow the vehicle, turn on the ignition
and move the selector lever to position N, then
turn the ignition off again.
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to tow the
vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope on public
roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable towing
regulations for the country in which you are
driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
vehicle handling can no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should be
on the same side. If the tow bar can only be
used in a diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are driving
around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces late-
ral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
lets. Other parts of the vehicle could oth-
erwise be damaged.<
With a tow rope
When the towing vehicle is driving off, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach tow ropes only to the tow-
ing eyelet. Other parts of the vehicle could oth-
erwise be damaged.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported by a tow truck with
a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eye-
let, or by parts of the body or chassis.
Otherwise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with automatic
transmission.
Jump-starting, refer to page97.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic conver-
ters if the engine is cold. It is better to have the
vehicle jump-started, refer to page97.
1.Turn on the hazard warning flashers; com-
ply with national regulations
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2
3.Engage the 3rd gear. For vehicles with
SMG, refer to following column
4.Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and then
slowly release the clutch pedal. After the
engine has started, immediately depress
the clutch pedal again completely
5.Pull over at a suitable location, remove the
tow bar or tow rope, and turn on the hazard
warning flashers
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
>Have the vehicle towed with the selector
lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will automatically be selected and engaged.

Everything from A to Z
106
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System50
– indicator lamp13
Acceleration assistant42
Accessories, refer to
– For your own safety6
– Your individual vehicle5
Accident, refer to Emergency
call96
Acknowledgment signal for
vehicle locking/unlocking16
Activated-charcoal filter63
Adjusting the thigh support29
Air, drying,
refer to Air conditioning
mode59,62
Airbags53
– deactivation33
– indicator lamp12
– passenger airbags indicator
lamp34
– reactivation33
– safe seating position27
Airbag switch33
Air conditioning58
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Air conditioning mode
switching on/off
manually59,62
Air distribution
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Airing out, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Air outlets,
refer to Ventilation59,63
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure78Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated air
mode59,62
Air supply/blower
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications76
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms26
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires81
Antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Antifreeze86,87
– coolant87
– washing fluids86
Antilock Brake System
ABS50
– indicator lamp13
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft protection16,25
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights103
Approved engine oils87
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights103
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray65
Assistant systems,
refer to Dynamic Stability
Control DSC50
AUC Automatic recirculated
air control62Automatic
– air distribution62
– air supply/blower62
– cruise control44
– headlamp control56
– luggage compartment lid
operation19
Automatically dimming
interior rearview mirror31
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control61
Automatic recirculated air
control AUC62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– ignition36
– indicator lamp13
– interlock36
– selector lever lock38
– shiftlock38
– towing the vehicle99
– tow-starting99
AUTO program,
refer to Automatic air
distribution62
Average fuel consumption49
– setting unit of measure48
Average speed49
– setting unit of measure48
Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
Axle loads, refer to
Weights103
B
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment28
Backup lamps38
– bulb replacement93
Everything from A to Z
Index

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit97
Bar, towing99
Battery94
– charging95
– disposal95
– indicator lamp12,94
– jump-starting97
– power supply interruption95
– remote control16
Belts, refer to Safety belts30
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts30
Beverage holders64
Blower
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control62
Blower, refer to Air
supply59,62
BMW5
BMW Maintenance
System89
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders64
Brake fluid88
– filling88
– indicator/warning
lamp13,88
– level88
Brake force display52
Brake hydraulic system88
– indicator/warning
lamp13,88
Brake lamps
– brake force display52
– bulb replacement93
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp13
Brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– warning lamp88
Brake pad wear indicator
– brake pads88
– warning lamp13
Brake rotors
– brake system69
– break-in procedures68Brakes
– ABS50
– brake fluid88
– brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– indicator/warning
lamps13,51
– parking brake37
Brake system
– brake fluid88
– brake pads88
– break-in procedures68
– disc brakes69
– indicator lamp13
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor52
Breakdown service, refer to
Mobile Service96
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential68
Break-in procedures68
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting97
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs91
Buttons in the multifunction
steering wheel10
C
California laws
– Event Data Recorders90
– Proposition 65 warning6
Can holders, refer to Beverage
holders64
Capacities105
Capacity
– luggage compartment, refer
to Weights103
Car battery94
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys16Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system69
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Center high-mount brake
lamp, bulb replacement93
Central locking system16
– interior18
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel94
– Run Flat tires94
Charge indicator lamp12,94
Check gas cap, indicator
lamp13
Child-restraint mounting
system, LATCH35
Child-restraint systems33
Child seat, refer to
Installing child-restraint
systems34
Chrome parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter65
Cigarette lighter socket65
Cleaning the rear window,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning mode59,62
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control50
– indicator lamp13,51
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control50
– indicator lamp13,51
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC50
– indicator lamp13
– warning lamp51
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
– indicator lamp13,51
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC50
– indicator lamp13,51
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– convertible top23
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– SMG41
– storage compartments64
Electric Power Steering
EPS42
– indicator lamp13,42
Electric power windows20
– power loss20
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
Electronic transmission
control module39
Emergency call96Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top23
– doors18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– storage compartments64
Emergency service, refer to
Mobile Service96
Engine36
– break-in procedures68
– data102
– electronics13
– indicator lamp13
– speed46
– starting36
– switching off37
Engine compartment85
Engine coolant87
Engine coolant temperature
gauge46
Engine data102
Engine oil86
– alternative oils87
– approved engine oils87
– capacity105
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil level86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil pressure86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Engine oil sensor86
– indicator/warning lamp
13
Engine output, refer to Engine
data102
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data102
EPS Electric Power
Steering42
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC50
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system69
Exterior mirrors31
– automatic dimming
feature70
– folding in and out31Eyelets, towing and tow-
starting98
F
False alarm, refer to
– Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
– Stopping the alarm26
Fasten safety belts
– refer to Safety belts30
– warning lamp12,30
Fault
– automatic transmission39
– luggage compartment lid18
– SMG41
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter63
Fine wood, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Finger guard system, power
windows20
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit97
First-aid kit97
Flat
– Run Flat tires82
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor52
– indicator/warning lamp13
– Run Flat tires82
Flat tire, refer to
– Changing a wheel94
– Tire condition81
Flat Tire Monitor52
– indicator/warning
lamp13,53
– initializing52
– warning lamp53
Flat tire service, refer to
Mobile Service96
Floods, refer to Driving
through water69
Floor covers, carpets, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Everything from A to Z
110 Floor mats, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid reservoir, washer
systems86
Fog lamps57
– indicator lamp13
Follow me home lamps56
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes69
Front airbags53
Fuel
– average
consumption49
– display46
– quality76
– volume, refer to
Capacities105
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Fuel filler door76
– unlocking in case of
electrical fault76
Fuel reserve indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge46
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities105
Fuses95
G
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality76
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Gear indicator
– for automatic transmission
with Steptronic38
– for sequential manual
gearbox SMG40
Gear lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– manual transmission38
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG40Gear shifts
– via automatic transmission
with Steptronic38
– via sequential manual
gearbox SMG41
Glove compartment64
Gross weight, refer to
Weights103
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake37
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Preparations for the
cellular phone65
Hands-free system65
Hardtop, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation72
Hazard warning flashers10
Headlamp cover, care, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Headlamp flasher42
– indicator lamp13
Headlamps
– bulb replacement91
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning43
Headlamps, automatic
control56
Headlamp washer
reservoir86
– volume, refer to
Capacities105
Headlamp washer
system
– cleaning the headlamps43
– washing fluids86
Head restraints28
Heated mirrors31
Heated seats30
Heating58
– exterior mirrors31
– rear window59,63
– seats30Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo71
Height, refer to
Dimensions104
Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel31
High beams57
– bulb replacement92
– headlamp flasher42
– indicator lamp13
High Performance
Synthetic Oil87
– alternative oils87
– approved oils87
Holders for beverages64
Hood84
Horn10
Hot exhaust system69
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to Dynamic Brake
Control DBC50
Hydraulics, brake88
Hydroplaning69
I
Ice warning48
Identification mark
– Run Flat tires82
– tire coding80
Ignition36
Ignition key16
Ignition lock36
Imprint2
Inclines69
Index106