air condition BMW Z4 3.0SI ROADSTER 2008 E85 Owner's Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
15
1Reading lamps*61
2Interior lamps61
3Air conditioning62
or automatic climate control
*65
5Indicator/warning lamp
passenger airbags37
6Central locking system21
7Hazard warning flashers
8Dynamic Driving Control44 Air distribution for air
conditioning63
Air distribution for automatic cli-
mate control
*66
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*66
Cooling function
*63,66
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control
*67
Recirculated-air mode63,67
Maximum cooling
*66
Air flow rate63,66
Defrosting windows
*66
Rear window defroster63,67
4
Seat heating
*33
Roadster: opening the convertible
top
*27
Roadster: closing the convertible
top
*27
Dynamic Traction Control DTC51
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
*53
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
*54

Opening and closing
26 >It is advisable to close the convertible top
when the vehicle is parked. When closed,
the top not only guards the passenger com-
partment from unforeseeable damage from
the weather, but also affords a degree of
protection against theft. Valuables, how-
ever, should only be kept in the locked
cargo bay, even when the convertible top is
closed.
>When the convertible top is open, the cen-
tral locking system also locks button 1 for
the convertible top, refer to page26. The
convertible top cannot be operated. This
provides better theft protection for valu-
ables stored in the cargo bay.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack
system on the convertible top.
Never keep a wet convertible top in the
convertible top compartment for longer
than one day, otherwise the moisture could
cause damage.<
Opening
Operate the convertible top only when
the vehicle is stationary.
To avoid any damage when opening the con-
vertible top, make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel in the cargo bay has been
folded down, refer to page23.<
1.Flip the handle out and turn it to the end
stop.
2.Fold the handle back in.
Do not guide the convertible top
towards the rear with the handle
folded out, otherwise the convertible top's
headliner could be damaged.<3.Open the convertible top and guide it
toward the rear of the vehicle.
4.Gently swing the convertible top downward
and press until it engages audibly.Closing
1.Press button1.
The convertible top is released and moves
up slightly.
2.Using the handle, pull the convertible top
forward onto the windshield frame.
3.Turn the handle until it engages audibly.
The convertible top is locked.
At higher speeds, a vacuum effect in the
passenger compartment can cause the
convertible top to begin fluttering. Increase the
air flow from the air conditioning or automatic

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
27
climate control to prevent a partial vacuum in
the vehicle.<
Roadster: fully automatic
convertible top*
The fully automatic convertible top combines
assured protection against the elements 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 passenger com-
partment from unforeseeable damage from
the weather, but also affords a degree of
protection against theft. Valuables, how-
ever, should only be kept in the locked
cargo bay, even when the convertible top is
closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage rack
system on the convertible top.
Do not operate the convertible top at tem-
peratures below 147/–106, otherwise
damage could result.
Never keep a wet convertible top in the convert-
ible top compartment for longer than one day,
otherwise the moisture could cause damage.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top, other-
wise they could fall off when the convertible top
is operated and cause damage or injuries.
Driving while the convertible top is not com-
pletely open or closed can cause vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.
Do not reach into the convertible top mecha-
nism during opening and closing. Keep children
away from the convertible top's range of move-
ment.
For safety reasons, whenever possible operate
the convertible top when the vehicle is station-
ary.<
If a convertible top operation has not yet
been completed as you start to drive off,
at a traffic light for example, you can continue
the procedure at moderate speed:
To do so, press and hold the corresponding button again.
At higher speeds, a vacuum effect in the pas-
senger compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Use the air conditioning
or automatic climate control to increase the air
flow rate and thus prevent a partial vacuum in
the vehicle.<
Before opening and closing
>Read and comply with the preceding safety
precautions.
>Make sure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the cargo bay has been
folded down; refer to page23. Otherwise
the convertible top cannot be opened.
>Ensure that the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate is closed.
Opening and closing
With the key in ignition position 1 or higher,
refer to page40, and while the vehicle is sta-
tionary:
If at all possible, operate the convertible
top only with the engine running. This
saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove any
objects from the windshield frame that other-
wise could prevent the convertible top from
closing properly.<
1Closing
2Opening
The side windows will move down slightly
when you press the button for operating
the convertible top.
After the opening or closing operation, the win-
dows will move back up if you press the button
for more than 2 seconds after the LED has gone

Transporting children safely
36
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening
the doors, for example.<
Children on the passenger seat
Children under 13 years of age or under
5 ft/150 cm in height may only be trans-
ported in child-restraint systems suitable for
their age, weight and size and if the passenger
airbags are deactivated. Otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent or should the airbags deploy.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child-restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, weight and size.
For a child, not an infant, certain precautions
should be taken. Position the passenger seat as
far back as possible and at the lowest level. This
important precaution is intended to maximize
the distance between the airbags and the child.
Deactivating/reactivating passenger
airbags
The passenger airbags must be deacti-
vated before using a rear-facing child-
restraint system on the passenger seat, refer
also to page37 for explanation.
BMW also recommends that the passenger air-
bags be deactivated if a child is transported in a
front-facing child-restraint system, regardless
of the age of the child. If you transport a child in
the passenger seat, not an infant in a rear-fac-
ing seat, who is properly seated and seat-belted
at all times, the potential benefits of airbags
deploying in an accident generally outweigh the
risks of the child being injured by the force of a
deploying airbag.
Therefore, you should deactivate the passen-
ger airbags only if you find it difficult to ensure
that the child will remain properly seated and seat-belted at all times.
Always position the passenger seat as far back
as possible and at the lowest level.
The above warning and recommendations are
compatible with regulations established by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
NHTSA, permitting the deactivation of passen-
ger airbags by means of an on-off switch for
members of certain at-risk groups.
Specifically, the at-risk groups are:
>Infants in rear-facing infant seats
>Persons with certain medical conditions
>Children aged 12 and under in the passen-
ger seat.
NHTSA provides this information via their web-
site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or via their Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123
in Washington, D.C. area.<
Key switch for passenger
airbags
The front, side and knee airbags for the passen-
ger can be deactivated and reactivated using a
key switch. It is located on the passenger side
on the side of the dashboard.
The passenger airbags can only be deactivated
and reactivated while the vehicle is at a stand-
still and the passenger door is open.

Climate
62
Climate
Air conditioning
1Air flow toward the windshield and side win-
dows
2Air to the upper body area
Ventilation63
3Air to the footwell
4Air distribution
5Cooling function
*
6Recirculated-air mode
7Temperature
8Air flow rate
9Rear window defroster

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
63
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the windows
, to the upper body area and to
the footwell . Intermediate settings
are possible.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the cooling function is on, the
air is cooled, dehumidified, then
reheated depending on the tempera-
ture setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
Recirculated-air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, temporarily shut off the supply
to the interior of the car. The system
recirculates the air within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the recircu-
lated-air mode, you should switch it off
and, if necessary, increase the air flow rate.
The manually controlled recirculated-air mode
should not be used continuously for lengthy
periods, otherwise the quality of the air inside
the car will gradually deteriorate.<
Temperature
For a higher temperature, turn the
rotary switch clockwise towards red.
For a lower temperature, turn the
rotary switch counterclockwise
towards blue.
Air flow rate
Adjust the air flow rate. The higher
the rate, the more effective the heat-
ing or cooling will be.
Switching the system on/off
Set the air flow rate to 0. Blower and air condi-
tioning are switched off and the air supply is cut
off.
To switch on the heater or air conditioning, set
any desired air flow rate.
Rear window defroster
The defroster switches off automati-
cally after a certain time.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
1.Air distribution1 in position .
2.Set air flow rate 2 to position 4.
3.Temperature3 to the right, red.
4.Switch on rear window defroster 4 to
defrost the rear window.
Ventilation
1Knurled wheels to set any vent position
from fully open to closed
2Slide for adjusting air flow direction
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air toward you, for instance if it has become too
hot in the car.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and not straight at you.

Climate
66
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program 6 offers the ideal air distribution
and air flow rate for almost all conditions, refer
to AUTO program below. In addition, you can
select an interior temperature you find pleasant.
The following sections inform you in detail
about how to adjust the settings.
Air distribution, manual
Direct the flow of air to the windows
, to the upper body area and to
the footwell . Intermediate settings
are possible. The arrow lights up.
The automatic air supply remains unchanged.
You can switch the automatic air distribution
back on by pressing the AUTO button.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and side
windows.
AUTO program
The AUTO program adjusts the air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, towards the upper
body area and into the footwell for
you. The air flow rate and your temperature
specifications will be adapted to outside influ-
ences as a result of seasonal changes, e.g. sun-
light or window condensation.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program.
The AUTO program functions only to a
limited extent when the convertible top is
open.<
Air flow rate, manual
Adjust the air flow rate. The arrow
lights up.
The automatic air distribution
remains unchanged. You can reactivate the
automatic mode for the air flow rate with the
AUTO button.The higher the air flow rate, the more effective
the air conditioning will be.
Switching the system on/off
Turn the rotary switch to 0. The automatic cli-
mate control is switched off and the air supply is
cut off.
To switch on the automatic climate control, set
any desired air flow rate.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the cooling function is on, the
air is cooled, dehumidified, then
reheated depending on the tempera-
ture setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program. The passen-
ger compartment can only be cooled while the
engine is running.
Maximum cooling
At outside temperatures above
327/06 and when the engine is
running, you obtain a maximum cool-
ing effect as soon as possible.
The automatic climate control switches to the
lowest temperature and operates in recircu-
lated-air mode. Air flows at maximum rate only
from the vents for the upper body area. You
should therefore open them for maximum cool-
ing.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature.
The values on the dial are approxima-
tions of the respective temperature
resulting in the passenger compartment.
The automatic climate control achieves this
temperature as quickly as possible regardless
of the season, using maximum cooling or heat-
ing power if necessary, and then maintains it.
If you switch between different tempera-
ture settings in quick succession, the

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
75
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance to the forward vehicle. A defensive and
smooth driving style keeps fuel consumption
down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
O n a d o w n h il l s lo p e , t a k e y o u r f o o t o f f t h e a c c el -
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner and the
seat or rear window heating draw large amounts
of power and consume additional fuel. Espe-
cially in city traffic and in stop and go driving
they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page96.
Driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate is closed.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the inte-
rior of the vehicle.<
Should it be absolutely necessary drive with the
luggage compartment lid/tailgate open:
1.Coupe: close both windows.
Roadster: close all windows if the convert-
ible top is closed.
2.Greatly increase the air flow from the air
conditioning or automatic climate control,
refer to page62 or65.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Never remove the heat shields installed in
this area, nor apply undercoating to their sur-
faces. When driving, standing at idle or parking
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact between
the hot exhaust system and flammable materi-
als, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact
could lead to a fire, resulting in serious personal
injury and property damage. Do not touch the
hot exhaust pipes to avoid the risk of injury from
burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the tires and
the road surface. This situation, known as
hydroplaning, means that the tire can com-

Things to remember when driving
76 pletely lose contact with the road surface, so
that neither the car can be steered nor the brake
be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page87.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Moisture inside the vehicle
Make sure that the passenger compart-
ment does not become wet and that liq-
uids are transported in closed containers. Oth-
erwise, moisture could penetrate and damage
electronic components inside the vehicle.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, keep the vehicle from rolling
by using the parking brake rather than by
slipping the clutch, which would lead to a high
degree of clutch wear.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The resulting heat dries the
brake rotors and brake pads. Immediate braking
force is then available if necessary.
Inclines
To prevent overheating and, as a result,
diminished braking effectiveness, drive
down long or steep downhill grades in the gear
that requires the least braking. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page43.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
Limited vehicle use, extended periods with the
vehicle parked or in storage, and operating con-
ditions in which braking is restricted to gentle,
low-pressure applications will all increase the
tendency for corrosion to form on the rotors and
contamination to accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal pres-
sure which must be exerted by the pads to
clean the rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to
respond to braking with a pulsating effect which
even extended application will fail to cure.
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up. The brake
pads have worn down to the minimum
safe limit. Have the brake pads
replaced as soon as possible.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
77
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the air conditioning
or automatic climate control is in operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water on the ground underneath the
vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
Cargo loading
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permissible carrying capacity of the tires
is not exceeded. Otherwise, overheating and
inner damage to the tires may result. The ulti-
m a t e r e s u l t c a n a s s u m e t h e f o r m o f a s u d d e n a i r
loss.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
bay, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle.<
Determining the maximum load
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passenger that will be riding in
your vehicle.3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passenger from XXX kilograms or
YYY pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
551 lbs and there will be two 150 lbs occu-
pants in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
251 lbs.
551lbs minus 300lbs = 251lbs
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
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 cargo bay partition,
and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.