lights BMW Z4 COUPE 2006 E86 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
55
Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beams
0Lamps off and daytime running light*
1Parking lamps and daytime running light*
2Low beams
3Automatic headlamp control
* and daytime
running light
*
Parking lamps
In switch position1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the
parking lamps to signal the position of the vehi-
cle when it is parked. For the additional option
of roadside parking lamps on one side of the
vehicle only, refer to page56.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Low beams
The low beams light up when the light switch is
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
When you switch off the ignition with the low
beam headlamps on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
Defective bulb
The indicator lamp lights up:
At least one bulb of the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting has failed.
For replacing bulbs refer to page93.
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in position3, the low beams
are switched on and off automatically depend-
ing on ambient light conditions, e.g. in a tunnel,
in twilight, or if there is precipitation.
When driving into tunnels with bright overhead
lights, there may be a delay before the head-
lamps come on.
The headlamps may also come on when the
sun is sitting low on a blue sky.
The low beams remain switched on inde-
pendent of the ambient lighting condi-
tions when you switch on the fog lamps
*.
When daytime running light is activated, refer to
page55, the low-beam headlamps are always
switched on when the switch is in position 3 and
the ignition is on.<
If desired, the light switch can remain in
position3. The exterior lamps are automatically
switched off after the vehicle is parked.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
lamps manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of your vehi-
cle's automatic headlamp control
adjusted.<
Daytime running light*
If desired, the light switch can remain in the
automatic headlamp control position. The exte-
rior lamps are automatically switched off after
the vehicle is parked.
In the Parking lamps position, the parking lamps
come on after the ignition is switched off.
If necessary, switch on the parking lamps as
described in the section about parking lamps.

Lamps
56 You can have daytime running light acti-
vated/deactivated on your vehicle.<
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after park-
ing the car, with the lights switched off, the low
beams come on and remain on for a certain
time.
You can have this function activated/
deactivated as well as the duration of the
pathway lighting set.<
LIGHTS ON warning
Whenever you open the driver's door after hav-
ing turned the key to position 0, you will hear an
acoustic signal for a few seconds to remind you
that the lamps have not been switched off.
High beams/Roadside
parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
When parking the vehicle, you have the option
to switch on the lamps only on the side facing
the road.
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down, arrow 3, until it engages.
The roadside parking lamps discharge
the battery. Therefore, do not leave them
on for unduly long periods of time, otherwise
the battery might not have enough power to
start the engine.<
Fog lamps*
Press the button to switch them on/off.
The parking lamps or low-beam headlamps
must be switched on. A green indicator lamp
comes on in the instrument cluster to indicate
that the front fog lamps are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
Turn the rotary dial to adjust brightness.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps operate automatically.

Climate
62
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

Refueling
78
Refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling. Otherwise the tank cannot be
refilled. The Service Engine Soon warning lamp
will come on.<
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident.<
Gas cap
Opening
1.Open the fuel filler door, arrow 1.
2.Turn the gas cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler door, arrow 2.
Closing
Fit the gas cap and turn it clockwise until you
clearly hear a click.
Do not jam the strap between the gas cap
and the vehicle.<
Warning lamp
* lights up.
The gas cap is not properly closed or is
missing. Check if the gas cap is prop-
erly closed.
Manually releasing the fuel filler door
In the event of a malfunction, you can release
the fuel filler door manually:1.Remove the cover for the right-hand rear
lamps in the cargo bay by turning the lock,
see arrow.
2.Pull the cargo bay trim panel slightly toward
the interior. The green button with the fuel
pump symbol becomes visible.
3.Undo the adhesive strip and pull off.
4.Pull the button. The fuel filler door is
released.
Pull on the button slowly and care-
fully; otherwise it could be torn off.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all of
the applicable safety precautions posted
at the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank, as it could other-
wise lead to:
>Premature pump shutoff
>A reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor
recovery system.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
87
Important parts in the engine compartment
1Washer fluid reservoir for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page44
2Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil3Jump-starting connection, refer to page99
4Reservoir for brake fluid, refer to page90
5Body ground, negative terminal, refer to
page100
6Expansion tank for coolant, refer to page89
Engine oil
Oil consumption is directly influenced by your
driving style and vehicle operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up in red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top up if necessary. If the oil level is correct,
please contact your nearest BMW Center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.Do not continue driving, otherwise the
engine could sustain serious damage
from inadequate lubrication.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up in yellow
while you are driving. In addition, a sig-
nal sounds and "+1.0" appears in the
instrument cluster, refer to page88.
The oil level is at the absolute minimum; refill as
soon as possible. Do not drive more than
125 miles/200 km before refilling.
The warning lamp comes on in yellow
after the engine is switched off. A signal
also sounds.
Add engine oil at the earliest opportunity, e.g.
when you stop to refuel.

Under the hood
88 The warning lamp lights up in yellow
within 30 seconds after the engine is
started: The oil level sensor is defec-
tive:
It is not possible to issue a current or accurate
measurement. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Checking the oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least approx. 6.5 miles/10 km. You
can have the oil level displayed while you are
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a
level surface and the engine is running.
You can have the oil level reading displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Press button1. The oil level is checked and dis-
played for approx. 15 seconds.
To exit the display sooner, press button 1 again.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at
a standstill on a level surface, or about
5 minutes while the car is on the move.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add 1US quart/1liter of engine oil as soon
as possible, refer also to Adding engine oil.
4Oil level is too high.
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, as excessive oil can damage the
engine.<
5The oil level sensor is defective:
it is not possible to issue a current or accu-
rate measurement.
Do not add engine oil. You can continue
your journey. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
89
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum amount of 1 US quart/
1 liter of engine oil until the warning lamp lights
up in the instrument cluster, refer to page87, or
until the oil level monitor shows "+1.0".
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have your oil changed only by a BMW Center or
a workshop that works according to BMW
requirements with the appropriately trained
personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely impor-
tant for the function and life of an engine. BMW
continuously approves specific oils after con-
firming their suitability for use in its vehicles
with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Your BMW Center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or other approved syn-
thetic oils. 1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Do not use any oil additives, as they could
cause engine damage under some cir-
cumstances.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up:
The coolant level is too low. Top up the
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. If you do, escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additives.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Your BMW Center knows
which additives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, otherwise
the engine could be damaged. The addi-
tives are hazardous to health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking the coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated

Under the hood
90 pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if the upper end
of the red float spindle is at least at the same
level as the upper edge of the filler neck but
no more than 3/4 in or 2 cm above it, i.e. up
to the mark on the float spindle. Refer also
to the diagram next to the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Twist the cap back on and tighten it firmly.
6.Have the cause for the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up although
the parking brake is not engaged:
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.
At the same time, you may notice that brake
pedal travel is longer. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
If you continue driving, extended brake
pedal travel may be necessary and brak-
ing distances may be significantly longer. Be
sure to adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
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.
For your own safety: only use brake pads
which BMW has approved for your spe-
cific vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if they are
suitable for use, and therefore cannot guaran-
tee the operating safety of the vehicle in the
event of their use.<

Maintenance
92
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up: the
exhaust emission values have wors-
ened. Have the car checked as soon as
possible.
The lamps flash under certain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfiring of the engine. If
this happens, you should reduce your speed
and visit your nearest BMW Center as soon as
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly
lead to serious damage of emissions-related
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
If the gas cap is not properly tightened,
the OBD system will assume that fuel
vapor is escaping. An indicator will then light up.
If the cap is then tightened, the indicator will go
out within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a
device for recording or sending certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you have
signed a subscription contract for BMW Assist,
certain vehicle data may be transmitted or
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding
services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
97
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the positions
indicated in the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-free.
This means that the original electrolyte will nor-
mally last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your BMW Cen-
ter will be happy to advise you if you have any
questions concerning the battery.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being charged.
The alternator drive belt is defective or
there is a malfunction in the charging circuit of
the alternator. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over and
switch off the engine immediately to pre-
vent 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 has been switched off. Connections,
refer to Jump-starting on page99.
Battery disposal
After changing a battery, have the used
battery disposed of by your BMW Center or bring it to a recycling point. Maintain the bat-
tery in an upright position for transport and stor-
age. Secure the battery against tilting when
transporting.<
Power loss
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reset:
>Seat memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page32.
>Clock must be reset, refer to page47.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse or
replace it with a fuse having a different
color or amperage rating. To do this could
cause a fire in the vehicle as a result of circuit
overload.<
You will find the fuses and information on their
respective allocation behind the glove compart-
ment.
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Press the lock on the left, arrow1.
3.Press the lock on the right, arrow2.
4.Swing the glove compartment down.
Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasping
the fuses are found in the onboard tool kit; refer
to page93.