Child BMW Z4 COUPE 2006 E86 Owner's Manual

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Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find information on special
topics is by using the index starting on
page112.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
7Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
Controls
18Opening and closing
30Adjustments
35Transporting children safely
38Driving
46Everything under control
49Technology for driving comfort and
safety
55Lamps
58Climate
64Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
70Special operating instructions
Mobility
78Refueling
80Wheels and tires
86Under the hood
91Maintenance
93Replacing components
98Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
106Technical data
112Everything from A to Z

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Mobility
25
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
>Press the button on the remote
control twice in a row.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
the interior motion sensor are deactivated until
the vehicle is again unlocked and locked.
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows and keep them in
your field of vision until they are shut.
Take the key with you when you leave the car,
otherwise children could operate the windows
and possibly injure themselves.<
Opening, closing
Ignition key in position 1 or higher:
>Press the switch downward to the resis-
tance point.
The window continues to open as long as
you press the switch.
>Press the switch beyond the resistance
point.
The window opens automatically. Press the
switch again to stop the opening move-
ment.
You can close the window in the same manner
by pulling the switch upward.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
After switching off the ignition
You can still open or close the windows for
approx. 1 minute, as long as no one opens any
of the doors.
For convenience operation via the remote con-
trol or the door lock, refer to page19 or20,
respectively.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force exceeds a certain value while
a window is being raised, the system responds
by stopping the window and then retracting it a
short distance.
Despite the pinch protection system
check and clear the window's travel path
prior to closing it, otherwise the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as thin objects, and the window
would continue closing.
Do not install any accessories within the win-
dows' range of movement; otherwise the pinch
protection system could be impaired.<
The closing force can change as a result
of extreme temperature fluctuations. The
window then opens slightly after closing even if
there is no obstacle within the window's travel
path. If this occurs, override the pinch protec-
tion system.<
Pulling the switch beyond the resistance point
and holding it there overrides and deactivates
the pinch protection system.
After a power supply interruption
After a power supply interruption, for instance
after disconnecting the battery, the pinch pro-
tection system must be reinitialized.
Roadster: when the convertible top has
been stored in the convertible top com-
partment for an extended period of time, e.g. in
the winter months because the hardtop was
being used, it may also be necessary to reinitial-
ize the pinch protection system.<
Ensure that the doors and the Roadster's con-
vertible top are closed before initializing.

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27
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
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. >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 page38, 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.

Adjustments
30
Adjustments
Safe seating position
For relaxed driving with as little fatigue as pos-
sible, you should select a seating position that
reflects your personal requirements. In combi-
nation with the safety belts, the head restraints
and the airbags, the seating position has a
major influence on your safety in the event of an
accident. To ensure that the vehicle's safety
systems provide you with optimal protection,
we request that you direct your careful attention
to the following section.
For supplementary information on transporting
children refer to page35.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered
off.
Never allow any objects, individuals or animals
to obstruct the areas between passengers and
airbags.
Never use the front airbag's cover as a storage
tray or support for objects of any kind. Ensure
that the passenger is correctly seated, e.g. does
not prop feet or legs against the dashboard.
Otherwise, leg injury could result if the knee air-
bag and front airbag suddenly deployed.
Make sure that the passenger does not lean his
or her head against the side airbag, otherwise
serious injuries could result if the airbags sud-
denly deployed.<
Even when all these guidelines are observed,
the risk of injury as a result of contact with the
airbags cannot entirely be ruled out in some sit-
uations. In sensitive individuals, the ignition and
inflation noise may induce a mild hearing loss
that is temporary in most cases.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page52.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page32.
Safety belt
Make sure every occupant fastens his or her
safety belt. As supplemental restraint devices,
the airbags are designed to enhance the effec-
tiveness of the safety belts, and not to replace
them.
Your vehicle offers two sitting positions, each of
which is equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits
low against the hips and does not press against
the abdomen. The safety belt must never rest
against the throat, rub against sharp edges,
pass over hard or fragile objects or be pinched.
F a s t e n t he s a f e t y b e l t a ro u n d y o u r b o d y s n u g l y,
ma king sure tha t it is pulled taut across your lap
and shoulder and that it is not twisted; other-
wise, the belt can slide over the hips in the event
of a frontal collision and injure your abdomen.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull
the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise
its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page33.
Seats
Before adjusting your seat, always
observe the following precautions
Never try to adjust your seat while driving.
Otherwise, the seat could respond with
unexpected movement, and the ensuing loss of

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35
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
5ft/150cm 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.
The passenger seat complies with the recom-
mendations of the SAE J1819 standard for safe
installation of child-restraint systems in motor
vehicles.
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 page36 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.

Transporting children safely
36 The passenger airbags can only be deactivated
and reactivated while the vehicle is at a stand-
still and the passenger door is open.
Deactivating
Use the key to turn the key switch to the OFF
position.
The passenger airbags are deactivated in this
position. The airbags for the driver remain
active.
Reactivate the passenger airbags as soon
as a child-restraint system is no longer
installed on the passenger seat; otherwise they
may not deploy as intended in the event of an
accident.<
Reactivating
Use the key to turn the key switch to the ON
position.
The passenger airbags in the vehicle are reacti-
vated and will be triggered in certain situations.
Operational status of the passenger
airbags
The center console contains one of the indica-
tor lamps shown in the illustration.
>The indicator lamp remains lit when the
passenger airbags are deactivated.
>The indicator lamp is not lit when the pas-
senger airbags are activated.
When the seat is empty, the passenger
airbags are always deactivated. The indi-
cator lamp is not lit.<
Installing child-restraint
systems
Before installing a child-restraint system
on the passenger seat, make sure that the
front and side airbags for the passenger are
deactivated, otherwise there is an increased
risk of injury if the airbags deploy. Observe the
child-restraint system manufacturer's instruc-
tions for selecting, installing and using child-
restraint systems. Otherwise the protective
effect may be diminished.<
Child seat security
The passenger's safety belt can be prevented
from being pulled out in order to fasten child-
restraint systems.
To lock the safety belt
1.Secure the child-restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3.Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child-restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1.Open the belt buckle.
2.Remove the child-restraint system.
3.Allow the safety belt strap to retract all the
way.
Coupe: child-restraint system with
tether strap
There is an anchor fitting in the cargo bay for
child-restraint systems with a tether strap.

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To gain access to this anchor fitting, lift the
plastic plug with the help of a screwdriver, see
arrow.
Use the tether strap anchor fittings only
to fasten child-restraint systems in place;
otherwise the anchor fittings could be dam-
aged.<
Positioning the tether strap
1.Unhook the roller-blind cover, if necessary,
and let it retract.
2.Push the head restraint upward.
3.Guide the tether strap through the head
restraint support posts.
4.Push the head restraint into its lowest posi-
tion.
5.Clip the tether strap onto the anchor fitting.
M Sports seat*: positioning the tether
strap
1.Unhook the roller-blind cover, if necessary,
and let it retract.
2.Guide the tether strap through the holder at
the top of the head restraint.
3.Clip the tether strap onto the anchor fitting.
LATCH child-restraint fixing system*
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
When installing a LATCH child seat, com-
ply with the child seat manufacturer's
operating and safety instructions.<
Anchor points
The anchor points for the LATCH child seat can
be found at the locations marked by the arrows.
Carefully push the child seat brackets through
the gap between the seat cushion and backrest
cushion at the designated locations, see
arrows.

Driving
44
Cleaning windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
The windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated
* when the engine is running or the
ignition is on.
Cleaning headlamps*
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. For
this reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original container.
Store it so that it is inaccessible to children.
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Fill with water and, if required, with antifreeze
according to its manufacturer's recommenda-
tions.
Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
Cruise control is available at speeds of at least
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. The car stores and
maintains the speed that you specify with the
lever on the steering column.
Do not use cruise control if conditions are
unfavorable for driving at a constant
speed, e.g. due to winding roads, dense traffic,
or poor road conditions such as snow, rain, ice,
loose surface, etc. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.<
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3To recall the stored speed
4Deactivating cruise control
To maintain current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained.
If, on downhill grades, the engine braking effect
is not sufficient, the controlled speed can be
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
To increase speed
Tap the lever repeatedly, arrow 1, until the
desired speed is reached.
Every time you tap the lever, the speed
increases by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.

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help provide protection in the event of side
impact. The relevant side airbag supports the
side upper body area. The respective knee air-
bag protects the legs from hitting the cockpit.
The airbags will purposely not be activated by
every collision, e.g. not by more minor acci-
dents, or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to
dismantle the airbag retention system. Do not
modify the individual components of the sys-
tem or its wiring in any way. This includes the
padding in the steering wheel, the dashboard
and the doors.
Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel. Do not touch the individual
components immediately after the system has
been triggered, because there is a danger of
burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Cen-
ter or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the passenger
seat cushion determines whether and how the
seat is occupied. The front and side airbags for
the passenger are activated or deactivated by
the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp in the center console
shows the current status of the passen-
ger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Status of passenger airbags below.<
Before transporting a child on the pas-
senger seat, observe the safety and han-dling instructions under Transporting children
safely, refer to page35.
Adolescents and adults sitting in certain posi-
tions could inadvertently deactivate the front
and side airbags on the passenger side; the
indicator lamp for the passenger airbags comes
on. In such cases, the passenger should change
his or her sitting position so that the passenger
airbags are activated and the indicator lamp
goes out. If the passenger airbags cannot be
restored to the desired status despite the pas-
senger changing his or her seat position, use
the key switch to activate or deactivate the pas-
senger airbags, refer to page35. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the passenger seat unless they
are specifically recommended by BMW. Do not
place any items under the seat which could
press against the seat from below. Otherwise a
correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of passenger airbags
The center console contains one of the indica-
tor lamps for the passenger airbags shown in
the illustration.
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbags
shows the functional status of the passenger's
front and side airbags in accordance with
whether and how the passenger seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in an appropriate child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the passen-
ger are not activated.

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Coupe: eyeglasses compartment
To open
Press the strip on the eyeglasses compartment.
Beverage holders
Do not place glassware in a beverage
holder; otherwise there is an increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.<
A beverage holder is located on either side
beneath the air outlets.
1.Press the trim piece beneath the air outlets;
see arrow1.
2.Place the beverage into the holder.
3.Adjust the holder to fit the size of the bever-
age container; see arrow2.
Ashtray*
To empty
1.Open cover.
2.Pull out ashtray1.
Cigarette lighter
Press in lighter2. As soon as the lighter springs
back out, it can be removed.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational even
when the key has been removed. For this rea-
son, children should never be left in the vehicle
unattended.<
Coupe: roller-blind cover
The roller-blind cover is raised when the tail-
gate is opened.
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
roller-blind cover. If you do, they can
endanger the passengers, for example during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not let the roller-blind cover retract too
quickly; otherwise it could be damaged.<