manual transmission BMW Z4 ROADSTER 3.0I 2005 E85 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps12
3Tachometer46
with indicator and warning lamps12
4Engine coolant temperature gauge46
5Fuel gauge46
6Button for
>Time47
>Service interval display47
7Display field for selector lever and program
indicator
>Automatic transmission
*38
>Sequential manual gearbox SMG
*40
8Button for
>Trip odometer, reset to zero46
>Setting time47
9Display for
>Trip odometer/Odometer46
>Clock47
>Service interval47
>Computer
*48
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified
by
+ are tested for proper functioning whenever
the ignition key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction occurs in one of the monitored
systems, the corresponding light does not go
out after the engine has started, or it lights up
again while the vehicle is in motion. You can find
more information about each system on the
specified pages.
Safety belt reminder +30
Airbags
+53
Battery charge current
+94

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
various colors and combinations.
>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 or blue:
For your information. Engine oil pressure/Engine oil level/
Engine oil sensor
+86
Brake system
+
Parking brake released88
Parking brake applied37
With other warning lamps51
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving
stability control systems
+50
Antilock Brake System ABS/Driving
stability control systems for Canadian
models
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
+50
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
+50
Flat Tire Monitor
+52
Automatic transmission/Sequential
manual gearbox SMG
+39, 41
Brake pads
+88
Add coolant87
Check gas cap
+76
Service engine soon
+90
Service engine soon indicator lamp for
Canadian models
Defective bulb56
Turn signal indicators42
Fog lamps57
Headlamp flasher/High beams42, 57
Electric Power Steering
+42
Doors or luggage compartment lid
open
Engine electronics
+
Malfunction in the engine electronics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.

Driving
36
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
This is the only position in which the ignition 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.
Interlock
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
In order to turn the key back to position0 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 position0 to 1 if you move the
steering wheel slightly to help disengage the
detent.
Individual electrical equipment and accessories
are available for use.
2 Ignition switched on
All systems are operational.
3 Starting engine
Engine
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 leave the engine running in
enclosed spaces. Otherwise, inhaling the
hazardous exhaust gases could lead to uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color-
less, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
engine running. An unattended vehicle with a
running engine poses a safety hazard.
Before you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, place the engine in idle first or engage
the P position and apply the parking brake. If
you fail to do this, the vehicle could move.<
Starting the engine
Do not press the accelerator pedal while start-
ing the engine.
Do not let the engine warm up in idling position.
Instead, begin to drive at moderate engine
speeds.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehi-
cle. A lockout prevents the engine from starting
if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but
do not continue it for more than 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately when the
engine starts.
If the engine fails to start on the first attempt,
e.g. if it is very hot or cold:
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down.
Cold starts at very low temperatures, below
approx. +57/–156, and at high altitudes,
above 3,300 ft/1,000 m:

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
>On the first attempt, engage the starter for
approx. 10 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down.
Avoid frequent starting attempts in short
succession or repeated starting attempts
during which the engine does not start. Other-
wise, uncombusted or incompletely combusted
fuel will pose a risk of the catalytic converter
overheating and being damaged.<
Manual transmission
1.Engage the parking brake
2.Gearshift lever in idling position
3.Depress the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not depressed, the
engine cannot be started
4.Start the engine.
Automatic transmission
1.Depress footbrake
2.Place selector lever in position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
1.Depress footbrake
2.Move selector lever to neutral position N
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, re-engage the
position last selected, refer to the display
in the instrument cluster, and then engage posi-
tion N again.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key while the
vehicle is still moving. If you did so, the
steering lock would engage when the steering
wheel is turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and engage the steering lock.
Apply the parking brake when parking on steep
gradients, as the vehicle could otherwise start
to roll.<
You can have an acoustic signal set as a
reminder that the ignition key is still in the ignition switch after the driver's door has been
opened.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0
2.Engage first gear or reverse gear.
Automatic transmission
1.Place the selector lever in position P
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
1.Engage a drive position
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0. An
acoustic signal sounds if the engine is
switched off while position N is engaged.
Parking brake
The parking brake is designed primarily to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling when parked. It
operates against the rear wheels.
The indicator lamp lights up. As the
vehicle drives off, an acoustic signal
also sounds. The parking brake has
been applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
To engage
The detent engages automatically and the indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on
when the ignition key is in position 2.

Driving
38
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button
and lower the lever.
If, in exceptional circumstances, it should
be necessary to engage the parking brake
while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it with
excessive pressure. Keep the release button on
the parking brake lever pressed down while
pulling up the lever.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking and
loss of traction, fishtailing, at the rear axle.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is engaged.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing, apply the parking brake lightly from
time to time when coasting to a standstill at a
traffic signal, for example, provided that it is safe
to do so.<
Manual transmission
6-gear transmission*
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged by accidentally
engaging 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press
the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the
resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will come on
automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to operating the Steptronic as a fully
automatic transmission, you can also shift
gears manually with it, refer to page39.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + —
Available indicators
P R N D SD M1 to M5
The selector lever position is displayed; in the
manual mode, the gear currently engaged is
shown.
Range selection
>The selector lever can be moved out of
position P when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is running: interlock
>While the vehicle is stationary and before
shifting out of P or N, depress the footbrake
in order to disengage the selector lever's
lock mechanism: shiftlock.
Hold the footbrake down until starting off.
The vehicle will otherwise start to move
when a drive position is engaged.

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
69
1.Close all windows
2.Increase the air supply from the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control to a high
level. Refer to page58 or61.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur with every vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic converter.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to some sec-
tions of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoating to
their surfaces. When driving, standing at idle
and parking the vehicle, take care to avoid con-
tact 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.<
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 phenomenon can lead to
partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle con-
trol and braking effectiveness.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine,
the electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
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. If you are in a situation which requires
full braking, it is best to brake using maximum
brake pressure: panic stop. 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
If the roads are wet or if there is heavy rain, it is
advisable to gently press the brakes for a brief
moment every few miles/kilometers. 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 a gear
which requires the least braking. Otherwise,
even light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.<
The braking power of the engine can be further
enhanced by downshifting the automatic trans-
mission in manual mode, if necessary, into first
gear; refer to pages39 and41. This prevents an
excessive load on the brakes.
Do not coast with the clutch depressed or
with the transmission or selector lever in
Neutral. Do not coast with the engine switched
off. Otherwise, the engine provides no braking
effect while the transmission is in idling posi-
tion, and there is no power-assist for braking or
steering when the engine is off.
Floor mats, floor carpets or other objects must
not be in the area near the brake or accelerator
pedal, as this could impair the movement of the
pedals.<
Corrosion on the 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-

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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
Weights
Z4 2.5iZ4 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg
lbs/kg2,932/1,330
2,976/1,350
2,998/1,3602,998/1,360
3,020/1,370
3,042/1,380
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg
lbs/kg3,483/1,580
3,527/1,600
3,549/1,6103,549/1,610
3,571/1,620
3,593/1,630
Load lbs/kg 551/250 551/250
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,720/780 1,742/790
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,841/835 1,863/845
Luggage compartment capacity
with convertible top compartment panel raisedcu ft/l
cu ft/l8.5/240
9.2/2608.5/240
9.2/260
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the approved gross vehicle weight.