warning light BMW Z8 2000 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakes Brake systemDriving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
which is generated by the brake appli-
cations helps to dry the brake pads and
rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 91).
Long or steep mountain descents do
not necessarily lead to reduced braking
efficiency if you drive downhill with the
transmission in a gear requiring minimal
brake applications.
Braking effect on the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid ex-
tended, continuous braking. Instead of
maintaining low to moderate pressure
over an extended period of time, you
should decelerate by applying more
substantial pressure to the brake pedal
(watch for following traffic), releasing
the pedal, and then repeating the appli-
cation (staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from overheat-
ing and retain full braking capacity.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed, the gear-shift lever in
neutral, or, above all, with the engine
shutt off; otherwise, the engine will pro-
vide no braking effect if the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no brak-
ing or steering power assist if the
engine is not running. Do not allow floor
mats, carpets or any other objects to
protrude into the area around the brake
pedal, the clutch or the accelerator
which could obstruct their freedom of
movement.<
Brake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level is too low in
the reservoir (refer to page 112).
If the brake fluid level is too low
and brake pedal travel has become no-
ticeably longer, there may be a defect
in one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen-
ter. Higher brake application pres-
sure may be necessary under these con-
ditions, and brake pedal travel may be
significantly longer. Please remember to
adapt your driving style accordingly.<

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Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireFor winter road driving, BMW recom-
mends winter tires (M+S radial belt
tires). Although all-season M+S tires
provide better winter traction than stan-
dard summer tires with H, V, W and ZR
speed ratings, they generally fail to pro-
vide the same levels of performance as
standard snow tires in winter driving.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Mount only winter tires that have been
approved by BMW. Any BMW center
will be glad to provide you with informa-
tion on the best winter tires for your
particular driving conditions.
Use only winter tires with emer-
gency driving characteristics as
there is no spare tire available if you get
a flat.
For further information, refer to
page 135.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tread depth on winter tires is
less than 0.16 in (4 mm), they are no
longer suitable for winter road driving,
and in the interest of safety should be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains is permissible in pairs only on
the rear wheels with winter tires with
tire size 245/45 R 18 96 H. Comply with
all manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains.
Do not activate the RDW system
while using snow chains.
Malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure are possible when
driving with snow chains.
For further information, refer to
page 65.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications Comply with the specifications for tires
and wheels in the vehicle's documents.
If sizes not approved by the manufac-
turer are mounted, an entry in the vehi-
cle's documents may be necessary. Tire specifications Light-alloy wheel
BMW Z8
Summer tires
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W 8Jx18 EH2
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W 9Jx18 EH2
Winter tires
245/45 R 18 96 H M+S 8Jx18 EH2
Snow chains
*
It is impossible to install snow chains
when using summer tires 275/40 R 18
99 W.
Do not activate the RDW system
while using snow chains.
Malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure are possible when
driving with snow chains.
For further information, refer to
page 65.<
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle control.<

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Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must fall within
the blue zone. If it is not, there is a
danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add cool-
ant until the correct level is reached Ð
do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every three years.If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been re-
leased:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can increase brake
pedal travel. For this type of situation,
refer to the notes on page 89.
520de093
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and eats away the
vehicle's paintwork. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

120n
Caring for your vehicleLeather care The leather upholstery used by BMW is
a natural product of the highest quality,
processed using state-of-the-art meth-
ods to ensure that it will maintain its
high quality for years to come, provided
that it is properly cared for.
Because you are working with a pure,
natural product, its peculiarities Ð its
special characteristics even Ð must be
taken into account in its use and care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of
the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent
intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
prevents antistatic electricity.
For protection against dampness or
moisture, treat the leather with a BMW
impregnating agent.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains without
rubbing, but rather by dabbing with
spot remover.
If the upholstery is to be exposed to
intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover all
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-
dows) to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Cleaning agents can contain dan-
gerous or health-threatening sub-
stances. Therefore, always comply with
the warnings and danger notices on the
package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically in-
tended for this purpose.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 WarningAny BMW center will be happy to
advise you concerning the advisability,
legal requirements and factory recom-
mendations for technical modifications
to the vehicle. The BMW center will
therefore require the Vehicle Identifica-
tion Number and, in some cases, the
engine number as well. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. These light-
emitting diodes are similar to conven-
tional lasers.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours). To do so could result in
inflammation of the iris.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<

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OBD interface socket The OBD interface socket for onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the in-
strument panel and under a cover panel.
The cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system throughout the
vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-
sion-related components and systems
for deterioration and malfunction.520de130
An Illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, but
not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When this
occurs, you should reduce speed and
consult the nearest BMW center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over
only a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
Warning lamp "Service Engine
Soon" for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Towing
Avoid "off-center" towing. Be sure
that the tow rope is pulled tightly
when the towing vehicle begins to
move.<
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingFor instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 143.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle1 Put the manual-shift gear lever in
neutral
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(comply with country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, e. g. place a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key re-
mains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed to prevent
the steering lock from engaging. The
steering and brakes are without power
assist when the engine is not running.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed equipment
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to the tie rods, con-
trol arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension. If you do so, severe dam-
age will occur to these components.<520us014

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19,86
Accessories4
Activated charcoal filter73
Adding engine oil109
Adding washer
fluid108,157
Adjusting the
temperature72
Adusting seats43
Air conditioner70
Air distribution72
Air nozzles70
Air outlets70
Air pressure96
Air supply72
Airbags19,49,121,148
Alarm system36
Antenna92
Antifreeze111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19,86
Anti-theft alarm system36
Anti-theft protection30
Aquaplaning85,97
Ashtray79
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner80
Automatic car washes115
Automatic speed control59 Automatic windshield
washer58
Avoiding unwanted
alarm37
Axle loads156
B
Backrest, unlock44
Backup lamps56
bulb replacement130
Battery136,158
charge137
discharged143
Battery capacity158
Battery charge current18
Belts48
Beverage can holder78
Blower72
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Bore154
Brake fluid112
Brake hydraulic system18
Brake pads20
Brakes88
brake faults89
Breaking in the vehicle84
Bulb replacement129 C
California Proposition 65
Warning123 Can holder78
Car Memory46
Car radio62,92
refer also to the car radio
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception92,148
Car telephone79
Car wash115
Care
exterior117
interior119
Caring for the vehicle
finish118
Catalytic converter85
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)19
CD mode, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Cellular phone92
refer also to "Radio and
Information Systems
Owner's Manual"
Central locking system30
key34
Changing the oil filter157
Check air pressure24
Child restraint systems51
Child seat safety52
Child seats51
Cigarette lighter80
Clock62
Cockpit14 Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch56
Compartments76,77
Compartments for stowing
items76
Compression154
Configuring the settings46
Connector for On-Board-
Diagnostics124
Consumption display60
Controls14
Convertible top39
closing after an electrical
malfunction141
Coolant111,157
Coolant temperature
gauge61
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)19
Cruise control59
Curb weight156
Current check indicator18
D
Dashboard14
Data
dimensions155
engine154
technical154
weights156

A-Z

Everything from A to Z
163n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Daytime running lamps
switch67
Daytime-driving lamp
switch67
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)88
Defrost position73
Defroster, rear
window58,73
Defrosting the windows73
Dimensions155
Dipstick109
Disc brakes88
Displacement154
Display lighting67
Displays16
Door keys28
Door warning lamp
bulb replacement132
Doors
emergency actuation30
remote control31
unlocking and locking30
DOT Quality Grades98
Draft-free ventilation73
Drive belts158
Driving hints85
Driving lamps67
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)20,63,149
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)88 Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)20,63,149
E
Electric power seat
adjustment43
Electric power windows38
Electrical defect
passenger-side door141
Electrical equipment
failure138
Electrical system158
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer29
Emergency actuation
doors30
Emergency operation
fuel filler door140
passenger-side door141
Engine compartment106
Engine coolant111
Engine cooling157
Engine data154
Engine oil109
consumption109
fill capacity157
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Engine oil level19
check109
Engine oil pressure18 Engine output154
Engine speed154
Engine, starting54
Exit lamps
bulb replacement132
Exterior mirrors45
F
Fault, ABS87
Fill capacities157
Filler cap cover23
Filling capacities157
Filling the washer
reservoir157
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir157
First aid22
First-aid kit22
Fittings, tow starting and
towing144
Flashlight77
Flat tire135
Foglamps
bulb replacement131
Follow-Me-Home lamps67
Footbrake88
Footwell lamps68
bulb replacement132
For car phones and
telephones, please refer to
the manufacturer's
Owner's Manual Front seat adjustment43
Frost protection,
radiator111
Fuel24
preparation154
Fuel filler door
release after an electrical
defect140
Fuel gauge60
Fuel indicator60
Fuel quality24
Fuel tank capacity157
Fuses138
G
Gasoline24
Glove compartment76
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement133
Gross vehicle weight156 H
Handbrake55
Handsfree system79
Hardtop94
Hazard warning flashers22
Hazard warning triangle22
Head restraint44
Headlamp covers,
care115,129
Headlamp flasher68