engine BMW Z8 2000 Owner's Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment 1 Brake fluid reservoir112
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting143
3 Coolant expansion tank111
4 Engine oil filler neck109
5 Engine oil dipstick109
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system108

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface
2 Let the warmed-up engine idle for
about 15 seconds, then turn it off
3 Pull the dipstick out after about
1 minute and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, tissue, or similar
material
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.520de089
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.520de091
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, differential and
the power steering system.<520de090

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Engine oil Specified engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is ex-
tremely important for the function and
life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain types of engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
"synthetic oils" that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site, www.bmwusa.com, to obtain this
information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
Select the correct SAE class based
on the climatic conditions in the area
where you typically drive your BMW Z8
roadster.
Approved oils are SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
outside temperatures.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: Have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease, etc. so that
they are inaccessible to children, and
follow warning labels on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot,
since escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than fac-
tory-approved, nitrite- and amino-free,
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Your BMW center is familiar
with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original containers
and in a location that is inaccessible to
children. Extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor contains the flamma-
ble substance ethylene-glycol. For this
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
engine components. If you do, it could
be ignited and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Adjust coolant level when the engine is
cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):
Up to the MAX mark on the transparent
reservoir.520de092

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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.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Vehicle Identification NumberIn the engine compartment, on the
right-hand strut dome (arrow) and on
the upper left-hand edge of the instru-
ment panel.520us009

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The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed so that it will ensure reli-
able vehicle transportation and opera-
tion with the least amount of cost and
effort on your part as possible.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
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Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are cal-
culated by using advanced technology;
these are then indicated in the Service
Interval Display. While conventional
systems rely on distance traveled alone
to determine when service is due, the
BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From the maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
equivalent to the same distance cov-
ered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System, which
is based on operating conditions,
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the ve-
hicle covers every kind of operating sit-
uation. However, even those drivers who
put significantly less than 6,000 miles
(10,000 km) on their vehicles annually,
should have the engine oil changed at
least every two years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Service Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair work.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the re-
quired special tools. In addition, check-
ing parts known from experience to be
subject to wear is a permanent part of
the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries are
your proof of regular vehicle mainte-
nance and the basis for warranty
claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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Storing your vehicle
If you plan on parking the vehicle
for more than three months,
please adhere the maintenance opera-
tions described below.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in accor-
dance with approved repair proce-
dures. Wash the vehicle, clean the
interior and treat painted and
chromed parts. Clean the weather-
stripping around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top off
if necessary
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated area. Place the
transmission in first gear or, if neces-
sary, chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling. Do not engage
the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 95
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge a battery that has been taken
out of the car every six months. If it is
not recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black, refer to page 136.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement, if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).

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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.<