tow BMW Z8 2000 Owners Manual

Contents

Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Changing a wheel135
Battery136
Fuses138

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door140
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment140
Passenger-side door141
Closing the convertible top141

Giving and receiving
assistance:

Jump starting143
Towing144Airbags148
Radio reception148
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)149
Safety belt tensioner149
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer150
Xenon lamps151Engine data154
Dimensions155
Weights156
Capacities157
Electrical system158
Drive belts158

36n
Alarm systemThe conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the lug-
gage compartment lid is opened,
>To movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor)
>To variations in the vehicle tilt sensor
such as those occuring during at-
tempts to steal the wheels or tow
the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>Activating the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes
>Flashing the high beams on and off in
sync with the hazard warning flashers.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
via a door lock or with the remote con-
trol, the alarm system is also simulta-
neously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and tilt alarm
sensor are activated approx. 30 sec-
onds after you have finished locking the
vehicle.
The system indicates that it has been
correctly armed by switching on the haz-
ard warning flashers for a single cycle
and by emitting an acoustical signal.
You can have different signals set
as acknowledgment messages for
arming and disarming.<
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located in the
inside rear view mirror's rotary knob.
>When the indicator lamp flashes con-
tinuously, the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during
arming: the door(s), the hood or lug-
gage compartment lid are not com-
pletely closed. Even if you do not
close the alerted area, the remaining
areas are deadlocked, and the indi-
cator lamp flashes continuously after
10 seconds. However, the interior
motion sensor is not activated
>The indicator lamp goes out during
disarming: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed520de014

41n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The automatic convertible top4 Lock the cover by pressing down to
the right and left
5 Pull on the knob to check that it is
securely locked
Each time you press down on the
locking device, you will either lock
or unlock the cover.<
Be sure that the cover is secured
properly on the vehicle. If it is not
firmly secured, the flow of air while driv-
ing could loosen the cover at higher
speeds.<520de038
To remove the cover Follow the same steps as for assembly,
however, in reverse sequence.
After removing, feed both of the outside
ends for the cover under its respective
retaining strap, fold it in the middle and
then fold it toward the outside (leather
on leather).
Put the folded up cover back into its
protective sleeve and stow it in the lug-
gage compartment.520de109
Closing1 Press and hold the switch in the
"Close" (2) direction until the auto-
matic closing procedure stops of its
own accord, right before the convert-
ible top frame is lying on top of the
window frame520de083

51n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Airbags Child restraints
*
The illustration shows the correct seat-
ing position for an older child wearing a
safety belt with sufficient distance be-
tween him and the side airbag (arrow).520de116
Before installing any child restraint
device or child seat, please read
the following:
Never install a rear-facing child restraint
system in the passenger seat of this
vehicle.
If the airbag deploys and hits the back-
rest of the rear-facing child seat, it is
likely that the child sitting in the rear-
facing child seat will be seriously
injured or killed.
Certain precautions should be taken if it
is necessary for a child (not an infant) to
ride in the vehicle. First, move the pas-
senger seat as far away from the instru-
ment panel as possible. This important
precaution is intended to maximize the
distance between the airbag and the
child. Older children should be tightly
secured with the safety belt. Younger
children should be secured in an appro-
priate forward-facing child-restraint
system that has first been secured with
a safety belt.
In the interest of the child's safety,
please read carefully and comply with
the instructions for installation and use
provided by the child restraint's manu-
facturer whenever you use such a de-
vice.
Do not allow children to lean out of a
child restraint system toward the door
or instrument panel, as otherwise seri-
ous injuries may result if the airbag
deploys. Always ensure that all occu-
pants (of all ages) remain properly and
securely restrained at all times.
Read carefully and comply with the
safety precautions regarding safety
belts on page 48, otherwise, the pro-
tective function of the safety belts will
be compromised.<

53n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Your car has a steering-column lock
driven by an electric motor.Releasing the steering and
electricity supply>Insert the key in position 0. The steer-
ing is audibly released.
Encountering any resistance when
turning the key to the right means:
the steering column is still not un-
locked. Turning the steering column
to the right and left can make it easier
to turn the key.
The vehicle immobilizer is deacti-
vated
>In position 1, the radio and certain
electrical consumers are operational
>In position 2, the ignition, the starter
and all electrical consumers are op-
erational.520de023
Removing the keyThe key is removed in position 0. Turn
the steering wheel to engage the steer-
ing lock and activate the electronic
vehicle immobilizer.
With a discharged or discon-
nected battery, the steering col-
umn will not be locked or unlocked.
Leaving the key in the ignition uses up a
minimal amount of power. In order to
avoid discharging the battery, remove
the key if the vehicle is to be parked for
an extended period of time.<
If the steering is locked and the
battery discharged or discon-
nected, do not tow the vehicle, as it will
not be possible to turn the steering
wheel.<
Steering/Ignition lock

71n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioning1 Air onto the windshield and the side
windows
2 Air flow for the upper body
The rotary dials make it possible for
you to open and close the air supply
through an infinitely-variable range,
while the levers change the air-flow
direction. Refer to page 73
3 Front footwell ventilation
4 Air supply
Both the heating and ventilation are
available from position 1 on. Refer to
page 72
5 To defrost windows and remove
condensation73
6 Temperature72
7 Air distribution toward
>the windows
>the upper body
>the footwell
All intermediate settings are possible,
too. Refer to page 72
8 Rear window defroster with the
hardtop in place73
9 Operating
>Recirculated air72
>Incoming air72
>Air conditioner/Incoming air72
>Air conditioner/Recirculated air72

72n
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioningAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The higher the set-
ting, the greater the amount of
heat and air supply. In position
0, the blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off.
Temperature
In order to increase the inte-
rior temperature, turn to the
right. For rapid heating, turn
completely to the right. Then
select an interior temperature that is
comfortable for you.
Air distribution
You can direct the airflow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . You can also make
all intermediate settings. The "6 o'clock"
setting is recommended for normal con-
ditions (refer also to the illustration and
overview on page 70).
Recirculated air mode
If there are unpleasant odors
in the outside air, you can tem-
porarily block the air supply.
The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over when
using recirculated air, turn off the
recirculated air mode and increase the
airflow if necessary, or press the button
for "defrosting and defogging the win-
dows."<
Venting in outside air
Recommended when driving
with the convertible top open.
The degree to which the pas-
senger compartment is
heated depends on temperature selec-
tion and air distribution.
Air conditioner/Venting in outside
air
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and Ð depending on
the temperature setting Ð
warmed again when the air
conditioner system is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Do not turn on the air conditioner if out-
side air temperature is below approx.
41 7 (5 6). This will help to prevent
the windows from fogging.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back on.
Air conditioner/Recirculated air
mode
Both systems are operating.
Another advantage is that a
hot vehicle cools down more
quickly with the convertible
top closed. This way, you will get the
lowest possible vented air temperature
(turn the temperature rotary dial all the
way to the left).

81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loadingStowing cargo If you are carrying cargo in the luggage
compartment of your BMW Z8 roadster:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible, directly behind the luggage
compartment partition
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
If you are stowing cargo behind the
seats in your BMW Z8 roadster:
>Stow only lightweight objects, such
as clothing items
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
Do not stow either heavy cargo or
cargo with sharp edges and cor-
ners behind the seats, or else they
could damage the back of the seat or
the rear trim panel.
Cargo that is too big or unwieldy and
stowed behind the seats can also pre-
vent the seat from locking properly into
position. Therefore, check to make sure
that the seat is properly locked into
place, moving the seat forward if nec-
essary. Refer to page 43.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can endanger
the passengers during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and axle load (refer to page 156),
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
is no longer assured and you are in
violation of the law.
Make sure to secure heavy or hard
objects you stow in the passenger area,
otherwise, these objects could be flung
about during braking or evasive
maneuvers and possibly injure vehicle
occupants.<

84n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following instructions:
Your BMW Z8 roadster is an espe-
cially high-quality vehicle. It is in
your best interest to follow the break-in
instructions very closely. Doing this will
create the basis for a long, optimum
service life.<
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
(4,500/min), or a road speed of 106 mph
(170 km/h).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Absolutely refrain from the full-throttle
position with the accelerator.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can begin to gradually
increase both the engine speed and
road speed.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle service life.TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus, drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is being driven
on wet or slushy roads, a wedge
of water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as "aquaplaning," or "hydro-
planing," and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle con-
trol and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is en-
gaged.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles (500 km).
Engage the gears carefully and without
high engine speeds during this break-in
period.
Break-in procedures

85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brakes:
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but con-
sistent pressure on the brake pedal
could lead to high temperatures, brake
wear, and possibly, to brake system
failure.
Aquaplaning:
Reduce speed while driving on wet or
slushy roads, otherwise, a wedge of
water can form between the tires and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as "aquaplaning" or "hydro-
planing." It is characterized by a partial
or complete loss of contact between
the tires and the road surface. The ulti-
mate results are loss of steering and
braking control.
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm), and even then, only at walking
speed, otherwise the vehicle can sus-
tain damage to the engine, the electri-
cal systems and the transmission.<
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions, and is designed for
use with unleaded fuel only. Even
minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
the catalytic converter and the system
oxygen sensor.To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential damage:>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is empty
>Tow-start only when the engine is
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
a warm engine, unburned residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to start the vehicle with an outside
starting aid
>Avoid other situations where the fuel
is either not burned or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a prob-
lem). Never allow the engine to run
with any of the spark plug cables dis-
connected.Be sure to comply with the in-
structions above to prevent un-
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter. Otherwise, there is the dan-
ger of overheating and damage to the
catalytic converter.
Extreme temperatures are present with
the catalytic converter both on this and
every catalytic converter-equipped ve-
hicle. Heat shields are installed adja-
cent to some sections of the exhaust
system. Never remove these shields;
do not apply undercoating to their sur-
faces. When driving, standing at idle,
and parking the vehicle, take care to
avoid contact between the exhaust sys-
tem and flammable materials (grass,
hay, leaves etc.). Such contact could
start a fire, resulting in serious personal
injury and property damage.<
Driving notes Catalytic converter