oil BMW Z8 2001 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal 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
factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-
free, extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor is
hazardous to health. Always store in
tightly closed original containers kept
well out of the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethyleneÐglycol: never allow
the antifreeze to spill onto hot engine
components, as fire and serious
personal injury in the form of burns
could result.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelThe correct coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):
Up to the "MAX" mark on the
translucent expansion tank.520de156

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The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
ensuring that you enjoy optimal vehicle
safety and reliability with only minimum
effort and expense.
Please keep in mind that regular service
not only plays a vital role in ensuring
continued vehicle safety, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining your
car's resale value.
520us006
Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are
calculated by using advanced tech-
nology; these are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional 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,
because 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
covered 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
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. 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 deteriorates 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
required special tools. In addition,
checking 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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the
vehicle when the hood is warm, or
during or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
In order to protect your convertible top,
do not use washing programs featuring
wax application on your vehicle. The
small amount of beading wax always
used in automatic car washes will not
harm the convertible top.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that
>the car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>no damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car wash operator if necessary >the wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>the vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Parts of the vehicle which are inacces-
sible to the automatic washer Ð such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ð
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to further damage. In addi-
tion, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth. Never use abrasives or strong
solvents to clean the covers
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never
use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicle
To remove stains from the
convertible top, use only BMW-
approved cleaning agents. Do not use
spot removers, paint thinners, solvents,
gasoline or similar substances for
removing stains; these agents destroy
the rubber seals, which in turn leads to
leaks.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
HardtopPlease observe and follow the instruc-
tions for caring for your vehicle starting
on page 115.
Exterior finish Your vehicle is protected by a multilayer
finish applied at the factory. Protection
against corrosion is provided by
cataphoretic immersion priming using
materials that have been specially
developed over many years of
sustained research.
Regular maintenance makes an impor-
tant contribution to maintaining the
safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on
vehicle finishes have led paint and
vehicle manufacturers to initiate
programs designed to further improve
the durability of their finishes. Despite
this, environmental factors that occur
locally or regionally can have negative
effects on the finish of your vehicle.
These should guide you in determining
the frequency and extent of your efforts
to maintain the vehicle finish.Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,
animal droppings (strong alkali effect)
and even tree secretions (resins and
pollen), all contain substances capable
of causing damage to the finish of your
vehicle if allowed to remain for an
extended period of time (such as stains,
bumps, scratches and separation of the
top coat).
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the
vehicle's finish unless adequate care is
provided Ð even though this is generally
limited to the outside horizontal
surfaces.
In tropical climates intense ultraviolet
radiation and high atmospheric
humidity are accompanied by tempera-
tures that can exceed 105 7 (40 6) in
the shade. Under those conditions, light
paints can reach temperatures of up
to 175 7 (80 6) while darker finishes
can heat to levels as high as 250 7
(120 6).

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Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive
your vehicle in areas with high levels of
air pollution or natural contaminants
(tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive
substances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease, brake fluid
and bird droppings should always be
cleaned up immediately.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol and a clean
cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove
tar spots with tar remover. After
cleaning, the affected areas should be
waxed to ensure continued protection.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Repairing the paint You can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The color code of your vehicle is
provided on a tag located near the
vehicle data plate and on the first page
of the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleWindow careYou can use window and glass cleaner
to clean inside window surfaces and
mirrors without smearing and streaking.
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.
Clean the wiper blades with soapy
water. The wiper blades should be
replaced twice a year Ð before and after
the cold season.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially
during the winter months. However, do
not use aggressive products containing
acids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do
not use steam cleaners operating at
temperatures above 140 7 (60 6).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Carefully clean chrome parts such as
lamp socket assemblies, door handles
and similar items with an ample amount
of clean water Ð and shampoo, too, if
necessary Ð especially if there is an
accumulation of road salt. Use a
chrome polish for an additional treat-
ment.
Use water to clean plastic components,
headliners, lamp lenses, and surfaces
sprayed dull black Ð adding vinyl
shampoo, if necessary. Do not allow
moisture to soak through the seats or
headliner. Never use solvents such as
lacquer thinner, heavy-duty grease
remover, fuels, or similar substances.
Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off the
clear covers of the instruments, using
methylated spirits with distilled water
as a cleaning solvent, if necessary, at a
mixing ratio of 1:1.Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.
The safety belts should be cleaned with
a mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the vehicle. Never
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts
prevent the inertia reel mechanism from
retracting the strap properly, thus
constituting a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from
the vehicle for cleaning.
Clean the aluminum surfaces with water
and, if necessary, with a mild soap.
Never use solvents such as lacquer
thinner, heavy-duty grease remover,
fuels, or similar substances.
Use only a wet cloth to clean the painted
inner parts. Dry them afterwards with a
soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<

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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
methods to ensure that it will maintain
its high quality for years to come,
provided that it is properly cared for.
Because the leather upholstery is
crafted using unadulterated natural
materials, it will display individual char-
acteristics and possible surface irregu-
larities. You should also bear in mind
that this kind of material needs special
care and attention.
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
surface of the leather. We therefore
suggest 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 static 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
windows) to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Cleaning agents can contain
dangerous or health-threatening
substances. Therefore, always comply
with the warnings and danger notices
on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior
(when the convertible top is closed).
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this application.<

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Vehicle storage
If the vehicle is to be stored for
more than three months, ensure
that the following service operations
are carried out first.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rust proofing 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
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure,
an anticorrosive agent can be added
to the engine in accordance with the
manufacturer'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
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion
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
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately, refer to page 96
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
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 19.3 (approx. 73)
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10)Fuel quality: page 26
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx 5.3)For details: page 108
Cooling system including heater
circuitquarts (liters) 12.7 (12.0) For details: page 111
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) "BMW High Performance Synthetic
Oil." For details: page 110
Manual transmission quarts (liters) 2.0 (1.9) Lifetime fluid; no fluid change required
Differential quarts (liters) 1.3 (1.2) Fluid change at the
1,200-Mile Service, then lifetime fluid;
no fluid change required

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)21, 88
Accessories6
Activated charcoal filter75
Add
brake fluid112t
engine coolant112t
engine oil109t
washer fluid108, 157
Adjust
seats45
temperature74
washer nozzles108t
Adjustment setting
configuration48
Air conditioner72
Air distribution74
Air outlets72
Air pressure98
Air supply74
Airbags21, 51, 121, 148
Alarm system38
Antenna94
Antifreeze111
radiator92
Antifreeze/corrosion
protection92
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21, 88
Anti-theft alarm system38
Anti-theft protection32Approved gross vehicle
weight156
Aquaplaning98
Ashtray81
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner82
Automatic car washes115
Automatic headlamp
washers60
Automatic windshield
washer60
Avoiding a false alarm39t
Axle loads156
BBackrest
adjusting45
unlock46
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement130t
Battery136, 158
add distilled water136t
capacity158
charge current20
charging137t
discharged143
recycling138t
removing and
installing137t
Belts50
Beverage can holder80
Blower74BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Bore154
Brake hydraulic
system20, 91
Brake system91
faults91t
fluid112t
pads22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure86
Bulbs and lamps129t
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning123
Can holder80
Car Memory48
Car phone81
Car radio64
reception94, 148
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Car wash115
Care
exterior117
for the vehicle finish118
interior119
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 89CD player, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system32
key36
Changing a wheel135t
Changing the oil filter157
Changing tires135t
Checking air pressure26t
Checking engine oil
level109t
Child restraint
systems53, 54
Child seat safety54
Child seats53
Cigarette lighter82
Clean headlamps60
Clock64
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn
signal indicator/headlamp
flasher58
Compartments79
for stowing items78
Compression154
Connector for On-Board-
Diagnostics124
Consumption display62

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