tires BMW Z8 2002 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Information for your safetyThe vehicle's factory-approved safety
tires have been specially designed to
provide optimum safety and driving
comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a
frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road-
holding ability of your BMW. Check tire
inflation pressures regularly (refer to
page 26), at least every two weeks and
before beginning a longer trip. If this is
not done, incorrect tire pressures can
cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in acci-
dents.<
Safety tiresYour BMW Z8 is equipped with safety
tires.
The assembly consists of self-
supporting tires mounted on specially-
designed wheel rims. Special reinforce-
ment elements support the sidewalls in
the event of pressure loss. Although tire
performance is then restricted, the
vehicle can still be driven on the
deflated tire for a limited distance. Your
vehicle is equipped with a Flat Tire
Monitor that signals you in case of a flat
tire.
For further information, refer to
pages 67, 137.
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
depth, wear, signs of damage and for
foreign objects lodged in the tread.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
fall below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At at
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base will indicate that the legally
permissible wear limit has been
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.390de331
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

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Avoid overloading the vehicle so
that the permitted load on the tires
is not exceeded. Overloading can lead
to overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. You could have a blowout as a
result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle defect, as
can variations in normal vehicle
response, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest BMW center or
professional tire center, or have the
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires
inspected.
Tire damage can endanger the lives of
both the vehicle occupants and other
road users.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel and tire combinations. Refer to
page 104.DOT Quality GradesTread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires
must conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades. rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
aquaplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Tire condition Tire replacement

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire replacement Tire rotationTemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the tire material to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive tempera-
ture can lead to sudden flat tire. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possibly a flat tire.<
Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Use only safety tires as there is no
spare tire available if you get a flat
tire.
For further information, refer to
page 137. factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 3201 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 32 of 2001.
Although tires may have a theoretical
service life of up to 10 years, BMW
strongly recommends that you replace
all tires after an absolute maximum of
6 years.
Between the axles
If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 10 4), then the tires may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<
The tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear Ð the actual
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation is
not recommended.

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Wheel and tire combinations The right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to page 104.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
that otherwise will not function prop-
erly, e. g. ABS, DSC and Flat Tire
Monitor.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel and tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h)
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h) For example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
245/45 R
1896W
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks.
Safety tires carry additional designation
codes; these vary according to manu-
facturer:
Bridgestone RFT
Dunlop DSST
Goodyear EMT
Michelin ZPStorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. For example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
8 x 18 EH2
J

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special features of 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, Y and
ZR speed ratings, they generally fail to
provide 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.
When selecting winter tires,
remember that you should never
mount anything other than safety tires,
as your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire.
For further information, refer to
page 137.<
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.
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
exceed a speed of 30 mph (50 km/h)
while driving with mounted snow
chains.
Do not activate the Flat Tire
Monitor when driving with snow
chains mounted. Malfunction warnings
and undetected losses in pressure are
a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For further information, refer to
page 67.<

104n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Snow chains
*
It is impossible to install snow chains
on 275/40 R 18 99 W summer tires.
Do not activate the Flat Tire
Monitor when driving with snow
chains mounted. Malfunction warnings
and undetected losses in pressure are
a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For further information, refer to
page 67.< BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Your BMW center can provide further information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e. g. requiring entry in
the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Light-alloy wheel
BMW Z8
Summer tires
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W 8Jx18EH2
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W 9Jx18EH2
Winter tires
245/45 R 18 96 H M+S 8Jx18EH2
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed
equipment will affect the safe operation
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent 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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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
Changing a wheel Safety tiresYour BMW Z8 roadster is equipped
with safety tires.
The safety tires are made of self-
supporting tires mounted on specially-
designed wheel rims. Special reinforce-
ment elements support the sidewalls in
the event of pressure loss. Although tire
performance is then restricted, the
vehicle can still be driven on the
deflated tire for a limited distance. Your
vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure
monitor that signals you in case of a flat
tire.
In the event of a flat tireThe red indicator lamp on the instru-
ment panel will flash in the event of a
flat tire. In addition, a gong will sound.
Refer to page 67.
Carefully reduce speed to less than
50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding any hard
braking or steering maneuvers while
doing so.
You will still be able to drive approx.
155 miles (250 km) on your safety tire,
until you can get to a safe place to park,
a gas station, or to your nearest BMW
center. Under minimum vehicle loading,
it could conceivably last more than
155 miles (250 km).
If you cannot immediately determine
which tire is defective just by looking
at it, then check the tire pressure in all
four tires.Have your BMW center replace
your tires. For safety reasons, do
not have safety tires repaired. Your
BMW center has been trained to work
with the safety tires and is equipped
with the necessary special tools.<
If necessary, please have your
BMW center switch the tires on
your vehicle from summer to winter
tires, or the reverse.<

Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 21, 88
Accessories 6
Activated charcoal filter 75
Add brake fluid 114t
engine coolant 114t
engine oil 111t
washer fluid 110, 161
Adjust seats 45
steering wheel 47
temperature 74
washer nozzles 110t
Adjustment setting configuration 49
Air conditioner 72
Air distribution 74
Air outlets 72
Air pressure 99
Air supply 74
Airbags 21, 51 , 123 , 150
Alarm system 38
Antenna 94
Antifreeze 113
radiator 92
Antifreeze/corrosion protection 92
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 21, 88 Anti-theft alarm system
38
Anti-theft protection 32
Approved gross vehicle weight 160
Aquaplaning 99
Ashtray 81
Attach vehicle vacuum cleaner 82
Automatic car washes 117
Automatic headlamp washers 60
Automatic windshield washer 60
Avoiding a false alarm 39t
Axle weights 160
B
Backrest
adjusting 45
unlock 46
Backup lamps 58
bulb replacement 133t
Battery 138, 162
add distilled water 138t
capacity 162
charge current 20
charging 139t
discharged 145t
recycling 140t
removing and
installing 139t Belts
50
Beverage holder 80
Blower 74
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 112
Bore 158
Brake hydraulic system 20, 92
Brake system faults 92t
fluid 114t
pads 22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure 86
Bulbs and lamps 131tC
California Proposition 65
Warning 125
Can holder 80
Car Memory 49
Car phone 81, 94
Car radio 64, 95
reception 95, 151
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Car wash 117
Care exterior 119
for the vehicle finish 120
interior 121 Catalytic converter
87
CBC (Cornering Brake Control) 21, 89
CD player, refer to the radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone 94
refer also to separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system 32
key 36
Changing a wheel 137t
Changing the oil filter 161
Changing tires 137t
Checking air pressure 26t
Checking engine oil level 111t
Child restraint systems 54
Child seat safety 54
Child seats 53
Child-restraint systems 53
Cigarette lighter 82
Clean headlamps 60
Clock 64
Cockpit 16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn signal indicator/headlamp
flasher 59
Compartments 79
for stowing items 78
Compression 158

Everything from A to ZFFailure to start146t
Fault in ABS89
Filler cap cover25
Filling capacities161
Filling the washer
reservoir161
First-aid kit24
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing146t
Flashlight79
Flat tire137t
Flat Tire Monitor67
Fog lamp, bulb
replacement133t
"Follow me home"
lamps49, 69
Footbrake90
Footwell lamps71
bulb replacement134t
Front seat adjustment45
Frost protection,
radiator113
Fuel26
gauge62
indicator62
quality26
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault142tFuel injection system158
Fuel tank capacity161
Fuses140
GGasoline26
quality26
Glove compartment78
bulb replacement135t
Gross vehicle weight160HHand lamp79
Handbrake57
Hands-free system81
Hardtop96
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning
triangle24t
Head restraint46
Headlamp covers,
care117t, 131t
Headlamp flasher70
Headlamp washer
system60, 110, 161
Headlamps70
Headlight glare in rearview
mirror48
Heated mirrors48
Heated seats77
Heating and ventilation72Heating, rapid77
Heavy loads83
Height159
High beams23, 58, 70
Holder for beverage
cans80
Hood release105t
Horn17
Hydraulic system88, 92
IIdentification, tires102
Ignition keys30
Ignition lock55
Imprint4
Incoming-air mode74
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressure26t, 99
monitoring67
INSPECTION63
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel lighting69
Instruments18
Interaxle tire rotation101
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostic126
Interference
cellular phone94
radio reception95
Interior lamps34, 71
bulb replacement135t
remote control34Interior motion sensor39
deactivating34
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic
dimmer48, 154
Intermittent mode of wiper
system59
JJump-starting145KKey Memory49
Key with remote control30
Keys30LLamps and bulbs131t
Leather care122
Length159
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement133t
Light switch69
Light-alloy wheels104
Lighter82
LIGHTS ON warning69
Loading83
Lock deicer92
Louvers72
Low beam headlamps69