BMW Z8 CONVERTIBLE 2002 Owners Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
AM, LW and SW broadcast signals
have substantially longer reception
ranges than FM transmissions. This is
because the broadcast signals propa-
gated at ground level in the form of
surface waves are also reflected from
the ionosphere as atmospheric waves.
Frequency modulation (FM) provides
substantially better sound quality than
the other frequency bands. However,
because FM transmissions rely on line-
of-sight broadcast waves, their effec-
tive reception range is limited.
The limitations inherent to radio recep-
tion in a moving vehicle have been
minimized by a number of innovative
system designs.360de084Car radio reception

152n
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Highly sensitive sensors monitor the
number of revolutions of the wheels,
steering angle, lateral acceleration,
brake pressure and the movement of
the vehicle around its vertical axis.
When the system detects substantial
differences in rotation rates between
wheels, it acts to inhibit uncontrolled
wheelspin by reducing the drive torque
transmitted to the affected wheel(s),
while also initiating selective braking
intervention as needed.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condi-
tion and compares it with an ideal
status calculated based on sensor
signals. DSC reacts to deviations from
this ideal status, such as incipient
understeer or oversteer, to restore the
vehicle's stability using a combination
of adjustments to engine torque and
selective braking applications at indi-
vidual wheels. Dangerous skids are
thus prevented before they can even
start, all of this is possible, of course,
only within physically possible limits.You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system's interven-
tion. However, it provides optimum
drive force and vehicle stability.
The braking intervention may be
accompanied by sounds specific to the
system.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Safety belt tensionerThe safety belt tensioner responds to
severe frontal collisions by tightening
the belt to ensure that occupants
remain firmly positioned in their seats.
A gas-pressure system retracts the
buckle assembly to tension the
shoulder and lap belts within fractions
of a second. This reduces the tendency
to slide under the lap belt. 520de148

154n
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimmer The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimmer reduces glare from
following traffic by adapting the inten-
sity of the reflected images to corre-
spond to levels of light registered by
the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts to
its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One light
sensor is mounted on the front of the
interior mirror housing. This forward-
facing sensor measures light intensity in
the area ahead of the vehicle. The
second light sensor is integrated within
the mirror's frame. The electronic
control system compares the light
intensity from front and rear. The differ-
ence provides the basic parameter
used to modulate an electrical current
and induce chemical changes in a
semisolid layer incorporated in the lens.520de096
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromatic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the interior mirror manually, and the
driver can concentrate completely on
traffic conditions.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Xenon lamps Xenon lamps illuminate the side and
front areas of the vehicle much more
brightly and with greater uniformity than
traditional halogen lamps.
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc
replaces the filament to generate
intense illumination. A gas mixture in a
quartz glass tube with metal vapor is
ignited by a high electric voltage. The
arc that is generated is then sustained
by a lower voltage. When the lamp is
turned on, there is a brief warm-up
period. Maximum brightness is attained
in approx. 15 seconds.390de134
Xenon lamps provide significantly
improved visibility, especially during
adverse weather conditions and driving
situations, e. g. driving at night in heavy
rain or through road repair areas where
there are no lane markers.
Vehicles with xenon lamps are
equipped with automatic headlamp
range control. As a result, the highway
is always optimally lighted, regardless
of load conditions, and drivers in
oncoming traffic are not blinded.
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-
bution to highway safety since other
highway users, bicyclists and motorcy-
clists in the right lane, and pedestrians
are more easily detected.

156n

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
157n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine data158
Dimensions159
Weights160
Capacities161
Electrical system162
Drive belts162
Data
Owner service procedures

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BMW Z8
Displacement
Number of cylinders cu in (ccm) 301.5 (4,941)
8
Maximum output
at engine speedhp
rpm394
6,600
Maximum torque
at engine speedft Ibs (Nm)
rpm368 (500)
3,800
Compression ratioe
11
Stroke
Borein (mm)
in (mm)3.50 (89.0)
3.70 (94.0)
Fuel injection system Digital electronic engine-management system
Engine data

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
520us016
All dimensions are given in inches (mm). Min. turning circle dia.: 38.0 ft (11.6 meters)
Dimensions

160n
Weights
BMW Z8
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, without hardtop)
Ibs. (kg) 3,725 (1,690)
Approved gross vehicle weight Ibs. (kg) 4,255 (1,930)
Approved front axle weights Ibs. (kg) 2,028 (920)
Approved rear axle weights Ibs. (kg) 2,359 (1,070)
Approved roof load capacity Ibs. (kg) Ð
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (litres) 7.2 (203)
Approved axle weights and approved gross vehicle weight may not be exceeded.