ECO mode BMW Z8 CONVERTIBLE 2002 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washer/Wiper system0 Wipers retracted
1 Intermittent mode
2 Normal wiper speed
3 Fast wiper speed
4 Brief wipe520de160
0 Wipers retracted The wipers are partially hidden behind
the hood. To bring the wipers up into
their vertical position (important when
changing the blades, or folding up
when frost is expected):
With the lever in position 1, switch off
the ignition as soon as the wipers come
to a stop.
For information on replacing the wiper
blades, refer to page 130.
Fold the wipers back down onto
the windshield before you turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 2 again. If
you do not, they could be damaged.<1 Intermittent mode Wiper delay varies automatically
depending on actual road speed.
2 Normal wiper speedThe wipers automatically revert to inter-
mittent mode when the vehicle is
stationary. 3 Fast wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers operate at normal speed.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on in the course of
normal vehicle operation, the engine
has overheated. Turn it off immediately
and let it cool down.520de031
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response
to high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
For checking coolant level, refer to
page 113.
Remaining distance before
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The remaining distance in miles and the
next scheduled service will appear
together with the display OILSERVICE
or INSPECTION.
The computer bases its calculations for
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing display and a "Ð" in front of
the number indicate that service is past
due by the number of miles displayed.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.520us006

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability even in
critical driving situations.
DSC maintains optimal, predictable
response while maximizing traction
when you accelerate from a standing
start or speed up while already
underway. The system recognizes any
tendency for the vehicle to assume an
instable attitude such as oversteer and
understeer, and counteracts this
tendency with a combination of gradu-
ated reductions in engine torque and
braking intervention at individually
selected wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability Ð within the limits defined by
the laws of physics.
The system automatically assumes
operational status each time the engine
is started.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 22.
The indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp does not go out
after the engine is started, or it comes
on during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the
button. You can continue to drive the
vehicle normally, but without DSC.
Please respond to any suspected
defects by referring the problem to your
BMW center.
To deactivate the systemPress the button, the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
When DSC is deactivated, you are
operating the vehicle in the conven-
tional drive mode.
In the following rare circumstances, it
may be effective to deactivate the DSC
for a short period of time:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on when possible.<520de035
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Dynamic Performance Flat Tire MonitorSport mode recognitionActivating:
In ignition position 2, press the button.
The indicator lamp will come on.
Deactivating:
Whenever the indicator lamp is on, it
will go out if you press the button again.
The conceptThe Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in all four wheels as
you drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure has
dropped significantly in one of the tires.
To initialize the Flat Tire Monitor with
the correct inflation pressures, start by
ensuring that all of the vehicle's tires
are inflated to the pressures specified
in the inflation pressure table on
page 27. Now you can activate the
system.
The indicator lamp within the
instrument cluster flashes to
alert you to substantial pres-
sure loss in any of the tires.
To activate the system1. Turn the ignition key to position 2
2. Press the button long enough for the
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up red for a few
seconds
3. As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor
automatically enters the system
initialization mode in which it stores
the current pressures as its reference
figures. The initialization process
lasts for ten minutes or somewhat
longer. Once it has been completed
the Flat Tire Monitor is able to detect
and warn of flat tires.520de117

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Heating and ventilation/Air conditionerAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The higher the
setting, the greater the
amount of heat and air supply.
In position 0, the blower, heating and
air conditioner 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 conditions (refer also to the
illustration and overview on page 72).
Recirculated-air mode
If there are unpleasant odors
in the incoming air, you can
temporarily block the air
supply. The system then recir-
culates the air already within the
vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on
window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required, or press the button for
"Defrosting windows and removing
condensation".<
Incoming-air mode
Recommended when driving
with the convertible top down.
The degree to which the
passenger compartment is
heated depends on temperature selec-
tion and air distribution.
Air conditioner/Incoming-air
mode
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and Ð depending on
the temperature setting Ð
warmed again when the air
conditioner is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7(5 6). This will
help to prevent condensation from
forming on window surfaces.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Air conditioner/Recirculated-air
mode
You may find it useful to acti-
vate both systems to cool the
vehicle more rapidly after it
has been parked with the top
up on a hot day. This setting provides
the coldest possible airflow from the
vent outlets (with temperature selection
switch turned all the way to the left).

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner
If condensation starts to form on
window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required, or press the button for
"Defrosting windows and removing
condensation".<
Defrost windows and remove
condensation
This operation quickly
removes ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and
the side windows.
Rear window defroster
Whenever the hardtop is on,
the indicator lamp lights up
when the rear window
defroster is turned on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
Refer to page 60.
The indicator lamp is always
active, however the rear window
defroster will not work if the hardtop is
not in place.<
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the air outlets for the
upper body area for optimal personal
comfort:
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.520de043
You can adjust the direction of the
airflow using the levers 2.
Set the air outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you.MicrofilterThe microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. Your BMW
center will change this filter during
routine maintenance. A substantial
reduction in airflow indicates that the
filter needs to be replaced early.520de140

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner Seat heatingRapid heating 1. Set the rotary control for the air
supply to positon 3
2. Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right
3. Rotary control for air distribution in
position
4. Select incoming-air mode.520de045
HeatingWhen the windows are free of ice and
condensation, we recommend the
following settings:
1. Set the rotary control for the air
supply to position 2
2. Use the rotary temperature control to
select an interior temperature which
is comfortable for you
3. Rotary control for air distribution in
position .520de047
The seat cushion and backrest can
be heated when the ignition key is in
position 2.
By repeatedly pressing the button, you
can select one of three different opera-
tion modes:
>Two indicator lamps on: heating at
high temperature
>One indicator lamp on: heating at low
temperature
>Indicator lamps off: seat heating
deactivated.520de048

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDriving notesWhen driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is advisable to apply light pres-
sure to the brake pedal every few miles.
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
to you or to other road users. The heat
generated in this braking process helps
dry the pads and rotors
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 93).
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times.
You can enhance the engine's braking
effect by downshifting, into first gear, if
necessary. Even if engine braking fails to slow the
vehicle sufficiently, you should still
make every effort to avoid prolonged
braking with continuous application of
low to moderate pressure at the pedal.
It is better to decelerate the vehicle by
applying a higher level of force at the
pedal (watch following traffic!) and then
subsequently pausing to allow the
brakes to cool briefly before starting on
your next braking cycle. By protecting
brake system components against
overheating, the cooling phases
afforded by this staggered, or intermit-
tent braking technique help maintain
consistent availability of optimal braking
response when it is needed.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal
depressed, the gear-shift lever in
neutral, or, above all, with the engine
off; otherwise, the engine will provide
no braking effect if the transmission is
in neutral, and there is no braking or
steering power assist if the engine is
not running. Never allow floor mats,
carpets or any other objects to obstruct
the accelerator, clutch or brake pedals
and pose a safety hazard by reducing
their available travel range.<

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Brake system Winter operationBrake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low, refer to
page 114.
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum thickness. Proceed to
the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Winter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather, requiring not only a
different driving style, but also certain
preparations to the vehicle itself to
ensure that your progress through the
winter months remains safe and
trouble-free. CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor. This mixture
provides protection against freezing
down to approx. Ð34 7 (Ð37 6).LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free doors if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
mended.

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Winter operationRubber seals and componentsTo prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center. * only in pairs
on rear tires, complying with the manu-
facturer's safety precautions. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) while the snow chains are
mounted and refrain from activating the
Flat Tire Monitor, as the snow chains
could trigger false alarms and/or
prevent the system from detecting
actual pressure loss.
Starting off When starting off in deep snow or when
"rocking" the vehicle to free it, it may be
advisable to temporarily deactivate the
DSC. Refer to page 65.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the system
switched on whenever possible.<
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces Do not activate the Sport mode (refer to
page 66). Use smooth, gentle pressure
to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid
excessive engine speeds and upshift
early. Downshift well in advance when
approaching uphill or downhill grades.
Maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the vehicle
ahead. BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking
distance are considerable and should
be kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock,
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can always then attempt to steer
around hazards after you have reduced
pressure on the brake pedal.
Never downshift to exploit engine
braking when driving on slippery
road surfaces, as this could lead to a
loss of traction at the rear wheels,
impairing your ability to control the
vehicle.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<