BMW Z8 2000 User manual

Owner's Manual for the Vehicle.
With a quick reference guide
for your convenience.
Contents
A - Z
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new vehicle. It
contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum
use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The
manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an
extended service life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG

© 2000 BMW AG
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Part number 01 41 0 155 083
US English III/00
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
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Notes on the Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish to gain only an ini-
tial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
The detailed table of contents that di-
rectly follows the summary of contents
is intended to stimulate your curiosity
regarding your BMW and to encourage
you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remem-
ber to hand over this Owner's Manual
to the new owner; it is part of the vehi-
cle.
Should you have any further questions,
your BMW center will be glad to assist
at any time.
Symbols used
Indicates instructions or precau-
tions that must be followed pre-
cisely in order to avoid the possibility of
personal injury and serious damage to
the vehicle.
<
Contains either information that
will assist you in gaining the opti-
mum benefit from your vehicle and en-
ables you to care more effectively for
your vehicle.
<
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.
<
< Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
* Indicates special equipment, country-
specific equipment and optional extras.
Identifies systems or components,
which your BMW center can either
activate or adapt to suit an individual
driver’s requirements ("Car Memory",
"Key Memory"). Refer to page 46.
<
The individual vehicle
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(e.g. car radio, navigation system or
telephone), Supplementary Owner's
Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to
read these manuals as well.
Notes
Symbols
The individual vehicle
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Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development designed to en-
sure that our vehicles continue to em-
body the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this
reason, it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor
can errors and omissions be entirely
ruled out. You are therefore asked to
appreciate that no legal claims can be
entertained on the basis of the data,
illustrations or descriptions in this
Owner's Manual.
Status at time of printing
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG

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For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10% ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e. 15%
MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equiva-
lent amount of co-solvent) will not void
the applicable warranties respecting
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (volatility,
composition, additives, others) among
gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. The use of poor-
quality fuels may result in driveability,
starting and stalling problems espe-
cially under certain environmental con-
ditions such as high ambient tempera-
ture and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be re-
lated to the fuel you are using, we rec-
ommend that you respond by switching
to a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
you are handling gasoline.
<
Important safety information.
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to verify if it can
be used on a BMW safely and without
risk to either the vehicle, its operation,
or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle, com-
promise its safety, interfere with the
vehicle's electrical system or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty.
See your BMW center for additional
information.
<
Maintenance, replacement, or re-
pair of the emission control de-
vices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
<
Symbol for vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
For your own safety
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The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone [phone].
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in indi-
vidual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
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Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
Advanced technology
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Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG

Contents
Overview
Controls and features
Cockpit 14
Instrument cluster 16
Indicator and warning lamps 18
Hazard warning flashers 22
Warning triangle 22
First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel quality 24
Tire inflation pressure 24
Locks and security systems:
Keys 28
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 29
Central locking system 30
Opening and closing – from
outside 30
Using the key 30
Using the remote control 31
Opening and closing – from
inside 34
Luggage compartment lid 35
Alarm system 36
Electric power windows 38
The automatic convertible
top 39
Adjustments:
Seats 43
Steering wheel 45
Mirrors 45
Car Memory, Key Memory 46
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 48
Airbags 49
Child restraints 51
Child seat safety 52
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 53
Starting the engine 54
Turning the engine off 54
Parking brake 55
Manual transmission 56
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher 56
Wiper/Washer system 57
Rear window defroster 58
Cruise control 59
Everything under control:
Odometer 60
Tachometer 60
Fuel gauge 60
Coolant temperature gauge 61
Service Interval Display 61
Clock 62
Multi-Information Radio (MIR) 62
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 63
Dynamic Driving Control 64
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) 65
Contents
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Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams 67
Instrument lighting 67
High beams/Parking lamps 68
Rear foglamp 68
Interior lamps 68
Reading lamps 69
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioning 70
Seat heating 75
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment 76
Storage compartments 76
Beverage can holder 78
Cellular phone 79
Ashtray 79
Cigarette lighter 80
Loading and transporting:
Cargo loading 81
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures 84
Driving notes 85
Catalytic converter 85
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 86
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 88
Disc brakes 88
Brake system 89
Winter operation 90
Power steering 92
Cellular phone 92
Radio reception 92
Wind protection 93
Hardtop 94
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 96
Tire condition 97
Tire replacement 98
Tire rotation 100
Wheel and tire
combinations 101
Winter tires 102
Snow chains 102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications 103
Under the hood:
Hood 104
Engine compartment 106
Washer fluids 108
Washer nozzles 108
Engine oil 109
Coolant 111
Brake fluid 112
Vehicle Identification
Number 113
Maintenance and care:
The BMW Maintenance
System 114
Caring for your vehicle 115
Airbags 121
Storing your vehicle 122
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 123
California Proposition 65
Warning 123
OBD interface socket 124
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Contents
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 128
Windshield wiper blades 128
Lamps and bulbs 129
Changing a wheel 135
Battery 136
Fuses 138
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door 140
Luggage compartment lid,
storage compartment 140
Passenger-side door 141
Closing the convertible top 141
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump starting 143
Towing 144
Airbags 148
Radio reception 148
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 149
Safety belt tensioner 149
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer 150
Xenon lamps 151
Engine data 154
Dimensions 155
Weights 156
Capacities 157
Electrical system 158
Drive belts 158
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Index
Everything from A to Z 162
Owner service procedures 167
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Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
Advanced technology
13n
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Cockpit 14
Instrument cluster 16
Indicator and warning lamps 18
Hazard warning flashers 22
Warning triangle 22
First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel quality 24
Tire inflation pressure 24
Overview
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520us001
Cockpit
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Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Cockpit
1 d Turn signal indicator 56
> Parking lamps 68
> High beams 68
> Headlamp flasher 56
2 Side lamps/Low beams 67
3 Washer/Wiper system 57
4 Hazard warning flashers 22
5 Central locking system 30
6 Rear window defroster for the
hardtop 58
7 Shift lever 56
To engage reverse gear, press the
lever to the left and overcome the
slight resistance you will encounter
8 Cruise control 59
9 Adjusting the steering wheel 45
10 Horn: the entire surface functions as
the horn
11 Rear foglamps 68
12 Unlocking the hood 104
13
d Unlocking the luggage compart-
ment lid 35
> Unlocking the fuel filler door 23
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Instrument cluster
520us002
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Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve 60
2 Speedometer with indicator and
warning lamps for
> Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 20
> Engine electronics 20
3 Instrument lighting 67
4 Tachometer 60
with indicator and warning lamps
for
> Battery charge current 18
> Convertible top operation 39
> Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) 18
> Antilock Brake System (ABS) 19
> Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 18
> Service Engine Soon 20
> Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level 18, 19
5 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
warning lamp 61
6 Indicator and warning lamps for
> Rear foglamps 20
> Turn signal indicator right 21
7 Clock 62
8 Control knob for
> Clock 62
> Trip odometer, reset to zero 60
9 Indicator and warning lamps for
> Please fasten safety belts 19
> High beams 21
> Airbags 19
10 Indicator for
> Odometer 60
> Trip odometer 60
> Service Interval 61
11 Indicator and warning lamps for
> Turn signal indicator left 21
> Brake pads 20
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Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems for your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "
● " are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
in the alternator V-belt or in the charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
V-belt is defective, increased steering
effort is also required.
<
Engine oil pressure ●
Stop vehicle and switch off en-
gine immediately. Check the en-
gine oil level and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.
<
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) ●
Flashing warning lamp in addi-
tion to an acoustic signal: a tire
failure has occurred. Carefully reduce
speed to less than 50 mph (80 km/h),
thus preventing any hard braking or
steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.
Brake warning indicator
●
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged,
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to read the notes on
pages 89 and 112.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
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Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Indicator and warning lamps
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
comes on together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, DSC and
DBC control system has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake
applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 63, 86.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp ●
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 55.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
●
Together with an acoustic sig-
nal. Comes on until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 48.
Airbags
●
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 49, 148.
Yellow: check as soon as
possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ●
ABS has been deactivated in re-
sponse to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able and unrestricted. Please have the
system inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 86.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than approx. 30 miles (50 km) until
you add oil.
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 083 - © 03/00 BMW AG