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Z3 coupe
Z3 roadster
To open Pull the handle and push down the door.
To close Push the door up.
To prevent injury in the event of an accident, close the glove
compartment immediately after use.<
Storage compartments are located in the center console, in the doors and, on the Z3 coupe, between the backrests (refer to the illustration). A coin box* is located in the door pocket on the driver's side. A storage net is mounted on the passenger side of the center console.
The Z3 roadster has locking storage boxes*:
Small storage box Press button 1 to open the box.
Large storage box Press button 3 and lift the lid of the box. Both of the storage boxes can be locked with the master keys (refer to page 30) at lock 2.
Beverage holder*
Ashtray*
91n
The beverage holder is located in the center console next to the parking brake. You will find a coin box in front of the beverage holders.
To open Press down on the left of the lid (arrow). To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the ash and gently press the tip into the funnel.
To empty Open the lid and press down (arrow): The ashtray insert pops up and can be removed.
92nCigarette lighter*
Press in. The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops up.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result in burns. The cigarette lighter remains opera- tional when the ignition key has been removed. For this reason, children should never be left in the vehicle unat- tended.<
Cigarette lighter socket This socket can be used for connecting a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, or other appliances up to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. Do not damage the socket by inserting plugs of a different shape or size.
Non-smoker's equipment package* On vehicles with the non-smoker's equipment package, the socket is concealed by a cover. For access to the socket: lift the cover off.
Roll-up cover
Partition net*
93n
Z3 coupe
Z3 coupe
Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it into the holders at the rear. The roll-up cover can carry light items such as articles of clothing.
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the roll-up cover.
These objects could endanger vehicle occupants during heavy brake applica- tions and evasive action or in a crash. Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap back when it is retracted. This could damage it.<
Pull out the partition net on the strap and grip the bar firmly with the other hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides, pull it up and position it into the holders. This process will work out best if you do it from inside the passenger compartment.
Do not allow the partition net to snap back when it is retracted. If this is done, there is a risk of personal injury, and the partition net could be damaged.<
94nCargo loading
Always position and secure the cargo correctly. If you do not, it can endanger the passengers during braking or evasive maneuvers, for example. Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle weight or the specified maximum axle loads (refer to page 172), otherwise the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and you are in violation of the law. Do not carry hard or heavy objects unsecured in the passenger compart- ment. If you do so, they may be projected through the air during braking and evasive maneuvers, for example, thus endangering vehicle occupants.<
Z3 coupe
Z3 coupe
Stowing cargo If you are transporting cargo in your coupe: > Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible – directly behind the luggage compartment partition – and as low as possible
> Cover sharp edges and corners > Do not pile objects higher than the
Securing cargo For securing luggage, you can obtain load-securing devices* from your BMW center. The lashing eyes located in the luggage compartment serve for mounting these load-securing devices. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.
top edge of the backrest
> Pull the partition net* out (refer to
page 93). Be sure that no items are able to penetrate the partition net.
Roof-mounted luggage rack
95n
Secure the roof luggage correctly and securely to prevent it from
shifting or being lost during driving (danger to following traffic).<
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Do not corner at high speeds.
A special roof-rack system is available for your coupe as an optional acces- sory. Please comply with the precau- tions included with the installation instructions. Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the center of gravity of the vehicle when they are loaded. For this reason, they have a major effect on the vehicle's handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack. You will find the specifications for this under "Technical Data" on page 172. Make sure that the load is not too large in size, and distribute it evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces first (on the bottom). Be sure that adequate clear- ance is maintained for raising the sunroof, and that objects do not project into the opening path of the luggage compartment lid.
96n
Special operating instructions: Break-in procedure 98
Driving notes 99
Catalytic converter 100
Antilock Brake System(ABS) 101
Disc brakes 103
Brake system 104
Winter operation 105
Power steering 106
Cellular phone 107
Car radio reception 107
Hardtop – roadster 108Wheels and tires: Notes on inflation pressures 110
Tire condition 110
Tire replacement 111
Tire rotation 113
Wheel and tirecombinations 114
Special features of winter
tires 115
Snow chains 115
Approved wheel and tirespecifications 116
In the engine compartment: Hood 118
Engine compartment 120
Fluids for the washersystems 122
Washer nozzles 122
Engine oil 123
Coolant 125
Brake fluid 126
Vehicle Identification 127Care and maintenance: The BMW Maintenance
System 128
Airbags 130
Storing your vehicle 130Laws and regulations: Technical modifications 132
California Proposition65 Warning 132
OBD interface socket 133
97n
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Maintenance
98n
Break-in procedure
To ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request that you observe the following:
Engine and differential Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km): Drive with varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph (150 km/h). Comply with local and state maximum speed limits. Refrain from using full throttle and avoid pressing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point. After you have driven 1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can gradually increase the engine and road speeds. You should also comply with these break-in procedures if the engine or differential is replaced later in the course of the vehicle's service life.
Tires Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction potential until an initial break-in period has elapsed. You should therefore drive with extra caution during the initial 200 miles (300 km). Comply with local and state maximum speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water may form between the tire and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as aquaplaning or hydro- planing, and can lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system Approx. 300 miles (500 km) must elapse before the brake pads and rotors achieve the optimal surface and wear pattern. To break-in the separate parking brake drums, apply the parking brake lightly when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic signal, for instance), provided that traffic conditions allow you to do so. To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce- dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system booster on your BMW is available only when the engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – for instance, by towing – substantially higher levels of pedal force will be required to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch The clutch will reach optimal function after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift gears carefully during the break-in period.
Driving notes
Brakes: Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure. Aquaplaning: When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a wedge of water may form between the tires and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as aqua- planing or hydroplaning. It is character- ized by a partial or complete loss of contact between the tires and the road surface. The ultimate results are loss of steering and braking control.
Driving through water: When there is water on the roads, do not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm). If the water is at that depth, drive only at walking speed, otherwise the vehicle can sustain damage to the engine, the electrical systems and the transmission. Clothes hooks (coupe): Hang items of clothing on the hooks in such a manner that they do not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so, they could cause personal injury during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
99n
100nCatalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces harmful exhaust emissions. It is designed for use with unleaded fuel only. Even minute quantities of lead would be enough to permanently damage both the catalytic converter and the system's oxygen sensor. To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine operation and avoid potential damage: > Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
> Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty
> If the engine runs roughly, shut it off
as soon as possible
> Tow-start the vehicle only when the
engine is cold. Tow-starting when the engine is warm could cause unburned fuel to ignite on the way to the cata- lytic converter, resulting in significant damage. It is better to start the vehicle with an outside starting aid
> Avoid any other situations in which the fuel would not be (completely) burned, for instance: Frequent or consecutive extended starting attempts or repeated starting attempts when the engine fails to start. (Shutting down and restarting an engine which is running properly does not present a problem.) Never allow the engine to run with any of the spark plug cables disconnected.
Be sure to comply with the instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata- lytic converter. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could respond by over- heating, leading to serious damage. Extreme temperatures occur at the catalytic converter on this and every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields are installed adjacent to some sections of the exhaust system. Never remove these shields; do not apply under- coating to their surfaces. When driving, standing while the engine is idling, or when parking, be careful to avoid contact between the hot exhaust system and easily-flammable materials (hay, dry grass, leaves, etc.). Such contact could cause a fire, resulting in personal injuries and property damage.<
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
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The concept The Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps the wheels from locking during braking, thereby enhancing active driving safety. The reason: locked wheels are dangerous. When the front wheels slide, the driver loses steering control over the vehicle. Traction loss at the rear wheels can cause the rear end to break into an uncontrolled skid. The system can achieve the shortest braking distances possible under most conditions (on straight-aways or in curves, on the various road surfaces). ABS is designed to meet two essential requirements during every brake appli- cation: > To help provide vehicle stability > Assured ability to steer and maneuver on the various road surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt, wet conditions, snow and ice).
Braking with ABS The system is operative once the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx. 6 mph (10 km/h). It is inactive once again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h). Therefore, the wheels could theoreti- cally tend to lock in the final phase of a braking action, but this is insignificant in actual practice. If you are in a situation which requires full braking, you will exploit the full benefits of the ABS system if you apply maximum brake pressure ("panic stop"). Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit cycles in fractions of a second. The pulsation at the brake pedal, together with sounds generated by the hydraulic control system, indicate to you that the vehicle is approaching its maximum braking range. It is a reminder to you that you must adapt the vehicle's road speed to existing road conditions. On road surfaces that have a loose surface layer on a firm base with good traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow, for example), braking distances may be longer than with locked wheels. This also applies for driving with snow chains. However, ABS continues to provide enhanced vehicle stability and steering response under these condi- tions.
102nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
In the event of a fault
The ABS warning lamp comes on, refer to page 21. The brake system then reverts to conven- tional operation as on vehicles without ABS. However, have the brake system checked by your
BMW center as soon as possible. To prevent undetected defects and cumu- lative faults from adversely affecting the brake system, refer any problems to your BMW center at the earliest oppor- tunity.
The red warning lamp for the brake hydraulic system comes on together with the yellow indi- cator lamps for ABS, ASC+T/ DSC and ADB/DBC (refer to page 21), the entire ABS, CBC, ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC control system has failed. Continue to drive cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica- tions because the vehicle could become unstable and go out of control. Have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible.
Warning lamps for Canadian models.
Information for your safety Not even ABS can suspend the laws of physics. ABS alone cannot prevent accidents if the brakes are applied without an adequate, safe distance between vehicles or if the speed limit has been exceeded. Nor can it prevent the hazards of aquaplaning. Responsi- bility for these types of situations remains in the hands (and at the feet) of the driver. You should never allow the added safety of ABS to lull you into a false sense of security, or mislead you into taking increased risks that could affect your own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be performed by authorized technicians only.<
Antilock Brake System (ABS)/ Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering design of the ABS. When braking while cornering at high speed or braking during high lateral acceleration, or when braking during a lane change, vehicle stability is improved and steering response is enhanced.
ABS
Disc brakes
103n
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* DBC is included in the DSC, refer to information beginning on page 74. If you step on the brake rapidly, this system automatically produces maximum braking force boost and thus helps to achieve the shortest possible braking distance during "panic stops". All of the benefits of the ABS system are exploited under these circum- stances. Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal for the duration of the brake application. When the brake pedal is released, the DBC is deacti- vated.
In the event of a malfunction, the brake warning lamp lights up yellow. Normal braking effi- ciency is still fully available. Have the system checked and repaired at your BMW center as
soon as possible.
Please observe the section "Infor- mation for your safety" concerning the ABS system, which also applies to the DSC system.<
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera- tion and braking control and greater fade resistance under heavy use. When the vehicle is driven only occa- sionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, or in oper- ating conditions where brake applica- tions are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion of the rotors and accumulation of contamina- tion on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimal pressure which must be exerted by the pads to clean the rotors by brake applications is not reached. If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to respond to braking with a pulsating effect which even extended application will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only brake pads that 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 in the event of their use.<
Driving notes While driving in wet conditions and in heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light pressure to the brake pedal every few miles – watch traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this process helps dry the pads and rotors. Maximum braking force is obtained while the wheels continue to rotate, peaking when the wheels remain on the verge of locking without actually doing so. ABS maintains this state automati- cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert to the staggered braking technique described on page 106. Extended or steep mountain descents should be driven in the gear in which only minimal periodic brake application is required. This avoids excessive strain on the brakes and possible impairment of the braking effect. You can increase the engine's braking effect by selecting progressively lower gears, downshifting into first gear, if necessary. You can also downshift into first gear if you are using the manual mode in a vehicle with automatic trans- mission, refer to page 63.
104nDisc brakes
Brake system
Brake fluid level
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the hydraulic brake system comes on: The brake fluid level is too low in the reservoir (refer to page 126). If the brake fluid level is too low
The warning lamp for the brake pads comes on: The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed to the nearest BMW center as soon as possible to have the pads replaced.
and brake pedal travel has become noticeably longer, there may be a defect in one of the two brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these conditions, and braking distances may be significantly longer. Please remember to adapt your driving style accordingly.<
For your own safety: use only brake pads that 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 in the event of their use.<
Should engine braking prove inade- quate, you should still avoid extended, continuous braking. Instead, decelerate the vehicle with increased pressure on the brake pedal (watch for following traffic), release the pedal and then repeat the brake application (staggered braking). This staggered braking tech- nique allows the brakes to cool in the intervals between active braking phases, preventing overheating and ensuring that full braking capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with the engine switched off. The engine provides no braking effect when the clutch is depressed and there is no power-assist for braking or steering when the engine is not running. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals and obstruct their move- ment.<
Winter operation
The onset of winter is often accompa- nied by rapid changes in weather. Adaptations in driving style should be accompanied by preparations on the vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle operation through the winter remains safe and trouble-free.
Coolant Ensure that the coolant contains the year-round 50:50 ratio of water and antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This mixture provides protection against freezing down to approx. –34 7 (–37 6). Replace the coolant every three years.
Locks BMW door lock deicer can be used to free the doors if they are frozen. This deicer also contains lubricant. After using deicer, treatment with BMW lock cylinder grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW rubber treatment to weather-stripping on the doors, hood, luggage compart- ment and to convertible top seals.
Starting off When starting from a full stop or "rocking" free in deep snow, we recom- mend that you switch off the ASC+T/ DSC* system, refer to pages 73, 74.
105n
A full range of car-care products is available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains BMW snow chains* can be mounted on both summer and winter tires. Mount them in pairs on the rear wheels only. Comply with the manufacturer's safety precautions. Do not exceed a speed limit of 30 mph (50 km/h) when driving with chains. As an exception in this situation, we recommend that you switch off the ASC+T/DSC* system when snow chains are mounted. Refer to pages 73, 74.
Driving on low-traction road surfaces Use smooth, gentle pressure to control the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive engine speeds and shift to the next higher gear at an early point. Shift down into the next lowest gear when approaching uphill or downhill grades. Maintain an adequate distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
Brakes Winter road conditions substantially reduce the traction available between the tires and the road surface. Remember that – in every situation – braking distances will be significantly longer as a result of this. ABS is intended to prevent the wheels from locking during brake applications, thus helping to maintain vehicle stability and steering response.
Power steering
If you notice a change in steering response (high steering effort, for example): Consult a BMW center to have the system checked.
If the power steering fails, increased effort will be required
to steer the vehicle.<
106nWinter operation
If it should occur that the ABS does not respond in a critical braking situation and the wheels lock: reduce the pres- sure on the brake pedal until the wheels just start to roll again while still main- taining enough force to continue braking. Following that, increase pedal pressure again. Reduce the pressure as the wheels lock, then reapply pressure. Repeat this process. This type of staggered braking will shorten the braking distance, and the vehicle still remains responsive to steering. You can still attempt to steer around hazards once you have reduced the pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and skid, which could result in the loss of vehicle control.<
Declutch during hard braking on road surfaces which provide only
poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the accelerator pedal, or place the selector lever of the automatic transmission into the "Neutral" position. Countersteer carefully and attempt to regain control of the vehicle.
Parking Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, place the selector lever in "Park". On vehicles with manual trans- mission, also apply the parking brake when parking on inclined surfaces. In order to prevent the parking brake linings from locking due to frost or corrosion, dry them by gently applying the parking brake as the vehicle is coming to a stop. Make sure that following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light up when the parking brake is
applied.<
Cellular phone*
Car radio reception
107n
Whenever necessary (when entering a car wash, for instance),
remove the rod antenna*. To remove the antenna, grasp the rod at the bottom and unscrew it to the left from the antenna base.<
You will find additional information concerning car radio reception in the chapter "Advanced technology" on page 166.
Mobile communications systems (cellular phones, two-way radios, etc.) are approved only up to a power output of 10 watts. Nonetheless, they may cause interference in the operation of your vehicle if they are not specifically designed for use in your vehicle. BMW can neither test nor assume responsi- bility for every individual product being offered on the market. We recommend that you consult your BMW center before purchasing any device of this kind. To ensure that your BMW continues to provide reliable and trouble-free opera- tion, refrain from using a cellular phone or other radio device with an antenna located inside the passenger compart- ment. The antenna should always be fitted on the outside of the vehicle.
Before loading the vehicle on a car-carrier train or driving it
through a car wash, remove the antenna.<
The reception and sound quality obtained from mobile radios varies according to a variety of factors, including the broadcast range of the transmitter and the directional orienta- tion of the antenna. Interference factors such as high-tension power lines, build- ings and natural obstructions can all lead to unavoidable reception interfer- ence, regardless of how well the vehicle's sound system is operating. Climatic factors such as intense solar radiation, fog, rain and snow can also interfere with reception. Cellular phones without official BMW approval can also generate interference during use. This phenomenon assumes the form of a low-pitched hum emanating from the speaker system. Please refer to the Owner's Manual provided with your sound system for detailed information on its use.
108nHardtop* – roadster
The fabric top does not have to be removed even in winter, when the hardtop is normally in constant use. In order to prevent water spots and mildew stains, the fabric top must be completely dry before it is stored in the convertible top compartment. Two people are necessary for the installation and removal of the hardtop. Work with extreme caution during this operation to avoid paint damage and damage to the body and hardtop. You may purchase a hardtop lift* from your BMW center. This accessory is especially designed to facilitate installa- tion and removal of the hardtop.
Installation Hook the protective fabric on the convertible top linkage (arrow). Open the convertible top and fold it down in the convertible top compart- ment, refer to pages 40 and 44. When doing this, make sure the rear window is laid down evenly and free of creases. To prevent the rear window from being scratched, position the protective fabric in the window fold. Do not install the convertible top cover. Lower the side windows and remove the rod antenna if necessary to avoid damage.
Rotate the cover panel which is located in the right and left trim panels behind the seats in the direction of the arrow until the opening for the hardtop mount is completely free. Remove the hardtop from the protec- tive cover. Clean any dirt and dust from the contact surfaces between the hardtop and the vehicle body in order to protect against abrasion. Position the hardtop on the mounts with the assistance of a second person.
109n
Removal Reverse the above procedure for removal of the hardtop.
The two screws of the front hardtop fasteners remain perma- nently in the windshield frame of your vehicle to prevent their loss.<
Following the initial delivery of the vehicle, or after the hardtop has been in use for an extended period, closing the convertible top requires increased effort. You may find this operation easier with the assistance of a second person. Following that, the convertible top should remain closed for at least 12 hours.
Hardtop* – roadster
Using the wrench from the onboard tool kit (fastened to the jack with a Velcro® strip), turn the screw (arrow) two to three turns into the windshield frame on the right and left sides.
Turn the right and left locking levers of the rear hardtop mounting fasteners in the direction of the arrow to the stop.
The rear mounting fasteners are locked correctly when the locking levers engage audibly and point to the rear of the vehicle.<
Finally, tighten the screws in the wind- shield frame (refer to the left column) and secure the wrench in the onboard tool kit.
After you have driven approx. 30 to 60 miles (50 to 100 km),
check the front hardtop fasteners to be sure that they are seated securely.<
110n
Notes on inflation pressures
Tire condition
Information for your safety The factory-approved radial tires are matched to the vehicle and have been selected to provide optimum safety and driving comfort on your vehicle. In a very real sense, both tire life and your own safety are riding on correct tire specifications and inflation pres- sures, refer to page 26.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road- holding ability of your BMW. Be sure to check the tire inflation pressures, including the spare tire, on a regular basis, at least twice a month and before doing any extended driving, refer to page 26. If this is not done, incorrect tire pressures can cause driving insta- bility and tire damage, ultimately resulting in accidents.<
Check the inflation pressure of the spare tire For checking tire pressures, there is a valve extension (arrow) on the storage tray of the spare wheel which is acces- sible from outside.
Tire tread – tire damage Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread pattern depth. Tread depth should not be allowed to go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though the legally specified minimum tread depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear indicators (arrow) are embedded in the base of the tire's tread. Their locations are indicated by the legend TWI – Tread Wear Indicator – at various points on the tire's shoulder. When the tread reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), these indicators appear to signal that the tires have worn to the minimum legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there is an increased risk of aquaplaning, even at relatively
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW center or professional tire center, or have the vehicle towed in to have it, its wheels and tires inspected. Tire damage (up to and including sudden and complete air loss) can pose an extreme hazard for both vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Tire condition
moderate speeds and with only small amounts of water on the road.
Never continue driving on a deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and braking response, and can lead to complete loss of control over the vehicle. Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading causes over- heating and damage inside the tires. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden air loss. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate a flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc- tion. The type of problem can be caused by contact with curbs, etc. This is also true for irregularities in the vehicle's handling characteristics, such as a pronounced tendency to pull to the left or right. Should this occur, respond by immediately reducing your speed.
Tire replacement
111n
To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single tread configuration from a single manufac- turer. BMW tests and approves wheel and tire combinations, refer to page 116.
DOT Quality Grades Tread 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.<
Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative 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.
112nTire replacement
Traction The 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, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac- teristics.<
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality 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
Do not use retreaded tires as this could negatively affect driving
safety. This is due to the possible varia- tions in casing structures and, in some cases, to their extreme age, factors which can lead to a decrease in their durability.<
Temperature The 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 material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. 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, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.<
Tire replacement
Tire rotation
113n
Tire age The date on which the tire was manu- factured is indicated by the code on the sidewall: DOT ... 2501 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 25 of 2001. BMW recommends the replacement of all tires when the tires are no more than 6 years old, even if a tire usage of 10 years is possible. Spare tires over 6 years old should be used only in case of emergency. A tire of this age should be replaced by a new tire immediately, and should not be fitted together with new tires.
Between the axles Tread wear at the front and rear axle is different and will vary according to indi- vidual driving conditions. In the interest of safety and optimal vehicle response, we advise against rotating tires from front to rear and vice versa. If rotating the tires between the axles is under consideration for economic reasons, the costs for remounting the wheels must be calculated against any savings which might result from the anticipated extension in tire life. Rota- tion should always be carried out at short intervals, with a maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your BMW center for more information.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it is essential to comply with the following: Rotate wheels on the same side of the vehicle only, otherwise braking effi- ciency and road grip could be adversely affected. Following rotation, correct the tire infla- tion pressure.
If tires with different sizes are mounted on the front and rear
axles (refer to the information beginning on page 116), the wheels may not be rotated from one axle to the other.<
114nWheel 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 the informa- tion beginning on page 116.
The correct wheel and tire combi- nation affects different systems such as ABS and ASC+T/DSC*. The function of these systems is impaired if improper wheel and tire combinations are used. For this reason, use only tires of the same manufacture and tread configura- tion. In the event of a flat tire, for example, remount the approved wheel and tire combination as soon as possible.<
205/60 R 15 91 H
Codes on tires and wheels The code on the tires has the following meaning. Codes on radial tires: Example: Nominal width in mm Aspect ratio in % Belt rating ID code for radial tires Wheel diameter in inches Load rating (not on ZR tires) Speed rating (before R on ZR tires)
The speed rating indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire. Summer tires: S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h) = up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h) W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h) Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h) ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)
All season and 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) Codes on light-alloy wheels: 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
x 15 H 2
Protect valve inserts against dirt by using screw-on valve caps. Dirt in the valve inserts frequently causes a slow loss in tire pressure.
Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting them against light whenever possible. Protect the tires against contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Special features of winter tires
Snow chains*
115n
Tire condition, tire pressure Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in (4 mm), winter tires display a percep- tible decrease in their ability to cope with winter driving conditions, and should be replaced in the interest of safety. Comply with the specified tire inflation pressures – and be sure to have the wheel and tire assemblies balanced every time you change the tires.
BMW narrow-link snow chains are intended for mounting in pairs at the rear wheels only. Comply with all manu- facturer's safety precautions when mounting the chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while driving with mounted snow chains.
Choosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires (M+S radial tires) for operation under inclement winter driving conditions. While so-called all season tires (M+S designation) provide better winter trac- tion than summer tires with the load ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener- ally do not achieve the performance of winter tires. In the interests of sure tracking and safe steering response, mount winter tires which are made by the same manufac- turer and which have the same tread configuration at all four wheels.
Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum speed for which the 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. Any BMW center has the required technical knowledge and the proper equipment and will be happy to assist you.<
116nApproved wheel and tire specifications
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information. Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications
Z3 roadster 2.5i Summer 225/50 R 16 92 V 225/50 ZR 16
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17
Winter (M+S) 205/60 R 15 91 Q/T/H 205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H 225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H
Spare tire T 115/90 R 16 92 M
Suitable for snow chains
Steel wheel
Light-alloy
(rim)
wheel
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