influences, summer or winter, to meet prefer-
ences you can specify.
In the AUTO program, the air conditioning
mode is also turned on at the same time.

The AUTO program functions only to a
limited extent when the convertible top is

open.

Individual air distribution

You yourself can direct airflow onto
the windows

, toward the upper

body

and into the footwell

. The

arrow lights up. The automatic air

supply remains unchanged. All intermediate
settings are possible. By pressing the AUTO
button, you can reactivate the air distribution.

Temperature

The interior temperature that
appears on the display panel is a gen-
eral figure intended for reference
purposes. When you start the vehi-

cle, the system ensures that the selected tem-
perature is reached as quickly as possible,
regardless of the season. It then maintains this
temperature.

Air supply/blower

Turn the rotary control to adjust the
air supply. This shuts off the auto-
matic air supply. The arrow lights up.
The automatic air distribution

remains unchanged. You can reactivate the
automatic air supply by pressing the AUTO but-
ton.

When you turn the rotary control toward zero:
the blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is stopped. You
can reactivate the system by turning the control
toward the right again.

To defrost windows and remove
condensation

This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and the side windows.

Maximum cooling

Above an outside temperature of
32

7/06 and with the engine run-

ning, you achieve a maximum cooling
effect as quickly as possible. At the

same time, the air conditioning is turned on.
The temperature is set to the lowest possible
value. The system switches to the recirculated
air mode, and air flows at maximum blower
speed from the ventilation grills in the upper
body area only. Therefore, the air outlets must
always be open when you select this program.

Air conditioning

The air is cooled and dehumidified
and, depending on the temperature
setting, rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-

shield may fog over briefly when the engine is
started.
The air conditioning system is automatically
switched on when you use the AUTO program.

Condensation forms during operation of
the air conditioning system, which then

exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground underneath the vehicle are
thus normal.

Outside air/Automatic recirculated air

control AUC/recirculated air mode

You can respond to unpleasant
external odors or pollutants by tem-
porarily stopping the flow of outside
air. The system then recirculates the

air currently within the vehicle.

By repeatedly pressing the button, you can
select one of three different operating modes.

Indicator lamps off: outside air flows into the
vehicle

Left-hand indicator lamp on, AUC mode:
the system detects pollutants in the outside
air and responds by deactivating the out-
side airflow as required. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the vehi-
cle. Depending on air quality requirements,
the system automatically switches between
outside air supply and recirculation of the air
already within the vehicle

Right-hand indicator lamp on: the flow of
outside air is permanently blocked. The
system recirculates the air already within
the vehicle.

If the windows fog over in the recirculated
air mode, switch this mode off and

increase the air supply as required. Do not use
the recirculated-air mode continuously over a
long period of time as this would otherwise
reduce the air quality in the interior of the vehi-
cle.

Rear window defroster

The indicator lamp lights up when
the rear window defroster is active.
The rear window defroster switches
off automatically.

Ventilation

You can adjust the blower controls for the upper
body area to obtain the optimum airflow rates
and directions for your personal requirements:

1 Rotary dials for opening and closing the

vents at any setting desired

2 Slide for adjusting airflow direction

Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter

The built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal
filter provides additional protection by filtering
gaseous pollutants from the outside air. Your
BMW center replaces this combined filter as a
standard part of your scheduled maintenance.
A substantial reduction in airflow indicates that
the filter needs to be replaced earlier.

Interior conveniences

Glove compartment

To open

Press the two push buttons together.

To close

Swing the door up.

To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment

immediately after use.

Storage compartments

Storage compartment between

backrests

To open

Press button; see arrow

Swing the cover downward.

To close

Swing the door up.

Locking/unlocking

The storage compartment between the back-
rests is automatically locked and unlocked with
the central locking system.

Releasing manually

In the event of an electrical malfunction of the
central locking system, you can manually
unlock the storage compartment between the
seats.

Pull on the cord in the rear luggage com-
partment panel.
The storage compartment between the
seats unlocks

Press button; see arrow

Other compartments and nets*

You will find additional storage compartments
in the front doors and in the center console.
Depending on the particular version, the vehicle
may also be equipped with two storage com-
partments behind the seats.
A net

is located on the passenger side along

the center console.

Beverage holder

A beverage holder is located on either side
beneath the air outlets.

Press the trim piece beneath the air outlets;
see arrow

Place the beverage into the holder

Adjust the holder to fit the size of the bever-
age container; see arrow

Do not place glass containers into the
beverage holders, as this increases the

risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Preparations for the cellular

phone*

Hands-free system

In vehicles with a telephone preparation, the
cover for the hands-free microphone is located
on the trim of the steering column.
For further information on the cellular phone,
refer to the Owner's Manual for the telephone.

Ashtray*

To empty

Open cover

Pull out ashtray

Cigarette lighter

Press in lighter

2. As soon as the lighter springs

back out, it can be removed.

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 operational even
when the ignition key has been removed. For
this reason, children should never be left in the
vehicle unattended.

Power socket

The cigarette lighter socket can be used as a
power socket for a flashlight, car vacuum
cleaner, etc. up to a rating of approx. 200 watts
at 12 volts.
Do not damage the socket by inserting plugs of
a different shape or size.

Special operating instructions

Break-in procedures

Moving parts need to be given some time until
they can interact smoothly with one another. 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 at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following engine or road speed:
4,500 rpm / 4,500/min or 100 mph / 160 km/h.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles/2,000 km,
you can gradually increase the engine or road
speeds.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period.

Tires

Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until an initial break-in period has
elapsed. You should therefore drive with extra
caution during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.

When the vehicle is operated on wet or
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form

between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle 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 their 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; use
caution to avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is set.

Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the

engine is running. When you move the car with
the engine off, e.g. by towing, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.

Clutch

The clutch will achieve its optimal functionality
after approx. 300 miles/500 km. Shift gears
carefully during the break-in period.

After replacing components

Follow the same break-in procedure again if any
of the components mentioned above have to be
replaced in the future.

Driving notes

Close the luggage compartment lid

Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely

closed, otherwise exhaust fumes could pene-
trate into the interior of the vehicle.

Should it be absolutely necessary to operate
the vehicle with the luggage compartment lid
open and with the convertible top closed:

Close all windows

Increase the air supply from the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control to a high
level. Refer to page

Hot exhaust system

High temperatures occur with every vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic converter.

Heat shields are installed adjacent to some sec-
tions of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoating to
their surfaces. When driving, standing at idle
and parking the vehicle, take care to avoid con-
tact between the hot exhaust system and flam-
mable materials, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, resulting in
serious personal injury and property damage.

Hydroplaning

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 can lead to
partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle con-
trol and braking effectiveness.

Driving through water

Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at

walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine,
the electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.

Use the parking brake on inclines

On inclines, keep the vehicle from rolling
by using the parking brake rather than by

slipping the clutch, which would lead to a high
degree of clutch wear.

Braking safely

Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. If you are in a situation which requires
full braking, it is best to brake using maximum
brake pressure: panic stop. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can still
avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.

Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.

Wet roads

If the roads are wet or if there is heavy rain, it is
advisable to gently press the brakes for a brief
moment every few miles/kilometers. Watch
traffic conditions to ensure that this maneuver
does not endanger other road users. The
resulting heat dries the brake rotors and brake
pads. Immediate braking force is then available
if necessary.

Inclines

To prevent overheating and, as a result,
diminished braking effectiveness, drive

down long or steep downhill grades in a gear
which requires the least braking. Otherwise,
even light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.

The braking power of the engine can be further
enhanced by downshifting the automatic trans-
mission in manual mode, if necessary, into first
gear; refer to pages

and

. This prevents an

excessive load on the brakes.

Do not coast with the clutch depressed or
with the transmission or selector lever in

Neutral. Do not coast with the engine switched
off. Otherwise, the engine provides no braking
effect while the transmission is in idling posi-
tion, and there is no power-assist for braking or
steering when the engine is off.
Floor mats, floor carpets or other objects must
not be in the area near the brake or accelerator
pedal, as this could impair the movement of the
pedals.

Corrosion on the brake rotors

Limited vehicle use, extended periods with the
vehicle parked or in storage, and operating con-
ditions in which braking is restricted to gentle,
low-pressure applications will all increase the
tendency for corrosion to form on the rotors and
contamination to accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal pres-

Special operating instructions

sure 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.

Interior and exterior mirrors with

automatic dimming feature*

Two photocells in the interior rearview mirror
serve to control the interior and exterior mirrors

with automatic dimming feature. One photocell
is positioned in the mirror's lens, see arrow,
while the other is on the opposite side of the
mirror.
To ensure perfect functioning, keep the photo-
cells clean and the area between the interior
rearview mirror and the windshield free of any
obstruction like stickers, etc.

When the vehicle is parked

Condensation formed in the air conditioning
system during operation exits under the vehi-
cle. Traces of condensed water on the ground
underneath the vehicle are thus normal.

Mobile equipment in the vehicle

BMW advises against using mobile
equipment, e.g. cellular phones, inside

the vehicle without connecting them directly to
an outside antenna. Otherwise, it cannot be
ruled out that vehicle electronics and the mobile
equipment interfere with one another. In addi-
tion, it is not ensured that the radio waves emit-
ted during transmission are directed outside of
the vehicle interior.

Cargo loading

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permissible carrying capacity of the tires

is not exceeded. Otherwise, overheating and
inner damage to the tires may result. The ulti-
mate result can assume the form of a sudden air
loss.

Determining the maximum load

Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard

The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed

XXX kg or YYY lbs; otherwise damage to the
vehicle and unstable driving conditions
could result.

Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passenger that will be riding in
your vehicle

Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passenger from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds

The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
551 lbs. and there will be two 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
251 lbs.
551 lbs. minus 300 lbs. = 251 lbs.

Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.

Load

The permissible load is the sum of the occu-
pants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The
greater the weight of the occupants, the less
cargo can be transported.

Stowing cargo

Load heavy cargo as far forward as possi-
ble, directly behind the luggage compart-
ment partition, and as low as possible

Cover sharp edges and corners.

To avoid damaging the rear of the back-
rest or the rear interior trim panel, do not

stow heavy cargo or cargo with sharp edges
and corners behind the seats.
In addition, large and bulky cargo stowed
behind the seats may prevent the backrest from
engaging properly. Therefore, ensure that the
backrest is securely locked and if necessary,
move the seat forward, refer to page

Always position and secure the load as
described above; otherwise, it can endanger
the passengers, for example during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight or the specified maximum axle loads.
Refer to page

103

. Otherwise the vehicle's

operating safety is no longer assured and you

are in violation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the pas-
senger compartment without first securing
them. Otherwise they would be thrown around
during braking and evasive maneuvers and
would endanger the occupants.

Convertible top compartment

With the convertible top closed, you can
enlarge the luggage compartment, refer

to page

It is advisable to always fold down the covertible
top compartment panel as soon as you have
removed your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that you can
always operate the convertible top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is closed,
raise the convertible top compartment panel
before stowing your cargo in the luggage com-
partment to avoid any damage to the convert-
ible top compartment or your load.
Do not stow any items on the convertible top
compartment panel since the convertible top
could be damaged while it is opening.

If you stow cargo behind the seats of your
BMW:

Only stow light objects such as clothing,
etc.

Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrests.

Special operating instructions

Hardtop preparation*

Pull covers off, see arrow

The brackets for attaching the hardtop
are located underneath the covers; see arrow

For instructions on how to install the
hardtop, please read the accompanying

assembly information.
The hardtop is available from your BMW center
as a special option.

Refueling

Fuel filler door

Open fuel filler door

Turn the gas cap in a counter-clockwise
direction

Place the cap in the bracket on the filler
door.

Releasing manually

If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can
unlock the fuel filler door manually:

Remove the covers of the tail lamps by turn-
ing the lock to the right; refer also to
page

Pull the luggage compartment trim panel
slightly toward the interior.
The green button with the fuel pump sym-
bol becomes visible

Undo the adhesive strip and pull off

Pull the button
The fuel filler door is released.

Pull on the button slowly and carefully
as it could otherwise be torn off.

Note when refueling

When handling fuels, comply with all of
the applicable safety precautions posted

at the service station.

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the nozzle dur-
ing refueling

results in premature shutoff

and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.

The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle shuts
off the first time.

Closing the fuel filler cap

Place the cap in position and turn it clockweise
until a clearly audible click is heard.

Close the filler cap carefully after refueling
until a click is heard. While closing, be

sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened
to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate
the Check gas cap lamp

Warning lamp

lights up.

The gas cap is not properly closed or is
missing. Check if the gas cap is prop-

erly closed.

Contents of the fuel tank

Approx. 14.5 gallons/55 liters, of which approx.
2.1 gallons/8 liters are reserve capacity.

Fill the fuel tank before it is completely
empty. Driving to the last drop of fuel can

prevent the engine from operating properly and
result in damage.

Fuel specifications

The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.

Required fuel

Premium Unleaded Gasoline, Minimum Octane
Rating: 91.

Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to the
Anti Knock Index AKI and is determined by the
so-called (R+M)/2 method.

Do not use leaded gasoline, as otherwise
the lambda probe and catalytic converter

will be permanently damaged.

Use high-quality brands

Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight,
that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.

The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems

especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.

Wheels and tires

Tire inflation pressure

Information for your safety

It is not merely the tire's service life, but also
driving safety and driving comfort that largely
depend on the condition of the tires and the
maintenance of the specified tire pressure.

Checking tire pressures

Check the tire inflation pressures only when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum driv-
ing distance of 1.25 miles/2 km or if the vehicle
has been parked for at least 2 hours. Warm tires
have higher inflation pressures.

Check tire inflation pressures regularly
and correct them if necessary: at least

every two weeks and before every extended
journey. Otherwise, incorrect tire pressures can
cause driving instability or tire damage, ulti-
mately resulting in accidents.

Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor after cor-
recting the tire inflation pressure. Refer to

page

Inflation pressures for original tires

The specified inflation pressures for tires at
ambient temperature are provided on the plac-
ard on the B-pillar and are visible when the
driver's door is open.

Inflation pressures for other tire sizes

The following tire inflation pressure tables show
the inflation pressures for the specified tire
sizes at ambient temperature.

To determine the correct tire inflation
pressure for your tires, observe the pres-

sures listed for the relevant tire sizes.

Tire size

The inflation pressures in the table apply to
BMW-approved tire sizes and recommended
tire brands. Your BMW center will be glad to
supply this information.

Z4 2.5i

Z4 3.0i

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature

225/50 R 16 92 V
225/45 R 17 91 W

30/210

33/230

225/40 R 18 88 W

30/210

–

255/35 R 18 90 W

–

33/230

205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H M+S

30/210

33/230

You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page

103

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature

225/45 R 17 91 W

33/230

36/250

225/40 R 18 88 W

33/230

–

255/35 R 18 90 W

–

36/250

225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H M+S

33/230

36/250

You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page

103

Wheels and tires

Tire coding

Understanding the lettering on the tire sidewall
makes it easier to identify and choose the cor-
rect tires.

Tire size

e.g.

225/50 R 16 92 V

Nominal width in mm
Cross-sectional
ratio in %
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter,
in front of the R on ZR tires

Speed code letter

Q= up to 105 mph / 160 km/h
T= up to 118 mph / 190 km/h
H= up to 131 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

Tire Identification Number

Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
e.g.

DOT xxxx xxx 5004

Manufacturer's code
for tire brand
Tire size and
tire version
Tire age

Tire age

The date on which the tire was manufactured is
indicated by the code on the sidewall:
DOT … 5004 indicates that the tire was manu-
factured in week 50 of the year 2004.

BMW recommends the replacement of all tires
every 6 years at the latest, even if a tire usage of
10 years is possible.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A

DOT quality grades

Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C

All passenger car 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 conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half, 1

γ, times as well on the govern-

ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.

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 specified government test sur-
faces 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, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.

Content .. 2 3 4 5 ..