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BMW 3.0i Roadster (2003 year). Instruction - part 1

Overview

Cockpit

Parking lamps/Low beams

Turn signal indicators

Standing lamps

High beams

Headlamp flasher

Computer

Fog lamps

Horn

Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor

Hazard warning flashers

Central locking system

Engine compartment release

Luggage compartment lid release

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Instrument cluster

Speedometer

Indicator and warning lamps

Tachometer

with indicator and warning lamps

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Fuel gauge

Button for

Time

Service interval display

Selector lever and program display for
automatic transmission

Button for

Trip odometer, reset to zero

Setting time

Display for

Trip odometer/Odometer

Clock

Service interval

Computer

Overview

Indicator and warning
lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are iden-
tified by

are tested for proper functioning

whenever the ignition key is turned. They
each light up once for different periods of
time.

If a fault should occur in one of these sys-
tems, the corresponding lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or it lights up
again while the vehicle is moving. The indi-
cated pages provide information on what
measures to take.

Please fasten safety belts

Airbags

Battery charge current

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil level/
Engine oil sensor

Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tem/Dynamic Brake Control/Brake
fluid

Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models

Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control system

Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control system for Canadian
models

Dynamic Stability Control DSC

Dynamic Traction Control DTC

Flat Tire Monitor

Automatic transmission

Brake pads

Add coolant

Check Gas Cap

Service engine soon

warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Defective bulbs

Turn signal indicators

Fog lamps

Headlamp flasher/
High beams

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Electric Power Steering EPS

Engine electronics

Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics. You can continue to drive with

reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have the system inspected by your
BMW center.

Colors

The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in various colors and combinations.

The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond when they
appear.

Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder

Yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as
possible
or
for your information

Green:
For your information

Blue:
For your information.

Opening and closing

Keys

The key set

Master keys with remote control –
determine the functions of the Key
Memory, refer to page

You can mark individual keys for subse-
quent identification by applying the col-
ored decals that you received when
accepting delivery of your vehicle

There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is

charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key
with remote control that is otherwise
not used, use that key approximately
once a year while driving for an
extended period to charge the bat-
tery.

Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet.
This key does no open the lock of the
luggage compartment lid – useful for
valet parking, for example.
This key is not intended for constant
use

Central locking system

The concept

The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is

closed. The system simultaneously
engages and releases the locks on the

doors

luggage compartment lid

fuel filler door

storage compartment between the
backrests

opened manual convertible top.

The central locking system can be oper-
ated

from outside using the remote control
or via the driver's door lock

from inside via the central locking sys-
tem button.

If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler
door will not be locked. Refer to page

The anti-theft system is automatically acti-
vated whenever you activate the central
locking system from outside the vehicle. It
prevents the doors from being unlocked
with the lock buttons or release handles.
The alarm system is also armed.

The central locking system unlocks auto-
matically in the event of an accident. In
addition, the hazard warning flashers and
interior lamps come on.

Remote control

The concept

The remote control provides two additional
functions for central locking.

Switching on interior lamps. Refer to
page

With this function, you can also search
for the vehicle when parked in an
underground garage, for instance

Opening the luggage compartment lid
separately. Refer to page

. The lug-

gage compartment lid will open slightly,
regardless of whether it was locked or
unlocked.

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Whenever you unlock or lock the vehicle,
you simultaneously deactivate/activate
the anti-theft system, disarm/arm the alarm
system and switch the interior lamps on/
off.

You can have a signal set to confirm
that the vehicle's locks have engaged

securely.

Since persons or animals in the vehi-
cle could lock the doors from the

inside, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.

If it is no longer possible to lock the
vehicle via the remote control, the

battery is discharged. Use this key while
driving for an extended period in order to
recharge the battery.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You can
also obtain replacement keys there.

To unlock

To lock and secure, activate interior
lamps, disarm tilt alarm sensor and inte-
rior motion sensor

To open the luggage compartment

To unlock

Press the button to unlock the driver's
door and the fuel filler door

Press the button a second time to dis-
engage all vehicle locks.

To lock and secure

Press the button.

To switch on the interior lamps

With the vehicle locked:
Press the button.

To deactivate the tilt alarm* and
interior motion sensors*

Press the button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to
page

To open the luggage compartment

Press the button.

The luggage compartment lid will open
slightly, regardless of whether it was
locked or unlocked.

Before and after a trip, be sure that
the luggage compartment lid has not

been opened unintentionally.

Panic mode – triggering alarm

By pressing the button for 2 to 5 seconds,
the alarm can be sounded in the event of
danger. The alarm is turned off by pressing
button

1 again – for unlocking.

External systems

External systems or devices may cause
local interference in the functions of the
remote control.

Should this occur, you can still open and
close the vehicle using the master key in
either the door or luggage compartment
locks.

Opening and closing

For US owners only

The transmitter and receiver units comply
with part 15 of the FCC – Federal Commu-
nications Commission – regulations. Oper-
ation is governed by the following:

FCC ID:

LX8EWS

LX8FZVS

LX8FZVE

Compliance statement:

This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful
interference, and

this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modifications to
these devices could void the user's

authority to operate the equipment.

Door lock

One turn of the key in the driver's door lock
to unlock the driver's door only and the fuel
gas door.

Turn the key a second time to disengage all
other vehicle locks.

You can have a signal set to confirm
that the vehicle's locks have engaged

securely.

Convenience operation

You can also operate the power windows
and the fully automatic convertible top via
the door lock.

To open:
With the door closed, hold the key in the
"Unlock" position

To close:
With the door closed, hold the key in the
"Lock" position.

Watch the closing process carefully
and be sure that no one is trapped by

the closing motion. Releasing the key stops
the operation.

Manual operation

In the event of an electrical malfunction

Turn the key all the way to the left or right to
unlock/lock the driver's door.

Interior

You can use this button to control the cen-
tral locking system whenever the doors are
closed. The doors and luggage compart-
ment lid are unlocked or locked only. The
anti-theft system is not activated.

If only the driver's door was unlocked from
the outside and you press the button, then,
with the driver's door still open, the lug-
gage compartment lid and the fuel gas
door will unlock, too. If the driver's door is
closed, it will be locked.

If you desire, the central locking sys-
tem can be activated automatically as

soon as you begin to drive. This can be
adjusted to be key-specific.

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

To unlock and open

Either unlock the doors together with
the button for the central locking sys-
tem and then pull each of the release
handles above the armrests

pull the release handle for each door
twice: the initial pull unlocks the door,
and the second one opens it.

To lock

Either use the central locking button to
lock all doors at once

press the individual door lock buttons
down.

To prevent the driver from being
inadvertently locked out of the

vehicle, the driver's door lock button
will not engage as long as the door is
open.

Since persons or animals in the vehi-
cle could lock the doors from the

inside, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.

Luggage compartment lid

To open from the outside

Turn the master key to the left as far as it
will go. The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly.

If the alarm system is armed, opening the
luggage compartment with the key will trig-
ger an alarm; refer also to page

To open from the inside

If the luggage compartment lid has not
been locked separately, you can open it
with this button in the footwell on the
driver's side when the vehicle is stationary.

To close

The handle recess in the interior trim panel
of the luggage compartment lid makes it
easier to pull the lid down.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the luggage compart-

ment lid is clear when it is closed, following
the same precautions as with all closing
procedures.

Operate the vehicle only when the
luggage compartment lid is closed,

since exhaust fumes could penetrate 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 con-
ditioner or automatic climate control to
a high level. Refer to page

Opening and closing

Luggage compartment

Emergency release

This lever releases the luggage compart-
ment lid from inside the luggage compart-
ment.

To enlarge the luggage compartment

The luggage compartment can be enlarged
when the convertible top is closed.

Simultaneously turn the handles on both
sides of the luggage compartment to the
right past the resistance point.
The convertible top compartment panel is
raised.

Before opening the convertible top:
Turn the handles to the left and fold the
convertible top compartment panel down-
ward.

Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top

compartment panel has been folded down
in the luggage compartment to avoid any
possible damage.

Electric power windows

The illustration shows the power window
switches in the trim of the passenger door.

To open and close the windows

Ignition key in position

1 or higher

Press the switch until you feel resis-
tance: the window continues to move
downward as long as you continue to
press the switch

Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the window moves automat-
ically. Pressing the switch again stops
the opening cycle.

You can close the windows in the same
manner by pulling the switch.

The window on the passenger side does
not move automatically.

After the ignition has been switched off:
You can still use the electric power win-
dows for up to 15 minutes, as long as no
one opens any of the doors.

When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key from the lock

and remember to close the doors to pre-
vent children from operating the power
windows and injuring themselves, etc.

For convenience operation via the door
lock, refer to page

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Manual convertible top

The fabric top offers perfect protection
against the weather and it can be opened
easily and quickly by one person alone.

Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your Z4 roadster:

It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked.
The closed convertible top not only pro-
tects the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection

In addition, only keep valuables in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed

When the convertible top is open, the
central locking system also locks the
release button for the convertible top.
The convertible top cannot be oper-
ated. This provides better theft protec-
tion for valuables stored in the luggage
compartment

Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.

To open the convertible top

Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.

Never store the convertible top for longer
than one day while it is wet to avoid perma-
nent damage from moisture.

Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top

compartment panel in the luggage com-
partment is lowered to avoid any possible
damage; refer to page

Flip the handle out and turn it to the end
stop

Open the convertible top and push it
toward the rear of the vehicle

Gently swing the convertible top down-
ward and press until it engages audibly.

To close the convertible top

Opening and closing

Press button; see arrow

The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly; see arrow

Holding on to the handle, pull the con-
vertible top forward onto the windshield
frame

Lock the convertible top by turning the
handle until you hear the convertible
top engage.

At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment

can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.

Fully automatic convertible
top*

The fully automatic convertible top com-
bines assured protection against the ele-
ments with simple and easy handling.

Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your roadster:

it is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
only keep valuables in the locked lug-
gage compartment, even with the con-
vertible top closed.

Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.

To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
14

7/–106.

Never store the convertible top while
it is wet to avoid permanent damage

from moisture.

Driving when the opening or closing
process has not been completed can

cause vehicle damage or personal injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top,
since they could fall off when the convert-

ible top is operated and cause damage or
injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top mech-
anism during opening and closing. Keep
children away from the moving parts of the
convertible top during operation.

If possible, only operate the convert-
ible top with the vehicle stopped, as

otherwise the process may be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion with
the vehicle stationary and then have to start
suddenly – for instance, at a traffic light –
you can still complete the operation by
driving as slowly as possible and again
pressing and maintaining pressure on the
button.

At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment

can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.

To open and close

To close

To open

If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running.

This saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove
any objects from the windshield frame that
could keep the convertible top from closing
properly.

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Ignition key in position

1 or higher.

With the vehicle standing.

Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions

Make sure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the luggage compart-
ment is lowered; refer to page

. Oth-

erwise the convertible top cannot be
opened

Ensure that the luggage compartment
lid is closed

Press and hold the corresponding but-
ton for convertible top operation.

If the convertible top should halt right
before the closing phase is completed,
press against the front part of the convert-
ible top frame from the outside to help the
closing process along. Keep pressing the
button while doing so until the top starts up
again on its own.

Indicator lamps

The red indicator lamp will light up while
the convertible top is in motion. It goes
out as soon as the opening or closing
operation has been completed

If the red indicator lamp flashes after
the button has been released, then the
opening or closing operation has not
yet been completed.
The sequence can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing this but-
ton

If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button pressed,
then the convertible top compartment
panel is raised and the convertible top
cannot be moved.

The side windows will lower slightly when
you press the button for operating the con-
vertible top.

After the opening or closing operation, the
side windows will go back up if you keep
the button pressed for more than 2 sec-
onds after the indicator lamp has gone out.

The automatic sequence will be interrupted
immediately if you release the button that
operates the top. The sequence can be

continued in the desired direction by press-
ing this button.

If the convertible top operation has
been interrupted, do not close the

side windows using the power window but-
tons. Otherwise the side windows may not
close properly against the rubber seal of
the convertible top.

After the convertible top has been
stored for an extended period of time

in the convertible top compartment – e.g. in
the winter months because the hardtop
was being used – you may have to support
the convertible top by hand when closing it
for the first time.

If the opening or closing procedure has
been interrupted due to an electrical mal-
function, the convertible top will remain in
that position for 15 minutes. The procedure
can be resumed in the desired direction by
pressing the button. After that, the convert-
ible top can be moved again and, if it is an
emergency situation, you may have to help
the top along manually. This can also be
done in ignition key position

Convenience operation from the
driver's door lock

Refer to page

To close manually in the event of
an electrical malfunction

To release the convertible top

Pull out the handle in the luggage com-
partment as far as it will go

Turn the handle by 90˚ until it engages

Opening and closing

Pull on the cord in the rear luggage
compartment panel.
The storage compartment between the
backrests unlocks; refer also to
page

Press button; see arrow

The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly; see arrow

Grab the convertible top at its frame
and pull it up to the windshield frame

Use a screwdriver to lift out the cover
panel in the center of the front convert-
ible top frame

Insert the Allen wrench into the hex slot

Pull the convertible top frame down as
far as possible

Continue turning the Allen wrench to
the left until the front convertible top
frame has locked onto the windshield
frame.

Wind deflector*

With the convertible top open, the wind
deflector keeps air movement in the pas-
senger compartment to a minimum, thus
providing you with a pleasant drive, even at
higher speeds.

Because of its slim dimensions, it can eas-
ily be stored in a storage compartment in
the luggage compartment lid.

The illustration shows the wind deflector
guide and the wind deflector panel on the
passenger side.

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Installation

Insert the wind deflector in the guides pro-
vided on the rollover bars.

The wind deflector panels inserted in the
rollover bars cannot be removed.

Clothes hooks

Located on the wind deflector panel in the
rollover bars.

Do not hang heavy objects on the
hooks. If you do so, personal injury

could result during braking or evasive
maneuvers, for example.

Alarm system*

The concept

The vehicle alarm system responds:

When a door, the hood or the luggage
compartment lid is opened

When attempts are made to start the
vehicle

To movement inside the vehicle – inte-
rior motion sensor

To alterations in the vehicle tilt, e.g. as
would occur during attempts to steal
the wheels or tow the vehicle

To interruption of battery voltage.

The alarm produced by the system in the
event of unauthorized vehicle entry and
attempted theft depends on the country
version:

Sounding of an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds

Activation of the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes.

Arming and disarming the alarm sys-
tem

When the vehicle is locked or unlocked
either via the driver's door lock or with the
remote control, the alarm system is simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.

The hazard warning flashers blink once
when the alarm system has been properly
armed.

You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming

and disarming.

You can open the luggage compartment lid
when the system is armed by pressing the
remote control button. Refer to page

When it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.

Manual operation of the luggage
compartment lid triggers the alarm.

Refer to page

To cancel an alarm:

Press the button on the remote control,
refer to page

, or turn the ignition key to

position

1. Refer to page

Indicator lamp displays

The indicator lamp beneath the interior
mirror flashes continuously:
The system is armed

The indicator lamp flashes when it is
being armed:
A door, the hood or luggage compart-
ment lid is not completely closed. Even
if you do not close the area causing the
alert, the remaining areas are secured
and the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after 10 seconds.
However, the interior motion sensor is
not activated

Opening and closing

If the indicator lamp goes out as soon
as the system is disarmed:
No manipulation or attempted intru-
sions have been detected in the period
since the system was armed

If the indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is being
disarmed:
An attempted entry has been detected
in the period since the system was
armed.

After an alarm has been triggered, the indi-
cator lamp will flash continuously.

Interior motion sensor

The system monitors the footwells and the
seating areas of the driver and passenger.

Deactivate the interior motion sensor
– refer to Avoiding unintentional

alarms – if children or animals are to remain
in the vehicle.

Avoiding unintentional alarms

The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor can be deactivated at the same
time. You can do this to prevent a false
alarm from being triggered, for instance in
garages with elevator ramps or when the
vehicle is transported by train.

Lock the vehicle twice = arm the system:

Press the button on the remote control
twice in succession,

lock the vehicle twice with the key. Refer to
page

The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor are
deactivated as long as the system is
armed.

At a glance

Controls

Driving tips

Mobility

Reference

Adjustments

Safe seating position

For relaxed and fatigue-free driving you
should select a seating position that
reflects your personal requirements. The
correct seating position combines with
safety belts and airbags to enhance occu-
pant safety in the event of an accident. To
ensure that the vehicle's safety systems
provide you with optimal protection, we
request that you direct your careful atten-
tion to the following section.

For supplementary information on trans-
porting children, refer to page

Sitting safely with airbags

Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the air-

bags.
Always hold the steering wheel by its rim
with hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injuries to your
hands or arms in the event of airbag
deployment. Never allow any objects, indi-
viduals or animals to obstruct the areas
between passengers and airbags. Never
use the front airbag's cover as a storage
tray or support for objects of any kind.
Never allow front passengers to rest their
feet or legs on the airbag cover.

For airbag locations and additional infor-
mation on airbags, refer to page

Sitting safely with safety belts

Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow

infants or small children to ride in a passen-
ger's lap. Avoid twisting the belt while rout-
ing it firmly across the pelvis and shoulder,
wear it as snugly against your body as pos-
sible. Do not allow the belt to rest against
hard or fragile objects. Do not route the belt
across your neck, or run it across sharp
edges. Be sure that the belt does not
become caught or jammed. Avoid wearing
bulky clothing and pull on the lap belt peri-

odically to retension it over your shoulders.
In the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over your hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced if
the belt is worn loosely. Expectant mothers
should always wear their safety belts, tak-
ing care to position the lap belt against the
lower hips, where it will not exert pressure
against the abdominal area.

For information on using the safety belts,
refer to page

Seats

Before adjusting your seat, always
observe the following precautions

Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could

respond with an unexpected movement,
and the ensuing loss of vehicle control
could result in an accident. Never ride with
the backrest inclined to an extreme angle –
especially important for the front passen-
ger to remember. If you do so, there is a
risk that you will slide under the safety belt
in the event of an accident, thus reducing
the protection provided by the safety belt.

Seat adjustment

1 Backward/forward

Pull lever

1 and slide the seat into the

desired position.

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