BMW Z3 User Manual

Owner’s Manual for the vehicle.
Contents
A - Z
With a quick reference guide for your convenience.
Z3 roadster 2.3 Z3 roadster 2.8 Z3 coupe 2.8 M roadster M coupe
modell

Preface

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW. Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request: Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new car. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi­mum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to en­hance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties: – New Vehicle Limited Warranty – Limited Warranty Rust Perforation – Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty – Federal Emissions Performance Warranty – California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience. BMW AG
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Notes on the Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you wish an initial overview of your vehicle, this can be found in the first chapter. The detailed list of con­tents that directly follows the summary of contents is intended to stimulate your curiosity regarding your BMW and to encourage you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remem­ber to pass the Owner's Manual on to the new owner – the manual represents a legally-required element of the vehi­cle.
If you have additional questions, a BMW center will be glad to advise you.
© 1999 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order no. 01 41 0 155 149 US English IX/99 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Symbols used
These sections contain vital infor-
mation – please read the accom­panying text passages carefully, both for the your own safety and to prevent
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damage to your BMW.
These passages contain informa-
tion on special and unique fea­tures of your vehicle.
Indicates special information con-
cerning recycling.
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Indicates the end of a note.
*
Indicates special equipment, coun­try-specific equipment and optional extras.
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The individual vehicle

On buying your BMW, you have de­cided in favor of a model with individu­alized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same group.
We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. Any differences can easily be identified, since all optional acces­sories and special equipment are
*
marked with an asterisk If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual (a car radio or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.
Notes on the Owner's Manual Symbols used The individual vehicle
.

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development which is con­ceived to ensure that our vehicles con­tinue to embody the highest quality standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this reason, it is possible that the features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no legal claims can be entertained on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this man­ual.
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For your own safety

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equiva­lent amount of co-solvent) will not void the applicable warranties respecting defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated signifi­cant differences in fuel quality (i.e. vola­tility, composition or additives, etc.). among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels may result in drive­ability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain environmental conditions such as high ambient tem­perature and high altitude. Should you encounter driveability prob­lems that 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 result in unscheduled maintenance. Follow the relevant safety rules when
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you are handling gasoline.
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by BMW. When you purchase accessories tested and approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thor­oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti­mum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workman­ship. BMW will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product made by other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occupants. Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones (including operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna) or trans­ceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkie­talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, com­promise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your BMW center for additional in-
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formation.
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified auto-
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motive part.
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.
The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in indi­vidual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
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Index
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Contents
Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster –
Z3 roadster, Z3 coupe 18
Instrument cluster –
Overview
M roadster, M coupe 20 Indicator and warning lamps 22 Hazard warning flashers 26 Warning triangle 26 First-aid kit 27 Refueling 27 Fuel specifications 28 Tire inflation pressure (table) 29
Opening and closing:
Keys 34 Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 35 Central locking system 36 Opening and closing from the
outside 36 Opening and closing from the
inside 37 Luggage compartment lid 38
Controls and features
Electric power windows 39 Sunroof, coupe 40 Convertible top 41
Adjustments:
Seats 50 Mirrors 51
Safety systems:
Safety belts 53 Airbags 55 Child restraint systems 57
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 59 Starting the engine 60 Switching off the engine 61 Parking brake 61 Manual transmission 62 Automatic transmission 63 Turn signals/High beams 65 Wiper/Washer system 66 Rear window defroster 67 Cruise Control 68
Everything under control:
Odometer 69 Tachometer 69 Fuel gauge 69 Temperature gauge 70 Service Interval Display 70 Auxiliary instruments,
M roadster, M coupe 71 Digital clock, Z3 coupe 72 Analog clock, Z3 roadster 72 Onboard computer 73
Technology for safety and convenience:
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 76
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beam 77 Fog lamps 78 Interior lamps 78 Reading lamps 79
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation 80 Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioning 84 Seat heating 89
Contents
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Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment 90 Additional storage areas 90 Storage boxes 90 Beverage holder 91 Ashtray 91 Cigarette lighter 92
Loading and transporting:
coupe:
Roll-up cover 93
Controls and features
Separation net 93 Cargo loading 94 Roof-mounted luggage rack 95
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 Radio reception 107 Hardtop – roadster 108
Wheels and tires:
Notes on inflation pressure 110
Operation, care and maintenance
Tire condition 110 Tire replacement 111 Tire rotation 113 Wheel and tire
combinations 114 Snow chains 115 Winter tires 115 Approved wheel and tire
specifications 116
In the engine compartment:
Hood 119 Engine compartment 120 Fluids for the washer
systems 124 Washer nozzles 124 Engine oil 125 Coolant 128 Brake fluid 130 Vehicle Identification 130
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 131 Caring for your car 132 Airbags 139 Storing your vehicle 140
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications
to the vehicle 141 OBD connector 142
Contents
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 146 Windshield wiper blades 146 Lamps and bulbs 147 Master key with battery
lamp 154
Tire change – Z3 roadster,
Z3 coupe 155
Repairing a flat tire,
M roadster, M coupe 162 Battery 166 Fuses 169
Owner service procedures
In case of electrical malfunction:
Power convertible top 170 Fuel filler door 170
Assistance, giving and receiving:
Jump-starting 170 Towing the vehicle 172
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) 176 Airbags 176 Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 177 Radio reception 177 Safety belt tensioner 178 Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer 178
Advanced technology
Limited slip differential 179
Engine specifications 182 Dimensions 183 Weights 184 Capacities 185 Electrical system 186 Drive belts 186
Technical data
Everything from A to Z 190
Owner service procedures 195
Index
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Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster – Z3 roadster,
Z3 coupe 18 Instrument cluster – M roadster,
M coupe 20 Indicator and warning lamps 22 Hazard warning flashers 26 Warning triangle 26 First-aid kit 27 Refueling 27 Fuel specifications 28 Tire inflation pressure (table) 29

Overview

Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Overview
16n

Cockpit

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Cockpit
1 Parking lamps/Low beam 77 2 Horn 3 Wiper/Washer system 66 4 Hazard warning flashers 26
*
5 Cruise control
>
Turn signals 65
6
>
High beam 65
>
Headlamp flasher 65
>
Onboard computer*73 7 Fog lamps 78 8 Hood release 119
68
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Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
18n

Instrument cluster – Z3 roadster, Z3 coupe

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Instrument cluster – Z3 roadster, Z3 coupe
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1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for reserve range 69 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 25 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Battery charge current 22
>
High beam 25
>
Engine oil pressure 22 5 Tachometer 69 6 Coolant temperature gauge 70 7 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Brake pad wear 24
>
Brake hydraulic system 22, 23
>
Parking brake 23
>
Airbags 23 8 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Service Engine Soon 24
>
Automatic transmission*24
>
Safety belts 23
>
Engine oil level 23, 24
>
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 23, 24 9 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
*
Control (DSC) 10 Trip odometer 69 11 Service Interval Display 70, 131 12 Odometer 69
23, 24
13 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Front fog lamps*25
>
Electronic Engine Power Control
(EML) 24 14 Trip odometer reset button 69 The illustration shows the instrument
cluster in the US version. In the Cana­dian models, some of the indicator and warning lamps have a different appear­ance. Refer to pages 22 to 25.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
20n

Instrument cluster – M roadster, M coupe

367us706
M roadster
Instrument cluster – M roadster, M coupe
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1 Fuel gauge with a lamp for the
reserve tank 69 2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 25 3 Speedometer 4 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Battery charge current 22
>
High beam 25
>
Engine oil pressure 22 5 Tachometer 69 6 Engine coolant gauge 70 7 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Brake pad wear 24
>
Brake hydraulic system 22, 23
>
Parking brake 23
>
Airbags 23 8 Indicator and warning lamps for:
>
Service Engine Soon 24
>
Safety belts 23
>
Antilock Braking System
(ABS) 23, 24 9 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
*
Control (DSC)
23, 24
10 Trip odometer 69 11 Service Interval Display 70, 131 12 Odometer 69 13 Trip odometer reset button 69 The illustration shows the instrument
cluster in the US version. In the Cana­dian models, some of the indicator and warning lamps have a different appear­ance. Refer to pages 22 to 25.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
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Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems of your BMW monitor themselves automatically, both during engine starts and while you are driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by " 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 systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.
" are tested for
Red: Stop immediately
Battery charge current The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive belt is defective or there is a malfunc­tion in the charging circuit of the alter­nator. Please contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could be damaged due to overheating. In­creased force is required to steer the vehicle if the drive belt is defective.
Engine oil pressure Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check the engine oil level. Top up as required. If oil level is correct: Please contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. The engine could be damaged be-
cause of inadequate lubrication.
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Brake hydraulic system The brake fluid level is too low. Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 104 and 130.
Warning lamp, brake hydraulic system for Canadian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
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Yellow: Stop immediately
Engine oil level* Comes on while driving: Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine immediately. The oil level is at the absolute minimum.
Do not continue driving. If you do, the engine could be damaged due
to inadequate lubrication.<
Red and yellow: Continue to drive; drive cautiously
If the red warning lamp for the brake hydraulic system comes on together with the yellow indi­cator lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC and ASC+T/DSC control system has failed. Continue to drive; drive cautiously and defensively
and avoid full brake applica­tions. Have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible. For additional information: Refer to pages 76 and 102.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.
*: The entire ABS
Red: An important reminder
Parking brake Comes on when the parking
brake is applied. For additional information: Refer to page 61.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten your safety belt
Together with an acoustic signal.
Comes on until the safety belts are fastened. For additional information on safety belts: Refer to page 53.
Airbags
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to pages 55 and 176.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
24n
Indicator and warning lamps
Yellow: Check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Comes on during normal vehicle
operation: ABS has been deac­tivated in response to system malfunc­tion. Conventional braking efficiency is available without limitations. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 101.
Antilock Brake System warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: Check the engine oil level. For additional information: Refer to page 125.
Automatic transmission
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts only in the emergency program. Please consult the nearest BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 64.
*
*
Brake pads Have the brake pads checked. For additional information:
Refer to page 104.
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) ASC+T/DSC has been switched off or has been deactivated because of a mal­function. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked as soon as possible by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 76.
Service Engine Soon
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit­tently, this indicates a fault in the emis­sions-related electronic systems. Al­though the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest pos­sible opportunity. For additional information: Refer to page 142.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
*
Electronic Engine Power Control (EML)
*
Malfunction in the EML During braking, greater pedal pressure may be required and pedal travel may be increased. Please have the system in­spected by your BMW center.
*.
Indicator and warning lamps
25n
Green: For your information
Turn signals Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation. Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction. For additional information: Refer to page 65.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps. For additional information: Refer to page 78.
*
Blue: For your information
High beams Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher is actuated. For additional information: Refer to page 65.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
26n
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M coupe

Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle*

367de025
The push-button flashes rhythmically when the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an emergency, the button is also illumi­nated whenever the car lamps are on.
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Z3 coupe
Z3 coupe
The warning triangle is located in the luggage compartment under the floor mat so that it is readily accessible (refer to the illustration).
Grasp the floor mat by the straps on the left and right. Pull it upward and remove it.
Z3 roadster, M roadster
The warning triangle is located in the luggage compartment in the area of the sill.
M coupe
The warning triangle is located at the right in the luggage compartment be­hind a trim panel.
Loosen the cover panel: 1 Fold the luggage compartment floor
mat up.
2 To loosen, turn the four mounting
clips (arrows) of the right-hand trim panel on the rear wall of the luggage compartment approx. 1/4 of a turn with a coin or screwdriver.
3 Pull out the clips and remove the trim
panel.
Comply with legal requirements which cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.<

First-aid kit* Refueling

27n
Z3 coupe, M coupe
In the luggage compartment at the left rear. Release the Velcro
® fasteners.
Z3 roadster
In the luggage compartment on the right in a storage tray.
M roadster
In a storage tray in the luggage com­partment at the left. Swing the retaining bar upward.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited time only. For this reason, check the expiration dates of each of the items regularly, and replace any whose expi­ration dates have passed. You can acquire replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply with legal requirements which cover availability of a first-aid kit in the car.<
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Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot flow into the tank and the "Service Engine Soon" warning lamp may come on. Refer to page 24.<
Open the fuel filler cap: Open the fuel filler door, turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and remove the cap. Place the filler cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
Open the filler cap carefully. If you
do not, fuel could spray out.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel­ing
> results in premature shutoff > and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system.
If the filler nozzle is operated correctly, the fuel tank is full when it shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: Refer to page 185. Close the fuel filler cap:
Position the cap on the neck. Turn the cap clockwise to the stop.
Close the fuel filler cap carefully.
If you do not, fuel may escape and the "Service Engine Soon" warning lamp may come on. Refer to page 24.<
Close the fuel filler door.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety pre­cautions and regulations pertaining to fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether they are empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
28n

Fuel specifications

Z3 roadster, Z3 coupe
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only. However, you can refuel with dif­ferent fuel qualities since the engine is equipped with a knock sensor.
In order to achieve rated values for en­gine performance and fuel consump­tion:
> Super lead-free premium gasoline
(91 AKI).
The minimum fuel quality is:
> Regular lead-free gasoline (87 AKI) > Because of the engine's design, you
should refuel with this gasoline only as an exception.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma­nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic convertor.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
M roadster, M coupe
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only. However, you can refuel with dif­ferent fuel qualities since the engine is equipped with a knock sensor.
In order to achieve rated values for en­gine performance and fuel consump­tion:
> Super lead-free premium gasoline
(91 AKI).
The minimum fuel quality is:
> Lead-free premium gasoline (89 AKI) > Because of the engine's design, you
should refuel with this gasoline only as an exception.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma­nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic convertor.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index

Tire inflation pressure

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The inflation pressures are indicated on a label attached to the B-pillar behind the driver's door (visible with door open).
Check tire pressures
All pressure specifications are indicated in psi (Kilopascal [kPa]) with the tires at ambient temperature (refer also to the next pages).
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks and before beginning a longer trip. In­correct tire pressure can otherwise lead to tire damage and accidents. Check the air pressure of the spare tire (Z3 roadster, Z3 coupe) as well. Refer to the following tables and page 110.<
Comply with tire approval specifications
The inflation pressures in the table apply to tires made by BMW-approved manu­facturers. Your BMW center is familiar with these pressures. Higher pressures may be specified for tires made by other manufacturers. You will find a list of approved tires beginning on page 116.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that meet both US standards and European standards. We recommend the exclu­sive use of BMW-approved tires.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
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Tire inflation pressure
BMW Tires
All tire pressures are in psi (kilopascals [kPa])
Z3 roadster 2.3
Z3 roadster 2.8 Z3 coupe 2.8
225/50 R 16 92 V 225/50 ZR 16
Front: 225/45 ZR 17 Rear: 245/40 ZR 17
205/60 R 15 91 Q M+S 205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S 225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
Spare tire: T 125/90 R 15 96 M
225/50 ZR 16 225/50 R 16 92 W
Front: 225/45 ZR 17 Rear: 245/40 ZR 17
205/60 R 15 91 Q M+S 205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S 225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
Spare tire: T 125/90 R 15 96 M
29 (200) 32 (220) 29 (200)
32 (220) 35 (240)
60 (420) 60 (420)
29 (200) 32 (220) 29 (200)
32 (220) 35 (240)
60 (420) 60 (420)
32 (220)
32 (220)
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