Positioning:
Ultra-luxury, high-performance roadster
Target Audience:
Discerning enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth technical understanding and DIY repair capabilities for a rare and iconic vehicle
Competitors:
Ferrari 360 Spider, Aston Martin DB7 Volante, Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, dealership-level technical information for the enthusiast owner, enabling confident maintenance and repair, saving time and potentially costly shop visits.
Digital Convenience:
Single PDF file offers easy navigation, searchability, and selective printing for workshop use.
Powertrain:
Engine, Control System, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle
Chassis:
Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Electrical:
Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn
Comfort And Convenience:
Air Condition, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Instrument Panel, Seat
Body:
Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Windshield/Glass Mirror
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures for All Systems
Repair:
Step-by-Step Repair Instructions for All Components
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Clearances
Electrical Schematics:
Complete Wiring Diagrams for All Circuits
Depth:
Factory High Detail (Comprehensive)
Illustrations:
Diagrams and Illustrations Included
Information Source:
Exact same manual used by dealership technicians
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Printability:
All Pages Printable
Image Scalability:
Images can be blown up and printed enlarged
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Operating Systems:
Windows Vista (32 & 64), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, Mac Compatible
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4941 cc (4.9 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
380 hp (283 kW) @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
368 lb-ft (500 Nm) @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic ME 7.2
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)
Clutch:
Hydraulically Operated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid8 (or equivalent ATF)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not Rated (Vehicle from era predating extensive standardized testing)
ABS:
Standard (Bosch ABS 5.3)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASC+T)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Side Airbags (integrated into seats)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Rollover Protection:
Integral roll bar behind seats
Audio System:
Harman Kardon premium audio system with CD player
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System
Cruise Control:
Standard (Electronic Cruise Control)
Communication System:
CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system for inter-module communication
Headlights:
Xenon headlights with integrated turn signals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 4 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill), then every 2 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE 0W-30, or equivalent SAE 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), VANOS solenoids, power steering hoses, door seal degradation, convertible top hydraulics (though Z8 is hardtop), ABS/DSC sensors.
Specific Z8 Concerns:
Aluminum chassis corrosion in specific areas, potential for electronic module failures due to age.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Inspiration:
Designed as a spiritual successor to the classic BMW 507 roadster of the 1950s.
Design Era:
Designed by Henrik Fisker, it represents a modern interpretation of classic automotive styling.
Production Period:
2000-2003
Production Volume:
Approximately 9,595 units worldwide (including US and export models)
Manufacturing Location:
Munich, Germany
