Segment:
Premium Two-Seater Sports Roadster
Usp:
Combination of BMW's renowned driving dynamics, premium interior, and attractive roadster styling.
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000
Driving Experience:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, responsive steering, powerful inline-six engine.
Design:
Long hood, short deck, classic roadster proportions, retractable soft-top.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential knowledge for owners to maintain and service their vehicle, potentially saving on dealership costs.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, Maintenance, Service, Basic Repairs
Additional Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Owner's & Service/Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B25), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Transmission Control Unit (TCU)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top Mechanism, Interior Trim, Seats
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Battery Service
Service:
Scheduled Maintenance Tasks, Component Inspections, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting for Common Faults
Repair:
Engine Component R&R (e.g., Alternator, Starter), Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Replacement, Basic Electrical Component Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Depth:
Comprehensive - Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repair procedures for most major systems. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic ME9.2 or similar
Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate (Manual Transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 manual transmission fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF LT71141 or BMW Part No. 8322 9 407 807 (or equivalent Esso LT 71141)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - Based on typical BMWs of this era
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bar system
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (for iridium plugs).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic engine oil meeting BMW LL-01 specification.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48), a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for vehicles with DSC).
Common Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), VANOS solenoid issues, cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing), convertible top hydraulic leaks, VANOS line failures (specific to early M54 engines).
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of oil seals and gaskets, proactive replacement of cooling system components, regular fluid flushes.
Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused sports cars, dating back to models like the 328 and 507.
Predecessor:
BMW Z3 Roadster/Coupé
Generation:
First Generation Z4 (E85/E86)
Manufacturing Plant:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Production Years For Gen1:
2002-2008
