Positioning:
Premium compact sports roadster/coupe
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Audi TT, Honda S2000
Design Philosophy:
Classic BMW long hood, short deck proportions, driver-focused cockpit
Body Styles:
E85 (Roadster), E86 (Coupe - introduced later, but relevant for the generation)
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a balanced, engaging sports car experience
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Varies (Software-based, digitally accessible content)
Type:
Digital Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Access/Web-based Software
Engine:
Yes (All components, tuning, diagnostics)
Transmission:
Yes (Manual and Automatic, clutch, gearbox)
Brakes:
Yes (ABS, DSC, hydraulic system, pads, rotors)
Steering:
Yes (Power steering, steering rack, alignment)
Suspension:
Yes (Front and Rear, springs, shocks, control arms)
Electrical:
Yes (Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, lighting, audio)
Bodywork:
Yes (Body panels, trim, convertible top mechanism for Roadster)
HVAC:
Yes (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Fuel System:
Yes (Fuel pump, injectors, tank, lines)
Exhaust System:
Yes (Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes)
Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, thermostat, coolant, fans)
Maintenance:
Yes (Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, inspections)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic procedures, fault codes, symptom analysis)
Repair:
Yes (Component replacement, adjustments, rebuilds)
Diagnostics:
Yes (OBD-II, specific BMW diagnostic tools and procedures)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (Detailed electrical schematics)
Depth:
Complete OE Level (Factory-derived, detailed procedures)
Scope:
From routine maintenance to major overhauls
Displacement 2.5I:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Configuration 2.5I:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower 2.5I:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.5I:
232 Nm (171 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Displacement 3.0I:
3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
Configuration 3.0I:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower 3.0I:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3.0I:
300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
0-60 Mph 2.5I:
Approx. 6.4 seconds
0-60 Mph 3.0I:
Approx. 5.7 seconds
System:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Type 2.5I:
6-speed Manual
Type 3.0I:
6-speed Manual
Type 2.5I Optional:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic
Type 3.0I Optional:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often available as an option or with M Sport package
Fluid Type Manual:
BMW MTF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Fluid Type Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-5 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) / Traction Control (DTC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests (Roadster)
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system (typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Every 3-5 years or as indicated by CBS
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0I:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S is common for older models, but consult manual for specific Z4 spec)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, VANOS solenoids, ignition coils, water pump, coolant expansion tank
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to aging wiring or module failures, often addressed with detailed wiring diagrams
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Roadster models may experience issues with hydraulic lines or motors for the convertible top
Brand Focus:
Performance luxury automobiles, sporty driving dynamics
Key Changes From Z3:
Sharper styling, more advanced chassis, significantly improved interior and technology
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
