BMW Z3 COUPE, Manual

Page: 60 / 198

60 n
Before starting
>
Engage the parking brake.
>
Be sure that the transmission selec-
tor is in "Neutral" (or "Park" if vehicle
is equipped with automatic transmis-
sion).
>
Depress the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas. Breath-
ing the exhaust gases poses an ex-
treme health risk, and can lead to un-
consciousness and death.
Do not leave the car unattended with
the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
<
Starting the engine
>
Start the engine. Do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release
the ignition key immediately after the
engine starts. Do not allow the engine
to warm up by allowing it to run while
the vehicle remains stationary. Instead,
begin driving immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
<
Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>
Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
from approx. +5
7
(–15
6
) and at
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft
(1,000 meters):
>
On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds).
>
Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
If these temperature conditions are an-
ticipated for a longer period, have the
engine oil changed to a special oil (see
page
126 ). Please contact your BMW
center for additional information.
Usually, it is not necessary to depress
the accelerator pedal. However, at high
altitudes or in very hot or very cold
weather, depress the pedal halfway
down when starting the engine.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always switch off any accessories
which are not required. Switch off the
ignition when the vehicle is not being
driven.
Starting the engine