Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2001 Z8.
The 2001 BMW Z8, built on the E52 platform and powered by a V8 engine paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, delivers a visceral driving experience underscored by its notably low EPA fuel economy of 12 city/19 highway/15 combined mpg. Among the model’s reliability data, this year records only four total owner complaints, with the most frequent issue centered on the fuel/propulsion system, and it carries two recalls—a relatively modest tally that suggests the Z8’s early-production teething problems are concentrated in a specific area rather than widespread, making the 2001 model a focused but not necessarily trouble-free entry in the car’s history.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 49 · 850 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11421741000. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421741000 alt 11427510717 |
| Engine air filter | 13721736675 |
| Spark plug | 12120037608 alt 12129071003 |
| Cabin air filter | 64312339891 alt 64116911691 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Overall length | 173.2 in |
| Overall width | 72 in |
| Overall height | 52 in |
| Wheelbase | 98.8 in |
| Curb weight | 3560 lb |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 12 / 19 / 15 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Z8 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Roadster 4.9L V8 | 4.30 sec | 12.90 sec | 394 hp | RWD |
| 2001 | Roadster 4.9L V8 | 4.60 sec | 13.00 sec | 394 hp | RWD |
| 2001 | Roadster 4.9L V8 | 4.69 sec | 12.84 sec | 394 hp | RWD |
| 2000 | Roadster 4.9L V8 | 4.20 sec | 12.60 sec | 394 hp | RWD |
| 2000 | Roadster 4.9L V8 | 4.50 sec | 13.00 sec | 394 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 7.9 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3 Pints |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7.9 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 22.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 221 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 850 cca |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 174 °F |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 15-17 ohms |
| Engine Compression | 174-203 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 7.25 |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 81 ft-lbs / 18-22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81-96 ft-lbs / 49 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 1.197 in / 0.724 in |
| Rotor Finish | 0.5 - 3.5 μin |
| 1 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 80 degrees | 80 degrees |
| 3 | 80 | |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2001 BMW Z8 carries the only two recalls in the provided two-year federal record and logs four complaints against the 2002 model’s zero recalls and three complaints, while both years share seven TSBs and zero investigations. Its complaint count sits at the top of a very brief arc that declines into 2002, giving 2001 the slightly higher federal visibility in an otherwise low-volume dataset. The four complaints are spread across four separate systems—Fuel/Propulsion System, Exterior Lighting, Structure, and Engine & Engine Cooling—with one instance each, indicating no concentrated pattern; the data notes one fire complaint and zero crash complaints but does not specify root cause. Because 2002 shows reduced complaints and no recalls, 2001 represents the marginally higher-risk entry point of this two-year span, though absolute numbers remain small. For buyers, 2001 is a viable choice if the two recalls have been completed, as the federal data shows no recurring defect trend.
All 4 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS…
Showing 5 of 7 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIB-63-02-01 | 2010-08-01 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER… |
| SI B12 12 10 | 2010-06-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE… |
| SIB-32-04-07 | 2010-06-01 | Steering | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING… |
| SIB-16-02-09 | 2009-12-01 | Fuel System, Gasoline | BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR… |
| 000200 | 2001-07-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING NEW VEHICLE PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. *TT |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
7.9 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 12 city / 19 highway / 15 combined mpg.