Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Z8.
The 2002 BMW Z8 sits on the E52 chassis and is paired with a manual six‑speed gearbox, drawing on a modest 7.9 qt oil capacity and accepting 15W‑40, 10W‑40 or 10W‑30 API SJ‑rated fluids. Its fuel‑economy ratings of 12 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined reflect the roadster’s performance‑focused tuning, while the modest oil volume underscores the engine’s compact design. With only three owner complaints recorded—chiefly concerning exterior lighting—and no recalls, the 2002 model marks a relatively trouble‑free point in the Z8’s reliability timeline, suggesting a durable year for researchers examining long‑term dependability.
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 · 720 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, 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 |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| 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 | 720 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 | 44 ft. lbs., step 2: 50 degrees, step 3: 50 | 44 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 80 degrees | 80 degrees |
| 3 | 80 | |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2002 BMW Z8 shows a clear improvement over the 2001 model year, with complaints dropping from 4 to 3 and recalls falling from 1 to 0, while investigations remained at 0 for both years. The 2002 model's complaints are limited to minor areas—two for exterior lighting and one for structure—with no reported crashes or fires, suggesting that the issues prompting the two 2001 recalls were likely resolved. Technical Service Bulletins held steady at 7, indicating consistent manufacturer guidance but no new systemic problems. This places the 2002 Z8 at a favorable point in the generation's arc, benefiting from early fixes without introducing new safety defects. For a buyer, the 2002 model year represents a solid choice with a low risk of significant issues.
All 3 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
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… |
| SIB-65-24-03 | 2010-08-01 | Air Bags | BMW: OPERATING DESCRIPTION OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LIGHT. *RM |
| 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… |
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 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 12 city / 19 highway / 15 combined mpg.