BMW M3 2004 E46 Service and warranty information

Service and
Warranty
Information
2004
E46 M3
©BMW of North America, LLC
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677
Printed in U.S.A. 9/03 SD 92-255
Service and
Warranty
Information
2004
E46 M3
©BMW of North America, LLC
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677
Printed in U.S.A. 9/03 SD 92-255
Service and
Warranty
Information
2004
E46 M3

Table of Contents
Maintenance Program................................................................................................................. 1
Maintenance System................................................................................................................ 2-3
Quality Certification I ................................................................................................................... 4
1200 Mile Service ........................................................................................................................ 4
Unscheduled Maintenance......................................................................................................... 4
Engine Oil Service ....................................................................................................................... 5
Inspection I ............................................................................................................................... 6-7
Inspection II .................................................................................................................................. 8
Brake Fluid, Oxygen Sensor, Spark Plug Services ..................................................................... 8
Special Maintenance Record......................................................................................................9
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Service Record ......................................................................10-12
Emission Control Maintenance Schedule ................................................................................ 13
Battery Care ............................................................................................................................... 14
Corrosion Protection................................................................................................................. 14
Body Inspection ....................................................................................................................15-20
Customer Assistance Information ............................................................................................. 21
Customer Assistance Notification ............................................................................................. 22
BMW Import Processing Centers .............................................................................................. 22
Special Programs...................................................................................................................... 22
Roadside Assistance
– Owner's Eligibility ................................................................................................................... 23
– Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 23
– Calling for Assistance ............................................................................................................. 23
– Dispatch Service .................................................................................................................... 24
– On-Site Assistance ................................................................................................................. 24
– Lock Out .................................................................................................................................. 24
– Towing Service ....................................................................................................................... 24
– Sign-and-Drive....................................................................................................................... 24
– Trip Interruption Benefits ......................................................................................................... 24
– Car Rental Discounts ............................................................................................................. 25
– Auto Valet Service ................................................................................................................... 25
– Personalized Trip Routing ...................................................................................................... 25
– Exclusions .............................................................................................................................. 25
Summary of BMW Limited Warranties ...................................................................................... 26
New Vehicle Limited Warranty .............................................................................................27-28
Limited Warranty Rust Perforation ............................................................................................ 29
Federal Emission System Defect Warranty ..........................................................................30-31
Federal Emission Performance Warranty ............................................................................32-33
California Emission Control Warranty Statement ..................................................................... 34
California Emission Control System Limited Warranty..........................................................35-37
Notice of Owner/Address Change ............................................................................................ 38
Tire Warranty Statement ............................................................................................................ 38

BMW Maintenance Programs -
2004 M3
Maintenance Programs are a benefit designed
to help reduce the cost of scheduled and
unscheduled maintenance.
2004 M3 vehicles purchased from any
Authorized BMW center in the United States or
Puerto Rico are covered by Full Maintenance
for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever
occurs first. Coverage begins on the date of
first retail sale or the date the vehicle is first
placed in service as a demonstrator or
company vehicle, whichever is earlier.
Any authorized BMW center in the United
States or Puerto Rico will perform the sched-
uled or additional maintenance services on
your vehicle at no expense to you. The
maintenance schedule intervals are based on
normal driving conditions and operation.
Should you request more frequent mainte-
nance service, the cost of these services
will not be covered by the Maintenance
Program.
Coverage
Full Maintenance covers all factory recom-
mended maintenance, as determined by the
service interval indicator. Additional items that
need replacement due to normal wear and
tear, and that are not covered by the original
New Vehicle Limited Warranty - such as brake
pads, brake rotors, and wiper blade inserts -
are included, provided wear and tear
exceeds BMW specifications. Any adjust-
ments required due to normal operating
conditions are also included. See pages 5-8
of this statement for additional information.
Maintenance Intervals
Time intervals should be followed using the
maintenance interval as indicated by the BMW
Service Indicator lights on the check control
panel in the dashboard.This BMW Service and Warranty Information
Statement should be presented to your BMW
center when maintenance is required. Your
BMW center will stamp this book documenting
the services or maintenance performed.
Exclusions from coverage
– Items reimbursable under your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
– Gasoline and gasoline additive.
– Windshield washer additive (except when
in conjunction with scheduled mainte-
nance).
– Tires, wheel alignment, tire balance and
rotation.
– Wear and tear of soft trim items, such as:
seats, carpets, moldings, headliner, door
panels and all chrome trim.
– Damage detected when performing the rust
perforation inspection.
– Damage which results from negligence,
improper operation of the vehicle, wear and
tear or deterioration due to driving habits or
conditions, improper repair, environmental
influences, flood, accident or fire damage,
road salt corrosion, alteration, installation of
non-BMW accessories, or use of improper,
poor quality or contaminated fuel.
– Altered or unreadable Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) or odometer irregularities or
vehicles where the true mileage cannot be
determined.
– Maintenance or repair after the vehicle is
deemed a total loss.
– Maintenance or repairs performed by other
than an Authorized BMW center within the
United States or Puerto Rico.
– Vehicles used in competitive events.
– Oil changes performed outside the
recommended maintenance intervals as
indicated by the Service Interval Indicator.
1

Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System has been
devised with the following objectives: to
maximize vehicle safety, reliability, and resale
value by minimizing breakdowns resulting from
wear, and minimizing cost and inconvenience
by computing maintenance intervals based
upon the specific manner in which each
individual vehicle is driven.
Maintenance intervals on motor vehicles
have conventionally been specified based
upon accumulated mileage. However, the
type of driving conditions has a major
influence on routine maintenance require-
ments; distance traveled is only one of the
significant factors. A vehicle driven for
50,000 miles of short trips in the city with
numerous cold starts, prolonged periods of
idling, stop-and-go driving, and high engine
speeds during acceleration requires more
frequent maintenance intervals than a
vehicle driven for 50,000 miles for long
distances at low engine speeds primarily at
operating temperature.
The advanced technologies at BMW have led to
the development of the unique BMW service
interval indicator which computes the actual
optimum maintenance requirements based not
only upon the accumulated mileage, but taking
into account important factors such as engine
coolant temperatures, high or low engine
speeds, short or long trip driving, and number of
vehicle starts. The maintenance interval may
therefore be maximized with considerable
savings to owners of vehicles subjected to light
duty.
The service interval indicator consists of a
mileage reading, and the inscriptions “OIL
SERVICE” and “INSPECTION”.
Whenever the ignition is switched on, the
display shows the next scheduled type of
service and the remaining distance until the
service should be performed. The distance is
based on your driving style.If the maintenance interval has been ex-
ceeded, a “—” symbol reminds you of the
urgent need for servicing. In the interests of
road safety and reliability, you should avoid
driving your BMW when the “—” symbol is
showing, and have the essential maintenance
work performed without delay.
After each maintenance is performed the service
indicator is reset in order to compute the next
service interval.
If the service interval indicator displays an
illogical reading, or if there is no display, consult
a BMW center.
If the speedometer, tachometer or coolant
temperature gauge should develop a fault, the
service interval indicator will probably cease to
operate correctly as well, since it depends on
correct speed, distance and temperature
readings. The fault must be located and rectified
by a BMW center.
A detailed list of all maintenance operations
included in each of the elements of the BMW
Maintenance System is found on pages 5-14.
These elements are as follows:
Quality Certification I will be performed by your
selling center and certified on the following
page.
2

3 The performance of certain subsequent
maintenance elements, as required by the
BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, will be
specified at intervals computed by the BMW
service interval indicator as follows:
– Oil Service: Engine oil changed with the
engine at operating temperature. Note:
change oil at least once a year. Your BMW is
factory-equipped with a newly-developed
synthetic engine oil. At the time of the
printing of this booklet the only approved
engine oils are:
Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60
Synthetic, or Castrol Formula RS 10W-60
Synthetic (BMW part number 07 51 0 009
420). BMW is evaluating various synthetic
oils for inclusion in our list of recommended
motor oils.
For the most current list of synthetic oils,
please contact your BMW center, or call
BMW of North America at 1-800-831-1117.
You can also obtain this information from
our website, www.bmwusa.com/.
It is recommended to check engine oil level
whenever fuel is added to the vehicle.
If you need to add oil between oil changes
and are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, Mobil 1 or
another special oil on the list, use a
synthetic oil with an API rating of SJ or
higher.
– Inspection I: Major vehicle maintenance
as specified in the following pages under
Inspection I.
– Inspection II: Additional major vehicle
maintenance as specified in the following
pages under Inspection II.
The following maintenance elements must
be performed at the mileage/time stated
(time intervals begin from the vehicle’s
production date):
– Brake Fluid Service: Change brake fluid
every two years.– Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor
deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and
must therefore be replaced every 100,000
miles to maximize vehicle fuel economy
and minimize exhaust pollution. The
replacement of the oxygen sensor is
required under the terms of the appli-
cable BMW emission system warranties.
– Spark Plug Service: Replace spark plugs
every Inspection II). Your BMW is equipped
with platinum-tipped spark plugs. These
allow a longer service life than conven-
tional spark plugs.
The engine coolant has a lifetime rating and
does not need to be changed.
For your convenience, you may also wish to
have your BMW center perform any necessary
operations to fulfill any state inspection
requirements in your area concurrent with the
maintenance elements specified above during
other repairs.
Make sure that confirmation of maintenance
work is always entered in this Service and
Warranty Information Statement. You may need
this for any warranty claims that become
necessary, and later on as evidence that your
car has been given the correct and regular
maintenance that justifies its resale or trade-in
value.
BMW has applied the most modern techno-
logical advances not only to the design and
production of your vehicle, but also to
computing of the optimum maintenance
interval for your type of operations and
driving style. Your BMW center has made a
substantial investment in unique BMW
special service tools to enable his BMW
factory trained service technicians to perform
quality repairs on your BMW in minimal time.
He/she looks forward to serving your every
service need and to help maximize your
satisfaction with your BMW, its longevity, and
resale value.

Unscheduled Maintenance
Only use fuels advertised to have adequate
detergency and low alcohol content. Use of
fuels with insufficient detergent and/or excess
alcohol can cause driveability problems that
necessitate cleaning intake valves and fuel
injection valves, and, when applicable,
adjusting the engine idle. We suggest having
this work performed by your authorized BMW
center, perhaps while regular maintenance is
performed. Your BMW center can also recom-
mend a gasoline additive that will provide
sufficient detergency. While this recommended
unscheduled maintenance is not required in
order to maintain the emission warranty,
cleaning of intake valves or, when applicable,
fuel injection valves, or adjustment of engine
idle, necessitated by use of inappropriate fuel,
is not covered by warranty because no defect
in material or workmanship or component
failure is involved.
Special Note
Maintenance items and schedules stated
herein reflect the combined recommendations
for all model 2004 BMWs, and are subject to
change. The most current maintenance
recommendations are available from your
authorized BMW center.
Quality Certification I
For a detailed list of items inspected, refer to
the Quality Certification I form provided to
the Owner at time of delivery. A copy of the
form is on file at the selling BMW center.
Quality Certification I
Performed by (selling BMW center/Stamp with Code)
FREE OF CHARGE
Date Mileage
Authorized
Signature of Service Manager
4
1200 Mile Service 1200 Mile Service1200 Mile Service 1200 Mile Service
1200 Mile Service
Performed at:
(Actual Vehicle Mileage)
(Mileage on Service Indicator)
Date/Stamp/Signature
1200 Mile Service
The engine incorporated in your BMW M3 is a
race-bred engine design which includes
increased power output and maximum engine
speeds compared to conventional BMW 3
Series engines. The increased power output
also affects other major drivetrain components
such as the transmission and the rear axle
differential. The 1200 Mile Service requires
changing the oil in the engine and both the
transmission and the differential.

5
1200 Mile Service
Engine Oil Service
Engine Compartment
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
Use only Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil or Castrol
Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic oil, BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.
Reset service interval indicator. 
Replace microfilter. 
Check overall thickness of rear disc brake pads using special tool.rear
If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad
contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.
Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.
Remove and install front disc brake pads, check overall thickness. 
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel centering hubs.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary. 
Body
Convertible: Lubricate convertible top sliding linkage covers. 
M3
Read out diagnostic system.
Change oil and filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
Use only Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil,
BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.
Replace transmission fluid. 
Replace differential oil. 
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. 
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering,
clutch/manual transmission. 

Inspection I
Only those items of inspection work which apply to your vehicle will be performed. This list is
subject to amendment.
Undercarriage
6M3
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
Use only Castrol TWS Motorspor t SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or Castrol Formula
RS 10W-60 Synthetic oil, BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.
Check transmission for leaks. 
Check rear axle for leaks. 
Half-shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots. 
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks. 
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks. 
Check power steering system for leaks. Check power steering fluid level; 
add fluid if necessary.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, 
front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check overall thickness of rear disc brake pads using special tool.rear
If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad
contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness
of parking brake linings only when replacing rear brake pads.
Remove and install front disc brake pads, check overall thickness. Examine
disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel
centering hubs.
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage 
and incorrect positioning.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary. 
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. 
Check condition of tires (outer surface [left/right]), tread wear and pattern;
in case of uneven tread wear, readjust wheel alignment if requested
(invoice separately).
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust performation limited warranty. 
(Must be performed at least every two years).
Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system. 
Check valve settings. Adjust if needed. 
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. 
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level. Add coolant if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. 
Fill up and/or correct if required.
Check air conditioner for operation. 
Replace microfilter. (Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty 
operating conditions.)
Reset service interval indicator.

Body/ElectricalM3
Check battery state-of-charge indicator and charge if required. 
Check lighting system, i.e.: headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license 
plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight,
illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment/area lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination. 
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. 
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight 
dimmer and flasher switch.
Check wipers and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions. 
Check condition and function of safety belts. 
Visually examine all SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage 
or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.
Check central locking/double lock. 
Check operation of all latches. 
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger. 
Check rear view mirrors. 
Convertible: Activate automatic roll-over protection system via OBD plug. 
Note: First remove hardtop/lower top.
Convertible: Lubricate convertible top sliding linkage covers. 
Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual 
transmission.
7
Inspection I