BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 WarningAny BMW center will be happy to
advise you concerning the advisability,
legal implications and factory recom-
mendations for technical modifications
to the vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number and, in some
cases, the engine number as well. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours). To do so could result in
inflammation of the iris.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<

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OBD connector The data link connector for onboard
diagnostics is located on the left-hand
side of the driver's side, on the under-
side of the instrument panel and under
a cover panel. The cover has the letters
"OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the
vehicle. Your system should be
checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your
nearest BMW center immediately.
Severe engine misfiring over even a
short period of time can seriously
damage emission control system
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up.
If the fuel filler cap is then tightened,
the indicator will usually go out after a
short period of time.<

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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit146
Windshield wiper blades146
Lamps and bulbs146
Repairing a flat tire153
Battery157
Fuses160
Replacing microfilter and
activated-charcoal filter161
In case of
electrical malfunction:
Fuel filler door161
Convertible top162
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting164
Towing the vehicle165
Repairs

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The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
Tow fitting storage location, refer to
page 165.
1 Fold the wiper arm completely out
from the windshield.
2 Position the wiper blade at an angle
and pull the release spring (arrow).
3 Fold the wiper blade down and
unhook it toward the windshield.
4 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper
arm toward the top.
5 Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
Use only BMW approved wiper
blades.<
The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your
vehicle. For this reason, follow the
instructions below carefully when
replacing a bulb. If you are not familiar
with any of the procedures, consult
your BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of a
new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the elec-
trical system, switch off the elec-
trical accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage when
changing a bulb, be sure to comply with
any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Lamps and bulbsLow beam headlamps and high
beam headlamps

>Low beam headlamps: H7 bulb,
55 watts
>High beam headlamps: H7 bulb,
55 watts
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and
protective gloves. Failure to comply
with this precaution could lead to injury
if the bulb is damaged during replace-
ment.<
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
Parking lamps5 watt bulb
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth (scratches). Never use abra-
sives or strong solvents to clean the
covers
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water.
Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never use
a scraper.<
Xenon lamps
*
The service life of these bulbs is very
long and the probability of a failure is
very low, provided that they are not
switched on and off an unusual number
of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to
continue driving with great caution
using the fog lamps, provided traffic
laws in your area do not prohibit this.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
xenon lighting system should be carried
out by technically-qualified personnel
only. Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal
injury.<

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Lamps and bulbsFront turn signal indicators21 watt bulb
1 Using a screwdriver, release the inner
hook through the upper opening.
2 Remove lamp by pulling it out toward
the front.
3 Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb.
4 Insert the 2 pins on the lamp into the
guides on the vehicle.
5 Push the lamp in. Carefully apply
pressure until you hear it snap into
place.
Side turn signal indicators5 watt bulb
1 Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lamp (arrow) to press it
forward for removal.
2 Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.

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Lamps and bulbsFog lamps HB4 bulb, 51 watt
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and
protective gloves. Failure to comply
with this precaution could lead to injury
if the bulb is accidentally damaged
during replacement.<
1 Pull the headlamp cover forward to
remove.
2 Loosen the screw (arrow) and pivot
the headlamp outward.
3 Release the spring on the rear of the
headlamp and swivel the cover to the
left.
4 Release the clip, pull off the terminal
caps and replace the bulb.
Tail lamp assemblyTail lamp 4: bulbs 21/4 watts
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
1 Turn signal yellow
2 Backup lamp white
3 Tail lamp red
4 Tail lamp/Brake lamp red
The illustration shows the right-hand
luggage compartment opening.Bulbs in the fenderAll of the bulbs are integrated in a
central bulb holder.
1 Release the bulb holder (arrow).

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Lamps and bulbs2 Take out the bulb holder.
3 Disconnect the power supply plug.
Set the bulb holder aside (on the
luggage compartment floor, for
example).
4 Apply light pressure while turning the
bulb to the left. Remove and
exchange the bulb.
5 Plug in the power supply receptacle.
6 Reattach the bulb holder until you
hear it snap into place (illustration).
Bulbs in the luggage
compartment lid1 Using a screwdriver, loosen the clip.
2 Fold the trim panel down (arrow 1).
Disengage the bulb holder (arrow 2)
and remove it.
3 Apply light pressure while turning the
bulb to the left. Remove and
exchange the bulb.
4 Press the bulb holder into position
until you hear it engage.
5 Reinstall the trim with the clip.