BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

171n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
M3 Engine conceptBMW M will continue to develop BMW
engines for the performance-oriented,
yet responsible driver. That is why value
is placed on an engine design that
guarantees maximum thrust over a
wide range of engine speeds.
This is done by using high-grade mate-
rials and optimum components. The
engine thereby produces higher engine
speeds than can be achieved with
conventional engines.
Combined with appropriate transmis-
sion ratios and a performance-oriented
engine electronics system, the torque
from this so-called "high-speed aspi-
rated engine" is abundant throughout
the entire engine speed range – from
1,000 to a max. 8,000 per minute.
In practice, this means improved accel-
eration and more spontaneous
response throughout the engine speed
range, thus providing even more driving
pleasure.

172n
Rain sensor
*
Depending on the amount of moisture
on the windshield, the rain sensor
controls the operation of the windshield
wipers.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If there is moisture on the glass, the
amount of light reflected is reduced
since the infrared light at the surface of
the windshield can escape. The quan-
tity of reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the amount of moisture on the
windshield.
When the system is set to the "intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately – if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor makes a contribution to
driving safety and comfort.

173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming feature The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature reduces glare
from following traffic by adapting the
intensity of the reflected images to
correspond to levels of light registered
by the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts
to its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One lamp
sensor is mounted on the front of the
mirror housing. This sensor, which is
directed forward, measures light inten-
sity in the area ahead of the vehicle.
The second sensor is integrated within
the mirror's glass. The electronic
control system compares the light
intensity from front and rear. The differ-
ence provides the basic parameter
used to modulate an electrical current
and induce chemical changes in a
semisolid layer incorporated in the lens.
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the mirror manually, and the driver
can concentrate completely on traffic
conditions.

174n
Xenon lamps
*
The xenon lamps provide forward illu-
mination with significantly more bright-
ness and uniformity than the traditional
halogen lamps.
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc
replaces the filament in order to
generate intense illumination. A gas
mixture in a quartz glass tube with
metal vapor is ignited by a high electric
voltage. The arc that is generated is
then sustained by a lower voltage.
When the lamp is turned on there is a
brief period of high intensity. Maximum
brightness is attained in approx.
15 seconds.
Xenon lamps provide significantly
improved visibility, especially during
adverse weather conditions and difficult
driving situations (e. g. driving at night in
heavy rain or through road repair areas
where there are no lane markers).
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-
bution to highway safety since other
highway users, bicyclists and motorcy-
clists in the right lane, and pedestrians
are more easily detected.

175n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rollover protection systemThe rollover protection system offers
protection in addition to the airbags and
the safety belts. It uses highly sensitive
sensors that respond immediately to
any unstable vehicle condition encoun-
tered while driving, e. g. a steep angle
or loss of wheel contact with the
ground. The protective bar in each rear
head restraint is triggered in this type of
situation.

176n

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
177n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine data178
Dimensions179
Weights180
Capacities181
Electrical system182
Drive belts182
Data

178n
Displacement
Number of cylinders cu in (cmm) 198.1 (3,246)
6
Max. output
at engine speed hp (kW)
rpm333 (248)
7,900
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb ft (Nm)
rpm262 (355)
4,900
Compression ratioe
11.5
Stroke
Borein (mm)
in (mm)3.58 (91)
3.43 (87)
Fuel-injection system Digital-electronic engine management system
Engine data

179n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Minimum turning circle dia.: 36.1 ft (11.0 m)
Dimensions

180n
Weights Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation,
full tank of fuel, options not included)lbs. (kg) 3,782 (1,715)
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs. (kg) 4,630 (2,100)
Approved front axle load lbs. (kg) 2,183 (990)
Approved rear axle load lbs. (kg) 2,579 (1,170)
Approved roof load with hardtop lbs. (kg) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity
with the convertible top compartment raisedcu ft (l) 9.2 (260)
10.6 (300)
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight may not be exceeded.