battery BMW 3.0i ROADSTER 2003 Owners Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
Everything under control
47Odometer
47Tachometer
47Fuel gauge
47Coolant temperature gauge
48Service interval display
48Outside temperature
48Clock
49Computer*
Technology for safety and driving
convenience
51Dynamic Stability Control DSC
52Brake Force Display
53Antilock Brake System ABS
53Flat Tire Monitor
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving
55Air conditioning
57Automatic climate control*
Interior conveniences
60Glove compartment
60Storage compartments
61Beverage holder
61Preparations for the cellular phone*
61Ashtray*
Special operating instructions
64Break-in procedures
65Driving notes
65Brake system
66Cargo loading
67Hardtop preparation*
Refueling
70Fuel filler door
70Fuel specifications
Wheels and tires
71Tire inflation pressure
73Tire condition
73Tire replacement
74Wheel and tire combinations
75Run Flat tires
76Winter tires
76Snow chains*
In the engine compartment
77Hood
78Engine compartment
79Washer fluids for washer systems
79Engine oil
80Coolant
81Brake fluid
Maintenance
82The BMW Maintenance System
82Care
Laws and regulations
83California Proposition 65 warning
83OBD interface socket
Replacement procedures
84Onboard tool kit
84Windshield wiper blades
84Lamps and bulbs
87Changing a wheel
87Battery
Giving and receiving assistance
89Warning triangle*
89First-aid kit*
89Jump-starting
90Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Technical data
94Engine data
94Weights
95Dimensions
96Capacities
Everything from A - Z
97Index

Overview
14
Indicator and warning
lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are iden-
tified by
+ are tested for proper functioning
whenever the ignition key is turned. They
each light up once for different periods of
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these sys-
tems, the corresponding lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or it lights up
again while the vehicle is moving. The indi-
cated pages provide information on what
measures to take.
Please fasten safety belts
+31
Airbags
+33
Battery charge current
+87
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil level/
Engine oil sensor
+79
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tem/Dynamic Brake Control/Brake
fluid
+39/ 51/ 52/ 81
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control system
+53/ 51
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control system for Canadian
modelsDynamic Stability Control DSC
+51
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
+51
Flat Tire Monitor
+53
Automatic transmission
+41
Brake pads
+66
Add coolant80
Check Gas Cap
+
Service engine soon +83
Service engine soon
+
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Defective bulbs45
Turn signal indicators42
Fog lamps46
Headlamp flasher/
High beams42/ 46

Opening and closing
18
Opening and closing
Keys
The key set
1Master keys with remote control –
determine the functions of the Key
Memory, refer to page 37.
You can mark individual keys for subse-
quent identification by applying the col-
ored decals that you received when
accepting delivery of your vehicle
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key
with remote control that is otherwise
not used, use that key approximately
once a year while driving for an
extended period to charge the bat-
tery.<
2Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet.
This key does no open the lock of the
luggage compartment lid – useful for
valet parking, for example.
This key is not intended for constant
use
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is closed. The system simultaneously
engages and releases the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door
>storage compartment between the
backrests
>opened manual convertible top.
The central locking system can be oper-
ated
>from outside using the remote control
or via the driver's door lock
>from inside via the central locking sys-
tem button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler
door will not be locked. Refer to page 20.
The anti-theft system is automatically acti-
vated whenever you activate the central
locking system from outside the vehicle. It
prevents the doors from being unlocked
with the lock buttons or release handles.
The alarm system is also armed.
The central locking system unlocks auto-
matically in the event of an accident. In
addition, the hazard warning flashers and
interior lamps come on.
Remote control
The concept
The remote control provides two additional
functions for central locking.
>Switching on interior lamps. Refer to
page 19.
With this function, you can also search
for the vehicle when parked in an
underground garage, for instance
>Opening the luggage compartment lid
separately. Refer to page 19. The lug-
gage compartment lid will open slightly,
regardless of whether it was locked or
unlocked.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
19
Whenever you unlock or lock the vehicle,
you simultaneously deactivate/activate
the anti-theft system, disarm/arm the alarm
system and switch the interior lamps on/
off.
You can have a signal set to confirm
that the vehicle's locks have engaged
securely.<
Since persons or animals in the vehi-
cle could lock the doors from the
inside, always take the vehicle keys with
you so that the vehicle can be opened
again from the outside at any time.<
If it is no longer possible to lock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key while
driving for an extended period in order to
recharge the battery.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You can
also obtain replacement keys there.<
1To unlock
2To lock and secure, activate interior
lamps, disarm tilt alarm sensor and inte-
rior motion sensor
3To open the luggage compartment
To unlock
1.Press the button to unlock the driver's
door and the fuel filler door
2.Press the button a second time to dis-
engage all vehicle locks.
To lock and secure
Press the button.
To switch on the interior lamps
With the vehicle locked:
Press the button.
To deactivate the tilt alarm* and
interior motion sensors*
Press the button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to
page 28.
To open the luggage compartment
Press the button.
The luggage compartment lid will open
slightly, regardless of whether it was
locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure that
the luggage compartment lid has not
been opened unintentionally.<
Panic mode – triggering alarm
By pressing the button for 2 to 5 seconds,
the alarm can be sounded in the event of
danger. The alarm is turned off by pressing
button 1 again – for unlocking.
External systems
External systems or devices may cause
local interference in the functions of the
remote control.
Should this occur, you can still open and
close the vehicle using the master key in
either the door or luggage compartment
locks.

Opening and closing
24 1.Press button; see arrow 1
The convertible top is released and
moves up slightly; see arrow 2
2.Holding on to the handle, pull the con-
vertible top forward onto the windshield
frame
3.Lock the convertible top by turning the
handle until you hear the convertible
top engage.
At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment
can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.<
Fully automatic convertible
top*
The fully automatic convertible top com-
bines assured protection against the ele-
ments with simple and easy handling.
Here are a few tips so that you get the most
out of your roadster:
>it is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, but also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
only keep valuables in the locked lug-
gage compartment, even with the con-
vertible top closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack system on the convertible top.
>To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
147/–106.
Never store the convertible top while
it is wet to avoid permanent damage
from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or closing
process has not been completed can
cause vehicle damage or personal injury.
Do not lay objects on the convertible top,
since they could fall off when the convert-ible top is operated and cause damage or
injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top mech-
anism during opening and closing. Keep
children away from the moving parts of the
convertible top during operation.<
If possible, only operate the convert-
ible top with the vehicle stopped, as
otherwise the process may be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion with
the vehicle stationary and then have to start
suddenly – for instance, at a traffic light –
you can still complete the operation by
driving as slowly as possible and again
pressing and maintaining pressure on the
button.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing vac-
uum in the passenger compartment
can cause the convertible top to begin flut-
tering. Increase the air supply so that a low
pressure draft does not occur in the vehi-
cle.<
To open and close
1To close
2To open
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running.
This saves unnecessary battery wear.
Before closing the convertible top, remove
any objects from the windshield frame that
could keep the convertible top from closing
properly.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
27
Installation
Insert the wind deflector in the guides pro-
vided on the rollover bars.
The wind deflector panels inserted in the
rollover bars cannot be removed.
Clothes hooks
Located on the wind deflector panel in the
rollover bars.
Do not hang heavy objects on the
hooks. If you do so, personal injury
could result during braking or evasive
maneuvers, for example.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage
compartment lid is opened
>When attempts are made to start the
vehicle
>To movement inside the vehicle – inte-
rior motion sensor
>To alterations in the vehicle tilt, e.g. as
would occur during attempts to steal
the wheels or tow the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The alarm produced by the system in the
event of unauthorized vehicle entry and
attempted theft depends on the country
version:
>Sounding of an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>Activation of the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes.
Arming and disarming the alarm sys-
tem
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked
either via the driver's door lock or with the
remote control, the alarm system is simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.The hazard warning flashers blink once
when the alarm system has been properly
armed.
You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming
and disarming.<
You can open the luggage compartment lid
when the system is armed by pressing the
remote control button. Refer to page 19.
When it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.
Manual operation of the luggage
compartment lid triggers the alarm.
Refer to page 21.<
To cancel an alarm:
Press the button on the remote control,
refer to page 18, or turn the ignition key to
position 1. Refer to page 38.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp beneath the interior
mirror flashes continuously:
The system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes when it is
being armed:
A door, the hood or luggage compart-
ment lid is not completely closed. Even
if you do not close the area causing the
alert, the remaining areas are secured
and the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after 10 seconds.
However, the interior motion sensor is
not activated

Driving
38
Driving
Ignition lock
0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition switched on
3Engine started
Steering locked
This is the only position in which the igni-
tion key can be inserted or removed.
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly to the left or right until the
lock engages.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic signal
sounds when the driver's door is opened.
Once the ignition has been switched off –
ignition key in position 0 or removed – the
radio functions are still available for approx.
20 minutes. Turn the radio back on to use it.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
do not move the selector lever from
position P until the engine is running – igni-
tion key in position 2.
In order to turn the key back to position 0 or
to remove it, move the selector level into
position P first – Interlock.<
Steering unlocked
You will often find that it is easier to turn the
ignition key from position 0 to 1 if you move
the steering wheel slightly to help disen-
gage the detent.
Individual electrical equipment and acces-
sories are available for use.
Engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up while
the vehicle is stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and should
decrease as the engine warms up. If engine
speed does not decrease, service is
required.
To prevent the battery from discharging,
always deactivate electrical devices that
are not in use. Switch the ignition off when
the vehicle is not being driven.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas. Breathing
the exhaust gases poses an extreme health
risk, and can lead to unconsciousness and
death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. An unattended vehicle
with a running engine poses a safety haz-
ard.
When driving, standing at idle and parking
the vehicle, take care to avoid contact
between the hot exhaust system and flam-
mable materials – e.g. hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Starting the engine
Do not press the accelerator pedal while
starting the engine.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time, but do not actuate it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
83
Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65
warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehi-
cles and certain products of component
wear contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling. Used
engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
OBD interface socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side behind a specially marked cover
located beneath the instrument panel. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to access
data on emissions – related components
using special equipment.If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously
or intermittently, this indicates a
fault in the emissions-related electronic
systems. Although the vehicle remains
operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the earli-
est possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop
the vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce
speed and contact the nearest BMW center
immediately. Severe engine misfiring over
even a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control system compo-
nents, 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.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
87
1.Remove the cover by turning the lock to
the right; refer to the detail in the illus-
tration
2.Applying light pressure, turn the bulb to
the left. Remove and exchange the bulb
3.Reinstall the cover.
Center high-mount brake lamp
The LED strip is in the luggage compart-
ment lid.
Please contact a BMW center in case of a
malfunction.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
1.Push out the lamp with a suitable object
and remove it
2.Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.
Changing a wheel
Run Flat tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss
in inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 75.
BMW recommends that you consult your
BMW center if you wish to replace the tires
of your BMW, or change from summer to
winter tires or vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the nec-
essary special tools.
When replacing tires or changing
from summer to winter tires – or vice
versa – use only Run Flat tires since a spare
tire will not be available in the event of a flat
tire.<
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the posi-
tions indicated in the illustration.
Your BMW center can provide you
with a suitable jack.<
Battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-
free. This means that the original electro-
lyte will normally last for the service life of
the battery under moderate climatic condi-
tions.

Replacement procedures
88 Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. Since the battery is
absolutely maintenance-free, the following
statements are for your information only.<
Do not disconnect the battery cables
when the engine is running. Discon-
necting the battery cables when the engine
is running will cause a voltage surge which
will damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp for the battery
charge current lights up:
The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive belt is defec-
tive or there is a malfunction in the charging
circuit of the alternator. Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over
and switch off the engine immediately
to prevent overheating and serious engine
damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a
very low level, increased steering effort
may also be necessary.<
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when
the engine is not running. Use the terminals
provided in the engine compartment. For
information on connections, refer to Jump-
Starting on page 89.
Battery disposal
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or to your BMW center. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery
against tilting when transporting.<
Fuses
You will find the fuses and information on
their respective allocation behind the glove
compartment.
1.Press the lock on the left; see arrow 1
2.Press the lock on the right; see arrow 2
3.Swing the glove compartment down.
Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasp-
ing the fuses are found in the onboard tool
kit; refer to page 84.
Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse
or replace it with a fuse having a dif-
ferent color or amperage rating. To do this
could cause a fire in the vehicle as a result
of circuit overload.<