tow BMW 3.0i ROADSTER&COUPE 2004 User Guide

Refueling
74
Refueling
Fuel filler door
1.Open fuel filler door
2.Turn the gas cap in a counter-clockwise
direction
3.Place the gas cap in the bracket on the
filler door.
Releasing manually
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can
unlock the fuel filler door manually:
1.Remove the covers of the tail lamps by
turning the lock to the right; refer also to
page 90
2.Pull the luggage compartment trim
panel slightly toward the interior.
The green button with the fuel pump
symbol is revealed
3.Undo the adhesive strip and pull off
4.Pull the button
The fuel filler door is released.
Pull on the button slowly and
carefully as it could otherwise be
torn off.<
Fuel gas cap
Close the gas cap carefully after refuel-
ing until a click is heard. While closing,
be sure not to squeeze the strap which is fas-
tened to the cap. A loose or missing cap will
activate the CHECK GAS CAP lamp
*.<
Check Gas Cap
*
This indicator lamp comes on when
the gas cap is loose or missing.
Close the gas cap tightly as described
above.
Tank capacity: approx. 14.5 gallons/
55 liters, of which approx. 2.1 gallons/
8 liters are reserve capacity.
Simple and environmentally friendly
When handling fuels, comply with all
of the applicable safety precautions
posted at the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the nozzle
during refueling
>results in premature shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle
shuts off the first time.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last drop
of fuel can prevent the engine from operat-
ing properly and result in damage.<
Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the system's oxygen sensor and
the catalytic converter.<

Wheels and tires
78
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest,
B and C, representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.<
RSC: Run Flat tires
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 80.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tire tread
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below 1/8 in/3 mm even though in Europe,
for example, the legally specified minimum
tread depth is only 1/16 in/1.6 mm. Below
1/8 in/3 mm tread depth, there is a very
high risk of hydroplaning, even at relatively moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in/
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible
decrease in their ability to cope with winter
driving conditions, and should be replaced
in the interest of safety.
Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove
base, see arrow, are distributed around the
wheel circumference and are labeled on
the tire sidewall as TWI, Tread Wear Indica-
tor. At a tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm, the
indicators signal that the legally permissi-
ble wear limit has been reached.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations encountered dur-
ing normal vehicle operation can indi-
cate tire failure or some other vehicle mal-
function. This type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This is
also true for irregularities in the vehicle's
handling characteristics, such as a pro-
nounced tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immediately
reducing your speed. Proceed carefully to
the nearest BMW center or professional tire
center, or have the vehicle towed there to
have it and its wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage up to and including sudden
and complete air loss can pose an extreme
hazard for both vehicle occupants and
other road users.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
Washer fluids for washer
systems
Headlamp* and windshield washer
system
Capacity of windshield washer system:
approx. 3.2 quarts/3 liters.
Capacity when equipped with headlamp
washer system: approx. 5.3 quarts/5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an anti-
freeze agent according to the manufac-
turer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washing
systems are highly flammable. For
this reason, keep them away from sources
of flame and store them only in their original
containers. Store them so that they are
inaccessible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Engine oil
Engine oil pressure
The indicator lamp lights up in red:
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from
inadequate lubrication.<
Engine oil level
The indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not
drive more than 30 miles/50 km before
refilling.
The indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low after the engine has been
switched off:
Add engine oil at the earliest opportunity,
when you stop to refuel.
Engine oil sensor
The indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low within 20 seconds after the
engine is started:
The oil level sensor is defective. Please
have it checked by a BMW center.
Checking the oil level
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-
free cloth, paper towel, or similar mate-
rial
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again
5.The oil level should be between the two
marks on the dipstick
6.Return the dipstick to the guide tube,
inserting it as far as it will go.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is
directly influenced by your driving style and
vehicle operating conditions.

Replacement procedures
88
Replacement procedures
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is stored in a tool
pouch. It is located in the luggage compart-
ment beneath the floor panel.
Windshield wiper blades
1.Fold the wiper arm completely out from
the windshield
2.Position the wiper blade at an angle and
pull the release spring, see 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.
Lamps and bulbs
The lamps and bulbs make essential contri-
butions to the safety of your vehicle. There-
fore, comply fully with the following instruc-
tions during bulb replacement. If you are
not familiar with the procedures, BMW rec-
ommends that you have your BMW center
carry out the work.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn in to the surface and reduce the ser-
vice life of the bulb. Use a clean cloth,
paper napkin or a similar material, or hold
the bulb by its metallic base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Before working on the electrical sys-
tem, switch off the electrical acces-
sory you are working on or disconnect the
cable from the negative terminal of the bat-
tery. Failure to observe this precaution
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, always
comply with any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.<
Accessing the headlamps
Protective cover in the wheel well
To gain access to the headlamp covers,
turn the front wheels in the required direc-
tion.

Giving and receiving assistance
96
Towing the vehicle
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<
Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
Vehicles with automatic
transmission
>Towing speed:
Maximum 45 mph / 70 km/h
>Towing distance:
Maximum 90 miles/150 km.
Vehicles with sequential manual
gearbox SMG
With the ignition on, move the selector
lever to position N, then turn off the igni-
tion.
Towing eyelet
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page 88; be sure
that it remains in the vehicle at all times. It
can be attached at the front or rear of the
vehicle.
Access to towing socket
Front
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Rear
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Use only the towing eyelet supplied
with the vehicle and screw it in firmly
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for tow-
ing on paved roads only. If you do not fol-
low these instructions, the towing eyelet
could be torn out and vehicle damage
could occur.
Do not tow the vehicle by any components
of the chassis or suspension, or lash them
down in any way. If you do, the compo-
nents could be damaged, possibly leading
to accidents.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Electric Power Steering
EPS 43
– indicator lamp 13
Electric power windows 20
Electronic Stability
Program ESP, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Electronic transmission
control module 40
Emergency call 93
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
– convertible top 23
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– storage compartments 64
Engine 36
– break-in procedures 68
– data 100
– electronics 13
– indicator lamp 13
– speed 48
– starting 36
– switching off 37
Engine compartment 82
Engine coolant 84
Engine coolant
temperature gauge 48
Engine data 100
Engine oil 83
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
– capacity 103
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil level 83
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil pressure 83
– indicator lamp 13
Engine oil sensor 83
– indicator lamp 13
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 100
Engine speed, refer to
Engine data 100
EPS Electric Power
Steering 43
Equipment range, see
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 69
Exterior mirrors 31
– automatic dimming
feature 31
Eyelet, towing 96
F
False alarm, stopping
alarm 26
Fasten safety belts 30
– warning lamp 13, 30
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter 59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 63
Fine wood, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 94
First-aid kit 94
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor 54
– indicator/warning
lamp 13
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition 78
Flat Tire Monitor 54
– indicator lamp 13, 55
– initializing 55
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water 69
Floor covers, carpets, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Floor mats, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir
– washing systems 83
Fog lamps 47
– indicator lamp 13Follow me home lamps 46
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes 69
Front airbags 56
Front turn signal indicators
– bulb replacement 90
Fuel
– average
consumption 51
– content, refer to
Capacities 103
– display 48
– preparation, refer to
Engine data 100
– quality 74
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 48
Fuel filler door 74
– unlocking in case of
electrical fault 74
Fuel gas cap 74
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 103
Fuses 92
G
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 74
Gasoline gauge, refer to
Fuel gauge 48
Gear indicator 40
Gear lever
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Glove compartment 64
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 101
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 38
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Preparations for
the cellular phone 65
Hands-free system 65
Hardtop, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Hardtop preparation 71

Everything from A to Z
108 Hazard warning flashers 10
Headlamp cover, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
Headlamps
– bulb replacement 88
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– cleaning 44
Headlamps, automatic
control 46
Headlamp washer
reservoir 83
– content, refer to
Capacities 103
Headlamp washer
system
– cleaning the
headlamps 44
– washing fluids 83
Head restraints 28
Heated mirrors 31
Heated seats 30
Heating 58
– exterior mirrors 31
– rear window 59, 63
– seats 30
Heavy loads, refer to
Stowing cargo 70
Height, refer to
Dimensions 102
Height adjustment
– seats 28
– steering wheel 30
High beams 47
– bulb replacement 89
– headlamp flasher 43
– indicator lamp 13
High Performance
Synthetic Oil 84
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
High temperatures 69
Holders for beverages 65
Hood 81
Horn 10
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to Dynamic Brake
Control DBC 52Hydraulics
– brakes 85
Hydroplaning 69
I
Ice warning 50
Identification mark
– Run Flat tires 80
Ignition 36
Ignition key 16
Ignition lock 36
Inclines 69
Index 104
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags 57
– alarm system 26
– brakes 13
– coolant temperature 49
– DSC 52
– engine temperature 48
– Flat Tire Monitor 55
– fog lamps 47
– passenger airbags 34
– please fasten safety
belts 30
– reserve 48
Indicator and warning
lamps, overview 12
Individual air
distribution 59, 62
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 31
Inflation pressure, tires 75
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor 54
INSPECTION 49
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 47
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Interior lamps 47
– remote control 17
Interior motion sensor 26
Interior rearview mirror 31
– automatic dimming
feature 31
Interior temperature
– adjusting 59, 62Interlock, refer to
Steering lock 36
Intermittent
– operation, wipers 44
Interval
– display, service 49
J
Jack 91
Jacking points 91
Jets, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63
Jump-starting 94
K
Key Memory 31
Keys 16
Key switch for passenger
airbags 33
Kickdown 39
Knock control 74
L
Lamps 46
Lamps and bulbs 88
LATCH, child-restraint
mounting system 35
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Length, refer to
Dimensions 102
License plate lamps
– bulb replacement 91
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Lighter 65
Lighting
– of the instruments 47
Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting 47
LIGHTS ON warning 46
Light switch 46
Loads, refer to Cargo
loading 70
Loads, securing 70

Everything from A to Z
110 Outside air mode 59
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Outside temperature
display 49
– changing units of
measure 50
– in the onboard
computer 50
P
Paintwork, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Parking brake 38
– indicator lamp 13
Parking lamps/Low
beams 46
Parking lock, refer to
Transmission interlock 39
Parts and accessories,
refer to Your individual
vehicle 5
Passenger airbags
– deactivation 33
– reactivation 33
Placing the vehicle in
storage, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter 59
– Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 63
Power convertible top 22
Power output, refer to
Engine data 100
Power seat 29
Power steering, electric 43
Preparations for the cellular
phone 65
Pressure, tires 75
Pressure monitor, tires
– Flat Tire Monitor 54
R
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 16
Rain sensor 43
Reading lamps 47
Rear turn signal indicators
– bulb replacement 90
Rearview mirror 31
Rear window defroster
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Recirculating the air, refer
to Recirculated-air
mode 59, 63
Refueling 74
– fuel filler door 74
Releasing
– hood 81
Remaining distance, refer
to Range 51
Remaining distance to next
service 49
Remote control 16
– luggage compartment
lid 17
– malfunctions 17
Replacement key 16
Replacement of tires 79
– changing a tire 79
– changing a wheel 91
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 88
Reserve indicator lamp,
refer to Fuel gauge 48
Restraint systems
– for children 35
– refer to Safety belts 30
Reverse
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 39Rod antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Rope, refer to Towing the
vehicle 96
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run
Flat tires 80
Rubber parts, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run Flat
tires 80
Run Flat tires 80
– changing a tire 78, 79
– changing a wheel 91
– tire inflation pressure 75
S
Safe seating position 27
– with airbags 27
– with safety belts 27
Safety belts 30
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– safe seating position 27
– warning lamp 13, 30
Safety systems, refer to
– Antilock Brake System
ABS 54
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 88
Seat adjustment 28
– mechanical 28
– M Sports seat 29
– power 29
Seat heating 30
Seat memory 29
Seat position, storing 29
Seats 28

Everything from A to Z
112 Tire inflation pressure
– checking 75
– restoring 75
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 54
Tires
– age 77
– break-in procedures 68
– changing 79
– condition 78
– damage 78
– DOT quality grades 77
– inflation pressure 75
– replacement 79
– Run Flat tires 80
– size 75
– storage 79
– temperature 78
– traction 77
– tread 78
– tread depth indicator,
refer to Tire tread, Tire
damage 78
– tread wear 77
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 77
Tool kit, refer to Onboard
tool kit 88
Torque, refer to Engine
data 100
To unlock
– from inside 18
– from outside 17
Towing 96
– eyelet 96
Towing the vehicle 96
– with the front axle
raised 96
Tow sockets for towing
eyelet 96
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 102
Transmission
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Transmission interlock,
refer to Changing selector
lever positions 39Transmission
malfunction 40
Transporting children
safely 33
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 78
Tread wear indicators in the
tires, refer to
Tire tread, Tire
damage 78
Trip distance recorder,
refer to Trip odometer 48
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer 48
Trip odometer 48
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment 20
Trunk lid
– opening via remote
control 17
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 19
Trunk volume, refer to
Luggage compartment
capacity 101
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 102
Turn signal indicators 43
– indicator lamp 13
TV function, refer to
Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
U
Undercoating, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Unintentional alarm 26
Units
– average
consumption 50
– average
speed 50
– temperature 50
Used batteries, refer to
Battery disposal 92
V
Vehicle
– battery 91
– break-in procedures 68
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– cargo loading 70
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions 102
– storage, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– switching off the
engine 69
– washing, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– weight 101
Vehicle Memory 31
Vehicle vacuum cleaner,
refer to Cigarette lighter
socket 65
Ventilation 59, 63
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Vents, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities 103
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 12
Warning triangle 94
Warranty, see Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models 86
Warranty and service 6
Washer/wiper system 43
Washer fluid reservoir, refer
to Capacities 103