BMW M ROADSTER COUPE 2001 Owners Manual

101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
leading to serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to the informa-
tion on page 103.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC and RDW. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if
improper wheel and tire combinations
are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel and tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheelsThe code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Belt rating ID code
for radial tires
Wheel diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R 15 91 H
All season and winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve inserts against dirt by
using screw-on valve caps.
Dirt in the valves frequently leads to
slow leaks.Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Extended hump on
the 2 rim shoulders
7x15EH2
J
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102n
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While so-called all season tires (M+S
designation) provide better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load
ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener-
ally do not achieve the performance of
winter tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response, mount winter tires
which are made by the same manufac-
turer and which have the same tread
pattern at all four wheels.Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on winter tires is approved only
in pairs and only on the rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 67.<
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103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications
Have winter tires mounted at your
BMW center or a tire dealer.<
Snow chains
*
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 67.< BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in the
vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Suitable for
snow chainsLight-alloy wheel
M roadster, M coupe
Summer
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17–
–7.5Jx17 AH 2 IS 41
9Jx17 AH 2 IS 8
Winter (M+S)
225/45 R 17 90 H[Front: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 41
Rear: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 25
Wheel with asymmetrical hump
(AH)The rim design with a so-called asym-
metrical hump results in a clearly
extended holding of the tire on the rim
in the case of a leak compared to the
usual symmetrical hump, so that the
vehicle can be braked to a stop more
safely. Another advantage of the asym-
metrical hump is that no special tire is
required.
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104n
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all appli-
cable instructions and warnings. If you
are not familiar with all guidelines, have
the work performed by your BMW
center. Otherwise, safety hazards for
vehicle occupants and other road users
may occur as a result of improper
handling of components and mate-
rials.<
To release Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.365de063
To openGrasp the hood on both sides on the
level of the latch (arrow 1); press the
latch upward and simultaneously lift the
hood with both hands.367us050
Hood
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105n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
HoodTo closeAllow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 367de393
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106n
Engine compartment
36mde775
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107n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment1 Brake fluid reservoir112
2 Fuse box142
3 Coolant expansion tank112
4 Engine oil dipstick109
5 Engine oil filler neck109
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp
* washer system108
7 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
negative terminal144
8 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
positive terminal144
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108n
Fluids for the washer systems Washer nozzlesHeadlamp
* and windshield
washer system
Capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and – if required – with an
antifreeze agent (according to the
manufacturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 367de345
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is inflammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
container. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Windshield washer systemWindshield:
The spray from the nozzles should be
directed so as to ensure effective
cleaning, even at high speeds.
If necessary, correct the adjustment
with a needle, or have the adjustment
made by your BMW center.
Rear window – M coupe only:
Have this system adjusted by your
BMW center as required.Headlamp washer system
*
Have this system adjusted by your
BMW center as required.
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109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil To check oil level1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 1 minute, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material.
4 Push the dipstick carefully 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.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.36mde790
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.4 US quarts (1.3 liter). Do not fill
beyond the upper mark on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.36mde791
To add oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
Do not wait until the oil drops below the
lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, differential and
the power steering system.< 36mde792
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110n
Engine oilSpecified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil which is
selected has critical significance for the
operation and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil", you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Only use oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
"synthetic oils" which have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain
this information.
Viscosity – ratingsViscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be utilized in all ambient
temperatures.
530us200
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