engine BMW M ROADSTER COUPE 2001 Owner's Guide

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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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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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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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. Any skin areas that come in
contact with oil should thus be thor-
oughly washed with soap and water.
Store oil, grease, etc., always out of
reach of children. Comply with warning
labels and information on containers.
If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low
temperatures (below +14 7/–10 6),
the engine may become difficult to
start.
Special engine oils individually
approved by BMW are preferred for use
in your engine. Please contact your
BMW center for details.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, do not use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor which can be used
with aluminum radiator cores. Your
BMW center is familiar with the
approved specifications.
Antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor
agents are hazardous to health. Store
them in their original containers. Keep
the containers tightly closed and out of
reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. For this
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
engine components. If you do, it could
be ignited and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
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Coolant Brake fluid Checking coolant levelThe correct coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6).
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it – that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).367de356
To add coolantWait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
ature gauge in the instrument cluster
must be located in the blue field; other-
wise, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50 : 50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).If the warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on:
The brake fluid level is too low.
Add brake fluid until the upper
mark ("MAX") is reached.
To eliminate the cause of the brake fluid
loss, please consult a BMW center. You
can also receive information concerning
approved brake fluids (DOT 4) there.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer
to the notes on page 92.
36mde789
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brake fluid Vehicle Identification Number
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the operating safety
and reliability of the brake system, have
the brake fluid changed every two years
by a BMW center. Refer also to the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is hazardous to health and
will damage the vehicle's paint. You
should always store it in its original
container and in a location which is
inaccessible to children. Avoid brake
fluid spills. Do not fill brake fluid beyond
the "MAX" mark in the reservoir. The
brake fluid could ignite upon contact
with hot engine parts and cause serious
burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
The Vehicle Identification Number is
located in the engine compartment
below the windshield (arrow) and on the
top of the instrument panel. 367us053
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The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety – and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of your vehicle.
36mus731
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals, which are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While
conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System considers the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates.
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumu-
lated in short-distance urban driving are
not the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel. In response
to this fact, the BMW Maintenance
System monitors operating conditions
as the basis for determining the
optimum service intervals for your indi-
vidual vehicle. The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service as well
as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, since oil deteriorates
over time regardless of use, even those
who drive only short distances – signifi-
cantly less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km)
annually – should have the engine oil
changed regularly. Refer to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
The BMW Maintenance System
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Storing your vehicle
If you intend to store the vehicle
for longer than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparation for storageHave the following operations
performed by your BMW center:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in
accordance with approved repair
procedures. Wash the vehicle, clean
the interior and treat painted and
chromed parts. Clean the rubber
seals around the hood, luggage
compartment and doors.
2 Change the engine oil and oil filter
with the engine at operating tempera-
ture. As an additional corrosion
protection measure, a corrosion
inhibitor can be added to the engine
in accordance with the manufac-
turer's instructions.
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top up if necessary.
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir; top up if
necessary.
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion.
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle for
storage1 Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake discs and drums from
corroding.
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated room. Place the
transmission in 1st gear. Chock the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
rolling if necessary. Do not apply the
parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room.
M roadster:
4 Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately. Refer to page 97.
5 Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be
serviceable. Every time the battery is
discharged, especially over extended
periods, its service life is reduced.Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black. Refer to page 141.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to
the Service Manual.
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Any 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. The engine
number is also required in some
instances.
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. These LEDs
are similar to laser technology.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), since inflammation of
the iris could result.<
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.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD connectorThe connector for the Onboard Diag-
nostic system (OBD) is located in the
center console under a cover on the
passenger's side (arrow).
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system throughout the
vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emis-
sion-related components and systems
for deterioration and malfunction.367us235
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service,
but not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When
this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire
over only a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should
go out within a few days.<
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