battery BMW M ROADSTER COUPE 2001 Owners Manual

Contents

Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Master key with battery-
powered lamp134
Changing a wheel135
Repairing a flat tire135
Battery140
Fuses142

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Power convertible top143
Fuel filler door143

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting144
Towing the vehicle145Airbags150
Radio reception150
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)151
Safety belt tensioner151
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature152
Limited slip differential153Engine specifications156
Dimensions157
Weights158
Capacities159
Electrical system160
Drive belts160
ProCarManuals.com

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for reserve range62
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure20
5 Tachometer62
6 Coolant temperature gauge63
Also refer to Engine oil temperature
gauge on page63
7 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Brake pad wear22

>

Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)20, 21

>

Parking brake21

>

Airbags21
8 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Service Engine Soon22

>

Check Filler Cap22

>

Safety belts21

>

Engine oil level22

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22
9 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)21, 2210 Trip odometer62
11 Service Interval Display64, 114
12 Odometer62
13 Indicator and warning lamps for:

>

Engine electronics22

>

Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW)21, 22
14 Trip odometer reset button62
The illustration shows the instrument
cluster in the US version. In the Cana-
dian models, some of the indicator and
warning lamps have a different appear-
ance. Refer to pages 20 to 23.
ProCarManuals.com

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive
belt is defective or there is a malfunc-
tion in the charging circuit of the alter-
nator. Please contact the nearest BMW
center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating.
Increased force is required to steer the
vehicle if the drive belt is defective.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level. Top up as
required. If oil level is correct: please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, other-
wise, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.

<



Brake hydraulic system

l

The brake fluid level is too low.
Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 92 and 112.
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.
ProCarManuals.com

30n
Keys1 Master key with battery-powered
lamp (switch on by pressing the BMW
symbol)
2 Master key without lamp
3 Spare key for storage in a safe place
such as your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use
4 Door and ignition key
The luggage compartment lid and the
storage boxes
* cannot be opened
with this key – this is useful for valet
parking, for instance
365de122
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Your
BMW center is obligated to ensure that
a person requesting a key is authorized
to do so since the keys belong to a
security system (refer to "Electronic
vehicle immobilizer" on the next page).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new
replacement key, turn that key to posi-
tion 2 in the ignition lock once (ignition
switched on) and then back. This allows
the electronic vehicle immobilizer to
"learn" the new key.<
ProCarManuals.com

41n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Power convertible top
* – roadster
Weather protectionThe convertible top combines reliable
protection from the elements with
simple, convenient operation. Here are
a few tips to ensure that you have plea-
sure with 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, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
keep valuables only in the locked
luggage compartment, even with the
convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top. Please
contact your BMW center for suitable
securing devices and additional acces-
sories.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures at or
below the freezing point.
To conserve the battery, it is advisable
to operate the top only with the engine
running.Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they would fall off when the
convertible top is operated and cause
damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.
Keep children away from the moving
parts of the convertible top during
operation.
The automatic sequence is interrupted
immediately if the button for actuating
the top (pages 42 and 45) is released.
The sequence can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing the
button.<
To open 1 With the doors closed, lower the side
windows a few inches (centimeters).
2 To release the convertible top: pull
the levers outward on the left and the
right of the convertible top frame
(refer to the illustration).367de046
ProCarManuals.com

56n
Starting the engineBefore starting>Engage the parking brake.
>Put manual-shift gear lever in idling
position.
>Depress the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine 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 repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Starting the engineStart the engine. Do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release
the ignition key immediately after the
engine starts.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
allowing it to run while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate
engine speed.
Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
from approx. +5 7 (–15 6) and at
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft
(1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds).
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Usually, it is not necessary to depress
the accelerator pedal. However, at high
altitudes or in very hot or very cold
weather, depress the pedal halfway
down when starting the engine.
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 switch off any
accessories which are not required.
Switch off the ignition when the vehicle
is not being driven.
ProCarManuals.com

71n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Reading lampsThe M coupe is equipped with reading
lamps:
1 Continuously on
2 Continuously off
3 Automatically controlled
In order to conserve the battery,
all of the lamps in the vehicle are
switched off about 15 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to position 0.< 36mde764
M cou
pe
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

123n
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.
ProCarManuals.com

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
127n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit128
Windshield wiper blades128
Lamps and bulbs129
Master key with battery-
powered lamp134
Changing a wheel135
Repairing a flat tire135
Battery140
Fuses142
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Power convertible top143
Fuel filler door143
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting144
Towing the vehicle145
Repairs
ProCarManuals.com