charging BMW M ROADSTER COUPE 2001 Owners Manual

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.
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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.
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141n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryCharge condition You can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
(a hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge.
>Black: not charged adequately.
The battery must be recharged.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The projected service life of the
battery can only be reached if the
battery is fully-charged at all times.
Check the charge condition of the
battery frequently if the vehicle is used
primarily for driving short distances. < 36mde780
Charging the batteryCharge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is off. Charge the
battery by using the connectors in the
engine compartment (Connectors, refer
to jump-starting on page 144).
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can create the
risk of fire or personal injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If you intend to store your vehicle for
longer than twelve weeks: remove the
battery, charge it and store it in a cool
(but frost- and dust-free) room. Every
three months and before reinstalling the
battery, have it recharged. 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. Refer also to
page 123.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting when trans-
porting.<
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Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)89
Accessories6
Adding
brake fluid112t
engine coolant112t
engine oil109
washer fluid108t
Additional storage areas78
Adjusting
backrest47
mirrors47
seat46
washer nozzles108t
Air conditioner74
Air distribution74
Air outlets72
ventilation73
Air pressure26, 98
checking26t
Air vents72
Airbags21, 51, 122, 150
Airflow rate74
Antenna95
Antifreeze112
Antifreeze protection,
radiator93, 112, 112t
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)89
Anti-theft protection32Approved gross vehicle
weight158
Aquaplaning87, 98
Ashtray79
Automatic car washes115
Automatic cruise control61
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror48
Automatic rear window
washer59
Automatic windshield
washer108
Axle weights158
BBackrest, adjusting47
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement131t
Battery140, 160
capacity160
charge condition141
charging141
discharged144
disposal141t
removal and
installation142
Battery change, keys134t
Battery safety terminal142
Beverage holder79
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
Body-cavity protectant118Brake fluid112
adding112t
disposal113t
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb replace-
ment131t
Brake pads22, 92
Brake system92
add brake fluid112t
brake fluid112
fluid level92
Brakes
malfunctions92
winter road conditions93
Break-in procedure86
Bulb replacement129t
Bulbs and lamps129
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning124
Capacities159
Car care
exterior115
interior120
Car keys30
Car radio
reception95, 150
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car wash systems115, 117Care
exterior119
interior120
leather121
paint119
upholstery materials121
windows and glass120
Cargo loading82
Caring for the vehicle
finish119
Cassette mode, refer to the
Radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter88
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)90
Cellular phone95
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system32
Charge condition of the
battery141t
Charge indicator lamp20
Charging the battery141t
Chassis number113
Checking oil level109t
Checking tire
pressure26t, 98
Child restraint system53
installation54
M coupe with tether
strap54
Child seat53
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