technical BMW M ROADSTER COUPE 2001 Owners Manual

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW.
It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi-
mum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW.
The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to en-
hance operating and driving safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your
vehicle throughout an extended service life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We
recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW M

Preface
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

9n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
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11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Cabin convenience:

Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Storage boxes78
Beverage holder79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80

Loading and transporting:

coupe:
Roll-up cover81
Partition net81
Cargo loading82
Roof-mounted luggage
rack83

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter88
Antilock Brake System (ABS)89
Disc brakes91
Brake system92
Winter operation93
Power steering94
Cellular phone95
Radio reception95
Hardtop – roadster96

Wheels and tires:

Notes on tire inflation
pressure98
Tire condition98
Tire replacement99
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Special features of winter
tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103

Under the hood:

Hood104
Engine compartment106
Fluids for the washer
systems108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags122
Storing your vehicle123

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications124
California Proposition
65 Warning124
OBD connector125
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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
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

15n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit25
Refueling25
Fuel specifications26
Tire inflation pressure26
Tire inflation pressure (table)27
Overview
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Engine oil temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display64
Outside temperature64
Clock64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Storage boxes78
Beverage holder79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80
Loading and transporting
cargo:
coupe:
Roll-up cover81
Partition net81
Cargo loading82
Roof-mounted luggage
rack83
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83n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Roof-mounted luggage rackA special luggage system is available
for your coupe as an optional acces-
sory. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation
instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof load
capacity, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle loads when loading
the rack. You will find the specifications
for this under "Technical Data" on
page 158.
Make sure that the load is not too large
in size, and distribute it evenly. Always
load the heaviest pieces first (on the
bottom). Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the
sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.
Lash the roof luggage down correctly
and securely to prevent it from shifting
or being lost during driving – this would
endanger following traffic.Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
The roof load increases the aerody-
namic resistance. Increased fuel
consumption results from this.
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter88
Antilock Brake System (ABS)89
Disc brakes91
Brake system92
Winter operation93
Power steering94
Cellular phone95
Radio reception95
Hardtop – roadster96
Wheels and tires:
Notes on tire inflation
pressure98
Tire condition98
Tire replacement99
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Special features of winter
tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103Under the hood:
Hood104
Engine compartment106
Fluids for the washer
systems108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags122
Storing your vehicle123
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications124
California Proposition
65 Warning124
OBD connector125
Car care
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86n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive with varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or 100 mph (150 km/h).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"Kickdown" point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed. You should
therefore drive with extra caution during
the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and discs
achieve the optimal surface and wear
pattern.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system booster
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – for instance
,
by towing – substantially higher levels
of pedal force will be required to brake
the vehicle.<
ClutchThe clutch will reach optimal function
after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift
gears carefully during the break-in
period.
Break-in procedure
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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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