tires BMW M ROADSTER COUPE 2001 Owners Manual

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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Refueling Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions displayed at gas stations.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether they are empty or
full, these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
The inflation pressures are indicated on
a label attached to the B-pillar behind
the driver's door (visible with door
open).Check tire pressuresOn the next page you will find all pres-
sure specifications, indicated in psi
(kilopascal [kPa]) with the tires at
ambient temperature.
After correcting the tire inflation
pressure, re-initialize the Tire
Pressure Warning (RDW) system, refer
to page 67.<367de388
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27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire inflation pressure
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly – at least every two
weeks and before beginning a longer
trip. Incorrect tire pressure can other-
wise lead to driving instability, tire
damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. You
will find a list of approved tires on
page 103.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet both US standards and European
standards. We recommend the exclu-
sive use of BMW-approved tires.
Have winter tires mounted at your
BMW center or a tire dealer.< BMW Tires
All tire pressures are in
psi (kilopascals [kPa])
M roadster
M coupeFront: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 1732 (220)
––
32 (220)35 (240)
––
38 (260)
225/45 R 17 90 H M+S 32 (220) 35 (240) 35 (240) 38 (260)
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67n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)The conceptThe Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) moni-
tors the tire pressure in all four wheels
while driving. The system is designed to
detect whenever the inflation pressure
in a tire drops significantly, monitoring
the speed of the tires relative to each
other. A flat tire can be detected and
reported because its speed suddenly
deviates drastically from that of the
other tires.
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the
system with the correct inflation pres-
sure.
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement. Do not carry out further
system initialization after correcting the
inflation pressure and letting the system
"learn" what condition is required.
1 Check the tire inflation pressure in all
the tires, comparing them with the
inflation pressure table (page 27),
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary.
2 Turn the ignition key to position 2.36mus735
3 Continue to press the button until the
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up. After a short time,
the indicator lamp will go out auto-
matically.
4 Switch the ignition off.
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68n
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)Activating/deactivating the
systemThe system is automatically active in
ignition key position 2 and is therefore
always on during driving.
To deactivate the system: tap the
button, the indicator lamp will light up.
To activate the system: tap the button
again, the indicator lamp goes out.
Deactivate the system while driving
with snow chains, since false warnings
and undetected losses in pressure are
possible under these kinds of condi-
tions. 36mus735
Flat tire
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will flash in the
event of tire pressure loss. To
come to an immediate stop, reduce
speed, while avoiding any sudden, jerky
braking or steering maneuvers.
Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility
system (refer to page 135).
Reset the indicator lamp: the indicator
lamp must be switched off manually
after mounting a new wheel. At this
point, hold the RDW button down until
the indicator lamp goes out. Re-
initialize the system afterward.
The RDW cannot alert you to
severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors.
The RDW will not identify the natural
loss of pressure in all four tires, either.<
Check the tire inflation pressure
on a regular basis and correct if
necessary. Refer to page 26.
Under certain circumstances, there
may be false warnings or a delayed
detection of pressure losses when
driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces.
A sporty driving style (slip at the wheels
receiving the torque, high lateral accel-
eration) can lead to delayed RDW warn-
ings.<
System malfunctionAs long as there is still a malfunction,
the indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster will stay lit.
Please contact your BMW center for
assistance.
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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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving notes
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm). If the water is at that depth,
drive only at walking speed, otherwise
the vehicle can sustain damage to the
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission.
Roll-up cover (coupe):
Never use the roll-up cover to store
heavy or bulky objects. If you do so,
such objects could injure vehicle occu-
pants during braking and evasive
maneuvers or in a crash.
Clothes hook (coupe):
Hang items of clothing on the hooks in
such a manner that they do not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they
could cause personal injury during
braking and evasive maneuvers or in
a crash, for example.<
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93n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle
operation through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantEnsure that the coolant contains the
year-round 50 : 50 ratio of water and
antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.
This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx.
– 34 7 (– 37 6). Replace the coolant
every three years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free the doors if they are frozen. This
deicer also contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW
lock cylinder grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW
rubber treatment or silicone spray to
weather-stripping on the doors, hood,
luggage compartment and to convert-
ible top seals.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chainsMount the BMW snow chains
* only in
pairs on the rear wheels only. Comply
with the manufacturer's safety precau-
tions. Do not exceed a speed limit of
30 mph (50 km/h) when driving with
chains. As an exception in this situa-
tion, we recommend that you deacti-
vate the DSC and RDW when snow
chains are mounted. Refer to page 65
or page 67.
Starting offWhen starting from a full stop or
"rocking" free in deep snow, we recom-
mend that you deactivate the DSC
system. Refer to page 65.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Shift down
into the next lowest gear when
approaching uphill or downhill grades.
Maintain an adequate distance between
yourself and the vehicle ahead.Braking Winter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that – in every situation –
braking distances will be significantly
longer as a result of this.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
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98n
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to your vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
In a very real sense, tire life, driving
comfort and your own safety are riding
on correct tire specifications and infla-
tion pressures.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a
frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road-
holding ability of your BMW. Check tire
inflation pressures regularly (refer to
page 26), at least every two weeks and
before you begin an extended journey.
If this is not done, incorrect tire pres-
sures may cause unstable driving, tire
damage and accidents.<
Tire tread – Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread pattern depth.
The tread pattern depth should be at
least 0.12 in (3 mm), although the
legally permissible minimum tread
pattern depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm).
Wear indicators appear in the tread at
0.063 in (1.6 mm) to indicate that the
legally permissible wear limit has been
reached. There is a significantly
increased risk of aquaplaning at higher
speeds when the tread pattern depth is
below 0.12 in (3 mm), even if there is
only a small amount of water on the
road surface.390de331
Never continue driving on a
deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly
impairs steering and braking response,
and can lead to complete loss of
control over the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading causes over-
heating and damage inside the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden inflation pressure
loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle defect, as
can variations in normal vehicle
response, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by reducing
your speed immediately. Drive carefully
to the nearest BMW center or profes-
sional tire dealer, or have the vehicle
towed in to have it and its tires
inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete inflation pressure
loss) can pose an extreme hazard for
both vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition
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