battery BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
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. Failure
to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components
and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.
Hood

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Storing your vehicle
If you intend to store the vehicle
for more than 3 months, be sure to
follow the maintenance instructions on
this page.<
Storage preparationsHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
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. First wash the vehicle
surface, then clean the interior,
following up with paint- and chrome
care, after which you clean the
rubber seals for the hood and doors.
2 Change the engine oil and oil filter
with the engine warm. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure,
an anticorrosive agent can be added
to the engine in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration, 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 Kilopascal).Before parking the vehicle1 To prevent the brake discs and
drums from corroding, dry the
parking and footbrake by applying
the brakes.
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated area. Place the
transmission in first gear or, if neces-
sary, chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling. Do not set the
parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room.
4 Remove the hardtop and store it
separately. Refer to page 114.
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be
useable. 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 157.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit146
Windshield wiper blades146
Lamps and bulbs146
Repairing a flat tire153
Battery157
Fuses160
Replacing microfilter and
activated-charcoal filter161
In case of
electrical malfunction:
Fuel filler door161
Convertible top162
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting164
Towing the vehicle165
Repairs

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The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
Tow fitting storage location, refer to
page 165.
1 Fold the wiper arm completely out
from the windshield.
2 Position the wiper blade at an angle
and pull the release spring (arrow).
3 Fold the wiper blade down and
unhook it toward the windshield.
4 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper
arm toward the top.
5 Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
Use only BMW approved wiper
blades.<
The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your
vehicle. For this reason, follow the
instructions below carefully when
replacing a bulb. If you are not familiar
with any of the procedures, consult
your BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of a
new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the elec-
trical system, switch off the elec-
trical accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage when
changing a bulb, be sure to comply with
any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Battery Installation locationThe battery is located at the rear right of
the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 41). Using a screwdriver or coin
and a f turn, release and pull off both
caps as shown in the illustration.
Remove the storage tray.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye
*" (a
hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge.
>Black: not adequately charged. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge
state often.<
Battery careThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original elec-
trolyte will normally last for the service
life of the battery under moderate
climatic conditions.
For all questions that regard the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following is for
your information only.<

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BatterySymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the corresponding
precautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
A highly-explosive gas is gener-
ated when the battery is
charged.
Never allow sparks or open
flame in the vicinity of the
battery. Avoid sparks from elec-
trical cables or electrical equipment.
Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition
lock when disconnecting or connecting
the battery. Do not short-circuit the
battery terminals. This creates a risk of
injury from high-energy sparks.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not expose it to direct
sunlight. A discharged battery can
freeze. Store the battery in areas where
temperature remains above freezing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children access to
batteries and battery acid.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing
battery acid or lead to come into
contact with your eyes, your skin, or
your clothing.
If you happen to get acid in your
eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Following that, consult a physician
immediately. If your skin or clothing are
splashed by acid, rinse immediately
with plenty of soap and water. If elec-
trolyte is accidentally ingested, consult
a physician immediately.
Removal and installation
Do not disconnect the battery
when the engine is running. If you
do so, the ensuing voltage surge will
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics. Do not make any modifications
in the wires to the positive terminal. If
you do so, the protective function of the
safety battery terminal is no longer
ensured. Repair and disposal must be
performed by trained technicians
only.<
When removing the battery, disconnect
the cable on the negative terminal first,
then the cable on the positive terminal.
Loosen the center adjusting screw on
the battery retaining strap (use the
screwdriver included with the onboard
tool kit) and disconnect the strap.
When installing a battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then connect the
negative terminal.
When installing a battery, be sure
that it is mounted properly and
that the retaining bracket is installed
with the center adjustment screw. If this
is not done, the battery will not be
adequately secured in case of an acci-
dent.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryCharging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running.
Before doing any work on the
electrical system, be sure to
disconnect the cable from the battery's
negative terminal. Failure to do so can
result in short-circuits, a 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 the vehicle is parked for more than
12 weeks, remove the battery, recharge
it and store it in a cool yet frost- and
dust-free area. During storage, have the
battery recharged every 3 months.
Also, recharge the battery before it is
reinstalled. If this is not done, the
battery will not be serviceable. Every
time the battery is discharged, espe-
cially over extended periods, its service
life is reduced.
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 to prevent it from tilting
during transport.<
Storage periods during which the
battery is disconnected are not
taken into consideration by the Service
Interval Display for changing the brake
fluid.
For this reason, be sure that the brake
fluid is changed every two years,
regardless of the information displayed.
Comply with the information on this
subject on page 130.<

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Do not use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
If the battery is discharged, the engine
can be started using two jumper cables
and another vehicle's battery. Use only
jumper cables with fully insulated
handles on the terminal clamps.
Do not touch the parts conducting
electrical current while the engine
is running. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury.
Carefully comply with the following
instructions to avoid personal injury or
damage to one or both vehicles.<
1 Ensure that the battery on the
support vehicle is also rated at
12 volts, and that the capacities of
the two batteries (Ah) are roughly
comparable (the rating is printed on
the battery).
2 Leave the discharged battery
connected to the vehicle's electrical
system.
3 Do not allow contact between the
two vehicle bodies – this creates the
risk of a short circuit.
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable
from the positive terminal of the
support vehicle to the positive
terminal connector located in your
BMW's engine compartment. The
cover of the positive terminal
connector is marked with a "+" sign.
Refer to the illustration. Remove by
pulling the tab (arrow 1).
5 Then connect the negative terminals.
Attach the cable to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal (–),
or to a suitable ground on its engine
or bodywork. Then connect the other
end of the cable to a ground on the
engine or on the bodywork of the
vehicle that is to be started. There is
a special nut provided for this on the
BMW (arrow 2).
Follow the same sequence for
connecting the jumper cables
when helping other vehicles. If you do
not, there is the risk of injury if sparks
are generated at the battery.<
6 Start the support vehicle's engine
and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle
needing the jump-start, and allow it
to run as usual. If the first start
attempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the discharged battery
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper
cables from your BMW, turn on the
rear window defroster and set the
blower to the highest speed; allow
the engine to run approx.
10 seconds. This will prevent a
voltage surge from the voltage regu-
lator to the electrical accessories.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
recharge the battery.
Jump-starting

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Electrical system Drive belts Battery 12V, 70 AhSpark plugs NGK DCPR8EKPCoolant pump – alternator –
power steering
Drive belt 6 PK x 1470
A/C compressor
Drive belt 5 PK x 829You can obtain Original BMW
Parts and Accessories, as well as
professional advice from your BMW
center.<

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)21, 106
Acceleration181
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter92
replacing161t
Adding
brake fluid125t, 130t
coolant129t
engine oil127t
washer fluid126t, 181
Adjusting
clock76
head restraints50
interior temperature90
steering wheel55
thigh support area49
Adjusting seats
lumbar support49
Air conditioner91
Air distribution,
automatic90
Air outlets88
Air pressure115
Air supply91
recirculated air mode91
vents91
Airbags61, 139, 168
warning lamp21, 22Alarm system42
avoiding unintentional
alarms43
indicator lamp43
interior motion sensor42
tilt sensor alarm
system42
Alcantara care136
Antenna112
Antenna, Diversity169
Antifreeze129
radiator110
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21, 106
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection33
Approved wheel and tire
specifications120
Aquaplaning105, 115
Armrest95
Ashtray
front96
rear97
AUC (Automatic recirculated
air control)91
Automatic climate
control88
Automatic cruise
control71
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)91Automatic windshield
washer70
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting125t
Average fuel
consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads180
BBackrest
releasing51
Backup lamps68
replacing bulb149t
Battery157, 182
add distilled water157t
capacity182
charging159t
current check lamp20
removal and
installation158
symbols158
Belts57
Beverage holder95
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils128
BMW Maintenance
System131
BMW Sports seat49
Bore178Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Brake system20, 109
ABS21t, 106
brake faults109t
brake fluid change75
brake fluid level, warning
lamp20, 109
brake lamp, center151
brake lamps, replacing
bulb149t
brake pads, indicator
lamp22, 109
disc brakes108
driving notes105
warning lamp20, 109
Break-in procedure104
Bulbs and lamps146
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning141
Can holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Capacities181
Car battery182
Car Memory55
Car radio112
reception113, 169
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual