BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsRed: an important reminder
Parking brake l
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 67.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belt l
The warning lamp flashes if a
backrest detent is not locked in place,
or comes on continuously if a safety
belt has not (yet) been fastened. The
visual warning is supplemented by an
acoustic signal.
For detailed information on locking the
backrest, refer to page 51.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 57.
Airbags l
Please respond to any defects
by having the system checked
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 61, 168.
Red and yellow:
continue driving cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
comes on together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC

control system has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 80, 107.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to a system malfunc-
tion. Conventional braking efficiency is
available without limitations. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 106.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Lights up while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you
do.
For additional information, refer to
page 127.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add more engine
oil the next time you stop for gas.
For additional information, refer to
page 127.

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Indicator and warning lamps

Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 109.
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)

l

RDW has been switched off or
has been deactivated in
response to a malfunction. In the event
of a malfunction, have the system
checked by your nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 27, 81.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

l

If the indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been switched off or has been
deactivated in response to a malfunc-
tion. In the event of a malfunction, have
the system checked by your nearest
BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 80.

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
up the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Service Engine Soon

l

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 142.
Warning lamp: Service Engine
Soon for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics allow for continued driving
with reduced engine output or speed.
Please have the system checked by
your BMW center.

Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 129.
Rollover protection system

l

The rollover protection system
has been deactivated in
response to a malfunction. Please have
the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 64.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsGreen: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
on. Rapid flashing indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 69.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated: available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 71.
Fog lamps
Comes on whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 69, 85.

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Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

The buttons integrated in the multi-
function steering wheel (MFL) are
provided so that you can operate a
number of accessories quickly and
without being distracted from traffic
conditions. You can operate:
>selected radio functions
>the cruise control
>selected cellular phone functions
*.
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding
systems must be activated.<
1 Horn: the entire surface
2 Radio/Telephone: select
3 Cellular phone: receive a call, start
dialing, terminate a call
4 Radio/Telephone: volume
5 Radio/Telephone: scan backward or
scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
6 Radio/Telephone: scan forward or
scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
7 Cruise control: activate stored
setting (resume)
8 Cruise control: accelerate and
store (+) as well as decelerate and
store (–)
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle
*
Activating and deactivating: press
button.
The button flashes rhythmically when
the hazard warning flashers are on.
To help you locate the button in an
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the vehicle's lamps are
on.
The turn signal function takes
precedence over the hazard
warning flasher function. Starting from
ignition key position 1, you are there-
fore able to use the turn signal, even if
the hazard warning flashers have been
activated.<
The hazard warning triangle is readily
accessible. It is stored in the container
for the onboard tool kit mounted in the
luggage compartment lid.
To open the container, loosen the wing
nut.
Always observe all legal regula-
tions requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<

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Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
be filled into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system fails, refer to page 161.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to
fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
Simple and friendly to the
environment
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full, whenever the fuel
nozzle shuts off the first time, as is
specified for proper service.
Tank capacity, refer to page 181.
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressuresThe 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 correct tire inflation pressures are
on a sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.Checking tire pressuresAll tire pressure and ambient air
temperature specifications are stated in
the units usually used in your country
(psi; kilopascal) (also see the following
tire inflation pressure table).
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, re-initialize the Tire Pressure
Warning system (RDW) so that it can
monitor the tire inflation pressure. Refer
to page 81.
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly – at least every two
weeks and before beginning a longer
trip. Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure
can lead to poor handling, tire damage
and accidents.< Comply with tire approval
specifications The 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 tire sizes on
page 120.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.

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BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
225/45 ZR 18 33 (230) - 41 (280) -
255/40 ZR 18 - 35 (240) - 48 (330)
M3 convertible 225/40 ZR 19 33 (230) - 41 (280) -
255/35 ZR 19 - 35 (240) - 48 (330)
225/45 R 17 91H M+S 33 (230) 38 (260) 36 (250) 46 (320)
Tire inflation pressures

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

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Locks and security systems:
Keys32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Central locking system33
Opening and closing – via the
door lock34
Opening and closing – via the
remote control35
Opening and closing – from
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Convertible top45
Adjustments:
Seats48
Mirrors52
Seat and mirror memory54
Steering wheel55
Car Memory, Key Memory55
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts57
Transporting children safely58
Airbags61
Rollover protection system64
Controls