steering BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Guide

112n
Winter tires Snow chains** * *Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires that have the H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as snow tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
When mounting winter wheels,
observe the different recess on
the front and rear wheels, as otherwise
damage may result.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce winter tires wear to a tread depth
of less than 0.16 inches (4 mm), their
performance under winter driving
conditions deteriorates noticeably.
Worn tires should therefore be replaced
for safety considerations.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
is only permitted in pairs with the winter
tires on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) with snow chains.
After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox
* SMG II, refer to page 83.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18- and
19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For further information, refer to
page 82.<

117n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oil
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the differential,
and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, thoroughly
wash any areas of skin that come into
contact with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Prescribed engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain types of engine oils.
Use only oils approved for your vehicle
model.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
approved. You can also call BMW of
North America at 1-800-831-1117 or
visit this website: www.bmwusa.com
to obtain this information.< Alternative oil typesShould it not be possible to purchase
an oil approved by BMW, you can also
use other oils for adding smaller quanti-
ties between oil changes as an excep-
tion. The following information must be
specified on the package:
1. Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
or as an alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
2. Specification
preferred: API SJ/CF
or as an alternative: API SJ (also SK,
SL, S etc.).
Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below Ð4 7 (Ð20 6) for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.

132n
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic; switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Shift into 1st or reverse and
engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning
triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp on the roadside at an appropriate
distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.<
M Mobility systemYou will find an M Mobility system in
your BMW M3 convertible for repairing
flat tires. With this system you can
apply a sealing liquid to the inside of
the tire that seals off the damaged point
and then continue driving.
The M Mobility system makes trans-
porting a spare wheel superfluous,
thereby reducing the amount of weight
you have to carry around. Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility
system, proceed as follows:
>Prepare the M Mobility system for
use, refer to the next column
>This is part of the M Mobility system,
refer to page 133
>Filling with sealant, refer to page 133
>Distributing sealant, refer to
page 134
>Inflating tire to correct pressure, refer
to page 135.
Preparing the M Mobility system
for useThe M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel:
1. Lift the floor panel (refer to page 35)
2. Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Before you use the M Mobility
system, read the warnings and
danger notices on the device care-
fully.<
If possible, leave the foreign object in
the tire.
Pull off the sticker 5 (refer to the second
column on the right) for the speed limit
and apply it to the steering wheel.

140n
Towing the vehicleUse only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be
possible to control vehicle handling. to page 137.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle1. Gearshift lever in neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signal indicators, horn and wind-
shield wipers remain operative, and
to prevent the steering lock detent
from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning system
(observe applicable legal regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power-assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.c
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II:
To push or tow, engage selector lever
in position 0.
Never work on the vehicle with a
driving position engaged.c

Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 19, 105
Accessories 10
Activated-charcoal filter 94
Adding brake fluid 119t
coolant 118t
engine oil 116t
washer fluid 115t
Adjusting head restraints 46
lumbar support 45
mirrors 50
seats 45
steering wheel 50
temperature 89
thigh support 45
Air conditioner 89, 93
Air distribution 89
automatic 92
Air outlets 88, 91
Air pressure, tires 109
Air supply 89, 92
Airbags 52
warning lamp 18 Alarm system
37
avoiding unintentional
alarm 38
indicator lamp 38
interior motion sensor 37
tilt alarm sensor 37
Antifreeze 118
radiator 118
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 19, 105
Anti-theft alarm system 37
Anti-theft protection 28
Approved weights 146
Aquaplaning 105, 109
Armrest 96
Ashtray front 97
rear 97
AUC (Automatic recirculated-air
control) 93
Automatic climate control 88, 91
Automatic cruise control 73
Automatic headlight
control 85
Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC) 93 Automatic windshield
washer 72
Auxiliary terminal for jump- starting 114t
Average fuel consumption 79
Average speed 79
Avoiding unintentional alarm 38
B
Backrest unlocking 47
Backup lamps 64
bulb replacement 129t
Battery 136
add distilled water 136t
charge current 17
charging 136t
maintenance 136
Belts 48
Beverage holder 96
Blower 89, 92
BMW Maintenance System 120
Bore 144
Bottle holder, refer to beverage holder 96 Brake fluid change
76
Brake fluid level 105
indicator lamp 17
Brake lamps bulb replacement 129t
center 131
Brake system brake fluid level 105
brake fluid level, warning
lamp 105
brake pads 106
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
disc brakes 106
indicator lamp 17
malfunction 105
Break-in procedure 104
Bulbs and lamps 126
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 121
Can holder, refer to beverage holder 96
Capacities 147
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car telephone 96

Everything from A to ZM
M Engine dynamics
control84
M Mobility system132
M+S-tires112
Maintenance76, 120
Malfunction displays77
Manual operation
convertible top42t
doors29t
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid34t
Manual transmission63
Master key28
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel21
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter90, 94
Mirror50
inside rearview51
outside50
Mirror memory48 Mirrors
adjusting50
automatic curb
monitor51
heating50
Mobility system132
Modifications,
technical10, 121
Mounting the roof rack106
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
O
OBD interface socket122
Odometer75
Oil
additives117
capacity147
consumption116
oil dipstick116
quality117
types117
viscosity117
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models) Oil dipstick116
Oil filter change147
Oil level
checking116t
indicator lamp19
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp17
OILSERVICE76
Onboard Computer
also refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Onboard tool kit126t
Opening and closing
from inside33
via the door lock29
via the remote control30
Operating vehicle at low
ambient
temperatures117
Outlets, ventilation88, 91
Output, engine144
Outside temperature
display78 P
Paintwork, care, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Park Distance Control
(PDC)80
Parking brake63
Parking help80
Parking lamps85
bulb replacement127t
PDC (Park Distance
Control)80
Pollen filter90, 94
Power windows39
Prevent accidental alarm38
R
Radiator147
Rain sensor71
Reading lamps87
Rear entry aid47
Rear head restraints46
Rear window
defroster89, 93
Rearview mirror50
Recirculated-air
mode89, 93
Reclining seat44

Everything from A to Z
155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling22
Releasing
fuel filler door following an
electrical
malfunction22t
Remote control30
Removing condensation
from the windows92
Replace windshield wiper
blades126t
Replacement key28
Replacing bulbs126t
Reporting safety defects11
Restraint system54
Rims111
Rollover protection
system58
indicator lamp20
lowering58t
Roof load capacity146
Roof-mounted luggage
rack101 S
Safety belts47, 48
Safety buttons33
Seat adjustment
lumbar support45
thigh support45
Seat heating49
Seat memory48
Seat-integrated safety belts
(SGS)47
Seats
adjusting44, 45
Secure glove compartment
and luggage compartment
separately34
Securing cargo100
Securing cargo in luggage
compartment101
Sequential M gearbox
SMG II64
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet120
Service Interval
Display76, 120
Set clock77
Set interior temperature92
SGS (Seat-integrated safety
belts)47 Side airbags52
Side impact Head Protection
System52
Side turn signals
bulb replacement128t
Ski bag98
Snow chains112
Spare key28
Speedometer15
Sport-mode
identification84
Standing lamps86
Starting problems62t
Steering lock61
Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons21
Steering wheel,
adjusting50
Stopping the vehicle62
Storage areas96
Storage compartments96
Stowing cargo100
Stroke144
Summer tires111
Switching off the engine62
Symbols, used8 T
Tachometer75
Tail lamps129
bulb replacement129t
Tank capacity147
Technical data144
Technical
modifications10, 121
Telephone hookup96
Temperature display
ice warning78
interior temperature92
outside temperature78
Temperature gauge
engine coolant76
Temperature
layering90, 94
Temperature, adjusting89
Thigh support, adjusting45
Third brake lamp131
Tilt alarm sensor38
deactivate31
remote control31
Tire inflation
pressures24, 25, 109
Tire wear indicator109