service indicator BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

© 2001 BMW M GmbH
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 249
US English VIII/01
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps17
Steering wheel with multifunction
buttons21
Warning triangle22
First-aid kit22
Refueling22
Fuel specifications24
Tire inflation pressure24

Opening and closing:

Keys28
Central locking system28
Opening and closing Ð via the
door lock29
lOpening and closing Ð via the
remote control30
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside33
Luggage compartment lid34
Luggage compartment36
Alarm system37
Electric power windows39
Convertible top40

Adjustments:

Correct sitting position44
Seats44
Head restraints46
Entering the rear47
Safety belts48
Seat and mirror memory48
Seat heating49
Steering wheel50
Mirrors50

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags52
Transporting children safely54
Rollover protection system58
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory60

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock61
Starting the engine61
Switching off the engine62
Parking brake63
Manual transmission63
Sequential M gearbox SMG II64
Indicator/Headlamp flasher70
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor71
Cruise control73

Everything under control:

Odometer75
Tachometer75
Engine oil temperature gauge75
Fuel gauge76
Temperature gauge76
Service Interval Display76
Check Control77
Clock77
Computer78

Technology for driving comfort
and safety:

Park Distance Control (PDC)80
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)81
Flat Tire Monitor82
M Engine dynamics control84

Contents

16n

Instrument cluster

10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)19
11 Display for

>

Odometer75

>

Trip odometer75

>

Clock77

>

Service Interval76Display for computer, operation
using the turn signal lever, refer to
page 78:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Range

>

Average speed12 Display for Check Control77
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero75
14 Indicator and warning
lamps17 to 20

19n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as
possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: ABS has been deacti-
vated in response to system malfunc-
tion. Conventional braking efficiency is
available and unrestricted. Please have
the system inspected at your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 105
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 116
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity (when
you stop to refuel). For additional infor-
mation: refer to page 116

Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 105
Flat Tire Monitor

l

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 24, 82
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

l

The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds:
The system is active and governs drive
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 deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 81

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

l

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 82
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 115
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 122

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 118
Rollover protection system

l

The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. Please have the system inspected
immediately at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 58
Check Filler Cap

*


l

If the indicator lamp comes on
although the fuel filler cap is
secured correctly: this indicates a
malfunction in the fuel system. Have the
system inspected at your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 23

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicators
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 70
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 73
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 86

Blue: for your information

High beam
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 70, 86

76n
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval Display Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Fuel tank capacity:
approx. 16.6 gal. (63 liters).
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (when you
are driving in mountainous areas, for
example), the needle may fluctuate
slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds. RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle, the engine has overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level: refer to
page 118.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector in normal operation.
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the distance remaining
before the next scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the
preceding driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.

81n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

The concept

DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it also recognizes
unstable driving conditions such as
under- or oversteering on curves, and
keeps the vehicle on a steady course
by using the engine and brake system
to intervene at the different wheels,
doing only what it can within the laws of
physics, of course.
The system starts up automatically
each time you start the engine.The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. The
results of driving irresponsibly rest with
the driver. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks. Do not make any modifications to
the DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, refer to page 18.
>Indicator lamp flashes: the system is
active and is controlling the drive
torque based on driving conditions
>If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine has been started, or
if it comes on during normal driving
and stays on: the system has been
deactivated via the button or is
defective. You can continue to drive
the vehicle normally, but without
DSC. Please consult your BMW
center for repairs.

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures on a
regular basis (refer to page 24), at
least every two weeks and before every
long trip. If this is not done, incorrect
tire pressures can cause driving insta-
bility and tire damage, ultimately
resulting in accidents.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though the
legally specified minimum tread depth is
only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear indi-
cators (arrow) are embedded in the base
of the tire's tread. Their locations are
indicated by the legend "TWI" Ð Tread
Wear Indicator Ð at various points on the
tire's shoulder. When the tread reaches a
depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), these indica-
tors appear to signal that the tires have
worn to the minimum legal level. Below
0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there is an
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with only
small amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive 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 can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the tires.
You could have a blowout as a result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
The type of problem can be caused by
contact with curbs, etc. This is also true
for irregularities in the vehicle's handling
characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest BMW center or
professional tire center, or have the
vehicle towed in to have it and its wheels
and tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

122n
OBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission-control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you
of the need for service, not of
the need to stop the vehicle.
However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your
nearest BMW center immediately.
Severe engine misfiring over even a
short period of time can seriously
damage emission-control system
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<

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