sensor BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2003, Model line: M3 CONVERTIBLE, Model: BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46Pages: 166, PDF Size: 4.29 MB
Page 78 of 166

78
0Wipers retracted
1Clean windshield and headlampsClean windshield and headlamps*
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield, as your vision 
could be obscured. Always use a wind-
shield washer antifreeze in cold 
weather. Refer to page 124.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage 
to the washer pump.<
The system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period. 
When the vehicle's lighting system is 
switched on, the headlamps will also be 
cleaned at reasonable intervals.Windshield washer nozzlesThe windshield washer jets are warmed 
automatically when the ignition key is in 
position 2.
Cruise controlStarting at about 20 mph  / 30 km/h, you 
can maintain and store any vehicle 
speed that you specify.
The cruise control is operational when-
ever the engine is running and the sys-
tem has been activated.To activate the systemWith the ignition key in position 2 or 
higher:
Press the button. The indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster comes on, refer 
to page 20. You can now use the cruise 
control.
Do not use cruise control on twist-
ing roads, when high traffic den-
sity prevents driving at a constant 
speed, or when the road surface is slick 
– snow, rain, ice – or loose – rocks or 
gravel, sand.
ment cluster goes out.
Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*
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Page 86 of 166

86Technology for safety and driving convenience
Park Distance Control (PDC)*The conceptPDC assists you when you back into a 
parking space. Acoustic signals alert 
you to the momentary distance to an 
object behind your vehicle. To do this, 
four ultrasonic sensors in the rear 
bumper measure the distance to the 
nearest object. The range for the sen-
sors located at both rear corners ends 
approx. 2  ft/60  cm behind the bumpers. 
The range for the two middle sensors is 
slightly less than 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can 
identify objects if they are 
approached slowly, as is generally the 
case when parking. Avoid driving 
towards objects rapidly; due to underly-
ing physical principles, the system may 
otherwise alert you too late for you to 
take evasive steps.<
The system is activated automatically 
about one second after you engage 
reverse with the ignition key in 
position 2. 
Let this short period elapse before 
driving backwards.<
PDC is deactivated when you shift back 
out of Reverse.
You can have a signal set to con-
firm that the PDC has been acti-
vated.<
Acoustic signalsThe distance to the nearest object is 
indicated by a tone sounding at various 
intervals. As the distance between vehi-
cle and object decreases, the intervals 
between the tones become shorter. A 
continuous tone indicates the pres-
ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm 
away.
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. three seconds if the distance to 
the object remains constant during this 
time – if you are moving parallel to 
a wall, for instance.
System malfunctions will be indicated 
by a continuous high-pitched tone 
when the system is activated the first 
time. Please have your BMW center 
resolve the problem.
PDC does not remove the driver's 
personal responsibility for evaluat-
ing the distance between the vehicle 
and any objects. Even when sensors 
are involved, there is a blind spot in 
which objects cannot be detected. This 
applies especially in those cases where 
the system approaches the physical 
limits of ultrasonic measurement, as 
occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, and in the vicinity of thin or 
wedge-shaped objects. Moreover, low 
objects that have already been 
detected – such as a curb edge – can 
disappear out of the detection range of 
the sensors before a continuous tone 
sounds.
Loud sources of sound from outside or 
inside the vehicle could drown out the 
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they will continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Always maintain a distance of more 
than 4 in/10 cm.<
handbook.book  Page 86  Tuesday, July 30, 2002  9:28 AM 
Page 92 of 166

92Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on. You can 
use this to signal the position of 
the vehicle when it is parked. For light-
ing on one side for parking as an addi-
tional feature, refer to page 93.
Low beams
When you switch the ignition off 
with the low-beam headlamps 
on, only the parking lamps will 
remain on.
Follow me home lampsWhen you activate the headlamp 
flasher after parking the vehicle and 
switching off the lights, the low beams 
will come on for a brief period.
You can also have this function 
deactivated.<
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door 
after having turned the ignition key to 
position 0, you will hear an acoustic 
signal for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lamps have not been switched 
off.Daytime driving lamps*If you desire, the light switch can be left 
in the low-beam position: when the 
ignition is switched off, the external 
lighting is also switched off.
Observe the legal regulations regarding 
the use of daytime driving lamps.
When required, switch on the parking 
lamps as usual as described under 
Parking lamps.
You can have the activation set-
tings for the daytime driving lamps 
programmed on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in this posi-
tion, the system automatically 
responds to changes in ambient 
light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. – and to 
rain and snow by switching the low 
beams on or off.
The vehicle's external lamps 
remain on constantly when you 
switch on the front fog lamps after the 
headlamps have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for your 
personal judgement in determining 
when the lamps should be switched on. 
For example, the sensors are not able 
to detect fog. In such situations switch 
on the lamp manually, as otherwise a 
safety hazard will result.<
You can have the sensitivity of 
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
handbook.book  Page 92  Tuesday, July 30, 2002  9:28 AM 
Page 97 of 166

97
1Air onto the windshield and the side 
windows
2Air for the upper body area99
3Air to the footwell
4Outside air/Automatic recirculated-
air control (AUC)/Recirculated 
air99
5Air supply/Blower98
6Temperature98
7Automatic air distribution and 
supply98
8Individual air distribution98
9Interior temperature sensor – please 
keep clear and unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air 
supply98
11 To defrost windows and remove 
condensation98
12 Air conditioning98
13 Rear window defroster99Automatic climate control
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 97  Tuesday, July 30, 2002  9:28 AM 
Page 156 of 166

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
indicator lamp 19
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 100
Adding brake fluid 122, 127
Air conditioning 98
Air distribution, automatic 98
Air distribution, individual 98
Air nozzles 96
Air outlets 96
Air pressure 115
checking 25
Air supply 98
Air supply vents
recirculated-air mode 99
Airbags 57
warning lamp 18
Alarm system 38
avoiding false alarm 39
indicator lamp 39
interior motion sensor 38
tilt alarm sensor 38
Antifreeze 126
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS) 111
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 30, 38
Armrest 101
Ashtray
front 102
rear 103AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 99
Automatic car wash, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic climate control 96
Automatic cruise control 78
Automatic dimming, interior 
rearview mirror 56
Automatic headlamp 
control 92
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC) 99
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 122, 145
Average fuel 
consumption 85
Average speed 85
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 39
Axle loads 152
B
Backrests
unlocking 51
Backup lamps 70
replacing bulb 137
Battery 143
charge 143
charge current 18
charge current lamp 18
Belts 52Beverage holder 102
Blower 98
BMW Maintenance 
System 128
Bore 150
Bottle holder, see Beverage 
holder 102
Brake fluid level 112
warning lamp 18, 127
Brake hydraulic system
warning lamp 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 137
Brake pads 112
Brake system
brake fluid level, warning 
lamp 18
brake pads, indicator 
lamp 19
Brakes
malfunctions 112
parking brake 69
Braking
driving notes 111
Break-in procedures 110
Bulb replacement 135
C
California Proposition
65 warning 130
Can holder, see Beverage 
holder 102Capacities 153
Car care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 103
Car wash, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 106
Caring for headlamp cov-
ers, refer to the Caring for 
your vehicle brochure 135
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 111
indicator lamp 19
Cellular phone 102
Center armrest 101
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 138
Central locking system 30
button 34
Check Control 82
CHECK FILLER CAP
indicator lamp 19
Checking coolant level 126
Checking oil level 124
Child seat 59
Child-restraint systems 59
Cigarette lighter 102
Clean windshield 78
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Page 158 of 166

Everything from A to ZEngine oil pressure
warning lamp 18
Engine speed 150
Entering the rear 51
Exterior mirrors 55
Eyelet, towing 146
F
False alarm, avoiding 39
Fault displays 82
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 115
repairing 139
Flat Tire Monitor 88
indicator lamp 18, 19
Fog lamps 94
Fold down convertible top 
compartment panel 37
Follow me home lamps 92
Footbrake 112
Footbrake, refer to Driving 
notes 111
Footwell lamps 94
Front airbags 57
Front fog lamps 94
indicator lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 49
Frost protection, 
radiator 126
Fuel 25
Fuel consumption 85
display 81Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel gauge 81
Fuel specifications 25
Fuel tank capacity 153
Fuel tank display 81
Fuel tank gauge 81
Fuel-injection system 150
Fully automatic convertible 
top 41
operation 41
Fuses 144
replacing 144
G
Gasoline 25
Gasoline gauge 81
Gearbox, sequential 71
Gearshift lever 70
Glove compartment 101
Grills 96
Gross vehicle weight 152
H
Hands-free system 102
Hardtop 113
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 50
Headlamp 92Headlamp cleaning system 
122, 124, 153
Headlamp control 92
Headlamp flasher 76, 93
Heated mirror 55
Heated seats 54
Heavy loads 106
High beams 76, 93
indicator lamps 21
Holder for beverages 102
Hood release 120
Horn 14
Hydroplaning 111, 115
I
Ice warning 84
Ignition key 30
positions 66
Ignition lock 66
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Individual settings, Vehicle 
Memory, Key Memory 65
Inflation pressure 25, 115
INSPECTION 82
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 93
Instrument panel 14, 16
Interface socket for onboard 
diagnostics (OBD) 130
Interior lamps 32, 94
remote control 32Interior motion sensor 38
remote control 32
switching off 32, 39
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming 
feature 56
Interior temperature
adjusting 98
Intermittent mode 77
J
Jump-starting 145
K
Key Memory 65
Keys 30
L
Lamp replacement 135
Lamps
daytime driving lamps 92
fog lamps 94
footwell lamps 94
headlamp flasher 76, 93
high beams 93
instrument lighting 93
interior lamps 94
low beams 92
parking lamps 92
reading lamps 94
standing lamps 93
Lashing fittings 107
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Page 159 of 166

Everything from A to Z
159
LATCH child-restraint 
mounting system 62
Leather care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Length 151
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 139
Light switch 92
Lighter 102
Lighting, see lamps
LIGHTS ON warning 92
Load-securing devices 106
Lock, steering wheel 66
Low beams 92
bulb replacement 135
Luggage compartment 
35, 37
capacity 152
floor panel 37
increase volume 37
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency release 36
manual operation 35
opening from the inside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack 107
Lumbar support 50M
M Engine dynamics 
control 91
M Mobility system 139
M+S tires 118
Maintenance 82, 128
Malfunction displays 82
Manual operation
convertible top 44
Manual transmission 70
Master keys 30
with remote control 30
Memory 53, 65
Microfilter 100
Microphone 102
Mirror defrosting 55
Mirror memory 53
Mirrors 55
automatic curb monitor 54
inside rearview 56
outside 55
Mobility system 139
Modifications, technical 5
Mounting the roof rack 113
Multifunction switch 76
N
Navigation system, refer to 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Neckrest 50O
OBD interface socket 130
Odometer 80
Oil
additives 125
capacity 153
quality 125
viscosity 125
Oil change interval, see Ser-
vice and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US 
models / Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Oil filter change 153
Oil level
checking 124
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Oil pressure
warning lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 82
Oil types 125
Onboard computer, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 134
Opening and closing
from inside 34
via remote control 31
via the door lock 33
Operating elements 14Outlets, ventilation 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 84
P
Paintwork care, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Panic mode, trigger 
alarm 32
Park Distance Control 
(PDC) 86
Parking aid 86
Parking brake 69
Parking lamps 92
PDC Park Distance 
Control 86
Pollen 100
Power output 150
Power seat 49
Pressure, tires 25, 115
R
Radiator 153
Radio navigation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio 85
Radio, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 77
Range 85
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 159  Tuesday, July 30, 2002  9:28 AM 
Page 160 of 166

Everything from A to ZReading lamps
front 94
rear 95
Rear lamps 137
Rear window defroster 99
Rear-entry assist 51
Rearview mirror 55
Recirculated-air mode 99
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote key 30
Replacement key 30, 31
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 81
Restraint system 59
Reverse 70
Rims 118
Rollover protection 
system 63
indicator lamp 19
lowering 63
Roof load capacity 152
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack 107
S
Safe seating position 48
Safety belts 52
seat-integrated belt sys-
tem (SGS) 51
Seat
rear-entry assist 51Seat adjustment 48, 49
lumbar support 49, 50
power seats 49
Seat heating 54
Seat memory 53
Securing cargo 106
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 61
Securing devices 107
Sequential M gearbox 
SMG II 71
indicator lamp 19, 75
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 128
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp 19
Service interval display 
82, 128
Set clock 83
Side airbags 57
Side turn signals
bulb replacement 136
Size 151
Ski bag 104
SMG gearbox 71
Snow chains 119
Socket 103
Spare key 30
Speedometer 16
Sport mode 91
Standing lamps 93
bulb replacement 135Starting problems 67
Starting the engine 67
Steering wheel lock 66
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons 22
Steering wheel, adjusting 55
Storage compartments 101
Stroke 150
Summer tires 118
Surface ice warning 84
Switching off the engine 69
Symbols used 4
T
Tachometer 16, 80
Tail lamp assembly
replacing bulb 137
Tail lamps 137
replacing bulb 137
Tank capacity 153
Technical data 150
Technical modifications 5
Telephone hookup 102
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Temperature adjustment 98
Temperature display
engine coolant 81
ice warning 84
interior temperature 98
outside temperature 84
Temperature gauge 80Temperature layering 99
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 49
Third brake lamp 138
Tilt alarm
deactivate 32, 39
Tilt alarm sensor
remote control 32
Time 83
Tire code 118
Tire damage 115
Tire inflation pressure 
25, 115
checking 25
Tire pressure monitor 
(TPM) 88
Tire replacement 116
Tire tread 115
Tools 134
Torque 150
Towing eyelet 146
Towing the vehicle 146
Track 151
Transmission 70
Transporting children 
safely 59
Tread depth, tires 115
Tread wear indicator 115
Trip odometer 80
Trunk, see Luggage com-
partment 35, 152
handbook.book  Page 160  Tuesday, July 30, 2002  9:28 AM