battery BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

Owner service procedures

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit134
Windshield wiper blades134
Lamps and bulbs135
Repairing a flat tire139
Battery143
Fuses144

Giving and receiving
assistance:

Jump-starting145
Towing the vehicle146
Technical data
Engine data150
Dimensions151
Weights152
Capacities153
Index

Everything from A to Z156

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18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

An alarm sounds at the same
time. Stop vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
If the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. To come to an immediate
stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any
sudden, jerky braking or steering
maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 112 and 127.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
●
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off. For additional information: refer to
page 69
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belts

●

comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety belts are
fastened. Flashes when the backrest is
not locked.
For additional information on locking
the backrest, refer to page 51
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 52
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 57

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30Opening and closing
KeysThe key set1Master keys with remote control unit
– determine the functions of the Key
Memory, refer to page 65.
You can mark the individual keys for
subsequent identification by apply-
ing the colored decals that you
received when accepting delivery of
your vehicle
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key with remote
control that is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive.
For this reason, if you have a master
key with remote control that is other-
wise not used, use that key at least
once every year while driving for an
extended period to charge the bat-
tery.<
2Spare master key – for storage in a
safe place, such as in your wallet.
This key is not intended for constant
use
3Door and ignition key – the locks for
the luggage compartment lid and the
glove compartment cannot be oper-
ated with this key. This is useful for
valet parking, for example
Central locking systemThe conceptThe central locking system engages
and releases the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door and
>glove compartment.
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed.
The central locking system can be
operated
>from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
>from inside via the central locking
system button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel
filler door will not be locked, refer to
page 34.
Operating it from outside simulta-
neously activates the anti-theft system,
which prevents the doors from being
unlocked via the door lock buttons or
the door release handles. The alarm
system is also armed or disarmed.
The central locking system unlocks
automatically in the event of an acci-
dent. In addition, the hazard warning
flashers and interior lamps come on.
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31
Opening and closing – via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for unlock-
ing and locking your vehicle. Further-
more, it provides two additional
functions:
>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to
page 32.
With this function you can also
search for your vehicle – when
parked in an underground garage, for
instance
>Open the luggage compartment lid,
refer to page 32.
The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly, regardless of whether it
was locked or unlocked.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated/activated simultaneously with the
unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and
the alarm system is disarmed/armed,
and the interior lamps are switched
on/off.
You can have a signal set to con-
firm that the vehicle's locks have
engaged securely.<
Master keys with remote control
Since passengers or animals
remaining in the vehicle might be
able to lock the doors from the inside,
always take the vehicle's keys with you
so that the vehicle can be opened again
from the outside at any time.<
If it is no longer possible to lock
the vehicle via the remote control,
the battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to recharge the battery. Guard
the remote control against unauthorized
use by only surrendering the spare key
or the door and ignition key, e.g. for
valet parking.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<
1Unlock, disarm the alarm system
2Lock and secure, arm alarm system,
activate interior lamps, disarm tilt
alarm sensor and interior motion sen-
sor
3Open luggage compartment, Panic
mode – trigger alarmTo releasePress button to unlock the driver's door
only.
Press the button twice in order to
unlock the entire vehicle.<
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38
When opening the convertible top,
refer to page 41, make sure that
the luggage compartment is set up for
this, otherwise you may damage some-
thing.<
Alarm system*The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the lug-
gage compartment lid are opened
>To movement inside the vehicle –
interior motion sensor
>Altering the vehicle tilt, e.g. as would
occur while attempting to steal the
wheels or tow the vehicle – tilt alarm
sensor system
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an acoustic alarm for
30 seconds
>Activating the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes
>Flashing the high beams on and off in
rhythm with the hazard warning flash-
ers.To arm and disarm the alarm
systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
by using a key or with the remote con-
trol, the alarm system is also simulta-
neously armed or disarmed.You can have a signal set as
acknowledgment for both arming
and disarming the alarm.<
You can also open the luggage com-
partment lid when the system is armed
by pressing the button of the remote
control, refer to page 32. When it is
closed, the lid is once again secured.
Luggage compartment
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42
Driving with the opening or clos-
ing operation not completely
ended can lead to damage and/or inju-
ries.
Traffic laws applicable in your area take
precedence when you operate the con-
vertible top, otherwise you may be
breaking the law.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they would fall off when the
convertible top is operated and cause
damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.
Keep children away from the moving
parts of the convertible top during
operation.<
If possible, only operate the con-
vertible top with the vehicle
stopped, as otherwise the process may
be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion
with the vehicle stationary and then
have to start suddenly – for instance, at
a traffic light – you can still complete
the operation by driving as slowly as
possible and again pressing and main-
taining pressure on the button.
Before closing the convertible top,
remove any objects from the windshield
frame that could keep the convertible
top from closing properly.<
To close the electric power win-
dows while driving, always be
sure to first close either the rear win-
dows, or all 4 windows at the same
time, otherwise, at high speed, the win-
dows may not close tightly.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger com-
partment can cause the convertible top
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-
ply via the ventilation controls so that a
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<
1To close
2To openLocks and security systemsFrom ignition key position 1 or higher,
with the vehicle stationary
If at all possible, only operate the con-
vertible top if the engine is running. This
saves unnecessary battery wear.
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel in the luggage
compartment is lowered, refer to
page 37
3. Make sure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
Convertible top
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68
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always deactivate electrical
devices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Starting engine and driving off
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95
Rear reading lampsWith the hardtop reading lamps are also
located in the rear, refer to page 113.
Switch on and off with the button adja-
cent to each lamp.
In order to prevent battery dis-
charge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are automatically switched off
approx. 15 minutes after you turn the
ignition key to position 0. OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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130Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-
ling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
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 indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehi-
cle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
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135
Lamps and bulbsThe lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your vehi-
cle. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replace-
ment. 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 in to 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.
Before working on the electrical
system, switch off the electrical
accessory you are working on or dis-
connect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to
observe this precaution 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.<
Low beams and high beams>Low beams: H7 bulb, 55 watts
>High beams: H7 bulb, 55 watts
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is damaged.<
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.Parking lamps5 watt bulb
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
When cleaning the headlamps, please
follow the instructions in the Caring for
your vehicle brochure.Xenon lamps*The service life of these bulbs is very
long and the probability of a failure is
very low, provided that they are not
switched on and off an unusual number
of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-
tinue driving with great caution using
the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in
your area do not prohibit this.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
xenon lighting system, including bulb-
changing, should be carried out by
technically-qualified personnel only.
Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal
injury.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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