light BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

9

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags57
Transporting children safely59
Rollover protection system63
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory65

Driving:

Ignition lock66
Starting engine and driving
off67
Switching off the engine69
Parking brake69
Manual transmission70
Sequential M gearbox
SMG II*71
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher76
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*77
Cruise control78

Everything under control:

Odometer80
Tachometer80
Temperature gauge80
Fuel gauge81
Engine coolant temperature
gauge81
Service interval display82
Check Control82
Clock83
Computer84

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*86
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)87
Flat Tire Monitor88
M Engine dynamics control91

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams92
Instrument lighting93
High beams/Standing lamps93
Fog lamps94
Interior lamps94
Reading lamps94

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control96

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment101
Storage compartments101
Cellular phone*102
Ashtray, front*102
Ashtray, rear*103

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag*104
Cargo loading106
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop*107

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures110
Driving notes111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)111
Brake system112
Hardtop*113

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure115
Tire condition115
Tire replacement116
Wheel and tire
combinations118
Winter tires118
Snow chains*119

In the engine compartment:

Hood120
Engine compartment
essentials122
Washer fluids124
Engine oil124
Coolant126
Brake fluid127

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System128

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning130
OBD interface socket130

Controls and features

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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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19

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The red brake warning lamp
lights up together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS

●


and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue to drive; drive cautiously
and defensively and avoid full
brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
pages 87, 111
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Sequential M gearbox SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been
started, or if it comes on during normal
driving: this indicates a malfunction in
the system. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information: refer to
page 75

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information: refer to
page 124

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity such as when you
stop to refuel
For additional information: refer to
page 124
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 112
Flat Tire Monitor

●

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 25, 88
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

●

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

Indicator and warning lamps
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20
button or in response to a system mal-
function. In the event of a malfunction,
have the system checked by your near-
est BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 87
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
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 124
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 130
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

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 126
CHECK FILLER CAP

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24

Rollover protection system

●

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 63

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 76
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the steering wheel with multi-
function buttons.
For additional information: refer to
page 78
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 94

Indicator and warning lamps

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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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32
To lock and securePress button.To switch on the interior lampsAfter locking the vehicle, press button
again.To deactivate the tilt alarm* and
interior motion sensors*Press button a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information: page 39.To open the luggage
compartmentPress button.
The lid will open slightly, no matter
whether it was locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure
that the luggage compartment lid
has not been opened unintentionally.<
Panic mode – trigger alarmBy pressing button for more than
two seconds, the alarm can be
sounded in the event of danger, if it is
armed.
To switch off the alarm:
Press button.External systemsLocal systems or devices in the area
may interference with remote control
function.
If this should occur, you can still open
and close the vehicle using the master
key in both the door and luggage com-
partment locks.For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units com-
ply with part 15 of the FCC Federal
Communications Commission regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the fol-
lowing:
FCC ID:
>LX8EWS
>LX8FZVS
>LX8FZVE.
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to
these devices could void the
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.<
Opening and closing – via the remote control
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35
Luggage compartment lidThe lockOnly the master keys fit in the lock for
the luggage compartment lid, refer to
page 30.To secure separatelyLock the glove compartment using the
master key.
The luggage compartment lid is locked
and disconnected from the central lock-
ing system. If you surrender only the
door and ignition key – refer to page 30
– this will prevent unauthorized access
via the luggage compartment lid, which
is an advantage for valet parking, for
instance.
To open from the outsidePress the button in the handle recess –
see arrow: the luggage compartment lid
opens slightly.
The luggage compartment is lighted
when the luggage compartment lid is
opened.Manual operationIn the event of electrical malfunction
Turn the master key to the right as far
as it will go, the luggage compartment
lid will open slightly.
The luggage compartment lid is locked
again as soon as you close the lid.
To open from the insideIf the luggage compartment lid has not
been locked separately, you can open it
with this button in the footwell on the
driver's side when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
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39
Indicator lamp displays>The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes when it is
armed: the door(s), the hood or lug-
gage compartment lid are not com-
pletely closed. Even if you do not
close the alerted area, the remaining
areas are deadlocked, and the indi-
cator lamp flashes continuously after
ten seconds. However, the interior
motion sensor is not activated
>If the indicator lamp goes out when
the system is disarmed: no manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have
been detected in the period since the
system was armed
>If the indicator lamp flashes for
ten seconds when the system is dis-
armed: an attempted entry has been
detected in the period since the sys-
tem was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarmsThe tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be deactivated at the same
time. You can do this to prevent a false
alarm from being triggered in garages
with elevator ramps, for instance, or
when the vehicle is transported by train:
Lock the vehicle twice to arm the sys-
tem. Press button on the remote control
twice in succession or lock the vehicle
twice with the key.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
are deactivated as long as the system is
armed.Interior motion sensor*Deactivate the interior motion sensor –
see Avoiding unintentional alarms – if
persons or animals are left in the vehi-
cle.
The tilt and interior motion sen-
sors are inadvertently switched off
when convenience closing of the win-
dows is interrupted within the first
10 seconds and then started again. If
this happens, they must be disarmed
and reactivated.<
Alarm system*
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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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43
4. Press and hold the corresponding
button for convertible top operation.
The red indicator lamp will light up
while the convertible top is in motion.
It goes out as soon as the opening or
closing operation has been com-
pleted.
If the red indicator lamp flashes after
the button is released, then the
opening or closing operation is not
yet completed. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by
pressing this button.
If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button
pressed, then the convertible top
compartment panel is raised and the
convertible top cannot be moved,
refer to step 2.
The automatic sequence will be
interrupted immediately if you
release the button that operates the
top. The sequence can be continued in
the desired direction by pressing this
button.<
During convertible top operation
the rear window moves toward the
passenger compartment. To prevent
injuries, make sure that the closing path
of the convertible top is unobstructed.<
When operating the convertible top, the
windows will lower slightly when you
press the button, and after the opening
or closing operation has finished, they
will go back up, if you keep holding the
button down for more than 2 seconds
after the indicator lamp has gone out.
The luggage compartment lid cannot be
opened while the convertible top is in
motion.
Do not close the side power win-
dows using the buttons if the con-
vertible top operation has been inter-
rupted.<
If the convertible top has been
stored in the convertible top com-
partment for longer periods, e.g. during
the winter months while the hardtop is
being used, it may be necessary to
manually support the first automatic
closing operation: if the convertible top
should halt right before the closing
phase is completed, press against the
front part of the convertible top frame
from the outside to help the closing
process along. Keep pressing the but-
ton while doing so until the top starts
up again on its own.<
Operate the convertible top manu-
ally in emergency situations only
to avoid causing damage due to incor-
rect operation.<
If the opening or closing operation
is interrupted, the convertible top
remains in the respective position for
15 minutes, and the sequence can be
continued in the desired direction with
the button. After that, the convertible
top can be moved again and, if it is an
emergency situation, you may have to
help the top along manually. This can
also be done in ignition key position 0.
In certain cases, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened if the open-
ing or closing operation has been inter-
rupted.<
Convenience operation from the
driver's door lockRefer to page 33.
Convertible top
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