brake BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2004 E46 Owner's Guide

129
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached — do not
overfill.
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: brake fluid level
too low, refer to page 18.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Due to loss in brake fluid, pedal travel
can lengthen and braking efficiency
may be reduced. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 114.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its closed original container and in
a location inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
Coolant
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139
Rear lamps1Turn signal indicator
2Backup lamp
21 watt bulb
3Tail lamp/brake lamp
All bulbs in the fender are
designed using LED technology.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.<
Bulbs in the luggage compartment lid
1. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clip
2. Fold the trim panel down – see
arrow 1. Disengage the bulb holder –
see arrow 2 – and remove it
3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb
4. Press the bulb holder into position
until you hear it engage
5. Reinstall the trim with the clip.
Lamps and bulbs
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140
Center high-mount brake lampLED strip in luggage compartment lid.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left to release the
lens
2. Replace the bulb.
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic; switch on the haz-
ard 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 trian-
gle or portable hazard warning lamp on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.<
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.
Lamps and bulbs

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 114
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 146
Activated-charcoal filter 100
Adding brake fluid 129
Adding liquid sealant
Mobility system 142
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 98
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 98
Air distribution, individual 98
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 96
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 25, 118
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 99
Air supply
automatic climate
control 98
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 98Airbags 55
deactivating 55
indicator lamp 18, 57
sitting safely 46
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 96
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 122
Alternative oils 127
Antifreeze
coolant 128
washer fluid 126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 114
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 30
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 156
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 156
Armrest 101
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 103
rear 103
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 99
AUTO program, refer
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 98
Automatic
air distribution 98
air supply 98
cruise control 77
headlamp control 91
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 96
Automatic curb monitor 52
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 54
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 99
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 76
Average fuel
consumption 84
Average speed 84
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 156
B
Backrest
unlocking 49Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 47
Backup lamps 69
bulb replacement 139
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, towing 149
Battery 144
charge 144
disposal 144
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 147
remote control 30, 31
Battery charge current 18
Battery charge indicator
lamp 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 50
Beverage holders 102
Blower
automatic climate
control 98
BMW Maintenance
System 130
BMW sports seat 47
Bore, refer to Engine
data 154
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 102
Brake fluid 129
indicator lamp 18, 129
level 129

Everything from A to Z
161
Brake force display 90
Brake hydraulics 114
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 139
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81
Brake lights
brake force display 90
Brake pads 115
brake fluid level
18, 114, 129
breaking in 112
disc brakes 114
Brake rotors
brake system 114
breaking in 112
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 114
brake fluid 129
breaking in 112
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 68
Break-in procedures 112
Bulb replacement 137
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 137Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition
65 warning 132
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 102
Capacities 157
Car battery 144
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car telephone
preparation 102
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 103
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 114
warning lamp 19CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Cellular phone 102
Center armrest
front 101
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 140
Central locking system 30
button 34
passenger
compartment 34
Check Control 81
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 58
Child-restraint mounting
system LATCH 60
Child-restraint systems 58
Cigarette lighter 103
Cigarette lighter socket 103
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochureCleaning position, convert-
ible top 44
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 77
Clock 82
12-/24-hour mode 82
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
Clothes hooks 113
Clutch
breaking in 113
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Coin box 102
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 66
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 154
Computer 83
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZCondensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 98
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 64
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Cigarette
lighter 103
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 84
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 33
glass sunroof 31
windows 31
Convertible top 39
cleaning position 44
convenience operation
31, 33
electrical malfunction 42
emergency operation 42
indicator lamps 41
opening and closing 40
remote control 31
Coolant 128
indicator lamp 19, 80
level 128
temperature gauge 80
Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 128Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 98
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 114
warning lamp 19
Correct tires 121
Cruise control 77
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 102
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 156
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 154
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 157
dimensions 155
engine 154
technical 154
weights 156
Daytime driving lamps 91
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
19, 114
Deep water, refer to Water
on roadways 113
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 98Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 98
Defrosting windows 98
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 98
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 98
Determining the maximum
load 106
Differential
breaking in 112
Digital clock 82
Dimensions 155
Dipstick, engine oil 126
Disc brakes 114
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 154
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 92
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 127
vehicle battery 144
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 85
Door key 30
Door lock 33Doors
emergency operation 33
Draft-free ventilation 99
Drivelogic 73
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 91
Driving notes 113
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 98
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 86
indicator lamp 19, 86
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 19, 114
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 86
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC)
indicator lamp 19, 86
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 49
Electric power windows 38
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 145

Everything from A to Z
163
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 35
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Emergency call 146
Emergency operation
doors 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 35
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 36
Engine
breaking in 112
data 154
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 79, 154
starting 66
switching off 68
Engine compartment 124
Engine coolant 128
refilling 128Engine oil
adding 127
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
consumption 126
dipstick 126
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 127
specified oils 127
temperature gauge 79
types 127
Engine oil level 19
check 126
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 79
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 154
Engine speed 79, 154
Entering the rear 49
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86Exterior mirrors 53
Eyeglasses
compartment 102
Eyelet, towing 149
F
Fastening the safety belts 50
Fault displays 81
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 157
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 140
Flat Tire Monitor 87
Mobility system 140
repairing 140
Flat Tire Monitor 87
activating/deactivating 89
indicator lamp 18, 19, 89
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 118
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 126
Fog lamps 93
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding down convertible
top compartment panel 37
Follow me home lamps 91
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 113
Front airbags 55Front fog lamps 93
indicator/warning lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 47
Fuel
display 80
specifications 25
volume 157
Fuel consumption
display 84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel mixture preparation 154
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 80
Fuel tank capacity 157
Fuses 145
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 84
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 71
Gearbox
manual transmission 69
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZGearbox malfunction
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 74
Gearbox, sequential 70
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 69
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
General driving notes 113
Glove compartment 101
Gradient assistance 73
Grills, refer to Ventilation 96
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 156
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 68
Hands-free system 102
Hardtop 115
Hardtop preparation 115
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual 115
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 48
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 77
washer fluid 126, 157
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 91Headlamp flasher 92
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 137
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 53
Heated rear window
automatic climate
control 99
Heated seats 52
Heating
exterior mirrors 53
rear window 99
seats 52
Heating and ventilation 96
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 107
Height adjustment
seats 47
steering wheel 53
Height, refer to
Dimensions 155
High beams 75, 92
bulb replacement 137
headlamp flasher 92
indicator lamp 21
Holder for beverages 102
Hood release 123
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 114Hydraulic system
brakes 114
Hydroplaning 113
I
Ice warning 83
Ignition 65
Ignition key 30
positions 65
Ignition lock 65
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
convertible top 41
coolant 19, 80
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 89
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 80
rollover protection
system 19
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 98
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 64Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 87
Inflation pressure, tires
25, 118
INSPECTION 81
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 92
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 132
Interior lamps 93
remote control 32
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature 54
Interior temperature
adjusting 98
Intermittent
mode, wipers 76
Interval
display, service 81
J
Jump-starting 147
K
Key Memory 64
Keys 30
with remote control 30

Everything from A to ZMD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 51
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 64
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 100
Microphone, refer to Cellular
phone 102
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 53
automatic curb monitor 52
heated 53
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 51
Mobile Service 146
Mobility system 140
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Multifunction steering
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 75
washer/wiper system 76N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 48
Nets 101
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 96
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
the vehicle 149
O
OBD interface socket 132
Odometer 79
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
dipstick 126
quality 127
specified engine oils 127
Oil change interval, refer
to Service interval
display 130
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian modelsOil filter change 157
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 81
Oil temperature 79
Oil types 127
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 144
Onboard computer 83
Onboard computer, refer
also to the Owner's Man-
ual for Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Opening and closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
via door lock 33
via remote control 31
Outlets, ventilation 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 83
changing unit of
measure 83
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochurePark Distance Control
(PDC) 85
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 85
Parking brake 68
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 91
bulb replacement 137
Parking lamps/Low
beams 91
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 52
PDC Park Distance
Control 85
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Please fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal
filter 100
Power output, refer to
Engine data 154
Power seat 47
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 103
Power windows
electric 38
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 87

Everything from A to Z
167
Pressure, tires 25, 118
inflating with Mobility sys-
tem 143
Protective function
electric power windows 39
R
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 30
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 76
Raising the floor panel 37
Range 84
Reading lamps
rear 94
Rear lamps
bulb replacement 139
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81
Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 99
Rear-entry assist 49
Rearview mirror 53
Receiving assistance 146
Recirculated-air mode
automatic climate
control 99
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 99Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 47
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Releasing
hood 123
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 81
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 84
Remote control 31
luggage compartment
lid 32
malfunction 32
Replacement key 31
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 137
Replacing tires 119
Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 58
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 50
Reverse gear
manual transmission 69
Rollover protection
system 62
indicator lamp 19
lowering 62
Roof load capacity 156
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 108Rope, refer to Towing the
vehicle 149
S
Safe seating position 46
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 50
Safety belts 50
height adjustment 50
seat-integrated safety belt
system 49
sitting safely 46
warning lamp 18
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 114
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 136
Seat adjustment 47
BMW sports seat 47
lumbar support 47, 48
power seats 47
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 50
Seat heating 52
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 51
Seat positions, storing 51
Seats 47
Securing cargo 107Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 60
Securing the vehicle
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Selector lever
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
Selector lever positions
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
indicator lamp 19, 74
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
81, 130
Shift lights 74
Shift paddles 71
Side airbags 55
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 138
Sitting safely
with airbags 46
with safety belts 46
Size 155
Ski bag 104
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector 44
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex