warning 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
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

132Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain 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 com-
ponent 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.

133
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfiring for 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 gas cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the gas cap is then tight-
ened, the indicator will usually go out
after a short period of time. OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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

141
Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility
system, proceed as follows:
>Preparing the M Mobility system for
use, refer to the next column
>Components of the M Mobility sys-
tem, refer to page 142
>Filling with sealant, refer to page 142
>Distributing sealant, refer to
page 143
>Inflating tire to correct pressure, refer
to page 143.
Preparing the M Mobility system
for useThe M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel:
1. Lift the floor panel
2. Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Before you use the M Mobility sys-
tem, read the warnings and dan-
ger notices on the device carefully.<
If possible, leave the foreign object in
the tire.
Pull off the sticker 5, refer to the second
column below, for the speed limit and
apply it to the steering wheel.
Please keep in mind that the fluids
bottle in the system's sealant con-
tainer has to be changed every 3 years
by your BMW center, if the unit has not
been used.<
Repairing a flat tire
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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 Z
165
L
Lamp defect 137
Lamps
reading lamps 93
Lamps and bulbs 137
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 106
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 107
Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 107
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 60
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 94
Length, refer to
Dimensions 155
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 140
Light switch 91
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 94
Lighter 103
LIGHTS ON warning 91
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 91
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 106Loading
vehicle 106
Load-securing devices 107
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 34
Lock, steering wheel 65
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Low beams 91
automatic 91
bulb replacement 137
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81Luggage compartment 37
capacity 156
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 35
floor panel 37
increase volume 37
lid 35
lighting 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote
control 32
opening/closing, refer
to Luggage compartment
lid 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
volume 156
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency operation 35
emergency release 36
indicator lamp 81
opening from inside the
vehicle 35
opening from outside 35
remote control 32
unlocking manually 35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 108
Lumbar support 48M
M Engine dynamics
control 90
M Mobility system 140
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 122
Maintenance 81, 130
Maintenance system 130
Making telephone calls,
refer to the telephone
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
convertible top 42
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 81
Manual operation
convertible top 42
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 35
power convertible top 42
Manual transmission 69
Master keys
with remote control 30
Maximum speed
with winter tires 122
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex