oil pressure BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2004 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

9

Driving:

Ignition lock65
Starting the engine and driving
off66
Switching off the engine68
Parking brake68
Manual transmission69
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic*70
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher75
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*76
Cruise control77

Everything under control:

Odometer79
Tachometer79
Engine oil temperature79
Fuel gauge80
Engine coolant temperature
gauge80
Service interval display81
Check Control81
Clock82
Computer83

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*85
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Flat Tire Monitor87
M Engine dynamics control90
Brake force display90

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams91
Instrument lighting92
High beams/Standing lamps92
Fog lamps93
Interior lamps93
Reading lamps93

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control96

Interior conveniences:

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

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag*104
Cargo loading106
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop*108

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures112
General driving notes113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)114
Brake system114
Hardtop*115

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure118
Tire condition118
Tire replacement119
Wheel and tire
combinations121
Winter tires122
Snow chains*122

In the engine compartment:

Hood123
Engine compartment
essentials124
Washer fluids126
Engine oil126
Coolant128
Brake fluid129

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System130

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning132
OBD interface socket132

Controls and features

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: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 87
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 114 and 129.
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 68
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 49
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 50
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 55

121
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
approved by BMW for your particular
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result
despite the use of the same nominal
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. If non-approved wheels and
tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate
their suitability, and therefore cannot be
held liable for driving safety.<
BMW tests certain tire brands for each
tire size, classifies them as road-safe
and approves them. Consult your BMW
center for more information. Observe
any country-specific regulations, e.g.
on making a corresponding entry in the
vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC, Flat Tire Monitor.
The function of these systems is
impaired if improper wheel and tire
combinations are used.
Therefore, only use tires of the same
brand and same tread configuration on
the vehicle and, for example following a
tire failure, restore the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as possi-
ble.<
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your
vehicle and may cause an accident and
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire
sidewall.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

128
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47/–206 for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their closed origi-
nal containers and in a location inac-
cessible to children. Antifreeze and
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.
For this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant level and
adding coolant Check the coolant level when the
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck – refer to the arrow in the illus-
tration – but no more than 3/4 in /
2 cm above it – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float. Refer also to
the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck
Engine oil

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
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 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 ZSMG Drivelogic 70
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 103
Snow chains 122
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 146
Spare key 30
Special oils 127
Special oils, refer to Speci-
fied engine oils 127
Specified engine oils 127
Specified oils 127
Speed
winter tires 122
Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
Sport mode 90
Sports seat 47
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
Standing lamps 92
bulb replacement 137
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 147
temperature 66
Starting help DSC 86
Starting the engine 66
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 66Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 65
Steering wheel, adjusting 53
Storage compartments 101
Storage nets 101
Storing seat positions,
refer to Seat and mirror
memory 51
Storing tires 121
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 154
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 83
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 68
vehicle 68
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 79
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 139
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 139
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 157
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Technical data 154Technical modifications 5
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Telephone hookup 102
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Temperature
automatic climate
control 98
Temperature adjustment 98
Temperature display
engine coolant 80
ice warning 83
outside temperature 83
setting units 83
Temperature layering 99
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 77
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 47
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 140
Three-point safety belt 50
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 52
Time 82Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 87
Tire replacement 119
Tires
age 120
breaking in 112
condition 118, 122
damage 118
flat 140
inflation pressure 25, 118
replacing 119
size, refer to Wheel and
tire combinations 121
storing 121
tread 118
treadwear indicator,
refer to Tire tread – tire
damage 118
winter tires 122
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 136
Torque
engine 154
Tow sockets for towing eye-
let 149
Towing bar 149
Towing eyelet 149
Towing rope 149
Towing the vehicle 149
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 155

Refueling
To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information
when you stop for fuel, we recommend
that you take the time to fill out the
adjoining chart by entering the data that
apply to your vehicle. Consult the index
for individual specifications.
FuelPlease enter your preferred fuel here.Engine oilThe oil quantity between the two marks
on the dipstick is approx.
1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.Tire inflation pressureDesignation
Quality
Summer tires Winter tires
front rear front rear
Up to 2 persons
4 persons plus luggage