check engine light BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2008 E93 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
141
Door open
Engine compartment lid open
Lights up in red:
Backrest of driver's seat or front pas-
senger's seat not lockedLock the backrest, otherwise the safety
belt will not provide protection in the
event of an accident.
Lights up in yellow:
Seat backrest monitor malfunctioningEngage the seat backrest. Have it
checked by your nearest BMW center.
Lights up in red:
Roof activation system failure Roof cannot be moved. If the retract-
able hardtop does not lock, contact
your nearest BMW center.
Roof activation system malfunctioning Roof movement incomplete. Please
check if the roof is blocked, then press
or pull the switch again.
Lights up in yellow:
Roof drive overheated Roof activation temporarily limited to
closing only.
Cargo bay partition not in lowermost
positionPress down the cargo bay partition until
it engages on both sides.
Vehicle not level, roof activation not
possibleMove the vehicle to a level surface.
Rollover protection system malfunc-
tioningHave the rollover protection system
checked by your nearest BMW center.
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between the
gas cap and the vehicle.
Windshield washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
refer to page57.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
142Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer jour-
ney or, in cars with convenient access,
replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Lights up:
Emergency Request system has failed
or is malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power is no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the engine checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Indication in Canadian models:
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
143
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood, otherwise there
would be a risk of injury by scalding.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low If brake pedal travel is considerably
longer than usual, stop immediately.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low If brake pedal travel is considerably
longer than usual, stop immediately.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
144Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
>Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
>ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake is
depressed or
>lighting system failed. Low beams/
tail lamps and brake lamps still
operational. All other lamps failedDepress the brake to restart the engine.
Lights up in yellow:
>Control of the brake lamps failed or
>fuel supply malfunctioningYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system in question
checked without delay.
>Drive malfunctioning Transmission limp-home program
active with reduced acceleration. You
can continue your journey, but moder-
ate your speed and exercise due cau-
tion. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
146Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of
tire pressureCarefully bring the car to a stop. Comply
with the additional information starting
on page70.
Light up in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor not initialized Check the inflation pressure and reset
the system, refer to page70.
The small lamp flashes in yellow and
then lights up continuously; the larger
lamp comes on in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor has failed. Punc-
tures are not indicatedHave the system checked. Comply with
the additional information starting on
page71.
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home program
active with restricted range of
gears, possibly with reduced accel-
eration.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. It may not be possible to con-
tinue the trip after stopping. Have the
system checked without delay.
Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
Lights up in yellow:
>Transmission limp-home program
active with reduced range of gearsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked
without delay.
>Transmission position P malfunc-
tioning:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running or ignition
switched on and brake depressedRelease transmission lock, refer to
page51. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
>Brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is at
a standstill, always step on the brake.
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off
the engine. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
147
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Stop the car and switch off the engine.
Allow the transmission to cool down.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
P is not engaged. Vehicle not pre-
vented from rolling
Selector lever malfunctioning You can continue your journey. Shift
into the desired position again, if neces-
sary. Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Brake signal malfunctioning: gear can
be engaged without depressing the
brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is at
a standstill, always step on the brake.
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off
the engine. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp failed Have the low beams checked as soon
as possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Adaptive Head Light failed
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
148Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, refer to
page119.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page117 for more information.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
No service due Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Time and date no longer correct Set the time and date, refer to page64.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
157
Belt hand-over41
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blinds, refer to Roller sun
blinds87
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo125
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System121
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Brake assist68
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements63
Brake Force Display72
– bulb change130
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb129
– two-stage72
Brake pads98
– breaking in98
Brake rotors99
– brakes98
– breaking in98
Brakes
– ABS68
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– breaking in98
– parking brake48
– service requirements63
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely99
Brake system98
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– breaking in98
– disc brakes99
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance135Breaking in the clutch98
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential98
Break-in period98
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs127
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities155
Capacity of the cargo bay155
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery133
Car care, refer to Care123
Care123
– automatic car washes123
– care products123
– carpets125
– CD/DVD drives126
– chrome parts124
– displays125
– exterior123
– fine wood parts125
– headlamps124
– high-pressure washer123
– interior125
– leather125
– light-alloy wheels125
– paintwork124
– plastic parts125
– retractable hardtop124
– rubber seals124
– safety belts125
– sensors and cameras125
– upholstery and cloth
trim125
– washing the car
manually124
– windows124
– wiper blades124Cargo, securing101
Cargo bay
– capacity155
– convenient access27
– folding up the floor panel93
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps79
– opening from inside24
– opening from outside24
Cargo loading
– securing cargo101
– stowing cargo101
– vehicle100
Car jack
– jacking points133
Car key, refer to Remote
control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo125
Car wash
– before driving into48
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CBS Condition Based
Service121
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb131
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside23
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– convenient access27
– hotel function25
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Changing wheels133
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control65

Everything from A to Z
158 Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child-restraint systems44
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely44
Chrome parts125
Chrome polish125
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter90
Cleaning headlamps56
– washer fluid57
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care123
Clock59
– 12h/24h format62
– setting time64
Closing
– from inside23
– from outside19
Clothes hooks89
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access27
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
"Comfort" with EDC69
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Compass86
Computer60
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked100
Condition Based Service
CBS121
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle21
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances90Consumption, refer to
Average consumption61
Consumption indicator, refer
to Average consumption61
Controls and displays10
Convenient access27
– replacing the battery28
Convenient loading in
convertible21
Convenient operation
– glass roof20
– glass roof with convenient
access27
– retractable hardtop20
– windows20
– windows with convenient
access27
Convertible
– bag holder92
– convenient loading21
– enlarging cargo bay91
– folding down rear
backrest92
– retractable hardtop31
– rollover protection
system74
– securing cargo101
Coolant119
– checking level119
Coolant temperature60
Cooling, maximum81
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant119
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant119
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive Head
Light77
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light77
Correct tires114
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps79
Cruise control57
Cruising range61
Cup holders89
Curb weight, refer to
Weights155
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Data, technical152
– dimensions153
– engine152
– weights155
Date
– setting64
Daytime running lamps77
Deactivating front passenger
airbags73
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door108
– glass roof30
Digital clock59
Digital compass86
Dimensions153
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals55
Displacement, refer to Engine
data152
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant119
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery133
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements63
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC67
Door key, refer to Remote
control18
Door lock22

Everything from A to Z
160 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock46
Flashlight, refer to LED hand
lamp88
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM70
Flat tire, repairing131
Flat Tire Monitor FTM69
– indicating a flat tire70
– indicator/warning lamp70
– initializing the system69
– malfunction70
– snow chains69,115
– system limits69
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir57
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash41
Folding up the floor panel93
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely99
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps79
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions49
For your own safety5
Front airbags72
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor69
Fuel109
– average consumption61
– gauge60
– high-quality brands109
– quality109
– specifications109
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities155Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel filler door108
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction108
Fuses133
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption61
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel109
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level117
Gear
– neutral50
Gear change51
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster51
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission48
Gearshifts
– manual transmission48
General driving notes98
Glass roof, electric30
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation20,22
– initializing30
– opening, closing30
– operation with convenient
access27
– pinch protection system30
– power failure30
– raising30
– remote control20
Glove compartment87
– LED hand lamp88
Grills80Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights155
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake48
Hand lamp, refer to LED hand
lamp88
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags72
Headlamp control,
automatic76
Headlamp flasher55
– indicator lamp11,14,140
Head restraints37
– front, removing37
– rear, removing38
– sitting safely35
Heated
– mirrors42
– rear window82
– seats38
Heating
– mirrors42
– rear window82
– residual heat82
– seats38
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate80
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat82
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo101
Height, refer to
Dimensions153
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel42
High beams78
– headlamp flasher78
– indicator lamp140
High-pressure
washer123,124
High water, refer to Driving
through water99
Hills99