service BMW M3 COUPE 2001 E46 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Starting the engine Switching off engine Parking brake If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (if the engine is very hot or
cold, for instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
starting at about +5 7 (Ð15 6) and
at high altitudes over 3,300 ft
(1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds)
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always deactivate elec-
trical devices that are not in use. Switch
the ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving. If
you do so, the steering will lock, making
it impossible to steer the vehicle.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage
the steering lock.
Set the parking brake when parking on
steep hills, because under certain
conditions, putting the vehicle into first
gear or reverse may not be enough to
prevent it from rolling away.
The power assist is not available when
the engine is not on. This means that
more effort is required to apply the
brakes.<
The parking brake is primarily designed
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while
parked. It operates against the rear
wheels. To engageThe lever engages automatically, the
indicator lamp in the instrument panel
comes on when the ignition key is in
position 2. Refer to page 21.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the
button (arrow) and lower the lever.

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Service Interval Display Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the distance remaining
before the next scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.

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Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it also recognizes
unstable driving conditions such as
understeering or oversteering in curves,
and helps the vehicle remin on a steady
course by using the engine and brake
system to intervene at the different
wheels. This, of course, is true only
within physically teasible limits.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
At first, you may need some time to
become accustomed to this system's
intervention. However, it guarantees
optimum drive force and at the same
time, the best possible vehicle stability.
For additional details concerning DSC,
refer to the chapter "Advanced tech-
nology" on page 158.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on. Refer to pages 21, 22.
>Indicator lamp flashes: the DSC is
active and is controlling the drive
torque based on driving conditions
>If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine has been started, or
if it comes on during normal driving
and stays on: the DSC has been
switched off via the button or there is
a malfunction. You can continue to
drive the vehicle normally, but
without DSC. Please consult your
BMW center for repairs.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures102
Driving notes103
Catalytic converter103
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)104
Disk brakes106
Brake system107
Winter operation108
Power steering110
Cellular phones110
Radio reception110
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure111
Tire condition111
Tire replacement112
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire
combinations114
Winter tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire
specifications116Under the hood:
Hood118
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification
Number126
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System127
Caring for your vehicle128
Airbags133
Vehicle storage133
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications134
California Proposition
65 Warning134
OBD connector135
Car care

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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following instructions:
Because of its engineering design,
the BMW M3 is an especially high-
quality vehicle. It is in your best interest
to follow the break-in procedure very
closely. Doing this, you will create the
basis for a long, optimum service life.<
Engine and differential>Until a mileage reading of 1,200 miles
(2,000 km): drive at varying engine
and road speeds, but do not exceed
the following engine speeds or road
speeds:
5,500/rpm or 105 mph (170 km/h)
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal to
the full-throttle position.
>After you have monitored the break-
in period for 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
you can begin to gradually increase
both the engine speed and road
speed.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and disks
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble -free
operation and long service life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so. To
avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off Ð when
towing, for example Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Drive cautiously during this
break-in period and do not shift
roughly.
Break-in procedures

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)The concept ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety. The reason: locked
wheels are dangerous. When the front
wheels slide, the driver loses steering
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at
the rear wheels can cause the rear end
to break into an uncontrolled skid.
Based on current road conditions, ABS
can brake the vehicle within the
shortest possible distance and with the
greatest possible driving stability (on
straight-aways and curves, asphalt, ice,
wet road surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help maintain steering control and
maneuverability Ð on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud,
wet, snow, ice). Braking with ABSThe system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). Whenever the
vehicle's speed drops below approx.
4 mph (6 km/h), the ABS is deactivated.
This means that the wheels can lock in the final phase of a panic stop Ð a factor
of no significance in actual use.
The ABS system works best in situa-
tions requiring maximum pressure on
the pedal ("panic stop"). Do not let up
on the brake pedal even after it starts
pulsating. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit
cycles in fractions of a second. Pulsa-
tion at the brake pedal shows you that
ABS is active, that you are braking
within the ABS' braking range and that
you are thus pushing the limit of the
system. In addition, a pulsation Ð a
result of the control function cycles Ð
indicates to the driver that the vehicle
speed should be reduced to adapt to
road surface conditions when there is
reduced traction and grip between tires
and road surface (slippery road
surface).
On road surfaces with a loose surface
layer over a firm base, e.g. on gravel or
snow, as well as when driving with
snow chains on, braking distances may
be longer for a locked-wheel condition.
However, ABS continues to provide
enhanced vehicle stability and steering
response under these conditions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. The consequences of hitting
the brakes when there is inadequate
distance between vehicles, when the
vehicle is driven at excessive speeds
through curves, or during aquaplaning,
remain the driver's responsibility. You
should never allow the added safety of
ABS to lull you into a false sense of
security, or mislead you into taking risks
that could affect your own safety and
that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.< Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.

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Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures on a
regular basis (refer to page 27), at
least every two weeks and before
beginning a longer trip. If this is not
done, incorrect tire pressures can
cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in acci-
dents.<
Tire tread Ð Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base will indicate that the legally
permissible wear limit has been
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. You could have a blowout as a
result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect,
This is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it and
its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

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To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to
page 116.
DOT Quality Grades Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1 g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
aquaplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tireÕs resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.<< < <
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired by
their use. This is due to the possible
variations in casing structures and, in
some cases, to their extreme age,
factors that can lead to a decrease in
their durability.<
Tire replacement

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Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4 100 means that the tire was
produced in the 41st week of the year
2000.
BMW recommends the replacing all
tires after 6 years at the latest, even if a
tire life of 10 years is possible. Re-initialize the Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW) after rotating the tires. See
page 78 for further information.
Summer tires
Due to different tire sizes on the
front and rear axles (refer to
page 116), the tires may not be rotated
from one axle to the other.<
Winter tiresThe tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear Ð the actual
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation is
not recommended.
If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires
is based on economic considerations,
one should consider whether the costs
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life
of the tires that might be realized.
Rotation must always be carried out
at short intervals (max. 3,000 miles/
5,000 km). Consult your BMW center
for more information.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential that you comply with the
following: rotate tires on the same side
only, since braking characteristics and
road grip could otherwise be adversely
affected.
Following rotation, correct the tire infla-
tion pressure.

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Winter tires Snow chainsChoosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under inclem-
ent winter driving conditions. While
so-called all season tires (M+S desig-
nation) provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings
H, V, W, Y and ZR, they generally do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires. Do not exceed specified
maximum speedsIn Germany: attach a corresponding
sign in accordance with the Federal
Motor Vehicles Safety Standards in
your field of vision if the maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher. This
sticker is available from the tire dealer
or your BMW center. Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressure and be sure to have the
wheels balanced each time a tire or
wheel is changed. In addition, also have
the Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) reini-
tialized, for details refer to page 78.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on winter tires is approved only
in pairs and only on the rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 78.<