warning BMW M3 COUPE 2001 E46 Owner's Guide

132n
Caring for your vehicleThe buildup of an electrostatic charge
on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-
spheric humidity is low, can give the
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
if they touch metal body parts after
leaving the vehicle. Although this is not
dangerous in any way, it can be
avoided by touching a bare or polished
metal part of the vehicle while getting
out.Alcantara
*
Clean using a gentle detergent, taking
care not to rub or scratch. Then finish
off by wiping it with a wet cloth.Leather care The leather upholstery
* used by BMW
is a natural product of the highest qual-
ity, processed using state-of-the-art
methods to ensure that it will maintain
its high quality for years to come, pro-
vided that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
as well as for the peculiarities of its use
and care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent
intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
acts as an antistatic agent.
For protection against dampness or
moisture, treat the leather with a
BMW impregnating agent.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains without
rubbing, but rather by dabbing with
spot remover.
If the upholstery is exposed to intense
sunlight or if the vehicle is going to be
left parked for an extended period of
time, cover all leather surfaces or all the
windows to prevent fading.Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore, always
comply with the warnings and danger
notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.<

134n
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 WarningAny BMW center will be happy to
advise you concerning the advisability,
legal implications and factory recom-
mendations for technical modifications
to the vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number and, in some
cases, the engine number as well. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours). To do so could result in
inflammation of the iris.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<

135n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD connector The data link connector for onboard
diagnostics is located on the left-hand
side of the driver's side, on the under-
side of the instrument panel and under
a cover panel. The cover is marked with
the letters "OBD".
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
vehicle. Your system should be
checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your
nearest BMW center immediately.
Severe engine misfire over 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 fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
145n
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic; switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse gear 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 a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.<
M Mobility system With the BMW M3, you will find an
M Mobility system for fixing flat tires.
With the aid of this system, you can
apply a liquid sealant to the inside of
the tire, thereby sealing off the
damaged area, 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.
The M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel:
1 Lift up the floor panel
2 Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Note that the fluid bottle in the
system's sealant container must
be replaced every 3 years by your BMW
center if the system is not used.<

146n
Repairing a flat tireThe components of the M Mobility
system1 On/Off switch
2 Connection hose with pressure
gauge for connecting the compressor
with the sealant container or to
connect the compressor to the wheel
3 Pressure gauge for indicating the tire
pressure
4 Connector hose from the sealant
container to the wheel
5 Sticker for maximum speed
6 Plug and cable for the cigarette
lighter socket
7 Protective gloves (not shown).
Use the M Mobility system
If possible, leave the foreign
object in the tire.<
Do not exceed the maximum
speed limits described below,
otherwise accidents could result.
Before you use the M Mobility system,
read the warnings and danger notices
on the device carefully.<
1 Pull sticker 5 off for speed limit and
affix it to the steering wheel
2 Remove the round cover and take out
hose 4. Unscrew the valve stem
cover from the defective wheel and
screw the hose to the valve

148n
Repairing a flat tire Battery 8 Take out the hose with the pressure
gauge and screw it onto the valve.
Take out the plug and plug it into the
cigarette lighter socket in the
passenger compartment
9 Inflate the tire pressure:
>To increase the tire pressure: turn
on the M Mobility system
(position I). To check the new tire
pressure briefly turn off the device
>To reduce the tire pressure: turn
the screw on the back of the pres-
sure gauge; this will open the air
release valve
If the air pressure won't hold, still
carry out step 10 and then repeat
steps 7 through 10 again.
The use of the M Mobility system may
be ineffective if the damaged area in
the tire is larger than approx. 0.16 in
(4 mm). Please consult the nearest
BMW center if the tire cannot be
temporarily repaired with the M Mobility
system.<
10 Unscrew the hose from the valve
and stow the M Mobility system in
the luggage compartment.
After the flat tire has been fixed and you
start driving again, do not exceed a
maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You will find corresponding instructions
for using the M Mobility system on the
device.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced. Re-initialize the Tire Pressure
Warning system (RDW), refer to
page 78 for further information. Have
the M Mobility system refilled. Contact
your BMW center for this.
Battery locationThe battery is located at the right-rear
of the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 39). Using a screwdriver or a
coin and f turn, release both of the
caps as shown in the illustration, taking
them out along with an additional cap in
the top center of the right side trim
panel. Remove the fasteners. In order
to remove the storage tray, slide the
side trim panel slightly upward.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<

162n
Self-diagnostics All of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested
regularly and automatically Ð the driver
does not have to perform any extra
operations or adjustments.
The indicator lamps also come on
briefly after the ignition has been turned
on.
In the same manner, the electrical
resistance of the airbag ignition genera-
tors and all of the remaining airbag
components are constantly being
measured. Any fault in this system
would be detected immediately by a
current fluctuation that would neces-
sarily accompany it. The fault would be
indicated immediately by the airbag
warning lamp.
Even after you shut off the engine, the
overall functional status of your vehicle
is monitored. For example, all of the
flaps of the heating and ventilation
system travel to the nearest limit posi-
tion. This action ensures that the
defrost function will be preserved,
regardless of the circumstances, even
if, for example, a malfunction in the
heating or ventilation system should
occur during the night while the vehicle
is parked.
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time
the engine is shut off. During this cycle,
the actuator motors of all the heating
and ventilation flaps travel to their limit
stops in both directions. The limit posi-
tions and the return travel paths are
checked in this manner in order to
ensure that appropriate adjustments for
the operating elements can be made at
any time.
You can hear the vent flaps of the
heating or ventilation system
performing their self-diagnostics
routine after turning off the ignition. All
of the other self-diagnostics functions
operate silently in the background.Any possible faults detected during
these self-diagnostics can be read out
and corrected by your BMW center
during the next regularly scheduled
maintenance.

Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 21, 104
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 88
Add brake fluid 121t, 126 t
Adding engine oil 123t
Adding washer fluid 122t
Adjusting the backrest 46
Adjusting the lumbar support 48
Adjusting the seat 47
Adjusting the steering wheel 52
Adjusting the temperature 86
Adjusting the thigh support 47
Adjusting the width of the backrests 48
Air conditioner 87
Air distribution, automatic 86
Air nozzles 84
Air outlets 84
Air pressure, tires 26, 111
Air supply 87
vents, recirculated air
mode 87
Airbags 56, 133 , 158
warning lamps 21Alarm system
40
Alcantara care 132
Antenna 110
Antenna, Diversity 159
Antifreeze 125
radiator 108
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 21, 104
Anti-theft alarm system 40
Anti-theft protection 31
Aquaplaning 103, 111
Armrest 91
Ashtray front 92
rear 93
Attach vacuum cleaner 93
AUC (Automatic recirculated air control) 87
Automatic car washes 128
Automatic climate control 84
Automatic cruise control 67
Automatic dimming, interior rearview mirror 50
Automatic recirculated air control (AUC) 87
Auxiliary terminal for jump- starting 121t
Average consumption 74
Average speed 74Avoiding unwanted
alarm 41
Axle loads 168
B
Backrest
adjusting 45
releasing 47
Backup lamps 64
bulb replacement 141t
Battery 148, 170
add distilled water 149t
capacity 170
charging 150t
current check lamp 20
removal and
installation 150
symbols 149
Belts 54
Beverage holder 91
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 124
BMW sports seat 46, 47
Bore 166
Bottle holder, refer to beverage holder 91
Brake hydraulic system 20
Brake lamps, bulb replacement 141t
Brake pads 107
indicator lamp for 21Brakes
driving notes 103
faults 107t
fluid change 71
fluid level 107
warning lamps 20
Break-in procedure 102
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 134
Can holder, refer to beverage holder 91
Capacities 169
Car Memory 52
Car phone 92
Car radio 110
reception 110, 158
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, connecting 93
Car wash 128
Care exterior 129
interior 131
rubber seals and
components 108
upholstery 131
wool velour 131
Cargo loading 97

Everything from A to Z
175n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for the vehicle
finish129
Cassette operation, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter103
starting problems103
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 104
CD operaton, refer to the
radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone110
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest91
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp143
Central locking system31
key36
Check Control72t
Checking air pressure26t
Checking engine oil
level123t
Child restraint
system55, 59
Child seat safety55, 60
Cigarette lighter93
Clean the headlamps67
Clean the windshield66
Clock73
Clothes hooks94
Cockpit16Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Coin box91
Combination switch65
Compression166
Computer72
Configuring the settings52
Consumption74
Consumption display70
Control elements16
Coolant108, 121t, 125
antifreeze108
Coolant temperature
gauge70
Cooling system169
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 104
Cruise control67
Cruising range74
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder91
Curb weight168
DDashboard16
Data
dimensions167
engine166
technical166
weights168Daytime-driving lamp
switch81
Deep water103
Defrost position87t
Defrostable rear window88
Defrosting the
windows87t
Difficult steering110t
Digital clock73
Dimensions167
Dipstick123
Disk brakes106
Displacement166
Display lighting81
Displays18
Disposal
used batteries151
used engine oil124
Distance warning75
Diversity Antenna159
Door key30
Door locks, care108
Doors
emergency
actuation32t
operating manually32
remote control33
unlocking and
locking32, 33
DOT Quality Grades112
Draft-free ventilation88
Drive belts170Driving in winter108
Driving lamps81
Driving notes
aquaplaning103
brakes103
disk brakes106
sliding109
slippery roads108
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 76, 159
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22, 76, 159
EElectric power windows42
Electrical accessories,
failure151t
Electrical failure
fuel filler door152t
sliding/tilt sunroof153t
Electrical system170
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Emergency actuation
doors32t
fuel filler door152t
sliding/tilt sunroof153t
Engine
compartment120
coolant125, 169
data166
displacement166

Everything from A to Zhigh-speed aspirated
engine160
speed166
starting62t
torque166
Engine concept M3160
Engine oil
add123t
capacity169
consumption123
pressure20
temperature69
Entry to the rear47
Exterior mirrors49
Eyelets, towing155tFFailure messages72t
Fan87
Fault, ABS105
Filler cap cover25
Filling capacities169
Filling the washer
reservoir122t
First-aid kit24t
Flat tire111
repairing145
Fog lamps82
bulb replacement141t
Folding rear backrest95
Follow-Me-Home lamps81
Footbrake106Footwell lamps82
bulb replacement144t
Frost protection,
radiator125
Fuel26
consumption74
consumption display70
gauge70
preparation166
quality26
reserve indicator lamp70
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault152t
Fuel tank capacity169
Fuel tank gauge70
Functional status, electrical
and electronic
systems162
Fuses151
replacing151t
GGasoline26
Gasoline gauge70
Glove compartment90
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement144t
Gross vehicle weight168
HHandbrake63
Handsfree system92
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning triangle24
Head restraint46
Headlamp cleaning
system121, 122, 169
Headlamp cover,
care139t
Headlamp flasher82
Headlamp washer system,
refer to headlamp cleaning
system
Heated seats89
Heavy loads97
Height167
HiFi system Ð harman
kardon90
High beams65, 82
indicator lamp22
High engine speed160
High Performance Synthetic
Oil124
High-mount brake lamp143
Holder for beverages91
Hood release118t
Horn17
IIce warning73
Identification, tires114
Ignition key30
Ignition lock62
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20t
Individual settings52
Inflation
pressure26t, 111t
INSPECTION71
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting81
Instrument panel18
Interaxle tire rotation113t
Interface socket
for Onboard
Diagnostics135
Interference
cellular phone110
Interior lamps34, 82
bulb replacement143t
remote control34
Interior motion sensor40
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature50, 161
Intermittent mode, wiper
system65