service BMW M3 COUPE 2002 E46 User Guide

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Starting the engine Switching off the engine If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (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 +57 (Ð156) and at
high altitudes over 3,300 ft (over
1,000 m):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds)
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to damage to the
catalytic converter.<
When driving, standing at idle,
and parking the vehicle, take care
to avoid contact between the exhaust
system and flammable materials (grass,
hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact could
lead to a fire, resulting in personal injury
and property damage.<
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up 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 switch off electrical
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 did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
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
or reverse gear may not be enough to
prevent it from rolling away.<
Vehicles with sequential M transmis-
sion
* SMG II: observe instructions on
page 60.

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Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval Display Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.6 gal.
(63 liters).
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (when you
are driving in mountainous areas, for
example), the needle may fluctuate
slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as a
functional check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds. RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle, the engine has overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to
page 112.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector in normal operation.
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
preceding 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
under- or oversteering on curves, and
helps the vehicle remain on a steady
course by using the engine and brake
system to intervene at the different
wheels Ð doing only what it can within
the laws of physics, of course.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. The
results of driving irresponsibly rest with
the driver. 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.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, refer to pages 18, 19.
>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
deactivated 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.

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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index Technical data
Mainte-

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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 instructions very
closely. Doing this, you will create the
basis for a long, optimum service life.<
Engine and differential>Until a km reading of 1,200 miles
(2,000 km): drive at varying engine
and road speeds, but do not exceed
the following rpms 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.
Vehicles with SMG II
* (refer to
page 59): refrain from using driving
program 6 in the sequential mode
during the break-in period.
>After you have monitored the break-
in period for 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
you can begin to gradually increase
both engine and road speed.
Please remember to observe the same
break-in procedures if either the engine
or the differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.TiresOwing 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 systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and
rotors 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
engaged.
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 at high
engine speeds.
Break-in procedures

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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 pressures are a
frequent cause of tire problems
and tire damage. Tire pressure also has
a major effect on your BMW's handling
response. Check tire inflation pressures
on a regular basis (refer to page 25), at
least every two weeks and before
beginning a longer trip. Failure to
observe these precautions can result in
incorrect tire pressures, which cause
instable handling response as well as
tire damage, and can ultimately lead to
an accident.<
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 pattern 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). Tread wear indi-
cators (arrow) are embedded in the base
of the tire's tread. Their locations are
indicated by the legend "TWI" Ð Tread
Wear Indicator Ð at various points on the
tire's shoulder. When the tread reaches a
depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), these indica-
tors appear to signal that the tires have
worn to the minimum legal level. 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 leads to over-
heating and causes damage 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.
The type of problem can be caused by
contact with curbs, etc. 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 wheels and 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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DOT Quality GradesTreadwear
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,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's 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, underinflation, 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:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Tire replacement

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Special characteristics of winter tires Snow chainsChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under adverse
winter driving conditions. So-called all-
season tires with the M+S identification
mark do indeed possess better winter
traction than summer tires that have the
H, V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as snow tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels. Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which winter tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce winter tires wear to a tread depth
of less than 0.16 in (4 mm), their perfor-
mance under winter driving conditions
deteriorates noticeably. Worn tires
should therefore be replaced for safety
considerations.
Inflate tires to specified pressure and
have the wheels balanced every time
the tires or wheels have been replaced.Use narrow-link BMW snow chains
* on
winter tires in pairs only and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h)
with snow chains.
After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox
* SMG II, refer to page 65.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18- and
19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For additional information, refer to
page 77.<

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To releasePull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
required technical background. Failure
to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components
and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.
To closePull the hood downwards and allow the
hood to fall from a minimum height of
12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly engages.
Check for proper locking by pulling on
the hood at the left and right above the
headlamps.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<
It is not possible to accelerate
from a standing stop using
SMG II
* when the hood is open.<
Hood

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Brake fluid
If the brake warning lamp
comes on and the parking brake
has been released: the brake
fluid level is too low.
For adding brake fluid or for
determining 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. Comply with the infor-
mation provided on page 102.
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 (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill brake fluid and fill the brake
fluid reservoir only as far as 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.<