warning BMW M3 COUPE 2002 E46 Owner's Guide

80n
Parking lamps
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting comes on. You can use
the parking lamps for parking. Refer to
page 81 for one-sided lighting as an
additional possibility for parking.
Low beams
When you switch the ignition off
with the low-beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
"Follow me home":
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You can
also have this function deactivated.<
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, you will hear an acoustic
signal for a few seconds to remind you
that the lamps have not been switched
off.Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at
ignition key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When the switch is in this posi-
tion the system automatically
responds to changes in ambient
light ( in tunnels, at dusk, etc.) as well as
rain and snow by switching the low
beams on or off.<
The headlamps and other external
lamps remain on when you switch
on the fog lamps manually while the
headlamps are on following automatic
activation.<
Automatic headlamp control
cannot serve as a substitute for
your personal judgement in determining
when the lamps should be switched on.
The sensors are not able to detect fog,
for example . When these kinds of low-
visibility situations arise you should
switch on the lamps manually to ensure
continued safety.<

You can have the sensitivity of
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Parking lamps/Low beams

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oil
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the differential,
and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, thoroughly
wash any areas of skin that come into
contact with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Prescribed engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain types of engine oils.
Use only oils approved for your vehicle
model.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
approved. You can also call BMW of
North America at 1-800-831-1117 or
visit this website: www.bmwusa.com
to obtain this information.< Alternative oil typesShould it not be possible to purchase
an oil approved by BMW, you can also
use other oils for adding smaller quanti-
ties between oil changes as an excep-
tion. The following information must be
specified on the package:
1. Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
or as an alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
2. Specification
preferred: API SJ/CF
or as an alternative: API SJ
(also SK, SL, S etc.).
Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below Ð4 7 (Ð20 6) for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.

113n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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.<

115n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 WarningLight-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), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
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.<

116n
OBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
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 lamp informs you
of the need for service, not of
the need to stop the vehicle.
However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center 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 misfiring 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.<

126n
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.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Shift into 1st or reverse 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 systemWith 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. Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility
system, proceed as follows:
>Prepare the M Mobility system for
use, refer to the next column
>This is part of the M Mobility system,
refer to page 127
>Filling with sealant, refer to page 127
>Distributing sealant, refer to
page 128
>Inflating tire to correct pressure, refer
to page 129.
Preparing the M Mobility system
for useThe 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.
Before you use the M Mobility
system, read the warnings and
danger notices on the device care-
fully.<
If possible, leave the foreign object in
the tire.
Pull off the sticker 5 (refer to the second
column on the right) for the speed limit
and apply it to the steering wheel.

133n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Towing the vehicleTowing a vehicle1. Shift lever in Neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signal indicators, horn and wind-
shield wipers remain operative, and
to prevent the steering lock detent
from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning
system (observe applicable legal
regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.c
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II:
To push or tow, engage selector lever
in position 0.
Never work on the vehicle with a
driving position engaged.c
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to
possible accidents.c

Everything from A to Z
143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Caring for headlamp covers,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Caring for your vehicle's
paintwork, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)101
warning lamp18
Cellular phone92
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp125
Center armrest91
Central locking system28
key33
Check Control72
Checking
engine coolant112t
engine oil level110t
tire inflation
pressures24t
Child seat security54
Child-restraint systems52
Cigarette lighter93
Clean the headlamps67 Clean the windshield67
Clock72
also refer to the "Radio
Owner's Manual"
Clothes hooks93
Cockpit14
Coin box91
Combination switch65
Compression136
Computer72
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Configuring individual
settings with Vehicle and
Key Memory55
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner93
Consumption74
Consumption display71
Control elements14
Coolant112
Coolant system,
capacity139
Coolant temperature
gauge71
Copyright4 Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)101
warning lamp18
Cover, sun blinds89
Cruise control68
Cruising range74
Curb weight138
D
Data
dimensions137
engine136
technical136
weights138
Daytime driving lamps80
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)77
Deep water101
Defrostable rear window88
Defroster, rear window84
Defrosting windows87
Dimensions137
Dipstick, engine oil110
Disc brakes102
Displacement136
Display lighting81
Distance warning75
Divided rear backrest94
Door key28 Doors
electrical
malfunction29t
manual operation29t
operating manually29
remote control30
unlocking and
locking29, 30
Draft-free ventilation85, 88
Driving notes
aquaplaning101
brakes101
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)76
indicator lamp19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)77
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)76
indicator lamp19
E
Electric power windows39
Electrical malfunction
doors29t
fuel filler door22t
luggage compartment
lid34
sliding/tilt sunroof41t

Everything from A to ZEmergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior36
Engine
displacement136
starting56t
torque136
Engine compartment
essentials108
Engine coolant112
add112t
checking112t
Engine cooling system,
capacity139
Engine data136
Engine oil
adding110t
capacity139
consumption110
for low ambient
temperatures111
level, checking110t
level, indicator lamp17
pressure17
pressure, indicator
lamp17
quality111 specifications111
thermometer70
viscosity111
Engine speed136
Entry to the rear45
Exterior mirrors48
F
Failure messages72
Filling capacities139
Filling the washer
reservoir109t
First-aid kit22
Flat tire103
repairing126
Flat Tire Monitor77
indicator lamp17, 19
Fog lamps82
bulb replacement123t
Folding rear backrest94
Follow me home lamps80
Footbrake102
Footwell lamps82
Front seat adjusting42
Frost protection,
radiator112
Fuel24
Fuel consumption74 Fuel consumption
display71
Fuel filler door22
electrical
malfunction22t
manual operation22t
Fuel gauge71
Fuel quality24
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp71
Fuel tank capacity139
Fuel tank gauge71
G
Gasoline24
Gasoline gauge71
Gearshift lever58
Glove compartment90
Gross vehicle weight138 H
Handbrake58
Hands-free system92
Hazard warning triangle22
Head restraints44
adjusting44 Headlamp cleaning
system108
Headlamp control80
Headlamp flasher81
Headlamp washer
system139
Heated seats47
Heavy loads96
Height137
HiFi system90
High beams65, 81
indicator lamps20
Holder for beverages91
Hood release107t
Horn14
I
Ice warning73
Identification, tires105
Ignition key28
Ignition key positions56
Ignition lock56
Imprint4
Indicator lamps17
Individual settings with
Vehicle and Key
Memory55
Inflation pressure,
tires24, 103

Everything from A to Z
145n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
INSPECTION71
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting81
Instrument panel15
Interface socket
for Onboard
Diagnostics116
Interior lamps31, 82
remote control31
Interior motion
sensor37, 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms38
deactivate31
operating via remote
control31
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature49 J
Jump-starting131 K
Key28
with remote control28
Key Memory55
L
Lamps80, 120
LAMPS ON warning80
Lashing eyes97
LATCH child-restraint
system installation53
Leather care, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Length137
License plate lamp
bulb replacement125t
Lighting, refer to lamps
Load-securing devices97
Locking luggage
compartment lid
separately34
Louvers83, 86
Low ambient
temperatures111
Low beams80
bulb replacement121t
Luggage compartment
capacity138
floor mat36
floor panel36
lighting34
operating via remote
control31 Luggage compartment
lid34
electrical malfunction34
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior36
locking it separately34
manual operation34t
Luggage rack97
Lumbar support,
adjusting43
M
M Engine dynamics
control79
M+S-tires106
Maintenance71, 114
Malfunction displays72
Manual operation
doors29t
fuel filler door22t
luggage compartment
lid34t
sliding/tilt sunroof41t
Manual transmission58
Master key28 MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter85, 89
Mirror memory46
Mirrors48
automatic curb
monitor48
Modifications,
technical10, 115
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
N
Navigation system, refer to
the "Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual"
Neckrest44 O
OBD interface socket116
Obstruction protection39
Odometer70
Oil
additives111
capacity139
quality111
specifications111
viscosity111