warning light BMW M3 COUPE 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Controls and features
Operation, maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams80
Instrument lighting81
High beams/Standing lamps81
Fog lamps82
Interior lamps82
Reading lamps82

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioner83
Automatic climate control86
Roller sun blind89

Interior conveniences:

Sound system90
Glove compartment90
Storage compartments91
Cellular phone92
Ashtray, front92
Ashtray, rear93
Clothes hooks93

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system94
Ski bag95
Cargo loading96
Roof-mounted luggage rack97

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure100
Driving notes101
Antilock Brake System101
Brake system102

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure103
Tire condition103
Tire replacement104
Wheel and tire
combinations105
Special characteristics of winter
tires106
Snow chains106

In the engine compartment:

Hood107
Engine compartment
essentials108
Washer fluids109
Engine oil110
Coolant112
Brake fluid113

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System114

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications115
California Proposition
65 Warning115
OBD interface socket116

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by "

l

" are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from
overheating. If the drive belt is defec-
tive, increased steering effort is also
required.

<


Engine oil pressure


l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check
the engine oil level and top up as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<



Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. As you steer the
vehicle, use caution and avoid overcor-
recting.
For additional information, refer to
page 77
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 102 and 113
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

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Indicator and warning lamps

Red: an important reminder

Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 58



Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

l


A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Lights up for a
few seconds or until the safety belt is
fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 45
Airbags

l


Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 49

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system


has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 76, 101.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center

Sequential M gearbox

*
SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine is started:
this indicates a malfunction in the
system. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 64

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Indicator and warning lamps

Service Engine Soon

l

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 116
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
The electronics allow for continued
driving with reduced engine output or
engine speed. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
Check Filler Cap

*


l

If the indicator lamp comes on
although the fuel filler cap is
secured correctly: this indicates a
malfunction in the fuel system. Have the
system inspected at your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 23

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal
indicators are operated. Rapid
flashing: indicates a system malfunc-
tion.
For additional information, refer to
page 65
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 68
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information, refer to
page 82

Blue: for your information

High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 65, 81.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Flat Tire MonitorTo deactivate DSCPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp will light up and stay on.
The vehicle does not execute the
stability-enhancement and traction-
control functions when DSC is deacti-
vated.
We recommend that you deactivate
DSC for increased traction:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated on whenever possible.<
Reactivating the DSCPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the
DSC system.
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically generates
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance in "panic braking" situ-
ations. All of the benefits of the ABS
system are exploited under these
circumstances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor
keeps track of pressure levels in all four
tires in order to detect and warn of any
substantial pressure loss.
The system actually detects pressure
loss by monitoring differences in the
relative speeds of the four wheels. It
interprets variations outside specified
limits as severe pressure loss, and then
responds by generating a warning.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Flat Tire Monitor
M Engine dynamics control
In the event of a flat tire
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will light up red in
the event of a flat tire with
ensuing loss in pressure. In addition, an
acoustic signal is sounded. To come to
an immediate stop, reduce speed, while
avoiding any sudden, jerky braking or
steering maneuvers.
Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility
system, refer to page 126.
Reset the indicator lamp: the red indi-
cator lamp has to be switched off
manually after putting on a new wheel.
At this point, hold the Flat Tire Monitor
button down until the indicator lamp
goes out. Reinitialize the system after-
ward.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert
you to severe and sudden tire
damage caused by external factors.
Another factor which the Flat Tire
Monitor does not recognize is the
balanced and very gradual pressure
loss that takes place in all tires over an
extended period of time.<
Check the tire inflation pressure
on a regular basis and correct if
necessary, refer to page 24.
Under certain circumstances, there
may be false warnings or a delayed
detection of losses in pressure when
driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces.
Performance-oriented driving (slip at
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral
acceleration) can also delay the
appearance of status reports in the Flat
Tire Monitor's display.<
System malfunctionAs long as there is still a malfunction,
the indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster will stay lit up yellow.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.
The system (sport-mode identification)
will cause the engine to respond spon-
taneously to the motion of the acceler-
ator pedal. Activating/deactivating
sport-mode identificationActivating: with the key in ignition key
position 2, press the sport button. The
indicator lamp will light up.
The vehicle may gain speed
without any additional pressure on
the accelerator pedal when the system
is activated.<
Deactivating: press the sport button
again; the indicator lamp will go out.
The sporty-comfortable mode is deacti-
vated every time the engine is started.

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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

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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.<

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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.<