brake fluid BMW M3 COUPE 2004 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures110
General driving notes111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)112
Brake system112

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure114
Tire condition114
Tire replacement115
Wheel and tire
combinations117
Winter tires118
Snow chains*118

In the engine compartment:

Hood119
Engine compartment
essentials120
Washer fluids122
Engine oil122
Coolant124
Brake fluid125

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System126

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning128
OBD interface socket128
Owner service procedures Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit132
Windshield wiper blades132
Lamps and bulbs133
Repairing a flat tire136
Battery140
Fuses141 Giving and receiving
assistance: Receiving assistance142
Jump-starting143
Towing the vehicle144
Technical data

Engine data150
Dimensions151
Weights152
Capacities153

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

An alarm sounds at the same
time. Stop 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 dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 84
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 112 and 125.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp

●

Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off. For additional information: refer to
page 65
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
●
Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 47
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 53

20
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

●

The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive and braking
force.
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:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system mal-
function.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your nearest BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 83
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
For additional information: refer to
page 112
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 122
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 128
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.

Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 124
CHECK GAS CAP*

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 24

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 72
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the buttons in the steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 74
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 90

Indicator and warning lamps

112
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking
during braking, thereby enhancing
active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum pedal pressure – panic stop.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
to indicate to the driver that ABS is in
its active mode.Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
page 83.
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-
tem automatically generates maximum
braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest possible braking
distance in panic braking situations. All
of the benefits of the ABS 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.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking dur-
ing high lateral acceleration, or when
braking during a lane change, vehicle
stability is improved and steering
response is enhanced.
Brake systemBrake fluid levelLow brake fluid level in the reservoir
combined with longer than usual pedal
travel may indicate a defect in one of
the brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen-
ter. Higher brake application pres-
sure may be necessary when stopping,
and the vehicle may exhibit a slight ten-
dency to pull to one side. Brake dis-
tances may even be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly. sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
rotors by brake applications is not
reached.

121
1Filler neck for headlamp and wind-
shield washer cleaning system122
2Coolant expansion tank124
3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
positive terminal143
4Engine oil filler neck123
5Expansion tank for SMG Drivelogic
hydraulic unit, checking and possible
refilling by your BMW center67
6Engine oil dipstick122
7Filler neck for brake fluid125Engine compartment essentials
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

125
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached — do not
overfill.
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: brake fluid level
too low, refer to page18.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing 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. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 112.
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 for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its closed original container and in
a location inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond 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.<
Coolant
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 112
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 142
Activated-charcoal filter 96
Adding brake fluid 125
Adding liquid sealant
Mobility system 138
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 94
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 94
Air distribution, individual 94
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 92
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 25, 114
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 95
Air supply
automatic climate
control 94
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 94Airbags 53
deactivating 53
indicator lamp 18, 55
sitting safely 43
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 92
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 118
Alternative oil types 123
Antifreeze 124
coolant 124
washer fluid 122
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 112
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 30
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 38
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 152
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 152
Armrest
front 98
rear 99Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 100
rear 100
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 83
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 95
AUTO program, refer
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 94
Automatic
air distribution 94
air supply 94
cruise control 74
headlamp control 88
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 92
Automatic curb monitor 50
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 52
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 95
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 73Average fuel
consumption 81
Average speed 81
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 152
B
Backrest
adjusting 44
unlocking 47
width adjustment 46
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 45
Backup lamps 66
bulb replacement 135
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, towing 145
Battery 140
charge 140
disposal 140
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 143
remote control 30, 31
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 47
Beverage holders 98, 99

Everything from A to Z
157
Blower
automatic climate
control 94
BMW Maintenance
System 126
BMW sports seat 45
Bore, refer to Engine
data 150
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 98, 99
Brake fluid 125
indicator lamp 18, 125
level 125
Brake force display 87
Brake hydraulic system 112
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 135
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 78
Brake lights
brake force display 87
Brake pads 113
brake fluid level
18, 112, 125
breaking in 110
disc brakes 112
Brake rotors
brake system 112
breaking in 110
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 112
brake fluid 125
breaking in 110
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 65
Break-in procedures 110
Bulb replacement 133
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 133
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition
65 warning 128
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 98, 99
Capacities 153
Car battery 140
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car telephone
preparation 99
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's ManualCar vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 100
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Caring for headlamp cov-
ers, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure 133
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 112
warning lamp 19
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Cellular phone 99
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 136
Central locking system 30
button 34
passenger
compartment 34
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 78Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 56
Child-restraint systems 56
Cigarette lighter 100
Cigarette lighter socket 100
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 74
Clock 79
12-/24-hour mode 79
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
Clothes hooks 101, 111
Clutch
breaking in 110
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
159
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 141
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 42
luggage compartment
lid 35
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 83
Emergency call 142
Emergency operation
doors 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 42
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
35, 37
Engine
breaking in 110
data 150
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 76, 150
starting 63
switching off 65
Engine compartment 120
Engine coolant 124
refilling 124Engine oil
adding 123
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
consumption 122
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 123
specified oils 123
temperature gauge 76
types 123
Engine oil level 19
check 122
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 76
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 150
Engine speed 76, 150
Entering the rear 47
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 83
Exterior mirrors 51Eyeglasses compartment 99
Eyelet, towing 145
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Fastening the safety belts 47
Fault displays 78
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 153
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 136
Flat Tire Monitor 84
Mobility system 136
repairing 136
Flat Tire Monitor 84
activating/deactivating 86
indicator lamp 18, 19, 86
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 114
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 122
Fog lamps 90
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding rear backrest 102
Follow me home lamps 88
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 111
Front airbags 53Front center armrest 98
Front fog lamps 90
indicator/warning lamp 20
Fuel
display 77
specifications 25
volume 153
Fuel consumption
display 81
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 77
Fuel mixture preparation 150
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 77
Fuel tank capacity 153
Fuses 141
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 81
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 68
Gearbox
manual transmission 66
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZGearbox malfunction
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 71
Gearbox, sequential 67
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 66
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 67
General driving notes 111
Glass sunroof
convenience operation 32
Glass sunroof, electric 41
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 33
remote control 31, 32
Glove compartment 97
Gradient assistance 70
Grills, refer to Ventilation 92
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 152
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 65
Hands-free system 99
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 97
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head airbags 53
Head restraints 46Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 74
washer fluid 122, 153
Headlamp control 88
Headlamp flasher 89
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 133
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirror 51
Heated rear window
automatic climate
control 95
Heated seats 50
Heating
exterior mirrors 51
rear window 95
seats 50
Heating and ventilation 92
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 105
Height adjustment
seats 45
steering wheel 51
Height, refer to
Dimensions 151
High beams 72, 89
bulb replacement 133
headlamp flasher 89
indicator lamp 21Holder for
beverages 98, 99
litter bag 99
Hood release 119
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 112
Hydraulic system
brakes 112
Hydroplaning 111
I
Ice warning 80
Ignition 62
Ignition key 30
positions 62
Ignition lock 62
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 39
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 77
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 86
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 77
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 94
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 60
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 84
Inflation pressure, tires
25, 114
INSPECTION 78
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 89
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 128
Interior lamps 90
remote control 32