check engine light BMW M3 COUPE 2004 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

9

Driving:

Ignition lock62
Starting the engine and driving
off63
Switching off the engine65
Parking brake65
Manual transmission66
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic*67
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher72
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*73
Cruise control74

Everything under control:

Odometer76
Tachometer76
Engine oil temperature76
Fuel gauge77
Engine coolant temperature
gauge77
Service interval display78
Check Control78
Clock79
Computer80

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*82
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)83
Flat Tire Monitor84
M Engine dynamics control87
Brake force display87

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams88
Instrument lighting89
High beams/Standing lamps89
Fog lamps90
Interior lamps90

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control92
Roller sun blind*96

Interior conveniences:

Premium sound system*97
Glove compartment97
Storage compartments98
Cellular phone*99
Ashtray, front*100
Ashtray, rear*100
Clothes hooks101

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system102
Ski bag*103
Cargo loading104
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*106

Controls and features

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

19

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp lights
up together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue to drive; drive cautiously
and defensively and avoid full
brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
pages 83, 112
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been started,
or if it comes on during normal driving:
this indicates a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information: refer to
page 71

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information: refer to
page 122

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity, such as when you
stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to
page 122
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 112
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 84

Indicator and warning lamps
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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

71
Indicator lamp
The gearbox indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out
after the engine is started.
>If it does not go out, or if it lights up
during driving, a malfunction has
occurred. The available functions
may be limited under certain circum-
stances.
Drive carefully and with the Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) activated.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW center
>If the indicator lamp flashes while
driving, the system is overloaded.
Avoid high loads until the indicator
lamp goes out again permanently.
Shift lightsTo achieve the best possible vehicle
acceleration with a sporty driving style
in the sequential mode, shift lights in
the instrument cluster indicate the opti-
mum shifting point shortly before the
maximum engine speed is reached.
1. When the maximum engine speed is
approached, yellow indicator fields –
shift lights – in the tachometer light
up consecutively to indicate the
approaching upshift time
2. Shift at the latest when the last indi-
cator field lights up red.
Tire replacement, snow chainsFollowing a tire or wheel change and
after mounting or removing snow
chains, the slip recognition of the
SMG Drivelogic must become familiar
with the changed condition.
Reinitialize the system afterwards.
1. Move the selector lever into
position N on a straight stretch of
road at a speed of over 20 mph /
30 km/h
2. Pull both shift paddles for approx.
2 seconds.
If you do not carry out the initialization,
the system automatically learns the
changed condition gradually during
driving. This can become apparent due
to brief opening and closing of the
clutch.
Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

77
Fuel gaugeOnce the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, 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.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last
drop of fuel can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
Engine coolant temperature gaugeBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector during normal operation.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly as an
operation check.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle: the engine has overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
To check the coolant level, refer to
page 124.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

124
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47/–206 for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their closed origi-
nal containers and in a location inac-
cessible to children. Antifreeze and
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.
For this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
Checking the coolant level and
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck – refer to the arrow in the illus-
tration. The end of the float may stick
out by a maximum of 3/4 in / 2 cm –
that is, up to the second mark on the
float. Refer also to the schematic dia-
gram next to the filler neck
Engine oil

143
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged, you
can use two jumper cables to start your
vehicle with power from the battery in a
second vehicle. You can also use the
same method to help start another
vehicle. Use only jumper cables with
fully insulated handles on the terminal
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring
and cables on a running engine.
Contact with components carrying high
voltage can be harmful or fatal.
Carefully observe the following instruc-
tions to avoid personal injury and/or
damage to one or both vehicles. support vehicle has 12 volts and
approximately the same capacity –
measured in Ah. This information is
provided on the battery
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle
3. Switch off all electrical components
in both vehicles.
Make absolutely certain that there
is no contact between the body-
work of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a short circuit hazard.<
Connecting the jumper cables
Always adhere to this sequence
when connecting jumper cables;
failure to observe this procedure can
lead to sparks at the battery terminals
and pose an injury hazard.<
The auxiliary jump-starting terminal
located in your BMW's engine compart-
ment acts as the positive battery termi-
nal. Refer to the engine compartment
overview on page 120. The cover of this
auxiliary terminal is marked with a +.
1. Open the cover of the BMW auxiliary
jump-starting terminal. Do so by pull-
ing the tab – see arrow 1
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the battery or to an auxil-
iary jump-starting terminal of the
support vehicle
3. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the plus/+ jumper cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to
an auxiliary jump-starting terminal of
the vehicle to be started
4. Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut – see arrow 2 – to serve as the
ground or negative terminal.
Attach a terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative
terminal of the support vehicle's bat-
tery or to a suitable ground on its
engine or bodywork
5. Attach the second terminal clamp of
the minus/– jumper cable to the neg-
ative terminal of the battery or to a
suitable ground on the engine or
bodywork of the vehicle to be
started.Starting the engine1. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes
at a slightly elevated engine idle
speed
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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 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