warning lights BMW M3 COUPE 2004 E46 Owner's Manual

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

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

85
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-
vide you with advance warning of
sudden and severe tire damage caused
by external factors and does not detect
the balanced and very gradual pressure
loss that takes place in all four tires
over an extended period of time.<
On the other hand, the following situa-
tions can lead to a delayed detection of
pressure loss and even to the system
not functioning:
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery
roads
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral
acceleration
>When driving with snow chains, false
warnings and undetected pressure
losses may occur.
Initializing the system
Each time you correct the pres-
sure in a tire, or change a wheel or
tire, reinitialize the system immediately
afterwards. This requires a bit of driv-
ing.<
1. Before driving off, start the engine
but do not start driving
2. Press the button as long as you need
to until the yellow indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up for a
few seconds
3. Drive off.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat
Tire Monitor can detect a flat tire and
issue a warning.
When driving with snow chains,
do not initialize the system.<
Flat Tire Monitor
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

88Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use this to signal the position of
the vehicle when it is parked. For light-
ing on one side for parking as an addi-
tional feature, refer to page 89.
Low beams
When you switch the ignition off
with the low-beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
Follow me home lampsWhen you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lights, 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*If you desire, the light switch can be left
in the low-beam position: when the
ignition is switched off, the external
lighting is also switched off.
When required, switch on the parking
lamps as usual as described under
Parking lamps.
You can have the activation set-
tings for the daytime driving lamps
programmed on your vehicle. When the switch is in this posi-
tion the system automatically
responds to changes in ambient
light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. – and in
the event of rain and snow – by switch-
ing the low beams on or off.
The vehicle's external lamps
remain on constantly when you
switch on the front fog lamps after the
headlamps have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for your
personal judgement in determining
when the lamps should be switched on.
For example, the sensors are not able
to detect fog. In such situations switch
on the lamp manually, as otherwise a
safety hazard will result.<
You can have the sensitivity of
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<

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
161
Interior motion sensor 38
switching off 32, 39
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature 52
Interior temperature
adjusting 94
Intermittent
mode, wipers 73
Interval
display, service 78
J
Jump-starting 143
K
Key Memory 60
Keys 30
with remote control 30
L
Lamp defect 133
Lamps and bulbs 133
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 104
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 105
Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 105
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 58Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 90
Length, refer to
Dimensions 151
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 136
Light switch 88
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 90
Lighter 100
LIGHTS ON warning 88
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 88
Litter bag holders 99
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 104
Loading
vehicle 104
Load-securing devices 105
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 34
Lock, steering wheel 62
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33Low beams 88
automatic 88
bulb replacement 133
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 78
Luggage compartment
capacity 152
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 35
floor mat 38
floor panel 37
lid 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote
control 32
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 35
remote control 32
volume 152
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency operation 35
emergency release 37
indicator lamp 78
opening from inside the
vehicle 35, 36
opening from outside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
unlocking manually 35Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 106
Lumbar support 45
M
M Engine dynamics
control 87
M Mobility system 136
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 118
Maintenance 78, 126
Maintenance system 126
Making telephone calls,
refer to the telephone
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 78
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 42
luggage compartment
lid 35
Manual transmission 66
Master keys
with remote control 30
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZSequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 67
indicator lamp 19, 71
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 126
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
78, 126
Shift lights 71
Shift paddles 68
Side airbags 53
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 134
Sitting safely
with airbags 43
with safety belts 43
Size 151
Ski bag 103
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Electric glass sunroof 41
SMG Drivelogic 67
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 100
Snow chains 118
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 142
Spare key 30, 31
Special oils 123
Special oils, refer to Speci-
fied engine oils 123
Specified engine oils 123Speed
winter tires 118
Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
Sport mode 87
Sports seat 45
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 83
Standing lamps 89
bulb replacement 133
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 143
temperature 63
Starting help DSC 83
Starting the engine 63
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 63
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 62
Steering wheel, adjusting 51
Storage compartments 98
Storage nets 98
Storing seat positions,
refer to Seat and mirror
memory 49
Storing tires 117
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 150
Sun blind 96Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind 96
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 80
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 65
vehicle 65
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 76
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 135
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 135
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 153
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Technical data 150
Technical modifications 5
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Telephone hookup 99
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerTemperature
automatic climate
control 94
Temperature adjustment 94
Temperature display
engine coolant 77
outside temperature 80
setting units 80
Temperature layering 95
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 74
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 45
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 136
Three-point safety belt 47
Through-loading system 102
Tilt alarm sensor 32
remote control 32
switching off 32, 39
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 50
Time 79
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 84
Tire replacement 115

Everything from A to Z
165
Tires
age 116
breaking in 110
condition 114, 118
damage 114
flat 136
inflation pressure 25, 114
replacing 115
size, refer to Wheel and
tire combinations 117
storing 117
tread 114
treadwear indicator,
refer to Tire tread – tire
damage 114
winter tires 118
Tools 132
Torque
engine 150
Tow sockets for towing eye-
let 145
Towing bar 145
Towing eyelet 145
Towing rope 145
Towing the vehicle 145
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 151
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing
cargo 105
Transporting children
safely 56Trap protection
power windows 40
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 114
Treadwear indicator in the
tires, refer to Tire tread –
tire damage 114
Treadwear, tires 114
Trip distance recorder, refer
to Trip odometer 76
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer 76
Trip odometer 76
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 35
Trunk lighting, refer to Lug-
gage compartment light-
ing 35
Turn signal indicator 72
bulb replacement 134
indicator lamp 20
Turn signal indicator, side
bulb replacement 134
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 151
TV function, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerU
Underbody protection, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 116
Units
average fuel
consumption 81
temperature 80
Unlocking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Upshift indicator, refer to
Shift Lights 71
V
Vehicle
battery 140
break-in procedures 110
dimensions 151
loading 104
starting 63
switching off 65
washing, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure 73
weight 152
Vehicle Memory 60
Vehicle weight 152
Ventilation 92
draft-free 95Viscosity 123
Voice Input System 22
Voice recognition, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Volume
luggage compartment 152
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 18
Warning lamp 'Please fas-
ten safety belts' 18
Warning messages 78
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet 126
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 7
Washer fluid
adding 122, 153
Washer fluid reservoir 122
volume 122
Washer jets, refer to Wind-
shield washer jets 74
Washer/wiper system 73, 74
washer fluid 122
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray 100
Water on roadways, deep
water 111
Weights 152
Wheel and tire
combinations 117
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex