fuel cap BMW M3 COUPE 2006 E46 Owner's Manual

24
RefuelingFuel filler door
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not possi-
ble to add fuel with the engine running,
and attempts may also trigger the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol
on the right trim panel of the luggage
compartment.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions posted at the service station.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
Please observe while refuelling
Open the gas cap carefully to pre-
vent fuel from spraying out. Fuel
spray may cause injury.<
Place the gas cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the
nozzle during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler noz-
zle shuts off the first time.

25
Closing the gas capPlace the cap in position and turn it
until a clearly audible click is heard.
Close the gas cap carefully after
refueling until a click is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
CHECK GAS CAP* lamp.<
Warning lamp* lights up. The
gas cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check if the gas
cap is properly closed.Fuel tank capacity>Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which
>approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Do not drive to the last drop of
fuel. This can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
Fuel specificationsThe engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.Required fuelPremium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: AKI 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is deter-
mined according to the so-called
(R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as
otherwise the lambda probe and
catalytic converter will be permanently
damaged. cant differences in fuel quality: volatility,
composition, additives, etc., among
gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. Fuels containing up
to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by
weight, that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % meth-
anol plus an equivalent amount of co-
solvent, will not void the applicable
warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under cer-
tain environmental conditions such as
high ambient temperature and high alti-
tude.
Should you encounter drivability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may also result in unsched-
uled maintenance.<
Refueling
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76
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.

122
Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield
washer systemCapacity approx.
5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with a
washer antifreeze additive according to
manufacturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washer
fluid are highly flammable. For this
reason, keep them away from sources
of flame and store them only in their
closed original containers. Store them
inaccessible to children. Comply with
the instructions on the containers.<
Engine oilChecking the oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 1 minute, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.

128Laws and regulations
OBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the
driver's side under the instrument panel
and under a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicle's
lifetime. The system monitors emission-
related components and systems for
deterioriation 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.
Display in Canadian models for
the malfunction described
above.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather
severe level of engine misfire. When
this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfire
over only a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not
properly tightened, the OBD sys-
tem can detect the vapor leak and the
indicator will light up. If the filler cap is
subsequently tightened, the indicator
should go out within a few days.<
Event data recordersYour vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agreement
for the BMW Assist system, certain
vehicle information may be transmitted
or recorded in order to provide such
services.

153
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/approx. 63
approx. 2.1/approx. 8Fuel specification, refer to page 25
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp cleaning system quarts/liters approx. 5.6/approx. 5.3Specifications, refer to page 122
Engine with oil filter change quarts/liters approx. 5.8/approx. 5.5 Specifications, refer to page 123
Manual transmission quarts/liters approx. 1.9/approx. 1.8 Oil change during running-in check
and during each inspection II
Differential quarts/liters approx. 1.2/approx. 1.1 Oil change during running-in check
and during each inspection II
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Everything from A to ZCoin box 96
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 62
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments 96
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 150
Computer 79
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 92
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 59
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Power
socket 98
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 80
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 32
glass sunroof 30
windows 30
Coolant 124
indicator lamp 19, 76
level 124
temperature gauge 76Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 124
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 92
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 111
warning lamp 19
Cruise control 73
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 96, 97
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 152
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 150
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 153
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 87
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 111
warning lamp 19
Deep water, refer to Driving
through water 109Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 92
Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 92
Defrosting windows 92
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 92
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 92
Differential
breaking in 108
Digital clock 78
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 122
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 150
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 88
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 123
vehicle battery 141
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 81
Divided rear backrest 100
Door key 28
Door lock 32Doors
emergency operation 32
Draft-free ventilation 93
Drivelogic 69
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 87
Driving notes 109
Driving through water, deep
water 109
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 92
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 82
indicator lamp 19, 82
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 111
warning lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 82
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
M Track mode 82
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 46
Electric glass sunroof 40
Electric power windows 39
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 141

Everything from A to Z
159
Electrical malfunction
door lock 32
driver's door 32
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 41
luggage compartment
lid 34
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 82
Emergency call 142
Emergency operation
doors 32
driver's door 32
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 41
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
34, 36
Engine
breaking in 108
data 150
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 75, 150
starting 62
switching off 64
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 75
types 123
Engine oil level 19
check 122
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 75
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 150
Engine speed 75, 150
Entering the rear 46
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) 82
Exterior mirrors 50Eyeglasses compartment 97
Eyelet, towing 145
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
Fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Fastening the safety belts 46
Fault displays 77
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 153
Filling with sealant
M Mobility system 139
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 137
Flat Tire Monitor 83
repairing 137
Flat Tire Monitor 83
activating/deactivating 84
indicator lamp 18, 19, 85
Floor panel, raising 36
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 122
Fog lamps
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding rear backrest 100
Follow me home lamps 87Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 109
Front airbags 52
Front center armrest 96
Front fog lamps 89
indicator/warning lamp 20
Fuel
display 76
specifications 25
volume 153
Fuel consumption
display 80
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 76
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 76
Fuel mixture preparation 150
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 76
Fuel tank capacity 153
Fuses 141
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 80
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 67
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Everything from A to Z
161
Interior motion sensor 37, 38
switching off 30, 38
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature 50
Interior temperature
adjusting 92
Intermittent mode, wipers 72
Interval display, service 77
J
Jump-starting 143
K
Key Memory 59
Keys 28
with remote control 28
L
Lamp defect 133
Lamps and bulbs 133
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 102
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 104
Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 104
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 57
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochureLeaving the vehicle 64
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 136
Length, refer to
Dimensions 151
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 136
Light switch 87
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 136
Lighter 98
LIGHTS ON warning 87
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 87
Litter bag holders 97
Load, determining the maxi-
mum 102
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 102
Loading
vehicle 102
Load-securing devices 104
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 33
Lock, steering wheel 61
Locking
from inside 33
from outside 29, 32
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 33
from outside 29, 32Low beams 87
automatic 87
bulb replacement 133
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 77
Luggage compartment
capacity 152
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 34
floor mat 37
floor panel 36
lid 34
opening from outside 34
opening, remote
control 30
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 34
remote control 30
volume 152
Luggage compartment lid 34
emergency operation 34
emergency release 36
indicator lamp 77
opening from inside the
vehicle 34, 35
opening from outside 34
remote control 30
securing separately 34
unlocking manually 34Luggage compartment light-
ing 34
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 105
Lumbar support 44
M
M Engine dynamics
control 85
M Mobility system 137
M Track mode 82
indicator lamp 20
Maintenance 77, 126
Maintenance system 126
Making telephone calls,
refer to the telephone
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
door lock 32
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 77
Manual operation
door lock 32
driver's door 32
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 41
luggage compartment
lid 34
Manual transmission 65
Master keys
with remote control 28
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Everything from A to Z
163
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 98
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 83
Pressure, tires 112
inflating with M Mobility
system 139
Proposition 65 warning 6
Puncture
M Mobility system 137
R
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 28
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 72
Range 80
Reading lamps
front 89
rear 89
Rear armrest, refer to Rear
center armrest 97
Rear backrest, folding 100
Rear center 3-point safety
belt 100
Rear lamps
bulb replacement 135
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 77Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 93
Rear-entry assist 46
Rearview mirror 50
Receiving assistance 142
Recirculated-air mode
automatic climate
control 93
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 93
Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 44
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Releasing
hood 119
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 77
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 80
Remote control 29
luggage compartment
lid 30
malfunction 30
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 133
Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 55
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 46Reverse gear
manual transmission 65
Roof load capacity 152
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 105
Rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting the vehi-
cle 145
S
Safe seating position 42
airbags 42
safety belt 42
Safety belt
safe seating position 42
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 47
Safety belts 46
height adjustment 47
warning lamp 18
Safety feature
glass sunroof 40
power windows 39
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 111
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 82
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 132Seat adjustment
backrest width adjust-
ment 45
BMW sports seat 44
height 43
lumbar support 44
manual 43
power 44
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 46
Seat heating 49
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 48
Seat positions, storing 48
Seats 43
Securing cargo 104
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 57
Securing the vehicle
from inside 33
from outside 29, 32
Selector lever
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
Selector lever positions
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
indicator lamp 19, 70
tow-starting 146
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