2001 BMW M ROADSTER COUPE engine

28n
Opening and closing:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Opening and closing from the
outside32
Opening and closing from the
inside33
Luggage compartment lid34
Electric power windows35
Sunroof – coupe36
Convertible top – roadster37
Adjustments:
Seats46
Mirrors47
Safety systems:
Safety belts49
Airbags51
Transporting children safely53
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock55
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake57
Manual transmission58
Turn signal indicators/High
beams58
Wiper/Washer system59
Rear window defroster60
Cruise control61
Controls
ProCarManuals.com

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Everything under control:
Odometer62
Tachometer62
Fuel gauge62
Coolant temperature gauge63
Engine oil temperature gauge63
Service Interval Display64
Outside temperature64
Clock64
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)65
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)67
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams69
Interior lamps70
Reading lamps71Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Heating and ventilation/
Air conditioner72
Seat heating77
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Storage boxes78
Beverage holder79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80
Loading and transporting
cargo:
coupe:
Roll-up cover81
Partition net81
Cargo loading82
Roof-mounted luggage
rack83
ProCarManuals.com

31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizerThe key to securityThe electronic vehicle immobilization
unit increases the anti-theft protection
of your BMW – you do not have to
adjust or activate anything. This elec-
tronic immobilization system is
designed to reduce the susceptibility of
the vehicle to theft by making it impos-
sible to start the engine using any
means other than the special keys
furnished with the vehicle.
Your BMW center can cancel the elec-
tronic system authorization for indi-
vidual keys (in the event a key is lost,
for instance). A deactivated key can no
longer be used to start the engine.
How the electronics workAt the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip which is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, simulta-
neously serving as a communications
interface designed to allow the security
system to maintain a continuous stream
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
system will not release the ignition, fuel
injection and starter unless it recog-
nizes an "authorized" key.
Force applied to the key can
damage the integrated electronic
circuitry. A damaged key can no longer
be used to start the engine.<
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units
comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the
following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications
to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.<
ProCarManuals.com

41n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Power convertible top
* – roadster
Weather protectionThe convertible top combines reliable
protection from the elements with
simple, convenient operation. Here are
a few tips to ensure that you have plea-
sure with your roadster.
It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
keep valuables only in the locked
luggage compartment, even with the
convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top. Please
contact your BMW center for suitable
securing devices and additional acces-
sories.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures at or
below the freezing point.
To conserve the battery, it is advisable
to operate the top only with the engine
running.Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they would fall off when the
convertible top is operated and cause
damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.
Keep children away from the moving
parts of the convertible top during
operation.
The automatic sequence is interrupted
immediately if the button for actuating
the top (pages 42 and 45) is released.
The sequence can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing the
button.<
To open 1 With the doors closed, lower the side
windows a few inches (centimeters).
2 To release the convertible top: pull
the levers outward on the left and the
right of the convertible top frame
(refer to the illustration).367de046
ProCarManuals.com

55n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
0 Steering lock engagedThis is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted and
removed.
An acoustic warning sounds when you
fail to remove the ignition key after
opening the driver's door.
After removing the key, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the left or right
until you hear the lock engage.1 Steering lock disengagedYou will often find that it is easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to 1 if
you move the steering wheel slightly to
help disengage the detent.
Individual electrical equipment and
accessories are available for use.367de009
2 Ignition onAll electrical equipment and accesso-
ries are available for use.3 Starting the engineWhen starting, depress the clutch,
since a lock otherwise prevents the
engine from being started.
Steering/Ignition lock
ProCarManuals.com

56n
Starting the engineBefore starting>Engage the parking brake.
>Put manual-shift gear lever in idling
position.
>Depress the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless
and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an
extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Starting the engineStart the engine. Do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for
more than approx. 20 seconds. Release
the ignition key immediately after the
engine starts.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
allowing it to run while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate
engine speed.
Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
from approx. +5 7 (–15 6) and at
altitudes above approx. 3,300 ft
(1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds).
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Usually, it is not necessary to depress
the accelerator pedal. However, at high
altitudes or in very hot or very cold
weather, depress the pedal halfway
down when starting the engine.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always switch off any
accessories which are not required.
Switch off the ignition when the vehicle
is not being driven.
ProCarManuals.com

57n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Switching off the engine Parking brakeTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is rolling. The
steering locks and it is impossible to
steer the vehicle.
Always remove the ignition key and
engage the steering lock before leaving
the vehicle.
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since even placing the lever in
1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.<
The parking brake is designed primarily
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when
parked. It operates against the rear
wheels.To engageThe lock engages automatically when
you lift the lever, and the indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on
when the ignition key is in position 2.
Refer to page 21.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the
button and lower the lever.367de028
If, in exceptional circumstances,
it should be necessary to engage
the parking brake while the vehicle is
in motion, do not pull it with excessive
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed
against the release button while care-
fully pulling up the lever to apply
moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction at the rear
(fishtailing).
The brake lamps do not come on when
the parking brake is engaged.
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since even placing the lever in
1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake lightly
from time to time when coasting to a
standstill (at a traffic signal, for
instance), provided that it is safe to do
so.
ProCarManuals.com

58n
Manual transmission Turn signals/High beamsPress the clutch pedal all the way down
each time you shift, pressing the
manual-shift gear lever into its proper
end position.
Depress the clutch when starting the
vehicle, too, otherwise, lockout will
prevent the engine from starting.
The shift lever's neutral plane is located
between 3rd and 4th gear.
When shifting from each gear into
"Neutral," the shift lever returns auto-
matically to this neutral position
because of its spring loading.36mde746
ReverseSelect reverse only when the vehicle is
stationary. Press the shift lever to the
left to overcome the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will
turn on automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or "riding" the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead,
otherwise, the ensuing friction to the
clutch plates will cause a great deal of
wear and tear on the clutch.<
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
lamp and rhythmic clicking of the
relay)
If the indicator lamp and the clicking
from the relay are both faster than
normal, one of the turn signal indicators
has failed.To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the resistance point. It then returns to
the center position when released.367us024
ProCarManuals.com