2001 BMW M ROADSTER COUPE light

101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
leading to serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to the informa-
tion on page 103.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC and RDW. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if
improper wheel and tire combinations
are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel and tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheelsThe code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Belt rating ID code
for radial tires
Wheel diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R 15 91 H
All season and winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve inserts against dirt by
using screw-on valve caps.
Dirt in the valves frequently leads to
slow leaks.Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Extended hump on
the 2 rim shoulders
7x15EH2
J
ProCarManuals.com

103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications
Have winter tires mounted at your
BMW center or a tire dealer.<
Snow chains
*
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 67.< BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in the
vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Suitable for
snow chainsLight-alloy wheel
M roadster, M coupe
Summer
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17–
–7.5Jx17 AH 2 IS 41
9Jx17 AH 2 IS 8
Winter (M+S)
225/45 R 17 90 H[Front: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 41
Rear: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 25
Wheel with asymmetrical hump
(AH)The rim design with a so-called asym-
metrical hump results in a clearly
extended holding of the tire on the rim
in the case of a leak compared to the
usual symmetrical hump, so that the
vehicle can be braked to a stop more
safely. Another advantage of the asym-
metrical hump is that no special tire is
required.
ProCarManuals.com

112n
Coolant Brake fluid Checking coolant levelThe correct coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6).
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
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 illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it – that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).367de356
To add coolantWait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
ature gauge in the instrument cluster
must be located in the blue field; other-
wise, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50 : 50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).If the warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on:
The brake fluid level is too low.
Add brake fluid until the upper
mark ("MAX") is reached.
To eliminate the cause of the brake fluid
loss, please consult a BMW center. You
can also receive information concerning
approved brake fluids (DOT 4) there.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer
to the notes on page 92.
36mde789
ProCarManuals.com

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The BMW Maintenance System Caring for your vehicleService and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For detailed information on required
maintenance items and the work
involved, please refer to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Depending upon operating conditions,
it may be advisable to have the body
checked for damage from rocks or
gravel at the same time as a precaution
against rust.Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and is equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries will
constitute your proof that the vehicle
has received regular maintenance. They
are also required for warranty claims.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your BMW by hand or in
an automatic car wash – even when it is
new. Car wash systems that do not
employ brushes are preferable.
Loosen and remove tough dirt and
dead insects before washing the
vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable
and a brush car wash must be used,
modern systems with soft brushes are
preferable. In order to protect the
convertible top, special waxing
programs may not be selected for the
M roadster. The small amount of
beading wax always used in automatic
car washes will not harm your vehicle's
finish.
ProCarManuals.com

117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleCleaning and care of the
convertible top – M roadsterThe appearance and life of the convert-
ible top are highly dependent on its
proper care and operation. You should
pay particular attention to the following
instructions if your vehicle has a light-
colored top.
Protect the vehicle from exposure to
intense sunlight whenever possible by
parking it in the shade. This will prevent
the paint, rubber and fabric-covered
parts from being attacked.
Never fold up the convertible top and
store it in the convertible top compart-
ment when wet, dirty or frozen, since
mildew stains and rub spots may result.
To prevent the formation of creases in
the rear window and mildew stains in
the fabric, do not leave the top folded
in the convertible top compartment for
extended periods.
If the vehicle will be parked for lengthy
periods in an enclosed space, be sure
that the convertible top is dry and that
there is adequate ventilation.Clean off bird droppings immediately,
since they attack the convertible top
and cause the rubber seals to swell due
to their caustic characteristics.
Besides water, treat rubber seals only
with talcum powder, rubber care prod-
ucts or silicone spray, particularly when
they feel dry or tend to stick.
Eliminate noises such as squeaks with
lubricant spray.
Never use sharp-edged objects to
clean snow or ice from the rear window.
The use of deicing spray is not
approved. Due to the danger of
damage and discoloration, do not apply
adhesive tape, stickers, etc., to the
window or cover it with plastic film.
Depressions and discoloration may
occur in the convertible top as a result
of improper maintenance and cleaning
or as the result of stresses from exces-
sive use. The convertible top and its
seams may also develop leaks. These
occurrences are not covered by the
warranty. For repairs, please consult
your BMW center.
Special wash for the topIn the case of more extensive dirt,
which is especially visible on light-
colored top materials, clean the top
with the BMW Convertible Cleaning
Set. Please proceed as follows:
Spray the convertible top with the
cleaning agent and then rub with a well-
dampened sponge using circular
motions until a foam develops. Then you
can finish washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash. After three to five
washings the convertible top should be
treated with a special impregnating
spray. Please follow the instructions on
the spray can.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
ProCarManuals.com

118n
Caring for your vehicleRear window cleaningWhile the roadster's rear window has
the advantage of being extremely flex-
ible, there is the disadvantage that it
has a relatively soft surface. For this
reason, clean the rear window only with
a soft, antistatic cloth or with BMW
Convertible Rear Window Cleaner.
If you wash the vehicle frequently in
brush car washes, and in particular in
those with hard brushes, faint scratches
in the rear window may result. With the
window replacement system you can
replace a heavily scratched window at a
relatively low price. Please contact your
BMW center for additional information.
Do not use spot removers, paint
thinners, solvents, gasoline or
similar substances for removing spots
from the convertible top or from the
rear window. These materials destroy
the rubber seals, which will lead to
leaks. Use only BMW-approved
cleaners.<
Exterior finishTo provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
using special body-cavity protectants,
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied
to the undercarriage. Following this, a
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is
applied.
Regular care makes an important
contribution to maintaining the safety
and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on
vehicle finishes have led paint and
vehicle manufacturers to initiate
programs designed to further improve
the durability of their finishes. Despite
this, environmental factors which occur
locally or regionally can have negative
effects on the finish of your vehicle.
These should guide you in determining
the frequency and extent of your efforts
to maintain the vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type
of impact (perforation of paint layer),
physical stresses from sand, road salt, gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to
start extending beneath the finish,
starting at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,
animal droppings (strong alkali concen-
tration) and tree excretions (resins and
pollen) all contain substances capable
of causing damage when allowed to
remain on the finish of your vehicle for
any period of time (spots, etching,
flaking, separation in the top coat).
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the
vehicle's finish unless adequate care is
provided – even though this is generally
limited to the outside horizontal
surfaces.
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote
corrosion.
In the tropics, in addition to ultra-violet
radiation and high humidity, tempera-
tures over +105 7 (+40 6) in the
shade are common. Under those condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures up to +175 7 (+80 6) and dark
paints up to +250 7 (+120 6).
ProCarManuals.com

120n
Caring for your vehicleWindow careYou can use window and glass cleaner
to clean inside window surfaces and
mirrors without smearing and streaking.
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses!
Clean the wiper blades with soapy
water. The wiper blades should be
replaced twice a year, before and after
the cold season.
Use only wiper blades which have
been approved by BMW.<
Caring for other vehicle
components and materialsLight-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, particularly
during the winter months. Do not use
aggressive products containing acids,
strong alkalis or abrasives. Alloy wheels
should not be cleaned with a steam jet
operating at temperatures in excess of
+140 7 (+60 6). Follow the manufac-
turer's instructions.
If your vehicle is equipped with chromed
parts
* such as window frames, door
handles, etc., clean these parts thor-
oughly with plenty of water and, if they
are exposed to the effects of salt, also
with a shampoo additive. Use chrome
polish for additional treatment.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
the headliners, lamp lenses, the clear
cover of the instrument cluster and
components with a sprayed dull black
surface can be cleaned with water (add
plastic shampoo as required). Do not
allow moisture to soak through the
seats or headliner. Never use solvents
such as lacquer thinner, heavy-duty
grease remover, fuels, etc.
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.The safety belts should be cleaned with
a mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the vehicle. Never
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, since
this could cause damage to the belt
fabric.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reels to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts
prevent the inertia reel mechanism from
retracting the strap properly, and thus
constitute a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from
the vehicle for cleaning.
Please use only a damp cloth to clean
wooden fascia panels and components.
Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
ProCarManuals.com

121n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleCare of upholstery materials Depressions formed in the upholstered
materials in the course of everyday use
can be brushed up working with a
lightly dampened brush "against the
nap."
The tendency of the pile to lie in a
particular direction on velour upholstery
is not a quality defect, and, just as on
home textiles or clothing, cannot be
avoided.
Fuzz on upholstery materials, rubbed-in
fabric or suede residues can be
removed with a fuzz or Velcro® brush. A
cleaning glove is available for particu-
larly "stubborn" lint. Remove spots and
larger soiled areas immediately with
luke-warm water, an interior cleaner, a
spot remover or appropriate cleaning
fluid. Brush the fabric afterwards to
restore its appearance.
If the vehicle will be stored for an
extended period or if it is exposed to
intense sunlight, cover all the seats or
the windows to prevent fading (road-
ster: convertible top closed).
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
The buildup of an electrostatic charge
on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-
spheric humidity is low, can give the
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
if they touch metal body parts after
leaving the vehicle. Although this is
not dangerous in any way, it can be
avoided by touching a bare or polished
metal part of the vehicle while getting
out.
Leather careThe leather
* upholstery used by BMW
is a natural product of the highest
quality, processed using state-of-the-
art methods to ensure that it will main-
tain its high quality for years to come,
provided that it is properly cared for.
As this product is manufactured using
natural materials, you must make allow-
ances for special characteristics and
possible surface irregularities. You
should also bear in mind that this kind
of material requires special care and
attention.
Regular cleaning and care are essen-
tial, since dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of
the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the
surface of the leather. We therefore
suggest that you clean the leather with
a vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at
frequent intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
acts as an antistatic agent.
ProCarManuals.com