2001 BMW M ROADSTER COUPE brake light

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Cabin convenience:

Glove compartment78
Storage compartments78
Storage boxes78
Beverage holder79
Ashtray79
Cigarette lighter80

Loading and transporting:

coupe:
Roll-up cover81
Partition net81
Cargo loading82
Roof-mounted luggage
rack83

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure86
Driving notes87
Catalytic converter88
Antilock Brake System (ABS)89
Disc brakes91
Brake system92
Winter operation93
Power steering94
Cellular phone95
Radio reception95
Hardtop – roadster96

Wheels and tires:

Notes on tire inflation
pressure98
Tire condition98
Tire replacement99
Tire rotation100
Wheel and tire
combinations101
Special features of winter
tires102
Snow chains102
Approved wheel and tire
specifications103

Under the hood:

Hood104
Engine compartment106
Fluids for the washer
systems108
Washer nozzles108
Engine oil109
Coolant111
Brake fluid112
Vehicle Identification
Number113

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System114
Caring for your vehicle115
Airbags122
Storing your vehicle123

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications124
California Proposition
65 Warning124
OBD connector125
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20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different 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

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive
belt is defective or there is a malfunc-
tion in the charging circuit of the alter-
nator. Please contact the nearest BMW
center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating.
Increased force is required to steer the
vehicle if the drive belt is defective.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level. Top up as
required. If oil level is correct: please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, other-
wise, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.

<



Brake hydraulic system

l

The brake fluid level is too low.
Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 92 and 112.
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.
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22n

Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 89.
Antilock Brake System warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine oil level

l

Comes on while driving: the
oil level is at the absolute
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do
not drive more than approx. 30 miles
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Engine oil level

l

Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (when you
stop to refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 109.
Engine oil level

l

Comes on for a short time
(approx. 15 seconds) after the

engine has been started: please have
the system checked by your BMW
center.
Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 92.
Tire Pressure Warning RDW

l

RDW has been switched off via
the button or has been deacti-
vated because of a malfunction. In the
event of a malfunction, have the system
checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 26, 67.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

l

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been switched off via the
button or has been deactivated
because of a malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.

Service Engine Soon

l

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 125.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. You
can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center.
Check Filler Cap

l

If the indicator lamp lights up
with the filler cap properly
closed: there is a fault in the fuel
system. The system should be checked
at the earliest possible opportunity at
your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 25.
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45n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Power convertible top
* – roadster
2 When the doors are closed, lower the
side windows slightly.
3 Pull the release lever away from the
frame as far as possible.
4 Hold the footbrake down during the
entire closing procedure.
5 Press and hold the button for
convertible top operation in the
"Close" direction (1) until the closing
process is completed and the
convertible top frame has docked
against the windshield frame.36mus749
6 Insert the pins 1, on the left and the
right, into the guides in the wind-
shield frame. Using the handle recess
in the center of the convertible top
frame, pull the convertible top down.
Hold the top in this position and
secure both fasteners (refer also to
page 97).
If the footbrake is not applied, the
motor which operates the
convertible top will not operate.<
Be sure that the fastener hooks 2
on the left and right are securely
engaged in the frame of the windshield.
If they are not, the convertible top could
open while the vehicle is moving.< 367de047
At higher speeds, it may occur
that the lower air pressure which
is created in the passenger compart-
ment will cause the top or the rear
window to flutter. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a low pressure draft does not occur
in the vehicle.<
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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.
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81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it
into the holders at the rear.
The roll-up cover can carry light items
such as articles of clothing.
Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the roll-up cover.
These objects could endanger vehicle
occupants during heavy brake applica-
tions and evasive maneuvers or in a
crash.
Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap
back when it is retracted. This could
damage it.< 367de628
M cou
pe
Pull out the partition net on the strap
and grip the bar firmly with the other
hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides,
pull it up and position it into the
holders. This process will work out best
if you do it from inside the passenger
compartment.
Do not allow the partition net to
snap back when it is retracted. If
this is done, there is a risk of personal
injury, and the partition net could be
damaged.< 392de163
M cou
pe
Roll-up cover Partition net
*
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86n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive with varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or 100 mph (150 km/h).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"Kickdown" point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed. You should
therefore drive with extra caution during
the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Comply with local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and discs
achieve the optimal surface and wear
pattern.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system booster
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – for instance
,
by towing – substantially higher levels
of pedal force will be required to brake
the vehicle.<
ClutchThe clutch will reach optimal function
after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift
gears carefully during the break-in
period.
Break-in procedure
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87n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving notes
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm). If the water is at that depth,
drive only at walking speed, otherwise
the vehicle can sustain damage to the
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission.
Roll-up cover (coupe):
Never use the roll-up cover to store
heavy or bulky objects. If you do so,
such objects could injure vehicle occu-
pants during braking and evasive
maneuvers or in a crash.
Clothes hook (coupe):
Hang items of clothing on the hooks in
such a manner that they do not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they
could cause personal injury during
braking and evasive maneuvers or in
a crash, for example.<
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