2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ABS

108n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control with greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
Using your vehicle only occasionally,
leaving your vehicle parked for
extended periods, and making only
minimal demands on your brakes
promotes brake disc corrosion and
brake pad contamination, because the
minimal loads required for your disc
brakes to self-clean have not been
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notes When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles.
Be aware of traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat which is
generated by the brake applications
helps to dry the brake pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
should ever fail, pump the brakes if
possible (refer to page 111).
Drive down long or steep descents in
the mountains using a gear that
requires the least amount of braking.
Doing this prevents putting excessive
loads on the brakes, which in turn
keeps the brake system from possibly
being damaged. Stay within the allow-
able engine speed range. For further
information, refer to page 73.
Braking effect on the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. Should the braking effect from the
engine prove inadequate, you should
still avoid extended, continuous
braking. Instead, decelerate the vehicle
by stepping hard on the brake pedal
(while watching out for drivers behind
you), and, if necessary, continue to
decelerate by pumping the brakes
(staggered braking). This staggered
braking technique allows the brakes to
cool in the intervals between active
braking phases. This prevents over-
heating and ensures that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed, with the shift lever in
neutral or with the engine shut off. The
engine does not provide any braking
effect with the transmission in neutral or
with the engine shut off.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<

111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationBrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface;
the resulting increase in braking
distance is considerable and should
always be kept in mind.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
Pumping the brakes will reduce braking
distance while helping you maintain
steering control over the vehicle.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal. Do not downshift to decelerate on
slick road surfaces. Doing so
could cause loss of traction at the rear
wheels, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal. Countersteer care-
fully and attempt to regain control of the
vehicle.
ParkingEngage either 1st gear or reverse.
Apply the parking brake whenever you
park on inclined surfaces. In order to
prevent the parking brake pads from
locking due to frost or corrosion, dry
them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic is
not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is
applied.<

113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Hardtop
*
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
top even in the winter, when the
hardtop is generally in constant use.
But you can also remove it at any time
with no problem. Before the fabric top
is stored in the convertible top
compartment, it must be absolutely dry
in order to prevent water spots and
mildew from forming.
The hardtop is equipped with reading
lamps in the rear and clothes hooks
operated simply by pressing. In addi-
tion, a roof-rack assembly is available.
In this regard, please contact your
BMW center.
When suspending clothing from
the hooks, ensure that they will
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 or evasive maneuvers.<
Two people are required for installation
or removal. Work with extreme caution
in order to avoid paint damage and
damage to the body or hardtop.
To facilitate hardtop installation or
removal, you can obtain a specially
designed hardtop lift
* or hardtop rack
*
at your BMW center.
Storage
Storing the hardtop on the floor:
shove the styrofoam block that
came with the hardtop forward to its
center. The arrow on top of the styro-
foam block has to be pointing upward
when you are doing this.<
Installation1 Lower the side windows completely
and flip the sun visors down. If
necessary, remove the antenna rod
to avoid any damage
2 Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid slightly with the button for
convertible top operation, refer to
page 46
3 Remove the trim pieces on both
sides by pulling them off toward the
back (arrow), and reclose the
convertible top compartment lid

118n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice
Only use wheels and tires that
have been approved by BMW for
the corresponding vehicle model, as
otherwise body contact and serious
accidents can result despite the use of
the same nominal size, e.g. due to
tolerances. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved wheels and tires to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
For wheel and tire sizes approved by
BMW, refer to page 120.
Failure to use the specified wheel
and tire combinatons can have an
adverse effect on the performance of
various systems such as ABS and DSC.
For this reason, use only tires made by
the same manufacturer and that have
the same tread configuration on the
vehicle. And after a flat tire, for
instance, restore the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as
possible.<
Codes on the tires and wheels The marking on the tire has the
following meaning.
The 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 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 187 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect
ratio in %
Radial tire ID code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
225/45 R
1892W
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 stamped on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valve from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. Storage Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from 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
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
8 x 18 H 2
J

130n
Brake fluid Vehicle Identification If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been
released: check the brake fluid level
and if necessary, fill it up to the "MAX"
mark.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Low brake fluid levels can result in
increased pedal travel along with
reduced braking efficiency. Comply
with the instructions on page 109.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by a
BMW center. Refer also to pages 75
and 159 and to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
In the engine compartment, on the
right-hand strut dome (arrow).

157n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Battery Installation locationThe battery is located at the rear right of
the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 41). Using a screwdriver or coin
and a f turn, release and pull off both
caps as shown in the illustration.
Remove the storage tray.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye
*" (a
hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge.
>Black: not adequately charged. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge
state often.<
Battery careThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original elec-
trolyte will normally last for the service
life of the battery under moderate
climatic conditions.
For all questions that regard the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following is for
your information only.<

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)21, 106
Acceleration181
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter92
replacing161t
Adding
brake fluid125t, 130t
coolant129t
engine oil127t
washer fluid126t, 181
Adjusting
clock76
head restraints50
interior temperature90
steering wheel55
thigh support area49
Adjusting seats
lumbar support49
Air conditioner91
Air distribution,
automatic90
Air outlets88
Air pressure115
Air supply91
recirculated air mode91
vents91
Airbags61, 139, 168
warning lamp21, 22Alarm system42
avoiding unintentional
alarms43
indicator lamp43
interior motion sensor42
tilt sensor alarm
system42
Alcantara care136
Antenna112
Antenna, Diversity169
Antifreeze129
radiator110
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21, 106
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection33
Approved wheel and tire
specifications120
Aquaplaning105, 115
Armrest95
Ashtray
front96
rear97
AUC (Automatic recirculated
air control)91
Automatic climate
control88
Automatic cruise
control71
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)91Automatic windshield
washer70
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting125t
Average fuel
consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads180
BBackrest
releasing51
Backup lamps68
replacing bulb149t
Battery157, 182
add distilled water157t
capacity182
charging159t
current check lamp20
removal and
installation158
symbols158
Belts57
Beverage holder95
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils128
BMW Maintenance
System131
BMW Sports seat49
Bore178Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Brake system20, 109
ABS21t, 106
brake faults109t
brake fluid change75
brake fluid level, warning
lamp20, 109
brake lamp, center151
brake lamps, replacing
bulb149t
brake pads, indicator
lamp22, 109
disc brakes108
driving notes105
warning lamp20, 109
Break-in procedure104
Bulbs and lamps146
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning141
Can holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Capacities181
Car battery182
Car Memory55
Car radio112
reception113, 169
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual

Everything from A to ZDriving lamps84
Driving notes
aquaplaning105
brakes105
disc brakes108
general105
sliding111
slippery roads110
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 80, 170
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22, 80, 170
indicator lamp22EElectric power windows44
Electrical accessories,
failure160t
Electrical defect
convertible top162t
doors34t
fuel filler door161t
Electrical system182
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16
Emergency lock operation
doors34t
Emergency operation
convertible top162t
fuel filler door161tEngine
coolant129, 181
data178
displacement178
high-speed engine171
output178
speed178
starting66
torque178
Engine compartment124
working in the engine
compartment121t
Engine oil127
add127t
additives127
capacity181
consumption127
level, indicator
lamp20, 21
oil dipstick127
pressure20
quality128t
specifications128t
thermometer73
viscosity128t
Exterior mirror
automatic dimming
feature53
Eyelets, towing165
FFailure messages76t
Failure of ABS107
Fan91
Fault displays, Check
Control76t
Filler cap cover26
Filling capacities181
Filling washer
reservoir126t, 181
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing165t
Flat tire115
repairing153
Fog lamps85
bulb replacement149t
Follow-me-home lamps84
Foot brake108
refer also to brake system
Footwell lamps86
bulb replacement152t
Front seat adjusting48
Frost protection,
radiator129
Fuel27
consumption78
consumption, display74
gauge74
preparation178
quality27
reserve indicator lamp74
specifications27tank capacity181
tank gauge74
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault161t
Fuses160
replacing160t
GGasoline27
gauge74
Glass holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Glove compartment94
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement152t
Grilles88
Gross vehicle weight180HHandbrake67
Hands-free system96
Hardtop113
care138
Hazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Head protection system61
Head restraints50
Headlamp cleaning
system125, 126, 181
Headlamp cover,
care132, 147t