2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE mirror

70n
Washer/Wiper systemRain sensor
*
When the rain sensor is activated, the
windshield wiper is controlled automati-
cally, depending on the degree of
wetness of the windshield (in both snow
and rain). You do not have to be
concerned with switching the wind-
shield wiper on or off or adjusting the
wipe interval between intermittent and
full wipe. Instead, you can concentrate
fully on the traffic conditions. This is
especially important under adverse
weather conditions.
The rain sensor is positioned on the
windshield, directly ahead of the inte-
rior rearview mirror.
To activate the rain sensor:
>From ignition key position 1 and up,
move the lever to position 1. The
wipers travel once across the wind-
shield, regardless of the weather
>You can leave the lever permanently
in position 1. It is then only necessary
to activate the rain sensor from igni-
tion key position 1 and up. To do this
give rotary dial 5 a quick turn.
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain
sensor: turn rotary dial 5.
Deactivating the rain sensor: put lever
in position 0.Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper
activation.<
Normal wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers switch automatically to intermit-
tent wipe (not on vehicles with rain
sensor).Fast wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers operate at normal speed (not on
vehicles with rain sensor).
0 Wipers retracted
1 Clean the windshieldClean the windshieldThe system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
If you pull the lever only briefly, the
system sprays washer fluid onto the
windshield without activating the
wipers.
Do not use the washers if there
is any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield. If you do so,
your vision could be obscured. For this
reason, use an antifreeze agent. Refer
to page 126.

96n
Cellular phone
*
Ashtray, front
Hands-free systemOn vehicles with telephone prepara-
tion
* the trim piece for the hands-free
microphone is located above the inside
mirror on the driver's side.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.
To openPress briefly in the direction indicated
by the arrow.
To emptyPress on the edge of the open cover
(arrow): you can now pull the ashtray
upward for removal.Extinguishing cigarettesTap off the ash and gently press the tip
into the funnel.

134n
Caring for your vehicleWaxing your car Protect the finish using only carnauba
or synthetic-based waxes.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The paint color code for your vehicle is
provided on a sticker located on the
right hand side under the hood and on
the first page of your Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models).
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then
polish the repaired area. Finish by
applying a wax preservative.
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.
Window 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. This is especially
important for vehicles equipped with a
rain sensor
*.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially
during the winter months. However, do
not use aggressive products containing
acids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do
not use steam cleaners operating at
temperatures above 140 7 (+60 6).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chrome parts
* such
as window moldings, door handles or
similar items, clean these parts carefully
with ample clean water, and possibly a
shampoo additive, especially if there is

167n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
Airbags168
Radio reception169
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)170
Safety belt tensioner170
M3 Engine concept171
Rain sensor172
Interior rearview mirror
with automatic dimming
feature173
Xenon lamps174
Rollover protection system175
Tech-
Owner service procedures

173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming feature The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature reduces glare
from following traffic by adapting the
intensity of the reflected images to
correspond to levels of light registered
by the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts
to its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One lamp
sensor is mounted on the front of the
mirror housing. This sensor, which is
directed forward, measures light inten-
sity in the area ahead of the vehicle.
The second sensor is integrated within
the mirror's glass. The electronic
control system compares the light
intensity from front and rear. The differ-
ence provides the basic parameter
used to modulate an electrical current
and induce chemical changes in a
semisolid layer incorporated in the lens.
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the mirror manually, and the driver
can concentrate completely on traffic
conditions.

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

Everything from A to Z
189n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Headlamp flasher69, 85
Headlamp washer
system125, 126, 181
Heated mirror52
Heated seats93
Heater and ventilation88
Heavy loads100
Height50, 179
High beam lamps69, 85
indicator lamps23
High Performance Synthetic
Oils128
High-speed engine171
Holder for beverage
cans, refer to Beverage
holder
Hood121
opening121
unlocking121
Horn17IIce warning77
Identification number,
vehicle130
Identification, tires118, 120
Ignition key32
Ignition key position66
Ignition lock66
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20tIndividual settings
car memory, key
memory55
Inflation pressures115t
INSPECTION75
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting84
Instruments18
Interference
cellular phone112
Interior lamps36, 86
bulb replacement151t
remote control36
Interior mirror
automatic dimming
feature53
Interior motion sensor42
disarm43t
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature53, 173
Intermittent operation69
JJump-starting164KKey Memory55
Keys32
with remote control32
LLamp switch84
Lamps
footwell lamps86
high beam headlamps85
instrument lighting84
interior lamps86
parking lamp85
reading lamps86
Lamps and bulbs146
LAMPS ON warning84
Lashing eyes101
LATCH attachment for child
seat59
Leather care136
Length179
License plate lamp
bulb replacement151t
Lighter97
Load-securing devices101
Low beam headlamps84
lamp malfunction147t
Lower rollover protection
system64t
Luggage
compartment40, 41
capacity180
emergency release39t
enlarging41
floor mat41
floor panel41fold down convertible top
compartment base41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps39
bulb replacement152t
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39t
Luggage rack101
Lumbar support49
MM Engine dynamics
control83
M Mobility system153
M+S-tires119
M3 engine concept171
Maintenance75, 131
Make-up mirror53
Malfunction of ABS107
Manual convertible
top operation in case of
electrical defect162t
Manual transmission68
Manual-shift gear lever68
Master key32
Maximum speed181
Memory54
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)24

Everything from A to ZMicrofilter92
replacing161t
Mirrors52
automatic curb
monitor52
heating52
memory54
outside52
Mobile phones112
Mobility system153
Modifications,
technical6, 141
Mounting the hardtop113
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24NNavigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Nozzles88OOdometer73
Oil
additives127
capacity181
consumption127
dipstick127
filter change181level, indicator
lamp20, 21
pressure, indicator
lamp20
quality128t
specifications128t
viscosity128t
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
OILSERVICE75
Onboard tool kit146t
Opening and closing
from inside38
via the door lock34
via the remote control35
Opening the hood121t
Outlets, ventilation88
Outside mirror52
Outside temperature
display77
PPaint blemishes133
Paint, care133
Paintwork
care133
minor repairs134
waxing134Park Distance Control
(PDC)79
Parking brake67
Parking help79
Parking lamps84, 85
Parking, winter111
PDC (Park Distance
Control)79
Performance178
Pollen from outside air92
Power steering112
Power windows44
Powerplant data178
Pressure, tires115
Prevent any unwanted
alarm43t
RRadiator181
Radio Data System
(RDS)169
Radio reception113, 169
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor70, 172
RDS (Radio Data
System)169
RDW (Tire Pressure
Warning)81
Reading lamps86
Rear entry51
aid51Rear fog lamps85
replacing bulb149t
Rear lamps149t
Rear window
defroster71, 92
Rearview mirror52
Recirculated air mode91
Reclining seat48
Refueling26
Remote control35
Removing condensation,
windows91t
Replacement keys32
Replacing bulbs146t
Replacing microfilter and
activated-charcoal
filter161
Replacing windshield wiper
blades146t
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system58
Returning used
batteries159t
Reverse68
Rollover protection
system64, 175
indicator lamp22
lower64t
Roof load capacity180
Roof-mounted luggage
rack101
Rubber components110