2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ECO mode

137n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cleaning and caring for the convertible topCareThe appearance and life of the convert-
ible top depend in large part on proper
care and handling. You should pay
particular attention to the following
instructions if your vehicle has a light-
colored top.
Whenever possible, protect the vehicle
from exposure to intense sunlight by
parking it in the shade so that the paint,
rubber and fabric-covered parts are not
harmed.
Never fold up the convertible top and
store it in the convertible top compart-
ment when wet, dirty or frozen, as
mildew stains and rub spots may result.
To prevent mildew stains, do not keep
the convertible top enclosed in the
convertible top compartment for any
extended period of time.
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.
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. The
warranty does not cover these situa-
tions. For repairs, please consult your
BMW center.
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your BMW M3 convert-
ible in automatic car washes. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable
and a brush car wash must be used,
modern systems with soft brushes are
preferable. Do not select the wax finish
option. The small amount of beading
wax always used in automatic car
washes will not harm your vehicle's
finish.
In the case of more extensive dirt,
which is definitely 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 washing your
vehicle 3 to 5 times, you should treat
the convertible top with a special
convertible top impregnating spray.
Please follow the instructions on the
spray can.

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 Z
191n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
SSafety belt tensioner170
Safety belts57
seat-integrated safety
belts (SGS)51
Safety buttons38
Safety defects, reporting7
Seat heating93
Seat memory54
Seat-integrated safety belts
(SGS)51
Seats, adjusting48
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet131
Service Interval
Display75, 131
Service Manual131
Side airbags61
Side impact61
Side marker lamps84
lamp malfunction147t
Side turn signals, bulb
replacement148t
Ski bag98
Snow chains110, 119, 120
Socket97
Spark plugs182
Speaker96
Special features of winter
tires119
Speedometer18Sport mode
identification83
Sports seat49
Starting
problems67t, 105
Starting the engine66
Steering112
Steering lock66
Steering wheel
adjusting55
refer also to Multifunction
steering wheel (MFL)24
Stopping the vehicle67
Storage compartments95
Storing your vehicle140
Stowing cargo100
Stroke178
Summer tires118, 120
Sun visors53
Surface ice warning77
Switching off the engine67
Symbols, used4
Synthetic oils128
TTachometer73
Tail lamps149
replacing bulbs149t
Tank capacity181
Technical data178
Technical
modifications6, 141Telephone hookup96
Temperature display
ice warning77
interior temperature90
outside temperature77
Temperature gauge
engine coolant74
Temperature layering92
Tilt alarm36, 43
remote control36
Tire
codes118, 120
condition115
damage115t
failure, repairing153
inflation pressure28, 115
pressure monitor81
pressure
specifications28
replacement116
rotation117
summer117
treads115
wear indicator115
winter117
Tire and wheel
specifications120
Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW)81
indicator lamp22
Tire Quality Grading116
Tires and wheels118Tools146t
Torque178
Tow fittings165t
Towing eyelets165
Towing the vehicle165t
Track179
Traction Control System
refer to DSC80
Transmission68
Transporting children
safely58
Tread depth, tire115
Trip odometer73
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment40
Turn signal indicator23, 69
bulb replacement148t
Turning radius179
Two-way radios112
UUniform Tire Quality
Grading116
Used batteries,
disposal159t
Used engine oil,
disposal128tVVacuum cleaner97
Vehicle battery157