2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ESP

160n
FusesIf an electrical accessory should fail,
switch it off and check the fuse. In glove compartment1 Open the glove compartment and
turn the two white quick-release
fasteners outward. Spare fuses and
plastic tweezers are located on the
fuse holder.
2 Use the plastic tweezers to remove
the fuse for the accessory or equip-
ment that has stopped working.
3 If the fuse is burned through (the
metal strip will have melted and
separated), replace it with a new fuse
of the same ampere rating (color
code).
A list of fuses, their respective ampere
ratings and the equipment in their
circuits is located below the fuse
holder.
To close the fuse holder, snap it into
position at the top and turn the two
fasteners inward.
Do not attempt to repair a burned
fuse or replace it with a fuse
having a different color or ampere
rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.<
If a fuse blows repeatedly, refer the
problem to your BMW center for repair.

171n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
M3 Engine conceptBMW M will continue to develop BMW
engines for the performance-oriented,
yet responsible driver. That is why value
is placed on an engine design that
guarantees maximum thrust over a
wide range of engine speeds.
This is done by using high-grade mate-
rials and optimum components. The
engine thereby produces higher engine
speeds than can be achieved with
conventional engines.
Combined with appropriate transmis-
sion ratios and a performance-oriented
engine electronics system, the torque
from this so-called "high-speed aspi-
rated engine" is abundant throughout
the entire engine speed range – from
1,000 to a max. 8,000 per minute.
In practice, this means improved accel-
eration and more spontaneous
response throughout the engine speed
range, thus providing even more driving
pleasure.

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.

174n
Xenon lamps
*
The xenon lamps provide forward illu-
mination with significantly more bright-
ness and uniformity than the traditional
halogen lamps.
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc
replaces the filament in order to
generate intense illumination. A gas
mixture in a quartz glass tube with
metal vapor is ignited by a high electric
voltage. The arc that is generated is
then sustained by a lower voltage.
When the lamp is turned on there is a
brief period of high intensity. Maximum
brightness is attained in approx.
15 seconds.
Xenon lamps provide significantly
improved visibility, especially during
adverse weather conditions and difficult
driving situations (e. g. driving at night in
heavy rain or through road repair areas
where there are no lane markers).
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-
bution to highway safety since other
highway users, bicyclists and motorcy-
clists in the right lane, and pedestrians
are more easily detected.

175n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rollover protection systemThe rollover protection system offers
protection in addition to the airbags and
the safety belts. It uses highly sensitive
sensors that respond immediately to
any unstable vehicle condition encoun-
tered while driving, e. g. a steep angle
or loss of wheel contact with the
ground. The protective bar in each rear
head restraint is triggered in this type of
situation.

So that you will have important
specifications available when you
stop to refuel, we recommend
that you supplement this table
with data which apply to your
vehicle.
Fuel
Engine oil The oil volume between the
two marks on the oil dipstick
corresponds to approx.
1.4 US quarts (1.3 liters). Designation Premium Unleaded
Gasoline
AKI: minimum 91
QualityTire inflation pressures
Summer Winter
Front Rear Front Rear
2 persons
4 persons plus luggage
Refueling
BMW recommends Castrol