2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE lock

114n
Hardtop
*
4 Open the two front locking levers on
the hardtop by pressing the buttons
(arrow). The levers will release
slightly. Raise the levers as far as the
stop will allow
5 Before installing, first flip down the
cover panels that are located under-
neath the left and right interior lamps.
To do this, press on the slight bump
on the cover panel. There is a holder
in the cover panel to securely store
the covers 1 that have been removed
6 Open the red release lever 2 as far as
the stop will allow
7 Position the hardtop onto the
supports with the help of a second
person. Be sure to put the mountings
exactly into the proper brackets
Lift the hardtop carefully. Be
extremely careful not to shift the
seals. Seals that have accidentally been
shifted or pulled out cause leaks.<
8 In the back, close the red locking
lever by turning to the inside as far as
the stop located behind the trim will
allow. Flip the cover panels back into
place
9 To lock the hardtop in the front, keep
pressing on the front locking levers
until you hear them engage.RemovalReverse the installation sequence to
install the hardtop.

121n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all appli-
cable instructions and warnings. Failure
to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components
and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.
Hood

122n
Hood To closeLower the hood and then allow it to fall
the last few inches. You should hear the
lock mechanism engage. Then attempt
to move the hood above the left and
right headlamps to ensure that the lock
has engaged securely.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures. If it is determined that the
hood is not completely closed while
driving, stop immediately and close
it securely.<

129n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you do, escaping coolant can cause
scalds.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location which is out of reach of chil-
dren. Extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor contains ethylene
glycol, a flammable substance. For this
reason, do not spill long-life antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor on hot engine
parts. It could catch fire and cause
serious burns.<
Checking the coolant level and
adding coolant

Check the coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. 68 7 or
+20 6). The coolant gauge needle in
the instrument cluster must be located
in the blue field; otherwise you could be
scalded when adding more fluid.
1 Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclockwise
to allow accumulated pressure to
escape. Then open.
2 The coolant level is correct whenever
the upper end of the red float rod is
aligned with the upper edge of the
filler neck (refer to the arrow in the
illustration and the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck as
well).
3 If necessary, add coolant. If the
coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – do
not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pres-
cribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio for
year-round protection against internal
corrosion. No other additives are
required. Change the coolantReplace the coolant every three years.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<

138n
Cleaning and caring for the convertible topDo not use spot removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, gasoline or similar
substances for removing spots from the
convertible top or from the rear
window. These materials destroy the
rubber seals, which will lead to leaks.
Use only BMW approved cleaners.
Cleaning agents can contain
substances that are dangerous or
that pose health risks. For this reason,
always comply with the warnings and
danger notices on the packaging.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.<
Positioning for cleaningFor unhindered access to the convert-
ible top compartment, lean the rear
convertible top frame against the
convertible top compartment lid (see
illustration).
Release the convertible top lid
locks beforehand with the button
for convertible top operation, refer to
page 46.<
Hardtop
*
Please observe and follow the instruc-
tions for caring for your vehicle starting
on page 132.

153n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic; turn on the hazard
warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.<
M Mobility systemAn M Mobility system for fixing flat tires
is included with your BMW M3 convert-
ible. With the aid of this system, you
can apply a liquid sealant to the inside
of the tire, thereby sealing off the
damaged area, and then continue
driving.
The M Mobility system makes trans-
porting a spare wheel superfluous,
thereby reducing the amount of weight
you have to carry around.
The M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel:
1 Raise the floor panel (refer to
page 41).
2 Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Note that the fluid bottle in the
system's sealant container has to
be replaced every three years by your
BMW center, if the system is not
used.<

158n
BatterySymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the corresponding
precautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
A highly-explosive gas is gener-
ated when the battery is
charged.
Never allow sparks or open
flame in the vicinity of the
battery. Avoid sparks from elec-
trical cables or electrical equipment.
Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition
lock when disconnecting or connecting
the battery. Do not short-circuit the
battery terminals. This creates a risk of
injury from high-energy sparks.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not expose it to direct
sunlight. A discharged battery can
freeze. Store the battery in areas where
temperature remains above freezing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children access to
batteries and battery acid.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing
battery acid or lead to come into
contact with your eyes, your skin, or
your clothing.
If you happen to get acid in your
eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Following that, consult a physician
immediately. If your skin or clothing are
splashed by acid, rinse immediately
with plenty of soap and water. If elec-
trolyte is accidentally ingested, consult
a physician immediately.
Removal and installation
Do not disconnect the battery
when the engine is running. If you
do so, the ensuing voltage surge will
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics. Do not make any modifications
in the wires to the positive terminal. If
you do so, the protective function of the
safety battery terminal is no longer
ensured. Repair and disposal must be
performed by trained technicians
only.<
When removing the battery, disconnect
the cable on the negative terminal first,
then the cable on the positive terminal.
Loosen the center adjusting screw on
the battery retaining strap (use the
screwdriver included with the onboard
tool kit) and disconnect the strap.
When installing a battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then connect the
negative terminal.
When installing a battery, be sure
that it is mounted properly and
that the retaining bracket is installed
with the center adjustment screw. If this
is not done, the battery will not be
adequately secured in case of an acci-
dent.<

162n
Convertible top Closing manually in event of
electrical failure1 Emergency operation
2 Allen wrench
3 Recess
You can use the emergency
procedure for manual operation to
close the top, but never to open it. If the
convertible top were opened manually,
the lid on its storage compartment
would fail to lock, and would open
during subsequent vehicle operation.<
Manual closing is best carried out
with two persons from outside
with the driver's door open and the
driver's seat folded forward. No one is
to be in the rear seat while you are
doing this.<
1 Remove the center piece between
the rear seats. Take the trim off the
guide rod and flip it forward. Press
down hard on the emergency lock
(arrow 1). After a brief pause, the
drive systems for the convertible top
compartment lid will be unlocked.
If the drives for the convertible top
compartment lid fail to release,
mount the double angled Allen wrench
(2) in the recess (1) and turn clockwise
until the drives release.c
2 With the luggage compartment lid
closed, open the convertible top
compartment lid up as far as the stop
will allow.
3 Lift out the convertible top by holding
on to the lateral guide section (1) and
the front convertible top frame (2).
Position the rear convertible top
frame vertically and close the
convertible top compartment lid.
Then fold down the rear convertible
top frame.