2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ECO mode

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW M3 convertible.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced security and
control when you drive it. Therefore, we have one request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW M3
convertible. The manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist
you in obtaining maximum satisfaction from your BMW M3 convertible's unique
array of advanced technical features. It also contains information on care and main-
tenance designed to enhance operating safety while simultaneously helping you to
maintain your BMW's value throughout an extended service life.
BMW M also offers BMW driver training courses specifically designed to serve as
an important element within our overall drive to promote greater highway safety.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW M3 convertible is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW M

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsRed: an important reminder
Parking brake l
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 67.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belt l
The warning lamp flashes if a
backrest detent is not locked in place,
or comes on continuously if a safety
belt has not (yet) been fastened. The
visual warning is supplemented by an
acoustic signal.
For detailed information on locking the
backrest, refer to page 51.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 57.
Airbags l
Please respond to any defects
by having the system checked
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 61, 168.
Red and yellow:
continue driving cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
comes on together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC

control system has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 80, 107.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to a system malfunc-
tion. Conventional braking efficiency is
available without limitations. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 106.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Lights up while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you
do.
For additional information, refer to
page 127.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add more engine
oil the next time you stop for gas.
For additional information, refer to
page 127.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing – via the remote controlTo open the luggage
compartment lidPress button 3.
The lid will open slightly, no matter
whether it was locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure
that the luggage compartment lid
has not been opened unintentionally.<
Panic mode (trigger alarm)By pressing button 3 for more than
2 seconds, the alarm can be sounded
in the event of danger, if it is armed.
The alarm is switched off after button 1
is pressed. Non-BMW systemsExternal systems or devices may cause
local interference in the functions of the
remote control.
If this should occur, you can still open
and close the vehicle using the master
key in both the door and luggage
compartment lid locks.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units
comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal
Communication Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the
following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could
void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electric power windows Convertible top Operating all the side windowsFrom ignition key position 1:
To open:
>Press the switch up to but not past
the resistance point:
All windows will continue to lower as
long as you continue to press the
switch
>Press the switch briefly past the
resistance point:
All windows will move automatically.
Pressing the switch again stops the
opening cycle.
To close: you can close all windows in
the same manner by pulling the switch.
The fully automatic convertible top
combines assured protection from the
weather together with simple and easy
handling.
So that you will get the most out of your
convertible, here are a few tips:
>It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is being parked.
The closed convertible top not only
protects the passenger compartment
from unforeseeable damage from the
weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addi-
tion, keep valuables only in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed.
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
>At temperatures below 15 7
(–10 6) do not open or close the
convertible top to prevent damage.
Never store the convertible top
while it is wet to avoid permanent
damage from moisture.<
Driving the vehicle before the top
has opened or closed completely
can lead to vehicle damage and/or
personal injury.
Whenever possible, always ensure that
the vehicle remains stationary for the
entire duration of the opening/closing
process. Setting the vehicle in motion
before the process is completed may
cause the top to stop moving prema-
turely.
If you initiated convertible top operation
while the vehicle was standing still, and
then started to drive off, at a traffic light,
for example, you can complete the
process while traveling at a moderate
rate of speed. To do this, keep pressing
the proper button.
Traffic laws applicable in your area take
precedence when you operate the
convertible top, however, otherwise
you may be breaking the law.
Before closing the convertible top,
remove any objects from the windshield
frame that could keep the convertible
top from closing properly.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they would fall off when the
convertible top is operated and cause
damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
MirrorsInterior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming featureBy responding to the effects of ambient
light and the glare from following traffic,
this mirror automatically dims through
an infinitely variable range.
The mirror switches to its clear,
undimmed mode whenever you shift
into reverse.
There are two photocells for automatic
dimming. One photocell (arrow) is posi-
tioned in the mirror's glass, while the
other is slightly offset on the opposite
side of the mirror. For an explanation of
the electrochromic technology used in
this mirror, refer to page 173.
For the mirror to function perfectly,
keep the photocells clean and the area
between the inside rearview mirror and
the windshield free of any obstructions,
such as stickers, etc.
Sun visorsThese can be folded down toward the
windshield or swiveled out against the
side windows.Vanity mirrors Fold down the sun visor and slide the
cover panel to the side as required.

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0 Steering locked
1 Steering unlocked
2 Ignition switched on
3 Starting the engine
Steering locked The key can be inserted and removed in
this position only.
To lock the steering column after you
have taken the key out, turn the
steering wheel until you hear it lock.Steering unlocked Individual electrical accessories are
ready for operation.
You will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering
wheel slightly to help disengage the
lock. Ignition switched onAll electrical equipment and accesso-
ries are available for use. 1 Engage the parking brake
2 Move the shift lever to the neutral
position
3 Depress the clutch pedal
4 Turn the key to position 3 to start the
engine.
Do not actuate the starter for too short
a time, but not turn it for more than
approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately when the engine
starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, drive off
immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
Do not run the engine in enclosed
areas. The exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an
extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unat-
tended vehicle with a running engine
represents a potential safety hazard.<
Steering/Ignition lock Starting the engine

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DisplayThe following information or conditions
are displayed from ignition key posi-
tion 2 on, until the cause has been
corrected:
1 Inspect the low beam and high beam
headlamps, as well as the side lamps
2 Door open
3 Luggage compartment lid open
4 Check brake and tail lamps.
After completion of a trip and upon
opening the driver's door, an acoustic
signal will sound yet not be displayed,
as a reminder that the low beam head-
lamps have not been turned off.
If you wish to have a permanent time
display, you can make this adjustment
in the radio display
* (refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual).
You can set the time of day, and the
display for the car radio
*, as follows.
Adjustments From ignition key position 1:
To set ahead: turn the button to the
right.
To set back: turn the button to the left.
The adjustment speed will increase the
longer you continue to hold the button.
To change the display mode: press the
knob briefly.
Every time you press the knob, the
clock display alternates between the
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0: the time is
displayed for a few seconds after you
press the left button (refer to "Odom-
eter" on page 73).
Check Control

Clock

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Computer

Mode selectionFrom ignition key position 1 on, you can
use the button in the turn signal lever to
retrieve information from the computer
for display in the instrument cluster. By
pressing the button briefly in the direc-
tion of the steering column, you can call
up a new function for display.
The displays appear in the following
order:
Time of day, outside temperature,
average fuel consumption, cruising
range, average vehicle speed.
From ignition key position 1 on, the last
active setting is displayed.
Outside temperature You can change the units of measure
(6/7) for the outside temperature
display by pressing the right-hand reset
button in the instrument cluster while
the temperature display is active.
Ice warning If the outside temperature drops to
about 37.5 7 (+3 6), then the
computer will automatically switch to
show the outside temperature. In addi-
tion, a signal sounds as a warning and
the display flashes for a brief period.
This warning will repeat itself whenever
the temperature has climbed to at least
43 7 (+6 6) since the last warning,
and has then dropped back to 37.5 7
(+3 6).
Ice warnings do not exclude the
possibility that surface ice can still
occur at temperatures above 37.5 7
(+3 6), e. g. on bridges and shady
roads.<