2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE charging

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology
that monitors itself

Many of the systems in your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
identified by "

l

" are tested for proper
operation whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a problem
with the alternator's drive belt or a
defect in the charging circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Never attempt to continue driving
with a defective alternator drive
belt, as this could result in overheating
and serious engine damage. A defec-
tive belt also leads to a substantial
increase in the amount of effort
required to steer the vehicle.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

Stop vehicle immediately and
switch off engine. Check the
engine oil and top up as required. If the
oil level is correct: please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Do not attempt to continue
driving, as lack of adequate lubri-
cation can lead to serious engine
damage.

<
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)
This display is accompanied by
an audible warning signal: the
vehicle has a flat tire. Reduce your
speed immediately and avoid all abrupt
braking or steering maneuvers as you
bring the vehicle to a halt.
For additional information, refer to
page 81.
Brake warning lamp l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to comply with
the information on pages 109 and 130.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

46n
Convertible topKeep children away from the travel path
of the convertible top while it is in
motion.<
To close the electric power
windows while driving, always be
sure to first close either the rear
windows, or all 4 windows at the same
time, otherwise, at high speed, the
windows may not close tightly.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger
compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a vacuum does not occur in the
vehicle.<
1 Closing
2 OpeningOpening and closingWith ignition key in position 1 or 2 and
the vehicle stationary.
To avoid discharging the battery, when
possible you should start the engine
before opening or closing the top.
1 Observe the preceding safety
precautions.
2 Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the base of the
convertible top compartment in the
luggage compartment is folded
down. Refer to page 41.
3 Make sure the luggage compartment
lid is closed.
4 Press and hold the corresponding
button for convertible top operation.
The red indicator lamp will light up
while the convertible top is in motion.
It goes out as soon as the opening or
closing operation is completed.
If the red indicator lamp flashes when
you release the button, this indicates
that the top has not completely
finished opening or closing. You can
press the corresponding button to
resume the process in the desired
direction.
If the yellow indicator lamp remains
on while you are pressing the button,
this indicates that the convertible top
compartment's lower panel has been
folded up and the top cannot be
moved, refer to step 2.
The automatic sequence will be
interrupted immediately if you
release the button that operates the
top. The sequence can be continued in
the desired direction by pressing this
button.<

67n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Starting the engine Switching off the engine Parking brake If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
starting at approx. 5 7 (–15 6) and at
high altitudes (over 1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds)
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always deactivate elec-
trical devices that are not in use. Switch
the ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving.
If you did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Set the parking brake when parking on
steep hills, because under certain
conditions, putting the vehicle into first
or reverse gear may not be enough to
prevent it from rolling away.
The power assist is not available when
the engine is not on. This means that
more effort is required for braking.<
The parking brake is designed primarily
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when
it is parked. It operates against the rear
wheels. To engageThe lever engages automatically, the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on when the ignition key is in
position 2. Refer to page 21.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the
button (arrow) and lower the lever.
If, in exceptional circumstances,
it should be necessary to engage
the parking brake while the vehicle is
in motion, do not pull the lever with

159n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryCharging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running.
Before doing any work on the
electrical system, be sure to
disconnect the cable from the battery's
negative terminal. Failure to do so can
result in short-circuits, a fire or personal
injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If the vehicle is parked for more than
12 weeks, remove the battery, recharge
it and store it in a cool yet frost- and
dust-free area. During storage, have the
battery recharged every 3 months.
Also, recharge the battery before it is
reinstalled. If this is not done, the
battery will not be serviceable. Every
time the battery is discharged, espe-
cially over extended periods, its service
life is reduced.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery to prevent it from tilting
during transport.<
Storage periods during which the
battery is disconnected are not
taken into consideration by the Service
Interval Display for changing the brake
fluid.
For this reason, be sure that the brake
fluid is changed every two years,
regardless of the information displayed.
Comply with the information on this
subject on page 130.<

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)21, 106
Acceleration181
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter92
replacing161t
Adding
brake fluid125t, 130t
coolant129t
engine oil127t
washer fluid126t, 181
Adjusting
clock76
head restraints50
interior temperature90
steering wheel55
thigh support area49
Adjusting seats
lumbar support49
Air conditioner91
Air distribution,
automatic90
Air outlets88
Air pressure115
Air supply91
recirculated air mode91
vents91
Airbags61, 139, 168
warning lamp21, 22Alarm system42
avoiding unintentional
alarms43
indicator lamp43
interior motion sensor42
tilt sensor alarm
system42
Alcantara care136
Antenna112
Antenna, Diversity169
Antifreeze129
radiator110
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21, 106
Anti-theft alarm system42
Anti-theft protection33
Approved wheel and tire
specifications120
Aquaplaning105, 115
Armrest95
Ashtray
front96
rear97
AUC (Automatic recirculated
air control)91
Automatic climate
control88
Automatic cruise
control71
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)91Automatic windshield
washer70
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting125t
Average fuel
consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads180
BBackrest
releasing51
Backup lamps68
replacing bulb149t
Battery157, 182
add distilled water157t
capacity182
charging159t
current check lamp20
removal and
installation158
symbols158
Belts57
Beverage holder95
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils128
BMW Maintenance
System131
BMW Sports seat49
Bore178Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Brake system20, 109
ABS21t, 106
brake faults109t
brake fluid change75
brake fluid level, warning
lamp20, 109
brake lamp, center151
brake lamps, replacing
bulb149t
brake pads, indicator
lamp22, 109
disc brakes108
driving notes105
warning lamp20, 109
Break-in procedure104
Bulbs and lamps146
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning141
Can holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Capacities181
Car battery182
Car Memory55
Car radio112
reception113, 169
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual