2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE check engine light

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.

21n
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.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock66
Starting the engine66
Switching off the engine67
Parking brake67
Manual transmission68
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher69
Washer/Wiper system69
Rear window defroster71
Cruise control71
Everything under control:
Odometer73
Tachometer73
Engine oil temperature gauge73
Fuel gauge74
Coolant temperature gauge74
Service Interval Display75
Check Control76
Clock76
Computer77
Technology for driving comfort
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)79
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)80
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)81
M Engine dynamics control83Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beam
headlamps84
Instrument lighting84
High beams/Parking lamps85
Fog lamps85
Interior lamps86
Reading lamps86
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control88
Heated seats93
Cabin convenience:
Glove compartment94
Storage compartments95
Cellular phone96
Ashtray, front96
Cigarette lighter97
Ashtray, rear97
Loading and transporting
cargo:
Ski bag98
Cargo loading100
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop101

74n
Fuel gauge Coolant temperature gauge Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to
page 181.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions of the needle.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty. Driving to the last drop of
fuel can result in damage to the engine
and/or the catalytic converter.<
When the ignition is switched on, the
indicator lamp in the fuel display will
light up briefly to confirm that the
system is operational.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds. RedTo confirm that the system is opera-
tional, the warning lamp in the coolant
temperature gauge will light up briefly
when the ignition is switched on.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle: the engine is overheated.
Stop and switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to
page 129.
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.

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.<

142n
OBD connector The data link connector for onboard
diagnostics is located on the left-hand
side of the driver's side, on the under-
side of the instrument panel and under
a cover panel. The cover has the letters
"OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the
vehicle. Your system should be
checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your
nearest BMW center immediately.
Severe engine misfiring over even a
short period of time can seriously
damage emission control system
components, especially the catalytic
converter.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up.
If the fuel filler cap is then tightened,
the indicator will usually go out after a
short period of time.<

Everything from A to Z
187n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Car telephone96
Car wash132
Care
convertible top137
exterior133
interior134
upholstery135
wool velour135
Cargo loading100
Cassette operation, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter105
starting problems105
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)107
warning lamp21
CD operation, refer to the
radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone96, 112
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest95
Center brake lamp151
Central locking system33
key38
Check Control76t
Checking brake fluid
level130t
Checking coolant
level129t
Checking engine oil
level127tChild restraint systems58
Child seat security60
Cigarette lighter97
Cleaning headlamps71
Cleaning windshield70
Clock76
refer to the "Radio and
Information Systems"
Owner's Manual or to the
"Onboard Computer"
Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Code, refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Coin holder95
Combination switch69
Compression178
Computer77
refer to the "Onboard
Computer" Owner's
Manual
Configuring settings
car memory, key
memory55
Connecting portable vacuum
cleaner97
Consumption78
Consumption display74
Convertible top
compartment panel41
electrical defect162tfold down convertible top
compartment base41
operation45
Coolant110, 125t, 129
antifreeze110
temperature gauge74
Cooling system181
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)107
warning lamp21
Cruise control71
Cruising range78
Cup holder, refer to
Beverage holder
Curb weight180
DDash panel lighting84
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions179
engine178
technical178
vehicle performance181
weights180
Data link connector for
onboard diagnosis142
Daylight driving lamps
switch84
Deep water105
Defrost position91tDefrostable rear window92
Defrosting, windows91t
Difficult steering112t
Digital clock76
Dimensions179
Dipstick127
Disarm tilt alarm
sensor43t
Disc brakes108
Displacement178
Display lighting84
Displays18
Disposal of used
batteries159t
Disposal of used engine
oil128t
Distance warning79
Diversity Antenna169
Door locks, care110
Doors
emergency lock
operation34t
keys32
manual opening and
closing34
opening and closing via
remote control35
unlocking and locking35
DOT Quality Grades116
Draft-free ventilation92
Drive belts182
Driving in winter110