2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE inflation pressure

Contents

Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressures27

Opening and closing:

Keys32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Central locking system33
Opening and closing – via the
door lock34
Opening and closing – via the
remote control35
Opening and closing – from
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Convertible top45

Adjustments:

Seats48
Mirrors52
Seat and mirror memory54
Steering wheel55
Car Memory, Key Memory55

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts57
Transporting children safely58
Airbags61
Rollover protection system64

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 safety and
convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)79
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)80
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)81
M Engine dynamics control83

Contents

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

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

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment94
Storage compartments95
Cellular phone96
Ashtray, front96
Cigarette lighter97
Ashtray, rear97

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag98
Cargo loading100
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop101

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures104
Driving notes105
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phone112
Radio reception112
Hardtop113

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures115
Tire condition115
Tire replacement116
Tire rotation117
Wheel and tire
combinations118
Special features of winter
tires119
Snow chains119
Approved wheel and tire
specifications120

Under the hood:

Hood121
Engine compartment124
Washer fluids126
Washer nozzles126
Engine oil127
Coolant129
Brake fluid130
Vehicle Identification130

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System131
Caring for your vehicle132
Cleaning and caring for the
convertible top137
Airbags139
Storing your vehicle140

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications141
California Proposition 65
Warning141
OBD connector142

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

15n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressures27
Overview

27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressuresThe engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
The correct tire inflation pressures are
on a sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.Checking tire pressuresAll tire pressure and ambient air
temperature specifications are stated in
the units usually used in your country
(psi; kilopascal) (also see the following
tire inflation pressure table).
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, re-initialize the Tire Pressure
Warning system (RDW) so that it can
monitor the tire inflation pressure. Refer
to page 81.
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly – at least every two
weeks and before beginning a longer
trip. Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure
can lead to poor handling, tire damage
and accidents.< Comply with tire approval
specifications The inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. You will
find a list of approved tire sizes on
page 120.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.

28n
BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
225/45 ZR 18 33 (230) - 41 (280) -
255/40 ZR 18 - 35 (240) - 48 (330)
M3 convertible 225/40 ZR 19 33 (230) - 41 (280) -
255/35 ZR 19 - 35 (240) - 48 (330)
225/45 R 17 91H M+S 33 (230) 38 (260) 36 (250) 46 (320)
Tire inflation pressures

81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)The conceptThe Tire Pressure Warning system
(RDW) monitors the tire inflation pres-
sure in all four tires while driving. The
system is designed to detect whenever
the inflation pressure in a tire drops off
significantly.
By monitoring the speeds of the tires
relative to each other, a flat tire can be
detected and reported because its
speed suddenly deviates drastically
from that of the other tires.
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the
system with the correct inflation pres-
sure.
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement. Do not carry out further
system initialization after correcting the
inflation pressure and letting the system
"learn" what condition is required.
1 Check the tire inflation pressure in all
the tires, comparing them with the
inflation pressure table (page 28),
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2 Turn the ignition key to position 2
3 Press button until the yellow indicator
lamp on the instrument cluster lights
up. After a little while, the indicator
lamp will go out automatically
4 After a few minutes, the RDW will
accept the current inflation pressure
as its reference value, and from that
point on, can detect and report a flat
tire.

82n
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)Activating/deactivating the
systemThe system is automatically active in
ignition key position 2 and is therefore
always on during driving.
To deactivate the system: tap the
button, the indicator lamp will light up
yellow.
To activate the system: tap the button
again; the indicator lamp goes out.
Deactivate the system while driving
with snow chains, since false warnings
and undetected losses in pressure are
possible under these kinds of condi-
tions.
In the event of a flat tire
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will light up red in
the event of a significant loss in
tire pressure. In addition, an acoustic
signal is sounded. To come to an imme-
diate stop, reduce speed, while
avoiding any sudden, jerky braking or
steering maneuvers.
Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility
system (refer to page 153).
Resetting the indicator lamp: the red
indicator lamp has to be turned off
manually after putting on a new wheel.
At this point, hold the RDW button
down until the indicator lamp goes out.
Re-initialize the system afterward.
The RDW cannot alert you to
severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors.
The RDW will not identify the natural,
even loss of pressure in all four tires,
either.<
Check the tire inflation pressure
on a regular basis and correct if
necessary. Refer to page 27.
Under certain circumstances, there
may be false warnings or a delayed
detection of losses in pressure when
driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces.
A sporty driving style (slip at the wheels
receiving the torque, high lateral accel-
erations) can lead to delayed RDW
warnings.<
System malfunctionAs long as there is still a malfunction,
the indicator lamp on the instrument
cluster will remain yellow.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes105
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering112
Cellular phone112
Radio reception112
Hardtop113
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures115
Tire condition115
Tire replacement116
Tire rotation117
Wheel and tire
combinations118
Special features of winter
tires119
Snow chains119
Approved wheel and tire
specifications120Under the hood:
Hood121
Engine compartment124
Washer fluids126
Washer nozzles126
Engine oil127
Coolant129
Brake fluid130
Vehicle Identification
Number130
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System131
Caring for your vehicle132
Cleaning and caring for the
convertible top137
Airbags139
Storing your vehicle140
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications141
California Proposition 65
Warning141
OBD connector142
Car care