2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE stop start

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.

45n
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.

80n
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

The concept

DSC helps maintain vehicle stability,
even in critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, the system recog-
nizes unstable vehicle conditions
(understeering or oversteering in
curves, for example) and holds the
vehicle on course by intervening via the
engine and by braking intervention at
the individual wheels within the limits
defined by the laws of physics.
The system starts up automatically
each time you start the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. The
results of driving irresponsibly rest with
the driver. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks. Do not make any modifications to
the DSC system. Service procedures
on the system are to be performed by
authorized technicians only.<
You will find additional details
concerning DSC in the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page 170.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on. Refer to page 21.
>Indicator lamp flashes: the system is
active and is controlling the drive
torque based on driving conditions
>If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine has been started, or
if it comes on during normal driving
and stays on: there is a system
malfunction or the system was deac-
tivated with the button. You can
continue to drive the vehicle
normally, but without DSC. Please
consult your BMW center for repairs.
To deactivate the systemPress the button – the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
When DSC is deactivated, you are
driving with conventional power
transfer.
We recommend that you turn the
system off for increased traction:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 110.
To help maintain driving stability,
drive with the DSC activated
whenever possible.< To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.

91n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control Air supply (fan)
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control of the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is
stopped. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
Defrosting the windows and
removing condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the
temperature setting – rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7(+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging over.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, that then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the airflow from
the outside. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
By repeated actuation of the button,
you can select one of three different
operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: outside air always
flowing into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on – Auto-
matic mode: the system detects
pollutants in the outside air and
responds by deactivating the outside
airflow as required. The system then
recirculates the air already within the
vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.

105n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brakes: do not rest your foot on
the brake pedal while driving.
Even light but consistent pressure on
the brake pedal can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake system failure.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
you do not, a wedge of water may form
between the tires and the road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as
aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, and can
lead to partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and road
surface, vehicle control and braking
ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 foot (30 cm), and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only. Even minute quantities of lead
would be enough to permanently
damage both the catalytic converter
and the system's oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential
damage:
>Be sure to comply with the required
scheduled maintenance work and
repair procedures.
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
>Tow-start only when the engine is
cold, otherwise unburned, residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to jump-start the vehicle with outside
assistance.
>Avoid other situations where the fuel
is not burned, or burns incompletely,
such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never let the engine run with any of
the spark plug cables disconnected. Be sure to observe the instruc-
tions above to prevent unburned
fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter. Otherwise there is danger of
overheating and damage to the cata-
lytic converter.
High temperatures occur in any vehicle
equipped with a catalytic converter.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to
some sections of the exhaust system.
Never remove these shields; do not
apply undercoating to their surfaces.
When driving, standing at idle, and
parking the vehicle, take extra care to
avoid contact between the exhaust
system and flammable materials (grass,
hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact could
start a fire, resulting in personal injury
and property damage.<
Driving notes Catalytic converter

106n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The concept ABS helps prevent the wheels from
locking while braking, thereby
enhancing active driving safety. This is
because locked wheels are dangerous.
When the front wheels slide, the driver
loses steering control over the vehicle.
Traction loss at the rear wheels can
cause the rear end to break into an
uncontrolled skid.
Under any given road conditions, ABS
can brake the vehicle within the
shortest possible distance and with the
greatest possible driving stability (on
straight-aways and curves, asphalt, ice,
wet road surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help maintain steering control and
maneuverability – on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud, wet
road surfaces, snow, ice).
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deacti-
vated whenever the vehicle's speed
drops back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h). This means that the wheels
can lock in the final phase of a panic
stop – a factor of no significance in
actual use.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum pedal pressure ("panic stop").
Do not let up on the brake pedal even
after it starts pulsating. Since the
vehicle maintains steering response,
you retain the ability to avoid obstacles
using careful steering inputs.
The ABS system's closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
Pulsation at the brake pedal shows you
that ABS is active and that you are thus
approaching the limits of the brake
system's effective response range. In
addition, a pulsation – a result of the
control function cycles – indicates to
the driver that vehicle speed should be
reduced to adapt to road surface condi-
tions when there is reduced traction and grip between tires and road surface
(slippery road surface).
On road surfaces with a loose surface
layer over a firm base, e.g. on gravel or
snow, as well as when driving with
snow chains on, braking distances may
be longer than with the wheels locked.
However, ABS continues to provide
enhanced vehicle stability and steering
response under these conditions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate clear-
ances for safety between vehicles,
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
occurs are always the responsibility of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<

111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationBrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface;
the resulting increase in braking
distance is considerable and should
always be kept in mind.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
Pumping the brakes will reduce braking
distance while helping you maintain
steering control over the vehicle.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal. Do not downshift to decelerate on
slick road surfaces. Doing so
could cause loss of traction at the rear
wheels, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal. Countersteer care-
fully and attempt to regain control of the
vehicle.
ParkingEngage either 1st gear or reverse.
Apply the parking brake whenever you
park on inclined surfaces. In order to
prevent the parking brake pads from
locking due to frost or corrosion, dry
them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic is
not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is
applied.<