2001 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE technical data

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

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

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Contents

Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit146
Windshield wiper blades146
Lamps and bulbs146
Repairing a flat tire153
Battery157
Fuses160
Replacing microfilter and
activated-charcoal filter161

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door161
Convertible top162

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting164
Towing the vehicle165Airbags168
Radio reception169
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)170
Safety belt tensioner170
M3 Engine concept171
Rain sensor172
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature173
Xenon lamps174
Rollover protection system175Engine data178
Dimensions179
Weights180
Capacities181
Electrical system182
Drive belts182

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

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

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

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Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop
*
Securing the cargo in the luggage
compartment >Secure smaller and lighter pieces
with a luggage compartment net
* or
tensioning straps (refer to page 40)
>For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing
devices
*. Lashing eyes (arrow) are
provided at the corners of the
luggage compartment for attaching
these load-securing devices.
Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
A special roof-rack system is available
for your BMW as an optional extra.
Please comply with the precautions
included with the installation instruc-
tions.Anchorage pointsAccess to the anchors:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool provided with the roof-rack
system.Loading and driving notesBecause roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
When loading, be sure to remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight or
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle loads. You will find the specifi-
cations under "Technical Data" on
page 180.
Make sure that the load is not too
heavy, and attempt to distribute it
evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces
first (on the bottom). Make sure that no
objects get in the way when the
luggage compartment lid is opening or
closing.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
tightly to prevent it from shifting or
being lost during driving (danger to
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
The luggage rack and roof luggage
increase the amount of surface
exposed to the wind: increased fuel
consumption and additional stresses on
the vehicle's body result from this.

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

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Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on
winter tires in pairs only and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning system (RDW) when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For further information, refer to
page 81.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce winter tires wear to a tread depth
of less than 0.16 in (4 mm), their perfor-
mance under winter driving conditions
deteriorates noticeably. Worn tires
should therefore be replaced to ensure
continued safety.
Inflate tires to specified pressure and
have the wheels balanced every time
the tires or wheels have been rotated;
re-initialize the Tire Pressure Warning
system (RDW) as well. Refer to page 81

for further information.
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires that have the H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, but they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer with
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels. Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<