2001 BMW M3 COUPE Owner's Manual

161n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rain sensor
*
Interior rearview mirror, automatic dimming feature

When the "intermittent wiper" speed
position is selected, the wiper reacts
immediately if water is splashed onto
the windshield from vehicles traveling
ahead, for example. As a result, the rain
sensor contributes to driving safety and
comfort.
The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature reduces blinding
from following traffic by adapting the
intensity of the reflected images to
correspond to levels of light registered
by the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts
to its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One lamp
sensor is mounted on the front of the
mirror housing. This sensor is directed
forward. It measures light intensity in the
area ahead of the vehicle. The second
sensor is integrated within the mirror's
glass. The electronic control system
compares the light intensity from front
and rear. The difference provides the
basic parameter used to modulate an
electrical current and induce chemical
changes in a semisolid layer incorpo-
rated in the mirror glass.
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing infi-
nitely-variable dimming of the mirror
(electrochromic technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the mirror manually, and the driver
can concentrate completely on traffic
conditions.

162n
Self-diagnostics All of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested
regularly and automatically Ð the driver
does not have to perform any extra
operations or adjustments.
The indicator lamps also come on
briefly after the ignition has been turned
on.
In the same manner, the electrical
resistance of the airbag ignition genera-
tors and all of the remaining airbag
components are constantly being
measured. Any fault in this system
would be detected immediately by a
current fluctuation that would neces-
sarily accompany it. The fault would be
indicated immediately by the airbag
warning lamp.
Even after you shut off the engine, the
overall functional status of your vehicle
is monitored. For example, all of the
flaps of the heating and ventilation
system travel to the nearest limit posi-
tion. This action ensures that the
defrost function will be preserved,
regardless of the circumstances, even
if, for example, a malfunction in the
heating or ventilation system should
occur during the night while the vehicle
is parked.
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time
the engine is shut off. During this cycle,
the actuator motors of all the heating
and ventilation flaps travel to their limit
stops in both directions. The limit posi-
tions and the return travel paths are
checked in this manner in order to
ensure that appropriate adjustments for
the operating elements can be made at
any time.
You can hear the vent flaps of the
heating or ventilation system
performing their self-diagnostics
routine after turning off the ignition. All
of the other self-diagnostics functions
operate silently in the background.Any possible faults detected during
these self-diagnostics can be read out
and corrected by your BMW center
during the next regularly scheduled
maintenance.

163n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Xenon lamps
*
The xenon lamp provides forward illu-
mination with significantly more bright-
ness and uniformity than the traditional
halogen lamp.
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc
replaces the filament in order to
generate intense illumination. A gas
mixture in a quartz glass tube with
metal vapor is ignited by a high electric
voltage. The arc that is generated is
then sustained by a lower voltage.
When the lamp is turned, on there is a
brief warm-up period. Maximum bright-
ness is attained in approx. 15 seconds.
Xenon lamps improve the driver's visi-
bility and orientation to the road, espe-
cially in adverse weather conditions
and driving situations (driving at night in
heavy rain or through road repair areas
where there are no lane markers, for
instance).
Vehicles with xenon lamps are
equipped with automatic headlamp
range control. As a result, the highway
is always optimally lighted, regardless
of load conditions, and drivers in
oncoming traffic are not blinded.
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-
bution to highway safety since other
highway users, bicyclists and motorcy-
clists in the right lane, and pedestrians
are more easily detected.

164n

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine data166
Dimensions167
Weights168
Capacities169
Electrical system170
Drive belts170

Data

166n
Displacement
Number of cylinders cu in (cmm) 198.1 (3,246)
6
Max. output
at engine speed hp (kW)
rpm333 (245)
7,900
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb-ft (Nm)
rpm262 (355)
4,900
Compression ratioe
11.5
Stroke
Borein (mm)
in (mm)3.58 (91)
3.43 (87)
Fuel-injection system Digital electronic
engine-management system
Engine data

167n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Smallest turning radius dia.: 36.1 feet (11.0 m).
Dimensions

168n
Weights Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation,
full tank of fuel, options not included)
lbs. (kg) 3,415 (1,549)
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs. (kg) 4,453 (2,020)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,138 (970)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,535 (1,150)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 14.5 (410)
Permitted axle loads and permitted total vehicle weight may not be exceeded.