2001 BMW M3 COUPE oil

129n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
with special body-cavity protectants, by
applying specially developed and
extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to
the undercarriage. Following this, a
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is
applied. Regular maintenance makes
an important contribution to maintaining
the safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on
vehicle finishes have led paint and
vehicle manufacturers to initiate
programs designed to further improve
the durability of their finishes. Despite
this, regional environmental factors can
have negative effects on your vehicle's
finish. These should guide you in deter-
mining the frequency and extent of your
efforts to maintain the vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type of
impact (perforation of paint layer),
physical stresses from sand, road salt,
gravel etc., can cause corrosion to
extend beneath the finish, starting at
the point of impact.Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,
animal droppings (strong alkali effect)
and tree excretions (resins and pollen)
all contain substances capable of
causing damage when allowed to
remain on the finish of your vehicle
for any period of time (spots, etching,
flaking, separation in the top coat).
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other
environmental pollutants will damage
the vehicle's finish unless adequate
care is provided Ð even though this
is generally limited to the outside hori-
zontal surfaces.
In coastal regions, high levels of
atmospheric salt and humidity promote
corrosion.
In tropical zones, high humidity and
heavy ultraviolet radiation prevail, in
addition to temperatures of over 105 7
(+40 6) in the shade. Under these
conditions, light paints can reach tem-
peratures up to 175 7 (+80 6) and
dark ones up to 250 7 (+120 6).
Caring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive
your vehicle in areas with high levels
of air pollution or aggressive natural
substances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive
substances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical
structure or to discoloration. Gasoline
spilled during refueling, oil, grease and
brake fluid should always be cleaned
away immediately, as should bird
droppings (finish damage).
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean
cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove
tar spots with tar remover. After
cleaning, the affected areas should be
waxed to ensure continued protection.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<

131n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleCaring for other vehicle
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially
during the winter months. However, do
not use aggressive products contain-
ing acids, strong alkalis or abrasives.
Do not use steam cleaners operating at
temperatures above 140 7 (+60 6).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chrome parts
* such
as window moldings, door handles or
similar items, clean these parts carefully
with ample clean water, and possibly a
shampoo additive, especially if there is
an accumulation of road salt. Use
chrome polish as an additional treat-
ment.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover
of the instrument cluster and compon-
ents with a sprayed dull black surface
can be cleaned with water (add plastic
shampoo as required). Do not allow
moisture to soak through the seats or
headliner. Never use solvents such as
lacquer thinner, heavy-duty grease
remover, fuels, or similar substances.
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied. The safety belts should be cleaned with
a mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the vehicle. Never
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-
vent the inertia reel mechanism from
retracting the strap properly, and thus
constitute a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from
the vehicle for cleaning.
Use only a damp cloth to clean trim
panels made of real wood
* and other
parts constructed of real wood
*. Follow
up by drying with a soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Care of upholstery materials Depressions in the upholstery that
result from everyday use can be
brushed smooth by brushing against
the nap with a lightly dampened brush.
The tendency of the pile to lie in a par-
ticular direction on velour upholstery is
not a quality defect. Just as with home
textiles or clothing, this cannot be
avoided.
Lint on upholstery materials, textile or
leather remnants that have been worn
into the upholstery may be removed
with a lint brush or a Velcro brush. A
cleaning glove is available for particu-
larly "stubborn" lint. Stains and fairly
large areas of dirt should be cleaned off
without delay, using lukewarm water
and an interior cleaner, stain remover or
appropriate cleaning fluid. Brush the
fabric afterwards to restore its appear-
ance.
If the vehicle will be stored for an
extended period or if it is exposed to
intense sunlight, cover all the seats or
the windows to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<

132n
Caring for your vehicleThe buildup of an electrostatic charge
on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-
spheric humidity is low, can give the
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
if they touch metal body parts after
leaving the vehicle. Although this is not
dangerous in any way, it can be
avoided by touching a bare or polished
metal part of the vehicle while getting
out.Alcantara
*
Clean using a gentle detergent, taking
care not to rub or scratch. Then finish
off by wiping it with a wet cloth.Leather care The leather upholstery
* used by BMW
is a natural product of the highest qual-
ity, processed using state-of-the-art
methods to ensure that it will maintain
its high quality for years to come, pro-
vided that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
as well as for the peculiarities of its use
and care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent
intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
acts as an antistatic agent.
For protection against dampness or
moisture, treat the leather with a
BMW impregnating agent.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains without
rubbing, but rather by dabbing with
spot remover.
If the upholstery is exposed to intense
sunlight or if the vehicle is going to be
left parked for an extended period of
time, cover all leather surfaces or all the
windows to prevent fading.Use the cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore, always
comply with the warnings and danger
notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.<

169n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: page 26
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)For details: page 122
Cooling system including heater
circuitquarts (liters) approx. 6.3 (approx. 6.0) For details: page 125
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5) BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
For details: page 124
Manual transmission and differential Ð Ð Changing the oil during the
breaking-in inspection, after which
it is considered permanently filled
and not changed again

Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 21, 104
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 88
Add brake fluid 121t, 126 t
Adding engine oil 123t
Adding washer fluid 122t
Adjusting the backrest 46
Adjusting the lumbar support 48
Adjusting the seat 47
Adjusting the steering wheel 52
Adjusting the temperature 86
Adjusting the thigh support 47
Adjusting the width of the backrests 48
Air conditioner 87
Air distribution, automatic 86
Air nozzles 84
Air outlets 84
Air pressure, tires 26, 111
Air supply 87
vents, recirculated air
mode 87
Airbags 56, 133 , 158
warning lamps 21Alarm system
40
Alcantara care 132
Antenna 110
Antenna, Diversity 159
Antifreeze 125
radiator 108
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 21, 104
Anti-theft alarm system 40
Anti-theft protection 31
Aquaplaning 103, 111
Armrest 91
Ashtray front 92
rear 93
Attach vacuum cleaner 93
AUC (Automatic recirculated air control) 87
Automatic car washes 128
Automatic climate control 84
Automatic cruise control 67
Automatic dimming, interior rearview mirror 50
Automatic recirculated air control (AUC) 87
Auxiliary terminal for jump- starting 121t
Average consumption 74
Average speed 74Avoiding unwanted
alarm 41
Axle loads 168
B
Backrest
adjusting 45
releasing 47
Backup lamps 64
bulb replacement 141t
Battery 148, 170
add distilled water 149t
capacity 170
charging 150t
current check lamp 20
removal and
installation 150
symbols 149
Belts 54
Beverage holder 91
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 124
BMW sports seat 46, 47
Bore 166
Bottle holder, refer to beverage holder 91
Brake hydraulic system 20
Brake lamps, bulb replacement 141t
Brake pads 107
indicator lamp for 21Brakes
driving notes 103
faults 107t
fluid change 71
fluid level 107
warning lamps 20
Break-in procedure 102
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 134
Can holder, refer to beverage holder 91
Capacities 169
Car Memory 52
Car phone 92
Car radio 110
reception 110, 158
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, connecting 93
Car wash 128
Care exterior 129
interior 131
rubber seals and
components 108
upholstery 131
wool velour 131
Cargo loading 97

Everything from A to Z
175n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for the vehicle
finish129
Cassette operation, refer to
the radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter103
starting problems103
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 104
CD operaton, refer to the
radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone110
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest91
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp143
Central locking system31
key36
Check Control72t
Checking air pressure26t
Checking engine oil
level123t
Child restraint
system55, 59
Child seat safety55, 60
Cigarette lighter93
Clean the headlamps67
Clean the windshield66
Clock73
Clothes hooks94
Cockpit16Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Coin box91
Combination switch65
Compression166
Computer72
Configuring the settings52
Consumption74
Consumption display70
Control elements16
Coolant108, 121t, 125
antifreeze108
Coolant temperature
gauge70
Cooling system169
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 104
Cruise control67
Cruising range74
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder91
Curb weight168
DDashboard16
Data
dimensions167
engine166
technical166
weights168Daytime-driving lamp
switch81
Deep water103
Defrost position87t
Defrostable rear window88
Defrosting the
windows87t
Difficult steering110t
Digital clock73
Dimensions167
Dipstick123
Disk brakes106
Displacement166
Display lighting81
Displays18
Disposal
used batteries151
used engine oil124
Distance warning75
Diversity Antenna159
Door key30
Door locks, care108
Doors
emergency
actuation32t
operating manually32
remote control33
unlocking and
locking32, 33
DOT Quality Grades112
Draft-free ventilation88
Drive belts170Driving in winter108
Driving lamps81
Driving notes
aquaplaning103
brakes103
disk brakes106
sliding109
slippery roads108
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 76, 159
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22, 76, 159
EElectric power windows42
Electrical accessories,
failure151t
Electrical failure
fuel filler door152t
sliding/tilt sunroof153t
Electrical system170
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Emergency actuation
doors32t
fuel filler door152t
sliding/tilt sunroof153t
Engine
compartment120
coolant125, 169
data166
displacement166

Everything from A to Zhigh-speed aspirated
engine160
speed166
starting62t
torque166
Engine concept M3160
Engine oil
add123t
capacity169
consumption123
pressure20
temperature69
Entry to the rear47
Exterior mirrors49
Eyelets, towing155tFFailure messages72t
Fan87
Fault, ABS105
Filler cap cover25
Filling capacities169
Filling the washer
reservoir122t
First-aid kit24t
Flat tire111
repairing145
Fog lamps82
bulb replacement141t
Folding rear backrest95
Follow-Me-Home lamps81
Footbrake106Footwell lamps82
bulb replacement144t
Frost protection,
radiator125
Fuel26
consumption74
consumption display70
gauge70
preparation166
quality26
reserve indicator lamp70
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault152t
Fuel tank capacity169
Fuel tank gauge70
Functional status, electrical
and electronic
systems162
Fuses151
replacing151t
GGasoline26
Gasoline gauge70
Glove compartment90
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement144t
Gross vehicle weight168
HHandbrake63
Handsfree system92
Hazard warning
flashers24t
Hazard warning triangle24
Head restraint46
Headlamp cleaning
system121, 122, 169
Headlamp cover,
care139t
Headlamp flasher82
Headlamp washer system,
refer to headlamp cleaning
system
Heated seats89
Heavy loads97
Height167
HiFi system Ð harman
kardon90
High beams65, 82
indicator lamp22
High engine speed160
High Performance Synthetic
Oil124
High-mount brake lamp143
Holder for beverages91
Hood release118t
Horn17
IIce warning73
Identification, tires114
Ignition key30
Ignition lock62
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20t
Individual settings52
Inflation
pressure26t, 111t
INSPECTION71
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting81
Instrument panel18
Interaxle tire rotation113t
Interface socket
for Onboard
Diagnostics135
Interference
cellular phone110
Interior lamps34, 82
bulb replacement143t
remote control34
Interior motion sensor40
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature50, 161
Intermittent mode, wiper
system65

Everything from A to Z
177n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
JJump-starting154KKey30
with remote control30
Key Memory52LLamps
fog lamps82
footwell lamps82
interior lamps82
reading lamps83
LAMPS ON warning81
Lashing eyes98
LATCH attachment of the
child seat60
Leather care132
Length167
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement143t
Light switch81
Light-alloy wheels116
Lighter93
Load-securing devices98
Louvers84
Low beam headlamps81
bulb replacement139tLuggage compartment37
capacity168
emergency release37t
floor mat39
floor panel39
lid37
lighting37
locking separately37
remote control34
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement144t
Luggage rack98
Lumbar support48
MM Engine dynamics
control80
M Mobility system145
components146
using146
Maintenance71, 127t
Make-up mirror50
Malfunction displays72t
Manual transmission64
Manual-shift gear lever64
Master key30
Mechanical seat45
Memory51
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)23Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter88
changing152t
Mirror memory51
Mirrors49
automatic curb
monitor49
with automatic dimming
feature161
Mobile phone110
Modifications,
technical6, 134
Motion sensor, interior40
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)23
M+S radial tires115
NNavigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest46OOBD interface socket135
Obstruction protection42
Odometer69
Oil
additives123
capacity169
consumption123Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Oil filter change169
Oil level, indicator lamp21
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE71
Onboard computer, refer to
computer72
Onboard monitor, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Onboard tool kit138t
Opening and closing
from inside36
via remote control33
via the door lock32
Outside temperature
display73
PPaint blemishes129
Paintwork
minor repairs130
waxing130
Paint, care129
Panic mode35