2001 BMW M3 COUPE ECU

We are pleased you have decided on a BMW M3.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please read the information summarized for you in this Owner's Manual, before
starting off in your new BMW M3. It contains important instructions for operating
your vehicle that will allow you to get the most out of your BMW M3's technologi-
cally advanced qualities. In addition, you will find information on maintenance and
care, there to ensure operating and driving safety, as well as to maintain the best
possible value of your vehicle.
BMW M also makes a decisive contribution toward greater safety in traffic through
its BMW driver training.
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 is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
Ð Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð 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

Preface

28n
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system31
Opening and closing Ð
via the door lock32
Opening and closing Ð
via the remote control33
Opening and closing Ð
from the inside36
Lugagge compartment lid37
Luggage compartment39
Alarm system40
Electric power windows42
Sliding/tilt sunroof43
Adjustments:
Seats45
Mirrors49
Seat and mirror memory51
Steering wheel52
Car Memory, Key Memory52
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts54
Airbags56
Transporting children safely59
Controls

30n
KeysThe key set1 Master key with remote control
This key sets the functions for Key
Memory. Refer to page 52
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive. For this reason, if you
have a master key that is otherwise not
used, use that key at least once every
year while driving for an extended
period to charge the battery. Refer also
to page 33.<
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use
3 Door key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key Ð
this is recommended for valet
parking, for instance.
Replacement keysare available exclusively through your
BMW center. Since the keys are part of
a security system, vehicle ownership
must be checked before a replacement
key can be issued (refer to "Electronic
vehicle immobilizer" on page 31).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn that key to position 2 in
the ignition lock once (ignition switched
on) and then back. This allows the elec-
tronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the
new key.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Electronic vehicle immobilizer Central locking systemThe key to security Your BMW is equipped with a passive
antiÐtheft system. This electronic immo-
bilization system is designed to reduce
the susceptibility of your vehicle to theft
by making it impossible to start the
engine using any means other than the
special keys furnished with the vehicle.
Your BMW center can cancel the elec-
tronic system authorization for indi-
vidual keys (in the event of loss, for
instance). A deactivated key can no
longer be used to start the engine.
How the electronics work At the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip which is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device, simulta-
neously serving as a communications
interface designed to allow the security
system to maintain a continuous stream
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with
the electronic circuitry in the key. The
system will not release the ignition, fuel
injection and starter unless it recog-
nizes an "authorized" key.
Force applied to the key can
damage the integrated electronic
circuitry. A damaged key can no longer
be used to start the engine.<
The conceptThe system engages and releases the
locks on the:
>Doors
>Luggage compartment lid
>Fuel filler door.
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The central locking system can
be operated
>from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
>from inside by pressing a button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel
filler door will not be locked (refer to
page 36).
When the system is actuated from
outside the vehicle, the antitheft protec-
tion is simultaneously activated. Both
the door locks and release handles
remain locked. The alarm system is also
activated or deactivated.
For your safety: if locked from inside,
the central locking system unlocks
automatically in the event of an acci-
dent. In addition, the hazard warning
flashers and interior lamps come on.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð via the remote control The conceptThe remote control makes opening and
locking the doors of your vehicle very
convenient. Furthermore, it provides
two additional functions which you can
only execute via the remote control:
>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to
page 34.
With this function, you can also
"search" for your vehicle Ð when
parked in an underground garage, for
instance
>Open the luggage compartment lid.
Refer to page 34.
The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly, regardless of whether it
was locked or unlocked.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated/activated simultaneously with the
unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and
the alarm system is disarmed/armed,
and the interior lamps are switched on/
off.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
Master keysKeys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 30.
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this
reason, always take the vehicle keys
with you so that the vehicle can be
opened again from the outside at any
time.<
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to charge the battery. Refer also
to page 30.
Guard the remote control against unau-
thorized use by only surrendering the
spare key or the door key (refer to
page 30) e. g. for valet parking.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<

34n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlTo unlock the vehiclePress button 1.
After unlocking the driver's door, press
button 1 again to unlock the entire
vehicle.Convenience opening modePress and hold button 1. The windows
and the sliding/tilt sunroof are opened.To lock and securePress button 2.
To switch on the interior lampsAfter locking the vehicle, press
button 2.To deactivate the alarm system tilt
sensor and interior motion sensor Press button 2 a second time immedi-
ately after locking.
For additional information, refer to
page 41.
To open the luggage
compartment lidPress button 3.
The lid will open slightly, no matter
whether it was locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure
that the luggage compartment lid
was not opened unintentionally.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Lugagge compartment lidThe lock Only the master keys (refer to page 30)
fit in the lock for the luggage compart-
ment lid.
To secure separatelyTurn the master key to the right past the
resistance point and then pull it out in
the horizontal position.
This locks the luggage compartment lid
and disconnects it from the central
locking system. If you surrender only
the door key (refer to page 30), this will
prevent unauthorized access via the
luggage compartment lid. This is
convenient for valet parking, for
instance.
To open from outsidePress the button in the handle recess
(arrow): the luggage compartment lid
opens slightly.
The luggage compartment is lighted
when the luggage compartment lid is
opened. Manual operation(in the event of electrical malfunction)
Turn the master key to the left to the
stop Ð the luggage compartment lid will
open slightly.
The luggage compartment is locked
again as soon as you close the lid.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Luggage compartment Floor panelTo raise and secure the floor panel, lift
it by the ring and hook it into the rubber
seal of the run-off gutter with the
hanger (arrow).
Floor matYou can turn the floor mat over if
required (for transporting soiled objects
for instance). The rubberized side may
be washed. It reduces movement of
objects placed on it.
The fittings at the inner corners of the
luggage compartment provide you with
a convenient means of attaching
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for
securing suitcases and luggage.
Refer also to "Cargo loading," page 97.