2001 BMW M3 COUPE check engine light

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology
that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion 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. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
V-belt is defective, increased steering
effort is also required.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

Stop vehicle immediately and
switch off engine. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
If the oil level is correct: please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, other-
wise, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.

<



Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a flat tire has
occurred. To come to an immediate
stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any
sudden, jerky braking or steering
maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 78.
Brake hydraulic system

l

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the addi-
tional information on pages 107
and 126.
Brake lamp for Canadian
models.

21n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Indicator and warning lamps

Red: an important reminder

Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 63.



Parking brake lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts

l


A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Lights up for a
few seconds or until the safety belt is
fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 54.
Airbags

l


Please have the system
inspected by your authorized
BMW center.
For additional information,refer to
pages 56, 158.

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
If the 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
pages 76, 105.
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 system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able and unrestricted. Please have the
system inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 104.
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 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 123.
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 123.
Brake pads l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 107.

22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) l
RDW has been switched off or
has been deactivated because
of a malfunction. In the event of a
malfunction, have the system checked
by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 26, 78.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) l
The indicator lamp flashes when
the system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been switched off via the
button or because of a malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 76 and on.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low.
Top up the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 135.
Warning lamp: Service Engine
Soon for Canadian models.
Engine electronics l
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics allow for continued driving
with reduced engine output or speed.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low.
Add coolant at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 125.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 65.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel (MFL).
For additional information, refer to
page 67.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever fog lamps
are on.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 65, 82.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake63
Manual transmission64
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher65
Wiper/Washer system/Rain
sensor65
Rear window defroster67
Cruise control67
Everything under control:
Odometer69
Tachometer69
Engine oil temperature gauge69
Fuel gauge70
Coolant temperature gauge70
Service Interval Display71
Check Control72
Computer72
Technology for driving comfort
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)75
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)76
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)78
M Engine dynamics control80Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams81
Instrument lighting81
High beams/Parking lamp82
Fog lamps82
Interior lamps82
Reading lamps83
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control84
Heated seats89
Roller sun blind89
Interior conveniences:
HiFi system90
Glove compartment90
Storage compartments91
Cellular phone92
Ashtray, front92
Cigarette lighter93
Ashtray rear 93
Clothes hooks94
Loading and transporting
cargo:
Through-loading system95
Ski bag96
Cargo loading97
Roof-mounted luggage rack98

70n
Fuel gauge Coolant temperature gauge Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to
page 169.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (when you
are driving in mountainous areas, for
example), the needle may fluctuate
slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<
When the ignition is turned on, the indi-
cator lamp in the fuel display will light
up briefly as a functional check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds. RedTo check the function, the warning
lamp in the coolant temperature gauge
will light up briefly when the ignition is
turned on.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle, the engine has overheated.
Switch the engine off immediately and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to
page 125.
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.

125n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in original containers and in
a location inaccessible to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains ethylene glycol,
a flammable substance. For this reason,
do not spill long-life antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts.
It could catch fire and cause burns.<
Check the coolant level and add
coolant Check the coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. 68 7 or
+20 6). The coolant gauge needle in
the instrument cluster must be located
in the blue field, as otherwise you could
be scalded when adding more fluid.
1 Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counter-clock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
2 The coolant level is correct whenever
the upper end of the red float rod is
aligned with the upper edge of the
filler neck (refer to the arrow in the
illustration and the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck as well)
3 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.Change the coolantReplace the coolant every three years.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<

135n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD connector The data link connector for onboard
diagnostics is located on the left-hand
side of the driver's side, on the under-
side of the instrument panel and under
a cover panel. The cover is marked with
the letters "OBD".
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the
vehicle. Your system should be
checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your
nearest BMW center immediately.
Severe engine misfire over even a short
period of time can seriously damage
emission control system components,
especially the catalytic converter.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<

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