2001 BMW M3 COUPE oil level

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve70
2 Turn signal indicator22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams22

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 21
5 Tachometer and engine oil
temperature gauge69, 69
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator70
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)20

>

Antilock Brake System
(ABS)21

>

Brake pads21

>

Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW)20, 22

>

Airbags21

>

Please fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control22
8 Set button for the clock73
9 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)2210 Indicator for:

>

Odometer69

>

Trip odometer69

>

Clock73

>

Service Interval71
Indicator for computer, operation
using the turn signal lever, refer to
page 72:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Crusing range

>

Average speed
11 Indicator for Check Control72
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero6913 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:

>

Fog lamps22

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level22

>

Electronic Throttle Control
(EML)22

>

Service engine soon22
You can have the outside temper-
ature and distance traveled shown
in other units of measurement.

<

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.

123n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel or
similar material
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil quantity between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter).
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the differential,
and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.

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.<

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 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