2001 BMW M3 COUPE warning light

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Side lamps/Low beams81
Instrument lightning81
High beams/Parking lamps82
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, rear93
Clothes hooks94

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system95
Ski bag96
Cargo loading97
Roof-mounted luggage rack98

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures102
Driving notes103
Catalytic converter103
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)104
Disk brakes106
Brake system107
Winter operation108
Power steering110
Cellular phones110
Radio reception110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure111
Tire condition111
Tire replacement112
Tire rotation113
Wheel and tire
combinations114
Winter tires115
Snow chains115
Approved wheel and tire
specifications116

Under the hood:

Hood118
Engine compartment120
Washer fluids122
Washer nozzles122
Engine oil123
Coolant125
Brake fluid126
Vehicle Identification
Number126

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System127
Caring for your vehicle128
Airbags133
Vehicle storage133

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications134
California Proposition
65 Warning134
OBD connector135

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.

75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptThe PDC assists you when you back
into a parking space. A signal warns
you of the distance to an obstacle. To
do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the
rear bumper measure the distance to
the nearest object. The range for the
sensors located at both rear corners
ends approx. 2 ft (60 cm) behind the
bumpers. The range for the two middle
sensors is slightly less than 4.9 ft
(1.50 meters).
The system is activated automatically
about one second after you engage
reverse with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2. PDC is deactivated when you
shift back out of reverse.
Acoustic signalsThe distance to the nearest object is
indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between
vehicle and object decreases, the inter-
vals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the
presence of an object less than 1 ft.
(30 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to
the obstacle remains constant during
this time (if you are moving parallel to a
wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please have your BMW center
resolve the problem.The PDC does not remove the
driver's personal responsibility for
evaluating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical limits of ultra-
sonic measurement, as occurs with tow
bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin and painted objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance of more
than 4 in (10 cm). <
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*

78n
Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)The conceptThe Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) moni-
tors the tire pressure in all four wheels
while driving. The system detects
whenever the inflation pressure in a tire
drops significantly.
Controlling the tire pressure is based
on monitoring the speed of the tires
relative to each other. A flat tire is
detected and reported because the
speed suddenly deviate drastically from
one another.
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the
system with the correct inflation pres-
sure.
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement. Do not carry out further
system initialization after correcting the
inflation pressure and letting the system
"learn" what condition is required.
1 Check the tire inflation pressure in all
the tires, comparing them with the
inflation pressure table (page 27),
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2 Turn the ignition key to position 2
3 Continue to press the button until the
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. After a short
time, the indicator lamp will go out
automatically
4 After a few minutes, the RDW will
accept the current inflation pressure
as the value to be measured against,
and from that point on, can detect
and report a flat tire.