2001 BMW M3 COUPE winter tires

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

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
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
specifications116Under 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
Car care

108n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free. CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor.
This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx.
Ð34 7 (Ð37 6). Have the coolant
replaced every 4 years. LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW
lock barrel grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains Mount BMW snow chains
*, whether on
summer or winter tires, in pairs on the
rear wheels only, keeping the manufac-
turer's safety instructions in mind. Do
not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) with snow chains. In
rare situations like these, it is advisable
to turn off the DSC and RDW. Refer to
page 76 or page 78.
Starting offWhen trying to drive out of deep snow,
or when "rocking" the vehicle to free it,
it may be advisable to temporarily
deactivate the DSC system. Refer to
page 76.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Adapt
your speed and driving style when
approaching grades or slopes. Maintain
an adequate distance between yourself
and the vehicle ahead.

109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationBrakingWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface;
the resulting increase in braking
distance is considerable and should
always be kept in mind.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking. Then
increase the pressure, reduce the pres-
sure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce stopping distances while
helping you maintain steering control.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal. Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces which
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and let up on the
gas. Countersteer carefully and attempt
to regain control of the vehicle.
ParkingEngage first or reverse gear. Depending
on the steepness of the incline, you can
apply the parking brake as well. In order
to prevent the parking brake pads from
locking due to frost or corrosion, dry
them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic
is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is
applied.<

113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4 100 means that the tire was
produced in the 41st week of the year
2000.
BMW recommends the replacing all
tires after 6 years at the latest, even if a
tire life of 10 years is possible. Re-initialize the Tire Pressure Warning
(RDW) after rotating the tires. See
page 78 for further information.
Summer tires
Due to different tire sizes on the
front and rear axles (refer to
page 116), the tires may not be rotated
from one axle to the other.<
Winter tiresThe tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear Ð the actual
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation is
not recommended.
If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires
is based on economic considerations,
one should consider whether the costs
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life
of the tires that might be realized.
Rotation must always be carried out
at short intervals (max. 3,000 miles/
5,000 km). Consult your BMW center
for more information.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential that you comply with the
following: rotate tires on the same side
only, since braking characteristics and
road grip could otherwise be adversely
affected.
Following rotation, correct the tire infla-
tion pressure.

114n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only wheels and tires approved by
BMW for the corresponding vehicle
model, as otherwise the tires may make
contact with the body as the result of
tolerances despite the same nominal
size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to page 116.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems that
otherwise will not function properly,
e.g. ABS, DSC.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel-tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 187 mph (300 km/h)
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h) e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect
ratio in X
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
225/45 R
1892W
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in
the valves frequently leads to slow
leaks. Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light when-
ever possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. e.g.
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
8x8H 2
J

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter tires Snow chainsChoosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under inclem-
ent winter driving conditions. While
so-called all season tires (M+S desig-
nation) provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings
H, V, W, Y and ZR, they generally do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires. Do not exceed specified
maximum speedsIn Germany: attach a corresponding
sign in accordance with the Federal
Motor Vehicles Safety Standards in
your field of vision if the maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher. This
sticker is available from the tire dealer
or your BMW center. Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressure and be sure to have the
wheels balanced each time a tire or
wheel is changed. In addition, also have
the Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) reini-
tialized, for details refer to page 78.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on winter tires is approved only
in pairs and only on the rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 78.<

116n
Approved wheel and tire specifications BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-
safe and approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring
entry in the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Light-alloy
wheels
BMW M3
Summer
Front: 225/45 ZR 18 8J x 18 EH2
Rear: 255/40 ZR 18 9J x 18 EH2
Front: 225/40 ZR 19 8J x 19 EH2
Rear: 255/35 ZR 19 9.5J x 19 EH2
Winter tires (M+S)
225/45 R 17 91 H 7.5Jx17 EH2
Snow chains
*
It is not possible to mount snow chains
on 18 and 19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the tire pressure
control (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to 78.<