Contents
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit126
Windshield wiper blades126
Lamps and bulbs126
Repairing a flat tire132
Battery136
Fuses136
Giving and receiving
assistance:
Jump-starting137
Towing the vehicle139Engine data144
Dimensions145
Weights146
Capacities147Everything from A to Z150
10n
For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e.
15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will
not void the applicable warranties
respecting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, others) among gasolines offered
for sale in the United States and
Canada. The use of poor quality fuels
may result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under
certain environmental conditions, such
as high ambient temperature and high
altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you
are handling gasoline.
<
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been
thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to verify if it can
be used on a BMW safely and without
risk to either the vehicle, its operation,
or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle,
compromise its safety, interfere with
the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. See your BMW center for
additional information.
<
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.
<
Symbol for vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
100n
Cargo loading
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and the permissible axle loads
(refer to page 146), otherwise the
vehicle's operating safety is no longer
assured and you are in violation of the
law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in
the passenger compartment without
first securing them. Otherwise they
would be thrown around during braking
and evasive maneuvers and endanger
the occupants.<
Stowing cargo When transporting cargo in your BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible Ð directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment
partition Ð and as low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
You can enlarge the luggage
compartment when the convert-
ible top is closed, refer to page 37. To
do this you have to fold the convertible
top compartment panel up.
We recommend that you always fold
the convertible top compartment panel
down as soon as you have removed
your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that
you can always operate you convertible
top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is
closed, raise the convertible top
compartment panel before stowing
your cargo in the luggage compartment
to avoid any damage to the convertible
top compartment or your load.<
101n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop
*
Securing the cargo in the luggage
compartment >Secure small, light items with a
luggage compartment net
* or elastic
straps, refer to page 35
>For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing
devices
*. Lashing eyes (arrow) are
provided at the corners of the
luggage compartment for attaching
these load-securing devices.
Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
A special luggage system is available
as an option for your BMW. Please
observe the precautions included with
the installation instructions.Mounting pointsAccess to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool which is provided with the
luggage system.Loading and driving notesBecause roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
When loading, be sure to remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight or
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle loads. You will find the specifi-
cations under "Technical Data" on
page 146.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Make sure that no objects
get in the way when the luggage
compartment lid is opening or closing.
When carrying cargo on the roof,
always ensure that it is properly
secured. Loose cargo can shift and
even fly off, posing a serious hazard to
other road users.<
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
132n
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic; switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Shift into 1st or reverse and
engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If necessary, set up your warning
triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp on the roadside at an appropriate
distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.<
M Mobility systemYou will find an M Mobility system in
your BMW M3 convertible for repairing
flat tires. With this system you can
apply a sealing liquid to the inside of
the tire that seals off the damaged point
and then continue driving.
The M Mobility system makes trans-
porting a spare wheel superfluous,
thereby reducing the amount of weight
you have to carry around. Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility
system, proceed as follows:
>Prepare the M Mobility system for
use, refer to the next column
>This is part of the M Mobility system,
refer to page 133
>Filling with sealant, refer to page 133
>Distributing sealant, refer to
page 134
>Inflating tire to correct pressure, refer
to page 135.
Preparing the M Mobility system
for useThe M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel:
1. Lift the floor panel (refer to page 35)
2. Loosen the M Mobility system from
its storage location.
Before you use the M Mobility
system, read the warnings and
danger notices on the device care-
fully.<
If possible, leave the foreign object in
the tire.
Pull off the sticker 5 (refer to the second
column on the right) for the speed limit
and apply it to the steering wheel.
146n
Weights Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation,
full tank of fuel, options not included) lbs (kg) 3,782 (1,715)
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs (kg) 4,630 (2,100)
Approved front axle weight lbs (kg) 2,183 (990)
Approved rear axle weight lbs (kg) 2,579 (1,170)
Permissible roof weight for the hardtop lbs (kg) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity with the convertible top
compartment raisedcu ft (l) 9.2 (260)
10.6 (300)
Approved axle weights and approved gross vehicle weight may not be exceeded.
Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 19, 105
Accessories 10
Activated-charcoal filter 94
Adding brake fluid 119t
coolant 118t
engine oil 116t
washer fluid 115t
Adjusting head restraints 46
lumbar support 45
mirrors 50
seats 45
steering wheel 50
temperature 89
thigh support 45
Air conditioner 89, 93
Air distribution 89
automatic 92
Air outlets 88, 91
Air pressure, tires 109
Air supply 89, 92
Airbags 52
warning lamp 18 Alarm system
37
avoiding unintentional
alarm 38
indicator lamp 38
interior motion sensor 37
tilt alarm sensor 37
Antifreeze 118
radiator 118
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 19, 105
Anti-theft alarm system 37
Anti-theft protection 28
Approved weights 146
Aquaplaning 105, 109
Armrest 96
Ashtray front 97
rear 97
AUC (Automatic recirculated-air
control) 93
Automatic climate control 88, 91
Automatic cruise control 73
Automatic headlight
control 85
Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC) 93 Automatic windshield
washer 72
Auxiliary terminal for jump- starting 114t
Average fuel consumption 79
Average speed 79
Avoiding unintentional alarm 38
B
Backrest unlocking 47
Backup lamps 64
bulb replacement 129t
Battery 136
add distilled water 136t
charge current 17
charging 136t
maintenance 136
Belts 48
Beverage holder 96
Blower 89, 92
BMW Maintenance System 120
Bore 144
Bottle holder, refer to beverage holder 96 Brake fluid change
76
Brake fluid level 105
indicator lamp 17
Brake lamps bulb replacement 129t
center 131
Brake system brake fluid level 105
brake fluid level, warning
lamp 105
brake pads 106
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
disc brakes 106
indicator lamp 17
malfunction 105
Break-in procedure 104
Bulbs and lamps 126
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 121
Can holder, refer to beverage holder 96
Capacities 147
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car telephone 96
Everything from A to Z
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo loading100
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)105
Cellular phone96
hands-free system96
speaker96
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp131
Center armrest96
Central locking system28
Check Control77
Checking engine coolant
level118t
Checking engine oil
level116t
Child Seat Safety57
Child-restraint systems54
Cigarette lighter97
Clean the headlamps72
Cleaning windshield72
Clock77
also refer to the "Radio
Owner's Manual" or to the
"Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual" Cockpit14
Coin box96
Combination switch70
Compression ratio144
Computer
also refer to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"78
Configure personal settings,
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory60
Connecting electrical
appliances97
Connecting vacuum
cleaner97
Consumption display76
Consumption, fuel79
Control elements14
Convertible top
electrical
malfunction42t
Coolant118, 147
Coolant temperature
gauge76
Cooling system,
capacities147
Copyright4 Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)105
Correct sitting position44
Cruise control73
Cruising range79
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder96
Curb weight146
D
Dashboard
lighting86
Data
dimensions145
engine144
technical144
weights146
Daytime driving lamps85
Deep water105
Defroster, rear window89
Defrosting the windows92
Digital clock77
also refer to the "Radio
Owner's Manual"
Dimensions145 Dimming inside rearview
mirror51
Dipstick, engine oil116
Disc brakes106
Displacement144
Display lighting86
Displays15
Distance warning80
Door key28
Door mirror50
Doors
electrical
malfunction29t
manual operation29t
remote control30
unlocking and locking29
Draft-free ventilation90, 94
Driving lamps85
Driving notes
aquaplaning105
brakes105
disc brakes106
in general105
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)81
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)81
indicator lamp19