2002 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE Owner's Manual

97n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Ashtray, front Ashtray, rear To emptyPress on the edge of the open cover
(arrow): you can now pull the ashtray
upward for removal.Extinguishing cigarettesTap off the ash and gently press the tip
into the funnel.
Cigarette lighterPress the lighter 1 in. As soon as the
lighter jumps back out, it can be
removed.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result
in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children
should never be left in the vehicle unat-
tended.< Cigarette lighter socketIt can be used for attaching power
supplies for flashlights, car vacuum
cleaners and other similar appliances
up to a rating of approx. 200 watts at
12 volts. Avoid damaging the socket
due to inserting plugs of different
shapes or sizes.
To emptyPress on the edge of the raised cover in
the opening direction (arrow). You can
now pull the ashtray upward for
removal.

98n
Ski bag
*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean
transport of up to 3 pairs of standard
skis or up to two snowboards.
The length of the ski bag and the addi-
tional space provided in the luggage
compartment make it possible to carry
skis up to 6.8 ft long (2.1 0 meters).
Because of the tapered shape of the
bag, the ski bag can only accommodate
two pairs of skis up to 6.8 ft long
(2.1 0 meters).
Loading1. Release the safety belts from their
holders
2. Press lever downward (arrow) and
remove the center piece by pulling it
forward
3. Extend the ski bag between the front
seats. The zipper provides conve-
nient access to stored items. It may
be opened to allow the ski bag to dry
4. Press the release button in the
luggage compartment (arrow)

99n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Ski bag
*
5. Secure the cover panel with the
magnetic retainer on the rear wall
and pull out the ski bag.
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by
tightening down the retaining
strap at the buckle.<
Please be sure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Be
careful to avoid damage from sharp
edges.
Storing the ski bagTo store the ski bag, perform the above
steps in reverse sequence.
When reattaching the center
piece, guide both bars into the
guide and press the center piece back
into place. Secure the safety belts in
their holders again.<

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.

102n

103n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index Technical data
Mainte-

104n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions.
Because of its engineering design,
the BMW M3 convertible is an
especially high-quality vehicle. It is in
your best interest to follow the break-in
tips very closely. Doing this, you will
create the basis for a long, optimum
service life.<
Engine and differential>Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km): drive at
varying engine and road speeds, but
do not exceed the following engine or
road speeds:
5,500 rpm or 105 mph (170 km/h)
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal to
the full-throttle position.
Vehicles with SMG II
* (refer to
page 64): refrain from using driving
program 6 in the sequential mode
during the break-in period.
>Following the break-in inspection at
1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can
gradually increase engine or road
speeds.
Follow the same break-in procedure if
either the engine or the differential is
replaced in the future.TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must elapse
before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long service life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions permit to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is
engaged.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off Ð when
towing, for example Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Drive cautiously during this
break-in period and do not press the
clutch or shift at high engine speeds.
Break-in procedures