2002 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ABS

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacement Wheel and tire combinations Tire ageBMW recommends the replacing of all
tires after 6 years at the latest, even if a
tire life of 10 years is possible.
The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 3501 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 35 of the year
2001.Following wheel/tire changesFollowing wheel and/or tire changes
you will need to reinitialize both the Flat
Tire Monitor and the sequential M
gearbox
* SMG II, refer to pages 70, 83.
The right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically
approved by BMW for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels
and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors
such as manufacturing tolerances can
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires
are used, BMW cannot evaluate their
suitability, and therefore cannot be held
liable for driving safety.<
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 country-specific regulations, e.g.
on making a corresponding entry in the
vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC, Flat Tire Monitor.
The function of these systems is
impaired if improper wheel and tire
combinations are used.
Therefore, only use tires of the same
brand and same tread configuration on
the vehicle and, for example following a
tire failure, restore the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as
possible.<
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your
vehicle and may cause an accident and
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle
control.< Storage Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Protect the tires
against contact with oil, grease and
fuel.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake fluid
If the brake warning lamp
comes on with the parking
brake released: the brake fluid
level is too low.
For adding brake fluid or for
determining and correcting the
cause of brake fluid loss, consult your
BMW center. Your BMW center is
familiar with the specifications for
factory-approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Due to loss in brake fluid, pedal travel
can lengthen and braking efficiency
may be reduced. Comply with the infor-
mation provided on page 105.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<

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Battery Fuses
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Maintenance The battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original
battery acid will normally last for the
service life of the battery under
moderate climate conditions.
For all questions that regard the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following state-
ments are for your information only.<
Do not disconnect the battery
when the engine is running. If you
do so, the ensuing voltage surge will
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics.<
Charging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running. Use the
connections provided in the engine
compartment (for correct connections,
refer to "Jump-starting" on page 138.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting in transit.<
Open the glove compartment and turn
the two white quick-release connec-
tions outward.
Do not attempt to repair a burned
fuse or replace it with a fuse
having a different color or amperage
rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.<

138n
Jump-starting1. Ensure that the battery in the support
vehicle is also rated at 12 volts. This
information is provided on the top of
the battery casing
2. Do not disconnect your battery from
your vehicle's electrical system.
Switch off all electrical accessories in
both vehicles
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles Ð short circuit hazard
4. Start the engine on the support
vehicle and allow it to run
5. Use one jumper cable (+) to connect
the positive terminal of the battery in
the support vehicle with the auxiliary
positive terminal provided in the
engine compartment of your BMW
specifically for jump-starting. The
cover of the positive terminal
connector is marked with a "+" sign.
Refer to the illustration. Remove by
pulling the tab (arrow 1)
6. Next, connect one end of the other
jumper cable (Ð) to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal or
a suitable ground on its engine or
bodywork. Connect the other end to
the negative battery terminal or a
suitable ground on the vehicle being
started. There is a special nut
provided for this on the BMW
(arrow 2)
Always adhere to this sequence
when connecting jumper cables;
failure to observe this procedure can
lead to sparks at the battery terminals
and pose an injury hazard.<
7. Allow the engine on the support
vehicle to run at a fast idle for several
minutes, then start the engine on the
vehicle with the discharged battery in
the usual manner. If the first start
attempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the discharged battery
to recharge
8. Allow the engines to run for several
minutes before disconnecting the
jumper cables
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables
in the opposite order.
Have the battery recharged at your
BMW center as required.

140n
Towing the vehicleUse only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be
possible to control vehicle handling. to page 137.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle1. Gearshift lever in neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signal indicators, horn and wind-
shield wipers remain operative, and
to prevent the steering lock detent
from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning system
(observe applicable legal regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power-assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.c
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
*
SMG II:
To push or tow, engage selector lever
in position 0.
Never work on the vehicle with a
driving position engaged.c

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