2002 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE engine

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Indicator and warning lamps

Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

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There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 118
Rollover protection system

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The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. Please have the system inspected
immediately at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 58
Check Filler Cap

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If the indicator lamp comes on
although the fuel filler cap is
secured correctly: this indicates a
malfunction in the fuel system. Have the
system inspected at your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 23

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicators
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 70
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 73
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 86

Blue: for your information

High beam
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 70, 86

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Warning triangle
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First-aid kit
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Refueling
The hazard warning triangle is stored
ready to use in the luggage compart-
ment lid inside the toolbox for the
onboard tool kit.
To open the container, loosen the wing
nut.
Always observe all legal regula-
tions requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To release: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To fasten: fold the cover up
Several of the items contained in
the first-aid kit have a limited
service life. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any with passed
dates. You can acquire replacements in
any drugstore or pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, switch off
the engine. If you do not, fuel
cannot be filled into the tank and the
Service Engine Soon lamp may come
on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol
on the right trim panel of the luggage
compartment.

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Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressureThe engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<
Proper inflation pressures are on a
sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.Check tire pressuresAll pressures are specified in the usual
units of the respective country (psi; kilo-
pascal) for tires at ambient temperature
(also refer to the following tire inflation
pressure table).
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor so
that it can monitor the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 82.
Check your tire pressures on a
regular basis Ð at least twice a
month Ð and before every extended
journey. Incorrect tire pressure can
otherwise lead to driving instability, tire
damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval
specifications The inflation pressures in the table apply
to BMW approved tire sizes and tire
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires
which not only meet US standards, but
also European standards. We recom-
mend the exclusive use of BMW
approved tires.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Convertible top1To
close
2 To open
To open and to closeFrom ignition key position 1, with the
vehicle stationary.
If at all possible, only operate the
convertible top if the engine is running.
This saves unnecessary battery wear.
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Before opening the convertible top,
make sure that the convertible top
compartment panel in the luggage
compartment is lowered, refer to
page 37
3. Make sure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Press and hold the corresponding
button for convertible top operation.
The red indicator lamp will light up
while the convertible top is in motion.
It goes out as soon as the opening or
closing operation has been
completed.
If the red indicator lamp flashes after
the button is released, then the
opening or closing operation is not
yet completed. The sequence can be
continued in the desired direction by
pressing this button.
If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button
pressed, then the convertible top
compartment panel is raised and the
convertible top cannot be moved,
refer to step 2.
The automatic sequence will be
interrupted immediately if release
the button that operates the top. The
sequence can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing this
button.<
During convertible top operation
the rear window moves toward the
passenger compartment. To prevent
injuries, make sure that the closing path
of the convertible top is unobstructed.<
When operating the convertible top, the
windows will lower slightly when you
press the button, and after the opening
or closing operation has finished, they
will go back up, if you keep holding the
button down for more than 2 seconds
after the indicator lamp has gone out.
The luggage compartment lid cannot be
opened while the convertible top is in
motion.
Do not close the side power
windows using the buttons if the
convertible top operation has been
interrupted.<
If the convertible top has been
stored in the convertible top
compartment for longer periods, e.g.
during the winter months while the
hardtop is being used, it may be neces-
sary to manually support the first auto-
matic closing operation: if the
convertible top should halt right before
the closing phase is completed, press
against the front part of the convertible
top frame from the outside to help the
closing process along. Keep pressing
the button while doing so until the top
starts up again on its own.<

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Airbags
Transporting children safely
This is the right way a larger child
should sit wearing the safety belt when
rear side airbags (arrow) are provided.
Operational status
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster shows the airbag
system status starting in ignition
key position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly,
when the ignition key is turned into
position 1 or 2
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp fails to come on,
when the ignition key is turned
>The indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine has been started, or
it comes on during normal driving.
Please respond to any malfunctions in
the system by immediately having it
inspected at your BMW center; other-
wise the airbag could fail to respond to
an accident in which both the angle and
the severity of the impact would
normally trigger airbag deployment.
Commercially available child seats
complying with the legal standard are
designed to be secured with a lap belt
or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or
inadequately installed restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to chil-
dren. Always read and follow the
instructions that come with the system.

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Vehicle Memory, Key Memory How the system functionsYou have probably frequently wished
that you could configure individual
functions of your vehicles to reflect your
own personal requirements. In engi-
neering your vehicle, BMW has
included several user-defined func-
tions in the vehicle's design. Your BMW
center can make these settings for you
in accordance with your wishes.
There are settings related to the vehicle
("Vehicle Memory") and settings related
to individuals ("Key Memory"). You can
have up to four different basic settings
adjusted for four different persons. The
only requirement is that each person
uses his or her own remote control key.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes
the individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes
adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between
different keys, colored decals are
supplied together with the keys.What the system can doYour BMW center can provide you with
details on the possibilities that the
Vehicle and Key Memory systems offer.
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Various signals that can serve as
acknowledgment for locking and
unlocking the vehicle, refer to
pages 29, 30
>Activating/deactivating operation of
"Follow me home," refer to page 85.Examples for Key Memory:
>Locking the vehicle after driving off,
refer to page 33
>Automatically moving the seat and
outside mirror into position for that
particular person when unlocking the
vehicle, refer to page 49
>Calling up customized settings for the
automatic climate control when
unlocking using the remote control,
refer to page 92
>After the engine is started, calling up
of the last selected driving program
for each shifting mode, refer to
page 68.
You will see this symbol
throughout the Owner's Manual. It
is to remind you at appropriate places
of the settings that are available to
you.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Ignition key positions0 Steering locked
1 Steering unlocked
2 Ignition switched on
3 Starting engineSteering locked The key can be inserted or removed in
this position only.
After removing the key, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the left or right
until the lock engages.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic
signal is sounded after the driver's door
has been opened.
Once the ignition has been switched off
(ignition key in position 0 or removed),
the radio functions are still available for
approx. 20 minutes. Turn the radio back
on to use it.Steering unlocked You will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering
wheel slightly to help disengage the
lock.
Individual electrical accessories are
ready for operation. 1. Engage the parking brake
2. Gearshift lever in idling position
3. Depress the clutch pedal
4. Turn the key to position 3 to start the
engine. Do not actuate the starter for
too short a time. Do not turn it for
more than approx. 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, drive off
immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
Vehicle with sequential M gearbox
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SMG II: refer to the instructions on
page 64.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses
an extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unat-
tended vehicle with a running engine
represents a potential safety hazard.<
Steering/Ignition lock Starting the engine

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Starting the engine Switching off the engine If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (the engine is very hot or cold,
for instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
starting at about 5 7 (Ð15 6) and at
high altitudes above 3,300 feet
(1,000 m):
>For the initial start attempt, allow the
starter to remain engaged somewhat
longer (approx. 10 seconds).
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to damage to the
catalytic converter.<
When driving, standing at idle or
when parking, take precautions to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust
system and easily flammable materials
(grass, hay or leaves, for example).
Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always deactivate elec-
trical devices that are not in use. Switch
the ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving. If
you do so, the steering will lock, making
it impossible to steer the vehicle.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
While parking on a downhill road, set
the parking brake, as engaging even
the first or reverse gear may not be
sufficient to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away.<
Vehicle with sequential M gearbox
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SMG II: refer to the instructions on
page 64.