2002 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE gearbox

68n
Sequential M gearbox
* SMG II
DrivelogicDrivelogic makes various driving
programs available to you.
Press the Drivelogic repeatedly until the
desired driving program is shown in the
SMG display of the instrument cluster,
refer to page 66.
In the automated mode you can select
from five driving programs ranging from
convenience mode/winter operation to
sporty and highly dynamic.
In the first automatic driving program,
starting off takes place in second gear,
which is advisable under winter road
conditions with ice and snow.
In the sequential mode you can choose
from six driving programs ranging from
balanced, dynamic to sporty, puristic
driving. The sporty, puristic driving
program can only be activated with the
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) deacti-
vated, refer to page 82.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC
switched on whenever possible.<
Following each change between the
sequential and the automated mode,
the last driving program selected in the
respective mode is active.
Exception: instead of the last selected
sequential driving program 6,
program 5 is activated only after the
engine has been started again.
Your vehicle is set so that when
the engine is started, the last
selected driving program saved in your
key is activated for each shifting
mode.<
Gradient assistanceThe gradient assistance enables
starting off on grades with virtually no
roll-back. It can be activated in the
sequential and automated mode with
the vehicle stopped and can be used
for both forward and reverse driving.
1. Depress footbrake with vehicle
stopped
2. Activate the gradient assistance by
pulling the left paddle for at least
0.5 seconds. An increase in the
engine speed indicates that the
gradient assistance is activated
Pulling the left paddle again briefly
deactivates the gradient assis-
tance again.<
3. Release the footbrake and start off
within 2 seconds.

69n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Sequential M gearbox
* SMG II
The vehicle may roll slightly before
it is held by the gradient assis-
tance after releasing the footbrake.
Two seconds after the footbrake is
released, the vehicle begins to roll, as it
is no longer held with the gradient
assistance.<
The gradient assistance must be reacti-
vated before each use.
Indicator lamp
The transmission indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes
out after the engine is started.
>If it does not go out, or if it lights up
during driving, a fault has occurred.
The available functions may be
limited under certain circumstances.
Drive carefully and with the Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) activated.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW center
>If the indicator lamp flashes while
driving, the system is overloaded.
Avoid high loads until the indicator
lamp goes out again permanently.
Shift lightsTo achieve the best possible vehicle
acceleration with a sporty driving style
in the sequential mode, shift lights in
the instrument cluster indicate the
optimum shifting point shortly before
the maximum engine speed is reached.
1. When the maximum engine speed is
approached, yellow indicator fields
(shift lights) in the tachometer light
up consecutively to indicate the
approaching upshift time
2. Shift at the latest when the last indi-
cator field lights up red.Tire replacement, snow chainsFollowing a tire or wheel change and
after mounting or removing snow

70n
Sequential M gearbox
* SMG II
Indicator/Headlamp ßasher
chains, the slip recognition of the
SMG II must "become familiar" with the
changed condition.
Reinitialize the system afterwards.
1. Move the selector lever into
position 0 on a straight stretch of
road at a speed of over 20 mph
(30 km/h)
2. Pull both shift paddles for approx.
2 seconds.
If you do not carry out the initialization,
the system automatically "learns" the
changed condition gradually during
driving. This can become apparent due
to brief opening and closing of the
clutch. 1 High beams
(blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
accompanied by periodic clicking
sound from the relay).
To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the resistance point. It then returns to
the center position when released.
If the flashing indicator lamp and
the clicking from the relay are
both faster than normal, one of the turn
signal indicators has failed.<

74n
Cruise control To deceleratePress button (Ð) briefly:
When cruise control is active, every tap
of the button reduces the speed by
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold button (Ð):
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the button, the
system stores and maintains the
current speed.
To interrupt the cruise controlWhen the system is activated, press the
button. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
whenever you want by calling up the
speed that was stored last.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically:
>If the brakes are applied
>When pressing down the clutch pedal
>If you exceed or fall below the
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example)
>Sequential M gearbox
* SMG II, refer
to page 64: when shifting in the
sequential mode.
Recall the stored speedPress button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.

111n
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.

112n
Winter tires Snow chains** * *Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires that have the H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they
generally fail to provide the same levels
of performance as snow 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.
When mounting winter wheels,
observe the different recess on
the front and rear wheels, as otherwise
damage may result.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
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 pressureOnce winter tires wear to a tread depth
of less than 0.16 inches (4 mm), their
performance under winter driving
conditions deteriorates noticeably.
Worn tires should therefore be replaced
for safety considerations.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
The use of fine-link BMW snow chains
is only permitted in pairs with the winter
tires on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h) with snow chains.
After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox
* SMG II, refer to page 83.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18- and
19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For further information, refer to
page 82.<

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
155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling22
Releasing
fuel filler door following an
electrical
malfunction22t
Remote control30
Removing condensation
from the windows92
Replace windshield wiper
blades126t
Replacement key28
Replacing bulbs126t
Reporting safety defects11
Restraint system54
Rims111
Rollover protection
system58
indicator lamp20
lowering58t
Roof load capacity146
Roof-mounted luggage
rack101 S
Safety belts47, 48
Safety buttons33
Seat adjustment
lumbar support45
thigh support45
Seat heating49
Seat memory48
Seat-integrated safety belts
(SGS)47
Seats
adjusting44, 45
Secure glove compartment
and luggage compartment
separately34
Securing cargo100
Securing cargo in luggage
compartment101
Sequential M gearbox
SMG II64
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet120
Service Interval
Display76, 120
Set clock77
Set interior temperature92
SGS (Seat-integrated safety
belts)47 Side airbags52
Side impact Head Protection
System52
Side turn signals
bulb replacement128t
Ski bag98
Snow chains112
Spare key28
Speedometer15
Sport-mode
identification84
Standing lamps86
Starting problems62t
Steering lock61
Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons21
Steering wheel,
adjusting50
Stopping the vehicle62
Storage areas96
Storage compartments96
Stowing cargo100
Stroke144
Summer tires111
Switching off the engine62
Symbols, used8 T
Tachometer75
Tail lamps129
bulb replacement129t
Tank capacity147
Technical data144
Technical
modifications10, 121
Telephone hookup96
Temperature display
ice warning78
interior temperature92
outside temperature78
Temperature gauge
engine coolant76
Temperature
layering90, 94
Temperature, adjusting89
Thigh support, adjusting45
Third brake lamp131
Tilt alarm sensor38
deactivate31
remote control31
Tire inflation
pressures24, 25, 109
Tire wear indicator109