2002 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE roof

5n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Controls and features
Operation, maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams85
Instrument lighting86
High beams/Standing lamps86
Fog lamps86
Interior lamps87
Reading lamps87

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioner88
Automatic climate control91

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment95
Storage compartments96
Cellular phone96
Ashtray, front97
Ashtray, rear97

Loading and transporting
cargo:

Ski bag98
Cargo loading100
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop101

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure104
Driving notes105
Antilock Brake System105
Brake system105
Hardtop106

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure109
Tire condition109
Tire replacement110
Wheel and tire
combinations111
Winter tires112
Snow chains112

In the engine compartment:

Hood113
Engine compartment
essentials114
Washer fluids115
Engine oil116
Coolant118
Brake fluid119

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System120

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications121
California Proposition
65 Warning121
OBD interface socket122

40n
Convertible top The completely automatically operated
convertible top combines assured
protection against the elements
together with simple and easy handling.
So that you will get the most out of
enjoying your convertible, here are a
few tips:
>It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is being parked.
The closed convertible top not only
protects the passenger compartment
from unforeseeable damage from the
weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addi-
tion, keep valuables only in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed
>Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top
>At temperatures below 15 7
(Ð10 6) do not operate the convert-
ible top to prevent damage.
Never store the convertible top
while it is wet to avoid permanent
damage from moisture.<
Driving with the opening or
closing operation not completely
ended can lead to damage and/or inju-
ries.
If possible, only operate the convertible
top with the vehicle stopped, as other-
wise the process may be interrupted.
Traffic laws applicable in your area take
precedence when you operate the
convertible top, otherwise you may be
breaking the law.
Before closing the convertible top,
remove any objects from the windshield
frame that could keep the convertible
top from closing properly.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they would fall off when the
convertible top is operated and cause
damage or injuries.
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.
Keep children away from the moving
parts of the convertible top during oper-
ation.<
To close the electric power
windows while driving, always be
sure to first close either the rear
windows, or all 4 windows at the same
time, otherwise, at high speed, the
windows may not close tightly.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger
compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a vacuum does not occur in the
vehicle.<

52n
Airbags 1 Front airbags on the driver and
passenger sides
2 Side airbags on the driver and
passenger sides (front and rear
*)
Protective effectThe front airbags protect the driver and
passenger in the event of a head-on
collision where the protection provided
by the safety belt alone would not be
adequate. The side airbags help
provide protection in the event of a
collision from the side. Each of the side
airbags is designed to help support the
seat occupant's upper body.
The side airbags in the rear
passenger area
* of your vehicle
may already have been deactivated
either at the time of manufacture or by a
BMW center. You may have them acti-
vated if you desire to do so. Please
contact your BMW center for additional
information.<
For information on the correct sitting
position, refer to page 44.
The airbags will not be triggered in
the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle rollover, or collisions from the
rear.<
Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags,
cover them or modify them in any other
way. Do not attempt to remove the
airbag restraint system from the
vehicle. In the event of a malfunction,
deactivation, or triggered actuation (as
a response to an accident) of the airbag
restraint system, consult your BMW
center for checking, repairs or removal.
Modifications may not be made on
either the wiring or the individual
components in the airbag system. This
includes the padded steering wheel
hub, the instrument panel, the side trim
panels of the front or rear doors and the
roof pillars or the sides of the front
headliner. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel. To ensure
compliance with official safety regula-
tions, entrust disposal of airbag genera-
tors to a BMW center. Unprofessional
attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or
undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury. Do
not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, as otherwise there is a danger of
burns.<

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.

106n
Brake system Hardtop
*
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by
a running or pulsation during braking;
even extended subsequent braking will
not cure this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when
driving in rain and on wet roads. Watch
traffic conditions to ensure that this
maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors
to ensure that your brake system will
respond with undiminished efficiency
when you need it.Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake applica-
tions are required. This helps avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake
system. Stay within the allowable
engine speed range. For further infor-
mation, refer to page 75.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the gearshift
lever in idle position. Do not coast with
the engine shut off. If you do so the
engine provides no braking effect and
there is no power assist for braking or
steering when the engine is not
running.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
top even in the winter, when the
hardtop is generally in constant use.
But you can also remove it at any time
with no problem. Before the fabric top
is stored in the convertible top
compartment, it must be absolutely dry
in order to avoid water spot and mildew
from forming.
The hardtop offers reading lamps and
clothing hooks that can be used just by
pressing. In addition, a roof-rack
assembly is possible. In this regard,
please contact your BMW center.
When suspending articles of
clothing from the hooks, be sure
that they will not obstruct the driver's
vision. Do not hang heavy objects on
the hooks. If you do so, they could
cause personal injury during braking or
evasive maneuvers.<

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 ZM
M Engine dynamics
control84
M Mobility system132
M+S-tires112
Maintenance76, 120
Malfunction displays77
Manual operation
convertible top42t
doors29t
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid34t
Manual transmission63
Master key28
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel21
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter90, 94
Mirror50
inside rearview51
outside50
Mirror memory48 Mirrors
adjusting50
automatic curb
monitor51
heating50
Mobility system132
Modifications,
technical10, 121
Mounting the roof rack106
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
O
OBD interface socket122
Odometer75
Oil
additives117
capacity147
consumption116
oil dipstick116
quality117
types117
viscosity117
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models) Oil dipstick116
Oil filter change147
Oil level
checking116t
indicator lamp19
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp17
OILSERVICE76
Onboard Computer
also refer to the "Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer"
Onboard tool kit126t
Opening and closing
from inside33
via the door lock29
via the remote control30
Operating vehicle at low
ambient
temperatures117
Outlets, ventilation88, 91
Output, engine144
Outside temperature
display78 P
Paintwork, care, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Park Distance Control
(PDC)80
Parking brake63
Parking help80
Parking lamps85
bulb replacement127t
PDC (Park Distance
Control)80
Pollen filter90, 94
Power windows39
Prevent accidental alarm38
R
Radiator147
Rain sensor71
Reading lamps87
Rear entry aid47
Rear head restraints46
Rear window
defroster89, 93
Rearview mirror50
Recirculated-air
mode89, 93
Reclining seat44

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