2002 BMW M3 COUPE Owner's Manual

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by "

l

" are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from
overheating. If the drive belt is defec-
tive, increased steering effort is also
required.

<


Engine oil pressure


l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check
the engine oil level and top up as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<



Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. As you steer the
vehicle, use caution and avoid overcor-
recting.
For additional information, refer to
page 77
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 102 and 113
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

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Indicator and warning lamps

Red: an important reminder

Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 58



Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

l


A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Lights up for a
few seconds or until the safety belt is
fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 45
Airbags

l


Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 49

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system


has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 76, 101.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center

Sequential M gearbox

*
SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine is started:
this indicates a malfunction in the
system. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 64

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds: ABS has been deacti-
vated in response to system malfunc-
tion. Conventional braking efficiency is
available and unrestricted. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 101
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 110
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: refill engine
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time
you stop for gas).
For additional information, refer to
page 110

Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 102
Flat Tire Monitor

l

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 24, 77
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

l


The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive force and
braking force. If the indicator lamp fails
to go out after the engine is started, or if
it comes on during normal driving and
stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system
malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, starting on
page 76

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

l

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 76
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
up the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 109
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 112

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Indicator and warning lamps

Service Engine Soon

l

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 116
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
The electronics allow for continued
driving with reduced engine output or
engine speed. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
Check Filler Cap

*


l

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 indicator
Flashes when the turn signal
indicators are operated. Rapid
flashing: indicates a system malfunc-
tion.
For additional information, refer to
page 65
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 68
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information, refer to
page 82

Blue: for your information

High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 65, 81.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Steering wheel with multifunction buttons


The buttons integrated in the multi-
function steering wheel (MFL) are
provided so that you can operate a
number of accessories quickly and
without being distracted from traffic
conditions. You may operate:

>

selected radio functions

>

the cruise control

>

selected cellular phone functions

*
>the voice entry system
*.
The buttons are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.<
Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice entry.
Switch between phone and radio,
cassette, CD or MD.
Forward:
>Radio
Press briefly: station search in FM
band
Extended pressure: search function
>CD/MD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function
in track
>Cassette
Press briefly: stop jump to next track
or fast forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
>Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind: functions as forward.
Volume
Cruise control: to select a stored
setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+)
or decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate.

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Warning triangle
*
First-aid kit
* Refueling
The hazard warning triangle is stored in
a storage compartment on the left-hand
side of the luggage compartment.
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 open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To close: fold the cover up.
Several of the items contained in
the first-aid kit have a limited
service life. You should check the expi-
ration dates of each of the items regu-
larly, 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
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not
possible to add fuel with the engine
running, and attempts may also trigger
the Service Engine Soon lamp.<
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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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to
fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity>approx. 16.6 gal. (63 liters), incl.
>a reserve capacity of approx. 2.1 gal.
(8 liters).
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
Check Filler Cap lamp
*.<

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Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressuresRefuel with lead-freeThe 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.<
The specified inflation pressures are
provided on a sticker attached to the
B-pillar and visible with the driver's
door open.Check tire pressuresOn the next page you will find all the tire
pressure and ambient air temperature
specifications stated in the units usually
used in your country (psi; kilopascal).
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor so
that it can monitor the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 77.
Check the 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 apply to BMW
approved tire sizes and tire manufac-
turers. 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 that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.