2002 BMW M3 COUPE warning

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ComputerAdjustments From ignition key position 1 the time of
day appears in the display.
To set ahead: turn the knob to the right.
To set back: turn the knob to the left.
The adjustment speed will increase the
longer you continue to hold the knob.
To change the display mode: press the
knob briefly. Every time you press the
knob, the clock display alternates
between the 12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0: the time is
displayed for a few seconds after you
press the left knob (refer to "Odom-
eter", page 70).
Outside temperature You can change the units of measure
(6/7) for the outside temperature
display by pressing the right-hand reset
knob in the instrument cluster while the
temperature display is active.
Ice warning If the outside temperature drops to
about 37.5 7 (+3 6), then the
computer will automatically switch to
show the outside temperature. In addi-
tion, a signal sounds as a warning and
the display flashes for a brief period.
The ice warning does not alter the
fact that surface ice can form at
temperatures above 37.5 7 (+3 6), on
bridges or shaded road surfaces, for
instance.<

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The conceptPDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers by
providing an acoustic signal to indicate
the distance to an object. To do this,
four ultrasonic sensors in the rear
bumper measure the distance to the
nearest object.The monitoring range for
the two rear sensors extends outward
roughly 2 ft (60 cm). The range for the
two center sensors is approx. 4.9 ft
(1.50 m) wide.
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you select
reverse with the ignition key in
position 2. PDC is deactivated when
you shift back out of reverse.
Acoustic signalsThe distance to the nearest object is
indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between
vehicle and object decreases, the inter-
vals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the
presence of an object less than 1 ft
(30 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to
the obstacle remains constant during
this time (if you are moving parallel to a
wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please have your BMW center
resolve the problem.The PDC does not remove the
driver's personal responsibility
for evaluating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical limits of ultra-
sonic measurement, as occurs with tow
bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped
objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance of more
than 4 in (10 cm).<
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*

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Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Flat Tire MonitorTo deactivate DSCPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp will light up and stay on.
The vehicle does not execute the
stability-enhancement and traction-
control functions when DSC is deacti-
vated.
We recommend that you deactivate
DSC for increased traction:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated on whenever possible.<
Reactivating the DSCPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the
DSC system.
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically generates
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance in "panic braking" situ-
ations. All of the benefits of the ABS
system are exploited under these
circumstances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor
keeps track of pressure levels in all four
tires in order to detect and warn of any
substantial pressure loss.
The system actually detects pressure
loss by monitoring differences in the
relative speeds of the four wheels. It
interprets variations outside specified
limits as severe pressure loss, and then
responds by generating a warning.

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Flat Tire Monitor
M Engine dynamics control
In the event of a flat tire
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will light up red in
the event of a flat tire with
ensuing loss in pressure. In addition, an
acoustic signal is sounded. To come to
an immediate stop, reduce speed, while
avoiding any sudden, jerky braking or
steering maneuvers.
Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility
system, refer to page 126.
Reset the indicator lamp: the red indi-
cator lamp has to be switched off
manually after putting on a new wheel.
At this point, hold the Flat Tire Monitor
button down until the indicator lamp
goes out. Reinitialize the system after-
ward.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert
you to severe and sudden tire
damage caused by external factors.
Another factor which the Flat Tire
Monitor does not recognize is the
balanced and very gradual pressure
loss that takes place in all tires over an
extended period of time.<
Check the tire inflation pressure
on a regular basis and correct if
necessary, refer to page 24.
Under certain circumstances, there
may be false warnings or a delayed
detection of losses in pressure when
driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces.
Performance-oriented driving (slip at
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral
acceleration) can also delay the
appearance of status reports in the Flat
Tire Monitor's display.<
System malfunctionAs long as there is still a malfunction,
the indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster will stay lit up yellow.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.
The system (sport-mode identification)
will cause the engine to respond spon-
taneously to the motion of the acceler-
ator pedal. Activating/deactivating
sport-mode identificationActivating: with the key in ignition key
position 2, press the sport button. The
indicator lamp will light up.
The vehicle may gain speed
without any additional pressure on
the accelerator pedal when the system
is activated.<
Deactivating: press the sport button
again; the indicator lamp will go out.
The sporty-comfortable mode is deacti-
vated every time the engine is started.

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Parking lamps
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting comes on. You can use
the parking lamps for parking. Refer to
page 81 for one-sided lighting as an
additional possibility for parking.
Low beams
When you switch the ignition off
with the low-beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
"Follow me home":
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You can
also have this function deactivated.<
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, you will hear an acoustic
signal for a few seconds to remind you
that the lamps have not been switched
off.Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at
ignition key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When the switch is in this posi-
tion the system automatically
responds to changes in ambient
light ( in tunnels, at dusk, etc.) as well as
rain and snow by switching the low
beams on or off.<
The headlamps and other external
lamps remain on when you switch
on the fog lamps manually while the
headlamps are on following automatic
activation.<
Automatic headlamp control
cannot serve as a substitute for
your personal judgement in determining
when the lamps should be switched on.
The sensors are not able to detect fog,
for example . When these kinds of low-
visibility situations arise you should
switch on the lamps manually to ensure
continued safety.<

You can have the sensitivity of
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Parking lamps/Low beams

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Engine oil
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the differential,
and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, thoroughly
wash any areas of skin that come into
contact with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Prescribed engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain types of engine oils.
Use only oils approved for your vehicle
model.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
approved. You can also call BMW of
North America at 1-800-831-1117 or
visit this website: www.bmwusa.com
to obtain this information.< Alternative oil typesShould it not be possible to purchase
an oil approved by BMW, you can also
use other oils for adding smaller quanti-
ties between oil changes as an excep-
tion. The following information must be
specified on the package:
1. Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
or as an alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
2. Specification
preferred: API SJ/CF
or as an alternative: API SJ
(also SK, SL, S etc.).
Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below Ð4 7 (Ð20 6) for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.

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Brake fluid
If the brake warning lamp
comes on and the parking brake
has been 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 102.
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 brake fluid and fill the brake
fluid reservoir only as far as 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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Technical modifications California Proposition 65 WarningLight-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<