2003 BMW 3.0i ROADSTER air condition

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Reference
71
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The factory-approved Run Flat tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all else –
driving safety that depend on the condition
of the tires and the maintenance of the
specified tire pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a fre-
quent cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability of
your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures regu-
larly – at least every two weeks and
before every extended journey. If this is not
done, incorrect tire pressures can cause
driving instability or tire damage, ultimately
resulting in accidents.<
Checking tire pressures
The specified inflation pressures are pro-
vided on a sticker attached to the B-pillar
and are visible when the driver's door is
open.
All pressures are specified in the units usu-
ally used in your country – psi and kilopas-
cal – for tires at ambient temperatures; also
refer to the following tire inflation pressure
table.
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
correcting the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to page 53.
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the table apply to
BMW-approved tire sizes and tire brands.
Your BMW center will be glad to supply this
information. Other tire brands may require
a higher inflation pressure, which may
impair handling and vehicle response.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
73
Tire condition
Tire tread – Tire damage
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below
1/8 in / 3 mm, even though in
Europe, for example, the legally specified
minimum tread depth is only
1/16 in /
1.6 mm.
Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove
base – see arrow – are distributed around
the wheel circumference and are labeled
on the tire sidewall as TWI – Tread Wear
Indicator. At a tread depth of
1/16 in /
1.6 mm, the indicators signal that the
legally permissible wear limit has been
reached.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can cause over-
heating and damage inside the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the form of
a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate tire
failure or some other vehicle malfunction.
This type of problem can be caused by
contact with curbs, etc. This is also true for
irregularities in the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics, such as a pronounced ten-
dency to pull to the left or right. Should this
occur, respond by immediately reducing
your speed. Proceed carefully to the near-
est BMW center or professional tire center,
or have the vehicle towed there to have it
and its wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage – up to and including sudden and complete air loss – can pose an
extreme hazard for both vehicle occupants
and other road users.<
Tire replacement
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer.
BMW advises against using retreaded
tires as this could negatively affect
driving safety. This is due to possible varia-
tions in casing structures and, in some
cases, to their extreme age, factors which
can lead to a decrease in their durability.<
Tire age
The date on which the tire was manufac-
tured is indicated by the code on the side-
wall:
DOT … 3602 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of the year 2002.
BMW recommends the replacement of all
tires every 6 years at the latest, even if a tire
usage of 10 years is possible.
Run Flat tires
When replacing tires, always use
Run Flat tires since a spare wheel is
not provided to replace a flat tire.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 75.<
DOT quality grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear

Wheels and tires
74 one and one-half (1 γ) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A – the
highest – B, and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.<
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Wheel and tire combina-
tions
The right choice
Use wheels and tires approved by
BMW for your particular vehicle. Vari-
ations in factors such as manufacturing tol-
erances mean that even wheels and tires
with identical official size ratings could
actually have dimensions different from the
approved units. These differences could
lead to body contact, and with it the risk of
severe accidents. 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 cor-
responding entry in the vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combina-
tion affects different systems such as
ABS, DSC, DTC and DBC. The function of
these systems is impaired if improper
wheel and tire combinations are used.
For this reason, use tires of the same brand
and tread configuration. In the event of a
flat tire, for example, remount the approved
wheel and tire combination as soon as pos-
sible.<

Wheels and tires
76
Winter tires
Choosing the right tire
BMW recommends Run Flat winter tires –
M+S – for operation under inclement winter
driving conditions. While all-season tires
with the M+S identification mark do indeed
possess better winter traction than summer
tires that have the H, V, W, Y and ZR speed
ratings, they generally do not provide the
same levels of performance as true winter
tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response, mount winter tires
which are made by the same manufacturer
and which have the same tread configura-
tion on all four wheels.
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Please consult your BMW center if you
wish to replace the tires of your BMW or
change from summer to winter tires, or vice
versa.
When replacing tires or changing from
summer to winter tires – or vice versa –
use only Run Flat tires since a spare tire will
not be available in the event of a flat tire.<
Comply with recommended speed
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. Any BMW center has the
required technical knowledge and the
proper equipment and will be happy to
assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressure
Once the tire wears to below 3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible
decrease in their ability to cope with winter
driving conditions, and should be replaced
in the interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Snow chains*
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by BMW, classified as road-
safe and approved. Consult your BMW
center for more information. BMW recom-
mends using only approved fine-link snow
chains.
Their use is only permitted in pairs on the
winter tires on the rear wheels. Comply
with all manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the fol-
lowing tires:
245/40 R 17
255/35 R 18
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h when using snow chains.<
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after snow chains have been
mounted.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
useful to deactivate the DSC briefly. Refer
to page 51.<

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
81
allow accumulated pressure to escape,
then open completely
2.The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck but no more than ι in / 2 cm
above it, that is, up to the second mark
on the float. Refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck
3.If necessary, add coolant. Slowly add
coolant until the correct level is reached
– do not overfill.
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor.<
Brake fluid
Indicator lamp
The brake warning lamp lights up
red when the parking brake is not
engaged: the brake fluid level is too
low, refer to page 65.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake fluid, refilling
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, also refer
to the notes on page 65.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it
absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake fluid changed every two years by a BMW center.
Refer also to page 48 and the Service Man-
ual.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the vehi-
cle's paint. You should always store it in the
closed original container and in a location
inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the brake
fluid reservoir beyond the MAX mark. The
brake fluid could ignite upon contact with
hot engine parts and cause serious
burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of
brake fluid.<
Brake fluid level
Low brake fluid level in the reservoir com-
bined with extended pedal travel may indi-
cate a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
BMW recommends that you proceed
to the nearest BMW center. Higher
brake application pressure may be neces-
sary under these conditions, and braking
distances may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<

Maintenance
82
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety –
and as cost-effectively for you as possible.
Please keep in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety
of your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of your
vehicle.
Service interval display
While conventional systems rely on dis-
tance traveled alone to determine when a
service is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-
tem has taken the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated into consid-
eration for years, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles / 100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the
equivalent of the same distance covered at
moderate speeds in long-distance highway
travel.
The BMW Maintenance System includes
the Engine Oil Service and Inspections I
and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
based on the actual loads on the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
Minimal use drivers, who drive fewer than
6,200 miles / 10,000 km per year, should
nevertheless have the oil changed at least every 2 years since engine oil deteriorates
over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
For detailed information on required main-
tenance items and the work involved,
please refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or to the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may
be advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel as a precau-
tion against corrosion.
BMW recommends that you have your
BMW center perform the mainte-
nance and repair.
Check that the maintenance work is
recorded in the Service Manual. These
entries will serve as proof that the vehicle
has received regular maintenance.<
Care
Interesting facts about the care of your
vehicle are found in the Caring for your
vehicle brochure.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Reference
97
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 53
– indicator lamp 14
Accessories 7
Activated-charcoal filter 59
Air conditioning 55, 56
– air distribution 56
– air supply 56
– automatic climate
control 58
– defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 56
– outside-air mode 56
– rear window defroster 56
– recirculated-air mode 56
– temperature 56
Air distribution
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Air outlets 56, 59
Air pressure 71
– checking 71
Air supply
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
Airbags 33
– activation/deactivation 34
– indicator lamp 14, 33
– passenger airbags
lamp 35
Alarm system 27
– arming/disarming 27
– indicator lamp 27
– tilt alarm sensor 28
– triggering 19
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 76
Antifreeze
– coolant 81
– washer fluid 79Antilock Brake System ABS
– indicator lamp 14
Anti-theft alarm system,
refer to Alarm system 27
Approved axle load 94
Approved gross vehicle
weight 94
Ashtray 61
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated air control 58
Automatic
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– cruise control 44
– lamp control 45
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 57, 58
– air conditioning 58
– air distribution 58
– air supply 58
– Automatic recirculated air
control AUC 58
– defrosting windows
and removing
condensation 58
– maximum cooling 58
– outside air 58
– rear window defroster 59
– recirculated air mode 58
– temperature 58
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
– display 41
– electronic transmission
control 41
– indicator lamp 14
– manual mode 41
– selector lever position 40
– sport program 41
Automatic windshield
washer 44Average fuel
consumption 50
Average speed 50
Axle load, approved 94
B
Backrest, refer to Seats 30
Backup lamps 40
– bulb replacement 86
Bandages 89
Battery 87
Battery charge current
– indicator lamp 14, 88
Belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 31
Belts 31
Beverage holder 61
Blinker, refer to Turn signal
indicators 42
Blower
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 58
BMW High Performance
synthetic oils 80
BMW Maintenance
System 82
Bore 94
Brake fluid 81
– indicator lamp 14, 81
– refilling 81
Brake Force Display 52
Brake hydraulic system 65
Brake hydraulics
– indicator lamp 14
Brake lamps
– bulb replacement 86
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 14
Brake pads 66
– indicator lamp 14
Everything from A - Z
Index

Everything from A - Z
98 Brake system 65
– brake fluid level 81
– brake pads 66
– break-in procedures 64
– disc brakes 65
Brakes
– driving notes 65
Break-in procedures 64
– brake system 64
– clutch 64
– differential 64
– engine 64
– tires 64
Bulb
– defective 45
– replacement 84
C
California Proposition 65
warning 83
Can holder 61
Capacities 94, 96
– luggage
compartment 22, 94
Car battery 87
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car wash, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure
Cargo loading 66
Cassette player operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 65
CD player operation, refer
to the Owner's Manual for
Radio
Cellular phone
preparation 61
Cellular phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Center high-mount brake
lamp 87
Central locking system 18
– button 20
– interior 20
Charge indicator
lamp 14, 88Check gas cap 70
– indicator lamp 14
Child seat 34
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 36
Child-restraint systems 34
Cigarette lighter 61
Cleaning the headlamps 43
Cleaning the windshield 43
Clock
– 12/24-hour mode 49
– adjusting, refer also to the
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
Clothes hooks 27
Cluster 13
Clutch
– break-in procedure 64
Cockpit 12
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Combination switch, refer
to Turn signal indicators/
Headlamp flasher 42
Compartments 60
Compression ratio 94
Computer 49
– average fuel
consumption 50
– average speed 50
– clock, 12/24-hour
mode 49
– cruising range 50
– outside temperature 49
Condensation
– removing from
windows 56, 58
Configuring adjustments,
refer to Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 37
Consumption 50
Convenience operation
– convertible top 20
– windows 20
Convertible top 23
– convenience operation 20
– electrical fault 25
– emergency operation 25
– malfunction 25
– manual operation 23
– mechanical 23Convertible top compart-
ment panel 22
Coolant 80, 96
– indicator lamp 14
Coolant thermometer 47
Cooling system 96
Cooling, maximum 58
Copyright 4, 6
Cruise control 44
Cruising range 50
Cup holder, refer to Bever-
age holder 61
Curb weight 94
Cylinders 94
D
Data 94
– engine 94
– filling capacities 96
– weights 94
Daytime driving lamps 45
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 52
Defects 8
Deflector for wind 26
Defrost setting 56, 58
Defroster, rear window
– air conditioning 56
– automatic climate
control 59
Defrosting
– windows 56, 58
Differential
– break-in procedures 64
Digital clock
Dimensions 95
Dimming mirror 33
Dipstick, engine oil 79
Disc brakes 65
Displacement 94
Displays, refer to Instru-
ment cluster 13
Door lock 20
Door lock buttons 21
Doors
– emergency operation 20
– locking 19
– unlocking 19
DOT quality grades 73
Drivelogic 42