2003 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE ABS

118
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
approved by BMW for use on your par-
ticular 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 possi-
ble.<
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 con-
trol.<
StorageStore wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Protect the tires
against contact with oil, grease and
fuel.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires – M+S
tires – for operation under inclement
winter driving conditions. While all-sea-
son tires – M+S designation – provide
better winter traction than the corre-
sponding summer tires, they generally
do not achieve the performance of win-
ter tires.
In the interest 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 recesses of
the front and rear wheels, as otherwise
damage may result.<
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127
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached — do not
overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: brake fluid level
too low, refer to page 18.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing 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. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 112.
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 for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its closed original container and in
a location inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the brake 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 envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
Coolant
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143
You will find corresponding
instructions for using the
M Mobility system on the device.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel bal-
anced. Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
and refer to page 89 for further informa-
tion. Have the M Mobility system
refilled. Contact your BMW center for
this.<
Protect valve stems against dirt using
screw-on dust caps. Dirty valve stems
frequently lead to slow pressure loss.
Battery
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
MaintenanceThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original bat-
tery acid will normally last for the ser-
vice life of the battery under moderate
climate conditions.
Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. Since the bat-
tery is absolutely maintenance-free, the
following statements are for your infor-
mation only.<
Never disconnect the battery
when the engine is running; the
ensuing voltage surge would seriously
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronic systems. when the engine is not running. Use the
connections provided in the engine
compartment. For information on the
connections, see Jump-starting,
page 145.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting in transit.<
Repairing a flat tire
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145 Giving and receiving assistance
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged, you
can use two jumper cables to start your
vehicle with power from the battery in a
second vehicle. You can also use the
same method to help start another
vehicle. Use only jumper cables with
fully insulated handles on the terminal
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring
and cables on a running engine.
Contact with components carrying high
voltage can be harmful or fatal.
Carefully observe the following instruc-
tions to avoid personal injury and/or
damage to one or both vehicles.<
1. The battery in the support vehicle
must be rated at 12 volts. This infor-
mation is provided on the battery
label
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle and switch off all electrical com-
ponents in both vehicles – except for
the hazard warning flashers of the
support vehicle
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles – short circuit haz-
ard
4. The auxiliary jump-starting terminal
located in your BMW's engine com-
partment acts as the positive battery
terminal. The cover of this auxiliary
terminal is marked with a + sign.
Remove by pulling the tab, see
arrow 1. Start by connecting the
jumper cable from the positive termi-
nal of the discharged battery to the
positive terminal of the support bat-
tery
5. Then connect the negative terminals
with the other jumper cable. Attach
the cable to either the support vehi-
cle's negative battery terminal or to a
suitable ground on its engine or
bodywork. Then connect the other
end to the negative battery terminal
or a suitable ground on the vehicle
being started. Your BMW is
equipped with a special nut for this
purpose – see arrow 2
Always adhere to this sequence
when connecting jumper cables;
failure to observe this procedure can
lead to sparks at the battery terminals
and pose an injury hazard.<
6. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes
at a slightly elevated engine idle
speed
7. Start the engine of the other vehicle
as usual. If the first start attempt is
not successful, wait a few minutes
before another attempt in order to
allow the discharged battery to
recharge
8. Allow the engines to run for several
minutes before disconnecting the
jumper cables
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables
in the opposite order.
Have the battery recharged at your
BMW center as required.
Do not use spray starter fluids to
start the engine.<
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147
Use 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 pos-
sible to control vehicle handling. to page 145.
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 sig-
nal indicators, horn and windshield
wipers remain operative, and to pre-
vent the steering lock detent from
engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning sys-
tem – observe applicable legal regu-
lations.
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 pre-
vent 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.<
Vehicle 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.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, possibly lead-
ing to accidents.<
Towing the vehicle
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Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
indicator lamp 19
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 100
Adding brake fluid 122, 127
Air conditioning 98
Air distribution, automatic 98
Air distribution, individual 98
Air nozzles 96
Air outlets 96
Air pressure 115
checking 25
Air supply 98
Air supply vents
recirculated-air mode 99
Airbags 57
warning lamp 18
Alarm system 38
avoiding false alarm 39
indicator lamp 39
interior motion sensor 38
tilt alarm sensor 38
Antifreeze 126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 111
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 30, 38
Armrest 101
Ashtray
front 102
rear 103AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 99
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 96
Automatic cruise control 78
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 56
Automatic headlamp
control 92
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 99
Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 122, 145
Average fuel
consumption 85
Average speed 85
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 152
B
Backrests
unlocking 51
Backup lamps 70
replacing bulb 137
Battery 143
charge 143
charge current 18
charge current lamp 18
Belts 52Beverage holder 102
Blower 98
BMW Maintenance
System 128
Bore 150
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 102
Brake fluid level 112
warning lamp 18, 127
Brake hydraulic system
warning lamp 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 137
Brake pads 112
Brake system
brake fluid level, warning
lamp 18
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brakes
malfunctions 112
parking brake 69
Braking
driving notes 111
Break-in procedures 110
Bulb replacement 135
C
California Proposition
65 warning 130
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 102Capacities 153
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 103
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 106
Caring for headlamp cov-
ers, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure 135
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 111
indicator lamp 19
Cellular phone 102
Center armrest 101
Center high-mount brake
lamp 138
Central locking system 30
button 34
Check Control 82
CHECK FILLER CAP
indicator lamp 19
Checking coolant level 126
Checking oil level 124
Child seat 59
Child-restraint systems 59
Cigarette lighter 102
Clean windshield 78
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