2003 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE coolant level

20
button or in response to a system mal-
function. In the event of a malfunction,
have the system checked by your near-
est BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 87
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 124
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 130
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 126
CHECK FILLER CAP

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24

Rollover protection system

●

The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. Please have the system inspected
immediately at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 63

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 76
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the steering wheel with multi-
function buttons.
For additional information: refer to
page 78
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 94

Indicator and warning lamps

handbook.book Page 20 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM

81
Fuel gaugeOnce the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.6 gal./
63 liters.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies – when
you are driving in mountainous areas,
for example – the needle may fluctuate
slightly.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last
drop of fuel can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
Engine coolant temperature gaugeBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly as an
operation check.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle: the engine has overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
To check the coolant level, refer to
page 126.
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector during normal operation.
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handbook.book Page 81 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM

126
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47 /–206 for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their closed origi-
nal containers and in a location inac-
cessible to children. Antifreeze and
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.
For this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Check the coolant level and add
coolant Check the coolant level when the
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
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 – refer to the arrow in the illus-
tration – but no more than 3/4 in/
2 cm above it – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float. Refer also to
the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck
Engine oil
handbook.book Page 126 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM

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
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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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
handbook.book Page 156 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM

Everything from A to Z
157
Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 45
Cleaning windshield 78
Clock 83
refer also to the radio or
onboard computer
Owner's Manual
Cockpit 14
Code, tires 118
Coin box 102
Compression ratio 150
Computer 84
Condensation, removing
from windows 98
Configure personal settings
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 65
Consumption
display 81
fuel 85
Convertible top
cleaning position 45
electrical malfunction 44
emergency operation 44
opening and closing 42
Convertible top operation
fully automatic convertible
top 41
Coolant 122, 126, 153
indicator lamp 19
Cooling system 153
Copyright 4Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 111
Cruise control 78
indicator lamp 20
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 102
Curb weight 152
Cushion height 151
D
Data
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 92
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 88
warning lamp 19
Defrost position 98
Defrosting rear window 99
Defrosting windows 98
Digital clock 83
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 124
Disc brakes 112
Displacement 150
Display lighting 93
Displays 16
Distance warning 86
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34Doors
emergency operation 33
manual operation 33
remote control 31
unlocking and locking
31, 33
Drivelogic 74
Driving notes
braking 111
disc brakes 112
general 111
hydroplaning 111
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 87
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 88
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 87
indicator lamp 19
E
Electric malfunction
doors 33
Electric power windows 40
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 144
Electrical malfunction
convertible top 44
fuel filler door 24Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 36
Engine
displacement 150
output 150
starting 67
switching off 69
torque 150
Engine compartment 122
Engine coolant 153
refilling 126
temperature gauge 81
Engine data 150
Engine electronics
warning lamp 19
Engine oil
adding 122, 124
capacity 153
consumption 124
dipstick 124
quality 125
types 125
viscosity 125
Engine oil level
check 122
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 157 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM