2003 BMW M3 COUPE coolant level

20
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

●

The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive and braking
force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine has been 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 mal-
function.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your nearest BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 81
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 82
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 118
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 124
SERVICE ENGINE SOON warn-
ing 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 120
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

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 70
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 72
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 88

Indicator and warning lamps

handbook.book Page 20 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:12 PM

75
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 120.
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector during normal operation.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 75 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:12 PM

120
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 original con-
tainers and in a location inaccessible to
children. Antifreeze and anti-corrosion
agents are inflammable. For this rea-
son, do not spill them on hot engine
parts. They could ignite and cause
burns. Comply with the instructions on
the containers.<
Check the coolant level and add
coolantCheck 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. The end of the float may stick
out by a maximum of 3/4 in / 2 cm –
that is, up to the second mark on the
float. Refer also to the schematic dia-
gram next to the filler neck
Engine oil
handbook.book Page 120 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:12 PM

121
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 fluid
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: brake fluid level
too low, refer to page18.
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 108.
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 in 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 original container and in a loca-
tion 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
handbook.book Page 121 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:12 PM

Everything from A to Z
151
CHECK FILLER CAP
indicator lamp 19
Checking coolant level 120
Checking oil level 116, 118
Child seat 55
Child-restraint systems 55
Cigarette lighter 98
Cleaning windshield 72
Clock 77
refer also to the radio or
onboard computer
Owner's Manual
Clothes hooks 99
Cockpit 14
Code, tires 112
Coin box 96
Compression ratio 144
Computer 78
Condensation, removing
from windows 92
Configure personal settings
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 59
Consumption
display 75
fuel 79
Coolant 116, 120, 147
indicator lamp 19
Cooling system 147
Copyright 4Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 107
indicator lamp 19
Cruise control 72
indicator lamp 20
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 96
Curb weight 146
Cushion height 145
D
Data
dimensions 145
engine 144
weights 146
Daytime driving lamps 86
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 82
warning lamp 19
Defrost position 92
Defrosting
rear window 93
windows 92
Digital clock 77
Dimensions 145
Dipstick, engine oil 118
Disc brakes 108
Displacement 144
Display lighting 87
Displays 16
Distance warning 80
Divided rear backrest 100Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
manual operation 33
remote control 31
unlocking and locking
31, 33
Drivelogic 68
Driving notes
braking 107
disc brakes 108
general 107
hydroplaning 107
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 81
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 82
warning lamps 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 81
indicator lamp 19
E
Electric power windows 40
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 138
Electrical malfunction
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
sliding/tilt sunroof 42Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 37
Engine
displacement 144
output 144
starting 61
switching off 63
torque 144
Engine compartment 116
Engine coolant 147
refilling 120
temperature gauge 75
Engine data 144
Engine electronics
warning lamp 19
Engine oil
adding 116, 118
capacity 147
consumption 118
quality 119
types 119
viscosity 119
Engine oil level
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
warning lamp 18
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 151 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:12 PM