BMW M3 Bedienungshandbuch

Owner's Manual for VehicleContentsA-ZOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

Contents Operation, maintenance Special operating instructions: Break-in procedures 110General driving notes 111Antilock Brake System (ABS) 112Brake

100Ashtray, front*To emptyPress on the edge of the open cover. You can now pull the ashtray upward for removal.Extinguishing cigarettesTap off the ash

101Clothes hooksTo open, press on the upper edge. For additional information: refer to page 111.When suspending clothing from the hooks, be sure that

102Loading and transportingThrough-loading systemFolding the rear backrest1. Pull the corresponding lever to release2. The backrest moves forward slig

103Ski bag*The ski bag allows the safe and clean transport of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to two snowboards.The length of the ski bag and the

104Cargo loadingAvoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading can lead to overheating and interna

105Stowing cargo> Load heavy cargo as far forward as possible – directly behind the back-rests – and as low as possible> Cover sharp edges and c

106Always position and secure the load correctly. If you do not, it can endanger the passengers during brak-ing or evasive maneuvers.Do not exceed the

107OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

108Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

109OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

Contents 11 Index Everything from A to Z 156Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

110Special operating instructionsBreak-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request th

111General driving notesBrakes: do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. Even light but consistent pedal pres-sure can lead to high tem

112Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking during braking, thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf

113Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a running or pulsation during braking; even extended subsequent braking will not cure this phenomenon.It i

114Wheels and tiresTire inflation pressureInformation for your safetyThe factory-approved tires are matched to your vehicle and have been selected to

115Do not drive on a deflated – flat – tire. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and braking response, and can lead to complete loss of control over

116Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-perature can lead to sudden tir

117Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choiceBMW recommends using only wheels and tires that have been approved by BMW for your particular vehicle mo

118Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends the use of winter tires for operation under winter road conditions. While all-season tires – with

119In the engine compartmentHoodTo releasePull the lever located under the left-hand side of the instrument panel.Do not attempt to service your vehic

12Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

120Engine compartment essentialsOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

1211 Filler neck for headlamp and wind-shield washer cleaning system 1222 Coolant expansion tank 1243 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting – positive

122Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield washer systemCapacity approx. 5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.Fill with water and, if required, with a washer antifr

123Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level has dropped to just above the lower mark on the dipstick.Do not fill beyond the upper mark

124However, if the vehicle is exposed to temperatures below –47/–206 for extended periods, please have your BMW center recommend a suitable oil.Coolan

1253. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-ant is low, slowly add coolant until the correct level is reached — do not overfill.Brake fluidIndicator

126MaintenanceThe BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System has been designed as a reliable means of providing maximum driving and operat-ing s

127CareYou can find everything you need to know on this topic by consulting the separate Caring for your vehicle bro-chure.The BMW Maintenance SystemO

128Laws and regulationsCalifornia Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the following warning:Engine exhaust and a wide variety of

129If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed and contact your near-est BMW center immediately. S

13 OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndex OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline E

130Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

131OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

132Replacement proceduresOnboard tool kitThe onboard tool kit is located in the luggage compartment lid.To open, loosen the wing nut.For storing the t

133Lamps and bulbsThe lamps and bulbs make essential contributions to the safety of your vehi-cle. Therefore, proceed carefully when handling bulbs. B

134Front turn signal indicators21 watt bulb1. Extend a screwdriver through the upper opening, loosen and remove the screw2. Remove lamp by pulling it

135Rear lamps1 Turn signal indicator 2 Backup lamp 21 watt bulb3 Tail lamp/brake lampAll bulbs in the fender are designed using LED technology. Please

136Center high-mount brake lampLED strip on the rear window. Please contact a BMW center in case of a malfunction.License plate lamps5 watt bulb1. Pla

137Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility system, proceed as follows:> Preparing the M Mobility system for use, refe

138Components of the M Mobility system1 On/Off switch2 Connection hose with manometer for connecting the compressor with the sealant container or to c

1394. Make sure that the screw on the rear of the pressure gauge 3 is tightened down. Turn on the M Mobility sys-tem, position I, refer to illustratio

14 CockpitOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

140Even if the tire fails to hold the pressure, you should still carry out Step 3 before proceeding to drive the vehicle again, refer to Distributing

141FusesYou will find the fuses and information on their respective allocation in the glove compartment behind a panel with two snap clips.Do not atte

142Giving and receiving assistanceReceiving assistanceThe BMW Group's Mobile Service offers you 24-hour assistance in the event of a breakdown, e

143Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged, you can use two jumper cables to start your vehicle with power from the battery in a second vehicle.

1442. Start the engine of the other vehicle as usual. If the first start attempt is not suc-cessful, wait a few minutes before another attempt in orde

145Towing the vehicle with the front axle raisedVehicles with sequential manual gear-box SMG:With the ignition on, move the selector lever to position

146Keep the vehicles in line and avoid towing at an offset angle. Ensure that the towing strap connecting the two vehicles is tight, with no slack, be

147OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

148Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

149OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

151 Parking lamps/Low beams 882 > Turn signal indicators 72 > Standing lamps 89 > High beams 89 > Headlamp flasher 72 > Computer 803 W

150Engine dataDisplacementNumber of cylinderscu in/cm3198.1/3,2466Max. power outputat engine speedhprpm3337,900Maximum torqueat engine speedlb ft/Nmrp

151DimensionsOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

152WeightsCurb weight lbs/kg 3,415/1,549Approved gross vehicle weight lbs/kg 4,453/2,020Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,138/970Approved rear axle l

153CapacitiesNotesFuel tankReservegal./litersgal./litersapprox. 16.6/approx. 63approx. 2.1/approx. 8Fuel specification, refer to page 25Windshield was

154Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

155OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

Everything from A to ZAABS Antilock Brake System 112indicator lamp 19Accessories, refer to For your own safety 5Accident, refer to Emer-gency call 142

Everything from A to Z157Blowerautomatic climate control 94BMW Maintenance System 126BMW sports seat 45Bore, refer to Engine data 150Bottle holders, s

Everything from A to ZCoin box 98Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 63Compact disc operation, refer to the Owner's Man-ual for Radio/Onboar

Everything from A to Z159Electrical accessories, fail-ure 141Electrical malfunctiondoor lock 33driver's door 33fuel filler door 24glass sunroof 4

16 Instrument clusterOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

Everything from A to ZGearbox malfunctionsequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 71Gearbox, sequential 67Gearshift levermanual transmission 66sequential

Everything from A to Z161Interior motion sensor 38switching off 32, 39Interior rearview mirrorautomatic dimmingfeature 52Interior temperatureadjusting

Everything from A to ZMaximum speedwith winter tires 118MC operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard ComputerMD operation, refer t

Everything from A to Z163Please fasten safety beltsindicator lamp 18Pollen, refer to Microfil-ter/activated-charcoal fil-ter 96Power output, refer to

Everything from A to ZSequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 67indicator lamp 19, 71Service and Warranty Infor-mation Booklet 126SERVICE ENGINE SOONwarn

Everything from A to Z165Tiresage 116breaking in 110condition 114, 118damage 114flat 136inflation pressure 25, 114replacing 115size, refer to Wheel an

Everything from A to ZWheelbase, refer to Dimen-sions 151Wheels and tires 117Wheelslip control DSC 83Width, refer to Dimensions 151Window condensation

167OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

RefuelingTo ensure that you always have conve-nient access to all essential information when you stop for fuel, we recommend that you take the time to

171 Fuel gauge 772 Turn signal indicators 203 Speedometer4 Indicator and warning lamps 18 to 215 Tachometer and engine oil temper-ature gauge 766 Eng

More about BMWbmwusa.com The UltimateDriving Machine01 41 0 157 628 ueOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

18 Indicator and warning lamps Technology that monitors itself Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by ● are tested for proper functioni

19 Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously The brake warning lamp lights up together with the yellow indi-cator lamps for ABS ● and DSC:The enti

M3Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

20Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ● The indicator lamp flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: the system is active and governs drive and braking forc

21 Blue: for your information High beamsComes on when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher is actuated.For additional information: refer to

22 Buttons in steering wheel These buttons let you operate the fol-lowing functions quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions: &g

23Hazard warning triangle*The hazard warning triangle is stored in a storage case on the left side of the luggage compartment.Always observe all legal

24RefuelingFuel filler doorAlways switch off the engine before refueling, as it is not possi-ble to add fuel with the engine running, and attempts may

25Close the gas cap carefully after refueling until a click is heard. While closing, be sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened to the cap. A

26Check the tire pressures on a reg-ular basis – at least twice a month – and before every extended journey. If this is not done, incorrect tire press

27BMW TiresAll pressure specifications inthe table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires –cold = ambient temperatureM3 225/45 ZR 18 33/230 –

28Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

29OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edit

We are pleased you have decided on a BMW M3.Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive

30Opening and closingKeysThe key set1 Master keys with remote control unit – these keys determine the func-tions of the Key Memory, refer to page 60.Y

31Opening and closing – via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control also provides two additional functions beyond the central locking feature:

32Convenience opening modePress and hold button. The windows and the glass sunroof open.To lock and securePress button.To switch on the interior lamps

33Opening and closing – via the door lockOne turn of the key in the driver's door lock unlocks the driver's door only. Turning the key a sec

34Opening and closing – from the insideYou can use this button to control the central locking system whenever the doors are closed. The doors and lug-

35Luggage compartment lidThe lockOnly the master keys fit in the lock for the luggage compartment lid, refer to page 30.To secure separatelyTurn the m

36To open from the insideIf the luggage compartment lid has not been locked separately, you can open it with this button in the footwell on the driver

37Emergency releaseThis lever releases the luggage com-partment lid from the luggage compart-ment's interior.Luggage compartmentTo fold up and se

38Floor matYou can turn the floor mat over to trans-port soiled objects, etc. The rubber-coated side can be washed and is designed to inhibit sliding.

39Indicator lamp displays> The indicator lamp below the interior rearview mirror flashes continuously: the system is armed> The indicator lamp f

4 Notes © 2003 BMW M GmbHMunich, GermanyReprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich. Order No. 01 41 0 157 6

40Electric power windowsTo open and close windowsWhen leaving the vehicle, always remove the ignition key from the lock and remember to close the door

41Glass sunroof, electric*To prevent injuries, exercise care when closing the glass sunroof and keep it in your field of vision until it is shut.When

42> when it is closing from a point roughly past the middle of its travel,the closing cycle is interrupted and the glass sunroof will open again sl

43To adjustSafe seating positionFor driving that is relaxed and less likely to cause fatigue, you should select a sitting position that reflects your

44SeatsWhen adjusting your seat, always observe the following precautionsNever try to adjust your seat while operating the vehicle. The seat could res

45Power seat adjustment*Seat adjustment1 Tilt angle2 Forward/backward adjustment3 Height4 Backrest angleThe head restraint and the thigh sup-port are

46Adjusting the width of the backrest*Use the controls found along the sides of the seat to adjust the width for the backrest. This way you can set th

472. Press button 1 and remove the head restraint.Installation – frontPress button 1 and slide the head restraint into the sockets.Removal and install

48In the rear, the belt buckle with the word CENTER is provided exclusively for the passenger sitting in the middle.<Adjusting safety belt heightUs

49Seat and mirror memory*You can store and recall three different driver's seat and outside mirror posi-tions.Memory will not retain the adjust-m

5 Notes Your individual vehicle On purchasing your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individ-ualized equipment and features. This Owner&

50Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt functionAutomatic curb monitor*1. Move mirror selector switch 1 to the driver's mirror position2. When shif

51Steering wheelTo adjustNever attempt to adjust the steer-ing wheel while driving the vehicle – it could respond with unexpected movement, posing a p

52Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming featureThis mirror automatically responds to ambient light and headlamp glare from following vehicle

53Passenger safety systemsAirbags1 Front airbags on the driver and pas-senger sides2 Head airbags for driver and front pas-senger3 Side airbags on the

54At all times, occupants should sit upright and be properly restrained – infants and small children in appropri-ate child-restraint systems; larger c

55This is the right way a larger child should sit wearing the seat belt when rear side airbags are provided.Indicator lampThe indicator lamp indicates

56Transporting children safelyCommercially available child-restraint systems are designed to be secured with a lap belt or with the lap belt por-tion

57Before installing any child-restraint device or child seat, please read the following:Never install a rearward-facing child-restraint system in the

58The belt cannot be extracted further. Always observe the installation instruc-tions provided by the manufacturer of the child-restraint system.To un

59The illustration is an example showing the anchorages for a LATCH child-restraint mounting system at the right rear seat.Always follow all manufactu

6 Notes Maintenance and repair Advanced technology, e.g. the use of modern materials and high-performance electronics, requires spe-cially adapted ma

60Vehicle Memory, Key MemoryHow the system functionsYou have probably frequently wished that you could configure individual functions of your vehicles

61> After the engine is started, calls up the last selected driving program for each shifting mode, refer to page 70.Vehicle Memory, Key MemoryOver

62DrivingIgnition lockIgnition key positions0 Steering locked1 Steering unlocked2 Ignition switched on3 Starting engineSteering lockedThe key can only

63Starting the engine and driving offDo not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, drive off

64Before exiting the vehicle with the engine running, move the selector lever into position N and apply the parking brake.Never leave the vehicle unat

65Switching off the engineYou should never remove the igni-tion key when the vehicle is in motion, as the steering lock could engage.When you leave th

66If exceptional circumstances make it necessary to engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it with excessive pressure. K

67Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*The conceptThe sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic is an automated manual gearbox with which clutching and shi

68SMG display in instrument clusterThe selector lever position, currently engaged gear and selected driving pro-gram are displayed in the instrument c

69Shifting gears with shift paddles on steering wheel:> To upshift, briefly pull the right pad-dle +> To downshift, briefly pull the left pad-dl

7 Notes Service and warranty This manual is supplemented by a Ser-vice and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Ser-vice Guid

70DrivelogicDrivelogic makes various driving pro-grams available to you.Press the Drivelogic repeatedly until the desired driving program is shown in

71Indicator lampThe gearbox indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out after the engine is started.> If it does not go out, or if it lights

72Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher1 High beams – blue indicator lamp2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator lamp3 Turn signal indicator – green indi

73Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*0 Wipers retracted1 Intermittent operation or rain sensor2 Normal wiper speed3 Fast wiper speed4 Brief wipe5 Rotary

740 Wipers retracted1 Clean windshield and headlampsClean windshield and headlamps*Do not use the washers if there is any danger that the fluid will f

75The speed stored in memory is deleted.To store and maintain speed or to acceleratePress button + briefly:The system stores and maintains the current

76Everything under controlOdometer1 Odometer2 Trip odometerOdometerYou can activate the displays shown in the illustration with the ignition key in po

77Fuel 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 app

78Service interval displayRemaining distance to next serviceThe displays shown in the illustration appear for a few seconds when the ignition key is i

79ClockIf you wish to have a permanent time display, you can make this adjustment in the car radio display, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio

Contents Notes About this Owner's Manual 4Additional sources of information 4Symbols used 4Your individual vehicle 5Status at time of printing 5

80ComputerMode selectionWith the ignition key in position 1 and higher, you can use the button in the turn signal lever to retrieve information from t

81Average fuel consumptionIf you continue to press and hold the button on the turn signal lever, the aver-age fuel consumption being displayed is reca

82Technology for safety and driving conveniencePark Distance Control (PDC)*The conceptPDC assists you when you back into a parking space. Acoustic sig

83Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in critical driving situations.The system optimizes vehicle stabilit

84To deactivate DSCPress the button briefly; the indicator lamp comes on and stays on.The vehicle does not execute the stabil-ity-enhancement and trac

85System limitationsThe Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-vide you with advance warning of sudden and severe tire damage caused by external factors and doe

86To activate/deactivate the systemThe system is automatically activated in ignition key position 2 and conse-quently is on whenever the vehicle is op

87M Engine dynamics controlThe system – Sport mode – will cause the engine to respond more spontane-ously to any motion of the accelerator pedal.Activ

88LampsParking lamps/Low beamsParking lampsThe front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use this to signal the position of the ve

89Instrument lightingTurn the rotary dial with the parking/low beam lamps on to adjust the illumina-tion intensity.High beams/Standing lamps1 High bea

Contents 9 Driving: Ignition lock 62Starting the engine and driving off 63Switching off the engine 65Parking brake 65Manual transmission 66Sequential

90Fog lampsFront fog lampsThe green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up to indicate that the front fog lamps are on.If the automatic he

91Do not remove the protective lens and avoid staring directly at the unfiltered beam for several hours, as inflammation of the retina could result.&l

92Controlling the climate for pleasant drivingAutomatic climate controlOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 628 - © 09/03 BMW AG

931 Air onto the windshield and the side windows2 Air for the upper body area 953 Air to the footwell4 Interior temperature sensor – please keep clear

94Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic mode – switch on with AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior temperature.Detailed setting options are

95Outside air/Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC)/ Recirculated airYou can respond to unpleasant external odors or pollutants by temporarily stop

96Microfilter/Activated-charcoal filterThe built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter provides

97Interior conveniencesPremium sound system*Harman Kardon premium sound systemPress the button to activate and deacti-vate the acoustic enhancement.Wh

98If – for example for valet parking – you turn over only your spare key, refer to page 30, then access to the glove compartment and to the luggage co

99Rear center armrestYou will find a beverage holder in the rear center armrest.Opening the beverage holder: press.Storage package*For your convenienc