The UltimateDriving Machine Owner's Manual for VehicleContentsA-ZOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

Contents Owner service procedures Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit 136Windshield wiper blades 136Lamps and bulbs 137Tire repair with the M Mo

100Beverage holders, coin boxA coin box and two beverage holders are provided in the center console.Do not place any glass containers in the beverage

101Press lighter 1 in. As soon as the lighter jumps back out, it can be removed.Power socketThe cigarette lighter socket can be used as a power socket

102Loading and transportingSki bag*The ski bag allows the safe and clean transport of up to 3 pairs of standard skis or up to two snowboards.The lengt

1035. Secure the cover panel with the magnetic retainer on the rear wall, then pull out the ski bag.Securing cargoAfter loading, secure the ski bag an

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

105LoadThe permissible load is the sum of the occupants' weights and the weight of the cargo. The greater the weight of the occupants, the less c

106Securing the cargo in the luggage compartment> For small, light items, use the rubber-lined, non-skid side of the floor mat or secure using the

107Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop*A special roof-rack system is available as an optional extra for your BMW. Please observe the precautions

108Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

109OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

11Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

110Special operating instructionsBreak-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle continues to provide maximum economy throughout an extended service li

111General driving notesHot exhaust systemHigh temperatures occur with every vehicle equipped with a cat-alytic converter. Heat shields are installed

112Inclines:To prevent overheating and, as a result, diminished braking effec-tiveness, drive down long or steep downhill grades in a gear which requi

113Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking during braking, thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf

114StorageStoring the hardtop on the floor: slide the styrofoam block that came with the hardtop onto its center. The arrow on top of the styrofoam bl

1155. Before installing, first flip down the cover panels 2 that are located underneath the left and right inte-rior lamps. To do this, press on the s

116Wheels and tiresTire inflation pressureInformation for your safetyIt is not merely the tire's service life, but also driving comfort and, abov

117BMW TiresAll pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/ kilopascal with cold tires – cold = ambient temperature225/45 ZR 18 33/230

118Tire codeKnowing the tire code on the tire side-wall makes it easier to correctly choose and identify your tires.Tire sizeE.g. 205/60 R 15 91 W205

119Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on speci-fied government test surfac

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120Tire treadTread depth should not be allowed to go below 1/8 in/3 mm, even though European legislation, for example, requires a mimimum tread depth

121The correct wheels and tiresBMW recommends using only wheels and tires that have been tested and approved by BMW for the particular vehicle model,

122Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been tested by BMW and determined and approved as roadworthy. Consult your BMW center for more informatio

123In the engine compartmentHoodTo releasePull the lever located under the left-hand side of the instrument panel.Do not attempt to service your vehic

124Engine compartment essentialsOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

1251 Filler neck for windshield and head-lamp washer cleaning system 1262 Coolant expansion tank 1283 Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting – positive

126Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield washer systemCapacity approx. 5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.Fill with water and, if required, with a washer antifr

127Adding 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

128Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for your vehicle model can be used at virtu-ally any ambient temperature.However, if th

129Brake fluidIndicator lampThe warning lamp comes on even though the parking brake is released: The brake fluid level is too low, refer to page 18. A

13 OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndex OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline E

130MaintenanceBMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System helps maintain your vehicle's road safety and operational safety. Comfort-related

131Have your BMW center perform maintenance and repair.Be sure that all maintenance work is recorded in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet f

132Laws and regulationsOBD interface socketThe Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface socket is located on the left of the driver's side under the inst

133OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

134Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

135OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

136Replacement proceduresOnboard tool kitThe onboard tool kit is located in the luggage compartment lid.To open, loosen the wing nut. For stor-age pla

137Lamps and bulbsThe lamps and bulbs make essential contributions to the safety of your vehi-cle. Therefore, proceed carefully when handling bulbs. B

138Front turn signal indicators21 watt bulb1. Extend a screwdriver through the upper opening, loosen the screw and remove it2. Remove lamp by pulling

139Rear lamps1 Turn signal indicatorLEDs2 Backup lamp 21 watt bulb3 Tail lamp/brake lampLEDsPlease contact a BMW center in case of a defect with the L

14 CockpitOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

140Center high-mount brake lampLED strip in luggage compartment lid.Please contact a BMW center in case of a malfunction.License plate lamps5 watt bul

141Tire repair with the M Mobility systemPrecautions in case of a flat tire:Stop the vehicle as far as possible from passing traffic and position it o

142Components of the M Mobility system1 Sealant bottle and sticker showing the speed limit2 Filler hose from the sealant bottle to the wheelSystem ver

143Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility system, proceed as follows:> Fill with sealant, refer to page 143> Dist

1444. Adjust the tire inflation pressure to 29 psi / 200 kilopascal. For this pur-pose, with the ignition key in position 2:> Increase the tire pre

145DisposalAfter changing the battery, have the old battery disposed of by your BMW center or bring it to a recy-cling point. Maintain the battery in

146Giving and receiving assistanceReceiving assistanceThe BMW Group's Mobile Service offers you 24-hour assistance in the event of a breakdown, e

147Mobile Service*To establish contact with the BMW Group's Mobile Service:Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.The indicator lamp above the but

1483. Connect the second terminal clamp of the plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery or to a jump-starting terminal in the vehic

149Towing and tow-starting the vehicleAlways observe all applicable towing laws and regulations.<Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet

151 Parking lamps/Low beams 902 > Turn signal indicators 75 > Standing lamps 91 > High beams 91 > Headlamp flasher 75 > Computer 833 W

150If the tow bar can only be used in a diagonal position, please note the fol-lowing:> Clearance is restricted while you are driving around corner

151OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

152Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

153OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

154Engine dataDisplacementNumber of cylinderscu in/cm3198.1/3,2466Max. power outputat engine speedhprpm3337,900Maximum torqueat engine speedlb ft/Nmrp

155DimensionsOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

156WeightsCurb weight lbs/kg 3,782/1,715Approved gross vehicle weight lbs/kg 4,608/2,090Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,183/990Approved rear axle l

157CapacitiesNotesFuel tankReservegal./litersgal./litersapprox. 16.6/63approx. 2.1/8Fuel specification, refer to page 25Windshield washer system/Headl

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159OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

16 Instrument clusterOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

Everything from A to ZAABS Antilock Brake System 113indicator lamp 19Accessories, refer to For your own safety 6Accident, refer to Emer-gency call 146

Everything from A to Z161BMW sports seat 47Bore, refer to Engine data 154Bottle holders, see Bever-age holders 100Brake fluid 129indicator lamp 18, 12

Everything from A to ZCode, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard ComputerCoin box 100Cold start, refer to Starting the engine 66Compact

Everything from A to Z163Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 19, 86EEasy entry, refer to Entering the rear 49Electric power windows 38power loss 39Electri

Everything from A to ZFuel reserve indicator, refer to Fuel gauge 80Fuel tank capacity 157Fuses 145GGasoline consumption, refer to Average fuel consum

Everything from A to Z165Interior lamps 92remote control 30Interior motion sensor 36, 37switching off 37Interior rearview mirrorautomatic dimming feat

Everything from A to ZManual transmission 69Master keyswith remote control 28MC operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard Computer

Everything from A to Z167Power output, refer to Engine data 154Power seat 47Power socket 101Power socket, cigarette lighter 101Power windowselectric 3

Everything from A to ZSequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 70indicator lamp 19, 74tow-starting 150Service and Warranty Infor-mation Booklet 130Service

Everything from A to Z169Tiresage 118breaking in 110condition 119damage 119flat 141inflation pressure 116storing 121tread 119, 120tread wear indicator

171 Fuel gauge 802 Turn signal indicator 203 Speedometer4 Indicator and warning lamps 18 to 215 Tachometer and engine oil temperature gauge 796 Engin

Everything from A to ZWidth, refer to Dimensions 155Wind deflector 44Window condensationremoving 96Windowsconvenience operation29, 31remote control 29

171OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 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

More about BMWbmwusa.com The UltimateDriving Machine01 41 0 158 515 ueOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 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 comes on together with the yellow indi-cator lamps for ABS ● and DSC:The entir

M3 ConvertibleOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

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

21Cruise controlLights up when the cruise con-trol is activated. Ready for oper-ation via the buttons in the steering wheel.For additional informatio

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

23Hazard warning triangle*The hazard warning triangle is stored ready to use in the luggage compart-ment lid inside the toolbox for the onboard tool k

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

25Closing the gas capPlace the cap in position and turn it until a clearly audible click is heard.Close the gas cap carefully after refueling until a

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27OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edit

28Opening and closingKeysThe key set1 Each master key with remote control is powered by an extended-life bat-tery that is charged automatically in the

29Opening and closing – via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control also provides two additional functions beyond the central locking feature:

Thank you for deciding on a BMW M3 Convertible.Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you dr

30To lock and securePress button.As a confirmation that the vehi-cle's locks have engaged securely, the hazard warning flashers light up once.<

31Opening and closing – via the door lockTurning the key in the door lock once unlocks the driver's door, the fuel filler door and the glove comp

32Opening and closing – from the insideYou can use this button to control the central locking system whenever the doors are closed. The doors and lug-

33Luggage compartment lidThe lockOnly the master keys fit in the lock for the luggage compartment lid, refer to page 28.To secure separatelyLock the g

34To closeThe handle recesses in the interior trim panel of the luggage compartment lid make it easier to pull the lid down.To avoid injuries, be sure

35Luggage compartmentTo fold up and secure the floor panel1. Pull up at the handle and fold the panel up2. Press the button to release the hanger from

36When opening the convertible top, refer to page 39, make sure that the convertible top compartment panel is folded down in the luggage compart-ment;

37Indicator lamp displays> The indicator lamp below the interior rearview mirror flashes continuously: the system is armed> The indicator lamp f

38Electric power windowsTo open and close windowsWith the ignition key in position 1 or higher> Press the switch until you feel resis-tance: the wi

39Despite trap protection, always make sure that the windows can close without obstruction, otherwise in some cases, e.g. with thin objects, it is not

4 Notes © 2004 Bayerische Motoren WerkeAktiengesellschaftMunich, GermanyReprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Muni

40Driving when the opening or clos-ing process has not been com-pleted can cause vehicle damage or personal injuries.Do not reach into the convertible

412. Ensure that the convertible top com-partment panel in the luggage com-partment is folded down, refer to page 35; otherwise, it will not be possib

42Do not repeatedly interrupt and resume the closing operation, as otherwise the fully-automatic convert-ible top mechanism could be dam-aged.<In c

434. Grasp the convertible top by the lat-eral guide section – see arrow 1 – and the front convertible top frame – see arrow 2. Lift out the top and s

44Position for cleaningTo be able to access the convertible top compartment, lean the rear frame of the convertible top against the cover of the conve

453. Hold the wind deflector so that the smaller half points toward the front and guide the mounting pin for the side piece into the proper opening4.

46To adjustSafe seating positionFor driving that is relaxed and less likely to cause fatigue, you should select a sitting position that reflects your

47SeatsWhen adjusting your seat, always observe the following precautionsNever try to adjust your seat while operating the vehicle. The seat could res

48Adjusting the lumbar support*You can adjust the backrest's contour to support the lordosis of the spine, i.e. the curvature of its lumbar secti

49Rear head restraintsThe rear head restraints may only be lowered if there are no passen-gers in the rear seats. If you do so, you are in violation o

5 Notes Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly. Your ind

50The seat can be locked into posi-tion when it is tilted forward. This is particularly convenient when entering the vehicle on an incline, for exampl

51Seat and mirror memoryYou can store and recall three different driver's seat and outside mirror posi-tions.Memory will not retain the adjust-me

52Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt functionAutomatic curb monitor*To activate:1. Select the driver's mirror using the mirror selector switch 1

53MirrorsTo adjust exterior mirrors1 Switch for 4-way adjustment2 Switch to select between mirrorsTo adjust manuallyThe mirrors can also be adjusted m

54Steering wheelTo adjustNever attempt to adjust the steer-ing wheel while driving the vehicle – it could respond with unexpected movement, posing a p

55Passenger safety systemsAirbags1 Front airbags on the driver and pas-senger sides2 Side airbags on the driver and pas-senger sides – front and rear*

56At all times, occupants should sit upright and be properly restrained – infants and small children in appropri-ate child-restraint systems; larger c

57This is the right way a larger child should sit wearing the seat belt when rear side airbags are provided.Indicator lampThe indicator lamp indicates

58Transporting children safelyLeave the rear safety belts in the holders if they are not needed to avoid unwanted movement from the safety belts at hi

59It is recommended to cover the child-restraint attaching clip with a soft mate-rial to prevent damage to the stored soft top.Should a hard top be in

6 Notes For your own safetyMaintenance and repair Advanced technology, e.g. the use of modern materials and high-performance electronics, requires sp

60Securing child-restraint systemAll of the rear belt retractors and the front passenger's safety belt can be locked for mounting and securing ch

61The LATCH anchorage points are iden-tified by symbols.The anchorage points for the LATCH child-restraint system installation are located behind the

62Rollover protection systemIn the event of an accident or some other critical driving situation – extreme tilting in the longitudinal or transverse a

633. Keep pressing down on the protec-tive bar from on top – see arrow 1 – until you hear it click into place4. Put the cover panel back in place and

64Vehicle Memory, Key MemoryHow the system functionsYou have probably frequently wished that you could configure individual functions of your vehicles

65DrivingIgnition lockIgnition key positions0 Steering locked1 Steering unlocked2 Ignition on3 Start engineSteering lockedThe key can only be inserted

66Starting the engine and driving offDo not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, drive off

67With the engine running, the gear indicator in the SMG Drivelogic display flashes to indicate that a driving position is engaged with the driver&apo

68Switching 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

69If exceptional circumstances make it necessary to engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it with excessive pressure. K

7 Notes wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones, including operation of any mobile phone from within the vehicle without using

70Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic*The conceptThe sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic is an automated manual gearbox with which clutching and shi

71Display in instrument clusterThe selector lever position, currently engaged gear and selected driving pro-gram are displayed in the instrument clust

72Shifting gears with shift paddles on steering wheel:> To upshift, briefly pull the right pad-dle +> To downshift, briefly pull the left pad-dl

73DrivelogicDrivelogic makes various driving pro-grams available to you.Press the Drivelogic repeatedly until the desired driving program is shown in

74Indicator 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

75Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher1 High beams2 Headlamp flasher3 Turn signal indicatorsTo signal brieflyPress the lever up to the detent but no

76Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*0 Wipers retracted1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor2 Normal wipe3 Fast wipe4 Brief wipe5 Rotary dial for control of

770 Wipers retracted1 Clean windshield and headlampsClean windshield and headlamps*The system sprays washer fluid against the windshield and activates

78The speed stored in memory is deleted.To store and maintain speed or to acceleratePress button + briefly:The system maintains and stores the current

79Everything under controlOdometer1 Odometer2 Trip odometerOdometerYou can activate the displays shown in the illustration with the ignition key in po

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

80Fuel 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

81Service interval displayRemaining distance to next serviceThe displays shown in the illustration appear for a few seconds when the ignition key is i

82ClockIf 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

83ComputerMode selectionWith the ignition key in position 1 or higher, you can use the onboard com-puter button BC in the turn signal lever to retriev

84After giving an ice warning, the display returns to the previous setting.<The ice warning does not alter the fact that surface ice can form at te

85Technology for safety and driving conveniencePark Distance Control (PDC)*The conceptPDC assists you when you back into a parking space. Acoustic sig

86Dynamic Stability Control DSCThe conceptDSC supports vehicle stability, even in critical driving situations.DSC optimizes driving stability and trac

87Flat Tire MonitorThe conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of pressure levels in all four tires. The system alerts you whenever the

88To activate/deactivate the systemThe system is automatically activated in ignition key position 2 and conse-quently is on whenever the vehicle is op

89M Engine dynamics controlThe system – Sport mode – will cause the engine to respond more spontane-ously to any motion of the accelerator pedal.Activ

Contents 9 Passenger safety systems: Airbags 55Transporting children safely 58Rollover protection system 62Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 64 Driving: Ign

90LampsParking lamps/Low beamsParking lampsThe front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use this to signal the position of the ve

91Instrument lightingTurn the rotary dial to control the light-ing when the parking or low beam lamps are on.High beams/Standing lamps1 High beams2 He

92Front fog lampsTap the button to switch on or off.The parking lamps or low-beam headlamps must be switched on. The green indicator lamp in the instr

93Rear reading lampsWith the hardtop reading lamps are also located in the rear, refer to page 113. Switch on and off with the button adja-cent to eac

94Controlling the climate for pleasant drivingAutomatic climate controlOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 515 - © 09/04 BMW AG

951 Air onto the windshield and the side windows2 Air for the upper body area 973 Air to the footwell4 Interior temperature sensor – please keep clear

96Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic mode – switch on with AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior temperature.Detailed setting options are

97Condensation forms during opera-tion of the air conditioning system, which then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this kind are

98Microfilter, activated-charcoal filterThe built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter provides

99Interior conveniencesGlove compartmentTo openPull the handle. The glove compartment will light up.To closeFold up cover.To prevent injury in the eve