BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2004 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual for Vehicle ContentsA-ZOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

Contents Owner service procedures Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit 136Windshield wiper blades 136Lamps and bulbs 137Repairing a flat tire 140

100Microfilter, activated-charcoal filterThe built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter provide

101Interior conveniencesGlove compartmentTo openPull the handle. The glove compartment will light up.To closeFold up cover.To prevent injury in the ev

102Beverage holders, coin boxA coin box and two beverage holders are provided in the center console.Storage package*The following are available for yo

103Ashtray, front*To emptyPress on the edge of the open cover. you can now pull the ashtray upward for removal.Extinguishing cigarettesTap off the ash

104Loading 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

1055. Secure the cover panel with the magnetic retainer on the rear wall and pull out the ski bag.Securing cargoSecure skis and any other objects stor

106Cargo loadingAvoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading can lead to overheating and interna

107Stowing cargo> Load heavy cargo as far forward as possible – directly behind the lug-gage compartment partition – and as low as possible> Cov

108Always 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

109OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

11Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

110Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

111OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edi

112Special operating instructionsBreak-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle continues to provide maximum economy throughout an extended service li

113ClutchThe clutch will also begin to function optimally after about 300 miles/500 km. Drive cautiously during this break-in period and do not press

114Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking during braking, thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf

115If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to respond to braking with a pulsating effect that even extended brake applications will fail to c

116StorageStoring 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

1175. Before installing, first flip the cover panels that are located underneath the left and right interior lamps down. To do this, press on the slig

118Wheels and tiresTire inflation pressureInformation for your safetyThe factory-approved tires are matched to your vehicle and have been selected to

119Do 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

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120Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-perature can lead to sudden tir

121Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choiceBMW recommends using only wheels and tires that have been approved by BMW for your particular vehicle mo

122Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends the use of winter tires for operation under winter road conditions. While all-season tires – with

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 0 157 596 - © 09/03 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

128However, if the vehicle is exposed to temperatures below –47/–206 for extended periods, please have your BMW center recommend a suitable oil.Coolan

1293. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-ant is low, slowly add coolant until the correct level is reached — do not overfill.Brake fluidIndicator

13 OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndex OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline E

130MaintenanceThe BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System has been designed as a reliable means of providing maximum driving and operat-ing s

131CareYou can find everything you need to know on this topic by consulting the separate Caring for your vehicle bro-chure.The BMW Maintenance SystemO

132Laws and regulationsCalifornia Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the following warning:Engine exhaust and a wide variety of

133If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed and contact your near-est BMW center immediately. S

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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 indicator2 Backup lamp 21 watt bulb3 Tail lamp/brake lampAll bulbs in the fender are designed using LED technology. Please

14 CockpitOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 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

141Using the M Mobility systemTo repair a flat tire using the M Mobility system, proceed as follows:> Preparing the M Mobility system for use, refe

142Components of the M Mobility system1 On/Off switch2 Connection hose with manometer for connecting the compressor with the sealant container or to c

1434. 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

144Even 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

145FusesYou will find the fuses and information on their respective allocation in the glove compartment behind a panel with two snap clips.Do not atte

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

147Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged, you can use two jumper cables to start your vehicle with power from the battery in a second vehicle.

1482. 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

149Towing the vehicle with the front axle raisedVehicles with sequential manual gear-box SMG:While the ignition is on move the selec-tor lever to posi

151 Parking lamps/Low beams 912 > Turn signal indicators 75 > Standing lamps 92 > High beams 92 > Headlamp flasher 75 > Computer 833 W

150Keep 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

151OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

152Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 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 0 157 596 - © 09/03 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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16 Instrument clusterOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

Everything from A to ZAABS Antilock Brake System 114indicator lamp 19Accessories, refer to For your own safety 5Accident, refer to Emer-gency call 146

Everything from A to Z161Brake force display 90Brake hydraulics 114Brake lampsbulb replacement 139indicator lamp, defective lamp 81Brake lightsbrake f

Everything from A to ZCondensation, refer to Air conditioning mode 98Configuring settings, refer to Vehicle Memory, Key Memory 64Connecting a vacuum c

Everything from A to Z163Electrical malfunctiondoor lock 33driver's door 33fuel filler door 24luggage compartmentlid 35Electronic Stability Progr

Everything from A to ZGearbox malfunctionsequential M gearbox with Drivelogic 74Gearbox, sequential 70Gearshift levermanual transmission 69sequential

Everything from A to Z165LLamp defect 137Lampsreading lamps 93Lamps and bulbs 137Lashing down loads, refer to Cargo loading 106Lashing eyelets, refer

Everything from A to ZMD operation, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio/Onboard ComputerMemory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 51Memory, refer

Everything from A to Z167Pressure, tires 25, 118inflating with Mobility sys-tem 143Protective functionelectric power windows 39RRadio remote control k

Everything from A to ZSMG Drivelogic 70Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 103Snow chains 122SOS, refer to Emergency call 146Spare key 30Special o

Everything from A to Z169Transport securing devices, refer to Securing cargo 107Transporting children safely 58Trap protectionelectric power windows 3

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 ZWindshield washer reservoirvolume, see Capacities 157Windshield wiper blades, replacing 136Windshield wipers, refer to Washer/wi

171OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 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

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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 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

20button 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 i

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 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

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

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29OverviewControls and featuresOperation, maintenanceOwner service proceduresTechnical dataIndexOverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edit

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

30Opening and closingKeysThe key set1 Master keys with remote control unit – these keys determine the functions of the Key Memory. Refer to page 64.Yo

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

32To lock and securePress button.To switch on the interior lampsAfter locking the vehicle, press button again.To open the luggage compartment lidPress

33Opening 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

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 separatelyLock the g

36To 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

37Luggage 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

38When opening the convertible top, refer to page 39, make sure that the convertible top compartment panel is folded down in the luggage compart-ment;

39Operating all windows at onceWith the ignition key in position 1 or higher> Press the switch until you feel resis-tance: all of the windows will

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 59

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, see page 37; otherwise, it will not be possible to

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 for additional support in the curvature of your spine's lumbar region.T

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

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

52Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt functionAutomatic curb monitor*1. Move mirror selector switch 1 to the driver's mirror position2. When shif

53Steering wheelTo adjustNever attempt to adjust the steer-ing wheel while driving the vehicle – it could respond with unexpected movement, posing a p

54Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming featureThis mirror automatically responds to ambient light and headlamp glare from following vehicle

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

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

61Canadian models only:The LATCH anchorage points are iden-tified by buttons.The anchorage points for the LATCH child-restraint system installation ar

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

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

67Before exiting the vehicle with the engine running, move the selector lever into position N and apply the parking brake.Never leave the vehicle unat

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 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

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 beams – blue indicator lamp2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator lamp3 Turn signal indicator – green indi

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*Do not use the washers if there is any danger that the fluid will f

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 and higher, you can use the button in the turn signal lever to retrieve information from t

84Average fuel consumptionIf you continue to press and hold the button on the turn signal lever, the aver-age fuel consumption being displayed is reca

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 maintains vehicle stability, even in critical driving situations.The system optimizes vehicle stability

87To deactivate the systemPress the button; the indicator lamp comes on and stays on.The vehicle does not execute the stabil-ity-enhancement and tract

88System limitationsThe Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-vide you with advance warning of sudden and severe tire damage caused by external factors and doe

89To activate/deactivate the systemThe system is automatically activated in ignition key position 2 and conse-quently is on whenever the vehicle is op

Contents 9 Driving: Ignition lock 65Starting the engine and driving off 66Switching off the engine 68Parking brake 68Manual transmission 69Sequential

90M Engine dynamics controlThe system – Sport mode – will cause the engine to respond more spontane-ously to any motion of the accelerator pedal.Activ

91LampsParking lamps/Low beamsParking lampsThe front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use this to signal the position of the ve

92Instrument lightingTurn the rotary dial to control the light-ing when the parking or low beam lamps are on.High beams/Standing lamps1 High beams – b

93Fog 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

94Rear reading lampsWith the hardtop reading lamps are also located in the rear, refer to page 115. Switch on and off with the button adja-cent to eac

95OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndexOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

96Controlling the climate for pleasant drivingAutomatic climate controlOnline Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 157 596 - © 09/03 BMW AG

971 Air onto the windshield and the side windows2 Air for the upper body area 993 Air to the footwell4 Interior temperature sensor – please keep clear

98Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic mode – switch on with AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior temperature.Detailed setting options are

99Outside air/Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC)/ Recirculated airYou can respond to unpleasant external odors or pollutants by temporarily stop