Deutsch
EnglishOverview for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006
14 Cockpit
Cockpit
15
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 92
2 >Turn signal indicators 76
>Standing lamps 93
>High beams 93
>Headlamp flasher 76
>Computer 84
3 Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor 77
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Rear window defroster 99
6 Central locking system 30
7 Horn: the entire surface
8 Steering wheel 55
9 Fog lamps 94
16 Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster
17
1 Fuel gauge 81
2 Turn signal indicator 20
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps 18
to 21
5 Tachometer and engine oil
temperature gauge 80
6 Engine coolant temperature
gauge 81
7 Indicator and warning lamps 18
to 21
8 Clock reset
>Clock 83
>Unit of measure of outside
temperature display 84
9 Display for sequential M gearbox
SMG II 72
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) 87
11 Display for
>Trip odometer 80
>Clock 83
>Service interval 82
>Computer 84
12 Check Control 82
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 80
14 Indicator and warning lamps 18
to 21
18 Indicator and warning lamps
Engine oil pressure ●
An alarm sounds at the same
time. Stop vehicle immediately
Technology that monitors itself
Red: an important reminder
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by ● are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
Brake warning lamp ●
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off. For additional information: refer to
page 69
and switch off engine. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
If the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.<
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belts ●
Flat Tire Monitor ●
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. To come to an immediate
stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any
sudden, jerky braking or steering
maneuvers.
comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety belts are
fastened. Flashes when the backrest is
not locked.
For additional information on locking
the backrest, refer to page 51
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 52
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current ●
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. please
contact the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
Airbags ●
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.<
Brake warning lamp ●
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 57
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 112 and 127.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
19
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
Red and yellow: continue driving Orange: consult the nearest BMW
cautiously
center
The red brake warning lamp
Sequential M gearbox SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity such as when you
stop to refuel
For additional information: refer to
page 124
lights up together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS ●
and DSC:
started, or if it comes on during normal
driving: this indicates a malfunction in
control system has failed. Con- the system. Please consult the nearest
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
Brake pads ●
tinue to drive; drive cautiously
and defensively and avoid full
brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information: refer to
page 75
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 112
Flat Tire Monitor ●
For additional information: refer to
pages 87, 111
The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 25, 88
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) ●
For additional information: refer to
page 124
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 is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
20 Indicator and warning lamps
button or in response to a system mal- Although the vehicle remains opera-
function. In the event of a malfunction, tional, you should have the systems
have the system checked by your near- checked by your BMW center at the
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
est BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 87
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 130
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.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
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
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.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
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
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top For additional information: refer to
off the fluid at the earliest page 126
opportunity.
CHECK FILLER CAP ●
For additional information: refer to
page 124
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24
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.
For additional information: refer to
page 94
Indicator and warning lamps
21
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 76, 93
22 Steering wheel with multifunction buttons
These buttons let you operate the fol-
lowing functions quickly and without
being distracted from traffic conditions:
>Cassette
Press briefly: jump to next track or
stop fast forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
>Phone
Scan personal phone book.
>Selected radio functions
>The cruise control
>Several telephone* functions.
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.<
Rewind: same functions as forward.
Volume.
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, ter-
minate call.
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Switch between phone and radio, cas-
sette, CD and MD.
Cruise control: store and accelerate +
or decelerate and store –.
Forward:
>Radio
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
Press briefly: station scan in FM band tivate.
Extended pressure: station search
>CD/MD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function
in track
Hazard warning triangle*
First-aid kit*
23
The hazard warning triangle is stored
ready to use in the luggage compart-
ment lid inside the toolbox for the
onboard tool kit.
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To open the container, loosen the wing
nut.
To fasten: fold the cover up and press it
until the tab engages.
Always observe all legal regula-
tions requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
Several of the items contained in
the first-aid kit have a limited ser-
vice life. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any with passed
dates. You can acquire replacements in
any drugstore or pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
24 Refueling
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions posted at the service station.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
Fuel filler door
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not possi-
ble to add fuel with the engine running,
and attempts may also trigger the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door – see
arrow.
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol
on the right trim panel of the luggage
compartment.
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler noz-
zle shuts off the first time.
Refueling
Fuel specifications
Tire inflation pressure
25
Close the fuel filler cap carefully
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
after refueling until a click is
heard. While closing, be sure not to
squeeze the strap which is fastened to
the cap. A loose or missing cap will
activate the CHECK FILLER CAP
lamp.<
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<
Fuel tank capacity
>Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which
>approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve
capacity.
The specified inflation pressures are
provided on a sticker attached to the
B-pillar and are visible with the driver's
door open.
Do not drive to the last drop of
fuel. This can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
Checking tire pressures
All pressures are specified in the units
usually used in your country – psi/kilo-
pascal – for tires at ambient tempera-
tures, also refer to the following tire
inflation pressure table.
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor so
that it can monitor the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 88.
26 Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures on a reg-
ular basis – at least twice a month
– and before every extended journey.
Incorrect tire pressure can otherwise
lead to driving instability, tire damage
and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the table
apply to BMW-approved tire sizes and
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center
will be glad to supply this information.
Higher pressures may be required for
tires made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires
which not only meet US standards, but
also European standards. We recom-
mend the exclusive use of BMW-
approved tires.
Tire inflation pressure
27
BMW
Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires –
cold = ambient temperature
225/45 ZR 18
255/40 ZR 18
225/40 ZR 19
33/230
-
-
35/240
-
41/280
-
-
48/330
-
M3
convertible
33/230
41/280
255/35 ZR 19
-
35/240
38/260
-
48/330
46/320
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
33/230
36/250
28
29
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
