BMW M3 Convertible 2004 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual
Contents
A-Z
for Vehicle
M3 Convertible
Thank you for deciding on a BMW M3 Convertible.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. Therefore, we have one request:
Read the information contained in this Owner's Manual before driving your new BMW M3 Convertible for the first time. It contains important information on vehicle operation that will enable you to make full use of the advanced technical equipment of your BMW M3 Convertible. In addition, you will receive information on vehicle maintenance to help ensure operating and traffic safety as well as the best possible value retention of your BMW. For more detailed information refer to the supplemen­tal manuals.
BMW M also makes decisive contributions toward greater safety in traffic through its BMW driver training.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and maintenance information.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW M
4

Notes

About this Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you wish to gain an initial overview of your vehicle, you will find this in the first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remem­ber to hand over this Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is an important part of the vehicle.
© 2003 BMW M GmbH Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW M GmbH, Munich. Order No. 01 41 0 157 596 US English VIII/03 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper, bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

Additional sources of information

Should you have any further questions, your BMW center will be glad to assist at any time.
You can find more information about BMW, for example on its technology, on the Internet at www.bmw.com.

Symbols used

Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to avoid the possibility of personal injury and serious damage to the vehicle.
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum benefit from your vehicle and enable you to care more effectively for your vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environ­ment.
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
Indicates special equipment, coun­try-specific equipment and optional extras when available.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 64. Identifies func­tions that can be specifically adapted for a particular key or vehicle. These adjustments can be performed either by yourself or by your BMW center.
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Notes
5

Your individual vehicle

On purchasing your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individ­ualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual will describe all of the equipment that the BMW M3 Convert­ible has to offer you.
We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included that you might not have chosen for your vehicle. You can easily identify any dif­ferences with the aid of the asterisk used to identify all optional equipment and accessories.
If your BMW features equipment that is not described in this Owner's Manual, such as a car radio or telephone, we have enclosed Supplementary Owner's Manuals. We ask you to read these manuals as well.

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this reason, the features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no claims can be recognized on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this Owner's Manual.

For your own safety

Fuels
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight – that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent – will not void the applicable warranties respecting defects in materials or work­manship. Field experience has indi­cated significant differences in fuel quality – volatility, composition, addi­tives, etc. – among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor quality fuels may result in driveability, starting and stalling problems especially under certain envi­ronmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature and high altitude. Should you encounter driveability prob­lems which you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand. Failure to comply with these recom­mendations may result in unscheduled maintenance. Obey pertinent safety rules when you are handling gasoline.
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6
Notes
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the
use of modern materials and high­performance electronics, requires spe­cially adapted maintenance and repair methods. Therefore, only have corre­sponding work on your BMW carried out by a BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If work is carried out improperly there is a danger of conse­quential damage and the related safety
<
risks.
Parts and accessories
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by BMW. When you purchase accessories tested and approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thor­oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti­mum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workman­ship. BMW will not accept any liability for damages resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product made by other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occupants. Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW centers. Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones – including operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna – or trans­ceiver equipment, such as CB, walkie­talkie, ham radio or similar, may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, com­promise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Contact your BMW center for additional information. Do not use key or remote control to lock doors or luggage compartment with anyone inside the car. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified auto­motive part.
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<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this Owner's Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.
Notes
7

Service and warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Ser­vice and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Ser­vice Guide Booklet for Canadian mod­els.
We recommend that you read this pub­lication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
>
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>
Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
>
Federal Emissions Performance War­ranty
>
California Emission Control System Limited Warranty.
Detailed information about these war­ranties is listed in the Service and War­ranty Information Booklet for US mod­els or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

Reporting safety defects

The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National High­way Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, telephone toll-free 1-800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in indi­vidual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area, or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transpor­tation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Contents

About this Owner's Manual 4 Additional sources of
information 4
Notes
Symbols used 4 Your individual vehicle 5 Status at time of printing 5 For your own safety 5 Symbol on vehicle parts 6 Service and warranty 7 Reporting safety defects 7
Cockpit 14 Instrument cluster 16 Indicator and warning lamps 18 Buttons in steering wheel 22
Overview
Hazard warning triangle* 23 First-aid kit* 23 Refueling 24 Fuel specifications 25 Tire inflation pressure 25
Opening and closing:
Keys 30 Central locking system 30 Opening and closing – via the
remote control 31
Opening and closing – via the
door lock 33
Opening and closing – from the
inside 34
Luggage compartment lid 35
Controls and features
Luggage compartment 37 Electric power windows 38 Convertible top 39 Wind deflector* 44
To adjust:
Safe seating position 46 Seats 47 Power seat adjustment 47 Head restraints 48 Entering the rear 49 Safety belts 50 Seat and mirror memory 51 Seat heating* 52 Steering wheel 53 Mirrors 53
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags 55 Transporting children safely 58 Rollover protection system 62 Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 64
Contents
9
Driving:
Ignition lock 65 Starting the engine and driving
off 66 Switching off the engine 68 Parking brake 68 Manual transmission 69 Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic* 70 Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
Controls and features
flasher 75 Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor* 76 Cruise control 77
Everything under control:
Odometer 79 Tachometer 79 Engine oil temperature 79 Fuel gauge 80 Engine coolant temperature
gauge 80 Service interval display 81 Check Control 81 Clock 82 Computer 83
Technology for safety and driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)* 85 Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 86 Flat Tire Monitor 87 M Engine dynamics control 90 Brake force display 90
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams 91 Instrument lighting 92 High beams/Standing lamps 92 Fog lamps 93 Interior lamps 93 Reading lamps 93
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control 96
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment 101 Storage compartments 101 Cellular phone* 102 Ashtray, front* 103 Ashtray, rear* 103
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag* 104 Cargo loading 106 Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop* 108
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures 112 General driving notes 113 Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 114 Brake system 114 Hardtop* 115
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 118 Tire condition 118 Tire replacement 119
Operation, maintenance
Wheel and tire
combinations 121 Winter tires 122 Snow chains* 122
In the engine compartment:
Hood 123 Engine compartment
essentials 124 Washer fluids 126 Engine oil 126 Coolant 128 Brake fluid 129
Maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 130
Laws and regulations:
California Proposition 65
warning 132 OBD interface socket 132
Contents
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 136 Windshield wiper blades 136 Lamps and bulbs 137 Repairing a flat tire 140 Battery 144 Fuses 145
Giving and receiving assistance:
Receiving assistance 146 Jump-starting 147 Towing the vehicle 148
Owner service procedures
Engine data 154 Dimensions 155 Weights 156 Capacities 157
Technical data
Everything from A to Z 160
Index
11
12
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
13
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Index
14

Cockpit

Cockpit
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 91
>
Turn signal indicators 75
2
>
Standing lamps 92
>
High beams 92
>
Headlamp flasher 75
>
Computer 83
3 Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor 76
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Rear window defroster 99
>
Initiating an emergency call 146
6
>
Mobile Service 146
7 Central locking system 30
8 Horn: the entire surface
9 Steering wheel adjustment 53
10 Fog lamps 93
15
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16

Instrument cluster

Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge 80
2 Turn signal indicator 20
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps 18
to 21
5 Tachometer and engine oil
temperature gauge 79
6 Engine coolant temperature
gauge 80
7 Indicator and warning lamps 18
to 21
8 Control button for
>
Clock 82
>
Unit of measure of outside temperature display 83
9 Display for sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic 71
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) 86
11 Display for
>
Trip odometer 79
>
Clock 82
>
Service interval 81
>
Computer 83
12 Check Control 81
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 79
14 Indicator and warning lamps 18
to 21
17
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18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by functioning whenever the ignition key is turned. They each light up once for dif­ferent periods of time.
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.
are tested for proper
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.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi­ately to prevent overheating and seri­ous engine damage. If the drive belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.
<
Engine oil pressure An alarm sounds at the same
time. Stop vehicle immediately 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.
Do not continue driving, as the engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.
Flat Tire Monitor
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire. Reduce speed and carefully come to a stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer­ing maneuvers. For additional information: refer to page 87
Brake warning lamp
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged: check the brake fluid level. Before driv­ing further, be sure to comply with the instructions on pages 114 and 129.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
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Red: an important reminder
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 68
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belts
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 49 For additional information on safety belts: refer to page 50
Airbags
Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 55
Indicator and warning lamps
19
Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously
The brake warning lamp comes on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS DSC: The entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Con­tinue to drive; drive cautiously
and defensively and avoid full brake applications. Please have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible. For additional information: refer to pages 86, 114
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.
and
Orange: consult the nearest BMW center
Sequential M gearbox with Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after the engine is started, or if it comes on during normal driving: this indicates a malfunction in the system. Please consult the nearest BMW cen­ter. Indicator lamp flashes: a system over­load has occurred. For additional information: refer to page 74
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the engine oil level has fallen to the abso­lute minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km before refilling. For additional information: refer to page 126
Engine oil level Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa­nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your earliest opportunity such as when you stop to refuel For additional information: refer to page 126
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer to page 114
Flat Tire Monitor
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 page 87
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 is started, or if it comes on during normal driving and stays on: DSC has been deactivated, either at the
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20
Indicator and warning lamps
button or in response to a system mal­function. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your near­est BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 86
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 possi­ble. For additional information: refer to page 114
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 126
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit­tently, this indicates a fault in the emis­sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera­tional, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity. For additional information: refer to page 132
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 128
missing. Close the gas cap tightly: refer to page 24
Service Engine Soon indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics There is a fault in the electronic engine-management system.
Add coolant Coolant level too low, top up as soon as possible.
CHECK GAS CAP* This indicator lamp comes on when the gas cap is loose or
Rollover protection system The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunc­tion. Please have the system inspected immediately at your BMW center. For additional information: refer to page 62
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 75
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper­ation via the buttons in the steering wheel. For additional information: refer to page 77
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on. For additional information: refer to page 93
Indicator and warning lamps
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 75, 92
21
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22

Buttons in steering wheel

These buttons let you operate the fol­lowing functions quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions:
>
Selected radio functions
>
The cruise control
>
Selected telephone functions.
The controls are active only when the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, ter­minate call.
Switch between phone and radio, cas­sette and CD.
Forward: > Radio
Press briefly: next station in station memory Extended pressure: station search
*
<
> CD
Press briefly: jump to next track Extended pressure: search function in track
> Cassette
Press briefly: jump to next track or stop fast forward Extended pressure: fast forward
> Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind: same functions as forward.
Volume.
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate + or decelerate and store –.
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac­tivate.
Hazard warning triangle*
First-aid kit*
23
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The hazard warning triangle is stored ready to use in the luggage compart­ment lid inside the toolbox for the onboard tool kit.
To open the container, loosen the wing nut.
Always observe all legal regula­tions requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the front passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the cover down.
To fasten: fold the cover up and press it until the tab engages.
Several of the items contained in
the first-aid kit have a limited ser­vice 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 precau­tions 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
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not possi­ble to add fuel with the engine running, and attempts may also trigger the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
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:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol on the right trim panel of the luggage compartment.
Simple and environmentally friendly
Open the gas cap carefully to pre­vent fuel from spraying out. Fuel
spray may cause injury.<
Keep the gas cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the nozzle during refueling
> 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 noz­zle shuts off the first time.
Refueling

Fuel specifications

Tire inflation pressure

25
Close 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 loose or missing cap will activate the CHECK GAS CAP* lamp.<
Fuel tank capacity
> Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which > approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Do not drive to the last drop of
fuel. This can prevent the engine from operating properly and result in damage.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
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.<
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Checking tire pressures
Tire pressures in psi/kilopascal are shown on the driver's door post and are visible when the door is open.
Only check the tire inflation pressures of cold tires. This means after driving a maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or after the vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours. Warm tires have higher infla­tion pressures.
In the following tire inflation pressure table, all pressures are specified in the standard units of pressure, psi and kilo­pascal, and apply to cold tires, i.e. tires at ambient temperature.
After correcting the tire inflation pres­sure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor so that it can monitor the tire inflation pressure, refer to page 87.
26
Tire inflation pressure
Check 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 pressures can cause driving instability and tire damage, ultimately resulting in 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. Other 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 recom­mend the exclusive use of BMW approved tires.
Tire inflation pressure
BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/ kilopascal with cold tires – cold = ambient temperature
225/45 ZR 18 33/230 41/280
255/40 ZR 18 35/240 48/330
M3 225/40 ZR 19 33/230 41/280
255/35 ZR 19 35/240 48/330
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S 33/230 38/260 36/250 46/320
225/40 R 18 92 V M+S 36/250 38/260 39/270 51/350
27
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28
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
29
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Index

Opening and closing

30

Keys

Central locking system

The key set
1 Master keys with remote control unit
– these keys determine the functions of the Key Memory. Refer to page 64. You can mark the individual keys for subsequent identification by apply­ing the colored decals that you received when accepting delivery of your vehicle
In every master key with remote
control there is an extended-life battery that is charged automatically in the ignition lock as you drive. For this reason, if you have a master key with remote control that is other­wise not used, use that key at least once every year while driving for an extended period to charge the bat­tery.<
2 Spare key – for storage in a safe
place, such as in your wallet. This key is not intended for constant use. The luggage compartment lid and the glove compartment cannot be locked and unlocked with this key. This is useful for valet parking, for example.
The concept
The central locking system engages and releases the following locks at the same time:
> doors > luggage compartment lid > fuel filler door and > glove compartment.
The central locking system is ready for operation whenever the driver's door is closed.
The central locking system can be operated
> from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
> from inside via the central locking
system button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel filler door will not be locked, refer to page 34.
Operating it from outside simulta­neously activates the anti-theft system, which prevents the doors from being unlocked via the door lock buttons or the door release handles.
The central locking system unlocks automatically in the event of an acci­dent. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and interior lamps come on.
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