87
M Engine dynamics controlThe system – Sport mode – will cause
the engine to respond more spontane-
ously to any motion of the accelerator
pedal.Activating/deactivating Sport
modeActivating: with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2, press the SPORT button. The
indicator lamp will come on.
Each time you activate the sys-
tem, the vehicle may gain speed
without any additional pressure on the
accelerator pedal.<
Deactivating: press the SPORT button
again; the indicator lamp will go out.
The Sport mode is deactivated every
time the engine is started.
Brake force displayThe brake force display indicates to the
driver of the vehicle behind you how
hard you are braking your vehicle.
The display has two levels:
>Normal braking: the brake lamps
among the rear lamps and the center
brake lamp light up
>Hard braking or use of ABS: the tail
lamps light up with the same bright-
ness as the brake lamps and thereby
intensify the visual effect of the brake
lamps.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
110Special operating instructions
Break-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions.
Because of its engineering design,
the BMW M3 is an especially high-
quality vehicle. It is in your best interest
to follow the break-in tips very closely.
Doing this, you will create the basis for
a long, optimum service life.
varying engine and road speeds, but
do not exceed the following engine or
road speeds:
5,500 rpm or 105 mph / 170 km/h.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal to
the full-throttle position.
Vehicles with SMG Drivelogic, refer to
page 67: refrain from using driving pro-
gram 6 in the sequential mode during
the break-in period.
>Following the break-in inspection at
1,250 miles/2,000 km, you can grad-
ually increase engine or road speeds.
Follow the same break-in procedure if
either the engine or the differential
should have to be replaced in the
future.TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning, and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, as well as loss of vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long service life later on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill – at a traf-
fic signal, for instance – use caution to
avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off – when tow-
ing, for example – substantially higher
levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.
Drive cautiously during this break-in
period and do not press the clutch or
shift at high engine speeds.
111
General driving notes
Brakes: do not rest your foot on
the brake pedal while driving.
Even light but consistent pedal pres-
sure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.
Hydroplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk-
ing speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Rear parcel tray: never use it to store
heavy or hard objects; otherwise, occu-
pants could be injured if the vehicle is
braked hard.
Clothes hooks: when suspending cloth-
ing from the hooks, be sure that they
will not obstruct the driver's vision. Do
not hang heavy objects on the hooks. If
you do so, they could cause personal
injury during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.<
Portable phone in the vehicleBMW recommends using mobile com-
munications devices, e.g. portable
phones, inside the vehicle with a suit-
able outside antenna. Otherwise, it can-
not be ruled out that the vehicle elec-
tronics and portable phone may
interfere with each other.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
112
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking
during braking, thereby enhancing
active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum pedal pressure – panic stop.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
to indicate to the driver that ABS is in
its active mode.Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
page 83.
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-
tem automatically generates maximum
braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest possible braking
distance in panic braking situations. All
of the benefits of the ABS are exploited
under these circumstances.Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking dur-
ing high lateral acceleration, or when
braking during a lane change, vehicle
stability is improved and steering
response is enhanced.
Brake systemBrake fluid levelLow brake fluid level in the reservoir
combined with longer than usual pedal
travel may indicate a defect in one of
the brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen-
ter. Higher brake application pres-
sure may be necessary when stopping,
and the vehicle may exhibit a slight ten-
dency to pull to one side. Brake dis-
tances may even be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
135
Rear lamps1Turn signal indicator
2Backup lamp
21 watt bulb
3Tail lamp/brake lamp
All bulbs in the fender are
designed using LED technology.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.<
Bulbs in the luggage compartment lid
1. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clip
2. Fold the trim panel down – see arrow
1. Disengage the bulb holder – see
arrow 2 – and remove it
3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb
4. Press the bulb holder into position
until you hear it engage
5. Reinstall the trim with the clip.
Lamps and bulbs
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Everything from A to Z
157
Blower
automatic climate
control 94
BMW Maintenance
System 126
BMW sports seat 45
Bore, refer to Engine
data 150
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 98, 99
Brake fluid 125
indicator lamp 18, 125
level 125
Brake force display 87
Brake hydraulic system 112
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 135
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 78
Brake lights
brake force display 87
Brake pads 113
brake fluid level
18, 112, 125
breaking in 110
disc brakes 112
Brake rotors
brake system 112
breaking in 110
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 112
brake fluid 125
breaking in 110
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 65
Break-in procedures 110
Bulb replacement 133
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 133
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition
65 warning 128
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 98, 99
Capacities 153
Car battery 140
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car telephone
preparation 99
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's ManualCar vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 100
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Caring for headlamp cov-
ers, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure 133
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 112
warning lamp 19
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Cellular phone 99
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 136
Central locking system 30
button 34
passenger
compartment 34
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 78Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 56
Child-restraint systems 56
Cigarette lighter 100
Cigarette lighter socket 100
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 74
Clock 79
12-/24-hour mode 79
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
Clothes hooks 101, 111
Clutch
breaking in 110
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Everything from A to ZCoin box 98
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 63
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments 98
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 150
Computer 80
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 94
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 60
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Cigarette
lighter 100
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 81
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 33
glass sunroof 32
windows 32
Coolant 124
indicator lamp 19, 77
level 124
temperature gauge 77Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 124
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 94
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 112
warning lamp 19
Correct tires 117
Cruise control 74
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 98, 99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 152
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 150
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 153
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 88
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 112
warning lamp 19
Deep water, refer to Water
on roadways 111Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 94
Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 94
Defrosting windows 94
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 94
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 94
Determining the maximum
load 104
Differential
breaking in 110
Digital clock 79
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 122
Disc brakes 112
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 150
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 89
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 123
vehicle battery 140
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 82Divided rear backrest 102
Door key 30
Door lock 33
Doors
emergency operation 33
Draft-free ventilation 95
Drivelogic 70
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 88
Driving notes 111
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 94
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 83
indicator lamp 19, 83
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 112
warning lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 83
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC)
indicator lamp 19
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 47
Electric glass sunroof 41
Electric power windows 40
Everything from A to ZGearbox malfunction
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 71
Gearbox, sequential 67
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 66
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 67
General driving notes 111
Glass sunroof
convenience operation 32
Glass sunroof, electric 41
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 33
remote control 31, 32
Glove compartment 97
Gradient assistance 70
Grills, refer to Ventilation 92
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 152
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 65
Hands-free system 99
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 97
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head airbags 53
Head restraints 46Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 74
washer fluid 122, 153
Headlamp control 88
Headlamp flasher 89
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 133
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirror 51
Heated rear window
automatic climate
control 95
Heated seats 50
Heating
exterior mirrors 51
rear window 95
seats 50
Heating and ventilation 92
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 105
Height adjustment
seats 45
steering wheel 51
Height, refer to
Dimensions 151
High beams 72, 89
bulb replacement 133
headlamp flasher 89
indicator lamp 21Holder for
beverages 98, 99
litter bag 99
Hood release 119
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 112
Hydraulic system
brakes 112
Hydroplaning 111
I
Ice warning 80
Ignition 62
Ignition key 30
positions 62
Ignition lock 62
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 39
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 77
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 86
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 77
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 94
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 60
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 84
Inflation pressure, tires
25, 114
INSPECTION 78
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 89
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 128
Interior lamps 90
remote control 32