2006 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE sensor

85 Technology for safety and driving convenience
Park Distance Control (PDC)*The conceptPDC assists you when you back into a
parking space. Acoustic signals alert
you to the momentary distance to an
object behind your vehicle. To do this,
four ultrasonic sensors in the rear
bumper measure the distance to the
nearest object. The range for the sen-
sors located at both rear corners ends
approx. 2 ft/60 cm behind the bumpers.
The range for the two middle sensors is
slightly less than 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can
identify objects if they are
approached slowly, as is generally the
case when parking. Avoid driving
towards objects rapidly; due to underly-
ing physical principles, the system may
otherwise alert you too late for you to
take evasive steps.<
The system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you shift
into Reverse or move the selector lever
into the R position with the ignition key
in position 2.
Let this short period elapse before
driving backwards.<
PDC is deactivated when you shift back
out of Reverse.
You can have a signal set to con-
firm that the PDC has been acti-
vated. The signal then sounds when
you shift into Reverse or move the
selector lever into the R position. indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between vehi-
cle and object decreases, the intervals
between the tones become shorter. A
continuous tone indicates the pres-
ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm
away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to
the object remains constant during this
time – if you are moving parallel to
a wall, for instance.
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please have your BMW center
resolve the problem.
PDC does not remove the driver's
personal responsibility for evaluat-
ing the distance between the vehicle
and any objects. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in
which objects cannot be detected. This
applies especially in those cases where
the system approaches the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, as
occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, and in the vicinity of thin or
wedge-shaped objects. Moreover, low
objects that have already been
detected – such as a curb edge – can
disappear out of the detection range of
the sensors before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud sources of sound from outside or
inside the vehicle could drown out the
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance of more
than 4 in/10 cm.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

90Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use this to signal the position of
the vehicle when it is parked. For light-
ing on one side for parking as an addi-
tional feature, refer to page 91.
Low beams
When you switch the ignition off
with the low-beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
Follow me home lampsWhen you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lights, the low beams
will come on for a brief period.
You can also have this function
deactivated.<
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, you will hear an acoustic
signal for a few seconds to remind you
that the lamps have not been switched
off.Daytime driving lamps*If you desire, the light switch can be left
in the low-beam position: when the
ignition is switched off, the external
lighting is also switched off.
Observe the legal regulations regarding
the use of daytime driving lamps.
When required, switch on the parking
lamps as usual as described under
Parking lamps.
You can have the activation set-
tings for the daytime driving lamps
programmed on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is in this posi-
tion, the system automatically
responds to changes in ambient
light, for example in tunnels, at dusk
and when it is raining or snowing, by
switching the low beams on or off.
The low-beam headlamps remain
on, regardless of the ambient
light, when you switch on the fog
lamps.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for your
personal judgement in determining
when the lamps should be switched on.
For example, the sensors are not able
to detect fog. In such situations switch
on the lamp manually, as otherwise a
safety hazard will result.<
You can have the sensitivity of
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<

95
1Air onto the windshield and the side
windows
2Air for the upper body area97
3Air to the footwell
4Interior temperature sensor – please
keep clear and unobstructed
5Outside air/Automatic recirculated-
air control (AUC)/Recirculated
air97
6Automatic air distribution and
supply96
7Individual air distribution96
8Temperature96
9Display for temperature and air
supply96
10 Air supply/Blower96
11 To defrost windows and remove
condensation96
12 Air conditioning96
13 Rear window defroster97Automatic climate control
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
165
Interior lamps 92
remote control 30
Interior motion sensor 36, 37
switching off 37
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature 53
Interior temperature
adjusting 96
Intermittent mode, wipers 76
Interval display, service 81
J
Jump-starting 147
K
Key Memory 64
Keys 28
with remote control 28
L
Lamp defect 137
Lamps
reading lamps 92
Lamps and bulbs 137
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 104
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 106
Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 106LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 60
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Leaving the vehicle 68
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 140
Length, refer to
Dimensions 155
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 140
Light switch 90
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 140
Lighter 100
LIGHTS ON warning 90
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 90
Load, determining the maxi-
mum 104
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 104
Loading
vehicle 104
Load-securing devices 106
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 32
Lock, steering wheel 65
Locking
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Low beams 90
automatic 90
bulb replacement 137
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81
Luggage compartment 35
capacity 156
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 33
floor panel 35
increase volume 35
lid 33
lighting 33
opening from outside 33
opening, remote
control 30
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 33
remote control 30
securing separately 33
volume 156Luggage compartment lid 33
emergency operation 33
emergency release 34
indicator lamp 81
opening from inside the
vehicle 33
opening from outside 33
remote control 30
unlocking manually 33
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 107
Lumbar support 48
M
M Engine dynamics
control 89
M Mobility system 141
Maintenance 81, 130
Maintenance system 130
Malfunction
convertible top 42
door lock 31
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 81
Manual operation
convertible top 42
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 33
power convertible top 42
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
167
Power output, refer to
Engine data 154
Power seat 47
Power socket 101
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 101
Power windows
electric 38
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 87
Pressure, tires 116
inflating with M Mobility
system 143
Proposition 65 warning 6
Protective function
electric power windows 38
Puncture
M Mobility system 141
R
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 28
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 76
Range 84
Reading lamps
hardtop 113
rear 93Rear lamps
bulb replacement 139
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81
Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 97
Rear-entry assist 49
Rearview mirror 53
Receiving assistance 146
Recirculated-air mode
automatic climate
control 97
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 97
Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 47
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Releasing
hood 123
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 81
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 84
Remote control 29
luggage compartment
lid 30
malfunction 30
Replacement key 29
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 137Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 58
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 50
Reverse gear
manual transmission 69
Rollover protection
system 62
indicator lamp 19
lowering 62
Roof load capacity 156
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 107
Rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting the
vehicle 149
S
Safe seating position 46
airbags 46
safety belt 46
Safety belt
safe seating position 46
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 50
Safety belts 50
height adjustment 50
seat-integrated safety belt
system 49
warning lamp 18Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 113
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 136
Seat adjustment 47
BMW sports seat 47
lumbar support 47, 48
power seats 47
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 50
Seat heating 52
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 51
Seat positions, storing 51
Seats 47
Securing cargo 106
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 60
Securing the vehicle
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Selector lever
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
Selector lever positions
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZSequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
indicator lamp 19, 74
tow-starting 150
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
81, 130
Shift lights 74
Shift paddles 71
Side airbags 55
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 138
Size 155
Ski bag 102
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector 44
SMG Drivelogic 70
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 100
Snow chains 122
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 146
Spare key 28
Special oils 127
Special oils, refer to Speci-
fied engine oils 127
Specified engine oils 127
Specified oils 127Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
Sport mode 89
Sports seat 47
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
Standing lamps 91
bulb replacement 137
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 147
temperature 66
Starting the engine 66
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 66
Starting-off assistance
DSC 86
gradient assistance 73
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 65
Steering wheel, adjusting 54
Storage compartments 99
Storage nets 99
Storing seat positions,
refer to Seat and mirror
memory 51
Storing tires 121
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 154Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 83
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 68
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 79
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 139
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 139
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 157
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Technical data 154
Technical modifications 6
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 6
Telephone hookup
microphone 100
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerTemperature
automatic climate
control 96
Temperature adjustment 96
Temperature display
engine coolant 80
ice warning 83
outside temperature 83
setting units 83
Temperature layering 97
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 77
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 47
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 140
Threaded socket for towing
eyelet 149
Three-point safety belt 50
Tilt alarm sensor 37
switching off 37
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 52
Time 82
Tire inflation pressure 116
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 87