2006 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE tow

149
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor
panel and must remain with the vehicle
at all times. It can be attached at the
front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socketPress out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, even if the electrical
system has failed, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic: selector lever in posi-
tion N.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
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150
If the tow bar can only be used in a
diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are
driving around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar pro-
duces lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the
towing eyelets. Other parts of the
vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged. make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden
jerking movements. Attach the tow rope
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts
of the vehicles could otherwise be
damaged.<
With a tow truckHave the BMW transported by a tow
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the
body or chassis. Otherwise damage
could result. converters if the engine is cold. It is
better to jump-start the engine, refer to
page 147.
1. Turn on hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the
clutch pedal completely depressed
and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. After the engine has started,
immediately depress the clutch pedal
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location,
remove the tow bar or tow rope, and
turn on the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic:
>Have the vehicle towed with the
selector lever in position N
>Move the selector lever into position
S and pull it toward + within 2 sec-
onds. The correct gear will automati-
cally be selected and engaged
>After the engine has started, move
the selector lever into position N
again.
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 113
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 6
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 146
Activated-charcoal filter 98
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 89
Adding brake fluid 129
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 96
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 96
individual 96
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 94
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 116
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 97
Air supply
automatic climate
control 96
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 96Airbags 55
deactivating 55
indicator lamp 18, 57
safe seating position 46
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 94
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
Alarm system 36
avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 120
Alternative oils 127
Antifreeze
coolant 128
washer fluid 126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 113
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 36
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 156
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 156
Armrest 99
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochureAshtray
front 100
rear 101
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 97
AUTO program 96
Automatic
cruise control 77
headlamp control 90
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO program 96
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 96
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 94
Automatic curb monitor 52
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 97
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 76
Average fuel
consumption 84
Average speed 84Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 156
B
Backrest
unlocking 49
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 47
Backup lamps 69
bulb replacement 139
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, for towing 149
Battery 144
charge 144
disposal 145
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 147
remote control 28, 29
Battery charge current 18
Battery charge indicator
lamp 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 50
Beverage holders 100
Blower
automatic climate
control 96
BMW Maintenance
System 130

Everything from A to Z
163
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 86
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 49
Electric power windows 38
power loss 39
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 145
Electrical malfunction
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 33
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Emergency call 146
Emergency operation
doors 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 33
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 34Engine
breaking in 110
data 154
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 79, 154
starting 66
switching off 68
Engine compartment 124
Engine coolant 128
refilling 128
Engine oil
adding 127
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
consumption 126
dipstick 126
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 127
specified oils 127
temperature gauge 79
types 127
Engine oil level 19
check 126
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 79
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 154Engine speed 79, 154
Entering the rear 49
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Exterior mirrors 53
Eyelet, towing 149
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Fastening the safety belts 50
Fault displays 81
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 157
Filling with sealant
M Mobility system 143
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 141
Flat Tire Monitor 87
repairing 141Flat Tire Monitor 87
activating/deactivating 88
indicator lamp 18, 19, 88
Floor panel, raising 35
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 126
Fog lamps
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding down convertible
top compartment panel 35
Follow me home lamps 90
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 111
Front airbags 55
Front fog lamps 92
indicator/warning lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 47
Fuel
display 80
specifications 25
volume 157
Fuel consumption
display 84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel mixture preparation 154
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZManual transmission 69
Master keys
with remote control 28
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 51
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 64
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 98
Microphone 100
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 53
automatic curb monitor 52
heated 53
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 51
Mobile Service 147
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 6
Multifunction steering
wheel 22Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 75
washer/wiper system 76
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 48
Nets 99
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 94
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting the vehi-
cle 149
O
OBD interface socket 132
Odometer 79
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
dipstick 126
quality 127
specified engine oils 127
Oil change interval, refer to
Service interval
display 130Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil filter change 157
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 81
Oil temperature 79
Oil types 127
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 145
Onboard computer 83
Onboard computer, refer
also to the Owner's Man-
ual for Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Opening and closing
from inside 32
from outside 29
via door lock 31
via remote control 29
Outlets, ventilation 94
Outside temperature dis-
play 83
changing unit of
measure 83P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 30
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 85
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 85
Parking brake 68
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 90
bulb replacement 137
Parking lamps/Low
beams 90
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 52
PDC Park Distance
Control 85
Placing a telephone call,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for the telephone
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter 98
Power loss
electric power windows 39

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

Everything from A to Z
169
Tires
age 118
breaking in 110
condition 119
damage 119
flat 141
inflation pressure 116
storing 121
tread 119, 120
tread wear indicators,
refer to Tire tread 120
winter tires 120
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 136
Torque
engine 154
Tow bar 149
Tow rope 149
Towing 149
Towing eyelet 149
Towing the vehicle 149
Tow-starting 149
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 155
Transmission
breaking in 110
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing
cargo 106
Transporting children
safely 58Trap protection
electric power windows 38
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 120
Tread wear indicators in the
tires, refer to Tire
tread 120
Tread wear, tires 120
Trip distance recorder, refer
to Trip odometer 79
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer 79
Trip odometer 79
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 33
Trunk lighting, refer to Lug-
gage compartment light-
ing 33
Turn signal indicator 75
bulb replacement 138
indicator lamp 20
Turn signal indicator, side
bulb replacement 138
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 155
TV function, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerU
Underbody protection, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Units
average fuel
consumption 84
temperature 83
Unlocking
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Upshift indicator, refer to
Shift Lights 74
Using antifreeze 128
V
Vehicle
battery 144
break-in procedures 110
dimensions 155
leaving the vehicle 68
loading 104
starting 66
washing, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure 76
weight 156
Vehicle Memory 64
Vehicle weight 156
Ventilation 94
draft-free 97
Viscosity 127Voice command system 22
microphone 100
Voice control, refer to sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Volume
luggage compartment 156
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 18
Warning lamp 'Please fas-
ten safety belts' 18
Warning messages 81
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet 130
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 7
Washer fluid
adding 126, 157
Washer fluid reservoir 126
volume 126
Washer jets, refer to Wind-
shield washer jets 77
Washer/wiper system 76, 77
washer fluid 126
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray 100
Weights 156
Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-
sions 155
Wheels and tires 116
Wheelslip control DSC 86
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex