2006 BMW M3 COUPE warning

87 Lamps
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 88.
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.
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. 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.<
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123
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower
mark on the dipstick.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.
Before checking the engine oil level
after topping up, restart the engine and
allow it to run to obtain a correct dis-
play. Then proceed as described under
Checking the oil level.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, thoroughly
wash any areas of skin that come into
contact with oil using soap and water.
Store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain grades of engine oil.
Use only oils approved for your vehicle
model.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
approved. You can also call BMW of
North America toll-free at 1-800-831-
1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this infor-
mation.<
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could even lead to
damage in some cases.<
Alternative oil typesIf a High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by BMW should be unavail-
able, you may use small volumes of
other oils for topping up between oil
changes. The following data must
appear on the packaging:
>Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
>Specifications
preferred: API SJ/CF
alternative: API SJ – also SK, SL, S
etc.
Engine oil
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125
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The warning lamp comes on
even though the parking brake
is released:
The brake fluid level is too low, refer to
page 18. At the same time, there may
be significantly greater pedal travel.
Have the system checked immediately.
Warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If you continue driving, extended
pedal travel may be necessary
and braking distances may be signifi-
cantly longer. Be sure to adapt your
driving style accordingly.<
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Due to loss in brake fluid, pedal travel
can lengthen and braking efficiency
may be reduced.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its closed original container and in
a location inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
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137
Tire repair with the M Mobility system
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic and position it on a
firm surface. Turn on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area – behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If necessary, set up your warning trian-
gle or portable hazard warning lamp on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all local safety guidelines and reg-
ulations.<
You will find an M Mobility system in the
BMW M3 for repairing flat tires. With
this system you can apply a sealant to
the inside of the tire, thus seal off the
damaged point, then reinflate the tire
and continue driving.
Preparing to repair a tireThe M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel.
If possible, leave the foreign object in
the tire.
You will find corresponding
instructions for using the
M Mobility system on the device.<
Before using the M Mobility sys-
tem, read the warnings on the
sealant bottle.<
Pull the sticker showing the speed limit
from the sealant bottle and stick it onto
the steering wheel.
Please observe the expiration
date on the sealant bottle.<
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145
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is stored in
the luggage 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, 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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146
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 143.
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 111
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 6
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 142
Activated-charcoal filter 94
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 86
Adding brake fluid 125
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 92
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 92
individual 92
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 90
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 112
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 93
Air supply
automatic climate
control 92
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 92Airbags 52
deactivating 52
indicator lamp 18, 54
safe seating position 42
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 90
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
Alarm system 37
avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 116
Alternative oil types 123
Antifreeze 124
coolant 124
washer fluid 122
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 111
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 37
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 152
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 152
Armrest
front 96
rear 97Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 98
rear 98
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 82
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 93
AUTO program 92
Automatic
cruise control 73
headlamp control 87
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO program 92
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 92
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 90
Automatic curb monitor 49
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 50
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 93
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 72Average fuel
consumption 80
Average speed 80
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 152
B
Backrest
adjusting 43
unlocking 46
width adjustment 45
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 44
Backup lamps 65
bulb replacement 135
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, for towing 145
Battery 140
charge 140
disposal 141
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 143
remote control 28, 29
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 46
Beverage holders 96, 97

Everything from A to Z
157
Blower
automatic climate
control 92
BMW Maintenance
System 126
BMW sports seat 44
Bore, refer to Engine
data 150
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 96, 97
Brake fluid 125
indicator lamp 18, 125
level 125
Brake force display 86
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 135
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 77
Brake lamps, refer to Brake
force display 86
Brake pads
brake fluid level 18, 125
breaking in 108
Brake rotors
breaking in 108
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19Brakes
ABS 111
brake fluid 125
brake force display 86
brake pads 110
breaking in 108
driving notes 109
indicator/warning
lamp 18, 19
parking brake 64
Break-in procedures 108
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting 143
Bulb replacement 133
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 133
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 96, 97
Capacities 153
Car battery 140
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 28
Car phone hookup
microphone 97
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for RadioCar telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 98
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 111
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
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 136
Central locking system 28
button 33
passenger
compartment 33
Charge indicator lamp 18Check Control 77
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 55
Child-restraint systems 55
Cigarette lighter 98
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 73
Clock 78
12-/24-hour mode 78
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 33
from outside 29
Clothes hooks 99
Clutch
breaking in 108
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
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