2006 BMW M3 COUPE ESP

6

Notes

For your own safety
Maintenance and repair

Advanced technology, e.g. the
use of modern materials and high-
performance electronics, requires spe-
cially adapted maintenance and repair
methods. Therefore, only have corre-
sponding 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 conse-
quential damage and the related safety
risks.

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Proposition 65 warning

California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of com-
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.

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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 thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
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,

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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.

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 immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

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Engine oil pressure

●

An alarm sounds at the same
time. The engine oil pressure is
too low. Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. It is not pos-
sible to continue driving. Please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

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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 steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 125 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

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 64.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belt
●
Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until driver fas-
tens safety belt.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 46.
Airbags

●

Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 54.

19

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp lights
up together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving 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 82, 111.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been started,
or if it comes on during normal driving:
this indicates a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 70.

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 abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity, such as when you
stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
page 110.
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
ten checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.

Indicator and warning lamps
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

20
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 has been started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and
stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system mal-
function.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 111.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low,
top it up at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 128.
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.

Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 124.
CHECK GAS CAP*

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 25.

Yellow: for your information

M Track mode
Lights up when M Track mode is
activated.
For additional information, refer to
page 83.

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 71.

Indicator and warning lamps

22

Buttons* in steering wheel

These buttons let you operate the fol-
lowing functions quickly and without
being distracted from traffic conditions:

>

Selected radio functions

*

>

The cruise control

*

>

Selected telephone functions

*

>

The voice command system*
>M Track mode*, part of Dynamic Sta-
bility Control DSC.
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.<
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, ter-
minate call.
Extended pressure:
Activate and deactivate voice com-
mand.
Display/hide telephone book. Display
the entries one after another with the
forward/backward buttons.
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/deac-
tivate
or
M Track mode: switch on/off.

25
Closing the gas capPlace the cap in position and turn it
until a clearly audible click is heard.
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.<
Warning lamp* lights up. The
gas cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check if the gas
cap is properly closed.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.<
Fuel specificationsThe engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.Required fuelPremium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: AKI 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is deter-
mined according to the so-called
(R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as
otherwise the lambda probe and
catalytic converter will be permanently
damaged. cant differences in fuel quality: volatility,
composition, additives, etc., among
gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. 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 % meth-
anol plus an equivalent amount of co-
solvent, will not void the applicable
warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under cer-
tain environmental conditions such as
high ambient temperature and high alti-
tude.
Should you encounter drivability prob-
lems 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 recom-
mendations may also result in unsched-
uled maintenance.<
Refueling
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37
Floor matYou can turn the floor mat over to trans-
port soiled objects, etc. The rubber-
coated side can be washed and is
designed to inhibit sliding.
The fittings at the corners of the lug-
gage compartment provide you with a
convenient means of attaching luggage
compartment nets* and flexible straps
for securing luggage.
Refer also to Cargo loading on
page 102.
Alarm system*The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the lug-
gage compartment lid are opened
>To movement inside the vehicle –
interior motion sensor
>To changes in vehicle tilt, e.g. as
would occur while attempting to steal
the wheels or tow the vehicle – tilt
alarm sensor system
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>Activating the hazard warning flash-
ers for approx. five minutes
>Flashing the high beams on and off in
rhythm with the hazard warning flash-
ers.To arm and disarm the alarm
systemWhenever you lock or unlock the vehi-
cle via the remote control or a door
lock, you simultaneously arm or disarm
the alarm system.You can have various signals set
as confirmation that the alarm sys-
tem has been armed or disarmed.<
Even with the system armed, you can
open the luggage compartment lid via
the button on the remote control. When
it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.
Extended pressure on the button sets
off the alarm – Panic mode, refer to
page 30.
Luggage compartment
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39
Electric power windowsTo open and close windowsWith the ignition key in position 1 or
higher
>Press the switch until you feel resis-
tance: the window retracts, or
respectively the tilt-out window
moves outward; it remains in motion
for as long as you maintain pressure
on the switch
>Press the switch briefly past the pres-
sure point: the window moves auto-
matically. Pressing the switch again
stops the opening cycle.
You can close the window in the same
manner by pulling the switch. The tilt-
out window does not close automati-
cally.
You can still operate the power win-
dows for up to 15 minutes as long as
no one has opened and again closed
one of the doors.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key from the
lock and remember to close the doors
to prevent children from operating the
power windows and injuring them-
selves, etc.<
For convenience operation via the
remote control or the door lock, refer to
page 32 or 30.Trap protectionThe front windows are each equipped
with a contact strip located on the
upper inside of the window frame. If
pressure is exerted against this contact
strip while the window is being raised,
the system will respond by stopping the
window and then retracting it a small
distance.
Despite trap protection, always be
careful to ensure that the closing
path of the window is not obstructed.
Some types of objects, for instance
very thin objects, might fail to trigger
the contact strip in some situations.
If the switch is pulled and held beyond
the resistance point, this trap protection
is overridden.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex