2008 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE window

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page119
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page573Jump-starting connection, refer to
page136
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
The oil level can be displayed when the engine
is warm. Continuous short distance travel or a
very sporty driving style may make measure-
ment impossible.
You can have the oil level reading displayed in
the instrument cluster.1Oil level
2Maximum mark
3Minimum mark
4Computer button
Press button 4 in the turn indicator lever repeat-
edly until the oil level display appears in the
instrument cluster.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
123
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material tested, laboratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes,
otherwise water may drip into the vehicle
around the windows.<
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page153.
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page41.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations before driving into an automatic
car wash:
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to avoid unin-
tentional activation of the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g.
spoiler or telephone antennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
M dual clutch transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, into the ignition lock.
2.Engage transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets / high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer.<
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray against the sensors and cam-

Care
124 eras, e.g. Park Distance Control, for an
extended period and maintain a distance of at
least 12 in/30 cm.<
Washing the car manually
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the
wipers.<
Observe local regulations pertaining to
washing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents.
Remove contamination, such as insects, by
soaking with shampoo or insect remover and
then rinsing with plenty of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield de-icer and do not
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
avoid streaking.
Wax and preservative residue and con-
tamination on the window can lead to
streaking when operating the windshield wip-
ers, leading to premature wear of the wiper
blades and causing the rain sensor to malfunc-
tion.<
Convertible: retractable hardtop
Proceed as you would in a normal car wash.
When you open a wet hardtop, water
drops may run into the cargo bay. If nec-essary, remove items from the cargo bay
beforehand to avoid water stains or soiling.<
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and
protects the paintwork against the long-term
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is
important to adapt the frequency and scope of
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove very aggressive sub-
stances, e.g. spilled fuel, oil, grease, tree resin
or bird droppings, to prevent damage to the
paintwork.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair scratches or similar
damage, such as that caused by stones
hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent
rusting.<
BMW recommends having paintwork damage
repaired by a professional paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using
original BMW paint materials.
Preservation
A preservation treatment is necessary when
water no longer beads off of the clean paintwork
surface. Only use products for paintwork pres-
ervation that contain carnauba or synthetic
waxes.
Rubber seals
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-containing care prod-
ucts on rubber seals, otherwise noise and
damage could occur.<
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts, such as the radia-
tor grill, door handles or window frames, with
copious quantities of water and a shampoo
additive. For additional treatment, use a chrome
polish.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
147
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Stop the car and switch off the engine.
Allow the transmission to cool down.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
P is not engaged. Vehicle not pre-
vented from rolling
Selector lever malfunctioning You can continue your journey. Shift
into the desired position again, if neces-
sary. Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Brake signal malfunctioning: gear can
be engaged without depressing the
brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is at
a standstill, always step on the brake.
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off
the engine. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp failed Have the low beams checked as soon
as possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Adaptive Head Light failed
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Weights
Coupe
Convertible
Capacities
M3
Curb weight lbs/kg 3,704/1,680
Approved gross weight lbs/kg 4,586/2,080
Load lbs/kg 882/400
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,249/1,020
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,469/1,120
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/liters 15.2/430
M3
Curb weight lbs/kg 4,145/1,880
Approved gross weight lbs/kg 5,027/2,280
Load lbs/kg 882/400
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,337/1,060
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,800/1,270
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/liters 7.4-12.4/210-350
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 16.6/63 Fuel grade: page109
including reserve of US gal/liters approx. 3.3/12.5
Window washer system For more details: page57
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 4.8/4.5

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
157
Belt hand-over41
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blinds, refer to Roller sun
blinds87
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo125
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System121
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Brake assist68
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements63
Brake Force Display72
– bulb change130
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb129
– two-stage72
Brake pads98
– breaking in98
Brake rotors99
– brakes98
– breaking in98
Brakes
– ABS68
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– breaking in98
– parking brake48
– service requirements63
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely99
Brake system98
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– breaking in98
– disc brakes99
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance135Breaking in the clutch98
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential98
Break-in period98
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs127
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities155
Capacity of the cargo bay155
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery133
Car care, refer to Care123
Care123
– automatic car washes123
– care products123
– carpets125
– CD/DVD drives126
– chrome parts124
– displays125
– exterior123
– fine wood parts125
– headlamps124
– high-pressure washer123
– interior125
– leather125
– light-alloy wheels125
– paintwork124
– plastic parts125
– retractable hardtop124
– rubber seals124
– safety belts125
– sensors and cameras125
– upholstery and cloth
trim125
– washing the car
manually124
– windows124
– wiper blades124Cargo, securing101
Cargo bay
– capacity155
– convenient access27
– folding up the floor panel93
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps79
– opening from inside24
– opening from outside24
Cargo loading
– securing cargo101
– stowing cargo101
– vehicle100
Car jack
– jacking points133
Car key, refer to Remote
control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo125
Car wash
– before driving into48
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CBS Condition Based
Service121
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb131
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside23
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– convenient access27
– hotel function25
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Changing wheels133
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control65

Everything from A to Z
158 Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child-restraint systems44
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely44
Chrome parts125
Chrome polish125
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter90
Cleaning headlamps56
– washer fluid57
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care123
Clock59
– 12h/24h format62
– setting time64
Closing
– from inside23
– from outside19
Clothes hooks89
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access27
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
"Comfort" with EDC69
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Compass86
Computer60
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked100
Condition Based Service
CBS121
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle21
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances90Consumption, refer to
Average consumption61
Consumption indicator, refer
to Average consumption61
Controls and displays10
Convenient access27
– replacing the battery28
Convenient loading in
convertible21
Convenient operation
– glass roof20
– glass roof with convenient
access27
– retractable hardtop20
– windows20
– windows with convenient
access27
Convertible
– bag holder92
– convenient loading21
– enlarging cargo bay91
– folding down rear
backrest92
– retractable hardtop31
– rollover protection
system74
– securing cargo101
Coolant119
– checking level119
Coolant temperature60
Cooling, maximum81
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant119
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant119
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive Head
Light77
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light77
Correct tires114
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps79
Cruise control57
Cruising range61
Cup holders89
Curb weight, refer to
Weights155
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Data, technical152
– dimensions153
– engine152
– weights155
Date
– setting64
Daytime running lamps77
Deactivating front passenger
airbags73
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door108
– glass roof30
Digital clock59
Digital compass86
Dimensions153
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals55
Displacement, refer to Engine
data152
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant119
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery133
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements63
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC67
Door key, refer to Remote
control18
Door lock22

Everything from A to Z
160 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
First aid pouch136
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock46
Flashlight, refer to LED hand
lamp88
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM70
Flat tire, repairing131
Flat Tire Monitor FTM69
– indicating a flat tire70
– indicator/warning lamp70
– initializing the system69
– malfunction70
– snow chains69,115
– system limits69
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition113
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir57
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash41
Folding up the floor panel93
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely99
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps79
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions49
For your own safety5
Front airbags72
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor69
Fuel109
– average consumption61
– gauge60
– high-quality brands109
– quality109
– specifications109
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities155Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel filler door108
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction108
Fuses133
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption61
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel109
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level117
Gear
– neutral50
Gear change51
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster51
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission48
Gearshifts
– manual transmission48
General driving notes98
Glass roof, electric30
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation20,22
– initializing30
– opening, closing30
– operation with convenient
access27
– pinch protection system30
– power failure30
– raising30
– remote control20
Glove compartment87
– LED hand lamp88
Grills80Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights155
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake48
Hand lamp, refer to LED hand
lamp88
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags72
Headlamp control,
automatic76
Headlamp flasher55
– indicator lamp11,14,140
Head restraints37
– front, removing37
– rear, removing38
– sitting safely35
Heated
– mirrors42
– rear window82
– seats38
Heating
– mirrors42
– rear window82
– residual heat82
– seats38
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate80
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat82
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo101
Height, refer to
Dimensions153
Height adjustment
– seats36
– steering wheel42
High beams78
– headlamp flasher78
– indicator lamp140
High-pressure
washer123,124
High water, refer to Driving
through water99
Hills99