2008 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE engine coolant

Everything under control
60 Never drive at engine speeds in the red warning
field. In this range, the engine speed is limited to
protect the engine.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page119.
Engine oil temperature
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between
approx. 1757/806 and approx. 2507/
1206.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a warn-
ing lamp comes on in the instrument cluster.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.6 US gal/
63 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page108.If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve
zone of approx. 3.3 US gal/12.5 liters, the indi-
cator lamp and cruising range for the remaining
amount of fuel are displayed briefly. The indica-
tor lamp remains permanently on when the
remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in the instrument cluster
Calling up information
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.
The following items of information are dis-
played in the order listed:
>Cruising range
>Oil level, refer to Checking oil level on
page117
>Average fuel consumption
>Speed
>No information
M dual clutch transmission:
Outside temperature, time, cruising
range, oil level, average fuel consumption and
speed appear in the top display.<

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
119
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the relevant
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health
hazards may result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at
a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Do not use oil additives as these may
cause engine damage.<
Your BMW center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Approved oils belong to the 10W-60 SAE
class.<
Alternative oil types
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the following specifications:
>Viscosity:
preferred: SAE 10W-60;
alternative: SAE 10W-40, SAE 5W-50 or
SAE 10W-50
>Specification:
API SJ/CF, API SK/CF or higher
Low ambient temperatures
The oils used at BMW factories for your vehicle
type are suitable for virtually any ambient tem-
perature. However, if the vehicle is operated at
temperatures below –47/–206 for extended
periods, your BMW center will be glad to rec-
ommend an optimal oil.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.

Indicator and warning lamps
148Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, refer to
page119.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page117 for more information.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
No service due Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Time and date no longer correct Set the time and date, refer to page64.
12Cause What to do

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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
159
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades112
Draft-free ventilation83
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Drivelogic52
Drive mode50
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC68
Drive-off assistant69
Drive position, engaging, refer
to Selector lever
positions49
Drive programs, refer to
Drivelogic52
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams76
Driving notes98
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant69
Driving stability control
systems67
Driving through water99
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes98
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function82
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control68
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp68
E
EDC, refer to Electronic
Damper Control68
Electric
– seat adjustment36
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– driver's door22
– fuel filler door108
– glass roof30
– luggage compartment lid24
– M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic51Electric seat36
Electric seat adjustment36
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access27
Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electronic Damper Control
EDC68
– "Comfort"69
– "Normal"69
– "Sport"69
Electronic oil level check117
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC68
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release108
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof30
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside25
Emergency Request135
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance135
Engine
– breaking in98
– data152
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature60
– speed152
– starting47
– starting, convenient
access27
– switching off47
Engine compartment117
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant119Engine oil
– adding118
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– checking level117
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements63
– possible displays118
Engine output, refer to Engine
data152
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data152
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine47
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps79
Error messages, refer to
Check Control65
Event data recorders122
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic dimming
feature42
– automatic heating42
– folding in and out41
External audio device88
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away138
– for tying down loads101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control65
Failure of an electrical
consumer133
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm26
– switching off an alarm26
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts40

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
163
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation83
Output, refer to Engine
data152
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control82
Outside temperature
display59
– changing units of
measure62
– in computer62
Outside temperature
warning59
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature60
P
Paintwork care124
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control67
Park Distance Control PDC67
Parking
– vehicle47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC67
Parking brake48
– indicator lamp48
Parking lamps76
Parking lamps/low beams76
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function42
Pathway lighting76
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric30
– windows29
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish125
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Power failure133
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure, tires110Pressure monitoring, tires69
– Flat Tire Monitor69
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM70
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric30
– windows29
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch136
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor69
R
Radio
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Radio-operated key, refer to
Remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness46
Radio readiness46
– switched off47
– switched on46
Rain sensor56
Reading lamps79
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
– replacing bulb129
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
– folding down backrests91
Rear turn signals
– replacing bulb129
Rear ventilation83
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors41
Rear window defroster82
Rear window roller blind, refer
to Roller sun blinds87
Recirculated-air mode82
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode82
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36Refueling108
Releasing
– hood116
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range61
Remote control18
– battery renewal28
– convenient access27
– garage door opener84
– luggage compartment lid20
– malfunction22,28
– removing from the ignition
lock46
– service data121
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Replacing tires113
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires113
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Residual heat82
Restraint systems
– for children44
– refer to Safety belts40
Retractable hardtop31
– convenient operation
20
– opening and closing32
– remote control20
Reverse gear50
– manual transmission49
Roadside Assistance135
Roadside parking lamps78
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements63
Roller sun blinds87
Rollover protection system,
convertible74
– resetting74
Roof load capacity155
Roof-mounted luggage
rack102
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
165
Steering wheel buttons, refer
to Shift paddles51
Storage126
Storage compartments89
Storage nets92
Storing seat positions, refer to
Seat and mirror memory39
Storing tires114
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments89
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires110
Surface ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning59
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine47
Switching the cooling function
on and off82
Symbols4
T
Tachometer59
Tail lamps129
– replacing bulb129
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities155
Technical data152
– capacities155
– dimensions153
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Temperature
– automatic climate control81
– coolant, refer to Coolant
temperature60
Temperature display
– outside temperature59
– outside temperature
warning59
– setting the units62
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control57Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo101
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp131
Through-loading opening with
integrated transport bag94
Through-loading system91
Tilt alarm sensor26
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror42
Tire inflation pressure110
– loss70
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor69
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM70
– resetting the system70
– system limitations70
– warning lamp71
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor70
Tire Quality Grading112Tires
– age112
– air loss71
– breaking in98
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels133
– condition113
– damage113
– inflation pressure110
– labels112
– minimum tread depth113
– new wheels and tires
113
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor69
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM70
– puncture70
– replacing113
– size112
– storage114
– tread depth113
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth113
– wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires114
– winter tires114
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit127
Top, refer to Retractable
hardtop31
Torque, refer to Engine
data152
Tow bar138
Tow fitting138
– screw thread138
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away138
Towing137
– with manual
transmission138
– with M dual clutch
transmission138
Towing and tow-starting137
Towing methods138
Tow rope139
Tow-starting137,139