2008 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE head lights

Driving
56
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or
rain sensor
*
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps
5Setting speed for intermittent wipe, or sen-
sitivity of the rain sensor
Switching on wipers
Press the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system switches to operation in the inter-
mittent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance
point.
The system switches to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*
If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the
intermittent-wipe time is a preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time
between wipes is controlled automatically and
depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain
sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in
front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button, arrow3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
Setting speed for intermittent wipe or
sensitivity of the rain sensor
Turn knurled wheel5 up or down.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button again, arrow3.
The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor before enter-
ing an automatic car wash. Failure to do
so could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and
the wipers are operated for a short time.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do, your vision could be
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid
reservoir is empty, otherwise you will damage
the washer pump.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
73
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attach
seat covers, cushions or other objects not spe-
cifically approved for seats with integral side air-
bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of
clothing such as coats or jackets over the back-
rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag
retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod-
ify the individual components of the system or
its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol-
stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument
panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides
of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and that has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page44.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accor-
dance with whether and how the front passen-
ger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows
whether the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a specially designated child-restraint sys-
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.

Lamps
78 angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to 40 mph/70 km/h,
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an
additional, corner-illuminating lamp is switched
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page76.
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on
automatically, depending on the steering wheel
angle or turn signal indicator.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light directs light towards the front pas-
senger side when the vehicle is at a standstill.
When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are active and switched on on
both sides.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right
There is an additional option of switching on the
lamps on the side of the car facing the road
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the pressure point for a longer
period, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever in the opposite direction to the
pressure point, arrow 3.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument
lighting only when the parking lamps or the low
beams are switched on.
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up
or down repeatedly until the appropriate
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the brightness level and the word
"SET".
2.Press button 2.

Indicator and warning lamps
140
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps appear in the dis-
play area. See the table for information on
causes and how to react. Note whether a lamp
comes on alone or in combination with another.
Some lamps can light up in different colors.
Corresponding distinctions are made in the
text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page40.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Outside temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page59.
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 3.3 US gal/12.5 liters of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Remaining operating range is no more
than 30 miles/50 km, refer to page60
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, refer to page47.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, refer to page46,
or close the driver's door.
Parking lamps still on Switch off the parking lamps, refer to
page76.
Roadside parking lamps still on Switch off the roadside parking lamps,
refer to page78.

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

Everything from A to Z
162 Luggage compartment lid24
– convenient access27
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually24
– emergency release25
– locking or unlocking
separately25
– opening from inside24
– opening from outside24
– opening manually24
– remote control20
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack102
Lumbar support36
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires114
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system121
Malfunction
– luggage compartment lid24
– tires70
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control65
Manual car wash124
Manual operation
– door lock22
– driver's door22
– fuel filler door108
– glass roof30
– luggage compartment lid24
– transmission lock51
Manual transmission48
– tow-starting139
Master key, refer to Remote
control18
Maximum cooling81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires114M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic49
– kick-down50
– Launch Control53
– neutral50
– reverse gear50
– sequential mode50
– Shift Lights52
– shiftlock50
– tow-starting139
– unlocking transmission lock
manually51
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions153
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory39
M Engine Dynamics
Control54
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– for automatic climate
control83
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System121
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice input14
Mirror dimming feature42
Mirrors41
– automatic curb monitor42
– exterior mirrors41
– heating42
– interior rearview mirror42
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory
39
M Mobility Set131
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest88
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's ManualModifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor69
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher55
– refer to Wiper system56
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints37
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments89
Neutral50
New tires113
"Normal"54
"Normal" with EDC69
Nozzles80
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data152
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope139
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis122
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications109
Odometer59
Oil, refer to Engine oil117
Oil consumption117
Oil level117
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal133
Onboard tool kit127
Opening and closing
– convenient access27
– from inside23
– from outside19
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control19

Everything from A to Z
164
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment40
Safety belts40
– belt hand-over41
– damage40
– indicator/warning lamp40
– reminder40
– sitting safely35
Safety systems
– airbags72
– Antilock Brake System
ABS67
– brake system68
– driving stability control
systems67
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC68
– rollover protection system,
convertible74
– safety belts40
Screw thread for tow
fitting138
Sealant, filling132
Seat adjustment
– electric36
– mechanical36
Seat and mirror memory39
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder40
Seat heating38
Seats35
– adjusting electrically36
– adjusting the seats36
– heating38
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory39
– saving a setting, refer to Seat
and mirror memory39
– sitting safely35
Securing cargo93,95
Securing the vehicle
– from inside23
– from outside19
Selector lever positions49Sequential M Gearbox with
Drivelogic
– Drivelogic drive programs52
Sequential mode50
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance135
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance135
Service data in the remote
control121
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS121
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS121
Service requirements63
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format62
Settings and information61
Shifting51
Shifting gears
– manual transmission48
Shift lever49
Shift Lights52
Shiftlock50
Shift paddles on steering
wheel51
Shift-up display, refer to Shift
Lights52
Shock absorber control, refer
to Electronic Damper
Control EDC68
Side airbags72
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to
Horn10,11
Sitting safely35
– with airbags35
– with head restraint35
– with safety belts35
Ski bag93
Ski bag for convertible, refer to
Through-loading opening
with integrated transport
bag94
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric30Slot for remote control46
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray90
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment88
Snow chains115
Socket, On-Board Diagnosis
OBD122
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances90
SOS, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request135
Spare fuses,133
Spare fuses, refer to
Fuses133
Speed
– with winter tires114
Speedometer12
"Sport"54
"Sport" with EDC69
Spray nozzles, refer to
Cleaning windshield and
headlamps56
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems67
Start/stop button46
– starting the engine47
– switching off the engine47
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine47
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting136
Starting difficulties
– jump starting136
Starting the engine
– start/stop button46
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet123,124
Steering wheel42
– adjustment42
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– lock46
– locking with convenient
access27
– shift paddles51