2008 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE load capacity

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
93
Convertible
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo bay:
>Storage compartment on the left side of the
cargo bay. To open turn handle by 90°
>Net
* for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the fixtures on the floor panel
>Rubber band
* to be attached to the lateral
lashing eyes
>Stowage compartment under the floor
panel
Folding up the floor panel
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel, otherwise dam-
age could result.<
Coupe
Press the floor panel up and secure it with the
catch.
Convertible
To lift, grab hold of the floor panel at the open-
ing at the rear of the panel.
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyelets in the cargo bay for
securing luggage items with nets or tensioning
straps, refer to page101.
Coupe: ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6ft 10in/2.10m. When skis of 6ft 10in/
2.10 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of
the ski bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
1.Take out the filler piece.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover.
3.Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.
4.Clip the hooks of the ski bag retaining strap
into the eyelet.
Only place clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.

Things to remember when driving
100 during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
This can also lead to a permanent loss in ride
comfort and to squealing noises during braking.
A loss in comfort can also be caused by
extended braking with little pressure on the
pedal.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
For information on brake system technology,
refer to Compound brake on page103.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blow-out.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
bay, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

Things to remember when driving
102 safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.
Only attach the cargo straps using the lashing
eyes shown in the illustration. Do not secure
cargo with the anchors for tether straps, refer to
page45, otherwise these could be damaged.<
Coupe roof-mounted luggage
rack*
A luggage rack mounted on the roof
changes vehicle aerodynamics and han-
dling. Exercise restraint when driving with a
roof-mounted luggage rack to avoid the risk of
an accident.<
A special rack system is available as an option
f o r y o u r B M W . C o m p l y w i t h t h e d i r e c t i o n s g i v e n
in the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the roof.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page155.The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass roof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Wheels and tires
114 work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. When selecting tires, also take their load
capacity into account. If non-approved wheels
and tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate their
suitability, and therefore cannot guarantee their
driving safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a puncture, refer to page70. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall of
the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. With standard-equipment tires

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

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

Everything from A to Z
166 TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor70
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC68
Transmission
– Drivelogic52
– Launch Control53
– manual transmission48
– reverse gear50
– Shift Lights52
– unlocking transmission lock
manually51
Transmission lock, unlocking
manually51
Transporting children
safely44
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo101
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread113
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer59
Triple turn signal activation55
Trip odometer59
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid24
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions153
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
– triple turn signal55
Turn signals55
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading101
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR112
Units
– average consumption62
– temperature62
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control84
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's ManualUniversal remote control84
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking27
Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– luggage compartment lid27
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access27
V
Vehicle
– battery133
– breaking in98
– cargo loading100
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment117
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions153
– parking47
– weight155
Vehicle jack133
Vehicle storage126
Ventilation83
– draft-free83
– in the rear83
Ventilation, refer to Climate80
Vents, refer to Ventilation83
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities155
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13
Warning and indicator lamps,
overview140
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control65
Warning triangle136
Washer fluid57
– content of the reservoir57
Washer fluid reservoir57
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray90
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water99
Water penetration123,124Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth113
Weights155
Welcome lamps76
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires114
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions153
Wheels, new113
Wheels and tires110
Width, refer to
Dimensions153
Wind deflector33
Windows28
– convenient operation20
– convenient operation with
convenient access27
– opening, closing28
– pinch protection system29
Windshield
– cleaning56
Windshield wash56
– filling capacity, reservoir155
– nozzles57
– reservoir for washer fluid57
– washer fluid57
Windshield wiper blades,
changing127
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system56
Winter tires114
– storage114
Wiper blade replacement127
Wiper system56
Work in the engine
compartment116
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit127
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb128