2008 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE steering wheel adjustment

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
35
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seated position
has a major influence on your safety in the event
of an accident. To ensure that the safety sys-
tems operate with optimal efficiency, we
strongly urge you to observe the instructions
contained in the following section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page44.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
grip the steering wheel on the rim, with your
hands in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions,
to minimize the risk of injury to the hands or
arms in the event of the airbag being triggered
off.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the front passenger is sitting correctly,
e.g. not resting feet or legs on the dashboard,
otherwise leg injuries can occur if the front air-
bag is triggered.
Make sure that passengers do not lean their
heads against the side or head airbags, other-
wise serious injuries could result if the airbags
suddenly deployed.<
Even if you follow all the instructions, injuries
resulting from contact with airbags cannot be
fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals. This effect is usually only tem-
porary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page72.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Head restraints, refer to page37.
Safety belt
Before every drive, make sure that all occupants
wear their safety belts. Airbags complement the
safety belt as an additional safety device, but
they do not represent a substitute.
Your vehicle has four seats, each of which is
equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Make sure that the belt in the lap area sits
low across the hips and does not press against
the abdomen.
The safety belt must not rest against the throat,
run across sharp edges, pass over hard or frag-
ile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt
so that it sits as snugly as possible against the
lap and shoulder without being twisted. Other-
wise the belt could slide over your hips and
injure your abdomen in the event of a frontal
collision.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing and regularly pull
the belt in the upper-body area taut, otherwise
its restraining effect could be impaired.<
Safety belts, refer to page40.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
the vehicle is moving. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an

Adjustments
42 folded out automatically at a speed of approx.
25 mph/40 km/h.
Before entering an automatic car wash,
fold in the exterior mirrors by hand or with
button3, to prevent them from being damaged
due to the width of the vehicle.<
Automatic heating
Depending on the outside temperature, both
exterior mirrors are heated automatically when
the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on.
Passenger-side mirror tilt function –
automatic curb monitor*
Activating
1.Push the switch to the position for the
driver's-side mirror, arrow 1.
2.Engage reverse gear or transmission posi-
tion R.
The glass of the mirror on the passenger
side tilts slightly down. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adjacent
to the vehicle, e.g. a curb, when backing into
a parking space.
Deactivating
Push the switch to the position for the passen-
ger-side mirror, arrow 2.
Interior and exterior mirrors*,
automatic dimming feature
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position
while the car is in motion, otherwise there
i s a ri s k o f a c c id e n t d u e t o a n u n ex p e c t ed m o v e -
ment.<
1.Fold the lever down.
2.Move the steering wheel to the preferred
height and angle to suit your seated posi-
tion.
3.Swing the lever back up.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
72 dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Servotronic
"Servotronic" varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at
which you are driving.
At low speeds, steering is assisted strongly, i. e.
less effort is required to turn the vehicle. Steer-
ing assistance lessens with increasing speed.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags
3Side airbags in the seat backrestsProtective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page35 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in

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

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

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