2008 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE tow bar

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
67
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals warn you of
the presence of an object behind your vehicle.
To measure the distance, there are four ultra-
sonic sensors in the bumpers.
An acoustic warning does not sound until an
object is closer than approx. 24 in/60 cm to the
corner sensors, or closer than approx. 5 ft/
1.50 m to the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, oth-
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late.<
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. 1 sec-
ond when you engage reverse gear. Wait this
short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 165 ft/50 m of driving or over
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches
off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds
>if you stop in front of an object that has been
detected by only one of the corner sensors>if you are driving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e. g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or after a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive
cautiously, otherwise there is a risk of personal
injury or property damage. Loud sound sources
outside or inside the car can drown out the PDC
signal. Therefore, always drive cautiously, oth-
erwise there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty damage.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.

Giving and receiving assistance
138
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard tool kit under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side of the
cargo bay, refer to page127.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard tool kit
underneath the cargo bay floor, refer to
page127.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page46, otherwise the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
M dual clutch transmission with
Drivelogic
Ensure that the parking lock P is not
engaged as the rear wheels will otherwise
be blocked.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page48, note that the parking lock P is
engaged automatically after approx. 30 min-
utes, blocking the rear wheels.
If an electrical malfunction occurs or if towing
takes longer than approx. 20 minutes, manually
release the parking lock, refer to page51.<
When towing, do not exceed a maximum
speed of 30 mph/50 km/h and a maxi-
mum distance of 30 miles/50 km, otherwise the
transmission can be damaged.<
BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on
a tow truck with a flat bed.
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
139
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Manual transmission:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
M dual clutch transmission:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
jump-start the engine, refer to page136. Vehi-cles with a catalytic converter should only be
tow-started when the engine is cold.
Manual transmission
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page46.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
M dual clutch transmission with
Drivelogic
Vehicles with an M dual clutch transmission
cannot be tow-started. Jump-starting, refer to
page136.

Everything from A to Z
156
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System67
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control53
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request135
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Adaptive Head Light77
Additives
– coolant119
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Adjusting the thigh support36
Airbags72
– indicator/warning lamp74
– sitting safely35
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air distribution
– automatic81
Air flow rate81
Airing, refer to Ventilation83
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure110
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode82
Air supply
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation83
Air vents80
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications109
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms26
– interior motion sensor26
– switching off an alarm26
– tilt alarm sensor26All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires114
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode82
Antifreeze
– coolant119
– washer fluid57
Antilock Brake System
ABS67
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights155
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights155
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest88
Ashtray
– front90
– rear90
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems67
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control82
Audio device, external88
Automatic
– air distribution81
– air flow rate81
– cruise control57
– headlamp control76
Automatic car washes123
Automatic climate control80
– automatic air distribution81
Automatic curb monitor42
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– towing137
– tow-starting137AUTO program for automatic
climate control81
AUX-In port88
Average fuel consumption61
– setting the units62
Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
Axle loads, refer to
Weights155
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support36
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment36
Backrest width adjustment37
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats38
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb129
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
Bag holder92
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch136
Bar, refer to Towing
methods138
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment88
Battery133
– charging133
– disposal28,133
– jump starting136
– remote control18
– temporary power failure133
Battery renewal
– remote control28
– remote control for vehicle28
Being towed138

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

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