2008 BMW M3 COUPE headlamp

Care
124 eras, e.g. Park Distance Control, for an
extended period and maintain a distance of at
least 12 in/30 cm.<
Washing the car manually
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the
wipers.<
Observe local regulations pertaining to
washing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents.
Remove contamination, such as insects, by
soaking with shampoo or insect remover and
then rinsing with plenty of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield de-icer and do not
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
avoid streaking.
Wax and preservative residue and con-
tamination on the window can lead to
streaking when operating the windshield wip-
ers, leading to premature wear of the wiper
blades and causing the rain sensor to malfunc-
tion.<
Convertible: retractable hardtop
Proceed as you would in a normal car wash.
When you open a wet hardtop, water
drops may run into the cargo bay. If nec-essary, remove items from the cargo bay
beforehand to avoid water stains or soiling.<
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and
protects the paintwork against the long-term
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is
important to adapt the frequency and scope of
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove very aggressive sub-
stances, e.g. spilled fuel, oil, grease, tree resin
or bird droppings, to prevent damage to the
paintwork.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair scratches or similar
damage, such as that caused by stones
hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent
rusting.<
BMW recommends having paintwork damage
repaired by a professional paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using
original BMW paint materials.
Preservation
A preservation treatment is necessary when
water no longer beads off of the clean paintwork
surface. Only use products for paintwork pres-
ervation that contain carnauba or synthetic
waxes.
Rubber seals
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-containing care prod-
ucts on rubber seals, otherwise noise and
damage could occur.<
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts, such as the radia-
tor grill, door handles or window frames, with
copious quantities of water and a shampoo
additive. For additional treatment, use a chrome
polish.

Replacing components
128 For care of the headlamps, please follow the
instructions in the chapter entitled 'Care'.
If the routine for changing a particular
bulb is not described here, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.<
Light-emitting diodes LED
Control elements, display components, part of
the exterior lighting and other interior equip-
ment in your vehicle are equipped with covered
light-emitting diodes as light sources. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source
for several hours, otherwise this could cause
irritation to the retina.<
Xenon lamps
These bulbs have a very long service life and are
highly unlikely to fail.
Have any work on the xenon lamp system,
including bulb replacements, performed
o n ly b y a BM W c e n t e r o r a w o r k s h o p t h a t w o r k s
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise, if
such work is carried out improperly, the high
voltage in the system presents the danger of
fatal injuries.<
Access to the lamps
1.Switch off the lamps and take the remote
control out of the ignition lock.
2.Remove the upper cover from the head-
lamp. To do so, use a screwdriver to press the catches towards the rear, see arrows,
and pull the cover forward and out.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat-
tach the cover.
Be careful when installing the cover, oth-
erwise leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Parking lamps and roadside parking
lamps, daytime running lamps
H8 bulb, 35 watts
1.Remove the cover, refer to Access to the
lamps.
2.Turn the bulb approx. 90°, see arrow, and
take it out.
3.Disconnect the plug, change the bulb and
reconnect the plug.
4.Insert the bulb and turn it until it stops.
5.Reattach the cover.
Corner-illuminating lamp*
H3 bulb, 55 watts
1.Switch off the lamps and take the remote
control out of the ignition lock.
2.Remove the cover, refer to Access to the
lamps.

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.

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

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

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

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