2008 BMW M3 COUPE warning light

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
License plate lamp, center brake lamp,
rear lamps and side turn signal
indicators
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Repairing a flat tire with the
M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire, your BMW M3 includes an
M Mobility System. With this system you can
apply a sealant to the inside of the tire to seal
the damaged section, restore the tire inflation
pressure and continue on your trip.
Safety measures in the event of a flat tire:
Park the vehicle as far away from moving
traffic as possible and on a firm surface. Switch
on the hazard warning flashers.
Apply the parking brake and engage first gear
or reverse. Have all occupants leave the vehicle
and move beyond the danger zone, e. g. behind
the guard rails.
If necessary, erect a warning triangle
* or warn-
ing flasher
* at a suitable distance. Adhere to
country-specific regulations.<
Preparations
The M Mobility System is located in the cargo
bay under the floor board.
If possible, leave any foreign bodies that have
penetrated the tire in place.
Instructions on how to use the M Mobility
System can also be found on the device
itself. low the instructions on the sealant bot-
tle.<
Remove the label with the speed restriction
from the sealant bottle and apply it to the steer-
ing wheel.
Please note the expiry date on the sealant
bottle.<
Components of the M Mobility System
1Sealant bottle and label with speed restric-
tion
2Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
3Connector and cable for the cigarette
lighter socket
4Holder for the sealant bottle
5Compressor
6On/off switch
7Pressure gauge for displaying the tire infla-
tion pressure
8Screw on pressure gauge to reduce tire
inflation pressure
9Hose to connect compressor and sealant
bottle or compressor and wheel
The connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the compressor housing.

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.

Indicator and warning lamps
142Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer jour-
ney or, in cars with convenient access,
replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Lights up:
Emergency Request system has failed
or is malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction Stop the car and switch off the engine.
You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power is no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the engine checked as
soon as possible.
Indication in US models:
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Indication in Canadian models:
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
144Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
>Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
>ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake is
depressed or
>lighting system failed. Low beams/
tail lamps and brake lamps still
operational. All other lamps failedDepress the brake to restart the engine.
Lights up in yellow:
>Control of the brake lamps failed or
>fuel supply malfunctioningYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system in question
checked without delay.
>Drive malfunctioning Transmission limp-home program
active with reduced acceleration. You
can continue your journey, but moder-
ate your speed and exercise due cau-
tion. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
146Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of
tire pressureCarefully bring the car to a stop. Comply
with the additional information starting
on page70.
Light up in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor not initialized Check the inflation pressure and reset
the system, refer to page70.
The small lamp flashes in yellow and
then lights up continuously; the larger
lamp comes on in yellow:
Tire Pressure Monitor has failed. Punc-
tures are not indicatedHave the system checked. Comply with
the additional information starting on
page71.
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home program
active with restricted range of
gears, possibly with reduced accel-
eration.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. It may not be possible to con-
tinue the trip after stopping. Have the
system checked without delay.
Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
Lights up in yellow:
>Transmission limp-home program
active with reduced range of gearsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked
without delay.
>Transmission position P malfunc-
tioning:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running or ignition
switched on and brake depressedRelease transmission lock, refer to
page51. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
>Brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing 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.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
148Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, refer to
page119.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page117 for more information.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
No service due Check service requirements, refer to
page63.
Time and date no longer correct Set the time and date, refer to page64.
12Cause What to do

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