Driving tips
119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
BMW M3 engineering
High performance V8 engine
The high-revving V8 engine draws a maximum
power of 420 hp/309 kW and a peak torque of
295 lb ft/400 Nm from a displacement of
244 cu in/4 liters. Its spontaneous response
results in a very wide effective rpm range. The
maximum engine speed lies at 8,400 rpm and is
electronically controlled. Due to the high engine
dynamics, the maximum engine speed is lim-
ited to 7,000 rpm when the vehicle is standing.
Warming up the engine
During the warm-up phase, the high-perfor-
mance V8 engine runs a little more roughly due
to its emissions control system.
For technical reasons, the exhaust system
sounds slightly metallic when the engine is
cold.
For further information on warming up the
engine, refer to Tachometer on page67 and
Engine oil temperature on page68.
Compound brake
Your BMW M3 is equipped with a high-perfor-
mance brake system with perforated com-
pound brake discs.
Due to special design features of the perforated
compound brake discs, operating noise is audi-
ble during braking. However, this does not
affect the brake's performance, safe operation
or stability under load.
Braking correctly
To keep the brake system in optimal condition,
it is advisable to apply the brakes at regular
intervals as appropriate for the character of the
vehicle.
Refer also to Corrosion on brake rotors on
page115.
Drive train
In your BMW M3, special emphasis was placed
on the direct connection between the engine
and drive. The torsionally rigid execution of the
drive train results in acoustic feedback of the
torque, as is typical in sports cars. Clacking
sounds can arise during load changes. They do
not impair functionality or shorten the lifespan
of any component.
Navigation
Driving tips
143Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Repeating or canceling voice
instructions
With the programmable buttons on the steering
wheel, you can also execute the following func-
tions, refer to page16:
>Repeat the voice instruction:
Press the button.
>Switch voice instructions on/off:
Press the button for a longer period.
Adjusting volume for voice instructions
The volume can be adjusted only while a voice
instruction is being issued.
1.Have the last voice instruction repeated, if
necessary.
2.Turn the button during the voice instruction
to select the desired volume.
This volume is independent of the volume of the
audio sources.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Changing a route
During destination guidance, you can revise the
navigation system's route recommendations to
avoid particular stretches of road. Enter the
number of miles/kilometers that you want to
travel before returning to the original route.1.Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2.Move the highlight marker to the third field
from the top. Turn the controller until "New
route" is selected and press the controller.
3.Turn the controller to enter the desired
number and press the controller.
The route is recalculated.
To exit from the menu without changing the
route:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
Traffic information*
In many metropolitan areas you can receive
traffic information broadcast by radio stations.
The traffic conditions are monitored by traffic
control centers and the traffic information is
updated periodically.
During destination guidance, the traffic infor-
mation relevant to the route you are planning to
take is automatically shown and, if desired,
taken into account in route planning. Whether
destination guidance is active or not, you can
have the traffic information displayed in the map
view or in the traffic info list.
Switching reception of traffic
information on/off
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
Telephoning
180 7.Move the highlight marker to the second
field from the top, select "Phone" and press
the controller.
8.Select "Pair new phone" and press the con-
troller.
9.Select "Start pairing" and press the control-
ler.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is dis-
played.
Preparation via the mobile phone
10.Further steps must be carried out with the
mobile phone and vary depending on the
model. Please refer to your mobile phone's
operating instructions, e.g. under the topics
of Searching for a Bluetooth device, Linking
or Pairing.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle also
appears on the mobile phone display.
11.Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle on
the mobile phone display.
Pairing
Depending on your mobile phone, you will see
messages, first on the mobile phone display or
on the iDrive, requesting you to enter the same
Bluetooth passkey previously determined by
you.
12.Enter the Bluetooth passkey.
Depending on the mobile phone, you will
have approx. 30 seconds to enter your
Bluetooth passkey on the mobile phone
and the Control Display.
13.Move the highlight marker to the third field
from the top, select "Confirm passkey" and
press the controller.
14.Wait several seconds until the "Communi-
cation" menu is displayed.
The next time you use the mobile phone inside
the vehicle, it will be recognized within no more
than 2 minutes as long as the engine is running
or the ignition is switched on.
With some mobile phones it may be nec-
essary to make certain settings for a per-
manent Bluetooth link, e. g. using the authoriza-
tion or secure connection menu item, refer to
your mobile phone's operating instructions.<
Under the hood
218
Under the hood
Do not work on the car unless you pos-
sess the necessary technical knowledge.
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide-
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a BMW center or by a workshop that
work according to BMW repair procedures with
correspondingly trained personnel. If this work
is not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Opening
To avoid damage, make sure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the engine compartment. Do
not open the engine hood before the engine has
cooled down, otherwise injuries may result.<
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 20 in/
50 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard
to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear, otherwise injuries may
result.
If you see any signs while driving your vehicle
that the hood is not completely closed, stop at
once and close it securely.<
Replacing components
228 4.Adjust the tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on, pro-
ceed as follows:
>To increase the inflation pressure:
Switch on the compressor, position I. To
check the current inflation pressure set-
ting, briefly switch off the compressor.
Do not let the compressor run for
more than 10 minutes, otherwise the
device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>To reduce the inflation pressure: turn
screw 8 on the pressure gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not maintained,
drive the vehicle a second time, refer to
Distributing the sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to
4.
Use of the M Mobility System may be ineffec-
tual for tire damage larger than approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,
refer to page230, or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made roadworthy with the M Mobility
System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
29 psi/200 kPa. If it is not, do not continue
driving.<
Continuing your trip
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h to avoid the risk
of an accident.<
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page85 for more information.
Have the faulty tire and the sealant bottle of the
M Mobility System replaced as soon as possi-
ble.<
Changing wheels
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
ma te. Your BM W center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page231.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
secure the battery against tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page74.
Everything from A - Z
248 Brightness of the Control
Display80
"Brightness" on the Control
Display80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs223
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button54
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
"Call"186,197
Call
– accepting184
– displaying accepted186
– ending185
– missed186
– starting185
Calling
– from phone book185
– from Top 8 list186
– redialing186
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities241
Capacity of the cargo bay240
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery228
Car care, refer to Care214
"Car Data"69Care214
– automatic car washes214
– care products214
– carpets216
– CD/DVD drives216
– chrome parts215
– displays216
– exterior214
– fine wood parts216
– headlamps215
– high-pressure washer214
– interior216
– leather216
– light-alloy wheels215
– paintwork215
– plastic parts216
– rubber seals215
– safety belts216
– sensors and cameras216
– upholstery and cloth
trim216
– washing the car
manually215
– windows215
– wiper blades215
Cargo, securing117
Cargo bay
– capacity240
– convenient access36
– folding up the floor
panel110
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps95
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside
33
Cargo loading
– securing cargo117
– stowing cargo117
– vehicle116
Car jack
– jacking points228
Car key, refer to Remote
control28
Car phone178
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– refer to Mobile phone178
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualCar radio, refer to Radio156
Car shampoo216
Car wash
– before driving into56
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system114
"Categories" for satellite
radio163
CBS Condition Based
Service212
"CD"152,165
CD changer165
– compressed audio files165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– installation location169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a CD165
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
CD player165
– compressed audio files165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
Center armrest106
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb226
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
"Central locking"
30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside29
Central locking system29
– convenient access35
– hotel function33
Everything from A - Z
254
J
Jacking points228
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting231
Jump starting231
K
Key, refer to Remote
control28
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access35
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access35
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile28
Knock control204
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control92
– parking lamps/low beams92
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs223
"Language / Units"71
"Language / Units" in
navigation125,142
"Language" on the Control
Display79
"Languages" in
navigation125,142
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts44
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo117
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list133
"Last seat pos."44
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system52
Launch Control62
Leather care216
LED hand lamp106
LED light-emitting diodes223Length, refer to
Dimensions239
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb226
Light-alloy wheels215
Light-emitting diodes
LED223
Lighter107
– connecting electrical
appliances108
"Lighting"63
Lighting
– instruments94
– lamps and bulbs223
– vehicle, refer to Lamps92
Light switch92
"Limit"79
Limit, refer to Speed limit78
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo117
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking32
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal31
– from inside32
– from outside30
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside29
Low-beam headlamps
92
– automatic92
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support41
Luggage compartment lid33
– convenient access36
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually33
– emergency release34
– locking or unlocking
separately33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening manually33
– remote control30Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack117
Lumbar support41
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires210
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system212
Malfunction
– luggage compartment lid33
– tires86
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual
– BMW Teleservice Call195
Manual car wash215
"Manual" on the radio157
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door204
– glass roof39
– luggage compartment lid33
– transmission lock59
Manual transmission56
– tow-starting234
Map
– changing scale141
– destination entry131
"Map direction of travel"141
"Map facing north"141
Master key, refer to Remote
control28
Maximum cooling98
Maximum speed
– with winter tires210
"M DKG Drivelogic"48
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode82
MDrive48
Everything from A - Z
258 Roof load capacity240
Roof-mounted luggage
rack117
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away233
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route137
– arrow display140
– changing143
– display140
– displaying streets and
towns/cities142
– displaying town142
– list142
– map display141
– selecting137
– selecting criteria137
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment45
Safety belts44
– damage45
– indicator/warning lamp45
– reminder45
– sitting safely40
Safety systems
– airbags89
– Antilock Brake System
ABS82
– brake system82
– driving stability control
systems82
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
– safety belts44
"SAT"152,162
Satellite radio162
– displaying additional
information163
– enabling162
– selecting channel163
– storing channel163
"Scan"
– sampling radio stations157
– sampling tracks on CD167Scan
– CD changer167
– CD player167
– radio157
"Scan all" for audio mode167
"Scan directory" for audio
mode167
Screen, refer to iDrive
controls16
Screw thread for tow
fitting232
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio162
Sealant, filling227
Seat adjustment
– electric41
– mechanical41
Seat and mirror memory43
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder45
Seat heating43
Seats40
– adjusting electrically41
– adjusting the seats41
– heating43
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory43
– saving a setting, refer to Seat
and mirror memory43
– sitting safely40
Securing cargo111
Securing the vehicle
– from inside32
– from outside29
"Select as
destination"133,197
"Select current speed"79
Selecting a country for
navigation127
Selecting an audio source152
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for
navigation141
Selector lever positions57
Sequential M Gearbox with
Drivelogic
– Drivelogic drive programs60
Sequential mode58Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance230
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance230
Service data in the remote
control212
"Service Info"73,195,221
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS212
"Service Request"188,195
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS212
"Service
requirements"73,195,221
Service requirements72
"Servotronic"48
"Set date"76
"Set time"75
"Settings"199
Settings
– changing settings on the
Control Display79
– clock, 12h/24h format76
– configuring, refer to
MDrive48
– date format76
– language79
Settings and information71
"Settings" for MDrive48,49
"Settings" for unlocking30
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting times, refer to
Preselecting switch-on
times
100
Shifting59
Shifting gears
– manual transmission56
Shift lever57
Shift Lights61
"Shift lights"48
Shiftlock58
Shift paddles on steering
wheel59
Shift-up display, refer to Shift
Lights61