2008 BMW M3 SEDAN automatic transmission

Care
214
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material tested, laboratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page239.
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page45.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations before driving into an automatic
car wash:
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to avoid unin-
tentional activation of the wipers.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g.
spoiler or telephone antennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
M dual clutch transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, into the ignition lock.
2.Engage transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets / high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer.<
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray against the sensors and cam-
eras, e.g. Park Distance Control, for an
extended period and maintain a distance of at
least 12 in/30 cm.<

Under the hood
220 Press button 4 in the turn indicator lever repeat-
edly until the oil level display appears in the
instrument cluster.
M dual clutch transmission: the oil level
appears in the top display.<
The oil level must be between the two mark-
ings.
A new measurement is taken automatically
each time the engine is started.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK.
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 1 minute if the car is at
a standstill on a level surface, or about
5 minutes while the car is moving.
If engine oil was added, it can take up to
30 minutes to get an oil level reading.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add engine oil at the next opportunity, but
no more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to
Adding engine oil on page221. Add at least
0.5 US quart/0.5 liters, otherwise the oil-
level monitor will be unable to display the
new value reliably.
If the oil level is below the minimum value, add engine oil immediately to avoid engine
damage.
4Oil level is too high.
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise the excess oil may
lead to engine damage.<
5A value cannot be read at this time. The
engine is not yet warm.
Quick measurement
In addition to the automatic measurement, you
can also determine the current oil level manu-
ally, e. g. after adding engine oil, but such mea-
surements are less accurate.
1.Park the vehicle with a warm engine, i.e.
after an uninterrupted drive of at least
6 miles/10 km, on a horizontal surface.
2.Let the engine idle.
3.Press the computer button in the turn indi-
cator lever repeatedly until the oil level dis-
play appears in the instrument cluster.
4.Press the computer button for at least
2seconds.
The oil level is determined. A clock symbol
appears during measurement.
5.After approx. 1 minute, the current oil level
is displayed.
Display via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Info sources" and press the control-
ler.

Mobility
233Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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
page56, 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 page59.<
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.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 page231. Vehi-

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic climate control96
– automatic air distribution98
– settings via iDrive97
Automatic curb monitor46
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control98
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC98
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– towing232
– tow-starting232
"Automatic ventilation"100
AUTO program for automatic
climate control98
"Auto Request"195
"Autostore"
– on the radio158
"AUX"152,171,173
– AUX-In port171
– USB-audio interface172
AUX-In port171
Average fuel consumption69
– setting the units71
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation137
"Avoid highways" in
navigation137
Avoid highways in
navigation137
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation137
Axle loads, refer to
Weights240
"A - Z"185,186
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support41
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment41
Backrest width adjustment42
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats42Backup lamps
– replacing bulb225,226
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps225
Balance, tone control153
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch231
Bar, refer to Towing
methods233
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment106
Bass, tone control153
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass153
Battery228
– charging228
– disposal37,228
– jump starting231
– remote control28
– temporary power failure228
Battery renewal
– remote control37
– remote control for vehicle36
Being towed232
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts44
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate98
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo216
"BMW
Assist"194,195,196,197
BMW Assist
– activating198
– Concierge service197
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations196
– Roadside Assistance194
– services offered193
– TeleServices195
"BMW Contact"188"BMW Contact
Numbers"188
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System212
"BMW Service settings"199
BMW Teleservice Call
– automatic195
– manual195
BMW TeleServices195
– displaying196
– updating196
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist82
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements72
Brake Force Display89
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb225,226
– two-stage89
Brake pads114
– breaking in114
Brake rotors115
– brakes114
– breaking in114
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– breaking in114
– parking brake56
– service requirements72
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely115
Brake system114
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– breaking in114
– disc brakes115
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance230
Breaking in the clutch114
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential114
Break-in period114

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
DVD
– drive for navigation DVD152
DVD for navigation124
"Dynamic route" in
navigation137
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp84
– M Dynamic Mode MDM82
E
"EDC"48,49
EDC, refer to Electronic
Damper Control84
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player152
Electric
– seat adjustment41
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door204
– glass roof39
– luggage compartment lid33
– M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic59
Electric seat41
Electric seat adjustment41
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access36
Electronic brake-force
distribution82
Electronic Damper Control
EDC84
– "Comfort"84
– "Normal"84
– "Sport"84
Electronic oil level check219
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release204
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof39Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside34
Emergency Request230
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance230
"Enabled services"198
"Enabled TeleServices"196
"End call"185
Engine
– breaking in114
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature68
– speed238
– starting55
– starting, convenient
access35
– switching off55
Engine compartment219
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant222
Engine oil
– adding221
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– checking level219
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements72
– possible displays220
"Engine oil level"221
Engine output, refer to Engine
data238
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data238
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine55
"Enter address"127
Entering a destination127
Entering a destination
country127
Entering a house number or
intersection129
Entering an intersection128
Entering a street128"Entertainment"152
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps95
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control155
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control154
Error messages, refer to
Check Control77
"ESN"162
Event data recorders213
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system114
Exterior mirrors45
– adjusting45
– automatic dimming
feature46
– automatic heating46
– folding in and out45
External audio device106
External audio device, refer to
AUX-In port171
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away232
– for tying down loads117F
Fader, tone control153
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
Failure of an electrical
consumer229
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm35
– switching off an alarm34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts44
Fastest route for
navigation137
Fast forward
– CD changer169
– CD player169
"Fast route" in navigation137

Everything from A - Z
252 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
First aid pouch231
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock54
Flashlight, refer to LED hand
lamp106
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Flat tire, repairing226
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire86
– indicator/warning lamp86
– initializing the system85
– malfunction86
– snow chains85,211
– system limits85
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition209
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir65
"FM", waveband152,156
FM, waveband156
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash45
Folding up the floor panel110
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely115
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps95
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions57
For your own safety5
Frequency, selecting
manually157
Front airbags89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84Fuel204
– average consumption69
– gauge68
– high-quality brands204
– quality204
– specifications204
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities241
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel filler door204
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction
204
Fuses229
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control102
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption69
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel204
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level219
Gear
– neutral58
Gear change59
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster59
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission56
Gearshifts
– manual transmission56
General driving notes114Glass roof, electric38
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– convenient operation30,31
– initializing39
– opening, closing38
– operation with convenient
access36
– pinch protection system38
– power failure39
– raising38
– remote control30
Glove compartment105
– LED hand lamp106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124
Grills96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights240
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake56
Hand lamp, refer to LED hand
lamp106
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
"HD radio"159
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio159
Head airbags89
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp flasher63
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints42
– front, removing42
– rear, removing42
– sitting safely40
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window99
– seats43
Heating
– mirrors46
– rear window99
– residual heat99
– seats43

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

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic57
– kick-down58
– Launch Control62
– neutral58
– reverse gear58
– sequential mode58
– Shift Lights61
– shiftlock58
– tow-starting234
– unlocking transmission lock
manually59
"M Dynamic Mode"83
M Dynamic Mode MDM82
– indicator lamp83
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions239
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory43
M Engine Dynamics
Control63
MENU button16
Menus
– Control Display17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list, traffic
information144
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– for automatic climate
control100
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System212
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice input14
Mirror dimming feature46
Mirrors45
– automatic curb monitor46
– exterior mirrors45
– heating46
– interior rearview mirror46
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory43
"Missed calls"186
Missed calls186M Mobility Set226
Mobile phone
– accepted calls186
– adjusting volume183
– calling185
– ending call185
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– missed calls186
– operation via iDrive183
– redialing186
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
– Top 8186
– touch tone dialing188
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest106
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
"Monitor on / off"47
Most recent mobile phone
numbers186
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files165
"M settings"48,49
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher63
– refer to Wiper system64
Multimedia screen, refer to
iDrive16
Music tracks, refer to
Tracks166
"Mute on / off"47
N
"Navigation"126,132Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off142
Navigation drive, location124
Navigation DVD124
– drive152
Navigation system124
– address book134
– changing a route143
– destination entry126
– destination guidance in
assistance window124
– destination list133
– displaying current
position147
– entering a destination
manually126,130
– last destinations133
– navigation DVD124
– opening126
– route display140
– route list142
– searching for a special
destination132
– selecting destination using
information132
– selecting destination via
map131
– selecting route criteria137
– starting destination
guidance139
– switching off, refer to
Terminating/continuing
destination guidance139
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance139
– voice instructions142
– volume adjustment143
"Navigation voice
instructions"125
"Navigation voice
instructions" via buttons on
the steering wheel47
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints42
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments106
Neutral58