Controls
105Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
USB interface for data transmission
Port for importing and exporting data on USB
devices, e.g. music collections, refer to
page164.
Observe the following when connecting:
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the USB interface to recharge
external devices.
Center armrest
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats
contains either a compartment or the cover for
the snap-in adapter
*, depending on the equip-
ment version. For more information about this
mobile phone base plate refer to the separate
Owner's Manual.
Opening
Press the button, see arrow.
Settings*
Slide the center armrest into the desired posi-
tion on the driver's side.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks
over the car's loudspeaker system:
>AUX-IN port, refer to page165
>USB-audio interface
*, refer to page166
Storage compartments inside
the vehicle
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find compartments beside the steering col-
umn
*, in the front doors and in the center con-
sole
*.
There are nets
on the front-seat backrests.
Storage compartments in the rear
console
Depending on your vehicle's equipment ver-
sion, the following storage compartments can
be found in the rear console:
>Storage tray
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 105 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Controls
109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Folding down the rear seat backrest
You can fold down the rear seat backrest to
transport light objects in the rear without dam-
aging the seats. Depending on the vehicle
equipment, the mounting points for the cargo
bay net
* are found on the back of the seat back-
rest. To unlock the rear seat backrest: press the
button on the driver's or the opposite side.
Bag holder*
W h e n t h e r e a r s e a t b a c k r e s t i s f o l d e d d o w n , y o u
will find two bag holders on the cargo bay wall:
1.Fold open the holder by pressing the but-
ton.
2.Press the handles of the bag onto the
holder from above.
Only hang light shopping bags or other
suitable objects from the holders, other-
wise braking maneuvers and swerving may lead
to a safety hazard due to objects flying about
the passenger compartment. Only transport
heavy luggage in the cargo bay if it has been
appropriately secured.<
For more information on loading the vehicle,
refer to page118.
Storage compartment behind the rear
seat backrest
A storage compartment is located behind the
rear seat backrest. To access the storage com-
partment: remove the insert or fold down the
rear seat backrest.
When the rear seat backrest is folded
down or the insert has been removed,
only transport small light objects in the storage
compartment, otherwise braking maneuvers
and swerving may lead to a safety hazard due to
objects flying about the passenger compart-
ment. Only transport heavy luggage in the
cargo bay if it has been appropriately secured.<
Storage compartments inside
the cargo bay
Coupe
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo bay:
>Left storage compartment, e.g. for storing a
box of cleaning tissues or up to 12 CD jack-
ets, depending on vehicle equipment ver-
sion
>Net
* for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the fixtures on the floor panel
>Hooks for hanging up, e.g. shopping bags
or tote bags
>Rubber strap on the left trim panel for
securing small objects such as a folding
umbrella
>Net for small objects on the right trim panel
of the cargo bay
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 109 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Practical interior accessories
110
Convertible
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo bay:
>Storage compartment on the left side of the
cargo bay. To open turn handle by 90°
>Net
* for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the fixtures on the floor panel
>Rubber strap
* for subdividing the cargo
bay; can be hooked onto the lateral lashing
eyes
>Stowage compartment under the floor
panel
Folding up the floor panel
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel, otherwise dam-
age could result.<
Coupe
Press the floor panel up and secure it with the
catch.
Convertible
To lift, grab hold of the floor panel at the open-
ing at the rear of the panel.
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyelets in the cargo bay for
securing luggage items with nets or tensioning
straps, refer to page119.
Coupe: ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6 ft 10 in/2.10 m. When skis of 6 ft 10 in/
2.10 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of
the ski bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
1.Take out the filler piece.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover.
3.Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.
4.Clip the hooks of the ski bag retaining strap
into the eyelet.
Only place clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 110 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Controls
111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Secure the ski bag in the manner
described, otherwise it could endanger
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.<
To store the ski bag, perform the steps
described for loading in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.
1.Fold down the center panel in the rear seat
backrest.
2.Pull the handle, arrow1.
3.Pull out the insert, arrow 2.
For more information on the various
inserts available, contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Convertible: through-loading
opening with integrated
transport bag*
The transport bag is designed for safe, clean
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up
to 2 snowboards.
When the rear seat backrest is folded up, you
can remove the insert and use the transport bag
with the regular through-loading opening. To
transport larger objects, you can fold down the
rear seat backrest to create an expanded
through-loading opening.
With the transport bag you can stow skis with a
l e n g t h o f u p t o 6 f t 2 i n /1. 9 0 m . W h e n sk i s o f 6 f t
2 in/1.90 m length are loaded, the overall capac-
ity of the transport bag is reduced due to its
tapered design.
Loading
1.For loading using the regular through-load-
ing opening:
Press the button down and remove the
insert from the front.
For loading with the through-loading open-
ing expanded:
Fold down the rear seat backrest, refer to
page109.
2.Front cover: press the two recesses
together and fold the cover down until it
engages.
3.In the cargo bay: press the two recesses
together and fold down the cover.
4.Undo the Velcro fastener and spread out
the transport bag between the front seats.
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 111 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support43
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats45
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb215
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps215
Bag holder109
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch222
Bar, refer to Towing
methods224
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter181
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment105
Bass, tone setting146
Battery219
– charging219
– disposal35,219
– jump starting222
– remote control26
– temporary power failure220
Battery for mobile phone181
Battery renewal
– remote control35
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed224
Belt hand-over48
Belts, refer to Safety belts47
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts47
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders106
Blinds, refer to Roller sun
blinds104
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate98
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating174Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo211
BMW Assist, activating186
BMW Assist185
BMW center190
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System207
BMW Search186
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders106
Brake assist82
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements72
Brake force display88
– bulb change216
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb215
Brake lights
– brake force display88
Brake pads116
– breaking in116
Brake rotors117
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– brake force display88
– breaking in116
– parking brake57
– service requirements72
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely117
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– breaking in116
– disc brakes117
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance221
Breaking in the clutch116
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential116Break-in period116
Brightness of the Control
Display79
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs213
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting175
– ending176
– rejecting176
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing176
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders106
Capacities231
Capacity of the cargo bay231
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery219
Car care, refer to Care209
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 239 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Everything from A - Z
240 Care209
– automatic car washes209
– care products209
– carpets211
– CD/DVD drives212
– chrome parts210
– displays211
– exterior209
– fine wood parts211
– headlamps210
– high-pressure washer209
– interior211
– leather211
– light-alloy wheels211
– paintwork210
– plastic parts211
– retractable hardtop210
– rubber seals210
– safety belts211
– sensors and cameras211
– upholstery and cloth
trim211
– washing the car
manually210
– windows210
– wiper blades210
Cargo, securing119
Cargo bay
– capacity231
– convenient access34
– folding up the floor
panel110
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps94
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
Cargo loading
– securing cargo119
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
Car jack
– jacking points219
Car key, refer to Remote
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest105
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualCar phone, refer to
Telephone172
Car radio, refer to Radio149
Car shampoo211
Car wash
– before entering57
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system116
CBS Condition Based
Service
207
CD, audio playback154
CD changer154
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse156
– installation location158
– random play sequence155
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
CD player154
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse156
– random play sequence155
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Center armrest105
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb217
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– convenient access34
– hotel function31
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs213
Changing gears60
Changing the language on the
Control Display79Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display71
Changing wheels219
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment203
Check Control76
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH54
Child-restraint systems53
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely53
Chrome parts211
Chrome polish211
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter107
Cleaning headlamps65
– washer fluid66
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care209
Clock
68
– 12h/24h mode75
– setting the time and date75
– setting time74
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks106
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine56
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access34
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock55
Compass103
Computer69
– displays on Control
Display70
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service185
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked118
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 240 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Everything from A - Z
244 Heated
– mirrors49
– rear window99
– seats46
Heating
– mirrors49
– rear window99
– residual heat98
– seats46
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate96
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat98
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions229
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel50
High beams94
– headlamp flasher94
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio150
High-pressure
washer209,210
High water, refer to Driving
through water117
Highways, refer to Route
criteria137
Hills117
Holders for cups106
Homepage BMW4
Hood202
Hooks for shopping bags109
Horn10,11
Hotel function31
Hot exhaust system116
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Brake assist82
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio150
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning68ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track155
ID3 tags, refer to Album
information163
Identification marks, tire
coding198
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness79
– changing language79
– changing units of measure
and display format71
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and time75
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– MDrive51
– M Dynamic Mode83
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure196
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM85Initializing
– after power failure220
– compass, refer to Digital
compass, calibrating103
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– glass roof37
– radio, refer to Station,
storing149
– refer to Setting the time and
date75
Installation location
– CD changer158
– navigation DVD drive126
– telephone105
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions138
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting94
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control101
Interior lamps94
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror49
– automatic dimming
feature49
– compass103
Intermittent mode of the
wipers65
Intersection, entering,
navigation128
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port165
iPod, connecting, refer to
USB-audio interface166
J
Jacking points219
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting222
Jump starting222
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 244 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
P
Paintwork care210
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control81
Park Distance Control PDC81
Parked car ventilation99
– preselecting switch-on
times100
– switching on and off
directly100
Parking
– vehicle56
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC81
Parking brake57
– indicator lamp57
Parking lamps92
Parking lamps/low beams92
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function49
Pathway lighting93
Personal Profile26
Phone book175
Phone numbers
– dialing176
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– windows36
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish211
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control99
Position, refer to Current
position, displaying143
Postal code, entering for
navigation128
Power failure220
Power windows35
Power windows, refer to
Windows35
Pressure, tires196
Pressure monitoring, tires84
– Flat Tire Monitor84Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM85
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– windows36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch222
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor84
R
Radio
– controls146
– High Definition Radio150
– satellite radio152
– selecting a waveband149
– storing stations149
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Radio-operated key, refer to
Remote control26
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness55
Radio readiness55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Rain sensor65
Reading lamps95
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps215
– replacing bulb215
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints45
– folding down backrests108
Rear turn signals
– replacing bulb215
Rear ventilation99
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors48
Rear window defroster99
Rear window roller blind, refer
to Roller sun blinds104Receiving level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information19
Reception
– quality150
– radio station150
Recirculated-air mode98
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest43
Refueling194
Releasing
– hood202
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range70
Remote control26
– battery renewal35
– convenient access34
– garage door opener101
– luggage compartment lid28
– malfunction29,35
– removing from the ignition
lock55
– service data207
Replacement remote
control
26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs213
Replacing tires199
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires199
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings148
Residual heat98
Restraint systems
– for children53
– refer to Safety belts47
Retractable hardtop38
– convenient operation28
– opening and closing39
– remote control28
Reverse
– CD changer156
– CD player156
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 247 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12