2009 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE instrument panel

Technology for driving comfort and safety
88 At low speeds, steering is assisted strongly, i. e.
less effort is required to turn the vehicle. Steer-
ing assistance lessens with increasing speed.
You can select between two programs
*.
"Normal" program
Select the "Normal" program if you want com-
fort-oriented steering, e. g. in city traffic or when
parking.
"Sport" program
Select the "Sport" program if you want consis-
tently sporty steering.
Selecting a program
You can set and call up your preferred pro-
gram via MDrive, refer to page50.
Brake force display
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Coupe: head airbags
3Head airbags
4Side airbags in the seat backrests
Protective action
Observe the adjustment instructions on
page42 to ensure the best possible per-
sonal protection.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags have been designed to not be trig-
gered in every collision situation, e.g. not in
minor accidents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the dashboard and windows on the front
passenger side clear, i.e. do not cover with
adhesive labels or coverings, and do not attach
holders such as for navigation instruments or
mobile phones.
Do not attach seat covers, cushions or other
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Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
objects not specifically approved for seats with
integral side airbags to the front seats. Do not
hang items of clothing such as coats or jackets
over the backrests. Do not attempt to remove
the airbag retention system from the vehicle. Do
not modify the individual components of the
system or its wiring in any way. This includes
the upholstered covers on the steering wheel,
instrument panel, seats and roof posts, as well
as the sides of the roof lining. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
or a workshop that works according to repair
procedures of BMW with correspondingly
trained personnel and that has the required
explosives licenses. Unprofessional attempts to
work on the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or to undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page53.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accor-
dance with whether and how the front passen-
ger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows
whether the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a specially designated child-restraint sys-
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system, especially child seats
required by the NHTSA at the time of vehi-
cle production. After mounting a child seat,
ensure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbag is lit. It indicates that the
child seat has been detected and that the
front passenger airbags are deactivated.<
>The indicator lamp does not come on as
long as a person of sufficient size and in a
correct sitting position is detected on the
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Climate
100 The parked car ventilation remains switched on
for approx. 30 minutes. Two different switch-on
times can be preselected. The system can also
be switched on and off directly.
Due to its high power consumption, it should
not be switched on twice in a row without driv-
ing in between to allow the battery to recharge.
The air emerges from the air vents for the upper
body area in the instrument panel. The air vents
must therefore be open.
The parked car ventilation system is operated
via iDrive.
Switching on/off directly
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Climate"
3."Activate parked-car vent."
The parked car ventilation is switched on.
The symbol on the automatic climate control
display flashes.
Preselecting switch-on times
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Climate"
3."Activate Timer 1" or "Activate Timer 2"4."Timer 1:" or "Timer 2:"
5.Turn the controller: set the hours.
6.Press the controller: the setting is
accepted.
7.Turn the controller: set the minutes.
8.Press the controller: the setting is
accepted.
The switch-on time is activated.
The symbol on the automatic climate control
display lights up.
The symbol on the automatic climate control
display flashes when the system has switched
on.
The respective system is switched on
within the next 24 hours only. After these
have elapsed, it must be reactivated.<
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Maintenance
208
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up:
The exhaust emission values have
worsened. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfiring in the engine. If
this happens, you should reduce your speed
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly
lead to serious damage of emissions-related
components, especially the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. If the gas cap is then tightened, the
warning lamp should go out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a
device for recording or sending certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you have
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer-tain vehicle data may be transmitted or
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding
services.
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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
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Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Exterior mirrors48
– adjusting48
– automatic dimming
feature49
– automatic heating49
– folding in and out49
External audio device105
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away224
– for tying down loads119
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control76
Failure of an electrical
consumer220
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm33
– switching off an alarm33
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts47
Fastest route for
navigation137
Fast forward
– CD changer156
– CD player156
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control99
First aid pouch222
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking29
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM85
Flat tire, repairing217
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire85
– indicator/warning lamp85
– initializing the system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains84,201
– system limits84Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition199
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir66
FM, waveband149
Folding up the floor panel110
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps94
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions58
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection164
Front airbags88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
Fuel195
– average consumption70
– gauge69
– high-quality brands195
– quality195
– specifications195
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities231
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel filler door194
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction194
Fuses220
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control101
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption70
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel195
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge69Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level203
Gear
– neutral59
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster60
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– manual transmission57
General driving notes116
Glass roof, electric37
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– convenient operation28,30
– initializing37
– opening, closing37
– operation with convenient
access34
– pinch protection system37
– power failure37
– raising37
– remote control28
Glove compartment104
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system126
Grills96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights231
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio150
Head airbags88
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints44
– rear, removing45
– sitting safely42
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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
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