2009 BMW M3 COUPE brake light

Technology for driving comfort and safety
82
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page117.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assist
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC optimizes driving stability and traction. In
addition, the system recognizes unstable driv-
ing situations such as understeering and over-
steering, and helps keep the vehicle on a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
power and applying the brakes on individual
wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident.<
M Dynamic Mode MDM*
M Dynamic Mode is a mode of the Dynamic
Stability Control DSC that permits greater lon-gitudinal and lateral acceleration when driving
on dry surfaces, yet with reduced driving stabil-
ity. Only at the absolute limit of stability does
the system intervene to stabilize the vehicle by
reducing engine power and applying the brakes
on the wheels. In such situations, additional
corrective steering maneuvers may be neces-
sary.
M Dynamic Mode is switched off every time the
engine is restarted.
When the M Dynamic Mode is on, stabi-
lizing measures are performed to a limited
degree only. Take action yourself, otherwise
there is a risk of an accident.<
To maintain vehicle stability, drive with
the DSC activated and the
MDynamicMode deactivated whenever possi-
ble.<
Activating MDM
Press the button on the steering wheel, refer
to MDrive
* on page50. The MDM indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up if you
previously selected the M Dynamic Mode MDM
in MDrive.
When the ignition is on, you can set the
M Dynamic Mode via MDrive on the Control
Display.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."MDrive"
3."DSC:"
4.Select "M Dynamic Mode".
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
84 >"Sport": both LEDs light up.
Each time the engine is started, the program set
for the remote control in use is active, refer to M
Key settings on page51.
You can also set and call up your preferred
program via MDrive, refer to page50.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.
2.Release the brake and drive off without
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the
brake is released. Drive off without delay after
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off
assistant will no longer hold the car in place
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to
roll backwards.<
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the
individual tires while moving.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum-
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed
of the affected wheel. This change is detected
and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The system must be reinitialized each
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage
caused by external factors, nor can it identify
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of
time.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
>Snow chains are attached
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the system while snow chains
are attached.<
Using the button in the center console
1.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2.Press the button for approx. 4 seconds until
the warning lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up yellow. Warning lamp, refer to Indi-
cation of a flat tire on page85.
3.Start to drive.
Initialization is completed while the car is
moving, without any feedback.
Via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
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Driving tips
117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust pipes, e. g.
when loading the cargo bay, otherwise there is a
risk of burn injuries.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page199.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page84.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system.
M dual clutch transmission: never drive
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
engine braking action will not be present or
there will be no power assistance to the brakes
or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
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Driving tips
121Reference
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 page68 and
Engine oil temperature on page69.
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
page117.
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.
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Replacing components
216 3.Turn signal indicator: apply gentle pressure
to the bulb while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement.
Backup lamps and brake lamps: take out
the bulbs and change them.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the cover in the cargo bay.
Convertible
1.Turn the screws on the corresponding side,
see arrow, by 90° and remove the cover.
2.While applying light pressure, turn the bulb
holder of the turn signal bulb to the left.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.5.Reattach the cover in the cargo bay.
Lamps in the luggage compartment lid
Coupe
1.Using a screw driver, remove the fastening
plugs on the edge and in the handle
recesses of the luggage compartment lid
trim. To do so, first loosen the top part of the
plug, see arrow, and then completely
remove the plug by pulling on its bottom
part. Remove the trim.
2.Unlock the bulb holder by turning it to the
left, see arrow, and take it out.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Insert the bulb holder and lock it by turning
it to the right.
5.Attach the luggage compartment lid trim by
inserting the bottom part of the fastening
plug and then fixing the plug with its top
part.
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Everything from A - Z
238
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control63
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request221
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control99
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display88
Adaptive Head Light93
Additives
– coolant206
Address, entering127,133
Address for navigation
– entering127,133
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control97
Adjusting the thigh support43
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control146
Airbags88
– indicator/warning lamp90
– sitting safely42
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control97
– ventilation99
Air distribution
– automatic97
Air flow rate98
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure196Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Air supply
– automatic climate control97
– ventilation99
Air vents96
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications195
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm33
– tilt alarm sensor33
Album information for
music163
Albums of music
collection163
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires200
AM, waveband149
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone172
Antifreeze
– coolant206
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS
82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights231
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights231
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest105
Arrival time, refer to
Computer70
Ashtray
– front106
– rear107Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems82
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audio146
– controls146
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Audio device, external105
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air flow rate97
– cruise control66
– headlamp control92
Automatic car washes209
Automatic climate control96
– automatic air distribution97
Automatic curb monitor49
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC98
Automatic Service
Request189
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– towing223
– tow-starting223
AUTO program for automatic
climate control97
AUX-IN port165
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units71
Avoid highways in
navigation137
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights231
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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
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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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