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
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
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 117 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Giving and receiving assistance
224
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard tool kit under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side of the
cargo bay, refer to page213.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard tool kit
underneath the cargo bay floor, refer to
page213.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55, otherwise the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn s i g n a l i n d i c a t o r s a n d
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
page57, 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 page60.<
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.
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 224 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Mobility
225Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 page222. Vehi-cles with a catalytic converter should only be
tow-started when the engine is cold.
Manual transmission
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page55.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
M dual clutch transmission with
Drivelogic
Vehicles with an M dual clutch transmission
cannot be tow-started. Jump-starting, refer to
page222.
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 225 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Everything from A - Z
242 Displacement, refer to Engine
data228
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting94
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant206
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery219
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements72
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC81
Door key, refer to Remote
control26
Door lock30
Doors, emergency
operation30
DOT Quality Grades198
Draft-free ventilation99
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders106
Drivelogic61
Drive mode59
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
Drive-off assistant84
Drive position, engaging, refer
to Selector lever
positions58
Drive programs, refer to
Drivelogic61
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams92
Driving notes116
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant84
Driving stability control
systems82
Driving through water117Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function99
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control82
DVD
– country codes156
– settings157
– video playback156
DVD menu157
DVD video156
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp83
– M Dynamic Mode MDM82
E
EDC, refer to Electronic
Damper Control83
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player146
Electric
– seat adjustment43
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler door194
– glass roof37
– M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic60
Electric seat43
Electric seat adjustment43
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access34
Electronic brake-force
distribution82
Electronic Damper Control
EDC83
Electronic oil level check203
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release194Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof37
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside32
Emergency Request221
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance221
Engine
– breaking in116
– data228
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature69
– speed228
– starting56
– starting, convenient
access34
– switching off56
Engine compartment203
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant206
Engine oil
– adding205
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– checking level203
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements72
– possible displays204
Engine output, refer to Engine
data228
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data228
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine56
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps94
Entry map for destination132
Equalizer, tone setting147
Error messages, refer to
Check Control76
Event data recorders208
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system116
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 242 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
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
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 243 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
K
Key, refer to Remote
control26
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access34
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access34
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26
Knock control195
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control92
– parking lamps/low beams92
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs213
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts47
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo119
Last destinations130
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system54
Launch Control63
Leather care211
LED light-emitting diodes214
Length, refer to
Dimensions229
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb217
Light-alloy wheels211
Light-emitting diodes
LED214
Lighter107
– connecting electrical
appliances107
Lighting
– instruments94
– lamps and bulbs213
– vehicle, refer to Lamps92
Light switch92
Limit, refer to Speed limit78
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo119Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking31
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal29
– from inside31
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access34
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals29
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low-beam headlamps92
– automatic92
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support43
Luggage compartment lid31
– convenient access34
– emergency release32
– locking or unlocking
separately31
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– remote control28
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack120
Lumbar support43
LW, waveband149
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires200
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system207
Malfunction
– tires85
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control76
Managing music163
Manual car wash210
Manual operation
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler door194
– glass roof37
– transmission lock60Manual transmission57
– tow-starting225
Map display139
Map for navigation
– changing scale139
– entering destination132
Master key, refer to Remote
control26
Maximum cooling97
Maximum speed
– with winter tires200
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode82
"MDrive"50
MDrive50
M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic58
– kick-down59
– Launch Control63
– neutral59
– reverse gear59
– sequential mode59
– Shift Lights62
– shiftlock59
– tow-starting225
– unlocking transmission lock
manually60
M Dynamic Mode MDM82
– indicator lamp83
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions229
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory46
M Engine Dynamics
Control64
MENU button16
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System207
– for automatic climate
control99
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System207
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice commands14
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 245 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Everything from A - Z
248 Reverse gear59
– manual transmission58
Road map139
Roadside
Assistance185,221
Roadside parking lamps94
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements72
Roller sun blinds104
Rollover protection system,
convertible90
– resetting90
Roof load capacity231
Roof-mounted luggage
rack120
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away225
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route137,138
– bypassing sections138
– changing137,138
– changing criteria137
– displaying streets or towns/
cities138
– map display139
– selecting137
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions138
Route map, refer to Map
display139
Route section, changing138
Route selection137
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment47
Safety belts47
– belt hand-over48
– damage48
– indicator/warning lamp48
– reminder48
– sitting safely42Safety systems
– airbags88
– Antilock Brake System
ABS82
– brake system82
– driving stability control
systems82
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
– rollover protection system,
convertible90
– safety belts47
Satellite radio152
– enabling channel152
– selecting channel153
– storing channel153
Screen, refer to iDrive
controls16
Screw thread for tow
fitting224
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio152
Sealant, filling218
Seat adjustment
– electric43
– mechanical43
Seat and mirror memory46
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder48
Seat heating46
Seats42
– adjusting electrically43
– adjusting the seats43
– heating46
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory46
– saving a setting, refer to Seat
and mirror memory46
– sitting safely42
Securing cargo110,112
Securing the vehicle
– from inside30
– from outside27
Selecting new scale for
navigation139
Selector lever positions58Sequential M Gearbox with
Drivelogic
– Drivelogic drive programs61
Sequential mode59
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance221
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance221
Service data in the remote
control207
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS207
Service Request189
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS207
Service requirements72
Services status190
Settings
– changing settings on the
Control Display79
– clock, 12h/24h format75
– configuring, refer to
MDrive50
– DVD157
– language79
Settings and information71
Setting times, refer to
Preselecting switch-on
times100
Shifting60
Shifting gears
– manual transmission57
Shift lever58
Shift Lights62
Shiftlock59
Shift paddles on steering
wheel60
Shift-up display, refer to Shift
Lights62
Shock absorber control, refer
to Electronic Damper
Control EDC83
Short commands for the voice
activation system232
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route137
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 248 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12