2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE maintenance

This section helps you maintain your car's
mobility by supplying important information
on vital topics including fuels and lubricants,
wheels and tires, serv ice, maintenance and
Roadside Assistance.
Mobility
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MobilityRefueling
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has in dicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among ga solines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 Ξ ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 Ξ MTBE or 3 Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of coso lvent, will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in un scheduled maintenance. <
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Wheels and tires
Mobility
Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may
not be available in a vehi
cle, for example due to
the special options or national-market version
selected. This also app lies to safety related
functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire s' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on th e condition of the tires
and the maintenance of th e specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if nece ssary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using
run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your
vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of
control over the vehicle. <
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting the ti re inflation pressure,
reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to page
95, or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page 93.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressure s apply to the tire
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available
from your BMW center. <
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respecti ve tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for
these tire pressures is 100 mph or
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise,
tire damage and accidents could occur. <
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202
MobilityMaintenance
Maintenance
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may
not be available in a vehi cle, for example due to
the special options or national-market version
selected. This also app lies to safety related
functions and systems.
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW maintenance system advises you of
necessary maintenance measures and helps
you maintain the traffic and operating safety of
the vehicle.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algo rithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirem ents, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
In the instrument cluster, you can have the
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any le gally prescribed dates
displayed, refer to page 84: >
Engine oil
> Brake pads: separately for front and rear
> Brake fluid
> Vehicle check
> Legally mandated in spections depending
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your dealership Service
Advisor can read out this data from the remote
control unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in
for servicing you should therefore give your
dealership Service Advisor the remote control
unit that you last used.
Make sure that the date in the instrument
cluster is always se t correctly, refer to
page 86; otherwise, the effectiveness of Condi-
tion Based Service CBS is not assured. <
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance. <
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Maintenance
Mobility
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
On the drive r's side is a n OBD so cket f or check-
ing components relevant to the composition of
the vehicle's emissions.
Emissions
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing higher emis-
sions. The trip can be continued. Have
the car checked as soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under ce rtain 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 lights up if the fuel
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. Make sure that the fuel cap is cor-
rectly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks.
Data memory
Your vehicle records data about the operation,
faults, and user settings. These data are stored
in the vehicle and in extr act form, in the remote
control, and can be read out using suitable
devices at your BMW center. The data that are
read out are used to support service proce-
dures and repairs or to optimize and expand
vehicle functions. If you have a BMW Assist
contract, certain vehicle data can also be trans-
mitted directly from the vehicle in order to
enable the desired services.
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MobilityReplacing components
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page 195.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center. <
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Battery replacing
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacem ent, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Note
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets built into the vehicle at the plant;
doing so may dama ge the vehicle.<
Jump-starting terminals
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page216.
Power failure
After a temporary power lo ss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
> Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page 86.
> Radio
In some cases, statio ns may have to be
stored again, refer to page 144.
> Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
tilted. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
> Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page 48.
> Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page 119.
> Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page 97.
> xDrive
The system automatically initializes itself
during a trip. Indicator lamps light up during
this time. If the lamps do not go out during
the current trip, have the system checked.
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Everything from A to Z
Reference
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 60
– interlock 60
– overriding selector lever lock 62
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 60
– sport program 61
– towing 217
– tow-starting 217
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 113
AUTOSTORE 144
AUX-IN
– port 121
AUX-In connection 151
AUX-IN port 143
Average fuel consumption 80
– setting the units 83
Average speed 80,81
Avoiding unintentional alarms 33
Axle loads, refer to Weights 237
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 44
Backrests, refer to Seat adjustment 43
Backrest width adjustment 44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats 46
Bag holder 124
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 215
Bar, refer to Towing methods 218
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 165
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment 120 Battery
212
– charging 212
– disposal 35,213
– jump-starting 216
– remote control 24
– replacing 212
– temporary power failure 212
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
– remote control for vehicle 35
Being towed 217
Belt hand-over 49
– pinch protection system 50
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 49
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 121
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning 78
Blinds, refer to Roller sunblinds 120
Blower, refer to Air volume 110,113
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 157
BMW
– car shampoo 207
BMW Assist 167
– activating 168
BMW Homepage 4
BMW Maintenance System 202
BMW Professional radio
– recalling stations 144
– sampling stations 144
– satellite radio 146
– selecting waveband 144
– station search 144
– storing stations 144
– switching on/off 142
– t

one control 143
– volume 142
BMW Teleservices 168
– activating 168
BMW webpage 4 Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 121
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control DBC 90
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 84
Brake Force Display 98
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display 98
Brake pads 132
– breaking in 132
Brake pedal, refer to Braking safely 134
Brake rotors 135
– brakes 132
– breaking in 132
Brakes
– ABS 90
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– Brake Force Display 98
– breaking in 132
– parking brake 59
– service requirements 84
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 134
Brake system 132
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– breaking in 132
– disc brakes 135
Breakdown services, refer to Roadside Assistance 215
Breaking in the clutch 132
Breaking in the differential, refer to Engine and
differential 132
Break-in period 132
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 208
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/Stop button 57
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Disposal
– coolant200
– remote control battery 35
– vehicle battery 213
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements 84
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC 89
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 24
Door lock 29
Doors, emergency operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 193
Draft-free ventilation 111,115
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders 121
Drive mode 64
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 90
Drive-off assistant 93
Driving dynamics control 65
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 103
Driving notes 132
Driving off on hills, refer to Drive-off assistant 93
Driving stability control systems 90
Driving through water 134
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 132
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function 114
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 90
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 91
– indicator/warning lamp 91
Dynamic Brake Control DBC 90 Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 90
– indicator/warning lamp 91
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution 90
Eject button 18,148
Electrical defect
– 7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with double
clutch 65
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler flap 174
– glass roof 37
Electric seat adjustment 44
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access 34
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV 90
Electronic oil level check 198
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 90
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock 62
Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual release 174
Emergency operation, refer to Closing manually
– glass roof 37
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 29
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside 31
Emergency Request 214
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 215
Energy, saving
– saving fuel 132 Engine
– breaking in
132
– data 234
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 200
– speed 234
– starting 58
– starting, Comfort Access 33
– switching off 59
Engine compartment 197
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant 200
Engine oil
– adding 199
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 200
– alternative oil types 200
– approved engine oils 200
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– capacity 239
– checking level 198
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 84
Engine output, refer to Engine data 234
Engine speed, ref

er to Engine
data 234
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 58
Entry lamps, refer to Interior lamps 107
Equalizer 143
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 90
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 134
Exterior mirrors 50
– adjusting 50
– automatic dimming feature 51
– automatic heating 51
– folding in and out 50
External audio
device 121,143
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