2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE fuel

174
MobilityRefueling
Refueling
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.
General information
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to
the tank and a message will be displayed. <
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident. <
Fuel filler flap
Opening
1.Open the fuel filler flap. To do so, lightly
press the rear edge. 2.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the fuel cap in th e bracket attached to
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it cl ockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the
cap; otherwise, the cap cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of a malfunction, you can release
the fuel filler flap manually:
Coupe
1.Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
2. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler flap is released.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

175
Refueling
Mobility
Convertible
1.
Loosen the right-hand cargo area trim panel
by turning the screws by 90°, see arrow.
2. Slightly lift the top section of the panel. It is
not necessary to remove the entire panel.
3. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler flap is released.
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety
instructions provided at filling stations;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. <
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank , as that would lead
to
> Premature pump shutoff
> Reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 16.1 US gal/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km; otherwise, engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur. <
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Never use fuels labeled at the fuel pump as
metal-containing.
Do not use leaded gasoline or gasoline
with metal-containing additives doing so
can cause permanent dama ge to the catalytic
converter or other components. <
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel con-
taining 85 Ξ ethanol, nor with FlexFuel.
Otherwise, the engine and fuel supply system
will be damaged. <
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
BMW recommends AKI 91.
Gasoline with lower AKI
The minimum AKI Rating is:
>328i/xDrive: 87
> 335i, 335i/xDrive: 89.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life. Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise, the
engine could be damaged. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

176
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. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

196
MobilityWheels and tires
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for driving on
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction th an summer tires, they
generally fail to provide th e same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run- flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a spec ial rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls en sures that the tire can
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to In dication of a flat tire, page 94.
Snow chains
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Fl at Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DT C temporarily, refer to
page 91.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

203
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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

206
MobilityCare
important to adapt the frequency and scope of
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such
as spilled fuel, oil, grease , brake fluid, tree sap or
bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint-
work.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair sc ratches or similar
damage, such as that caused by stones
hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent
rusting. <
BMW recommends having paintwork damage
repaired by a professional paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using
original BMW paint materials.
Preservation
A preservation treatment is necessary when
water no longer beads off the clean paintwork
surface. Only use produc ts for paintwork pres-
ervation that contain carnauba or synthetic
waxes.
Rubber seals
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-con taining care prod-
ucts on rubber seals; otherwise, noise
and damage could occur. <
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radia-
tor grill, door handles or window frames with
copious quantities of water and a shampoo
additive, especially when roads are treated with
deicing salt. For additional treatment, use a
chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels
For technical reasons, dust is generated during
braking that is deposited on the light-alloy
wheels. Remove the dust regularly using acid-
free rim cleaner. Do not use aggressive
, acidic, strongly
alkaline, or abrasive cleaning agents and
do not use steam jets hotter than of 140 7/
60 6; otherwise, damage may occur. <
Outside sensors/cameras
Keep the sensors and cameras on the
outside of the vehicle, e.g. those for Park
Distance Control, clean and free of ice to ensure
that they remain fully functional. <
Interior care
Upholstery fabrics/cloth trims/
Alcantara fabrics
Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner to
remove superficial dirt.
To remove severe spots such as stains from
beverages, use a soft sponge or lint-free
microfiber cloth and suitable interior cleaners.
Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Clean the upholstery down to the seams
using a sweeping motion. Avoid strong
rubbing. <
Opened Velcro fasteners on pants or
other articles of clothing can damage the
seat covers. Ensure that Velcro fasteners are
closed. <
Leather/leather trim
The leather used by BM W is a high quality
natural product. Slight irregularities in the
leather are a typical char acteristic of natural
leather.<
Dust and road grit in the pores and folds of the
leather have an abrasive effect, leading to
increased wear and caus ing the leather surface
to become brittle prematurely. Therefore, fre-
quently clean the leather of dust using a cloth or
vacuum cleaner.
Clean light-colored leathe r more frequently as
dust and dirt are more noticeable.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

221
Indicator and warning lamps
Mobility
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Remaining operating range is no more
than 30 miles/50 km, refer to page
79
Engine refuses to start Depress th e brake or clutch in order to
start the engine , refer to page58.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, refer to page
57,
or close the driver's door.
The desired function cannot currently
be carried out
Parking lamps still on Switch off the parking lamps, refer to
page 103.
Roadside parking lamps still on Switch off the roadside parking lamps,
refer to page 105.
Door open
Engine compartment lid open
Lights up in red:
Backrest of driver's seat or front pas-
senger seat not locked Lock the backrest; otherwise, the safety
belt will not provide protection in the
event of an accident.
Lights up in yellow:
Seat backrest monitor malfunctioning Engage the seat backrest. Have it
checked by your nearest BMW center.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

222
MobilityIndicator and warning lamps
Lights up in red:
Roof activation system failure Roof cannot be moved. If the retract-
able hardtop does not lock, contact
your nearest BMW center.
Roof activation system malfunctioni ng Roof movement incomplete. Please
check if the roof is blocked, then press
or pull the switch again.
Lights up in yellow:
Roof drive overheated Roof activation temporarily limited to closing only.
Cargo area partition not in lowermost
position Press down the cargo area partition
until it engages on both sides.
Vehicle not level, ro of activation not
possible Move the vehicle to a level surface.
Rollover protection system malfunc-
tioning Have the rollover protection system
checked by the nearest BMW center.
Trunk lid open
Fuel cap is open Make sure that the fuel cap is correctly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between the
fuel cap and the vehicle.
Windshield washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible, refer to page69.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment. Check service requirements, refer to
page84.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
Start/Stop button is briefly pressed,
possibly without the brake or clutch
being depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detected The engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery in remote co ntrol discharged Use the remote control for a longer jour-
ney or, in cars with Comfort Access,
replace the battery.
12Cause What to do
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG