2012 BMW M3 airbag

108
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
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 inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 57.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indi cator lamp for the front
passenger airbags lights up. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the fr ont 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 front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated. >
The indicator lamp light s up when a child in
a specially designated child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as in tended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system, This partic ularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
mounting a child seat, ensure that the indi-
cator lamp for the fron t passenger airbag is
lit. It indicates that th e child seat has been
detected and that the front passenger air-
bags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not light up as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not light up if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readine ss of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page 61, the
warning lamp lights up br iefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
> Warning lamp remains permanently on.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

109
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a su fficiently severe acci-
dent occurs. <
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is activated
automatically in the event of an accident, a crit-
ical driving situation, an extreme tilt in the car's
longitudinal axis or upon loss of ground contact.
The protection bars behind the rear head
restraints deploy within fractions of a second.
As a supplementary system to the reinforced
windshield frame, the rollover protection sys-
tem ensures that the necessary headroom is
maintained for all vehicle occupants. Always keep the area of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In minor accidents, you are protected by the
fastened safety belt and, depending on acci-
dent severity, by the sa fety belt tensioner and
multi-phase airbag retention system. <
Resetting
If the rollover protection system was not
impacted after being automatically activated, it
can be reset by lowering the protection bars to
their original positions. This does not require
tools.
1. Push the locking lever to one side and hold
it there. 2.
Push the protection bar halfway down from
above.
3. Release the locking lever.
4. Push the protection bar down until it snaps
into place.
5. Repeat the procedure for the other protec-
tion bar.
Have the rollover protection system checked
after an unexpected activation.
Never move the retrac table hardtop when
the rollover protection system is in the
activated position.
Do not make any modifica tions to the individual
components of the rollover protection system
or its cabling.
Work on the rollover protection system should
be performed only by your BMW center.
Incorrectly performed work on the system may
lead to system failure or incorrect operation.
To check the system and ensure flawless long-
term operation, always observe the service
intervals, refer to page 87.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

298
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 97
ACC, refer to Active Cruise Control 75
Acceleration assistant, refer to Launch Control 70
Accessories, refer to Vehicle
equipment 5
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 276
Activated-charcoal filter for automatic climate
control 120
Active Cruise Control 75
– indicator lamp 78
– malfunction 79
– selecting distance 77
– sensor 78
Active steering 105
Adaptive brake lamp
– Brake Force Display 106
Adaptive Light Control 112
Additives
– coolant 263
– engine oil 262
Address, entering 150,156
Address for navigation
– entering 150
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 117
Adjusting the thigh support 49
Airbags 107
– indicator/warning lamp 108
– sitting safely 47
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control 117
– ventilation 119 Air distribution
– automatic
118
Airing, refer to Ventilation 119
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 239
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Air supply
– automatic climate
control 117
– ventilation 119
Air vents 116
Air volume 118
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 237
Alarm system 37
– avoiding unintentional alarms 38
– interior motion sensor 38
– switching off an alarm 37
– tilt alarm sensor 37
ALL program 119
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 258
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 99
Ambient

air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Antifreeze
– coolant 263
– washer fluid 72
Antilock Brake System ABS 97
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 37
Appointments, refer to
Calendar 223
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 287
Approved engine oils 262
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 287Apps
232
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 126
Arrival time, refer to Computer 84
Ashtray 128
Assist systems, refer to Driving stability control 97
AUC Automatic recirculated
air control 118
Audible instructions, refer to Voice instructions 161
Audio device, external 127
Automatic
– air distribution 118
– air volume 118
– cruise control 73,75
– headlamp control 110
Automatic car washes 266
Automatic climate control 116
Automatic curb monitor 55
Automatic high beams and low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant 113
Automatic recirculated air control AUC 118
Automatic Service Request 232
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 64
– interlock 64
– overriding selector lever
lock 66
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 64
– sport program 65
– towing 279
– tow-starting 279
AUTO program for automatic climate control 118
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

301
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption 84
Contacts 218
– deleting 220,227
– exporting/importing 227
– new contact 219
Control Center, refer to
iDrive 18
Control Display 19
– switching off 19
Control Display, refer to iDrive 18
– adjusting brightness 94
Controller, refer to iDrive 18
Controls and displays 10
Control unit, refer to iDrive 18
Convenient loading in Convertible 33
Convenient opening and closing
– glass roof 32
– glass roof with Comfort Access 39
– retractable hardtop 32
– windows 32
– windows with Comfort Access 39
– with Comfort Access 39
Convertible
– bag holder 131
– convenient loading 33
– enlarging cargo area 130
– folding down rear
backrest 130
– retractable hardtop 43
– rollover protection
system 109
– securing cargo 143
– stowing cargo 142
Coolant 263
– checking level 263
Coolant temperature 263
Cooling, maximum 117
Cooling fluid, refer to Coolant 263 Cooling system, refer to
Coolant 263
Copyright 2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs 271
Cornering light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 112
Correct tires 257
Courtesy lamps, refer to Interior lamps 114
Criteria for route 159
Cross-hairs in navigation155
Cruise control 73
– ac

tive 75
– malfunction 75
Cruise control, refer to Active
Cruise Control 75
Cruising range 84
Cupholders 128
Curb weight, refer to Weights 287
Customer Relations 231
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 114
Data, technical 284
– capacities 289
– dimensions 285
– engine 284
– weights 287
Data memory 265
Data transfer 232
Date
– date format 91
– setting 91
Daytime running lights 111
– replacing bulbs 271
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 97
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 107 Deadlocking, refer to
Locking 32
Defect
– door lock 34
– fuel filler flap 236
– glass roof 42
Defining a home address 219
Destination, entering by town/
city name 150
Destination address
– entering 150,156
Destination entry via BMW Assist 155
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice 156
– entering via map 155
– entry 150
– home address 153
– manual entry 150
Destination guidance 159
– bypassing a route section 160
– changing specified route 159
– continuing 159
– starting 159
– voice instructions 161
– volume of voice
instructions 161
Digital clock 82
Digital compass 124
Dimensions 285
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 71
Direction instructions, refer to Voice instructions 161
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book 152
Dis

placement, refer to Engine
data 284
Display, refer to iDrive controls 18
Displaying contact
pictures 219
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 114
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

303
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Entering the postal code for
navigation 151
Entry lamps, refer to Interior lamps 114
Entry map for destination 155
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 97
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 140
Exterior mirrors 55
– adjusting 55
– automatic dimming feature 56
– automatic heating 55
– folding in and out 55
External audio device 127
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 279
– for tying down loads 143
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 92
Failure of an electrical consumer 275
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional alarm 38
– switching off an alarm 37
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 53
Fastest route for navigation 159
Fault messages, refer to
Check Control 92
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 120
First aid pouch 277
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 61Flash when locking/
unlocking 33
Flat tire
– Run-flat tires 258
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 102
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 100
– indicating a flat tire 101
– indicator/warning lamp 101
– initialization 100
– snow chains 100,258
– system limits 100
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 256
Fluid reservoir, refer to Washer fluid reservoir 72
Fog lamps 114
– indicator lamp 13,114
Folding up the floor panel 132
Footwell lamps, refer to Interior lamps 114
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 99
Front airbags 107
FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 100
Fuel 237
– average consumption 84
– gauge 83
– high-quality brands 237
– quality 237
– specifications 237
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities 289
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 83
Fuel consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption 84
Fuel d

isplay, refer to Fuel
gauge 83
Fuel filler flap 236
– releasing in the event of electrical malfunction 236
Fuses 275
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 122
Gasoline
– refer to Average consumption 84
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 237
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 83
Gas station recommendations 161
Gear indicator, automatic transmission with
Steptronic 64
Gear indicator, refer to Displays in the instrument
cluster 67
Gearshift lever 66
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 64
– manual transmission 64
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 64
– manual transmission 64
General driving notes 139
Glass roof, electric 41
– closing after electrical
malfunction 42
– convenient opening and closing 32,34
– convenient opening and closing with Comfort
Access 39
– initializing 42
– opening, closing 42
– pinch protection system 42
– power failure 42
– remote control 32
– tilting 41
Glove compartment 126
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 148
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

304
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Grills116
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights 287
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 63
Hands-free system 14,213
Hazard warning flashers 14
HDC Hill Descent Control 99
Head airbags 107
Headlamp control, automatic 110
Headlamp flasher 71
– indicator lamp 11,13
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 112
Head restraints 50
– rear, removing 51
– sitting safely 47
Heated
– mirrors 55
– rear window 119
– seats 53
– steering wheel 56
Heating
– mirrors 55
– rear window 119
– seats 53
– steering wheel 56
Heating and ventilation, refer to Climate 116
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo 142
Height, refer to Dimensions 285
Height adjustment
– seats 48
– steering wheel 56
High-beam Assistant 113
High beams 112
– headlamp flasher 112
– indicator lamp 13
High beams and low beams, automatic, refer to High-
beam Assistant 113High-pressure
washer 266,267
High water, refer to Driving through water 140
Highways, refer to Route
criteria 159
Hill Descent Control HDC 99
Hills 141
Holders for cups 128
Homepage BMW 4
Hood 260
Hooks for shopping bags 131
Horn 10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Lo
cking or unlocking
separately 36
Hot exhaust system 140
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control 97
Hydroplaning 140
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning 82
Identification marks
– Run-flat tires 258
– tire coding 255
iDrive 18
– adjusting brightness 94
– changing date and time 90
– changing language 94
– changing settings 94
– changing units of measure
and display format 87
– controls 18
– menu guidance 19
– operating principle 18
– overview 18
– start menu 19
– status information 21
iDrive operating principle 18
Ignition 62
– switched off 62
– switched on 62 Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 30
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 61
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 62
Ignition lock 61
Imprint 2
Incoming call 209
Indicator and warning
lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 103
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 239
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM 102
Initializing
– after power failure 274
– compass, refer to
Calibrating 125
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 100
– glass roof 42
– refer to Setting the time and
date 90
Installation location
– telephone 126
Instructions for navigation system, refer to Voice
instructions 161
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument cluster, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument combination, refer to Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 114
Integrated key 30
Integr

ated universal remote
control 122
Interactive map 155
Interior lamps 114
– remote control 33
Interior motion sensor 38
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

308
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest 48
Redialing 212
Refueling 236
Releasing
– hood 260
Remaining distance, refer to Cruising range 84
Reminders 224
Remote control 30
– battery renewal 40
– Comfort Access 38
– garage door opener 122
– malfunction 34,39
– removing from the ignition lock 61
– service data 264
– trunk lid 33
Replacement fuses, refer to Fuses 275
Replacement remote control 30
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 270
Replacing tires 257
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 257
Reporting safety defects 7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge 83
Restraint systems
– for children 57
– refer to Safety belts 53
Retractable hardtop 43
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– convenient opening and closing 32
– remote control 32
Reverse gear 67
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
– manual transmission 64Road map
162
Roadside
Assistance 229,277
Roadside parking lamps 112
– replacing bulbs 271
Roadworthiness te st, refer to
Service requirements 87
Roller sunblinds 126
Rollover protection system, Convertible 109
– resetting 109
Roof load capacity 287
Roof-mounted luggage rack 143
Rope,

refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 280
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to iDrive 18
Route 159,160
– bypassing sections 160
– changing 159,160
– changing criteria 159
– displaying streets or towns/ cities 160
– map view 162
– selecting 159
Route instructions, refer to Destination guidance
through voice
instructions 161
Route map, refer to Map
view 162
Route section, changing 160
Route selection 159
RSC Runflat System Component, refer to Run-
flat tires 258
Runflat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 258 Run-flat tires
258
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire 101
– flat tire 101
– Flat Tire Monitor 101
– inflation pressure 239
– new tires 257
– tire replacement 257
– winter tires 258
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat tires 258S
Safety-belt height
adjustment 54
Safety belts 53
– belt hand-over 54
– damage 54
– indicator/warning lamp 54
– reminder 54
– sitting safely 47
Safety systems
– airbags 107
– Antilock Brake System
ABS 97
– brake system 97
– driving stability control 97
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 97
– rollover protection system,
Convertible 109
– safety belts 53
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 258
Saving fuel 138
Screen, refer to iDrive
controls 18
Screw thread for tow fitting 279
Seat adjustment
– electric 49
– mechanical 48
Seat and mirror memory 53
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

309
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Seat belt reminder, refer to
Fasten safety belts
reminder 54
Seat heating 53
Seats 48
– adjusting electrically 49
– adjusting the seats 48
– heating 53
– memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 53
– saving a setting, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 53
– sitting safely 47
Securing cargo 133,134
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
Selecting distance for Active Cruise Control 77
Selecting new scale for navigation 163
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 64
Selector lever lock, refer to
Changing selector lever
positions, shiftlock 64
Selector lever positions 66
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 64
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance 277
Service car, refer to Roadside Assistance 277
Service data in the remote control 264
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS 264
Service Request 231
Service requirements 87
Service status 232
Settings
– changing settings on the Control Display 94
– clock, 12h/24h format 91
– language 94 Settings and information
86
Settings for the map view 163
Setting times, refer to Preselecting switch-on
times 120
Shifting 68
– 7-gear Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch 68
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
– manual transmission 64
Shift into a drive position, refer
to selector lever
positions 66
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission,
refe
r to Changing selector
lever positions 64
Shift paddles on the steering wheel 68
Short commands for the voice activation system 290
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route 159
Side airbags 107
Side windows, refer to
Windows 40
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10,11
Sitting safely 47
– with airbags 47
– with head restraint 47
– with safety belts 47
Ski bag 132
Ski bag for Convertible, refer
to Through-loading opening
with integrated transport
bag 133
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to Glass roof, electric 41
Slot for remote control 61
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 129
Snap-in adapter 204
– inserting/removing 216Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment 126
Socket, Onboard Diagnosis OBD 265
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 129
SOS, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request 276
Spare fuses 275
Special destinations 153
Special destinations, displaying 155
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils 262
Specified engine oils, refer to
Approved engine oils 262
Speed
– Run-flat tires 101
– with winter tires 258
Speed limit 93
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit 93
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
Split screen content, refer to Selecting the display for the
split screen content 22
Sport automatic transmission with double clutch 66
– driving dynamics control 69
– kickdown 68
– Launch Control 70
– manually unlocking parking lock 69
– neu

tral 67
– reverse gear 67
Sport program with 7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with double
clutch 68
Spray nozzles, refer to
Cleaning windshield and
headlamps 72
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG