2013 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE transmission

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Driving
Controls
The transmission is shifted into P as soon
as you switch off the engine, unless the
transmission is in N and the remote control is in
the ignition lock, refer to page 263. As soon as
you remove the remote co ntrol from the ignition
lock, then the transmissi on is shifted into P.<
R Reverse
Select this only when th e vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this in a car wash, for example.
The vehicle can roll.
After the engine is switched off, the trans-
mission remains in N if you leave the
remote control in the ignition lock. You can use
this function at a car wash, for example, refer to
page 263.<
D Drive mode
In Drive mode, all forw ard gears are shifted
automatically.
Kickdown
For sudden acceleration maneuvers such as
passing, depress the accelerator past the
resistance point. This provides maximum
acceleration.
Sport program and manual operation
M/S
Push selector lever toward the left from the
selector lever position D, the Sport program is
activated. This position is recommended for a
performance-oriented driving style. The engaged gear, e.g. S1, is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
When you press the selector lever forwards or
backwards, the manual
mode is activated and
Steptronic changes gear.
The engaged gear, e.g. M1 is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
In the following situations, the 7-gear Sport
automatic transmission with double clutch
does the thinking for you:
> Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for
example, a downshift that could cause the
engine to overrev will not be executed by
the system.
> At a stop, the transmission is automatically
shifted down to the first gear.
> Shortly before the spee d falls below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
sion automatically down shifts without your
intervention.
Quick downshifting: even in sequential mode,
you can skip over several gears in order to
achieve an optimum acceleration. To do so,
depress the accelerator past the resistance
point.
To return to automatic mode, push the selector
lever to the right.
Gear shifting
Upshift or downshift using the selector lever or
the shift paddles. You do not need to lift your
foot off the accelerator when doing so.
Using the selector lever
> To upshift, pull the selector lever toward the
rear.
> To downshift, push it toward the front.

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ControlsDriving
Using the shift paddl es on the steering
wheel
You can also shift manually using two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel. The shift paddles
allow you to shift gear s quickly since both
hands can remain on the steering wheel.
> When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic
mode, the transmission switches to manual
mode.
> If you do not accelerate or shift gears using
the shift paddles for a certain amount of
time, the transmission switches back to
automatic mode if the selector lever is in
position D.
> To upshift, briefly pull the right shift
paddle +.
> To downshift, briefly pull the left shift
paddle –.
Driving dynamics control
The driving dynamics control permits you, at
the push of a button, to have your BMW react in
an even more sporty fashion when driving:
> Optimal use is made of the engine's speed
range.
> Gear changes occur more quickly.
> The engine reacts mo re spontaneously to
accelerator pedal movements.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT
appears in the info display.
Deactivating the system
> Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
The LED in the button goes out and SPORT
disappears from the info display.
Manually unlocking parking lock
In the event of a power supply interrup-
tion such as a discharged or discon-
nected battery or an elec trical malfunction, the
parking lock must be ma nually unlocked; other-
wise, the rear wheels are immobilized and the
vehicle cannot be towed. <
Only unlock the parking lock manually for tow-
ing and make sure to set the parking brake
forcefully beforehand so that the vehicle cannot
roll. Lock the parking lock again after the vehicle
is parked.

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ControlsDriving
Windshield washer nozzles
Both windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated with the engine running or the
ignition switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Therefore, keep it away from ignition
sources and only store it in the closed original
container that is kept out of reach of children;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury.
Comply with the instructions on the
container. <
United States: the washer fluid mixture ratio is
regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual
states; do not exceed the allowable washer fluid
dilution ratio limits that apply. Follow the usage
instructions on the washer fluid container. Use
BMW's Windshield Washer Concentrate or the
equivalent.
Washer fluid filler neck
Only add washer fluid after allowing the
engine to cool and close the cover com-
pletely in order to prevent the washer fluid from
contacting hot engine parts. Otherwise, fluid
spills or leaks constitute a fire hazard and a risk
to personal safety. <
All washer nozzles are supplied with washer
fluid by the same reservoir.
The recommended minimu m filling quantity is
0.2 US gal/1 liter. Fill with a mixture of window cleaner concen-
trate, tap water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to
manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Do not fill with undiluted window cleaner
concentrate or with pure water since these can
result in damage to the wiper system.
Do not mix window cleaner concentrates from
different manufacturers since this may clog the
washer nozzles.
Cruise control
The concept
Cruise control is availa ble for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores
and maintains the speed that you specify using
the lever on the steering column. In order to
maintain the specified speed, the system
brakes the vehicle when the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill gradients.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or
poor road conditions due to, e.g., snow, rain, ice
or loose surfaces. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result.<
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is
activated. The system is deactivated when you
drive at very low engine speeds for an extended
period.

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Driving
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One lever for all functions
1
Storing and maintaining speed or
accelerating
2 Storing and maintaining speed or
decelerating
3 Deactivating cruise control
4 Resuming a previously stored speed
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly,
arrow 2 .
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking
effect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the
system will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired
speed is reached.
> Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is increased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1 , until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
> Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
re duced by up to 5 m ph o r 10 km /h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever upwards or downwards,
arrow 3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically
deactivated:
> When the brakes are applied.
> When the manual transmission is shifted
very slowly or shifted into neutral.
> When the automatic transmission selector
lever is moved into the neutral position.
> When the selector lever of the sport auto-
matic transmission with double clutch is
moved into the neutral position.
> When DTC is activated or DSC is
deactivated.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening.

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ControlsDriving
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when
cruise control is deactivated due to
control intervention by the DSC, for
example. A message appears on the Control
Display.
Resuming a previously stored speed
Press the button, arrow 4.
The last stored speed is resumed and
maintained.
In the following instance s, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
> When driving stability control systems are
intervening.
> In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral.
> In cars with automati c transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N.
> In cars with Sport automatic transmission
with double clutch: when you engage
selector lever position N.
> When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2 Selected speed is displayed briefly If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met.
Calling up Check Contro l messages, refer to
page 93.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Dis-
play.The cruise control is malfunc-
tioning. You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Active Cruise Control
The concept
With Active Cruise Cont rol, you can select a
desired speed which is not only automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
also varied to maintain a select ed distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active Cruise Control is a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control and is a
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of
speed that can accompany driving in traffic on
highways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips, the system can
reduce fatigue and tens ion, while increasing
your enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely
and responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system
automatically adapts the ca r's speed to that of a
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify
the distance to be main tained from the vehicle
in front in four stages. For safety reasons, the
distance is speed-depe ndent. Based on your
selected distance setting, the system automat-
ically decreases the thro ttle setting and lightly
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle
brake lamps will automati cally illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to take action. In addition,
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver
to downshift, depending on the kind of trans-

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Driving
Controls
mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain the distance setting
selected. If the vehicle
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead
becomes clear, your vehi cle will accelerate to
the speed you have selected by increasing the
throttle setting and shifting gears automatically
or by the driver as needed. Your selected speed
will be held when driving downhill, too.
Since this Active Cruise Control system is a
new technology and operates differently from
conventional cruise co ntrol systems which you
may be accustomed to, you are strongly urged
to read all of the pages relating to this system
before use. Pay special attention to the System
limitations section beginning on page 81.
Braking sensation
>If you step on the brake pedal while the sys-
tem is braking, peda l sensation will be
slightly different from the usual.
> Possible noises during automatic braking
are normal.
Manual transmission
You can shift gears while cruise control is acti-
vated. The system is deactivated when you
drive at very low engine speeds for an extended
period.
Range of applications
The minimum desired speed is 20 mph or
30 km/h, the maximum desired speed is
110 mph or 180 km/h.
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, Active Cruise Control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver’s own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active Cruise Control is intended for use on
highway-type roadways wh ere traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush hour; on curvy, winding ro
ads, slippery roads or
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow,
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parkin g areas or toll booths.
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
speed and distance setti ng within applicable
legal limits. Always be re ady to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
the system is actively fo llowing a vehicle in front
of you. Otherwise, driving situations could
result that pose the risk of accidents. <
One lever for all functions
1Store and increase desired speed
2 Store and decrease desired speed
3 Deactivate system, refer to page 79
4 Resume stored desired speed and
distance, refer to page 79
5 Select distance to vehicle driving ahead,
refer to page 78

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Driving
Controls
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow
3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically
deactivated:
> When the brakes are applied.
> When the speed is reduced to below
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation.
> When the manual transmission is shifted
very slowly or shifted into neutral.
> When the automatic transmission selector
lever is moved into the neutral position.
> When the selector lever of the sport auto-
matic transmission with double clutch is
moved into the neutral position.
> When Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated.
> When Dynamic Stability Control DSC is
deactivated.
> When DSC or ABS is intervening.
> When the system does not recognize any
objects for a longer time, e. g. on infre-
quently traveled roads without a shoulder or
guard rails, or if the ra dar sensor is covered
with dirt, refer to page 80.
> When the parking brake is engaged.
When the system is deactivated, you
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a
risk of accidents. <
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when
Active Cruise Control has been
automatically deactivated, for
example due to a driving speed below
20 mph or 30 km/h or a DSC intervention. A
message appears on the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4.
The stored speed and distance are regained
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
> When driving stability control systems are
intervening.
> In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral.
> In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N.
> In cars with Sport au tomatic transmission
with double clutch: when you engage
selector lever position N.
> When the ignition is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2 Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain
distance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated

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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Technology for driving comfort and safety
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.
Park Distance Control PDC
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator warn you of the presence of an object
in front of or behind your vehicle. To measure
the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors
in either bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm
from the front sensors and rear corner sensors,
or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center
sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually th e case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed; oth-
erwise, physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late. <
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. one
second when you shift into reverse or move the
automatic transmission selector lever to
position R. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 50 ft/50 m of driving or above
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h, the system
switches off and the LED goes out.
Switching on manually
When parking in the forward direction, the sen-
sors must be switched on manually to enable
them to signal an approach to an object in front
of or behind the vehicle.
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, if an object is dete cted behind the vehicle,
the signal tone sounds from the rear. As the dis-
tance between vehicle an d object decreases,
the intervals betwee n the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds
> If you remain in front of an object that has
been detected by only one of the corner
sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall.

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