changing wheels BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2008 E93 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
51
P Park
P engages automatically when you switch
off the engine unless N is engaged and
the remote control remains in the ignition lock,
refer to page46. As soon as you remove the
remote control from the ignition lock, P
engages regardless of the position of the selec-
tor lever.<
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Engaged gear 1 to 7, R, N, P
2Selected drive program,
corresponds to the number of illuminated
fields, refer to Drivelogic, page52
3The gear currently engaged is displayed
together with a D in drive mode
At very low outside temperatures, this display
may not be functional. The engaged driving
direction is indicated by the LEDs on the selec-
tor lever.
Changing gears
Via the selector lever
>To shift up, pull back the selector lever.
>To shift down, push it forward.
Via the shift paddles on the steering
wheel
>To shift up, pull the right-hand shift paddle
+ briefly.
>To shift down, pull the left-hand shift paddle
– briefly.
Unlocking the transmission lock
manually
If a power failure occurs, e.g. if the battery
is discharged or disconnected, the trans-
mission lock must be released manually, other-
wise the rear wheels are blocked and the vehi-
cle cannot be towed.<
Release the transmission lock manually for tow-
ing only and forcefully apply the parking brake
beforehand to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
After parking the vehicle, lock the transmission
lock again.
Releasing
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever
until the sleeve is inside out.
3.Push the black cover forward using the
screwdriver from the onboard tool kit, refer
to page127.

Wheels and tires
114 work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. When selecting tires, also take their load
capacity into account. If non-approved wheels
and tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate their
suitability, and therefore cannot guarantee their
driving safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a puncture, refer to page70. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
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 use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
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.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against 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. With standard-equipment tires

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
133
Continuing your trip
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h to avoid the risk
of an accident.<
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page69 for more information.
Have the faulty tire and the sealant bottle of the
M Mobility System replaced as soon as possi-
ble.<
Changing wheels
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.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page136.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
secure the battery against tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, 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
page64.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page39.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page86.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, oth-
erwise this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
157
Belt hand-over41
Belts, refer to Safety belts40
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts40
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blinds, refer to Roller sun
blinds87
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo125
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System121
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Brake assist68
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements63
Brake Force Display72
– bulb change130
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb129
– two-stage72
Brake pads98
– breaking in98
Brake rotors99
– brakes98
– breaking in98
Brakes
– ABS68
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– breaking in98
– parking brake48
– service requirements63
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely99
Brake system98
– BMW Maintenance
System121
– breaking in98
– disc brakes99
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance135Breaking in the clutch98
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential98
Break-in period98
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs127
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities155
Capacity of the cargo bay155
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery133
Car care, refer to Care123
Care123
– automatic car washes123
– care products123
– carpets125
– CD/DVD drives126
– chrome parts124
– displays125
– exterior123
– fine wood parts125
– headlamps124
– high-pressure washer123
– interior125
– leather125
– light-alloy wheels125
– paintwork124
– plastic parts125
– retractable hardtop124
– rubber seals124
– safety belts125
– sensors and cameras125
– upholstery and cloth
trim125
– washing the car
manually124
– windows124
– wiper blades124Cargo, securing101
Cargo bay
– capacity155
– convenient access27
– folding up the floor panel93
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps79
– opening from inside24
– opening from outside24
Cargo loading
– securing cargo101
– stowing cargo101
– vehicle100
Car jack
– jacking points133
Car key, refer to Remote
control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo125
Car wash
– before driving into48
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CBS Condition Based
Service121
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb131
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside23
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– convenient access27
– hotel function25
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Changing wheels133
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment117
Check Control65

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
163
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation83
Output, refer to Engine
data152
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control82
Outside temperature
display59
– changing units of
measure62
– in computer62
Outside temperature
warning59
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature60
P
Paintwork care124
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control67
Park Distance Control PDC67
Parking
– vehicle47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC67
Parking brake48
– indicator lamp48
Parking lamps76
Parking lamps/low beams76
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function42
Pathway lighting76
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric30
– windows29
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish125
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
Power failure133
Power windows28
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Pressure, tires110Pressure monitoring, tires69
– Flat Tire Monitor69
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM70
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric30
– windows29
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch136
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor69
R
Radio
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Radio-operated key, refer to
Remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness46
Radio readiness46
– switched off47
– switched on46
Rain sensor56
Reading lamps79
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps129
– replacing bulb129
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
– folding down backrests91
Rear turn signals
– replacing bulb129
Rear ventilation83
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors41
Rear window defroster82
Rear window roller blind, refer
to Roller sun blinds87
Recirculated-air mode82
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode82
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest36Refueling108
Releasing
– hood116
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range61
Remote control18
– battery renewal28
– convenient access27
– garage door opener84
– luggage compartment lid20
– malfunction22,28
– removing from the ignition
lock46
– service data121
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Replacing tires113
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires113
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Residual heat82
Restraint systems
– for children44
– refer to Safety belts40
Retractable hardtop31
– convenient operation
20
– opening and closing32
– remote control20
Reverse gear50
– manual transmission49
Roadside Assistance135
Roadside parking lamps78
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements63
Roller sun blinds87
Rollover protection system,
convertible74
– resetting74
Roof load capacity155
Roof-mounted luggage
rack102
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away139

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
165
Steering wheel buttons, refer
to Shift paddles51
Storage126
Storage compartments89
Storage nets92
Storing seat positions, refer to
Seat and mirror memory39
Storing tires114
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments89
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires110
Surface ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning59
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine47
Switching the cooling function
on and off82
Symbols4
T
Tachometer59
Tail lamps129
– replacing bulb129
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities155
Technical data152
– capacities155
– dimensions153
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Temperature
– automatic climate control81
– coolant, refer to Coolant
temperature60
Temperature display
– outside temperature59
– outside temperature
warning59
– setting the units62
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control57Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo101
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp131
Through-loading opening with
integrated transport bag94
Through-loading system91
Tilt alarm sensor26
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror42
Tire inflation pressure110
– loss70
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor69
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM70
– resetting the system70
– system limitations70
– warning lamp71
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor70
Tire Quality Grading112Tires
– age112
– air loss71
– breaking in98
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels133
– condition113
– damage113
– inflation pressure110
– labels112
– minimum tread depth113
– new wheels and tires
113
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor69
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM70
– puncture70
– replacing113
– size112
– storage114
– tread depth113
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth113
– wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires114
– winter tires114
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit127
Top, refer to Retractable
hardtop31
Torque, refer to Engine
data152
Tow bar138
Tow fitting138
– screw thread138
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away138
Towing137
– with manual
transmission138
– with M dual clutch
transmission138
Towing and tow-starting137
Towing methods138
Tow rope139
Tow-starting137,139

Everything from A to Z
166 TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor70
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC68
Transmission
– Drivelogic52
– Launch Control53
– manual transmission48
– reverse gear50
– Shift Lights52
– unlocking transmission lock
manually51
Transmission lock, unlocking
manually51
Transporting children
safely44
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo101
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread113
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer59
Triple turn signal activation55
Trip odometer59
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid24
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions153
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
– triple turn signal55
Turn signals55
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading101
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR112
Units
– average consumption62
– temperature62
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control84
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's ManualUniversal remote control84
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking27
Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– luggage compartment lid27
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access27
V
Vehicle
– battery133
– breaking in98
– cargo loading100
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment117
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions153
– parking47
– weight155
Vehicle jack133
Vehicle storage126
Ventilation83
– draft-free83
– in the rear83
Ventilation, refer to Climate80
Vents, refer to Ventilation83
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities155
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13
Warning and indicator lamps,
overview140
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control65
Warning triangle136
Washer fluid57
– content of the reservoir57
Washer fluid reservoir57
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray90
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water99
Water penetration123,124Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth113
Weights155
Welcome lamps76
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires114
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions153
Wheels, new113
Wheels and tires110
Width, refer to
Dimensions153
Wind deflector33
Windows28
– convenient operation20
– convenient operation with
convenient access27
– opening, closing28
– pinch protection system29
Windshield
– cleaning56
Windshield wash56
– filling capacity, reservoir155
– nozzles57
– reservoir for washer fluid57
– washer fluid57
Windshield wiper blades,
changing127
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system56
Winter tires114
– storage114
Wiper blade replacement127
Wiper system56
Work in the engine
compartment116
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit127
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb128