brake sensor BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 Owners Manual
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74
ControlsDriving
>When the brakes are applied.
> 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 Sports 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.
> The system does not recognize any objects
for a longer time, e. g. on infrequently trav-
eled roads without a shoulder or guard rails,
or if the radar sensor is covered with dirt,
refer to page 75.
> 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 exam-
ple due to a driving speed below 20 mph or
30 km/h or a DSC intervention.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press th e button, arrow 4 .
The stored speed and distance are regained
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 automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N.
> In cars with Sport automatic transmission
with double clutch: when you engage selec-
tor 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 dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated
3 Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4 Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
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 Control
messages, refer to page 88.<
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Driving
Controls
Warning lamps
The indicator
2 flashes in red; a
signal sounds.
The system indicates that you
must brake and/or maneuver the
vehicle yourself. Active Cruise
Control cannot automatically restore the dis-
tance to the vehicle ahead.
This indicator does not release you from your
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow.
The prerequisites for operating
Active Cruise Control are not met,
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC
interventions. Active Cruise Con-
trol is deactivated. Yo u can reactivate the sys-
tem, if desired, by brie fly pressing or pulling the
lever when road and traffi c conditions permit. It
is not possible to resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead
may be restricted as a re sult of heavy rain, dirt,
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor
located in the front bump er, see arrow. Be sure
t o u se p a r t i c ul a r c a r e w h e n r e m o v i n g a ny l a y e r s
of snow or ice from the sensor.
The system cannot be activated if the sensor is
incorrectly aligned.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
NF3 ACC2SCU 003YK04001 0000
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
> This device must no t cause harmful inter-
ference, and
> this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devi ces could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment. <
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The
Active Cruise Control is malfunction-
ing. Have the system checked.
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90
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. PDC is
malfunctioning. Have the system
checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to op erate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.
Manual operation
The LED above the button also flashes.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind sp ot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with traile r towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or af ter a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive
cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of personal
injury or property damage.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a
risk of personal injury or property damage. <
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page 134.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressu re on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical lim its by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains th e responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taki ng risks, as this could
result in an accident. <
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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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MobilityCare
Care
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.
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value re tention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material-tested, laboratory-checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles. <
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling an d road salt can lead
to vehicle damage. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake discs can corrode. <
Automatic car washes
Give preference to car washes that use cloth or
soft brushes in order to avoid paint damage.
Do not use high-pressure car washes;
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle
around the windows. <
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
> Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page 235.
> If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page 50.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the
danger of damaging chassis parts. <
Preparations before driv ing into an automatic
car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent
undesired wiper operation.
> Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
> Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock.
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Care
Mobility
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an
automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2. Move the selector lever to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2. Engage transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the engine.
5. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
The transmission is switched into position P:
> Automatically after approx. 30 minutes
> If you remove the infrared remote control
from the ignition lock
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, make sure to maintain sufficient
distance from the vehicle and do not exceed a
temperature of 140 7/60 6.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer. <
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray the sensors, e.g. of the Park
Distance Control, for an extended period and maintain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm from
them.
<
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large
quantities of water an d car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the
wipers. <
Observe local regulations pertaining to
washing vehicles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with copious
quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield deicer and do not
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz. <
Convertible: retractable hardtop
Proceed as you would in a normal car wash.
When you open a wet hardtop, water
drops may run into the cargo area. If nec-
essary, remove items from the cargo area
beforehand to avoid water stains or soiling. <
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and
protects the paintwork against the long-term
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is
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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.
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MobilityIndicator and warning lamps
Selector lever positi on P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched off Engage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch o
ff the ignition, refer
to page 57.
Selector lever malfunctioning You ca n continue your journey. Shift
again if necessary. Have the system
checked if the situation reoccurs.
Brake signal malfunctioning: gear can
be engaged without depressing the
brake To engage a gear while the vehicle is at
a standstill, always step on the brake.
Switch off the engine before leaving the
vehicle. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioning Have the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof malfunctioning Have the system checked.
Cruise control deactivated:
> Driving stability control systems are
active or
> parking brake is applied or
> the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
> engaged gear is not suitable for the
speed being driven
Cruise control system failed You ca n continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Active Cruise Co ntrol deactivated:
> Driving stability control systems are
active or
> parking brake is applied or
> the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
> engaged gear is not suitable for the
speed being driven or Keep a safe distance.
> Radar sensor dirty Clean the radar sensor, refer to
page75.
Active Cruise Control fa iled Keep a safe distance.
Have the system checked.
12Cause What to do
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 90
ACC, refer to Active Cruise Control 71
Acceleration assistant, refer to Launch Control 66
Accessories, refer to Vehicle
equipment 5
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 214
Activated-charcoal filter for automatic climate
control 115
Active Cruise Control 71
– indicator lamp 74
– malfunction 75
– selecting distance 73
– sensor 75
Active steering 97
Adaptive brake lamp
– Brake Force Display 98
Adaptive Light Control 105
Additives
– coolant 200
– engine oil 200
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 110
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 112
Adjusting the thigh support 44
Airbags 99
– indicator/warning lamp 101
– sitting safely 42
Air conditioner 109 Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner
110
– automatic climate
control 112
– ventilation 111,114
Air distribution
– automatic 113
– individual 110
– manual 110
Airing, refer to Ventilation 111,114
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents 110
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 177
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated air
mode 110,113
Air supply
– air conditioner 110
– automatic climate control 112
– ventilation 111,114
Air vents 110
Air volume 110,11
3
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 175
Alarm system 32
– avoiding unintentional alarms 33
– interior motion sensor 33
– switching off an alarm 32
– tilt alarm sensor 33
ALL program 114
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 196
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 92 Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated air
mode 110,113
AM waveband 144
Antifreeze
– coolant 200
– washer fluid 69
Antilock Brake System ABS 90
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 32
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 237
Approved engine oils 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 237
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 120
Ashtray 122
Assist systems, refer to
Driving stability control 90
AUC Automatic recirculated air control 113
Audio device, external 121
Automatic
– air distribution 113
– air volume 113
– cruise control 69,71
– headlamp control 103
Automatic car washes 204
Automatic climate control 109
Automatic curb monitor 51
Automatic high beams and low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant 106
Automatic recirculated air control AUC 113
Automatic station search 144
Automatic station storage 144
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Call
– accepting 160
– ending 161
– rejecting 161
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 161
Calling, refer to Telephone
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 121
Capacities 239
Capacity of the cargo area 237
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 212
Car care, refer to Care 204
Care 204
– automatic car washes 204
– care products 204
– carpets 207
– CD/DVD drives 207
– chrome parts 206
– displays 207
– exterior 204
– fine wood parts 207
– headlamps 205
– high-pressure washer 205
– interior 206
– leather 206
– light-alloy wheels 206
– paintwork 205
– plastic parts 207
– retractable hardtop 205
– rubber seals 206
– safety belts 207
– sensors and cameras 207
– upholstery and cloth
trim 206
– washing the car manually 205
– windows 205
Cargo, securing 137 Cargo area
– capacity
237
– Comfort Access 34
– folding up the floor panel 125
– lamp, refer to Interior lamps 107
– opening from inside 31
– opening from outside 31
Cargo loading 135
– securing cargo 137
– stowing cargo 136
– vehicle 135
Car jack
– jacking points 212
Ca
r key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 24
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 120
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
Car phone, refer to Telephone 156
Car radio, refer to Radio 18
Car radio, refer to Radio BMW Professional 142
Car shampoo 207
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 134
CD changer 147
– controls 18
– fast forward/reverse 148
– installation location 148
– random sequence 148
– selecting a CD 147
– selecting a track 148
– volume 142
CD player 147
– changing the track 148
– controls 18
– fast forward/reverse 148
– playing a track 148
– random order 148
– volume 142
Center armrest 120 Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb
211
Center console, refer to Around the center
console 14
Central locking
– from inside 29
– from outside 25
Central locking system 25
– Comfort Access 33
– hotel function 31
– setting unlocking characteristics 26
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 208
Changing gears 64
Changing wheels 211
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 197
Check Control 87
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 54
Child restraint systems 53
Child seats, refer to Transporting children
safely 53
Chrome parts 207
Chrome polish 207
Cigarette lighter, refer
to
Lighter 122
Cleaning headlamps 68
– washer fluid 69
Cleaning your BMW, refer to Care 204
Climate control
– automatic air distribution 113
Clock 78
– 12h/24h format 83
– setting time 86
Closing
– from inside 29
– from outside 25
Clothes hooks 121
Cockpit 10
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