check engine light BMW M3 COUPE 2009 E92 Owner's Manual
Page 14 of 256
Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer68
5Shift Lights
*62
6Engine oil temperature69
7Display for
>Clock68
>Outside temperature68
>Indicator and warning lamps76
>With dual clutch transmission:
Computer698Display for
>Gear display M dual clutch transmission 
with Drivelogic
*58
>With manual transmission:
Computer69
>Date of next scheduled service, and 
remaining distance to be driven72
>Odometer and trip odometer68
>Checking oil level203
>Settings and information71
> There is a Check Control 
message76
9Fuel gauge69
10Resetting the trip odometer68
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At a glance
 13Reference
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a 
variety of combinations and colors.
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning 
and thus come on briefly when the engine is 
started or the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the top edge of the Control 
Display describe the meanings of the indicator 
and warning lamps.
You can call up more information, e.g. on the 
cause of a malfunction and on how to respond, 
via Check Control, refer to page76.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps notify you that 
certain functions are active:
Parking lamps/low beams92
High beams/headlamp flasher94
Parking brake applied57
MDrive
*50
M Dynamic Mode
*82
Lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive forces in 
order to maintain driving stability82
Engine malfunction with adverse 
effect on exhaust emissions208
Canada: engine malfunction with 
adverse effect on exhaust 
emissions208
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Page 37 of 256
Controls
 35Reference
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Mobility
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo bay after the luggage 
compartment lid is closed, the lid will reopen. 
The hazard warning flashers flash and an 
acoustic signal
* sounds.<
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page55.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition lock, refer to page55.
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this happens, open or close 
the vehicle via the buttons on the remote con-
trol or using the integrated key. To start the 
engine afterward, insert the remote control into 
the ignition lock.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote control is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote 
control with you inside the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition lock.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery in the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will need to be replaced from 
time to time.
1.Take the integrated key out of the remote 
control, refer to page26.
2.Remove the cover.
3.Insert the new battery with the plus side fac-
ing up.
4.Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collec-
tion point or to your BMW center.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, watch the windows 
while closing them. 
Take the remote control with you when you 
leave the car, otherwise children could operate 
the electric windows and possibly injure them-
selves.<
Coupe: opening, closing
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window opens as long as you press the 
switch.
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Page 71 of 256
Controls
 69Reference
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Mobility
Never drive at engine speeds in the red warning 
field. In this range, the engine speed is limited to 
protect the engine.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and 
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. In addi-
tion, a message will appear on the Control Dis-
play.
Check coolant level, refer to page206.
Engine oil temperature
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between 
approx. 1757/806 and approx. 2507/
1206.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.6 US gal/
63 liters.You can find information on refueling on 
page194.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve 
zone, a message briefly appears on the Control 
Display and the cruising range for the remaining 
amount of fuel is displayed on the computer. 
Under a cruising range of approx. 30 miles/
50 km, the message remains in the Control Dis-
play.
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.<
Computer
Displays in the instrument cluster
Calling up information
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.
The following items of information are dis-
played in the order listed:
>Cruising range
>Oil level, refer to Checking oil level on 
page203
>Average fuel consumption
>Speed
>No information
M dual clutch transmission:
Outside temperature, time, cruising 
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Page 73 of 256
Controls
 71Reference
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Mobility
Resetting the Trip computer
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Trip computer"3.Select
>"Reset" all values are reset
>"Automatically reset" all values are reset 
approx. 4 hours after the engine is 
switched off
Settings and information
Operating principle
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
2Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
>Calling up computer information693When the lights are on: instrument lighting 
brightness94
4Calling up Check Control76
5Setting the time74
6Setting the date75
7Viewing service requirement display72
8Switching Shift Lights
* on/off62
Exiting displays
The outside-temperature reading and the time 
reappear when you press button2 or if you 
make no entries within approx. 15 seconds. If 
required, complete the current setting first.
Units of measure
Setting the units of measure
You can change the units for fuel consumption, 
route/distance, temperature and pressure.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
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Page 96 of 256
Lamps
94
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is 
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking 
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right
There is an additional option of switching on the 
lamps on the side of the car facing the road 
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or 
down beyond the pressure point for a longer 
period, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for 
unduly long periods of time, otherwise the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the 
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever in the opposite direction to the 
pressure point, arrow 3.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument 
lighting only when the parking lamps or the low 
beams are switched on.
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the brightness level and the word 
"SET".
2.Press button 2.
3.Push button 1 up or down to select the 
desired brightness level.
4.Press button 2.
The display again shows the outside tem-
perature and the time.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, footwell lamps*, entry 
lamps
*, cargo bay lamp and courtesy lamps* 
are controlled automatically.
The LEDs for the courtesy lamps
 are set in the 
door handles and illuminate the ground in front 
of the doors.
To avoid draining the battery, all lamps 
inside the car are switched off about 
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Page 210 of 256
Maintenance
208
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the 
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel 
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up:
The exhaust emission values have 
worsened. Have the car checked as 
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning 
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain 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 comes on if the gas 
cap is not properly tightened and the 
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor 
is escaping. If the gas cap is then tightened, the 
warning lamp should go out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a 
device for recording or sending certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you have 
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer-tain vehicle data may be transmitted or 
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding 
services.
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Page 221 of 256
Mobility
 219Reference
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Do not exceed a speed of 35 mph/
60 km/h. If possible, do not fall below a 
speed of 12 mph/20 km/h.<
Producing the tire inflation pressure
1.After driving approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at a 
suitable location.
2.Connect connection hose9 of the com-
pressor directly to the tire valve.
3.Insert connector 3 into the cigarette lighter 
socket/power socket in the interior of the 
vehicle.
4.Adjust the tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on, pro-
ceed as follows:
>To increase the inflation pressure: 
Switch on the compressor, position I. To 
check the current inflation pressure set-
ting, briefly switch off the compressor.
Do not let the compressor run for 
more than 10 minutes, otherwise the 
device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>To reduce the inflation pressure: turn 
screw 8 on the pressure gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not maintained, 
drive the vehicle a second time, refer to 
Distributing the sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to 
4.
Use of the M Mobility System may be ineffec-
tual for tire damage larger than approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center, 
refer to page221, or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made roadworthy with the M Mobility 
System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least 
29 psi/200 kPa. If it is not, do not continue 
driving.<
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 
page84 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 page222.
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 
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Mobility
 223Reference
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Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct 
order, so that no sparks which could 
cause injury occur.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in 
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine 
compartment overview on page203. The cap is 
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+ 
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the 
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal 
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of 
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/– 
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the 
battery or to an engine or body ground of 
the assisting vehicle. Your BMW has a special nut as body ground 
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body 
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and 
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly 
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the 
usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes before another attempt 
in order to allow the discharged battery to 
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and 
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other 
than the driver in a vehicle that is being 
towed.<
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Page 242 of 256
Everything from A - Z
240 Care209
– automatic car washes209
– care products209
– carpets211
– CD/DVD drives212
– chrome parts210
– displays211
– exterior209
– fine wood parts211
– headlamps210
– high-pressure washer209
– interior211
– leather211
– light-alloy wheels211
– paintwork210
– plastic parts211
– retractable hardtop210
– rubber seals210
– safety belts211
– sensors and cameras211
– upholstery and cloth 
trim211
– washing the car 
manually210
– windows210
– wiper blades210
Cargo, securing119
Cargo bay
– capacity231
– convenient access34
– folding up the floor 
panel110
– lamp, refer to Interior 
lamps94
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
Cargo loading
– securing cargo119
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
Car jack
– jacking points219
Car key, refer to Remote 
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest105
– refer to separate Owner's 
ManualCar phone, refer to 
Telephone172
Car radio, refer to Radio149
Car shampoo211
Car wash
– before entering57
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system116
CBS Condition Based 
Service
207
CD, audio playback154
CD changer154
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse156
– installation location158
– random play sequence155
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
CD player154
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse156
– random play sequence155
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Center armrest105
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb217
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– convenient access34
– hotel function31
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs213
Changing gears60
Changing the language on the 
Control Display79Changing the measurement 
units on the Control 
Display71
Changing wheels219
Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment203
Check Control76
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH54
Child-restraint systems53
Child seats, refer to 
Transporting children 
safely53
Chrome parts211
Chrome polish211
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Lighter107
Cleaning headlamps65
– washer fluid66
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care209
Clock
68
– 12h/24h mode75
– setting the time and date75
– setting time74
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks106
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine56
Combined instrument, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to 
Convenient access34
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock55
Compass103
Computer69
– displays on Control 
Display70
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service185
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked118
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