tow BMW M3 2012 Owner's Guide

271
Replacing components
Mobility
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question; otherwise, short-circuits
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer. <
For care of the headla mps, please follow the
instructions in the ch apter entitled 'Care'.
To replace lamps not described here,
please contact your BMW center. <
Light-emitting diodes LED
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls, displays, and equipment in your
vehicle. These light-emitting diodes, which
operate using a concept similar to that applied
in conventional lasers, are officially designated
as Class 1 light-emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source
for several hours; otherwise, this could cause
irritation of the retina. <
Headlight lenses
In cool or humid weather, condensation may
form on the interior of outside lamps. The con-
densation will disappear after a short time when
driving with the headlamps switched on. The
headlamp glasses do not need to be changed.
If the headlamps do not defrost despite driving
with the headlamps switch ed on, and additional
moisture builds up, for example water droplets
in the lamps, have them checked by your BMW
center.
Xenon lamps
These bulbs have a very lo ng service life and are
highly unlikely to fail. If a xenon lamp fails never-
theless, switch on the fog lamps and continue
the journey with great ca re, provided that local
legislation does not prohibit this. Have all work on the xenon lamp system,
including bulb replacements, performed
only by your BMW center . Due to high voltage,
there is a risk of fatal injury if work on the xenon
lamps is carried out improperly. <
Access to the lamps
1.Switch off the lamps and take the remote
control out of the ignition lock.
2. Remove the upper co ver from the head-
lamp. To do so, use a screwdriver to press
the catches towards th e rear, see arrows,
and pull the cover forward and out.
Follow the same steps in reverse order to reat-
tach the cover. Be careful when inst alling the cover; oth-
erwise, leaks could occur and cause dam-
age to the headlamp system.<
Parking lamps and roadside parking
lamps, daytime running lights
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
If they malfunction, please contact your BMW
center.
Corner-illuminating lamps
H3 bulb, 55 watts
1. Switch off the lamps and take the remote
control out of the ignition lock.
2. Remove the cover, re fer to Access to the
lamps.
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MobilityReplacing components
3.Push the wire bracket out of the anchor
towards the right and fold it up.
4. Disconnect the plug, change the bulb and
reconnect the plug.
5. Insert the bulb.
6. Fold the wire bracket down and engage it.
7. Reattach the cover.
Turn signals, front
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
If they malfunction, please contact your BMW
center.
Side turn signals
W5W bulb, 5 watts
1.Press the front edge of the lamp toward the
rear with your fingertip, arrow 1 and pivot it
out, arrow 2.
2. While simultaneously lifting the retaining
tab, rotate bulb hold er to the left and
remove.
3. Remove lamp and replace it.
To install, insert rear end of the lamp and press
into place at the front.
Tail lamps
Coupe: overview
The tail lamps are divided in two parts. One part
is in the trunk lid, the other is in the fender.
1 Backup lamp
2 Brake lamp
3 Parking/tail lamps
4 Turn signal
5 Brake Force Display lamp
6 Parking/tail lamps
Convertible: overview
The tail lamps are divided in two parts. One part
is in the trunk lid, the other is in the fender.
1 Backup lamp
2 Brake lamp
3 Parking/tail lamps
4 Turn signal
5 Brake Force Display lamp
6 Parking/tail lamps
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Giving and receiving assistance
Mobility
5.
Attach the second te rminal 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 fe w 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 be fore 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 th e 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. <
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be sc rewed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit
underneath the cover on the right-hand side of
the cargo area, refer to page 270.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard vehicle
tool kit underneath the ca rgo area floor, refer to
page 270. Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page61; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require in creased effort. Active
steering is not active an d it will be necessary to
turn the steering wheel further. <
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MobilityGiving and receiving assistance
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page64.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged. <
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch
Make sure that the parking lock P is not
engaged; otherwise, the rear wheels are
immobilized.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page 267, note that the parking lock P is
engaged automatically after approx.
30 minutes, blocking the rear wheels.
In the event of an electrical malfunction or if the
vehicle must be towed for more than approx.
20 minutes, unlock the parking lock manually,
refer to page 69.<
When towing, do not exceed a maximum
speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h and a maxi-
mum distance traveled of 30 miles/50 km; oth-
erwise, the transmission may be damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result. <
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control. <
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following: >
Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate la teral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to othe r parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With a tow truck: vehicle without xDrive
Manual and automatic transmission:
Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
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Giving and receiving assistance
Mobility
Do not tow the vehicle wi
th just the rear axle
raised as this may caus e the steering to turn.
With a tow truck: vehicle with xDrive
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised; otherwise, the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged. <
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page 278Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-star ted when the engine is
cold; vehicles with an automatic transmission or
Sport automatic transmission with double
clutch cannot be tow-started at all.
1. Switch on hazard warn ing flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 61.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-st arted with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch completely again.
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
With xDrive: do not activate Hill Descent
Control HDC when the vehicle is being
tow-started, page 99.<
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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
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Everything from A to Z
Reference
AUX-IN
– port
127
Available services 232
Average fuel consumption 84
– setting the units 87
Average speed 84
Avoid highways in navigation 159
Avoiding unintentional alarms 38
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 287
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 49
Backrests, refer to Seat adjustment 48
Backrest width adjustment 49
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats 51
Bag holder 131
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 277
Bar, refer to Towing methods 280
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 216
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment 126
Battery 274
– charging 274
– disposal 40,275
– jump-starting 278
– remote control 30
– replacing 274
– temporary power failure 274
Battery renewal
– remote control 40
– remote control for vehicle 40
Being towed 279
Belt hand-over 54
– pinch protection system 54
Belts, refer to Safety belts 53Belt tensioner,
refer to Safety
belts 53
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 128
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning 82
Blinds, refer to Roller sunblinds 126
Blower, refer to Air volume 118
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 205
BMW
– car shampoo 269
BMW Assist 228
– updating 232
BMW Homepage 4
BMW Info 222
BMW Maintenance
System 264
BMW Online 230
BMW webpage 4
Bottle holders, refer to Cupholders 128
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC 97
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 87
Brake Force Display 106
Bra

ke lamps
– Brake Force Display 106
Brake pads 138
– breaking in 138
Brake pedal, refer to Braking
safely 140
Brake rotors 141
– brakes 138
– breaking in 138
Brakes
– ABS 97
– BMW Maintenance System 264
– Brake Force Display 106
– breaking in 138
– parking brake 63
– service requirements 87Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 140
Brake system 138
– BMW Maintenance System 264
– breaking in 138
– disc brakes 141
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 277
Breaking in the clutch 138
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential 138
Break-in period 138
Brightness of the Control Display 94
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 270
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/Stop button 61
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
Calendar 223
– displaying appointment 223
– selecting calendar day 223
California Proposition 65 warning 6
Call
– accepting 209
– ending 210
– muting the microphone 211
– rejecting 209
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 210
Calling, refer to Telephone owner's manual
Calls
– with multiple parties 210
Can holders, refer to Cupholders 128
Capacities 289
Capacity of the cargo area 287
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 274
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Car care, refer to Care 266
Care 266
– automatic car washes 266
– care products 266
– carpets 269
– CD/DVD drives 269
– chrome parts 268
– displays 269
– exterior 266
– fine wood parts 269
– headlamps 267
– high-pressure washer 267
– interior 268
– leather 268
– light-alloy wheels 268
– paintwork 267
– plastic parts 269
– retractable hardtop 267
– rubber seals 268
– safety belts 269
– sensors and cameras 269
– upholstery and cloth
trim 268
– washing the car manually 267
– windows 267
Cargo, securing 143
Cargo area
– capacity 287
– Comfort Access 39
– folding up the floor
panel 132
– lamp, refer to Interior lamps 114
– opening from inside 35
– opening from outside 36
Cargo loading 141
– securing cargo 143
– stowing cargo 142
– vehicle 141
Car jack
– jacking points 274
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 30Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 126
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
Car phone, refer to Telephone 204
Car shampoo 269
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 140
Center armrest 126
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb 273
Center console, refer to
Around the center
co
nsole 14
Central locking
– from inside 35
– from outside 31
Central locking system 31
– Comfort Access 38
– hotel function 36
– setting unlocking characteristics 32
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 5
Changing bulbs, refer to Lamps and bulbs 270
Changing gears 68
Changing the language on the Control Display 94
Changing the measurement units on the Control
Display 87
Changing wheels 273
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 259
Check Control 92
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 58
Child restraint systems 57
Child seats, refer to Transporting children
safely 57
Chrome parts 269
Chrome polish 269 Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter 129
Cleaning headlamps 72
– washer fluid 72
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care 266
Climate control
– automatic air
distribution 118
Clock 82
– 12h/24h mode 91
– setting the time and date 90
– setting time 90
Closing
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
Clothes hooks 127
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine 62
Comfort Access 38
– replacing the battery 40
Comfort access, refer to Comfort Access 38
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console 14
Compartment for remote control, refer to Ignition
lock 61
Compass 124
Computer 84
– displays on Control Displa
y84
Computer, refer to iDrive 18
Concierge service 229
Condensation, refer to When the vehicle is parked 141
Condition Based Service CBS 264
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile 30
Confirmation signal for vehicle locking/unlocking 33
ConnectedDrive 228
Connecting vacuum cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances 129
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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
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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
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