tires BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2006 E46 User Guide

121
The correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
tested and approved by BMW for the
particular vehicle model, as otherwise
body contact and serious accidents can
result despite the use of the same nom-
inal size, e.g. due to manufacturing tol-
erances. If non-approved wheels and
tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate
their suitability, and therefore cannot be
held liable for driving safety.<
To maintain good handling characteris-
tics, only use a full set of tires of the
same brand and tread configuration.
After a flat tire, have the previous wheel
and tire combination restored as soon
as possible.
Recommended tire sizes and
brandsFor each tire size, certain tire brands
have been tested, classified as road-
safe and approved by BMW. You can
find out about these from a professional
tire center, preferably your BMW cen-
ter. Observe any country-specific regu-
lations, e.g. on making a corresponding
entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-approved radial belt tires
are matched to your vehicle and pro-
vide optimum safety and driving com-
fort when used properly.Special characteristics of winter
tiresBMW recommends the use of winter
tires for operation under winter road
conditions. While all-season tires with
M+S designation provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally do not achieve the full performance
of winter tires.Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sures specified on the tire sidewall.
New wheels and tires
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

122
Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and determined and
approved as roadworthy. Consult your
BMW center for more information.
BMW recommends using only these
approved fine-link snow chains. Use
them in pairs on winter tires, but only on
both rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h with snow chains.
After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox with Drivelogic, refer to
page 87.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18- and 19-
inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
When driving with snow chains, it may
be useful to deactivate DSC, refer to
page 86.<

141
Tire repair with the M Mobility system
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic and position it on a
firm surface. Turn on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area – behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If necessary, set up your warning trian-
gle or portable hazard warning lamp on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.<
You will find an M Mobility system in the
BMW M3 Convertible for repairing flat
tires. With this system you can apply a
sealant to the inside of the tire, thus
seal off the damaged point, then rein-
flate the tire and continue driving.
Preparing to repair a tireThe M Mobility system is located in the
luggage compartment under the floor
panel.
If possible, leave the foreign object in
the tire.
You will find corresponding
instructions for using the
M Mobility system on the device.<
Before using the M Mobility sys-
tem, read the warnings on the
sealant bottle.<
Pull the sticker showing the speed limit
from the sealant bottle and stick it onto
the steering wheel.
Please observe the expiration
date on the sealant bottle.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 113
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 6
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 146
Activated-charcoal filter 98
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 89
Adding brake fluid 129
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 96
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 96
individual 96
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 94
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 116
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 97
Air supply
automatic climate
control 96
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 96Airbags 55
deactivating 55
indicator lamp 18, 57
safe seating position 46
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 94
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
Alarm system 36
avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 120
Alternative oils 127
Antifreeze
coolant 128
washer fluid 126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 113
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 36
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 156
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 156
Armrest 99
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochureAshtray
front 100
rear 101
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 97
AUTO program 96
Automatic
cruise control 77
headlamp control 90
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO program 96
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 96
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 94
Automatic curb monitor 52
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 97
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 76
Average fuel
consumption 84
Average speed 84Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 156
B
Backrest
unlocking 49
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 47
Backup lamps 69
bulb replacement 139
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, for towing 149
Battery 144
charge 144
disposal 145
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 147
remote control 28, 29
Battery charge current 18
Battery charge indicator
lamp 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 50
Beverage holders 100
Blower
automatic climate
control 96
BMW Maintenance
System 130

Everything from A to ZFuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 80
Fuel tank capacity 157
Fuses 145
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 84
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 71
Gearbox
manual transmission 69
Gearbox malfunction
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 74
Gearbox, sequential 70
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 69
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
General driving notes 111
Glove compartment 99
Gradient assistance 73
Grills, refer to Ventilation 94
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 156
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 68Hands-free system 100
Hardtop 113
Hardtop preparation 113
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual 113
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 48
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 77
washer fluid 126, 157
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 90
Headlamp flasher 91
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 137
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 53
Heated rear window
automatic climate
control 97
Heated seats 52
Heating
exterior mirrors 53
rear window 97
seats 52
Heating and ventilation 94
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 105Height adjustment
seats 47
steering wheel 54
Height, refer to
Dimensions 155
High beams 75, 91
bulb replacement 137
headlamp flasher 91
indicator lamp 21
Holder for beverages 100
Hood release 123
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 113
Hydroplaning 111
I
Ice warning 83
Ignition 65
Ignition key 28
positions 65
Ignition lock 65
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 37
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
convertible top 41
coolant 19, 80
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 88
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 80
rollover protection
system 19
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 96
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 64
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 87
Inflation pressure, tires 116
INSPECTION 81
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 91
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 132
event data recorders 132

Everything from A to Z
167
Power output, refer to
Engine data 154
Power seat 47
Power socket 101
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 101
Power windows
electric 38
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 87
Pressure, tires 116
inflating with M Mobility
system 143
Proposition 65 warning 6
Protective function
electric power windows 38
Puncture
M Mobility system 141
R
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 28
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 76
Range 84
Reading lamps
hardtop 113
rear 93Rear lamps
bulb replacement 139
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81
Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 97
Rear-entry assist 49
Rearview mirror 53
Receiving assistance 146
Recirculated-air mode
automatic climate
control 97
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 97
Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 47
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Releasing
hood 123
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 81
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 84
Remote control 29
luggage compartment
lid 30
malfunction 30
Replacement key 29
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 137Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 58
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 50
Reverse gear
manual transmission 69
Rollover protection
system 62
indicator lamp 19
lowering 62
Roof load capacity 156
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 107
Rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting the
vehicle 149
S
Safe seating position 46
airbags 46
safety belt 46
Safety belt
safe seating position 46
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 50
Safety belts 50
height adjustment 50
seat-integrated safety belt
system 49
warning lamp 18Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 113
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 136
Seat adjustment 47
BMW sports seat 47
lumbar support 47, 48
power seats 47
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 50
Seat heating 52
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 51
Seat positions, storing 51
Seats 47
Securing cargo 106
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 60
Securing the vehicle
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Selector lever
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
Selector lever positions
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZSequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
indicator lamp 19, 74
tow-starting 150
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
81, 130
Shift lights 74
Shift paddles 71
Side airbags 55
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 138
Size 155
Ski bag 102
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector 44
SMG Drivelogic 70
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 100
Snow chains 122
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 146
Spare key 28
Special oils 127
Special oils, refer to Speci-
fied engine oils 127
Specified engine oils 127
Specified oils 127Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
Sport mode 89
Sports seat 47
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 86
Standing lamps 91
bulb replacement 137
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 147
temperature 66
Starting the engine 66
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 66
Starting-off assistance
DSC 86
gradient assistance 73
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 65
Steering wheel, adjusting 54
Storage compartments 99
Storage nets 99
Storing seat positions,
refer to Seat and mirror
memory 51
Storing tires 121
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 154Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 83
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 68
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 79
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 139
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 139
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 157
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Technical data 154
Technical modifications 6
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 6
Telephone hookup
microphone 100
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerTemperature
automatic climate
control 96
Temperature adjustment 96
Temperature display
engine coolant 80
ice warning 83
outside temperature 83
setting units 83
Temperature layering 97
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 77
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 47
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 140
Threaded socket for towing
eyelet 149
Three-point safety belt 50
Tilt alarm sensor 37
switching off 37
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 52
Time 82
Tire inflation pressure 116
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 87

Everything from A to Z
169
Tires
age 118
breaking in 110
condition 119
damage 119
flat 141
inflation pressure 116
storing 121
tread 119, 120
tread wear indicators,
refer to Tire tread 120
winter tires 120
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 136
Torque
engine 154
Tow bar 149
Tow rope 149
Towing 149
Towing eyelet 149
Towing the vehicle 149
Tow-starting 149
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 155
Transmission
breaking in 110
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing
cargo 106
Transporting children
safely 58Trap protection
electric power windows 38
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 120
Tread wear indicators in the
tires, refer to Tire
tread 120
Tread wear, tires 120
Trip distance recorder, refer
to Trip odometer 79
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer 79
Trip odometer 79
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 33
Trunk lighting, refer to Lug-
gage compartment light-
ing 33
Turn signal indicator 75
bulb replacement 138
indicator lamp 20
Turn signal indicator, side
bulb replacement 138
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 155
TV function, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerU
Underbody protection, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Units
average fuel
consumption 84
temperature 83
Unlocking
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Upshift indicator, refer to
Shift Lights 74
Using antifreeze 128
V
Vehicle
battery 144
break-in procedures 110
dimensions 155
leaving the vehicle 68
loading 104
starting 66
washing, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure 76
weight 156
Vehicle Memory 64
Vehicle weight 156
Ventilation 94
draft-free 97
Viscosity 127Voice command system 22
microphone 100
Voice control, refer to sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Volume
luggage compartment 156
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 18
Warning lamp 'Please fas-
ten safety belts' 18
Warning messages 81
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet 130
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 7
Washer fluid
adding 126, 157
Washer fluid reservoir 126
volume 126
Washer jets, refer to Wind-
shield washer jets 77
Washer/wiper system 76, 77
washer fluid 126
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray 100
Weights 156
Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-
sions 155
Wheels and tires 116
Wheelslip control DSC 86
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZWidth, refer to
Dimensions 155
Wind deflector 44
Window condensation
removing 96
Windows
convenience operation
29, 31
remote control 29
Windshield washer
nozzles 77
Windshield washer reservoir
volume, see
Capacities 157
Windshield wiper blades,
replacing 136
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system 76
Winter tires 120
storing 121
Wiper blades, replacing 136
Work in the engine compart-
ment 123
X
Xenon lamps
bulb replacement 137

Refueling
To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information
when you stop for fuel, we recommend
that you take the time to fill out the
adjoining chart by entering the data that
apply to your vehicle. Consult the index
for individual specifications.
FuelPlease enter your preferred fuel here.Engine oilThe oil quantity between the two marks
on the dipstick is approx.
1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.Tire inflation pressureDesignation
Quality
Summer tires Winter tires
front rear front rear
Up to 2 persons
4 persons plus luggage