brake BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2006 E46 Owner's Guide

129
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The warning lamp comes on
even though the parking brake
is released:
The brake fluid level is too low, refer to
page 18. At the same time, there may
be significantly greater pedal travel.
Have the system checked immediately.
Warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If you continue driving, extended
pedal travel may be necessary
and braking distances may be signifi-
cantly longer. Be sure to adapt your
driving style accordingly.<
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Due to loss in brake fluid, pedal travel
can lengthen and braking efficiency
may be reduced.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its closed original container and in
a location inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

130Maintenance
BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System helps
maintain your vehicle's road safety and
operational safety. Comfort-related
aspects, such as the timely change of
filters for the air inside the vehicle, are
taken into consideration. The goal is to
optimize maintenance with respect to
low total cost of ownership.
If you should sell your BMW one day,
consistent service and maintenance will
prove to your advantage.
Service interval displayThe service interval display shows you
when an oil service, an inspection –
always alternating between I and II – or
a brake fluid change is due. The special
feature is that the service intervals are
calculated according to your BMW's
individual driving conditions instead of
from fixed mileage increments.
The technology developed for this
takes your personal driving style into
account, as well as your BMW's driving
conditions. After all, short-distance
driving, i.e. frequent cold starts, or driv-
ing off at high engine speeds, affects
your BMW differently from long-dis-
tance driving with the engine at consis-
tent operating temperature.
Have a break-in inspection per-
formed at 1,250 miles/2,000 km
regardless of the service interval indi-
cated on the display.<
Special feature regarding engine
oil changeThe calculation of the service intervals
covers practically every kind of operat-
ing situation. If you drive very rarely,
however, you should have the oil
changed at least every two years, since
engine oil deteriorates over time
regardless of use.Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian modelsFor additional information on required
maintenance intervals and procedures,
please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els, or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.

139
Rear lamps1Turn signal indicator
LEDs
2Backup lamp
21 watt bulb
3Tail lamp/brake lamp
LEDs
Please contact a BMW center in
case of a defect with the LED
lamps.<
Bulbs in the luggage compartment lid
1. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clip
2. Fold the trim panel down – see
arrow 1. Disengage the bulb holder –
see arrow 2 – and remove it
3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb
4. Press the bulb holder into position
until you hear it engage
5. Reinstall the trim with the clip.
Lamps and bulbs
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

140
Center high-mount brake lampLED strip in luggage compartment lid.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left to release the
lens
2. Replace the bulb.Light-emitting diodesLight-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed
behind translucent lenses serve as the
light sources for many of the controls
and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to con-
ventional lasers, and legislation defines
them as light-emitting diodes, Class 1.
Do not remove the protective lens,
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for several hours, as
inflammation of the retina could
result.<
Lamps and bulbs

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

149
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor
panel and must remain with the vehicle
at all times. It can be attached at the
front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socketPress out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, even if the electrical
system has failed, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic: selector lever in posi-
tion N.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
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 Z
161
BMW sports seat 47
Bore, refer to Engine
data 154
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 100
Brake fluid 129
indicator lamp 18, 129
level 129
Brake force display 89
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 139
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 81
Brake lamps, refer to Brake
force display 89
Brake pads
brake fluid level 18, 129
breaking in 110
Brake rotors
breaking in 110
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19Brakes
ABS 113
brake fluid 129
brake force display 89
brake pads 112
breaking in 110
driving notes 111
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 68
Break-in procedures 110
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting 147
Bulb replacement 137
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 137
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 100
Capacities 157
Car battery 144
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 28
Car phone hookup
microphone 100
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for RadioCar telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 101
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 113
warning lamp 19
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Center armrest
front 99
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 140
Central locking system 28
button 32
passenger
compartment 32
Check Control 81Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 58
Child-restraint mounting
system LATCH 60
Child-restraint systems 58
Cigarette lighter 100
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 44
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 77
Clock 82
12-/24-hour mode 82
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 32
from outside 29
Clutch
breaking in 110
Cockpit 14
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZCode, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Coin box 100
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 66
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 154
Computer 83
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 96
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 64
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Power
socket 101
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 84
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 31
windows 29Convertible top 39
cleaning position 44
convenience operation
29, 31
electrical malfunction 42
emergency operation 42
indicator lamps 41
opening and closing 40
remote control 29
Coolant 128
indicator lamp 19, 80
level 128
temperature gauge 80
Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 128
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 96
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 113
warning lamp 19
Cruise control 77
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 100
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 156
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 154D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 157
dimensions 155
engine 154
technical 154
weights 156
Daytime driving lamps 90
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
19, 113
Deep water, refer to Driving
through water 111
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 96
Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 96
Defrosting windows 96
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 96
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 96
Differential
breaking in 110
Digital clock 82
Dimensions 155
Dipstick, engine oil 126Displacement, refer to
Engine data 154
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 91
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 127
vehicle battery 145
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 85
Door key 28
Door lock 31
Doors
emergency operation 31
Draft-free ventilation 97
Drivelogic 73
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 90
Driving notes 111
Driving through water, deep
water 111
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 96
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 86
indicator lamp 19, 86
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 19, 113
indicator lamp 19

Everything from A to Z
163
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 86
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 49
Electric power windows 38
power loss 39
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 145
Electrical malfunction
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 33
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Emergency call 146
Emergency operation
doors 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 33
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 34Engine
breaking in 110
data 154
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 79, 154
starting 66
switching off 68
Engine compartment 124
Engine coolant 128
refilling 128
Engine oil
adding 127
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
consumption 126
dipstick 126
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 127
specified oils 127
temperature gauge 79
types 127
Engine oil level 19
check 126
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 79
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 154Engine speed 79, 154
Entering the rear 49
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Exterior mirrors 53
Eyelet, towing 149
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Fastening the safety belts 50
Fault displays 81
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 157
Filling with sealant
M Mobility system 143
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 141
Flat Tire Monitor 87
repairing 141Flat Tire Monitor 87
activating/deactivating 88
indicator lamp 18, 19, 88
Floor panel, raising 35
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 126
Fog lamps
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding down convertible
top compartment panel 35
Follow me home lamps 90
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 111
Front airbags 55
Front fog lamps 92
indicator/warning lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 47
Fuel
display 80
specifications 25
volume 157
Fuel consumption
display 84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel mixture preparation 154
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