check oil BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2011 Owners Manual

Contents

9

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags55
Transporting children safely58
Rollover protection system62
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory64

Driving:

Ignition lock65
Starting the engine and driving
off66
Switching off the engine68
Parking brake68
Manual transmission69
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic*70
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher75
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*76
Cruise control77

Everything under control:

Odometer79
Tachometer79
Engine oil temperature79
Fuel gauge80
Engine coolant temperature
gauge80
Service interval display81
Check Control81
Clock82
Computer83

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*85
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Flat Tire Monitor87
M Engine dynamics control89
Brake force display89

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams90
Instrument lighting91
High beams/Standing lamps91
Front fog lamps92
Interior lamps92
Reading lamps92

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control94

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment99
Storage compartments99
Microphone*100
Ashtray, front*100
Ashtray, rear*101

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag*102
Cargo loading104
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop*107

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures110
General driving notes111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)113
Hardtop*113

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure116
Tire code118
Tire condition119
New wheels and tires120
Snow chains*122

In the engine compartment:

Hood123
Engine compartment
essentials124
Washer fluids126
Engine oil126
Coolant128
Brake fluid129

Maintenance:

BMW Maintenance System130
OBD interface socket132

Controls and features

17
1Fuel gauge80
2Turn signal indicator20
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
5Tachometer and engine oil
temperature gauge79
6Engine coolant temperature
gauge80
7Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
8Control button for

>

Clock82

>

Unit of measure of outside
temperature display83
9Display for sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic71
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)86
11 Display for

>

Trip odometer79

>

Clock82

>

Service interval81

>

Computer83
12 Check Control81
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero79
14 Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21

Instrument cluster

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

An alarm sounds at the same
time. The engine oil pressure is
too low. Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. It is not pos-
sible to continue driving. Please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 129 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp

●

Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 68.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock seat backrest/Please fas-
ten safety belt

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until driver fastens
safety belt. Flashes when the backrest
is not locked.
For additional information on locking
the seat backrests, refer to page 49.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 50.
Airbags

●

Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 57.

19
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and
defensively and avoid full brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 86, 113.
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving: this
indicates a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked immediately.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 74.

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity such as when you
stop to refuel
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
page 112.
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
ten checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.

Indicator and warning lamps

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81
Service interval displayRemaining distance to next
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or higher or
after the engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or
INSPECTION, together with the dis-
tance remaining in miles – in kilometers
in Canada – before the next scheduled
service.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the preced-
ing driving style.
A flashing message and a '–' in front of
the number mean that the service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the
distance shown on the display. Please
contact your BMW center for an
appointment.
Check ControlDisplayWhen the ignition key is in position 2,
the following information and/or condi-
tions are indicated using symbols until
the conditions have been corrected.
1Inspect the low-beam and high-beam
headlamps, as well as the parking
lamps
2Door open
3Luggage compartment lid open
4Check brake and tail lamps
When you open the driver's door after
having turned the ignition key to posi-
tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal
for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.
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125
1Filler neck for windshield and head-
lamp washer cleaning system126
2Coolant expansion tank128
3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
positive terminal147
4Engine oil filler neck127
5Expansion tank for SMG Drivelogic
hydraulic unit – checking and possi-
ble refilling by your BMW center70
6Engine oil dipstick126
7Filler neck for brake fluid129Engine compartment essentials
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126
Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield
washer systemCapacity approx.
5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with a
washer antifreeze additive according to
manufacturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washer
fluid are highly flammable. For this
reason, keep them away from sources
of flame and store them only in their
closed original containers, inaccessible
to children. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Engine oilChecking the oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 1 minute, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.

127
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower
mark on the dipstick.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.
Before checking the engine oil level
after topping up, restart the engine and
allow it to run to obtain a correct dis-
play. Then proceed as described under
Checking the oil level.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, thoroughly
wash any areas of skin that come into
contact with oil using soap and water.
Store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center.
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain grades of engine oil.
Use only oils approved for your vehicle
model.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
approved. You can also call BMW of
North America toll-free at 1-800-831-
1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this infor-
mation.<
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could even lead to
damage in some cases.<
Alternative oil typesIf a High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by BMW should be unavail-
able, you may use small volumes of
other synthetic oils for topping up
between oil changes. The following
data must appear on the packaging:
>Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
>Specifications
preferred: API SJ/CF
alternative: API SJ – also SK, SL, S
etc.
Engine oil
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128
Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47/–206 for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.
Coolant
Do not open the cooling system
when the engine is hot. If you do,
escaping coolant can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant
additives. Not all commercially available
additives are suitable for your BMW.
Your BMW center knows which addi-
tives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, as
the engine could otherwise be
damaged. The additives are hazardous
to health.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of coolant additives.<
Checking the coolant level1. The engine must be at ambient tem-
perature
2. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
3. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is even
with the upper edge of the filler neck,
refer to the arrow in the illustration or
to the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck
4. If necessary, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached; do not
overfill
5. Close the cap by turning until it is
well tight
6. Have the cause for the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.
Engine oil

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.