BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 Owners Manual

100
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front pass enger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below. <
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 53.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indi cator lamp for the front
passenger airbags lights up. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the fr ont passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is
not ensured. <
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp light s up when a child in
a specially designated child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as in tended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system, This partic ularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
mounting a child seat, ensure that the indi-
cator lamp for the fron t passenger airbag is
lit. It indicates that th e child seat has been
detected and that the front passenger air-
bags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not light up as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not light up if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

101
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
Operational readine
ss of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page 57, the
warning lamp lights up br iefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
> Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a su fficiently severe acci-
dent occurs. <
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is activated
automatically in the event of an accident, a crit-
ical driving situation, an extreme tilt in the car's
longitudinal axis or upon loss of ground contact.
The protection bars behind the rear head
restraints deploy within fractions of a second.
As a supplementary system to the reinforced
windshield frame, the rollover protection sys-
tem ensures that the necessary headroom is
maintained for all vehicle occupants. Always keep the area of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In minor accidents, yo u are protected by the
fastened safety belt and, depending on acci-
dent severity, by the sa fety belt tensioner and
multi-phase airbag retention system. <
Resetting
If the rollover protection system was not
impacted after being automatically activated, it
can be reset by lowering the protection bars to
their original positions. This does not require
tools.
1. Push the locking lever to one side and hold
it there.
2. Push the protection bar halfway down from
above.
3. Release the locking lever.
4. Push the protection bar down until it snaps
into place.
5. Repeat the procedure for the other protec-
tion bar.
Have the rollover protection system checked
after an unexpected activation.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

102
ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Never move the retrac table hardtop when
the rollover protection system is in the
activated position.
Do not make any modifica tions to the individual
components of the rollover protection system
or its cabling.
Work on the rollover protection system should
be performed only by your BMW center.
Incorrectly performed work on the system may
lead to system failure or incorrect operation.
To check the system and ensure flawless long-
term operation, always observe the service
intervals, refer to page 84.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

103
Lamps
Controls
Lamps
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may
not be available in a vehi
cle, for example due to
the special options or national-market version
selected. This also app lies to safety related
functions and systems.
At a glance
0 Lamps off,
daytime running lights
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights
2 Low beams,
welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp co ntrol, daytime run-
ning lights, welcome lamps, High-beam
Assistant, and Adaptive Light Control
Parking lamps/low beams,
automatic headlamp control
General information
When the driver's door is opened with ignition
switched off, then the ex terior lighting is auto-
matically switched off if the light switch is in
position 0, 2 , or 3.
Parking lamps
In switch position 1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switch ed on. You can use the
parking lamps for parking.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enou gh power to start the
engine. It is preferable to switch on the left-
hand or right-hand roadside parking lamps,
refer to page 105.<
Low beams
The low beams light up when the light switch is
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control
When the switch is in position 3, the low beams
are switched on and o ff automatically depend-
ing on ambient lighting conditions, e.g. in a tun-
nel, in twilight, or if there is precipitation. The
Adaptive Light Control is active. The LED next
to the symbol is illuminated when the low
beams are on. You can also activate the daytime
running lights, refer to page 104. In the situa-
tions described above, the lamps then automat-
ically switch fr om daytime running lights to low
beams.
The headlamps may also come on when the
sun is sitting low on a blue sky.
The low beams remain switched on inde-
pendent of the ambient lighting condi-
tions when you switch on the fog lamps. <
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determin ing when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the system
cannot detect fog or ha zy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
low-beam headlamps ma nually under these
conditions. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

104
ControlsLamps
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in position 2 or 3
when you park the car, the parking lamps and
the interior lamps light up briefly when you
unlock the vehicle.
Pathway lighting
If the headlamp flasher is activated after switch-
ing off the ignition with the lamps switched off,
the low beams come on and remain on for a cer-
tain time.
Setting duration
For operating principle, refer to page 82.
1. Switch on the igni tion, refer to page 57.
2. Briefly press button 1 in the turn signal/high
beam lever up or down repeatedly until the
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "SET".
3. Press button 2.
4. Briefly press button 1 in the turn signal/high
beam lever down repeatedly until the sym-
bol appears in the display.
5. Press button 2. 6.
Use button 1 to select:
> The function is deactivated.
> ...
Select the appropriate duration, e.g.
40 seconds.
7. Press button 2.
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights light up in switch
position 0, 1 and 3. They are less powerful than
the low beams.
The tail lamps may also light up.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lights
For operating principle, refer to page 82.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 57.
2. Briefly press button 1 in the turn signal/high
beam lever up or down repeatedly until the
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "SET".
3. Press button 2.
4. Briefly press button 1 in the turn signal/high
beam lever down repeatedly until the sym-
bol appears in the display.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

105
Lamps
Controls
5.
Press button 2.
6. Use button 1 to select:
> Daytime running lights activated.
> Daytime running lights deactivated.
7. Press button 2.
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Adaptive Light Control
The concept
Adaptive Light Control is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to 40 mph/70 km/h,
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an
additional, corner-illuminating lamp is switched
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switch ed on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page 103.
The corner-illuminating lamp is switched on
automatically, depending on the steering wheel
angle or turn signal indicator.
Standstill function: to avoid blinding oncoming
traffic, the Adaptive Light Control directs light
toward the front passenger side when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. When you are reversing, only the corner-illumi-
nating lamps are switched on and active on
both sides.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. The
Adaptive Light Control is malfunc-
tioning or failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps
1 High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside 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 pressu re 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 enou gh power to start the
engine. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

106
ControlsLamps
Switching off
Press the lever in the o pposite direction to the
pressure point, arrow 3.
High-beam Assistant
The concept
This system automatica lly switches the high
beams on and off. The procedure is controlled
by a sensor on the front of the interior rearview
mirror. The assistant ensures that the high
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. It handle s this task for you and
gives you the benefit of the best possible view.
You can intervene at any time and switch the
high beams on and off as usual.
Activating the system
1. Turn the light switch to position 3, refer to
page 103.
2. With the low beams switched on, briefly
push the turn signal/high beam lever in the
direction of the high beam.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high beams
are activated. The system automati-
cally switches from hi gh beams to low beams
and vice versa in response to oncoming traffic,
traffic ahead of you, and adequate ambient
lighting, e.g. on city streets.
Switching the high beams on and off
manually
Whenever you wish, or when the situation
requires, you can intervene:
> If the High-beam Assistant switches on the
high beams, but you wo uld like to drive with
the low beams, simply switch off the high
beams using the turn signal/high beam
lever. This deactivates the High-beam
Assistant.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn signal/high beam lever toward the high
beams again. >
If the High-beam Assistant switches on the
low beams, but you would like to drive with
the high beams, switch on the high beams
as usual. This deactivates the system and
the high beams need to be switched off
manually, if necessary.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn signal/high beam lever toward the high
beams again.
> Use the headlamp flashe r as usual with the
low beams switched on.
System limitations
The High-beam Assistant cannot serve
as a substitute for the driver's personal
judgment of when to use the high beams.
Therefore, manually switch off the high beams
in situations where this is required to avoid a
safety risk. <
The system is not fully fu nctional in situations
such as the following, and driver intervention
may be necessary:
> In very unfa vorable weather conditions,
such as fog or heavy precipitation
> In detecting poorly-lit road users, such as
pedestrians, cyclists, horseback riders and
wagons; when driving close to train or ship
traffic; and at animal crossings
> In tight curves, on hilltops or in depressions,
in cross traffic or half-obscured oncoming
traffic on highways
> In poorly lit towns and cities and in the pres-
ence of highly reflective signs
> At low speeds
> When the windshield in front of the interior
rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or cov-
ered with stickers, etc.
> If the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor on
the front of the interior rearview mirror using
a cloth moistened with a small amount of
glass cleaner.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

107
Lamps
Controls
Fog lamps
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up whenever the
fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off while you acti-
vate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high
beams.
If the automatic headla mp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps. <
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 up or down repeatedly until
the appropriate symbol appears in the dis-
play, accompanied by the brightness set-
ting and scale 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, the footwell lamps, entry
lamps, cargo area 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 reduce the drain on the battery, a few
minutes after the radio readiness is
switched off, refer to Start/Stop button on
page 57, all lights in the vehicle's passenger
compartment are switched off. <
Switching interior lamps on/off
manually
Interior lamps, front and rear:
To switch on and off, press the button.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

108
ControlsLamps
To switch off the interior lamps, footwell lamps,
entry lamps, and courtesy lamps permanently,
press the button for the front interior lamps for
about 3 seconds.
Reading lamps
There are reading lamps at the front and rear,
next to the interior lights. To switch on and off,
press the button.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

109
Climate
Controls
Climate
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. For this reason, descrip-
tions will be given of some equipment that may
not be available in a vehi
cle, for example due to
the special options or national-market version
selected. This also app lies to safety related
functions and systems.
Overview
Equipment versions
Depending on the equipment version, your car
has an air conditioner or an automatic climate
control system. 1
Air conditioner 110
2 Automatic climate control 112
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG