brakes BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 User Guide

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Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least br aking is required. Even
light but consistent brak e pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. <
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy he lps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page 61.
Sport automatic transm ission with double
clutch: never drive with the transmission
in neutral or with the en gine switched off; other-
wise, there will be no en gine braking action and
no power assistance to the brakes and steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
there will be no engine braking action and no
power assistance to the brakes and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driv en only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are le ss frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms wh ile the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying ca pacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. In some situations,
this can result in sudden loss of tire pressure. <
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
area, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle. <
Determining loading limit
1. Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle and unstable driving conditions
may result. <
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
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204
MobilityCare
Care
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all pr oduction, 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.
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value re tention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material-tested, laboratory-checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle. <
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles. <
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling an d road salt can lead
to vehicle damage. <
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake discs can corrode. <
Automatic car washes
Give preference to car washes that use cloth or
soft brushes in order to avoid paint damage.
Do not use high-pressure car washes;
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle
around the windows. <
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
> Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page 235.
> If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page 50.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the
danger of damaging chassis parts. <
Preparations before driv ing into an automatic
car wash:
> Unscrew the rod antenna.
> Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent
undesired wiper operation.
> Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
> Leave the remote control in the ignition
lock.
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241
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 60
– interlock 60
– overriding selector lever lock 62
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 60
– sport program 61
– towing 217
– tow-starting 217
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 113
AUTOSTORE 144
AUX-IN
– port 121
AUX-In connection 151
AUX-IN port 143
Average fuel consumption 80
– setting the units 83
Average speed 80,81
Avoiding unintentional alarms 33
Axle loads, refer to Weights 237
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 44
Backrests, refer to Seat adjustment 43
Backrest width adjustment 44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats 46
Bag holder 124
Band-aids, refer to First aid pouch 215
Bar, refer to Towing methods 218
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 165
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment 120 Battery
212
– charging 212
– disposal 35,213
– jump-starting 216
– remote control 24
– replacing 212
– temporary power failure 212
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
– remote control for vehicle 35
Being towed 217
Belt hand-over 49
– pinch protection system 50
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts 49
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 121
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning 78
Blinds, refer to Roller sunblinds 120
Blower, refer to Air volume 110,113
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating 157
BMW
– car shampoo 207
BMW Assist 167
– activating 168
BMW Homepage 4
BMW Maintenance System 202
BMW Professional radio
– recalling stations 144
– sampling stations 144
– satellite radio 146
– selecting waveband 144
– station search 144
– storing stations 144
– switching on/off 142
– t

one control 143
– volume 142
BMW Teleservices 168
– activating 168
BMW webpage 4 Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 121
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control DBC 90
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 84
Brake Force Display 98
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display 98
Brake pads 132
– breaking in 132
Brake pedal, refer to Braking safely 134
Brake rotors 135
– brakes 132
– breaking in 132
Brakes
– ABS 90
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– Brake Force Display 98
– breaking in 132
– parking brake 59
– service requirements 84
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely 134
Brake system 132
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– breaking in 132
– disc brakes 135
Breakdown services, refer to Roadside Assistance 215
Breaking in the clutch 132
Breaking in the differential, refer to Engine and
differential 132
Break-in period 132
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 208
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/Stop button 57
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG