tow BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 User Guide
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp lights
up in yellow. No punctures can be
detected.
Display in the following situations:
> Interference from systems or devices that
use the same radio frequency:
The system automatica lly becomes active
again when the vehicle moves out of the
interference zone.
Declaration according to
NHTSA/FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire infl ation pressure label. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pres sure for those tires. As
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure
t e l l t a l e w h e n o n e o r m o r e o f y o u r t i r e s a r e s i g n i f -
icantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltal e illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underi nflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and ca n lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pr essure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction in dicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, includ
ing the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.Active steering
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depe nding on the speed at
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low speed range,
e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering
angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes very
direct and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the
speed increases. This im proves the handling of
your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simult aneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 91.
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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. <
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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.
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ControlsClimate
Air vents
3Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
4 Air to the upper body area.
The thumbwheels smoothly open and close the air supply. The levers alter the direction
of the airflow. For fu
rther details on draft-
free ventilation, refer to page 115.
5 Air to the footwell
Air conditioner
1Air distribution
2 Recirculated air mode
3 Air volume 4
Cooling function
5 Temperature
6 Rear window defroster
Air distribution
Direct the flow of air to the
windows , to the upper body
area or to the footwell . Inter-
mediate settings are possible. In
the center position between and , the air
is also deflected at toward the windows.
Recirculated air mode
If the air outside the car has an
unpleasant odor or contains pollut-
ants, shut off th e supply to the
interior of the car temporarily. The
system then recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
You can also activate/d eactivate the recircu-
lated air mode by means of a button on the
steering wheel, refer to page 11.
If the windows fog in recirculated air
mode, switch off the recirculated air
mode and increase the ai r volume if necessary.
The recirculated air mode should not be used over an extended period of time; otherwise, the
air quality in the passenger compartment will
deteriorate continuously.
<
Air volume
Turn to adjust the air volume. The
higher the volume, the more effec-
tive the heating or cooling will be.
The air flow rate is lowered or
switched off entirely to reduce the drain on the
battery.
Switching the system on/off
Set any desired air volume to switch on the air
conditioner.
Turn the air volume rotary switch to 0. The
blower and air conditioner are completely
switched off and the air supply is cut off.
The outside air supply is blocked when
the air conditioner is switched off. If the air
quality deteriorates or the window fogs over,
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111
Climate
Controls
switch the system back on and increase the air
volume.<
Switching cooling function on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it according to the
temperature setting. This function
is only available while the engine is running.
The cooling function helps prevent condensa-
tion on the windows or removes it quickly.
The cooling effect can be intensified by activat-
ing recirculated air mode.
Depending on the weathe r, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
Rear window defroster
The defroster is switched off auto-
matically after a certain time.
Depending on your vehicle's
equipment, the upper wires serve
as an antenna and are not part of the rear win-
dow defroster.
Temperature
To increase the temperature, turn
the rotary switch clockwise
towards red.
For a lower temperature, turn the
rotary switch counterc lockwise towards blue.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
1.Air distribution 1 in position .
2. Deactivate recirculated air mode 2. 3.
Air volume control 3 all the way to the right.
4. Switch on cooling function 4.
5. Temperature 5 to the right, red.
6. Switch on rear window defroster 6 to
defrost the rear window .
Ventilation
1 Use the thumbwheels to smoothly open
and close the air vents
2 Use the levers to change the direction of the
airflow
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, e.g. if it has become too hot
in the car.
Draft-free ventilation
Adjust the vents to let the air flow past you.
Microfilter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from
the incoming air. Your BMW center replaces the
microfilter during routine maintenance.
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Climate
Controls
Maximum cooling
Press the button.
The system is set to the lowest
temperature, maximum air volume
and recirculated air mode.
Air flows out of the vent outlets for the upper
body region. Open them for this purpose.
Air is cooled as quickly as possible:
> Above an outside temperature of approx.
327/06
> When the engine is running
AUTO program
Press the button.
Air volume, air distribution and
temperature are controlled auto-
matically.
Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO
intensity and outside in fluences, the air is
directed toward the wi ndshield, the side win-
dows, the upper body and the footwell.
Pressing the AUTO button automatically
switches on the cooling function.
At the same time, a co ndensation sensor con-
trols the program so as to prevent window con-
densation as much as possible.
The program is switched off when the air distri-
bution is set manually or the button is pressed
again.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With the AUTO program switched on, auto-
matic control of the air volume and air distribu-
tion can be adjusted:
Press the left side of the button to
reduce the intensity. Press the
right side of the button to
increase it.
The selected intensity is shown on the display
of the automatic climate control.
Convertible program
The Convertible program is active when the
hardtop is open. In the Convertible program, the
automatic climate control is optimized for driv-
ing with the hardtop open . In addition, the air
volume is increased as vehicle speed increases.
The effectiveness of the Convertible pro-
gram can be enhanced considerably by
installing the wind deflector.<
Adjusting air volume manually
To be able to manually adjust the air volume,
switch off the AUTO program first.
Press the left side of the button to
reduce the air volume. Press the
right side of the button to
increase it.
The air flow rate is lowered or switched off
entirely to reduce the drain on the battery. The
display remains the same.
Automatic recirculated air control
AUC/Recirculated air mode
You can respond to unpl easant odors or pollut-
ants in the immediate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. The
system then recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to
select an operating mode:
> LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
> Left-hand LED on, AUC mode: a sensor
detects pollutants in the outside air and
controls the shut-off automatically.
> Right-hand LED on, re circulated air mode:
the supply of outside air is permanently
shut off. If the windows fog over, switch off
recirculated air mode and increase the air
volume, if necessary. Make sure that air can
flow onto the windshield.
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Climate
Controls
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to
direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, e.g. if it has become too hot
in the car.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and not straight at you.
Ventilation in the rear
1 Use the thumbwheel to adjust the tempera-
ture:
>Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer
2 Use the thumbwheel to smoothly open and
close the air vents
3 Use the lever to change the direction of the
airflow
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter traps dust and pollen in the
incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter pro-
vides additional protecti on by filtering gaseous
pollutants from the outs ide air. Your BMW cen-
ter replaces this combined filter during routine
maintenance.
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Practical interior accessories
Controls
W h e n t h e r e a r s e a t b a c k r e s t i s f o l d e d d o w n , y o u
will find two bag holders
on the cargo area wall:
1. Fold open the holder by pressing the but-
ton.
2. Press the handles of the bag onto the
holder from above.
Only hang light shopping bags or other
suitable objects from the holders; other-
wise, braking maneuvers and swerving, for
example, may lead to a safety hazard due to
objects flying about the passenger compart-
ment. Only transport heavy luggage in the
cargo area if it has been appropriately
secured. <
For more information on loading the vehicle,
refer to page 135.
Storage compartment behind the rear
seat backrest
A storage compartment is located behind the
rear seat backrest. To access the storage com-
partment: remove the insert or fold down the
rear seat backrest.
When the rear seat backrest is folded
down or the insert has been removed,
only transport small light objects in the storage
compartment; otherwise, braking maneuvers
and swerving, for example, may lead to a safety
hazard due to objects flying about the passen-
ger compartment. Only transport heavy lug-
gage in the cargo area if it has been appropri-
ately secured. <
Storage compartments inside
the cargo area
Coupe
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo area:
>Left storage compartment, e.g. for storing a
box of cleaning tissues or up to 12 CD jack-
ets, depending on vehicle equipment ver-
sion
> Net for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the mounts on the floor panel
> Hooks for hanging up, e.g., shopping bags
or tote bags
> Rubber strap on the left trim panel for
securing small objects such as a folding
umbrella
> Net for small objects on the right trim panel
of the cargo area
Convertible
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following storage spaces can be found in the
cargo area:
>Storage compartment on the left side of the
cargo area. To open turn handle by 90°
> Net for securing smaller objects, to be
attached to the mounts on the floor panel
> Rubber strap for subdividing the cargo area;
can be hooked onto th e lateral lashing eyes
> Stowage compartment under the floor
panel
Folding up the floor panel
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
load of 55 lbs./25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel; otherwise, dam-
age may result. <
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ControlsPractical interior accessories
Coupe
Press the floor panel up and secure it with the
catch.
Convertible
To lift, grab hold of the floor panel at the open-
ing at the rear of the panel.
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyelets in the cargo area for
securing luggage items with nets or tensioning
straps, refer to page 137.
Coupe: ski bag
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6.9 ft 10 in/2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft
10 in/2.10 m length are loaded, the overall
capacity of the ski bag is reduced due to its
tapered design.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest.
2. Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover.
3. Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards. 4.
Clip the hooks of the ski bag retaining strap
into the eyelet.
Only place clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the reta ining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in the manner
described; otherwise, it could endanger
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving. <
To store the ski bag, perform the steps
described for loadin g in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be comple tely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.
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127
Practical interior accessories
Controls
1.
Fold down the center panel in the rear seat
backrest.
2. Pull the handle, arrow 1.
3. Pull out the insert, arrow 2.
For more information on the various
inserts available, contact your BMW cen-
ter. <
Convertible: through-loading
opening with integrated
transport bag
The transport bag is designed for safe, clean
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up
to 2 snowboards.
When the rear seat backrest is folded up, you
can remove the insert and use the transport bag
with the regular through-loading opening. To
transport larger objects, you can fold down the
rear seat backrest to create an expanded
through-loading opening.
With the transport bag you can stow skis with a
length of up to 6.2 ft/1.90 m. When skis of 6.2 ft/
1.90 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of
the transport bag is redu ced due to its tapered
design.
Loading
1. For loading using the regular through-load-
ing opening:
Press the button down and remove the
insert from the front.
For loading with the through-loading open-
ing expanded: Fold down the rear seat backrest, refer to
page
124.
2. Front cover: press the two recesses
together and fold the cover down until it
engages.
3. In the cargo area: press the two recesses
together and fold down the cover.
4. Undo the Velcro fastener and spread out
the transport bag between the front seats.
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