BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 Workshop Manual
Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2012, Model line: M3 CONVERTIBLE, Model: BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012Pages: 255, PDF Size: 6.32 MB
Page 51 of 255

50
ControlsAdjustments
Even if you have not ye t fastened your safety
belt, the belt hand-ove r will retract if you:
> Wait for more than approx. one minute
> Open the corresponding door
> Start driving.
Closing the respective do or reactivates the belt
hand-over if the ignition or radio readiness is on.
Front passenger seat
The belt hand-over will exte nd only if the seat is
occupied and after the front passenger door is
closed.
Pinch protection system
If the belt hand-over encounters resistance on
moving in or out, it mo ves back slightly in the
opposite direction and stops in this position. To
reactivate the belt hand -over: open and close
the door or switch the ignition off and on.
Although there is a pinch protection sys-
tem, always check th at the maneuvering
area of the belt hand-ove r is clear. Otherwise it
cannot be ensured that the system will stop
moving in certain extreme situations. <
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The front passenger's mirror is more con-
vex than the driver's mirror. The objects
seen in the mirror are closer than they appear.
Do not gauge your distance from traffic behind
you on the basis of what you see in the mirror;
otherwise, there is an in creased risk of an acci-
dent. < 1
Adjustments
2 Switching to the other mirror or to the auto-
matic curb monitor
3 Folding mirrors in and out
The setting for the exterior mirrors is stored for
the remote control currently in use. The stored
position is called up automatically when the
vehicle is unlocked.
Manual adjustment
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually:
press the edge of the glass.
Folding mirrors in and out
At driving speeds up to approx. 12 mph/
20 km/h, you can fold the mirrors in and out by
pressing button 3. This can be beneficial in
narrow streets, for example, or for moving mir-
rors that were folded in by hand back out into
their correct positions. Mirrors that have been
folded in fold out automatically at a speed of
approx. 24 mph/40 km/h.
Before entering an automatic car wash,
fold in the exterior mirrors manually or
with button 3 to prevent them from being dam-
aged, depending on the width of the vehicle. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 52 of 255

51
Adjustments
Controls
Automatic heating
Depending on the outside temperature, both
exterior mirrors are heated automatically when
the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on.
Passenger side
mirror tilt function –
automatic curb monitor
Activating
1. Push the switch to the position for the
driver's side mirror, arrow 1.
2. Shift into reverse or engage the selector
lever- or transmission position R.
The glass of the mirror on the passenger
side tilts slightly down. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adjacent
to the vehicle, e.g. a curb, when backing into
a parking space.
Deactivating
Push the switch to the position for the passen-
ger side mirror, arrow 2.
Interior rearview mirror
Turn the knob to reduce glare from the head-
lamps of cars behind yo u when driving at night.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, an d do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of an y kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 53 of 255

52
ControlsAdjustments
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position
while the car is in mo tion; otherwise, there
is a risk of an accident due to unexpected move-
ment. <
1. Fold the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel to the preferred
height and angle to suit your seated posi-
tion.
3. Swing the lever back up.
Do not use force to swing the lever
back up; otherwise, the mechanism
will be damaged. <
Steering wheel heating
Press the button.
The LED in the button lights up when the steer-
ing wheel heating is switched on.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 54 of 255

53
Transporting children safely
Controls
Transporting children safely
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. As a result, some equip-
ment described may not be
available in a partic-
ular vehicle, for example due to the options or
national-market version selected. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening
the doors, for example. <
Children always in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.
Children under the age of 13 or smaller
than 5 ft/150 cm may be transported only
in the rear in suitable child restraint systems
appropriate for their age, weight and size. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident. <
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Children in the fr ont passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger must be deactivated. Otherwise, a child
traveling on that seat will face a significant risk
of injury if the airbags are triggered off, even
with a child restraint system.
of the front passenger airbags refer to
page 100.
Convertible: key switch for
passenger belt
The passenger safety belt can be locked with a
key switch so that it is prevented from being
pulled out.
The key switch is situated on the side surface of
the passenger-side dashboard.
Locking the passenger belt
Lock the passenger belt to install a child
restraint system.
Insert key and push in.
Keep key pushed in and tu rn it until reaching the
stop at the position. Pu ll key out at this stop.
After removing the ke y, make sure that
the switch is in the position; other-
wise, the locking action on the safety belt is not
guaranteed. <
Unlocking the passenger belt
If no child restraint system is fastened to the
front passenger seat, unlock the passenger
belt; otherwise, the freedom of movement of
the upper body is limited.
Insert key and push in.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 55 of 255

54
ControlsTransporting children safely
Keep key pushed in and turn it until reaching the
stop at the position. Pull key out at this stop.
Make sure that the passenger belt is
unlocked; otherwise, the front passenger
may become trapped by the safety belt.<
Installing child restraint
systems
Observe the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructio ns when selecting,
installing and using child restraint systems.
Otherwise, the protective effect may be dimin-
ished. <
Standard child restraint systems are designed
to be secured with a lap be lt or with the lap-belt
section of a lap-and-shou lder belt. Incorrectly
or improperly installed child restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to children.
Always follow the installa tion instructions for
the system with the greatest care.
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airb ags for the front passen-
ger are deactivated; ot herwise, there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint system, move
the front passenger seat as far back and up as
possible to obtain the best possible position for
the belt. Do not change the seat position after
this.
Backrest width
The backrest width of the front passenger
seat must be at its widest possible set-
ting. Do not change the setting after installing
the child seat; otherwise, the child seat's stabil-
ity on the front passenger seat is limited. <1.
Adjust the backrest width to its widest set-
ting, refer to page 44.
2. Install the child seat.
Child seat security
The rear safety belts and the front passenger
safety belt can be prev ented from being pulled
out in order to fasten child restraint systems.
To lock the safety belt
1. Secure the child restraint system with the
belt.
2. Pull the belt strap all the way out.
3. Allow the belt strap to retract and pull it taut
against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
To unlock the safety belt
1. Open the belt buckle.
2. Remove the child restraint system.
3. Allow the safety belt st rap to retract all the
way.
LATCH child restraint fixing
system
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
To install and use the LATCH child
restraint system, follow the operating and
safety instructions pr ovided by the manufac-
turer of the system; otherwise, the protective
function of the seat may be compromised. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 56 of 255

55
Transporting children safely
Controls
Mounts for the lower LATCH anchors
Mounts for lower LATCH anchors
Before installing the child
seat, pull the belt out
of the area for the child restraint fixing system.
Ensure that both lower LATCH anchors
are correctly engaged and that the child
restraint system is resting firmly against the
backrest; otherwise, the protective function of
the seat may be compromised. <
The mounts for the lower LATCH anchors are
located behind the labe led protective caps.
Installing LATCH child restraint
systems
1Installing child restrain t system, refer to the
system operating instructions.
2 Make sure that both LATCH anchors are
correctly locked in position.
Child restraint system with tether strap
Convertible
For Canadian Customers Only.
The following statement is required by Trans-
port Canada.
This vehicle is not equipped with user-ready
tether anchorages. As such neither a child
restraint system, nor a booster cushion, requir-
ing the use of a tether strap can be properly
secured in the vehicle.
Coupe
Use the tether strap anchors to secure
child restraint systems only; otherwise,
the anchors could be damaged. <
For child restraint system s with tether straps
there are two additional anchors, see arrows.
Placement of the tether strap
Coupe
Make sure the upper retaining strap does
not run over sharp edges and is not
twisted as it passes to the top anchor. Other-
wise, the strap will not pr operly secure the child
restraint system in the event of an accident. <
1 Direction of travel
2 Head restraint
3 Hook for upper retaining strap
4 Anchor
5 Rear window shelf
6 Seat backrest
7 Upper retaining strap of child restraint sys-
tem
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 57 of 255

56
ControlsTransporting children safely
If necessary, fold the anchors upward before
use.
1.Push the head restraint upward.
2. Guide the upper retaining strap between
the head restraint holders.
3. Use the hook to clip the retaining strap to
the anchor.
4. Push the head restraint into its lowermost
position.
5. Pull the retaining strap taut.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 58 of 255

57
Driving
Controls
Driving
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.
Ignition lock
Insert the remote control into the
ignition lock
Insert the remote contro l all the way into the
ignition lock.
> Radio readiness is switched on.
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
Comfort Access
If the car is equipped with Comfort Access, only
insert the remote control into the ignition lock
under special circumstances, refer to page 33.
Removing the remote control from the
ignition lock
Do not forcibly pull the remote control out
of the ignition lock as this may cause
damage. < Before removing the remote control, push it all
the way in to release
the locking mechanism.
> The ignition is switched off if it was on.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the remote control unless
the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/Stop button
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches radio
readiness or the ignition on or off.
Manual transmission: when you press the
Start/Stop button and depress the clutch,
the engine starts.
Automatic transmission and Sport automatic
transmission with doub le clutch: when you
press the Start/Stop button and depress the
brake pedal, the engine starts. <
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
The time and the outside temperature are dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
> When the remote control is removed from
the ignition lock
> In cars with Comfort Access, by touching
the surface above the door lock, refer to
Locking on page 34
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 59 of 255

58
ControlsDriving
Ignition on
All electrical consumers can operate. The
odometer and trip odometer are displayed in
the instrument cluster.
When the engine is off, please switch off
the ignition and any unnecessary electri-
cal consumers in order to preserve the bat-
tery.<
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas;
otherwise, the inhalati on of toxic exhaust
gases can cause loss of consciousness and
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly
toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle
with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehi-
cle represents a pote ntial safety hazard.
Before leaving the vehicl e with the engine run-
ning, always shift into ne utral or selector lever/
transmission position P and apply the parking
brake forcefully to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing. <
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in
which the engine does no t start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter. <
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Depress the clutch an d shift into neutral.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Move the selector lever to position P.
3. Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 33.
1. Depress the brake.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine starts independent of the current
transmission position.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG
Page 60 of 255

59
Driving
Controls
Switching off the engine
Always take the remo
te control with you
when you leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll. <
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the Start/
Stop button.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote co ntrol from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 57.
Automatic transmission
1. With the car at a stan dstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4. Removing the remote co ntrol from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page 57.
Sport automatic transmission with
double clutch
1. With the car at a standstill, press the Start/
Stop button.
If the transmission is shifted into N when the
engine is switched off, you will be notified
visually and acoustically of this fact.
2. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
3. Remove remote contro l from the ignition
lock, refer to page 57. The transmission is
automatically shifted into transmission
position P.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp is lit, and when you
drive off an acoustic signal sounds in
addition. The parking brake is still
applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in po sition automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever.
Otherwise, excessive force on the parking
brake can lock up the rear wheels and cause the
rear of the car to swerve. <
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the parking
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the park-
ing brake is applied. <
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 312 - \251 08/11 BMW AG