air condition BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 Owners Manual

6
Notes
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part. <
California Proposition 65 warning
California law requires us to issue the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components foun d in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminal s and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in labora tory animals. Always
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water. <
Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
> New Vehicle Limited Warranty
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
> Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
> California Emission Control System Limited
Warranty
Detailed information abou t these warranties is
listed in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Your vehicle has been sp ecifically adapted and
designed to meet the particular operating con-
ditions and registration requirements in your
country and continental region in order to
deliver the full driving pl easure while the vehicle
is operated under those conditions. If you wish
to operate your vehicle in another country or
region, you may be requir ed to adapt your vehi-
cle to meet different prevailing operating condi-
tions and registration re quirements. You should
also be aware of any a pplicable warranty limita-
tions or exclusions for such country or region. In
such case, please contact Customer Relations
for further information.
Maintenance
Maintain the vehicle re gularly to sustain the
road safety, operationa l reliability and the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Specifications for requ ired maintenance mea-
sures:
> BMW Maintenance system
> Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models
> Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
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At a glanceDashboard
Around the center consol e: controls and displays
1Hazard warning flashers
2 Driving stability control systems
>Dynamic Stability Control DSC 90
> Dynamic Traction Control DTC 91
3 Central locking system 29
4 Radio 18 5
Air conditioner or automatic climate control
Air distribution for air
conditioner 110
Air distribution to the
windshield 112
Air distribution to the upper body
area 112
Air distribution to the footwell 112
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate 113
Cooling function 114
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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
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110
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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112
ControlsClimate
Automatic climate control
1Seat heating, left side 48
2 Air distribution, manual
3 Temperature, left side
4 Maximum cooling
5 AUTO program
6 Air volume, manual adjustment; AUTO
intensity
7 Automatic recirculated air control AUC/
Recirculated air mode 8
ALL program
9 Temperature, right side
10 Defrosting windows and removing conden-
sation
11 Switching cooling func tion on/off manually
12 Rear window defroster
13 Seat heating, right side 48
14 Interior temperature sensor, please keep
clear
Comfortable interior climate
AUTO program 5 offers the ideal air distribution
and air volume for almost all conditions, refer to
AUTO program below. All you need to do is
select an interior temperature which is comfort-
able for you.
The following sections inform you in detail
about how to adjust the settings.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile
settings on page 25.
Adjusting air distribution manually
The air distribution can be
switched on and off manually. The
air is directed to the windshield, to
the upper body area and to the
footwell.
The automatic air distribu tion can be switched
back on by pressing the AUTO button. The
cooling function is swit ched on automatically and the manual air distribution setting is
cleared.
Temperature
Turn to set the desired tempera-
ture.
The automatic climate control
achieves this temperature as
quickly as possible rega rdless of the season,
using maximum cooling or heating power if nec-
essary, and then maintains it.
Avoid rapid switching between different tem-
perature settings. The automatic climate con-
trol will not have sufficien t time to adjust the set
temperature.
Maximum heating power can be obtained with
the highest setting, regardless of the outside
temperature.
The system cools steadily in the lowest setting,
regardless of the outside temperature.
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133
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pr
essure at least twice a
month and before embarking on a long journey,
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine wa rm up while the car is
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the
cold engine to reach its operating temperature.
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and th e vehicle in front of
you. A defensive and smooth driving style
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accele rate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelera ting, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desi red speed, shift into
the highest applicable ge ar and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red lig ht, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
On a downhill slope, take your foot off the accel-
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat
heating or rear window defroster draw large
amounts of power and consume additional fuel.
Especially in city traffic and in stop-and-go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at
your BMW center. Also note the BMW service
system, refer to page 202.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid
Only drive with the trunk closed. Failure to
do so may endanger passengers or other
road users or may damage the vehicle in the
event of an accident or a braking and evasive
maneuver. In addition, exhaust gas may flow
into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the trunk open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof.
2. Greatly increase the air volume of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control
system, refer to page 110 or113.
3. Drive cautiously.
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135
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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CommunicationsTe l e p h o n e
Telephone
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or country version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Overview
Note
Your BMW is equipped with a full preparation
package mobile phone or hands-free system.
The concept
Mobile phones can be connected to the vehicle
through Bluetooth.
After a suitable mobile phone is paired with the
vehicle once, the mobile phone can be con-
trolled via the radio, the buttons on the steering
wheel, and by voice.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Blue-
tooth® SIG, Inc.
Only make entries when traffic conditions
permit. Do not hold the mobile phone in
your hand while you are driving; use the hands-
free system instead. If you do not observe this
precaution, your being di stracted can endanger
vehicle occupants and other road users. <
Snap-in adapter
The snap-in adapter, refer to page165, makes
it possible to:
> Accommodate the mobile phone.
> Recharge its battery.
> Connect it to an exte rnal antenna of the
vehicle. This assures a better
network connection
and constant sound quality.
A mobile phone that is connected to the vehicle
should not be operated via the mobile phone
keypad; otherwise, ma lfunctions may occur.
Suitable mobile phones
For precise information about which mobile
phones with a Bluetooth interface are sup-
ported by the complete mobile phone prepara-
tion package, go to www.bmwusa.com/
bluetooth.
Notes
At high temperatures, the charging function of
the mobile phone may be limited and some
functions may no longer be carried out.
When using the mobile phone via the vehicle,
follow the instructions given in the owner's
manual for the mobile phone.
Controls
1 Volume control ON/OFF.
>Press: switching radio on/off
> Turn: adjusting volume 160
2 Display
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Wheels and tires
Mobility
Wheels and tires
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.
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire s' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on th e condition of the tires
and the maintenance of th e specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if nece ssary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using
run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your
vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of
control over the vehicle. <
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting the ti re inflation pressure,
reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to page
95, or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page 93.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressure s apply to the tire
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available
from your BMW center. <
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respecti ve tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found
on the driver's side door pillar when the driver's
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for
these tire pressures is 100 mph or
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise,
tire damage and accidents could occur. <
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MobilityWheels and tires
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for driving on
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction th an summer tires, they
generally fail to provide th e same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run- flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a spec ial rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls en sures that the tire can
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to In dication of a flat tire, page 94.
Snow chains
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Fl at Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DT C temporarily, refer to
page 91.<
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