length BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2012 Owners Manual

126
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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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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ControlsPractical interior accessories
5.Insert the latch plate of the retaining strap
into the belt buckle under the transport bag.
6. Load the transport bag. The zipper eases
access to the stored items.
Only place clean skis in the transport bag. Wrap
sharp edges to prevent damage.
You can use the snaps to shorten the transport
bag if you do not need its full length.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure th e transport bag and its
contents. Tighten the retaining strap on the
tensioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the transport 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 transport bag, perform the steps
described for loadin g in reverse order.
Removing the front cover
You can remove the fron t cover to use the full
height of the through-loading opening. With the
cover folded down, pull the handle, see arrow,
and remove the cover to ward the front. To
replace, insert the cover at an angle from above
and let it snap it into place.
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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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134
Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sect ions of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply un dercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could le ad to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise, there is a risk of burns. <
Mobile phones in the vehicle
It is not advisable to use wireless devices
such as mobile phones inside the vehicle
without a direct connection to an external aerial.
Otherwise, it is not poss ible to exclude the pos-
sibility of a reciprocal interference occurring
between the vehicle electronics and the wire-
less device. Otherwise, there is no assurance
that the radiation genera ted by the radio trans-
mission will be conveyed out of the passenger
compartment. <
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brak e be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 194.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. <
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result. <
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page 93.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Sinc e the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Objects in the movement range of the
pedals
Keep floor mats, carpet, and other objects
out of the movement range of the pedals;
otherwise, they may inhi bit the function of the
pedals during driving.
Do not place additional floor mats onto an exist-
ing one or onto other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be appropriately fastened.
Make sure that the floo r mats are securely fas-
tened again after they ha ve been removed, e.g.
for cleaning. <
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
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EntertainmentBMW Professional radio
Resetting tone settings
The tone settings are reset to the middle val-
ues.
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
Time
When the ignition or radi o readiness is switched
off, you can display the time for a few seconds.
Displaying the time
Press the button.
Setting the time, date and time format
You can set the time, date, and time format,
refer to page 86.
Radio
Your radio is designed for receiving FM and AM
signals.
Listening to the radio
1.Switch on the radio, refer to page 142.
2. Press the button if necessary.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary until the desired wave-
length band is selected.
> AM: AM and AMA
> FM: FM1/FM2 and FMA
Selecting a station
The setting is stored fo r the remote control in
use.
Next station
Press the button.
The next available st ation is selected.
Selecting stations by changing the
frequency
1.Press the button.
2. Press the respective function button to
enter the desired frequency.
Or, by using the knob on the right:
1. Press the button.
2. Turn the knob on the right until the desired
frequency is reached.
Automatically updating strongest
stations
Radio stations are stored in order of their signal
strength in the memory levels FMA and AMA. If
the AUTOSTORE function is not used, then six
stations can be manually stored in each of the
memory levels FMA and AMA.
Press and hold the relevant button until
the following display appears.
"AUTOSTORE"
It may take several seconds before the stations
are stored and you can listen to one of them.
Sampling and selecting radio stations
Press the button. Samples are
played of all the stations in reception range.
To interrupt the function and select a station:
Press the button.
Storing and recalling stations
Memory presets
Your radio can store 30 stations:
> FM1, FM2: six stations each.
> AM: six stations each of your choice
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BMW Professional radio
Entertainment
>
FMA/AMA: the six stations with the stron-
gest reception are automatically stored or
six stations can be manually stored.
Storing stations
1.
Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary un til the desired fre-
quency range is selected
2. Select station.
3.
… Press and hold the
desired button until the station starts to play
again after a brief interruption.
The memory level and the selected button
are shown on the display.
Recalling stored stations
1.
Press the corresponding button as
often as necessary un til the desired wave-
length band is selected.
2.
… Press the desired but-
ton.
Using the knob on the right:
Turn the knob on the ri ght until the desired sta-
tion is reached.
RDS – Radio Data System
RDS uses the FM waveband to broadcast addi-
tional information, for example the station
names or possibly text messages. When a sta-
tion has several frequenc ies, the radio will auto-
matically switch to the frequency with the best
reception quality.
Over RDS, some stations transmit the type of
the received program, PTY. At the option of the
station, this can be shown briefly on the display,
e.g., messages, NEWS. Using PTY, warnings
regarding catastrophies ca n also be displayed,
e.g., "ALARM". The warning is then played over
the speakers.
Switching RDS on/off
1.
Press the button.
2. Press the button.
When RDS is switched o ff, the PTY function is
also switched off.
Switching program type display on/off
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
HD Radio™ reception
Many radio stations transmit analog and digital
signals.
License conditions
HD Radio™ technology is manufactured under
U.S. and Foreign Patents licensed from iBiquity
Digital Corp. HD Radio™ and the HD and HD
Radio logos are proprietary trademarks of iBiq-
uity Digital Corp.
Activating/deactivating digital radio
reception
1. Press the button.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the button.
"HD": a station is received digitally.
"(HD)": a station is broadcasting digital signals;
digital radio reception is , however, switched off.
In areas in which the station is not continuously
received in digital mode, playback switches
between analog and digital reception. In this
case, switch off digital radio reception.
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Everything from A to Z
Reference
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control 103
– parking lamps/low beams 103
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 208
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer to Safety belts 49
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 137
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 54
Launch Control 66
Leather care 206
LED Light-emitting diodes 209
Length, refer to Dimensions 235
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb 211
Light
– high-beam assistant 106
Light-alloy wheels 206
Light-emitting diodes LED 209
Lighter 122
– connecting electrical appliances 123
Lighting
– instruments 107
– lamps and bulbs 208
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 103
Light switch 103
Listening to scan samples
– BMW Professional radio 144
Load 136
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 137
Lock buttons, doors, refer to Locking 30 Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 27
– from inside 30
– from outside 26
– without remote control, refer to Comfort Access 33
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 27
– from inside 29
– from outside 25
Low beam control, refer to High-beam Assistant 106
Low-beam headlamps 103
– automatic 103
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 231
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 44
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 137
Lumbar support 44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 196
Maintenance, re fer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in
the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
Maintenance system 202
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 62
– tires 94
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 87
Manual air distribution 110
Manual car wash 205
Manually unlocking parking
lock 65 Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 61
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler flap 174
– glass roof 37
– parking lock 65
– parking lock, automatic transmission 62
Manual station search 144
Manual transmission 60
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 24
Maximum cooling 113
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 196
Measurements, refer to Dimensions 235
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– for air conditioner 111
– for automatic climate
control 115
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– BMW Maintenance System 202
Microphone
– telephone 14
Mirror dimming feature 51
Mirrors 50
– automatic curb monitor 51
– exterior mirrors 50
– heating 51
– interior rearview mirror 51
– memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 48
Mirrors, folding in before entering a car wash 50
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