tow BMW M3 COUPE 2006 E46 Owner's Guide

145
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is stored in
the luggage compartment under the
floor panel and must remain with the
vehicle at all times. It can be attached
at the front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socketPress out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic: selector lever in posi-
tion N.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

146
If the tow bar can only be used in a
diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are
driving around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar pro-
duces lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the
towing eyelets. Other parts of the
vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged. make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden
jerking movements. Attach the tow rope
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts
of the vehicles could otherwise be
damaged.<
With a tow truckHave the BMW transported by a tow
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the
body or chassis. Otherwise damage
could result. converters if the engine is cold. It is
better to jump-start the engine, refer to
page 143.
1. Turn on hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the
clutch pedal completely depressed
and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. After the engine has started,
immediately depress the clutch pedal
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location,
remove the tow bar or tow rope, and
turn on the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic:
>Have the vehicle towed with the
selector lever in position N
>Move the selector lever into position
S and pull it toward + within 2 sec-
onds. The correct gear will automati-
cally be selected and engaged
>After the engine has started, move
the selector lever into position N
again.
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 111
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 6
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 142
Activated-charcoal filter 94
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 86
Adding brake fluid 125
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 92
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 92
individual 92
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 90
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 112
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 93
Air supply
automatic climate
control 92
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 92Airbags 52
deactivating 52
indicator lamp 18, 54
safe seating position 42
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 90
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
Alarm system 37
avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 116
Alternative oil types 123
Antifreeze 124
coolant 124
washer fluid 122
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 111
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 37
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 152
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 152
Armrest
front 96
rear 97Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 98
rear 98
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 82
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 93
AUTO program 92
Automatic
cruise control 73
headlamp control 87
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO program 92
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 92
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 90
Automatic curb monitor 49
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 50
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 93
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 72Average fuel
consumption 80
Average speed 80
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 152
B
Backrest
adjusting 43
unlocking 46
width adjustment 45
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 44
Backup lamps 65
bulb replacement 135
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, for towing 145
Battery 140
charge 140
disposal 141
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 143
remote control 28, 29
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 46
Beverage holders 96, 97

Everything from A to Z
159
Electrical malfunction
door lock 32
driver's door 32
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 41
luggage compartment
lid 34
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 82
Emergency call 142
Emergency operation
doors 32
driver's door 32
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 41
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
34, 36
Engine
breaking in 108
data 150
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 75, 150
starting 62
switching off 64
Engine compartment 120
Engine coolant 124
refilling 124Engine oil
adding 123
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
consumption 122
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 123
specified oils 123
temperature gauge 75
types 123
Engine oil level 19
check 122
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 75
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 150
Engine speed 75, 150
Entering the rear 46
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 82
Exterior mirrors 50Eyeglasses compartment 97
Eyelet, towing 145
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
Fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Fastening the safety belts 46
Fault displays 77
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 153
Filling with sealant
M Mobility system 139
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 137
Flat Tire Monitor 83
repairing 137
Flat Tire Monitor 83
activating/deactivating 84
indicator lamp 18, 19, 85
Floor panel, raising 36
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 122
Fog lamps
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding rear backrest 100
Follow me home lamps 87Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 109
Front airbags 52
Front center armrest 96
Front fog lamps 89
indicator/warning lamp 20
Fuel
display 76
specifications 25
volume 153
Fuel consumption
display 80
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 76
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 76
Fuel mixture preparation 150
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 76
Fuel tank capacity 153
Fuses 141
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 80
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 67
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZMC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mechanical seats 43
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 59
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 94
Microphone 97
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 50
automatic curb monitor 49
heated 50
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
Mobile Service 143
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 6
Multifunction steering
wheel 22Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 71
washer/wiper system 72
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 45
Nets 96
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 90
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting the vehi-
cle 145
O
OBD interface socket 128
Odometer 75
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
dipstick 122
quality 123
specified engine oils 123
Oil change interval, refer to
Service interval
display 126Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil filter change 153
Oil level
checking 122
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 77
Oil types 123
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 141
Onboard computer 79
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 132
Opening and closing
from inside 33
from outside 29
via remote control 29
via the door lock 32
Outlets, ventilation 90
Outside temperature dis-
play 79
changing unit of
measure 79P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 30
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 81
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 81
Parking brake 64
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 87
bulb replacement 133
Parking lamps/Low
beams 87
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 49
PDC Park Distance
Control 81
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to Microfil-
ter/activated-charcoal fil-
ter 94
Power output, refer to
Engine data 150
Power seat 44
Power socket 98

Everything from A to Z
163
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 98
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 83
Pressure, tires 112
inflating with M Mobility
system 139
Proposition 65 warning 6
Puncture
M Mobility system 137
R
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 28
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 72
Range 80
Reading lamps
front 89
rear 89
Rear armrest, refer to Rear
center armrest 97
Rear backrest, folding 100
Rear center 3-point safety
belt 100
Rear lamps
bulb replacement 135
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 77Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 93
Rear-entry assist 46
Rearview mirror 50
Receiving assistance 142
Recirculated-air mode
automatic climate
control 93
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 93
Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 44
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Releasing
hood 119
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 77
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 80
Remote control 29
luggage compartment
lid 30
malfunction 30
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 133
Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 55
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 46Reverse gear
manual transmission 65
Roof load capacity 152
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 105
Rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting the vehi-
cle 145
S
Safe seating position 42
airbags 42
safety belt 42
Safety belt
safe seating position 42
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 47
Safety belts 46
height adjustment 47
warning lamp 18
Safety feature
glass sunroof 40
power windows 39
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 111
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 82
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 132Seat adjustment
backrest width adjust-
ment 45
BMW sports seat 44
height 43
lumbar support 44
manual 43
power 44
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 46
Seat heating 49
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 48
Seat positions, storing 48
Seats 43
Securing cargo 104
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 57
Securing the vehicle
from inside 33
from outside 29, 32
Selector lever
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
Selector lever positions
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
indicator lamp 19, 70
tow-starting 146
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZService and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 126
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
77, 126
Shift lights 70
Shift paddles 67
Side airbags 52
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 134
Size 151
Ski bag 101
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Electric glass sunroof 40
SMG Drivelogic 66
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 98
Snow chains 118
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 142
Spare key 28, 29
Special oils 123
Special oils, refer to Speci-
fied engine oils 123
Specified engine oils 123
Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
Sport mode 85
Sports seat 44Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 82
Stability control, refer to M
Track mode 82
Standing lamps 88
bulb replacement 133
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 143
temperature 62
Starting the engine 62
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 62
Starting-off assistance
DSC 82
gradient assistance 69
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 61
Steering wheel, adjusting 51
Storage compartments 96
Storage nets 96
Storing seat positions,
refer to Seat and mirror
memory 48
Storing tires 117
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 150
Sun blind 94
Sun blind, refer to Roller sun
blind 94Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 79
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 64
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 75
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 135
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 135
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 153
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 76
Technical data 150
Technical modifications 6
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 6
Telephone hookup
microphone 97
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerTemperature
automatic climate
control 92
Temperature adjustment 92
Temperature display
engine coolant 76
outside temperature 79
setting units 79
Temperature layering 93
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 73
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 44
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 136
Threaded socket for towing
eyelet 145
Three-point safety belt 46
Through-loading system 100
Tilt alarm sensor 30, 38
remote control 30
switching off 30, 38
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 49
Time 78
Tire inflation pressure 112
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 83

Everything from A to Z
165
Tires
age 114
breaking in 108
condition 115
damage 115
flat 137
inflation pressure 112
storing 117
tread 115, 116
tread wear indicators,
refer to Tire tread 116
winter tires 116
Tools 132
Torque
engine 150
Tow bar 145
Tow rope 145
Towing 145
Towing eyelet 145
Towing the vehicle 145
Tow-starting 145
Track mode, refer to M
Track mode 82
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 151
Transmission
breaking in 108
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing
cargo 104
Transporting children
safely 55Trap protection
glass sunroof 40
power windows 39
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 116
Tread wear indicators in
the tires, refer to Tire
tread 116
Tread wear, tires 116
Trip distance recorder, refer
to Trip odometer 75
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer 75
Trip odometer 75
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 34
Trunk lighting, refer to Lug-
gage compartment light-
ing 34
Turn signal indicator 71
bulb replacement 134
indicator lamp 20
Turn signal indicator, side
bulb replacement 134
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 151
TV function, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard ComputerU
Underbody protection, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Units
average fuel
consumption 80
temperature 79
Unlocking
from inside 33
from outside 29, 32
Upshift indicator, refer to
Shift Lights 70
V
Vehicle
battery 140
break-in procedures 108
dimensions 151
leaving the vehicle 64
loading 102
starting 62
washing, refer to the Car-
ing for your vehicle bro-
chure 72
weight 152
Vehicle Memory 59
Vehicle weight 152
Ventilation 90
draft-free 93
Viscosity 123Voice command system 22
microphone 97
Voice control, refer to sepa-
rate Owner's Manual
Volume
luggage compartment 152
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 18
Warning lamp 'Please fas-
ten safety belts' 18
Warning messages 77
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet 126
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 7
Washer fluid
adding 122, 153
Washer fluid reservoir 122
volume 122
Washer jets, refer to Wind-
shield washer jets 73
Washer/wiper system 72, 73
washer fluid 122
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray 98
Weights 152
Wheelbase, refer to Dimen-
sions 151
Wheels and tires 112
Wheelslip control DSC 82
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex