warning light BMW M3 COUPE 2012 Owner's Manual

105
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Controls
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 pressure, 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 98.
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up and a
message is displayed on the Control
Display. Active steering is malfunc-
tioning or is temporarily deactivated.
At low speeds, greater steering wheel move-
ments are required, whereas at higher speeds
the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message in dicates that the feature
is deactivated. Initializ ation may take several
minutes.
If the message does no t disappear during the
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-
sage appears. Have the system checked.
Servotronic
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force
required to turn the whee ls relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering.
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering
assisting power is reduced.
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Servotronic is malfunctioning or has
failed. Steering response will be different. You
can continue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.
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ControlsTechnology for driving comfort and safety
The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status
of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below. <
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 57.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indi cator lamp for the front
passenger airbags lights up. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the fr ont passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is
not ensured. <
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated. >
The indicator lamp light s up when a child in
a specially designated child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as in tended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Most child seats are detected by the
system, This partic ularly applies to
child seats that were required by NHTSA at
the time of manufacture of the vehicle. After
mounting a child seat, ensure that the indi-
cator lamp for the fron t passenger airbag is
lit. It indicates that th e child seat has been
detected and that the front passenger air-
bags are deactivated. <
> The indicator lamp does not light up as long
as a person of sufficient size and in a correct
sitting position is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not light up if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readine ss of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page 61, the
warning lamp lights up br iefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
> Warning lamp remains permanently on.
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ControlsLamps
Adaptive Light Control
The concept
Adaptive Light Control is a variable headlamp
control system that en ables 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.
I n t i g h t c u r v e s a t s p e e d s u p t o 4 0 m p h / 7 0 k m / h ,
e.g. on mountainous roads or when turning, an
additional, corner-illumina ting lamp is switched
on that lights up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch to position 3, refer to page 110.
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 passenge r 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. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
The Adaptive Light Control is mal-
functioning or failed. Ha ve 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. <
Switching off
Press the lever in the o pposite direction to the
pressure point, arrow 3.
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Engine compartment
Mobility
Alternative oil types
If approved oils are not available, you can add
quantities of up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another
oil with the following specifications:
Oil change
Oil changes should only be performed by a
BMW center.
Coolant
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially availa
ble additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center about
suitable additives.
Only use suitable a dditives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. Because
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers. <
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives. <
Coolant temperature
If the coolant and therefore the engine over-
heats, a warning lamp lights up. A message
appears on the Control Display.
Checking coolant level
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
1. Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, th en continue turning
to open.
3. The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Gasoline engine
API SM or higher
Diesel engine
API ILSAC GF-5
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Maintenance
Mobility
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
On the drive r's side is a n OBD so cket f or check-
ing components relevant to the composition of
the vehicle's emissions.
Emissions
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing higher emis-
sions. The trip can be continued. Have
the car checked as soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under ce rtain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfiring in the engine. If
this happens, you should reduce your speed
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly
lead to serious damage of emissions-related
components, especially the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp lights up if the fuel
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. Make sure that the fuel cap is cor-
rectly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks.
Data memory
Your vehicle records data about the operation,
faults, and user settings. These data are stored
in the vehicle and in extr act form, in the remote
control, and can be read out using suitable
devices at your BMW center. The data that are
read out are used to support service proce-
dures and repairs or to optimize and expand
vehicle functions. If you have a BMW Assist
contract, certain vehicle data can also be trans-
mitted directly from the vehicle in order to
enable the desired services.
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 97
ACC, refer to Active Cruise Control 75
Acceleration assistant, refer to Launch Control 70
Accessories, refer to Vehicle
equipment 5
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 276
Activated-charcoal filter for automatic climate
control 120
Active Cruise Control 75
– indicator lamp 78
– malfunction 79
– selecting distance 77
– sensor 78
Active steering 105
Adaptive brake lamp
– Brake Force Display 106
Adaptive Light Control 112
Additives
– coolant 263
– engine oil 262
Address, entering 150,156
Address for navigation
– entering 150
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 117
Adjusting the thigh support 49
Airbags 107
– indicator/warning lamp 108
– sitting safely 47
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control 117
– ventilation 119 Air distribution
– automatic
118
Airing, refer to Ventilation 119
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 239
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Air supply
– automatic climate
control 117
– ventilation 119
Air vents 116
Air volume 118
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 237
Alarm system 37
– avoiding unintentional alarms 38
– interior motion sensor 38
– switching off an alarm 37
– tilt alarm sensor 37
ALL program 119
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 258
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 99
Ambient

air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Antifreeze
– coolant 263
– washer fluid 72
Antilock Brake System ABS 97
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 37
Appointments, refer to
Calendar 223
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 287
Approved engine oils 262
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 287Apps
232
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 126
Arrival time, refer to Computer 84
Ashtray 128
Assist systems, refer to Driving stability control 97
AUC Automatic recirculated
air control 118
Audible instructions, refer to Voice instructions 161
Audio device, external 127
Automatic
– air distribution 118
– air volume 118
– cruise control 73,75
– headlamp control 110
Automatic car washes 266
Automatic climate control 116
Automatic curb monitor 55
Automatic high beams and low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant 113
Automatic recirculated air control AUC 118
Automatic Service Request 232
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 64
– interlock 64
– overriding selector lever
lock 66
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 64
– sport program 65
– towing 279
– tow-starting 279
AUTO program for automatic climate control 118
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Grills116
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights 287
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 63
Hands-free system 14,213
Hazard warning flashers 14
HDC Hill Descent Control 99
Head airbags 107
Headlamp control, automatic 110
Headlamp flasher 71
– indicator lamp 11,13
Head Light, refer to Adaptive Light Control 112
Head restraints 50
– rear, removing 51
– sitting safely 47
Heated
– mirrors 55
– rear window 119
– seats 53
– steering wheel 56
Heating
– mirrors 55
– rear window 119
– seats 53
– steering wheel 56
Heating and ventilation, refer to Climate 116
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo 142
Height, refer to Dimensions 285
Height adjustment
– seats 48
– steering wheel 56
High-beam Assistant 113
High beams 112
– headlamp flasher 112
– indicator lamp 13
High beams and low beams, automatic, refer to High-
beam Assistant 113High-pressure
washer 266,267
High water, refer to Driving through water 140
Highways, refer to Route
criteria 159
Hill Descent Control HDC 99
Hills 141
Holders for cups 128
Homepage BMW 4
Hood 260
Hooks for shopping bags 131
Horn 10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Lo
cking or unlocking
separately 36
Hot exhaust system 140
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control 97
Hydroplaning 140
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning 82
Identification marks
– Run-flat tires 258
– tire coding 255
iDrive 18
– adjusting brightness 94
– changing date and time 90
– changing language 94
– changing settings 94
– changing units of measure
and display format 87
– controls 18
– menu guidance 19
– operating principle 18
– overview 18
– start menu 19
– status information 21
iDrive operating principle 18
Ignition 62
– switched off 62
– switched on 62 Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 30
Ignition key position 1, refer to Radio readiness 61
Ignition key position 2, refer to Ignition on 62
Ignition lock 61
Imprint 2
Incoming call 209
Indicator and warning
lamps 13
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 103
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 239
Inflation pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM 102
Initializing
– after power failure 274
– compass, refer to
Calibrating 125
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM 100
– glass roof 42
– refer to Setting the time and
date 90
Installation location
– telephone 126
Instructions for navigation system, refer to Voice
instructions 161
Instrument cluster 12
Instrument cluster, refer to
Cockpit 10
Instrument combination, refer to Instrument cluster 12
Instrument lighting 114
Integrated key 30
Integr

ated universal remote
control 122
Interactive map 155
Interior lamps 114
– remote control 33
Interior motion sensor 38
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Everything from A to Z
Reference
Interior rearview mirror
56
– automatic dimming
feature 56
– compass 124
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control 64
Intermittent mode of the wipers 71
Intersection, entering, navigation 151
J
Jacking points 274
Joystick, refer to iDrive 18
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 278
Jump-starting 278
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control 30
Keyless go, refer to Comfort Access 38
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Comfort Access 38
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile 30
Keypad dialing 212
Kickdown 65
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 65
Knock control 237
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control 110
– parking lamps/low beams 110
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 270
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer to Safety belts 53 Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo 143
Last destinations 153
LATCH child restraint fixing system 58
Launch Control 70
Leather care 268
LED Light-emitting
diodes 271
Length, refer to Dimensions 285
License plate lamp, replacing bulb 273
Light
– high-beam assistant 113
Light-alloy wheels 268
Light-emitting diodes LED 271
Lighter 129
– connecting electrical appliances 129
Lighting
– instruments 114
– lamps and bulbs 270
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 110
Light switch 110
Limit, refer to Speed limit 93
Load 142
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 143
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking 35
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 33
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
– without remote control, refer to Comfort Access 38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 33
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
Low beam control, refer to High-beam Assistant 113Low-beam headlamps
110
– automatic 110
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 49
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 143
Lumbar support 49
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 258
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in
the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
Maintenance system 264
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 66
– tires 101
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 92
Manual car wash 267
Manually unlocking parking lock 69
Manual mode, automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
Manual operation
– door lock 34
– driver's door 34
– fuel filler flap 236
– glass roof 42
– parking lock 69
– parking lock, automatic transmission 66
Manual transmission 64
Map for navigation
– changing scale 163
– entering destination 155
Map view 162
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Everything from A to Z
Reference
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data 284
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 280
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis 265
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 237
Odometer 82
Office 217
– current office 217
– what to do if…. 225
Oil, refer to Engine oil 260
Oil consumption 260
Oil level 260
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 275
Onboard vehicle tool kit 270
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 38
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
– using the door lock 34
– using the remote control 32
Opening and closing
retractable hardtop 44
Options, selecting for navigation 159
Orientation menu, refer to Start menu 19
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 119
Output, refer to Engine data 284
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 118
Outside temperature display 82
– changing unit of measure 87
– in computer 87
Outside temperature warning 82 Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 263
Overriding selector lever lock 66
P
Paintwork care 267
Park assistant, refer to Park Distance Control 96
Park Distance Control PDC 96
Parked car ventilation 120
– preselecting switch-on times 120
– switching on and off directly 120
Parking
– vehicle 63
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 96
Parking brake 63
– indicator lamp 63
Parking lamps 110
– replacing bulbs 271
Parking lamps/low beams 110
Parts and accessories, refer to Vehicle equipment 5
Passenger side mirror tilt
function 55
Pathway lighting 111
Personal information, refer to
Office 217
Personal Profile 30
Phone numbers
– dialing 210
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric 42
– windows 41
Polish 269
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 120
Power failure 274
Power windows 40 Power windows, refer to
Windows 40
Pressure, tires 239
Pressure monitoring, tires 100
– Flat Tire Monitor 100
Pressure monitoring of tires, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM 102
Programmable buttons on the steering wheel 11
Programmable memory
keys 23
Protection function, refer to Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric 42
– windows 41
Providing medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 277
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 100
R
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness 61
Radio readiness 61
– switched off 62
– switched on 61
Radio-remote key, refer to Remote control with
integrated key 30
Rain sensor 72
Reading aloud 225
Reading lamps 115
Rear lamps, refer to Tail lamps 272
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints 51
– folding down backrests 130
Rear ventilation 120
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 55
Rear window defroster 119
Rear window roller blind, refer to Roller sunblinds 126
Recirculated air mode 118
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