brake rotor BMW M3 SEDAN 2008 E90 Owner's Manual

Things to remember when driving
114
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed an engine speed of 5,500 rpm or a
road speed of 105 mph/170 km/h.
Do not depress the accelerator all the way.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to
3,000 miles/5,000 km
Engine and road speeds can be increased grad-
ually up to a traveling speed of 135 mph/
220 km/h. Use the maximum speed only for
brief intervals, e. g. when passing.
Transmission
The transmission begins functioning at an opti-
mal level only after a distance of approx.
300 miles/500 km. Do not exceed engine
speeds of 5,500 rpm during this period.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Clearance
Mind the limited clearance of the BMW
M3, e. g. when driving into underground
parking garages or over obstacles. If equipped
with EDC
*, select the "Sport" program, refer to
page84, when driving off curbs to keep clear-
ance as even as possible. Otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged.<
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the luggage
compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the auto-
matic climate control system, refer to
page98.
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 sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-

Driving tips
115Reference
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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 lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust pipes, e. g.
when loading the cargo bay, otherwise there is a
risk of burn injuries.<
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 brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page209.
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 page84.
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. Since 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.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure 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.
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 braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake 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 helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system.
M dual clutch transmission: never drive
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral or with the engine switched off; otherwise,
engine braking action will not be present or
there will be no power assistance to the brakes
or 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 driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads

Things to remember when driving
116 during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
This can also lead to a permanent loss in ride
comfort and to squealing noises during braking.
A loss in comfort can also be caused by
extended braking with little pressure on the
pedal.
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.
For information on brake system technology,
refer to Compound brake on page119.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while 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 capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blow-out.<
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
bay, 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, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
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.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

Driving tips
119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
BMW M3 engineering
High performance V8 engine
The high-revving V8 engine draws a maximum
power of 420 hp/309 kW and a peak torque of
295 lb ft/400 Nm from a displacement of
244 cu in/4 liters. Its spontaneous response
results in a very wide effective rpm range. The
maximum engine speed lies at 8,400 rpm and is
electronically controlled. Due to the high engine
dynamics, the maximum engine speed is lim-
ited to 7,000 rpm when the vehicle is standing.
Warming up the engine
During the warm-up phase, the high-perfor-
mance V8 engine runs a little more roughly due
to its emissions control system.
For technical reasons, the exhaust system
sounds slightly metallic when the engine is
cold.
For further information on warming up the
engine, refer to Tachometer on page67 and
Engine oil temperature on page68.
Compound brake
Your BMW M3 is equipped with a high-perfor-
mance brake system with perforated com-
pound brake discs.
Due to special design features of the perforated
compound brake discs, operating noise is audi-
ble during braking. However, this does not
affect the brake's performance, safe operation
or stability under load.
Braking correctly
To keep the brake system in optimal condition,
it is advisable to apply the brakes at regular
intervals as appropriate for the character of the
vehicle.
Refer also to Corrosion on brake rotors on
page115.
Drive train
In your BMW M3, special emphasis was placed
on the direct connection between the engine
and drive. The torsionally rigid execution of the
drive train results in acoustic feedback of the
torque, as is typical in sports cars. Clacking
sounds can arise during load changes. They do
not impair functionality or shorten the lifespan
of any component.

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic climate control96
– automatic air distribution98
– settings via iDrive97
Automatic curb monitor46
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control98
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC98
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– towing232
– tow-starting232
"Automatic ventilation"100
AUTO program for automatic
climate control98
"Auto Request"195
"Autostore"
– on the radio158
"AUX"152,171,173
– AUX-In port171
– USB-audio interface172
AUX-In port171
Average fuel consumption69
– setting the units71
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation137
"Avoid highways" in
navigation137
Avoid highways in
navigation137
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation137
Axle loads, refer to
Weights240
"A - Z"185,186
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support41
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment41
Backrest width adjustment42
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats42Backup lamps
– replacing bulb225,226
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps225
Balance, tone control153
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch231
Bar, refer to Towing
methods233
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment106
Bass, tone control153
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass153
Battery228
– charging228
– disposal37,228
– jump starting231
– remote control28
– temporary power failure228
Battery renewal
– remote control37
– remote control for vehicle36
Being towed232
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts44
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate98
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo216
"BMW
Assist"194,195,196,197
BMW Assist
– activating198
– Concierge service197
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations196
– Roadside Assistance194
– services offered193
– TeleServices195
"BMW Contact"188"BMW Contact
Numbers"188
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System212
"BMW Service settings"199
BMW Teleservice Call
– automatic195
– manual195
BMW TeleServices195
– displaying196
– updating196
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist82
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements72
Brake Force Display89
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb225,226
– two-stage89
Brake pads114
– breaking in114
Brake rotors115
– brakes114
– breaking in114
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– breaking in114
– parking brake56
– service requirements72
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely115
Brake system114
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– breaking in114
– disc brakes115
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance230
Breaking in the clutch114
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential114
Break-in period114