brake BMW M3 SEDAN 2015 Owner's Guide

General driving notes
Closing the trunk lid Drive with the trunk lid closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking and
evasive maneuvers, passengers and other traf‐
fic may be injured, and the vehicle may be
damaged. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the vehicle interior.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be avoided:▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.▷Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system while driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, resulting in an increased
risk of serious personal injury as well as prop‐
erty damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is a danger of getting burned.◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such as mobile phones, in the vehicle interior
without a direct connection to an external aer‐
ial. Otherwise, the vehicle's electronics and
mobile communication devices can interfere
with each other. In addition, there is no assur‐
ance that the radiation generated during trans‐
mission will be conducted away from the vehi‐
cle interior.◀
Hydroplaning Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Driving through water Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans‐
mission may be damaged.◀
Drive though calm water only and only if it is
not deeper than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this
height, no faster than walking speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
The pulsing of the brake pedal indicates that
ABS is in its active mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.Seite 157Things to remember when drivingDriving tips157
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Objects within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
Manual transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
M double-clutch transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down in sequential mode, refer to
page 71.
Brake disc corrosion
Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the
brake pads are favored by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during
braking is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
Ground clearance Limited ground clearance
Observe the limited ground clearance of
the vehicle, e. g. while entering underground
parking garages or when driving over obsta‐
cles. Otherwise, damages to the vehicle may
result.◀
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MaintenanceVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
BMW maintenance system The maintenance system indicates required
maintenance measures, and thereby provides
support in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
In some cases scopes and intervals may vary
according to the country-specific version. Re‐
placement work, spare parts, fuels and lubri‐
cants and wear materials are calculated sepa‐
rately. Additional information is available from
the service center.
Condition Based Service
CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service recog‐
nizes the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance corresponding to your
user profile.
Detailed information on service requirements,
refer to page 83, can be displayed on the Con‐
trol Display.Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is
continuously stored in the remote control. Your service center will read out this data and
suggest the right array of service procedures for your vehicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control with which the vehicle was driven
most recently.
Storage periods Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if needed,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter.
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty In‐
formation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian mod‐
els for additional information on service re‐
quirements.
Maintenance and repair should be performed
by your service center. Make sure to have reg‐
ular maintenance procedures recorded in the
vehicle's Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, and in the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian mod‐
els. These entries are proof of regular mainte‐
nance.Seite 188MobilityMaintenance188
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Contact your service center in the event of a
malfunction.
Turn signal in exterior mirrorFollow general instructions, refer to page 190.
The turn signals in the exterior mirrors feature
LED technology. Contact your service center in the event of a malfunction.
Tail lights, bulb replacement
At a glance1Turn signal2Reversing lamp3Inside brake lamp4Tail lights5Outside brake lamp
Bulb replacement, exterior tail lights General information
Follow general instructions, refer to page 190.
Turn signal: 21-watt bulb, P21WLL.
Outer brake lamp: 21-watt bulb, H21W.
The tail lights feature LED technology. Contact
your service center in the event of a malfunc‐
tion.
Use caution when replacing the bulb
Use caution and proceed one step at a
time when replacing the bulbs to prevent dam‐
age to the tail lights or the vehicle.◀
Removing the exterior tail lamp1.Open trunk lid.2.Use the screwdriver from the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit to loosen the screw, arrow 1,
and remove the cover, arrow 2.3.Use the screwdriver handle to loosen the
two nuts, arrows 1 and 2, and remove. The
tail lamp is still attached to a rubber mount
on the outside.4.Grasp the inner edge of the tail lamp and
carefully swing it back and out of the rub‐
ber mount, arrow 1. Use your free hand to
hold it in place in order to prevent the tail
lamp from coming loose suddenly. Make
sure that the foam rubber sealing ring is on
the centering pin, arrow 2.Seite 193Replacing componentsMobility193
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5.Remove the connecting line from the clip
on the bulb holder.6.Press and hold the catch at the top on the
connector of the connecting line and re‐
move the connector from the bulb holder.
Replacing the bulbs
1.Loosen the four fasteners, arrow 1, on the
bulb holder and remove the bulb holder
from the tail lamp, arrow 2.2.Press the defective bulb gently into the
socket, turn counterclockwise and remove.3.Proceed in the reverse order to insert the
new bulb and attach the bulb holder. Make
sure that the bulb holder engages in all fas‐
teners.
Installing the tail lamp
1.Connect the connecting line to the tail
lamp and secure the bulb holder in the clip.2.Make sure that the foam rubber sealing
ring is on the centering pin, arrow 2, and is
not damaged.3.Position and firmly press the outer part of
the tail lamp onto the rubber mount, ar‐
row 1 and the inner part onto the centeringcomponent, arrow 2. Make sure that the
tail lamp engages in the rubber mount.4.Screw the tail lamp on with the two nuts.5.Insert and secure the cover. Make sure that
the tubular seal is not pinched.
Lights in the trunk lid
General information
Follow general instructions, refer to page 190.
Reversing lights: 16-watt bulb, PW16W.
Inner brake lights: 21-watt bulb, H21W
Accessing the lights
1.If needed, remove warning triangle, refer to
page 199, and bracket with the screw‐
driver from the onboard vehicle tool kit, re‐
fer to page 190.2.Use the screwdriver from the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit to loosen and completely re‐
move the screws on the trim.3.Carefully loosen the trim from the trunk lid,
starting at the edge and working towardSeite 194MobilityReplacing components194
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the area around the recessed grips. Make
sure that the trim does not become stuck.4.Carefully swing out the trim.
Replacing the reversing lamp and inner
brake lamp
1.Loosen the two holders, arrow 1 and pull
down on the lamp holder to remove, ar‐
row 2.2.Unscrew the defective bulb of the revers‐
ing or brake lamp from its socket counter‐
clockwise.3.Insert the new bulb.
Installing the bulb holder
1.Slide the bulb holder onto the two guide
pins, arrow 1. Insert the two contacts, ar‐
row 2, into the connections, arrow 3.2.Press on the bulb holder. Make sure that
the two exterior holders latch into place.3.Swing the trim back onto the trunk lid and
secure.Rear lamp, license plate lamp and
central brake lamp
Follow general instructions, refer to page 190.
These lights are made using LED technology.
Contact your service center in the event of a
malfunction.
Changing wheels
Hints When sealants are used, an immediate wheel
change when there is a loss of tire inflation
pressure in the event of a flat tire is unneces‐
sary.
Which is why no spare tire is available.
The tools for changing wheels are available as
accessories from your service center.
Jacking points for the vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐
cated at the positions shown.
Vehicle battery Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free.
Further information about the battery can be
obtained from your service center.
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3.Switch the engine off.4.Switch on the ignition.
M double-clutch transmission:
1.Drive into the car wash.2.Engage selector lever position N.3.Switch the engine off.
In this way, the ignition remains switched
on, and a Check-Control message is dis‐
played.
The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in selector lever position N. A signal
sounds when an attempt is made to lock the
vehicle.
To start the engine with manual transmission:
1.Press on the clutch pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
To start the engine with a M double clutch
transmission:
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button without step‐
ping on the brake turns the ignition off.
Transmission position
Transmission position P is engaged automati‐
cally:
▷When the ignition is switched off.▷After approx. 15 minutes.
Headlights
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
acidic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been dirtied e. g.,
from insects, with shampoo and wash off
with water.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Completely remove all residues on the win‐
dows, to minimize loss of visibility due to
smearing and to reduce wiper noises and
wiper blade wear.
Vehicle care
Car care products BMW recommends using care and cleaning
products from BMW, since these have been
tested and approved.
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are
dangerous and harmful to your health.◀
Vehicle paint
Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with elevated air pollution or natural con‐
taminants, such as tree resin or pollen can af‐
fect the vehicle's paintwork. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your car care to these
influences.
Aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil,
grease or bird droppings, must be removed im‐
mediately to prevent the finish from being al‐
tered or discolored.
Only use respectively approved cleaning and
care products for vehicles with matte finish.
Suitable care products for matte finishes are
available from the service center.Seite 205CareMobility205
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Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased
wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing, provide leather care roughly every
two months.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently be‐
cause soiling on such surfaces is substantially
more visible.
Use leather care products; otherwise, dirt and
grease will gradually break down the protective
layer of the leather surface.
Suitable care products are available from the
service center.
Upholstery material care Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
If upholstery is very dirty, e.g., with beverage
stains, use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth
with a suitable interior cleaner.
Clean the upholstery down to the seams using
large sweeping motions. Avoid rubbing the
material vigorously.
Damage from Velcro® fasteners
Open Velcro® fasteners on pants or
other articles of clothing can damage the seat
covers. Ensure that any Velcro® fasteners are
closed.◀
Caring for special components
Light-alloy wheels When cleaning the vehicle, use only neutral
wheel cleaners having a pH value from 5 to 9.
Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or steam
jets above 140 ℉/60 ℃. Follow the manufac‐
turer's instructions.Aggressive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents
can destroy the protective layer of adjacent
components, such as the brake disk.
Chrome surfaces
Carefully clean components such as the radia‐
tor grille or door handles with an ample supply
of water, possibly with shampoo added, partic‐
ularly when they have been exposed to road
salt.
Rubber components Aside from water, treat only with rubber
cleansers.
When cleaning rubber seals, do not use any
silicon-containing car care products in order to
avoid damage or noises.
Fine wood partsClean fine wood facing and fine wood compo‐
nents only with a moist rag. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
Plastic components
These include:▷Imitation leather surfaces.▷Roofliner.▷Lamp lenses.▷Instrument cluster cover.▷Matt black spray-coated components.▷Painted parts in the interior.
Clean with a microfiber cloth.
Dampen cloth lightly with water.
Do not soak the roofliner.
No cleansers that contain alcohol or sol‐
vents
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or
solvents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead
to surface damage.◀
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Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 114
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 73
Accessories and parts 7
Activated-charcoal filter 137
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 111
Active M differential 117
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 113
Adaptive Light Control 94
Adaptive M chassis 117
Additives, oil 185
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 50
After washing vehicle 205
Airbags 98
Airbags, indicator/warning light 99
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 136
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 135
Air distribution, manual 136
Air flow, automatic climate control 136
Air pressure, tires 172
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 137
Alarm system 44
Alarm, unintentional 45
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 177 Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 140
Alternative oil types 185
Ambient light 96
Antifreeze, washer fluid 69
Antilock Brake System, ABS 114
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 115
Approved axle load 211
Approved engine oils, see Suitable engine oil
types 185
Arrival time 87
Ash tray 143
Assistance when driving off 118
Attentiveness assistant 113
AUTO intensity 135
Automatic car wash 204
Automatic climate con‐ trol 134
Automatic Curb Monitor 56
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 100
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 94
Automatic locking 44
Automatic recirculated-air control 136
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 135
AUTO program, intensity 135
Auto Start/Stop function 64
Average fuel consumption 87
Average speed 87
Axle loads, weights 211 B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 52
Backrest, width 52
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 199
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 202
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 196
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 35
Battery, vehicle 195
Belts, safety belts 53
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 149
Blinds, sun protection 47
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
BMW Driver’s Guide App 6
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 188
BMW M technology 154
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholders 149
Brake assistant 114
Brake discs, break-in 156
Brake force display 113
Brake lights, adaptive 113
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 113
Brake pads, break-in 156
Braking, hints 157
Breakdown assistance 198
Break-in 156 Seite 212ReferenceEverything from A to Z212
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Brightness of Control Dis‐play 90
Bulb replacement 190
Bulb replacement, front 191
Bulb replacement, LED head‐ lights 192
Bulb replacement, rear 193
Bulb replacement, xenon headlights 191
Bulbs and lights 190
Button, Start/Stop 62
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 199
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera lenses, care 207
Camera, rearview cam‐ era 125
Camera, Side View 127
Camera, Top View 129
Can holder, refer to Cuphold‐ ers 149
Car battery 195
Carbon ceramic brake M 154
Car care products 205
Care, displays 207
Care, vehicle 205
Cargo 160
Cargo area, enlarging 145
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 149
Cargo, securing 161
Cargo straps, securing cargo 161
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 34
Carpet, care 207
Car wash 204
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 157
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 188 CD/Multimedia, see user's
manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
Center armrest 148
Center console 16
Central locking system 39
Central screen, refer to Con‐ trol Display 18
Ceramic brake 154
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 190
Changing wheels 195
Changing wheels/tires 176
Chassis, electronic 117
Chassis number, see vehicle identification number 9
Check Control 77
Checking the engine oil level electronically 183
Checking the oil level elec‐ tronically 183
Children, seating position 58
Children, transporting safely 58
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 58
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 60
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 58
Child safety locks 61
Child seat, mounting 58
Child seats 58
Chrome parts, care 206
Cigarette lighter 143
Cleaning displays 207
Climate control 134
Clock 81
Closing/opening via door lock 39
Closing/opening with remote control 37
Clothes hooks 149
Cockpit 14 Combination reel, refer to
Turn signals 67
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 67
Comfort Access 41
Compartments in the doors 148
Compass 141
Compound brake 154
Compressor 177
Computer, refer to On-board computer 86
Condensation on win‐ dows 136
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 158
Condition Based Service CBS 188
Confirmation signal 44
ConnectedDrive, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
ConnectedDrive Services
Connecting electrical devi‐ ces 143
Control Display 18
Control Display, settings 89
Controller 18, 19
Control systems, driving sta‐ bility 114
Convenient opening with the remote control 37
Coolant 186
Coolant temperature 81
Cooling function 135
Cooling, maximum 135
Cooling system 186
Cornering light 94
Corrosion on brake discs 158
Cosmetic mirror 143
Courtesy lamps during un‐ locking 37
Courtesy lamps with the vehi‐ cle locked 38
Cruise control 120 Seite 213Everything from A to ZReference213
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