Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. Therefore, we have one request:
Read the information contained in this Owner's Manual before driving your new
BMW M3 convertible for the first time. It contains important information on vehicle
operation that will enable you to make full use of the advanced technical equipment
of your BMW M3 convertible. In addition, you will receive information on vehicle
maintenance, that help ensure operating and traffic safety, as well providing for the
best possible value retention of your BMW.
For more detailed information refer to the Supplemental Manuals.
BMW M also makes decisive contribution toward greater safety in traffic through its
BMW driver training.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW M3 convertible is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW M
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish to gain only an
initial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
We hope that the detailed table of
contents provided on the preceding
pages will stimulate your interest and
encourage you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please
remember to hand over this Owner's
Manual to the new owner; it is part of
the vehicle.
Should you have any further questions,
your BMW center will be glad to assist
at any time.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
<
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
<
vehicle.
ment.
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-
specific equipment and optional extras.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environ-
<
t
Identifies index entries that refer
to owner service procedures or topics
on vehicle maintenance.
Identifies systems or components,
which can either be activated or
adapted to suit an individual driver's
requirements ("Vehicle Memory", "Key
Memory"). Refer to page 60.
Remember that activation and adjustments on some of these systems can
only be performed at your BMW
On purchasing your BMW, you have
decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual will describe all of the
equipment that the BMW M3 convertible has to offer you.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
that you might not have chosen for your
vehicle. You can easily identify any
differences with the aid of the asterisk
used to identify all optional equipment
and accessories.
If your BMW features equipment that is
not described in this Owner's Manual (a
car radio or telephone, for instance), we
have enclosed Supplementary Owner's
Manuals. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
*
Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this
reason, it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor
can errors and omissions be entirely
ruled out. You are therefore asked to
appreciate that no legal claims can be
entertained on the basis of the data,
illustrations or descriptions in this
Owner's Manual.
containing up to and including
10% ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e.
15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will
not void the applicable warranties
respecting defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, additives, others) among gasolines offered
for sale in the United States and
Canada. The use of poor quality fuels
may result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under
certain environmental conditions, such
as high ambient temperature and high
altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Obey pertinent safety rules when you
are handling gasoline.
<
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been
thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to verify if it can
be used on a BMW safely and without
risk to either the vehicle, its operation,
or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or transceiver equipment (such as CB, walkietalkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle,
compromise its safety, interfere with
the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. See your BMW center for
additional information.
<
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified automotive part.
<
Symbol for vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
also obtain other information about engine vehicle safety from the Hotline.
identified by "
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
," are tested for proper
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
drive belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.
Engine oil pressure
Stop vehicle immediately and
switch off engine. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
Please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, otherwise, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate lubri-
<
cation.
●
<
●
Flat Tire Monitor
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. To come to an immediate
stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any
sudden, jerky braking or steering
maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 82
Brake warning lamp
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 105 and 119.
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off. For additional information: refer to
page 63
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belts
A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Flashes when the backrest is not locked. Lights up when a
safety belt is not fastened or until
passengers fasten safety belts.
For details on locking the backrest:
refer to page 47
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 48
Airbags
Please have the system
inspected immediately at your
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 52
●
●
●
Red and yellow: continue to drive;
drive cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
lights up together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system
Continue to drive; drive
cautiously and defensively and
avoid full brake applications. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
pages 81, 105
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
has failed.
Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center
Sequential M transmission*
SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been started,
or if it comes on during normal driving:
this indicates a malfunction in the
system. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system overload has occurred.
For additional information: refer to
page 69
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: ABS has been deactivated in response to system malfunction. Conventional braking efficiency is
available and unrestricted. Please have
the system inspected at your BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 105
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 116
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity (when
you stop to refuel). For additional information: refer to page 116
●
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 105
Flat Tire Monitor
The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 24, 82
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds:
The system is active and governs drive
and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system
malfunction. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 81
●
●
●
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 82
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 115
Service Engine Soon
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 122
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 118
Rollover protection system
The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunction. Please have the system inspected
immediately at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 58
Check Filler Cap
If the indicator lamp comes on
although the fuel filler cap is
secured correctly: this indicates a
malfunction in the fuel system. Have the
system inspected at your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 23
●
●
*
●
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicators
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 70
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 73
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
For additional information: refer to
page 86
Blue: for your information
High beam
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 70, 86
The controls integrated in the Multifunction steering wheel (MFL) are
provided so that you can operate a
number of accessories quickly and
without being distracted from traffic
conditions. You may operate:
>
Selected radio functions
>
the cruise control
>
selected cellular phone functions
> the voice entry system*.
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
The hazard warning triangle is stored
ready to use in the luggage compartment lid inside the toolbox for the
onboard tool kit.
To open the container, loosen the wing
nut.
Always observe all legal regulations requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To release: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To fasten: fold the cover up
Several of the items contained in
the first-aid kit have a limited
service life. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any with passed
dates. You can acquire replacements in
any drugstore or pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, switch off
the engine. If you do not, fuel
cannot be filled into the tank and the
Service Engine Soon lamp may come
on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol
on the right trim panel of the luggage
compartment.
all of the applicable safety precautions and regulations pertaining to
fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
> approx. 16.6 gal. (63 liters), incl.
> a reserve capacity of approx. 2.1 gal.
(8 liters).
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
Check Filler Cap lamp
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<
Proper inflation pressures are on a
sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.
Check tire pressures
All pressures are specified in the usual
units of the respective country (psi; kilopascal) for tires at ambient temperature
(also refer to the following tire inflation
pressure table).
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor so
that it can monitor the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 82.
Check your tire pressures on a
regular basis – at least twice a
month – and before every extended
journey. Incorrect tire pressure can
otherwise lead to driving instability, tire
damage and accidents.<
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the table apply
to BMW approved tire sizes and tire
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires
which not only meet US standards, but
also European standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW
approved tires.
This key determines the functions of
the Key Memory, refer to page 60.
You can mark individual keys for
subsequent identification by applying
the colored decals that you received
when accepting delivery of your
vehicle
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key with remote
control that is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive. For this
reason, if you have a master key with
remote control that is otherwise not
used, use that key at least once every
year while driving for an extended
period to charge the battery. Also refer
to page 30.<
2 Spare master key for storage in a
safe place, such as in your wallet.
This key is not intended for continuous use
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compartment lid and the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key –
this is recommended for valet
parking, for instance
The concept
The central locking system engages
and releases the locks on the
> doors
> luggage compartment lid
> fuel filler door and
> glove compartment.
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed.
The central locking system can be
operated
> from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
> from inside via the central locking
system button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel
filler door will not be locked, refer to
page 33.
Operating it from outside simultaneously activates the anti-theft system,
which prevents the doors from being
unlocked via the door lock buttons or
the door release handles. The alarm
system is also armed or disarmed.
Information for your safety: if locked from
inside, the central locking system
unlocks automatically in the event of an
accident. In addition, the hazard warning
flashers and interior lamps come on.
With the door closed you can also
operate the power windows and the
convertible top with the door lock.
To open: with the door closed after
turning the key for the second time,
hold the key in the "Unlock" position.
To close: with the door closed, turn the
key to the "Lock" position and hold it.
Watch during the closing process
With the key
Turning the key in the door lock once
unlocks the driver's door, the fuel filler
door and the glove compartment.
Turning the key a second time unlocks
the passenger's door and the luggage
compartment lid.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
to be sure that no one is injured.
Releasing the key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
(in the event of electrical malfunction)
Turn the key all the way to the left or
The remote control gives you an exceptionally convenient method for
unlocking and locking your vehicle.
Furthermore, it provides two additional
functions which you can only execute
via the remote control:
> Switch on the interior lamp, refer to
page 31.
With this function, you can also
"search for" your vehicle – when
parked in an underground garage, for
instance
> Open the luggage compartment lid,
refer to page 31.
The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly, regardless of whether it
was locked or unlocked.
The anti-theft system is also deactivated/activated simultaneously with the
unlocking or locking of the vehicle, and
the alarm system
and the interior lamps are switched on/
off.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
* is disarmed/armed,
1 Unlock and alarm system
2 Lock and secure, interior lamp activa-
tion, deactivating tilt alarm sensor
and interior motion sensor
3 Open the luggage compartment,
panic mode (trigger alarm)
Master key with remote control
Since passengers or animals
remaining in the vehicle might be
able to lock the doors from the inside,
take the vehicle's keys with you so that
the vehicle can be opened again from
the outside at any time.<
Master keys with remote control
that are used repeatedly are
always ready for operation, since the
battery in the key is charged automatically in the ignition lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to recharge the battery. Refer
also to page 28.
Guard the remote control against unauthorized use by only surrendering the
spare key or the door key (refer to
page 28).
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<
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