2007-2013 BMW M3 4 Door At a glance User Manual
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At a glance for Your BMW M3 4 Door Fourth Generation (2007-2013)

At a glance  
This overview of buttons, switches and displays  
is intended to familiarize you with your vehicle's  
operating environment. The section will also  
assist you in becoming acquainted with the  
control concepts and options available for  
operating the various systems.  
Cockpit  
Around the steering wheel: controls and displays  
Convertible: opening and closing  
windows jointly 38  
1
2
3
6
Parking lamps/low beams 99  
Low beams 99  
Convertible: opening and closing  
rear windows 38  
Opening and closing front  
windows 38  
Automatic headlamp control* 99  
Adaptive Head Light* 100  
4
5
Folding exterior mirrors in and out* 51  
Adjusting exterior mirrors, automatic curb  
monitor* 51  
10  
MDrive*, calling up individual  
settings 53  
7
Turn signals 68  
High beams, headlamp  
flasher 101  
Individually programmable* 53  
Individually programmable 53  
Roadside parking lamps* 101  
13 Horn: the entire surface  
Computer 74  
14 Adjusting the steering wheel 52  
Settings and information about the  
vehicle 77  
15  
Cruise control 70  
Instrument lighting 101  
16 Releasing the hood 222  
17 Opening the luggage compartment lid 33  
8
9
Instrument cluster 12  
Windshield wipers 69  
Rain sensor* 69  
Switching the ignition on/off and  
starting/stopping the engine 59  
10  
11 Ignition lock 59  
12 Buttons on the steering wheel  
Telephone*:  
>
>
Press: accepting and ending a  
call, starting dialing* selected  
phone numbers. Redialing if  
no phone number is selected  
Press longer: redialing  
Volume  
Activating/deactivating voice com-  
mand system* 23  
Changing radio station  
Selecting music track  
Scrolling through phone book and  
lists with stored phone numbers  
11  
Instrument cluster  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Speedometer  
8
Display for  
Indicator lamps for turn signals  
Indicator and warning lamps 13  
Tachometer 73  
> Gear display M dual clutch transmission  
with Drivelogic* 62  
> With manual transmission:  
Computer 74  
Shift Lights* 66  
> Date of next scheduled service, and  
Engine oil temperature 74  
Display for  
remaining distance to be driven 78  
> Odometer and trip odometer 73  
> Checking oil level 223  
> Clock 73  
> Outside temperature 73  
> Indicator and warning lamps 83  
> Settings and information 77  
>
There is a Check Control  
message 83  
> With dual clutch transmission:  
Computer 74  
9
Fuel gauge 74  
10 Resetting the trip odometer 73  
12  
Indicator lamps without text messages  
Indicator and warning lamps  
The following indicator lamps notify you that  
certain functions are active:  
The concept  
Parking lamps/low beams 99  
High beams/headlamp flasher 101  
Parking brake applied 61  
MDrive* 54  
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a  
variety of combinations and colors.  
M Dynamic Mode* 88  
Lamp flashes:  
DSC is regulating the drive forces in  
order to maintain driving stability 88  
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning  
and thus come on briefly when the engine is  
started or the ignition is switched on.  
Engine malfunction with adverse  
effect on exhaust emissions 228  
Canada: engine malfunction with  
adverse effect on exhaust  
emissions 228  
Explanatory text messages  
Text messages at the lower edge of the Control  
Display explain the meaning of the displayed  
indicator and warning lamps.  
You can call up more information, e.g. on the  
cause of a malfunction and on how to respond,  
via Check Control, refer to page 83.  
In urgent cases, this information will be shown  
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.  
13  
Around the center console: controls and displays  
14  
1
2
Microphone for voice command system*  
and for telephone in hands-free mode*  
13 Changing  
> Radio station 166  
SOS: initiating an Emergency Request  
call* 241  
> Track 176  
14 Selecting radio, CD and CD changer  
15 Selecting AM or FM waveband  
16 Ejecting navigation DVD 134  
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Reading lamps 102  
Coupe: glass roof, electric* 39  
Interior lamps 102  
Passenger airbag status lamp* 96  
Control Display 16  
17  
Heated seats* 48  
Coupe:  
Roller sun blind* 112  
Hazard warning flashers  
Flat Tire Monitor FTM* 90  
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM* 92  
18 Controller 16  
10 Central locking system 32  
11 Automatic climate control  
Can be turned, pressed, or moved horizon-  
tally in four directions  
19 Opening start menu on Control Display 17  
Air distribution to the  
windshield 104  
Convertible:  
20  
Opening and closing retractable  
hardtop 42  
Air distribution to the upper body  
area 104  
21 Dynamic Stability Control DSC 88  
Air distribution to the footwell 104  
22 Electronic Damper Control EDC  
*
90  
Automatic air distribution and flow  
rate 105  
23 M Engine Dynamics Control POWER 68  
24 Drive for navigation DVD 134  
Cooling function 106  
25 Programmable memory keys 21  
26 Switching audio sources on/off and adjust-  
Automatic recirculated-air control  
AUC 105  
ing volume 162  
27 Drive for audio CD 162  
Recirculated-air mode 105  
Maximum cooling 105  
Residual heat mode 106  
Air flow rate 105  
Defrosting windows 106  
Rear window defroster 106  
12 Ejecting audio CD 162  
15  
iDrive  
iDrive integrates the functions of a large num-  
ber of switches. This allows these functions to  
be operated from a single central position. The  
following section provides an introduction to  
basic menu navigation. The control of the indi-  
vidual functions is described in connection with  
the relevant equipment.  
Controls  
1
2
Control Display  
Operate the controller only when traffic  
and road conditions allow this, to avoid  
endangering the car's occupants and other  
road users by being distracted.<  
button  
Opening start menu  
3
Controller  
The controller can be used to select menu  
items and to adjust settings:  
> Move in four directions, arrow 4  
> Turn, arrow 5  
> Push, arrow 6  
16  
Menu overview  
Operating principle  
As of radio readiness, the following message  
appears on the Control Display:  
Communication  
>
Telephone*  
>
BMW Assist* or BMW TeleServices*  
Navigation  
>
Navigation system*  
>
Onboard information, e.g. for displaying the  
average fuel consumption  
Entertainment  
>
>
>
Radio  
To hide the message:  
Press the controller.  
The start menu is displayed.  
CD player and CD changer*  
AUX-In port, USB-audio interface* for  
external audio device  
The message is automatically hidden after  
approx. 10 seconds.  
Climate  
Start menu  
>
>
>
Vent settings  
Automatic programs  
Parked car operation  
menu  
>
>
>
>
Switching off Control Display  
Tone and display settings  
M settings  
Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central  
locking system  
All iDrive functions can be called up via five  
menu items.  
>
>
Display of service requirements and dates  
for statutory inspections  
Opening start menu  
Settings for telephone  
Press the  
To open the start menu from the menu:  
Press the button twice.  
button.  
17  
Calling up menu items in the start menu Displays in menu  
As of radio readiness, refer to page 59:  
1
2
Each menu is subdivided into fields. The  
active field is highlighted.  
Via the start menu you can call up the four menu  
items of Communication, Navigation, Entertain-  
ment and Climate by moving the controller for-  
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.  
A symbol indicates the start menu item last  
selected.  
You can call up the menu by pressing the con-  
troller.  
Communication  
Navigation or onboard information  
Entertainment  
Climate  
Convenient call-up of menu items  
The convenient call-up function enables you to:  
>
>
Call up a menu item from the start menu in  
the view last displayed  
Switch directly between Communication,  
Navigation, Entertainment and Climate  
menu  
without having to press the  
button  
To do so, move the controller in the corre-  
sponding direction and hold it for more than  
approx. 2 seconds.  
1
2
Menu items are usually grouped in horizon-  
tal or vertical lists.  
In these lists, arrows indicate the possibility  
of accessing other menu items that are not  
currently visible.  
3
Settings are represented graphically or as  
numerical values.  
18  
For an exemplary step-by-step application refer  
to Setting the time, page 80.  
Operating principle at a glance  
The following is a general description of opera-  
tions using iDrive.  
1
Selecting a menu item:  
4
5
Switching between fields:  
> Turn the controller; the highlight marker  
> Briefly move the controller to the left,  
moves  
right, forward, or backward  
> Menu items in white can be selected by  
> Release the controller  
> The active field is brighter in color  
Adjusting settings:  
highlighting them  
2
3
Activating a menu item:  
> Press the controller  
> Turn the controller  
> New menu items are displayed or the  
> Graphic display, numerical value or text  
function is executed  
displays can be changed  
Selecting a menu item: refer to 1  
> Confirm by changing the field  
19  
Status information  
Assistance window*  
1
Display for:  
Additional information can be displayed in the  
assistance window:  
> Entertainment:  
Radio, CD or  
>
>
The computer or the trip computer*  
> Telephone* in "Communication":  
Name of the connected mobile phone,  
network search or no network  
The arrow or map view in vehicles with nav-  
igation system*  
>
The current position*  
> "BMW Assist"*:  
Active voice connection with a  
BMW Assist service  
Selecting display  
1. Move the controller to the right to change to  
the assistance window and press the con-  
troller.  
2
3
Entertainment audio output off  
Display for traffic information*:  
"TI":  
Traffic information for the navigation sys-  
tem can be received and transmission is  
switched on  
4
5
Display for:  
>
>
New entries present in "Missed calls"*  
Roaming active  
It is possible to make calls* if the mobile  
phone is paired with the vehicle  
Reception strength of mobile phone  
network, display depending on mobile  
phone  
2. Select a menu item.  
3. Press the controller.  
6
Time  
Other displays:  
Status information is temporarily hidden during  
Check Control message displays or entries via  
the voice command system*.  
20  
>
>
Entertainment:  
Switching assistance window on/off  
1. Move the controller to the right to change to  
the assistance window and press the con-  
troller.  
> Radio stations  
> CD  
> CD compartment of CD changer  
> AUX  
2. Select "Assist. window off" and press the  
controller.  
Telephone: phone numbers  
The assignment of the programmable memory  
keys is stored for the remote control currently in  
use.  
Storing functions  
Navigation* destinations  
1. Select the navigation destination, e.g. in the  
destination list or address book.  
To turn back on, switch to the assistance win-  
dow and press the controller.  
2.  
...  
Press the key longer than  
2 seconds.  
Special features:  
>
If destination guidance and the map view  
have been started, the current destination is  
stored.  
Switching Control Display  
off/on  
1. Press the  
button.  
>
If the destination is entered via map, the  
coordinates in the cross-hairs are stored,  
not the current destination.  
This opens the start menu.  
2. Press the controller to open the menu.  
3. Select "Display off" and press the control-  
ler.  
Telephone, phone numbers  
1. Enter the phone number or select the num-  
ber from a list of stored phone numbers, e.g.  
the A-Z list.  
2.  
...  
Press the key longer than  
2 seconds.  
If the phone number is associated with a name,  
the name is also stored.  
Entertainment  
The item stored in the Entertainment menu is  
the source that is playing at the time of storage,  
e.g. a radio station, irrespective of what was  
selected on the Control Display.  
Press the controller to switch on.  
Programmable memory keys  
Using the programmable memory keys, you can  
store and execute certain iDrive functions:  
1. Select the desired function, e.g. radio sta-  
tion or CD.  
2.  
...  
Press the key longer than  
>
Navigation* destinations  
2 seconds.  
21  
If the car is equipped with two drives and a  
CD with compressed audio files is played,  
the current track is stored.<  
3. Select "Settings" and press the controller.  
4. Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-  
troller.  
5. Select "Programmable Memory Keys" and  
press the controller.  
Executing a function  
...  
Press the key.  
The function is executed immediately. This  
means that, for example, if a phone number is  
selected, the connection is established, or if a  
navigation destination is called up, destination  
guidance is started.  
Displaying memory key assignments  
You can have the assignment of a memory key  
displayed by touching the key with your finger.  
Please do not wear gloves when doing so.  
Touching the keys with an object such as a pen  
will not work.  
6. Select "Delete assignment of all memory  
keys" and press the controller.  
7. Select "Yes" and press the controller.  
Displaying brief information  
...  
Touch the key.  
The key assignment is displayed.  
Navigation destination  
Entertainment source  
Telephone, phone number  
Not assigned  
Displaying detailed information  
...  
period.  
Touch the key for a longer  
Clearing key assignments  
1. Press the  
button.  
This opens the start menu.  
2. Press the controller to open the menu.  
22  
*
Voice command system  
This symbol on the Control Display and  
The concept  
an acoustic signal indicate that the voice  
command system is ready to receive spo-  
ken commands.  
The voice command system allows you to con-  
trol operation of various vehicle systems with-  
out removing your hands from the steering  
wheel.  
Individual menu items on the Control Display  
can be spoken as commands. It is not neces-  
sary to use the controller.  
The voice command system transforms your  
oral commands into control signals for the  
selected systems and provides support in the  
form of instructions or questions.  
The voice command system uses a special  
microphone located in the area of the interior  
rearview mirror, refer to page 14.  
2. Say the command.  
The command appears on the Control Dis-  
play.  
Precondition  
Via iDrive, select the language in which the  
voice command system is operating, so that the  
spoken commands can be identified. Selecting  
the language for iDrive, refer to page 85.  
Symbols in the Owner's Manual  
{...} Say the specified commands word for  
word.  
{{...}} Indicates responses of the voice  
command system.  
This symbol appears on the Control Display  
when you can enter additional commands.  
If no further commands are possible, continue  
by operating the item of equipment via iDrive.  
Saying commands  
Terminating or canceling voice  
command system  
Activating voice command system  
Press the  
or  
button on the steering wheel  
1. Press the  
button on the steering wheel.  
{Cancel}  
Commands  
Having the possible commands read  
aloud  
You can have the system read aloud the possi-  
ble commands related to the selected menu  
23  
item on the Control Display.  
To have the possible commands read out to  
you:  
Opening the start menu  
{Main menu}  
{Options}  
Example: selecting a track  
1. If necessary, switch on entertainment audio  
output.  
For instance, if you have selected "CD", the  
commands available for operating the CD  
player and CD changer are read out*.  
2. Press the  
button on the steering wheel.  
3. {Entertainment}  
The system says:  
{{Entertainment}}  
Opening help  
{Help}  
Using alternative commands  
There are often a number of commands to run a  
function, e.g.:  
{Radio on} or {Turn radio on}  
Calling up functions immediately via  
short commands  
Short commands enable you to perform certain  
functions immediately, irrespective of which  
menu item is selected, refer to page 252.  
4. {CD}  
The system says:  
{{CD on}}  
24  
5. Press the  
button on the steering wheel.  
6. Select a track, e.g.:  
{Track 1}  
The system says:  
{{Track 1}}  
Notes  
For information on voice control of the  
telephone, refer also to the separate  
Owner's Manual.<  
For voice commands, bear in mind the follow-  
ing:  
>
Pronounce the commands and digits  
smoothly and at normal volume, avoiding  
excessive emphases and pauses. The same  
applies to spelling when entering a destina-  
tion for navigation.  
>
>
>
Always speak the commands in the lan-  
guage of the voice command system.  
When selecting a radio station, use the  
standard pronunciation of the station name.  
For entries in the voice-activated phone  
book, only use names in the language of the  
voice command system and no abbrevia-  
tions.  
>
>
Keep the doors, windows and glass roof  
closed to prevent interference from outside  
noise.  
Avoid ambient noise in the vehicle while  
speaking.  
25  

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