Get Driving tips Guide for BMW M3 4 Door Fifth Generation (2014-2019)

Driving tips

This chapter provides you with information

useful in dealing with specific driving and

operating modes.

Driving tips

BMW M3 technology

Vehicle features and options

Compound brake

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 vehicle, e. g., due

to the selected options or country versions.

This also applies to safety-related functions

and systems. When using these functions and

systems, the applicable laws and regulations

must be observed.

The high-performance braking system has

perforated compound brake discs.

Because of particular structural characteristics,

there may be operation-related noises during

braking. However, this has no effect on per‐

formance, operational reliability and reliability

of the brake.

Correct braking

To keep the brake system in optimum condi‐

tion, it is expedient to apply them at regular in‐

tervals corresponding to the vehicle character.

High-performance engine

General information

With a displacement of 3 liters, the high-per‐

formance engine generates a maximum power

of 425 hp, with Competition Package 444 hp

and a maximum torque of 406 lb ft/550 Nm.

With its spontaneous response behavior, a

speed range of wide utility results. The maxi‐

mum engine speed is 7,600 rpm and is elec‐

tronically controlled. Because of the high en‐

gine dynamics, the maximum engine speed

with the vehicle stationary is reduced.

M carbon ceramic brake

The high-performance braking system has

perforated carbon ceramic brake discs.

Due to properties of the materials used, brak‐

ing may be associated with louder function

noises, particularly in wet conditions, just be‐

fore the vehicle comes to a stop. However, this

has no effect on the performance, operational

reliability and durability of the brake.

The effects of moisture and road salt from us‐

ing a vehicle wash, dew formation overnight,

driving in rain, etc., may render the braking ef‐

fect comparable to that of a conventional brak‐

ing system. This may be perceived as reduced

braking effect and can be compensated for, if

needed, by pressing the brake pedal harder.

Warm-up

During the engine warm-up phase, the high-

performance engine has a somewhat rougher

running behavior because of the emission con‐

trols.

When the engine is cold, the exhaust system

has a slightly metallic undertone due to the na‐

ture of the system.

Before washing the vehicle in an automatic

carwash or wash tunnel, clean the brake discs

and brake calipers with a steam jet or high-

pressure washer as well, to prevent encrusta‐

tions and dirt buildups, caused by salt crystals,

for instance if the vehicle is immobile after‐

wards. The cleaning effect of automatic car‐

washes or wash tunnels is usually not ade‐

quate for this in the area around the wheels.

For more information about the warm-up pro‐

cedure: Engine speed, refer to page 84, and

engine oil temperature, refer to page 85.

162

BMW M3 technology

Driving tips

To do this, also follow the instructions in

Washing the vehicle, refer to page 216, and

Braking safely, refer to page 165.

Drivetrain

With this vehicle, particular value was placed

on the direct connection from engine to the

drivetrain. Due to the torsionally rigid design of

the drivetrain, as is typical in a sports car, the

transmission of the torque also gives acoustic

feedback.

When there are load changes, this may result

in clicking noises. The do not cause any im‐

pairment of the operation or the service life of

the components.

Driving on racetracks

Higher mechanical and thermal loads during

racetrack operation lead to increased wear.

This wear is not covered by the warranty. The

vehicle is not designed for use in motor sports

competition.

The standard brake linings and the wear indi‐

cators are not designed for racetrack opera‐

tion.

163

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

At 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Have drive-in checkup maintenance per‐

Vehicle 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 vehicle, e. g., due

to the selected options or country versions.

This also applies to safety-related functions

and systems. When using these functions and

systems, the applicable laws and regulations

must be observed.

formed.

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to

3,100 miles/5,000 km

The engine and road speed can gradually be

increased to a constant speed of

137 mph/220 km/h.

Use the maximum speed of 155 mph/250 km/h

only briefly, e.g., when passing.

Tires

Breaking-in period

Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐

ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;

they achieve their full traction potential after a

break-in time.

General information

Moving parts need to begin working together

smoothly.

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

The following instructions will help you to ach‐

ieve a long vehicle life and good efficiency.

During break-in, do not use the Launch Con‐

trol.

Brake system

Brake discs and brake pads of the M Com‐

pound brake only reach their full effectiveness

after approx. 300 miles/500 km. Drive moder‐

ately during this break-in period.

Safety information

WARNING

Due to new parts and components,

safety and driver assistance systems can react

with a delay. There is a risk of an accident. Af‐

ter installing new parts or with a new vehicle,

drive conservatively and intervene early if nec‐

essary. Observe the break-in procedures of

the respective parts and components.◀

Brake discs and brake pads of the M Carbon

Ceramic brake only reach their full effective‐

ness after approx. 600 miles/1,000 km. Drive

moderately 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.

Engine, transmission, and axle drive

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but

do not exceed 5,500 rpm and

106 mph/170 km/h.

Following part replacement

The same break-in procedures should be ob‐

served if any of the components above-men‐

tioned have to be renewed in the course of the

vehicle's operating life.

Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐

stances.

164

Things to remember when driving

Driving tips

rior use only mobile phones with direct con‐

nections to an exterior antenna in order to

exclude mutual interference and deflect the ra‐

diation from the vehicle's interior.◀

General driving notes

Closing the tailgate

WARNING

An open tailgate protrudes from the vehi‐

cle and can endanger occupants and other

traffic participants or damage the vehicle in the

event of an accident, braking or evasive ma‐

neuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter

the vehicle interior. There is a risk of injury or

risk of damage to property. Do not drive with

the tailgate open.◀

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.

If driving with the tailgate open cannot be

avoided:

Driving through water

▷

Close all windows and the glass sunroof.

Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.

Drive moderately.

NOTE

When driving too quickly through too

deep water, water can enter into the engine

compartment, the electrical system or the

transmission. There is a risk of property dam‐

age. When driving through water, do not ex‐

ceed the maximum indicated water level and

the maximum speed for driving through wa‐

ter.◀

Hot exhaust system

WARNING

During driving operation, high tempera‐

tures can occur underneath the vehicle body,

e.g., caused by the exhaust gas system. If

combustible materials, such as leaves or grass,

come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust

gas system, these materials can ignite. There

is a risk of injury or risk of property damage. Do

not remove the heat shields installed and never

apply undercoating to them. Make sure that no

combustible materials can come in contact

with hot vehicle parts in driving operation, idle

or during parking. Do not touch the hot ex‐

haust system.◀

When driving through water, observe the fol‐

lowing:

▷

Drive through calm water only.

Drive through water only if it is not deeper

than maximum 9.8 in/25 cm.

▷

Drive through water no faster than walking

speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.

Braking safely

The vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐

ard feature.

Mobile communication devices in the

vehicle

Perform an emergency stop in situations that

require such.

WARNING

Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid

any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐

fort.

Vehicle electronics and mobile phones

can influence one another. There is radiation

due to the transmission operations of mobile

phones. There is a risk of injury or risk of prop‐

erty damage. If possible, in the vehicle's inte‐

The pulsing of the brake pedal indicates that

ABS is in its active mode.

165

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

In certain braking situations, the perforated

brake discs can emit functional noises. How‐

ever, this has no effect on the performance and

operational reliability of the brake.

ing assistance, are restricted or not available at

all. There is a risk of an accident. Do not drive

in idle state or with the engine switched off.◀

Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the

gear that requires least braking effort. Other‐

wise, the brakes may overheat and reduce

brake efficiency.

Objects in the movement area around

pedals and floor area

WARNING

Manual transmission:

Objects in the driver's floor area can limit

the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.

There is a risk of an accident. Stow objects in

the vehicle such that they are secured and

cannot enter into the driver's floor area. Use

floor mats that are suitable for the vehicle and

can be safely attached to the floor. Do not use

loose floor mats and do not layer several floor

mats. Make sure that there is sufficient clear‐

ance for the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats

are securely fastened again after they were re‐

moved, e.g., for cleaning.◀

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 76.

Brake disc corrosion

Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐

tion on the brake pads are increased by the fol‐

lowing circumstances:

Driving in wet conditions

When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,

gently press the brake pedal every few miles.

▷

Low mileage.

Extended periods when the vehicle is not

used at all.

Ensure that this action does not endanger

other traffic.

▷

Infrequent use of the brakes.

Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning

agents.

The heat generated during braking dries brake

discs and brake pads and protects them

against corrosion.

Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause

a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐

sponse - generally this cannot be corrected.

In this way braking efficiency will be available

when you need it.

Condensation water under the parked

vehicle

Hills

WARNING

When using the automatic climate control,

condensation water develops and collects un‐

derneath the vehicle.

Light but consistent brake pressure can

lead to high temperatures, brakes wearing out

and possibly even brake failure. There is a risk

of an accident. Avoid placing excessive stress

on the brake system.◀

Ground clearance

NOTE

If ground clearance is insufficient, there

might be contact with the front or rear spoiler,

e.g., when driving over curbs or entering into

underground vehicle parking garages. There is

WARNING

In idle state or with the engine switched

off, safety-relevant functions, e.g., engine

braking effect, braking force boost and steer‐

166

Things to remember when driving

Driving tips

a risk of property damage. Ensure that there is

sufficient ground clearance available.◀

To drive down from curbs with the Adaptive M

suspension, refer to page 124, select the fol‐

lowing program to keep the ground clearance

as even as possible: "Sport Plus".

167

Driving tips

Loading

NOTE

Vehicle features and options

Fluids in the cargo area can cause dam‐

age. There is a risk of property damage. Make

sure that no fluids leak in the cargo area.◀

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 vehicle, e. g., due

to the selected options or country versions.

This also applies to safety-related functions

and systems. When using these functions and

systems, the applicable laws and regulations

must be observed.

Steps for Determining

Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo should

never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your

vehicle’s placard.

Safety information

2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in

your vehicle.

WARNING

High gross weight can overheat the tires,

damage them internally and cause a sudden

drop in tire inflation pressure. Driving charac‐

teristics may be negatively impacted, reducing

lane stability, lengthening the braking distan‐

ces and changing the steering response.

There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to

the permitted load capacity of the tires and

never exceed the permitted gross weight.◀

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver

and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load ca‐

pacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount

equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five

150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the

amount of available cargo and luggage load

capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400–750 (5 x 150) =

650 lbs.)

WARNING

Loose objects or devices with a cable

connection to the vehicle, e.g., mobile phones,

can be thrown into the vehicle's interior while

driving, e.g., in the event of an accident or dur‐

ing braking and evasive maneuvers. There is a

risk of injury. Secure loose objects or devices

with a cable connection to the vehicle in the

vehicle's interior.◀

5. Determine the combined weight of lug‐

gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi‐

cle. 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, load

from your trailer will be transferred to your

vehicle. Consult this manual to determine

how this reduces the available cargo and

luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

WARNING

Improperly stowed objects can shift and

be thrown into the vehicle's interior, e.g., in the

event of an accident or during braking and eva‐

sive maneuvers. Vehicle occupants can be hit

and injured. There is a risk of injury. Stow and

secure objects and cargo properly.◀

168

Loading

Driving tips

Load

Lashing eyes in the cargo

area

The maximum load is the sum of the weight of

the occupants and the cargo.

There are four lashing eyes in the cargo area

for securing cargo.

The greater the weight of the occupants, the

less cargo that can be transported.

Attach load securing aids, such as lashing

straps, retaining straps, draw straps or cargo

nets, to the lashing eyes in the cargo area.

Stowing and securing cargo

▷

Cover sharp edges and corners on the

cargo.

Floor net

To secure the cargo the floor net can also be

used.

▷

Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possi‐

ble, directly behind and at the bottom of

the rear passenger seat backrests.

▷

Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not

occupied, secure each of the outer safety

belts in the opposite buckle.

▷

If necessary, fold down the rear backrests

to stow cargo.

Do not stack cargo above the top edge of

the backrests.

Smaller and lighter cargo: secure with

ratchet straps, the floor net, or draw straps.

Hook the floor net into the fittings in the cargo

area floor.

Larger and heavy cargo: secure with cargo

straps.

Roof-mounted luggage rack

General information

Roof racks are available as special accessories.

169

Driving tips

Loading

▷

The roof load should not extend past the

loading area.

Safety information

WARNING

Always place the heaviest pieces on the

bottom.

When driving with roof load, e.g., with

roof-mounted luggage rack, driving safety may

not be ensured in driving-critical situations due

to the elevated center of gravity. There is a risk

of accidents or risk of property damage. Do not

deactivate Dynamic Stability Control DSC

when driving with roof load.◀

Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., using

ratchet straps.

Do not let objects project into the opening

path of the tailgate.

Drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceler‐

ation and braking maneuvers. Take corners

gently.

Securing

Follow the installation instructions of the roof

rack.

Roof drip rail with flaps

The anchorage points are located in the roof

drip rail above the doors.

Fold the cover outward.

Loading

Because roof-mounted luggage racks raise the

vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they

have a major effect on vehicle handling and

steering response.

Therefore, note the following when loading

and driving:

▷

Do not exceed the approved roof/axle

loads and the approved gross vehicle

weight.

Be sure that adequate clearance is main‐

tained for tilting and opening the glass

sunroof.

Distribute the roof load uniformly.

170

Saving fuel

Driving tips

Saving fuel

Vehicle features and options

Close the windows and glass

sunroof

Driving with the glass sunroof and windows

open results in increased air resistance and

thereby reduces the range.

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 vehicle, e. g., due

to the selected options or country versions.

This also applies to safety-related functions

and systems. When using these functions and

systems, the applicable laws and regulations

must be observed.

Tires

General information

Tires can affect fuel consumption in various

ways, e.g., tire size may influence fuel con‐

sumption.

General information

The vehicle contains advanced technologies

for the reduction of fuel consumption and

emission values.

Check the tire inflation pressure

regularly

Check and, if needed, correct the tire inflation

pressure at least twice a month and before

starting on a long trip.

Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐

ferent factors.

Carrying out certain measures, such as a mod‐

erate driving style and regular maintenance,

can influence fuel consumption and the envi‐

ronmental impact.

Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐

sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and

tire wear.

Drive away immediately

Remove unnecessary cargo

Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while

the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving

right away, but at moderate engine speeds.

Additional weight increases fuel consumption.

Remove attached parts

following use

This is the quickest way of warming the cold

engine up to operating temperature.

Remove roof-mounted luggage racks which

are no longer required following use.

Look well ahead when

driving

Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐

dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.

Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel

consumption.

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehi‐

cle driving ahead of you.

171

Driving tips

Saving fuel

Avoid high engine speeds

As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers

fuel consumption and reduces wear.

Switch off any functions that

are not currently needed

Functions such as seat heating and the rear

window defroster require a lot of energy and

reduce the range, especially in city and stop-

and-go traffic.

Use 1st gear to get the vehicle moving. Start‐

ing with the 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When

accelerating, shift up before reaching high en‐

gine speeds.

Switch off these functions if they are not

needed.

When you reach the desired speed, shift into

the highest applicable gear and drive with low

engine speed and at a constant speed.

Have maintenance carried

out

If necessary, observe the vehicle's gear shift

indicator, refer to page 89.

Have the vehicle maintained regularly to ach‐

ieve optimal vehicle efficiency and service life.

BMW recommends that maintenance work be

performed by a BMW dealer’s service center.

Use coasting

When approaching a red light, take your foot

off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to

a halt.

For information on the BMW Maintenance

System, refer to page 201.

For going downhill take your foot off the accel‐

erator and let the vehicle roll.

The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.

Switch off the engine during

longer stops

Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,

at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic

congestion.

Auto Start/Stop function

The Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle au‐

tomatically switches off the engine during a

stop.

If the engine is switched off and then restarted

rather than leaving the engine running con‐

stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are

reduced. Savings can begin within a few sec‐

onds of switching off the engine.

In addition, fuel consumption is also deter‐

mined by other factors, such as driving style,

road conditions, maintenance or environmental

factors.

172

Saving fuel

Driving tips

173

Driving tips for Your BMW M3 4 Door Fifth Generation (2014-2019)

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