Get Controls -> Driving comfort Guide for BMW M3 4 Door Sixth Generation (2015-2025)

Controls

Driving comfort

Overview

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 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.

Buttons on the steering wheel

Press button Function

System on/off, interrupt

Store speed

Resume speed

rocker switch: change, hold,

store speed

Cruise control

The concept

The system maintains a preset speed via the

buttons on the steering wheel. The system

brakes on downhill gradients if engine braking

is insufficient.

Controls

Switching on

Press button on the steering wheel.

General information

The marking in the speedometer is set to the

current speed.

Depending on the driving settings, the features

of the cruise control can change in certain

areas.

Cruise control can be used.

Switch off

Hints

Deactivated or interrupted system

Unfavorable conditions

With deactivated or interrupted system

use your brakes, steering and moves as usual

to avoid the chance of an accident.◀

Do not use the system if unfavorable

conditions make it impossible to drive at a con‐

stant speed, e.g.:

▷

On winding roads.

In heavy traffic.

Press button.

▷

If active: press twice.

On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or

on a loose road surface.

If interrupted: press once.

Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi‐

cle and cause an accident.◀

The displays go out. The stored desired speed

is deleted.

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This is displayed, refer to page 121, in the

speedometer and briefly in the instrument

cluster.

Interrupting

When active, press the button.

When cruise control is maintained or stored,

DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be turned

on if needed.

The system is automatically interrupted if:

▷

The brakes are applied.

The clutch pedal is depressed for a few

seconds or released while a gear is not en‐

gaged.

Changing the speed

Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly

until the desired speed is set.

▷

The gear engaged is too high for the cur‐

rent speed.

If active, the displayed speed is stored and the

vehicle reaches the stored speed when the

road is clear.

▷

MDM is activated or DSC is deactivated.

DSC is actively controlling stability.

▷

Each time the rocker switch is pressed to

the point of resistance, the desired speed

increases or decreases by approx.

1 mph/1 km/h.

Maintaining, storing, and changing the

speed

Hints

▷

Each time the rocker switch is pressed

past the point of resistance, the desired

speed increases or decreases by a maxi‐

mum of 5 mph/10 km/h.

Adjusting the desired speed

Modify desired speed to road conditions

and be ready to brake at all times; otherwise,

there is the risk of an accident.◀

The maximum speed that can be set de‐

pends on the vehicle.

▷

Pressing the rocker switch to the resist‐

ance point and holding it accelerates or de‐

celerates the vehicle without requiring

pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Maintaining/storing the speed

Press button.

Or:

After the rocker switch is released, the ve‐

hicle maintains its final speed. Pressing the

switch beyond the resistance point causes

the vehicle to accelerate more rapidly.

Resuming the desired speed

Press button.

The stored speed is reached and maintained.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Indicator lamp

Press the rocker switch while the system is in‐

terrupted.

When the system is switched on, the current

speed is maintained and stored as the desired

speed.

Depending on how the vehicle is equip‐

ped, the indicator lamp in the instru‐

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Driving comfort

ment cluster indicates whether the system is

switched on.

An acoustic warning is first given:

▷

By the front sensors and the two rear cor‐

ner sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.

Desired speed

▷

By the rear middle sensors at approx.

5 ft/1.50 m.

▷

The marking lights up green:

the system is active.

To ensure full functionality:

▷

Do not cover sensors, e.g., with stickers,

bicycle racks.

▷

The marking lights up or‐

ange: the system has been

interrupted.

▷

Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.

▷

The marking does not light up: the system

is switched off.

When using high-pressure washers, do not

spray the sensors for long periods and

maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

Brief status display

Hints

Selected desired speed.

Personal responsibility

Even an active system does not relieve

the driver from personal responsibility while

driving.

If --- appears briefly on the display for Check

Control messages, it is possible that the sys‐

tem requirements are currently not ready for

operations.

Technically the system has its limits, it cannot

independently react to all traffic situations.

Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe

the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and

react when needed - risk of accident.◀

Displays in the Head-up Display

Some system information can also be dis‐

played in the Head-up Display.

Avoid driving fast with PDC

Avoid approaching an object too fast.

PDC Park Distance Control

Avoid driving off fast while PDC is not yet ac‐

tive.

The concept

For technical reasons, the system may other‐

wise be too late in issuing a warning.◀

PDC is a support when parking. When you

slowly approach an object in the rear - or also

in the front of the vehicle if the feature is availa‐

ble - then the object is reported through:

▷

Signal tones.

Visual display.

General information

Ultrasound sensors in the bumpers measure

the distances from objects.

The maneuvering range, depending on the ob‐

stacle and environmental conditions, is approx.

6 ft/2 m.

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The shorter the distance to the object, the

shorter the intervals.

Overview

With front PDC: button in vehicle

If the distance to a detected object is less than

approx. 10 in/25 cm, a continuous tone is

sounded.

With front PDC: if objects are located both in

front of and behind the vehicle, an alternating

continuous signal is sounded.

Volume

The volume of the PDC signal tone can be ad‐

justed similar to the sound and volume set‐

tings of the radio.

PDC Park Distance Control

Settings are stored for the profile currently in

use.

Switching on/off

Visual warning

Switching on automatically

With the engine running, engage lever in posi‐

tion P R.

The approach of the vehicle to an object can

be shown on the Control Display. Objects that

are farther away are already displayed on the

Control Display before a signal sounds.

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

A display appears as soon as Park Distance

Control (PDC) is activated.

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

The range of the sensors is represented in the

colors green, yellow and red.

Switch the system back on if needed.

When the image of the rearview camera is dis‐

played, the reel can be made to PDC:

With front PDC: switching on/off

manually

"Rear view camera"

Press button.

System limits

▷

On: the LED lights up.

Off: the LED goes out.

Limits of ultrasonic measurement

Ultrasonic measuring might not function under

the following circumstances:

Display

▷

For small children and animals.

For persons with certain clothing, e.g.

coats.

Signal tones

When approaching an object, an intermittent

sound indicates the position of the object. E. g.

if an object is detected to the left rear of the

vehicle, a signal tone sounds from the left rear

speaker.

▷

With external interference of the ultra‐

sound, e.g. from passing vehicles or loud

machines.

When sensors are dirty, iced over, dam‐

aged or out of position.

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Driving comfort

▷

Under certain weather conditions such as

high relative humidity, rain, snowfall, ex‐

treme heat or strong wind.

ger present, the system is again fully func‐

tional.

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

With tow bars and trailer couplings of other

vehicles.

▷

With thin or wedge-shaped objects.

With moving objects.

The range of the sensors is shown as a shaded

area on the Control Display.

PDC has failed. Have the system checked.

To ensure full functionality:

With elevated, protruding objects such as

ledges or cargo.

▷

With objects with corners and sharp edges.

▷

Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.

With objects with a fine surface structure

such as fences.

dimmedDo not put any stickers on sen‐

sors.

▷

For objects with porous surfaces.

▷

When using high-pressure washers, do not

spray the sensors for long periods and

maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can

move into the blind area of the sensors before

or after a continuous tone sounds.

Surround View

False warnings

PDC may issue a warning under the following

conditions even though there is no obstacle

within the detection range:

The concept

Surround View comprises various camera as‐

sistance systems that help the driver when

parking, maneuvering, and at complex exits

and intersections.

▷

In heavy rain.

When sensors are very dirty or covered

with ice.

▷

Rearview camera, refer to page 124

Side View, refer to page 127.

Top View, refer to page 128.

▷

When sensors are covered in snow.

On rough road surfaces.

On uneven surfaces, such as speed

bumps.

▷

In large buildings with right angles and

smooth walls, e.g., in underground ga‐

rages.

Rearview camera

The concept

▷

In automatic car washes.

Through heavy pollution.

The rearview camera provides assistance in

parking and maneuvering backwards. The area

behind the vehicle is shown on the Control

Display.

Due to other ultrasound sources, e.g.,

sweeping machines, high pressure steam

cleaners or neon lights.

The malfunction is signaled by a continu‐

ous tone alternating between the front and

rear speakers. As soon as the malfunction

due to other ultrasound sources is no lon‐

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The rearview camera image is displayed if the

system was switched on via the iDrive.

Hints

Check the traffic situation as well

Check the traffic situation around the ve‐

hicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an acci‐

dent could result from road users or objects

that are not lidtured by the camera.◀

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

Switch the system back on if needed.

At a glance

Switching on/off manually

Button in the vehicle

Press button.

▷

On: the LED lights up.

Off: the LED goes out.

The PDC is shown on the Control Display.

Switching the view via iDrive

With PDC activated or Top View switched on:

"Rear view camera"

Rearview camera

The rearview camera image is displayed.

Display on the Control Display

Functional requirement

Camera

▷

The rearview camera is switched on.

The trunk lid is fully closed.

Activating assistance functions

More than one assistance function can be ac‐

tive at the same time.

▷

Parking aid lines

The camera lens is located in the handle of the

tail gate. The image quality may be impaired by

dirt.

"Parking aid lines"

Lanes and turning radius are indicated.

Obstacle marking

▷

Clean the camera lens, refer to page 207.

"Obstacle marking"

Spatially-shaped markings are displayed.

Switching on/off

Switching on automatically

With the engine running, engage lever in posi‐

tion P R.

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Driving comfort

Pathway lines

Obstacle marking

Obstacle markings can be faded into the image

of the rearview camera.

▷

Pathway lines can be superimposed on the

image of the rearview camera.

Their colored margins match the markings of

the PDC. This simplifies estimation of the dis‐

tance to the object shown.

They help you to estimate how much

space is needed when parking and maneu‐

vering on level pavement.

▷

They are dependent on the current steer‐

ing angle and are continuously adjusted to

the steering wheel movements.

Parking using pathway and turning

radius lines

1. Position the vehicle so that the turning ra‐

dius lines lead to within the limits of the

parking space.

Turning circle lines

▷

Turning circle lines can only be superim‐

posed on the rearview camera image to‐

gether with pathway lines.

2. Turn the steering wheel to the point where

the pathway line covers the corresponding

turning radius line.

▷

They show the course of the smallest pos‐

sible turning radius on a level road.

Only one turning radius line is displayed af‐

ter the steering wheel is turned past a cer‐

tain angle.

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Display settings

Hints

The images from both cameras are shown si‐

multaneously on the Control Display.

Brightness

With the rearview camera switched on:

Check the traffic situation as well

1.

Select the symbol.

Check the traffic situation around the ve‐

hicle on blind driveways and intersections with

your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident could

result from road users or objects located out‐

side the picture area of the Side View cam‐

eras.◀

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast

With the rearview camera switched on:

1.

Select the symbol.

At a glance

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Button in the vehicle

System limits

Detection of objects

Very low obstacles as well as high, protruding

objects such as ledges may not be detected by

the system.

Assistance functions also take into account

data of the PDC.

Follow instructions in the PDC chapter, refer to

page 122.

Side View

The objects displayed on the Control Display

under certain circumstances are closer than

they appear. Do not estimate the distance from

the objects on the display.

Cameras

Side View

The concept

Side View provides an early look at cross traffic

at blind driveways and intersections. Road

users concealed by obstacles to the left and

right of the vehicle can only be detected rela‐

tively late from the driver's seat. To improve

visibility, two cameras in the front of the vehi‐

cle record the traffic situation on each side.

Two cameras integrated in the bumpers cap‐

ture the image.

The two camera lenses are located on the

sides of the bumper.

The image quality may be impaired by dirt.

Clean the camera lenses, refer to page 207.

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Switching on/off

System limits

The cameras lidture a maximum range of

330 ft/100 m.

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

Top View

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The concept

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

Top View provides assistance in parking and

maneuvering. The area around the doors and

the road area around the vehicle are shown on

the Control Display for this purpose.

Switch the system back on if needed.

Display

General information

The traffic area to the left and right is displayed

on the Control Display.

The image is lidtured by two cameras

integrated in the exterior mirrors and by the

rearview camera.

The range is at least 7 ft/2 m to the side and

rear.

In this way, obstacles up to the height of the

exterior mirrors are detected early.

Hints

Check the traffic situation as well

Guidelines at the bottom of the image show

the position of the front of the vehicle.

Check the traffic situation around the ve‐

hicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an acci‐

dent could result from road users or objects

that are not lidtured by the camera.◀

Brightness

With the Side View switched on:

Overview

1.

"Brightness"

Button in the vehicle

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast

With the Side View switched on:

1.

"Contrast"

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Top View

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When the distance to an object is small, a red

bar is shown in front of the vehicle, as it is in

the PDC display.

Cameras

The lenses of the Top View camera are located

at the bottom in the mirror housings. The im‐

age quality may be impaired by dirt.

The display appears as soon as Top View is

activated.

Clean the camera lenses, refer to page 207.

When the image of the rearview camera is dis‐

played, it is possible to reel to top view:

Switching on/off

"Rear view camera"

Switching on automatically

With the engine running, engage lever in posi‐

tion P R.

Brightness

With Top View switched on:

The Top View and PDC images are displayed if

the system is switched on via iDrive.

1.

Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Automatic deactivation during forward

travel

The system switches off when a certain driving

distance or speed is exceeded.

Contrast

With Top View switched on:

Switch the system back on if needed.

1.

Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting

is reached, and press the controller.

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

Displaying the turning radius and

pathway lines

▷

On: the LED lights up.

Off: the LED goes out.

▷

The static, red turning radius line shows

the space needed to the side of the vehicle

when the steering wheel is turned all the

way.

Top View is displayed.

Display

The variable, green pathway line assists

you in assessing the amount of space ac‐

tually needed to the side of the vehicle.

Visual warning

The approach of the vehicle to an object can

be shown on the Control Display.

The lane line depends on the engaged

gear and the current steering angle. The

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track line is continuously adjusted for the

steering wheel movement.

Hints

Personal responsibility

"Parking aid lines"

Even an active system does not relieve

the driver from personal responsibility while

driving.

Turning circle and pathway lines are displayed.

System limits

Top View cannot be used in the following sit‐

uations:

Technically the system has its limits, it cannot

independently react to all traffic situations.

Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe

the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and

react when needed - risk of accident.◀

▷

With a door open.

With the trunk lid open.

With an exterior mirror folded in.

In poor light.

Changes to the parking space

Changes to the parking space after it was

measured are not taken into account by the

system.

A Check Control message is displayed in some

of these situations.

Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐

vene; otherwise, there is the risk of an acci‐

dent.◀

Parking assistant

Transporting cargo

The concept

Cargo that extends beyond the perimeter

of the vehicle is not taken into account by the

system during the parking procedure.

Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐

vene; otherwise, there is the risk of an acci‐

dent.◀

Curbs

The parking assistant may steer the vehi‐

cle over or onto curb if need be.

This system assists the driver in parking paral‐

lel to the road.

Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐

vene; otherwise, the wheels, tires, or the vehi‐

cle may become damaged.◀

Ultrasound sensors measure parking spaces

on both sides of the vehicle.

An engine that has been switched off by the

Auto Start Stop function is restarted automati‐

cally when the parking assistant is activated.

The parking assistant calculates the best pos‐

sible parking line and takes control of steering

during the parking procedure.

When parking, also take note of the visual and

acoustic information and instructions issued

by the PDC, the parking assistant and the rear‐

view camera and react accordingly.

Requirements

For measuring parking spaces

▷

Maximum speed while driving forward ap‐

prox. 22 mph/35 km/h.

A component of the parking assistant is the

PDC Park Distance Control, refer to page 122.

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▷

Maximum distance to row of parked vehi‐

cles: 5 ft/1.5 m.

Ultrasound sensors

Suitable parking space

▷

Gap between two objects with a minimum

length of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.

▷

Min. length of gap between two objects:

your vehicle's length plus approx.

4 ft/1.2 m.

▷

Minimum depth: approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.

The ultrasound sensors for measuring parking

spaces are located on the side of the vehicle.

Regarding the parking procedure

▷

Doors and trunk lid closed.

Parking brake released.

To ensure full functionality:

▷

Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.

When parking in parking spaces on the

driver's side, the corresponding turn signal

must be set where applicable.

When using high-pressure washers, do not

spray the sensors for long periods and

maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

▷

Do not put stickers over sensors.

Overview

Switching on/off

Button in the vehicle

Switching on with the button

Press button.

The LED lights up.

The current status of the parking space search

is indicated on the Control Display.

Parking assistant is activated automatically.

Switching on with the reverse gear

Shift into reverse.

Parking assistant

The current status of the parking space search

is indicated on the Control Display.

To activate:

"Parking Assistant"

Switch off

The system can be deactivated as follows:

▷

Press button.

▷

Switch off the ignition.

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Display on the Control Display

System activated/deactivated

Parking using the parking assistant

Check the traffic situation as well

Louds noises outside and inside the ve‐

hicle can drown out the parking assistant's and

PDC's signals.

Symbol Meaning

Gray: the system is not available.

Check the traffic situation around the vehicle

with your own eyes; otherwise, there is a dan‐

ger of an accident.◀

White: the system is available but

not activated.

The system is activated.

1. Switch on the parking assistant and acti‐

vate it if needed.

The status of the parking space search is

indicated on the Control Display.

System status

2. Follow the instructions on the Control Dis‐

play.

The best possible parking position will

come after gear change on the stationary

vehicle - wait for the automatic steering

wheel move.

The end of the parking procedure is indi‐

cated on the Control Display.

▷

Colored symbols, see arrows, on the side

of the vehicle illustrated. Parking assistant

is activated and search for parking space

active.

3. Adjust the parking position yourself if

needed.

Interrupting manually

The parking assistant can be interrupted at any

time:

Control Display shows suitable parking

spaces at the edge of the road next to the

vehicle symbol. When the parking assistant

is active, suitable parking spaces are high‐

lighted.

▷

"Parking Assistant" Select the symbol

on the Control Display.

▷

Press button.

▷

The parking procedure is ac‐

tive. Steering control has

been taken over by system.

Interrupting automatically

The system is interrupted automatically in the

following situations:

Parking space search is always active

whenever the vehicle is moving forward

slow and straight, even if the system is de‐

activated. When the system is deactivated,

the displays on the Control Display are

shown in gray.

▷

If the driver grasps the steering wheel or if

he takes over steering.

If a gear is selected that does not match

the instruction on the Control Display.

If the vehicle speed exceeds approx.

6 mph/10 km/h.

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▷

Possible on snow-covered or slippery road

surfaces.

▷

On bumpy road surfaces such as gravel

roads.

When there are obstacles that are hard to

overcome, such as curbs.

▷

On slippery ground.

On steep uphill or downhill grades.

When there are obstacles that suddenly

arise.

With accumulations of leaves/snow in the

parking space.

If the Park Distance Control PDC displays

clearances that are too small.

Limits of ultrasonic measurement

Ultrasonic measuring might not function under

the following circumstances:

If a maximum number of parking attempts

or the time taken for parking is exceeded.

If a turn signal has been actuated contrary

to the desired side for parking.

▷

For small children and animals.

For persons with certain clothing, e.g.

coats.

When switching to another function on the

Control Display.

▷

With external interference of the ultra‐

sound, e.g. from passing vehicles or loud

machines.

A Check Control message is displayed.

Flashing display on the selector lever

of the double clutch transmission

The actually engaged transmission position

can deviate from the selector lever position in

some situations after function interruption.

The display in the selector lever flashes.

▷

When sensors are dirty, iced over, dam‐

aged or out of position.

Under certain weather conditions such as

high relative humidity, rain, snowfall, ex‐

treme heat or strong wind.

▷

With tow bars and trailer couplings of other

vehicles.

Observe the display in the instrument cluster,

refer to page 72, in these cases.

▷

With thin or wedge-shaped objects.

With moving objects.

Resume

With elevated, protruding objects such as

ledges or cargo.

An interrupted parking procedure can be con‐

tinued if needed.

▷

With objects with corners and sharp edges.

Follow the instructions on the Control Display

to do this.

With objects with a fine surface structure

such as fences.

System limits

▷

For objects with porous surfaces.

Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can

move into the blind area of the sensors before

or after a continuous tone sounds.

No parking assistance

The parking assistant does not offer assis‐

tance in the following situations:

The parking assistant may identify parking

spaces that are not suitable for parking.

▷

In tight curves.

Functional limitations

The system may not be fully functional in the

following situations:

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

The parking assistant failed. Have the system

checked.

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Controls -> Driving comfort for Your BMW M3 4 Door Sixth Generation (2015-2025)

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