Get Driving tips Guide for BMW M3 4 Door Sixth Generation (2015-2025)

Driving tips

BMW M3 technology

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.

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.

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.

M carbon ceramic brake

The high-performance braking system has

perforated carbon-ceramic brake disks and is

designed for use on racetracks.

High-performance engine

The high-performance engine gets a maximum

power of 317 kW and maximum torque of

550 Nm from a displacement of 3 liters. With

its spontaneous response behavior, a speed

range of wide utility results. The maximum en‐

gine speed is 7,600 rpm and is electronically

controlled. Because of the high engine dynam‐

ics, the maximum engine speed with the vehi‐

cle stationary is reduced.

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 carwash or dew formation overnight e.g.,

may render the braking effect comparable to

that of a conventional braking 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,

e.g., if the car is immobile afterwards. The

cleaning effect of automatic carwashes or

wash tunnels is usually not adequate for this in

the area around the wheels.

For more information about the warm-up pro‐

cedure: Engine speed, refer to page 80, and

engine oil temperature, refer to page 80.

Compound brake

The high-performance braking system has

perforated compound brake discs.

To do this, also follow the instructions in

Washing the vehicle, refer to page 204, and

Braking safely, refer to page 157.

154

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

BMW M3 technology

Driving tips

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

Requirements

Before driving on a racetrack:

▷

Participation in BMW Driver Experience

Training.

Check engine oil fill level and replenish as

necessary.

Have vehicle checked at a service center.

Hints

Racetrack operation leads to increased wear.

The vehicle is not designed for motorsports

competitive use. This wear is not covered by

the warranty.

The standard brake linings and the wear indi‐

cators are not designed for racetrack opera‐

tion. For more information and advice, contact

your service center.

155

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

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

only briefly, e.g., when passing.

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.

Tires

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.

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

Brake system

M Compound brakes require an initial break-in

period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve

optimal performance between brake discs and

brake pads. Drive moderately during this

break-in period.

Breaking-in period

General information

Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐

other (break-in time).

M carbon ceramic brakes require an initial

break-in period of approx. 600 miles/1,000 km

to achieve optimal performance between brake

discs and brake pads. Drive moderately during

this break-in period.

The following instructions will help accomplish

a long vehicle life and good efficiency.

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

trol, refer to page 73.

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.

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.

Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐

stances.

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.

At 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Have drive-in checkup maintenance per‐

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.

156

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Things to remember when driving

Driving tips

ance that the radiation generated during trans‐

mission will be conducted away from the vehi‐

cle interior.◀

General driving notes

Closing the trunk lid

Drive with the trunk lid closed

Hydroplaning

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.◀

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.

If driving with the tailgate open cannot be

avoided:

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.

▷

Close all windows and the glass sunroof.

Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.

Drive moderately.

Driving through water

Hot exhaust system

Observe water level and speed

Hot exhaust system

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.◀

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.

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.

Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,

there is a danger of getting burned.◀

Applying the brakes fully is the most effective

way of braking in situations needed.

Mobile communication devices in the

vehicle

Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid

any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐

fort.

Mobile communication devices in the ve‐

hicle

The pulsing of the brake pedal indicates that

ABS is in its active mode.

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‐

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.

157

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

wise the brakes may overheat and reduce

brake efficiency.

Objects within the range of movement

of the pedals

Manual transmission:

No objects in the area around the pedals

You can increase the engine's braking effect

by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,

if needed.

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.

M double-clutch transmission:

Do not place additional floor mats over existing

mats or other objects.

You can increase the engine's braking effect

by shifting down in sequential mode, refer to

page 71.

Only use floor mats that have been approved

for the vehicle and can be properly attached to

floor.

Brake disc corrosion

Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the

brake pads are favored by:

Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐

tened again after they were removed for clean‐

ing, e.g.◀

▷

Low mileage.

Extended periods when the vehicle is not

used at all.

Driving in wet conditions

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

press brake pedal ever so gently every few

miles.

▷

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.

Ensure that this action does not endanger

other traffic.

The heat generated in this process helps dry

the brake discs and pads.

Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause

a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐

sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.

In this way braking efficiency will be available

when you need it.

Condensation under the parked

vehicle

Hills

When using the automatic climate control,

condensation water develops collecting under‐

neath the vehicle.

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.◀

These traces of water under the vehicle are

normal.

Ground clearance

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.◀

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.◀

Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the

gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐

158

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Things to remember when driving

Driving tips

To drive down from curbs with the Adaptive M

suspension, refer to page 117, select the fol‐

lowing program to keep the ground clearance

as even as possible: "Sport Plus".

159

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Driving tips

Loading

vehicle and unstable driving situations

may result.

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.

2. Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in

your vehicle.

Hints

Overloading the vehicle

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver

and passengers from XXX kilograms or

YYY pounds.

To avoid exceeding the approved ca‐

pacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.

Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐

creases the rate at which damage develops in‐

side the tires. This could result in a sudden

loss of tire inflation pressure.◀

4. The resulting figure equals the available

amount of cargo and luggage load ca‐

pacity.

For example, if the YYY amount equals

1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs

passengers in your vehicle, the amount of

available cargo and luggage load capacity

is 400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs =

400 lbs.

No fluids in the cargo area

Make sure that fluids do not leak into the

cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐

aged.◀

Heavy and hard objects

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.

Do not stow any heavy and hard objects

in the car's interior without securing them; oth‐

erwise, they may present a danger to occu‐

pants, e.g., during braking and evasive maneu‐

vers.◀

Determining the load limit

1. Locate the following statement on your ve‐

hicle’s placard:

▷

The combined weight of occupants

and cargo should never exceed XXX kg

or YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the

160

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Loading

Driving tips

Load

Securing cargo

Lashing eyes in the trunk

The maximum load is the sum of the weight of

the occupants and the cargo.

To secure the cargo there are four lashing

eyes in the cargo area.

The greater the weight of the occupants, the

less cargo that can be transported.

Floor net

The floor net can also be used to secure cargo

and store small parts.

Stowing cargo

▷

Cover sharp edges and corners on the

cargo.

▷

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.

Hook the floor net into the fittings in the trunk

floor.

Do not stack cargo above the top edge of

the backrests.

Securing cargo

Stow and secure the cargo as described;

otherwise it may present a danger to the occu‐

pants, e.g., during braking and evasive maneu‐

vers.◀

▷

Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐

taining straps or draw straps.

▷

Larger and heavy objects: secure with

cargo straps.

Attach the cargo straps, retaining straps or

draw straps to the lashing eyes in the trunk.

161

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Driving tips

Loading

▷

Do not let objects project into the opening

path of the trunk lid.

Roof-mounted luggage rack

Note

Drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceler‐

ation and braking maneuvers. Take corners

gently.

Roof racks are available as special accessories.

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

Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained

for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center

of gravity when loaded, they have a major ef‐

fect on vehicle handling and steering re‐

sponse.

Therefore, note the following when loading

and driving:

▷

Do not exceed the approved roof/axle

loads and the approved gross vehicle

weight.

▷

Distribute the roof load uniformly.

The roof load should not extend past the

loading area.

▷

Always place the heaviest pieces on the

bottom.

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

with ratchet straps.

162

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

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 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.

Tires

General information

Tires can affect fuel consumption in various

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

sumption.

General information

Your vehicle contains advanced technology for

the reduction of fuel consumption and emis‐

sions.

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 auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear 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.

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehi‐

cle driving ahead of you.

Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel

consumption.

163

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Driving tips

Saving fuel

road conditions, maintenance or environmental

factors.

Avoid high engine speeds

As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers

fuel consumption and reduces wear.

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 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.

When you reach the desired speed, shift into

the highest applicable gear and drive with the

engine speed as low as possible and at a con‐

stant speed.

Reel off these functions if they are not needed.

If necessary, observe the gear shift indicator of

the vehicle, refer to page 84.

Have maintenance carried

out

Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve

optimal vehicle efficiency and operating life.

The maintenance should be carried out by

your service center.

Use coasting

When approaching a red light, take your foot

off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to

a halt.

Also note the BMW Maintenance System, refer

to page 188.

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 your vehicle

automatically 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,

164

Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Driving tips for Your BMW M3 4 Door Sixth Generation (2015-2025)

Related Topics