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EnglishDriving tips -> Things to remember when driving for your BMW M3 2020-2025
Driving tips
BMW M3 technology
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
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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:
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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.
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Driving tips
Things to remember when driving
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.◀
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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.
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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‐
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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".
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