2008 BMW M3 Owner's Manual - Page 52
2008 BMW M3 Manual
Page 52 highlights
Driving > Β: middle position > N: neutral > +: shift up manually > -: shift down manually > D/S: change between drive mode and sequential mode The selector lever locks in position R. In other transmission positions, it stays in the middle position; the gear positions are engaged by pressing lightly in the desired direction. The gear position currently engaged is indicated by LEDs in the selector lever. Shift from sequential mode to drive mode: Press the selector lever to the right in the D/S direction. Shift back to sequential mode: shift using the shift paddles or the selector lever, or press the selector level to the right in the D/S direction again. On a level road, you can drive off in second gear, e.g. on slippery roads. The M dual clutch transmission assists you in the following situations: > Upshifts and downshifts are executed only when they will result in a plausible combination of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, a downshift that would cause the engine to overrev will not be executed by the system. > When the vehicle stops, the transmission automatically shifts down to first gear. > Shortly before the vehicle slows down to below the minimum speed of the gear currently engaged, the transmission automatically shifts down without requiring your intervention. Rapid downshifting: in sequential mode, you can skip several gears to achieve optimal acceleration. To do so, press the accelerator past the resistance point and pull the left shift paddle once or press the selector lever forward once. Shiftlock When the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal before shifting out of N, otherwise the desired gear will not be engaged. R Reverse Select this only when the vehicle is stationary. N Neutral If the driving situation demands, e.g. when downshifting on a slippery road, the M dual clutch transmission automatically disengages and engages the clutch, i.e. it is not necessary to manually engage the neutral position. N engages when you open the driver's door while the engine is running, your safety belt is not fastened and you activate neither the brake pedal nor the accelerator. To drive off after closing the driver's door and fastening your safety belt, move the selector lever to position N first and then to the desired drive position.< N remains engaged even after the engine is switched off if you leave the remote control in the ignition lock. Use this function in an automatic car wash, for example, refer to page 48.< D drive mode In drive mode, all forward gears are shifted automatically. Shift from drive mode to sequential mode: shift using the shift paddles or the selector lever, or press the selector level to the right in the D/S direction. Shift back to drive mode: press the selector lever to the right in the D/S direction again. Kick-down: to accelerate rapidly, e.g. when passing, press the accelerator down past the resistance point. This provides maximum acceleration. S sequential mode Shift up or down using the shift paddles or the selector lever. You do not need to lift your foot off the accelerator when doing so. 50 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 014 960 - © 02/08 BMW AG