2026 BMW M3 Owner's Manual

2026 BMW M3 owners manual
Year:
2026
Make:
BMW
Model:
M3

Online manual

Size:
4.01 MB

Table of Contents

- Notes
6
Information
6
Using this Owner's Manual
6
Media at a glance
6
Additional sources of information
7
Icons and displays
7
Vehicle features and options
8
Status of the Owner's Manual
8
For your own safety
9
Data memory
11
Event Data Recorder
13
Vehicle identification number
13
Getting in
16
Opening and closing
16
Displays, operating elements
17
Set-up and use
20
Seats, mirrors and steering wheel
20
Infotainment
21
On the road
23
Driving
23
Light and view
24
Climate control
26
Intermediate stop
28
Dashboard
30
Vehicle features and options
30
In the vicinity of the steering wheel
30
In the vicinity of the center console
32
In the vicinity of the headliner
34
Sensors of the vehicle
35
Vehicle features and options
35
Overview
35
Cameras
35
Radar sensors
36
Ultrasonic sensors
38
Operating state of the vehicle
40
Vehicle features and options
40
General information
40
Idle state
40
Standby state
41
Drive-ready state
41
BMW iDrive
44
Vehicle features and options
44
Display and operating concept
44
BMW Curved Display
47
Control display
48
Controller
49
Operating via the Controller
49
Operation via touchpad
51
Operation via control display
51
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
53
Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle
57
BMW Remote Software Upgrade
59
Vehicle features and options
59
BMW Remote Software Upgrade
59
Personal settings
63
Vehicle features and options
63
Data protection
63
Reset vehicle data
63
BMW ID/driver profiles
64
Opening and closing
69
Vehicle features and options
69
Vehicle key
69
BMW Digital Key
73
Key Card
76
Access to vehicle interior
77
Access to the cargo area
81
Buttons for the central locking system
83
Valet parking mode
84
Settings
84
Alarm system
86
Window
88
Safety switch
90
Glass sunroof
90
Seats, mirrors and steering wheel
94
Vehicle features and options
94
Sitting safely
94
Seats
94
Seat belts
97
Front head restraints
99
Rear head restraints
101
Exterior mirrors
102
Interior mirror, automatic dimming feature
103
Steering wheel
104
Memory function
104
Transporting children safely
106
Vehicle features and options
106
The right place for children
106
Installing child restraint systems
107
Lower anchors for child restraint systems
109
Child restraint systems with tether strap
110
Locking the doors and windows in the rear
111
Driving
112
Vehicle features and options
112
Start/Stop button
112
Auto Start/Stop function
112
Manual transmission
115
M Steptronic Sport transmission
116
Launch Control
122
Drive-off assistant
123
Parking brake
123
M Steptronic Sport transmission: Automatic Hold
125
Drive system
127
Sound control
128
Displays
129
Vehicle features and options
129
Instrument cluster
129
Live Vehicle
130
BMW Head-up display
131
Check Control
133
Indicator lights and warning lights
133
Digital tachometer
140
Selection lists
140
Gear shift indicator
141
Tachometer
141
Standby state and drive-ready state
141
Engine oil temperature
142
Outside temperature
142
Shift lights
142
Central display range
143
Trip data
144
Assisted View
145
G-Meter
146
Date and time
147
Fuel gauge
147
Range
147
Setting the units of measurement
148
Vehicle status
148
Current driving condition
148
Sport displays
149
Service
149
Light and view
151
Vehicle features and options
151
Turn signal
151
High-beam headlights, headlight flasher
151
High Beam Assistant
151
Exterior lighting
153
Driving lights automatic
154
Parking lights, low-beam headlights and roadside parking lights
154
Welcome lights
155
Pathway lighting
156
Daytime driving lights
156
Adaptive lighting functions
156
Cornering light
156
Adaptive headlight range control
157
Instrument lighting
157
Interior lighting
157
Ambient light
157
Window wiper system
158
Safety
162
Vehicle features and options
162
Airbags
162
Automatic deactivation of front passenger airbag
164
Collision warning systems
165
Forward Collision Mitigation with brake intervention
167
Forward Collision Warning with braking function
170
Pedestrian Warning with city braking function
171
Intersection Warning with city braking function
173
Evasion Assistant
174
Lane Departure Warning
176
Active Blind Spot Detection
179
Side Collision Protection
182
Rear-End Collision Preparation
184
Emergency Stop Assistant
185
Cross Traffic Warning
187
BMW Drive Recorder
189
Active Protection
191
PostCrash iBrake
192
Fatigue Alert
192
Driver Attention Camera
193
Driving stability control systems
195
Vehicle features and options
195
Antilock Braking System
195
Brake assistant
195
M Setup
195
M MODE
197
Servotronic
199
Brake
200
Dynamic Stability Control
200
M Dynamic Mode
202
M xDrive
203
M Traction Control
204
M Drift Analyzer
205
Active M differential
207
Driver assistance systems
208
Vehicle features and options
208
Speed warning
208
Speed Limit Info
208
Manual Speed Limiter
210
Cruise Control without Distance Control
212
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control
215
Speed Limit Assistant
222
Steering Assistant
225
Assisted Driving Mode Plus
228
Lane Change Assistant
230
Parking
232
Vehicle features and options
232
Parking assistance systems
232
Rear View Camera
237
Automatic camera perspective
237
Side view
238
3D view
239
Car wash view
239
Panorama View
239
Door opening angle
241
Remote 3D View
241
Park Distance Control
242
Active Park Distance Control
245
Automatic Parking Assistant
246
Back Up Assistant
249
Driving comfort
252
Vehicle features and options
252
Adaptive M chassis
252
Climate control
253
Vehicle features and options
253
Climate control
253
Automatic program
255
Temperature
256
Air flow
257
Air distribution settings
258
Air conditioning
258
Maximum cooling
258
Air recirculation mode
259
SYNC program
259
Defrost function
260
Rear window defroster
260
Seat heating
260
Active seat ventilation
261
Steering wheel heating
261
Ventilation
262
Air quality
263
Pre-ventilation
263
Pre-conditioning through Remote Engine Start
264
Interior equipment
267
Vehicle features and options
267
Integrated universal remote control
267
Sun visor
269
Sockets
269
USB port
270
Wireless charging tray
272
Storage compartments
275
Vehicle features and options
275
Safety information
275
Glove compartment
275
Fold-out compartment
276
Storage tray in center console
276
Front center armrest
276
Front cup holder
276
Coat hooks
277
Cargo area
278
Vehicle features and options
278
Loading
278
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
279
Multifunction hook
279
Net
280
Storage compartment on the right side
280
Storage compartment on the left side
280
BMW M3 technology
282
Vehicle features and options
282
High-performance engine
282
Compound brake
282
M carbon ceramic brake
282
Drivetrain
283
Things to remember when driving
284
Vehicle features and options
284
Break-in procedures
284
General driving notes
285
Driving on racetracks
288
Roof bars
288
Saving fuel
290
Vehicle features and options
290
Refueling
292
Vehicle features and options
292
Follow the following when refueling
292
Fuel filler cap
292
Wheels and tires
294
Vehicle features and options
294
Tire pressure
294
Tire marking
298
Tire tread depth
299
Tire damage
300
Exchanging wheels and tires
300
Track tires
303
Snow chains
304
Tire Pressure Monitor
305
Flat tire monitor
311
Repairing a flat tire
312
Tire repair set
313
Emergency wheel
316
Changing wheels/tires
317
Engine compartment
322
Vehicle features and options
322
Overview
322
Hood
323
Operating fluids
325
Vehicle features and options
325
Fuel recommendation
325
Engine oil
326
Coolant
329
Washer fluid
330
Maintenance
332
Vehicle features and options
332
Maintenance system
332
Condition Based Service
332
Maintenance Booklet for US Models
332
Diagnostic socket
333
Taking the vehicle out of service
333
Replacing components
334
Vehicle features and options
334
Onboard vehicle tool kit
334
Wiper blades
334
Lights and bulbs
334
Vehicle battery
335
Fuses
337
Breakdown Assistance
338
Vehicle features and options
338
Hazard warning system
338
Warning triangle
338
First-aid kit
338
Emergency Call
338
Jump-starting
340
Tow-starting/towing
341
Vehicle care
345
Vehicle features and options
345
Washing the vehicle
345
Technical data
352
Vehicle features and options
352
General information
352
Dimensions
352
Detailed technical data
352
Appendix
355
General information
355
Updates made after the editorial deadline
355
Everything from A to Z
356

2026 BMW M3 Overview

Owner's Manual

The Owner's Manual for the 2026 BMW M3 serves as an essential guide for every proud owner, providing invaluable information on the vehicle's features, specifications, and maintenance requirements. This manual is designed to ensure that owners can familiarize themselves with every aspect of their car, enhancing their driving experience and ensuring optimal performance. Inside, you will find comprehensive instructions for operating various functions, from advanced infotainment systems to essential safety features. Importantly, the manual emphasizes regular maintenance schedules and troubleshooting tips, helping owners keep their M3 in prime condition while maximizing the vehicle's longevity and reliability.

Introduction

The 2026 BMW M3 represents the pinnacle of performance engineering, combining aggressive styling with unmatched power and precision. Architecturally refined, this model pays homage to its iconic lineage while incorporating cutting-edge technology to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. Ideal for both track enthusiasts and everyday commuters, the M3 showcases BMW's commitment to high-performance luxury sedans, meticulously blending exceptional power with everyday usability.

Powertrains

Under the hood, the 2026 BMW M3 is equipped with a fierce 3.0-liter inline-six engine, available in two configurations: the standard version generating 473 horsepower and the M3 Competition variant pushing the boundaries with an astonishing 503 horsepower. Both powertrains offer the choice between a robust six-speed manual or an agile eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering thrilling acceleration and precision handling. BMW's signature xDrive all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, providing exhilarating control on both the road and track.

Trims

The 2026 M3 is available in two exhilarating trims: the standard M3 and the M3 Competition. The base M3 delivers a perfect balance of performance and luxury, making it an ideal entry point. The M3 Competition, however, elevates this experience with sportier enhancements, including updated suspension systems, dynamic exterior styling, and exclusive performance features designed for speed enthusiasts who crave the ultimate driving experience.

Features

Inside, the M3 boasts a driver-centric cockpit equipped with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, including a vibrant digital dashboard and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with touchscreen functionality. Advanced driver-assistance systems enhance safety and ease of driving, while ambient lighting and quality audio systems create a refined atmosphere. Luxurious seating combined with practical cargo space ensures that the M3 is not just about performance but also comfort and convenience, making it the perfect companion for any adventure.

User manual download

The BMW M3 owner manual for the 2026 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2026 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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