The tachometer scale reaches to 9000 rpm. From 4000 to 8000 rpm, there is a variable warning segment: When the engine is cold, illuminated orange LEDs begin at 4000 rpm, reminding the driver not to use anything approaching maximum performance. As the engine warms up - oil temperature is the criterion - the LEDs phase out in increments of 500 rpm until the segment reaches its normal 7500-8000 rpm range, which always remains illuminated. In M3s with the Sequential Manual Gearbox, once the engine is warm these LEDs illuminate progressively as engine revs climb, helping the driver shift right at the redline. Also in the tachometer face is an oil-temperature gauge.

Another prominent facet of the driver's command center is the special M sport steering wheel. Incorporating BMW's handy multi-function controls, the wheel has a wide bottom spoke with the M logo, and its leather-covered rim with M-color stitching has thumb contours at 10 and 2 o'clock.

An oval rearview mirror is yet another distinctive M element in the driver's view; electrochromic auto-dimming is standard.


Seats: There are three choices, all designed for support and comfort. Standard in the Coupe are 10-way manual sport seats, with adjustments for:

• Fore-aft
• Cushion height
• Front-of-cushion height (cushion angle)
• Backrest angle
• Thigh support.

The next step up for the Coupe is power sport seats, with 8-way power adjustment and manual thigh support. These are included in the Coupe's optional Premium Package and available as a stand-alone option as well; they include a memory system for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors. Standard in the Convertible are 10-way power sport seats, the added adjustment being a combined one for the head restraint and belt height; the Convertible's front safety belts are fully integrated into the seats, optimizing belt fit on the occupants and easing entry into the rear seats.

Top-of-line BMW M3 seating is provided by the power-adjustable backrest width, available in the Coupe only. An additional power control allows the occupant to "pump up" the bolsters for increased lateral support, or deflate them to reduce it; this effectively adjusts the backrest width to various statures. Included in this option is 4-way power lumbar support; thus these ultimate sport seats offer a total of 14-way power adjustment. A manual thigh-support adjustment is included in all BMW M3 front seats.

Upholstery and trim. As of the '06 model year, Nappa leather upholstery is standard in both models. Available in a choice of four colors, this premium leather grade is applied (with unique stitching) to:

• Seats
• Door panels (complete except upper ledges and outer surfaces of storage pockets at bottom; leather does extend down into the pockets)
• Rear-compartment side panels.

With all upholstery colors, the Coupe's headliner is in Anthracite (dark gray) color. The Convertible's fully automatic, fully lined softtop is available in black or dark blue. Aluminum interior trim appears across the instrument panel and on the door and rear side armrests.

Formerly standard in the Coupe, a distinctive BMW M Cloth / Nappa leather interior is now available as a no-extra-cost option; it is available in Anthracite only.

Split folding rear seats standard in Coupe. The Coupe's split folding rear seats add versatility that might be surprising, given the BMW M3's performance and sportiness. They include a fold-up center armrest, and for security can be released only from the trunk. Rear-seat entry and exit are aided by an easy-entry feature that allows the front seats to move forward when their backrests are folded over. In the Convertible this feature is powered.

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