2009 BMW 3 SERIES winter tires

Wheels and tires
208
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test whee l than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessi ve loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. <
RSC – Run-Flat Tires
You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page209.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specia lly reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3mm, although, for exam ple, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires sh
ould be installed.
Wear indicators in the ba se of the tread groove
are distributed around th e tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. On ce the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-pr ofile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazard and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indi cate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there.
Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dan-
gerous for vehicle occu pants and other road
users. <
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW re commends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 208 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3208 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 32 of 2008.
Run-Flat Tires
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-
supporting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 84.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trai ned personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent dama ge and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced. <
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire ag e, which can result in a
limited service life. <
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety. <
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a puncture, refer to page 84. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 209 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Wheels and tires
210
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +45°F/+7°C.
Although all-season M+ S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter ti res, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as th is could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link sn ow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page 81. <
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 210 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Replacing components
228
6.
Reattach the trim of the luggage compart-
ment lid and the holder for the warning tri-
angle.
Sports Wagon
1. Use a screwdriver to press out the cover at
the clips, see arrows, and fold it downward.
2. Fold away the foam insulating material.
3. Release the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and remove.
4. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5. Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
6. Reattach the trim of the tailgate.
License plate lamp, center brake lamp,
parking/tail lamp and turn signal*
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with Run-Flat Tires as
standard. This removes the need to change a
wheel immediately in the event of a puncture.
For information on continuing to drive with a
damaged tire, refer to Indica tion of a flat tire on
page 84.
The symbol identifying Run- Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-Flat Tires, page 209.
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page 209.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center. <
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % ma intenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 228 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Everything from A - Z
250
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 81
ACC, refer to Active cruise control 61
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 230
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control 97
Active cruise control 61
– indicator lamps 64
– malfunction 65
– selecting distance 63
– sensor 64
Active steering 87
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display 87
Adaptive Head Light 91
Additives
– coolant 215
Address, entering 123,129
Address for navigation
– entering 123,129
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 95
Adjusting the thigh support 42
Adjusting the tone during audio operation, refer to
Tone control 142
Airbags 88
– indicator/warning lamp 89
– sitting safely 41
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control 95
– ventilation 97 Air distribution
– automatic
95
Air flow rate 95
Airing, refer to Ventilation 97
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 195
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated-air mode 96
Air supply
– automatic climate control 95
– ventilation 97
Air vents 94
AKI, refer to Fuel specifications 191
Alarm system 33
– avoiding unintentional alarms 34
– interior motion sensor 33
– switching off an alarm 33
– tilt alarm sensor 33
Albums of music
collection 159
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 210
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 82
AM, waveband 145
Ambient

air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 96
Antenna for mobile phone 168
Antifreeze
– coolant 215
– washer fluid 59
Antilock Brake System ABS 81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 33
Anti-theft system 27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 241
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 241Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 103
Arrival time, refer to
Computer 69
Ashtray
– front 104
– rear 105
Assistance systems, refer to Driving stability control
systems 81
AUC Automatic recirculated- air control 96
Audio 142
– controls 142
– switching on/off 142
– tone control 142
– volume 142
Audio device, external 103
Automatic
– air distribution 95
– air flow rate 95
– cruise control 59,61
– headlamp control 90
Automatic car washes 218
Automatic climate control 94
– automatic air distribution 95
Automatic curb monitor 47
Automatic recirculated-air control AUC 96
Automatic Service
Request 185
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 55
– interlock 55,56
– overriding selector lever lock 57
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 56
– sport program 56
– towing 232
– tow-starting 232
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 95
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 250 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Interior rearview mirror48
– automatic dimming
feature 48
– compass 101
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control 55
Intermittent mode of the wipers 58
Intersection, entering, navigation 124
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port 161
iPod, connecting, refer to
USB-audio interface 162
J
Jacking points228
Joystick, refer to iDrive 16
Jumpering, refer to Jump starting 231
Jump starting 231
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control 26
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access 34
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Convenient
access 34
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 26
Kick-down 56
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 56
Knock control 191
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control 90
– parking lamps/low beams 90
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 223
Language, changing on Control Display 78 Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts 46
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 118
Last destinations 126
LATCH child-restraint fixing system 50
Leather care 220
LED Light-emitting diodes 223
Length, refer to
Dimensions 239
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb 228
Light-alloy wheels 219
Light-emitting diodes
LED 223
Lighter 104
– connecting electrical
appliances 105
Lighting
– instruments 92
– lamps and bulbs 223
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 90
Light switch 90
Limit, refer to Speed limit 77
Load 118
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 118
Lock buttons, doors, refer to Locking 30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation signal 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 28
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access 34
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 28
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Longlife oils
– alternative oil types 215
– approved engine oils 215
Low-beam headlamps 90
– automatic 90
Low beams
– replacing bulbs 224Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 43
Luggage compartment lid 30
– convenient access 35
– emergency release 32
– locking or unlocking separately 32
– open
ing from inside 30
– opening from outside 31
– remote control 28
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 119
Lumbar support 43
LW, waveband 145
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 210
Maintenance, refer to Service Booklet
Maintenance system 216
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 57
– luggage compartment lid 31
– tires 84
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control 75
Manual car wash 219
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 56
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 190
– glass roof 37
– luggage compartment lid 31
– panorama glass roof 39
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 57
Manual transmission 55
Map display 135
Map for navigation
– changing scale 135
– entering destination 128
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 257 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Everything from A - Z
258
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 26
Maximum cooling 95
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 210
Measurements, refer to Dimensions 239
Memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 45
MENU button 16
Menus, refer to iDrive 16
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance System 216
– for automatic climate
control 97
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– BMW Maintenance System 216
Microphone
– telephone 14
– voice commands 14
Mirror dimming feature 48
Mirrors 47
– automatic curb monitor 47
– exterior mirrors 47
– heating 47
– interior rearview mirror 48
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 45
Mirrors, folding in before entering a car wash 47
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 171
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 168
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 103
– operation via iDrive 171
– pairing 168
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation location, refer to Center
armrest 103
Mobile phone, refer to Telephone 168 Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls 16
Monitoring system for tire pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 83
MP3 player, connecting, refer to AUX-IN port 161
MP3 player, connecting, refer to USB-audio interface 162
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 57
– refe

r to Wiper system 58
Multimedia screen, refer to iDrive 16
Music, managing 159
Music, playing 158
Music, storing 157
Music collection 157
– backup 160
– importing 160
Music player, connecting, refer to AUX-IN port 161
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB-audio
interface 162
Music search 158
N
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off 134
Navigation data 122
Navigation drive, location 122
Navigation DVD 122 Navigation system
122
– address book 125
– bypassing a route section 134
– continuing destination
guidance 133
– destination entry 123
– displaying current
position 139
– entering a destination by voice 129
– entering a destination manually 123
– route list 134
– selecting destination via map 128
– selecting route criteria 133
– special destinations 126
– starting destination
guidance 133
– terminating destination guidance 133
– voice instructions 134
– volume adjustment 135
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 43
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 103
New tires 209
North-facing map 135
Nozzles 94
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 238
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope 233O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis 217
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel specifications 191
Odometer 67
Oil, refer to Engine oil 212
Oil consumption 212
Oil level 212
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 229
Onboard tool kit 222
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 258 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Everything from A - Z
260
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints
44
– folding 107
– folding down backrests 106,107
– folding head restraint down and up 44
Rear ventilation 97
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 47
Rear window
– cleaning 59
– opening 32
Rear window blind, refer to Roller sun blinds 102
Rear window defroster 97
Rear window safety switch 36
Rear window wiper 59
– changing rear wiper
blade 223
Receiving level of mobile phone, refer to Status
information 19
Reception
– quality 146
– radio station 146
Recirculated-air mode 96
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 96
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest 42
Refueling 190
Releasing
– hood 211
Remaining distance, refer to Cruising range 69
Remote control 26
– battery renewal 35
– convenient access 34
– garage door opener 99
– luggage compartment lid 28
– malfunction 29,35
– removing from the ignition
lock 53
– service data 216
– tailgate 28
Replacement remote control 26 Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 223
Replacing tires 209
Replacing tires, refer to New wheels and tires 209
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 68
Reset, refer to Resetting tone settings 144
Residual heat 96
Restraint systems
– for children 49
– refe

r to Safety belts 46
Reverse
– CD changer 152
– CD player 152
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 56
– manual transmission 55
RME, refer to
Rapeseed-oil methyl
ester 191
Road map 135
Roadside Assistance 181,230
Roadside parking lamps 92
– replacing bulbs 223,225
Roadworthiness test, refer to Service requirements 71
Roller blind
– sun blinds 102
Roof load capacity 241
Roof-mounted luggage rack 119
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 233
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to iDrive 16
Route 133,134
– bypassing sections 134
– changing 133,134
– changing criteria 133
– displaying streets or towns/ cities 134
– map display 135
– selecting 133 Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions 134
Route map, refer to Map
display 135
Route section, changing 134
Route selection 133
RSC Runflat System Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires 209
Runflat System Component RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires 209
Run-Flat Tires 209
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire 84
– flat tire 84
– Flat Tire Monitor 84
– new tires 209
– replacing 209
– tire inflation pressure 195
– winter tires 210
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment 46
Safety belts 46
– damage 46
– indicator/warning lamp 46
– reminder 46
– sitting safely 41
Safety systems
– airbags 88
– Antilock Brake System ABS 81
– brake system 81
– driving stability control systems 81
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 81
– safety belts 46
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat Tires 209
Satellite radio 148
– enabling channel 148
– selecting channel 149
– storing channel 149
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 260 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14