Wheels and tires
200 work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage 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 age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
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. When selecting tires, also take their load
capacity into account. 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 or DSC.
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 page85. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
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 +457/+76.
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.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against 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 this could impair driving
characteristics. With standard-equipment tires
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Mobility
201Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
and other mixed tire sizes, swapping wheels
between the axles is not permissible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow 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.
Ensure that the snow chains are sufficiently
tensioned at all times. If necessary, retension as
specified by the snow chain manufacturer.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.<
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Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Convertible
1.Take the warning triangle out of its holder,
refer to page222. Unscrew the holder using
the screwdriver from the onboard tool kit.
2.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
luggage compartment lid using a screw-
driver and remove the trim.
3.Release the bulb holder, see arrow, and
remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5.Attach the bulb holder.
6.Reattach the trim of the luggage compart-
ment lid and the holder for the warning tri-
angle.
License plate lamp, center brake lamp,
parking/tail lamp and side turn signal
indicators
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.
Repairing a flat tire with the
M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire, your BMW M3 includes an
M Mobility System. With this system you can
apply a sealant to the inside of the tire to seal
the damaged section, restore the tire inflation
pressure and continue on your trip.
Safety measures in the event of a flat tire:
Park the vehicle as far away from moving traffic as possible and on a firm surface. Switch
on the hazard warning flashers.
Apply the parking brake and engage first gear
or reverse. Have all occupants leave the vehicle
and move beyond the danger zone, e. g. behind
the guard rails.
If necessary, erect a warning triangle
* or warn-
ing flasher
* at a suitable distance. Adhere to
country-specific regulations.<
Preparations
The M Mobility System is located in the cargo
bay under the floor board.
If possible, leave any foreign bodies that have
penetrated the tire in place.
Instructions on how to use the M Mobility
System can also be found on the device
itself.<
Before using the M Mobility System, fol-
low the instructions on the sealant bot-
tle.<
Remove the label with the speed restriction
from the sealant bottle and apply it to the steer-
ing wheel.
Please note the expiry date on the sealant
bottle.<
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Replacing components
218
Components of the M Mobility System
1Sealant bottle and label with speed restric-
tion
2Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
3Connector and cable for the cigarette
lighter socket/power socket
4Holder for the sealant bottle
5Compressor
6On/off switch
7Pressure gauge for displaying the tire infla-
tion pressure
8Screw on pressure gauge to reduce tire
inflation pressure
9Hose to connect compressor and sealant
bottle or compressor and wheel
The connector, cable and connection hose are
stored in the compressor housing.
Using the M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire with the M Mobility System,
proceed as follows:
>Fill the sealant, refer to page218.
>Distribute the sealant, refer to page218.
>Produce the tire inflation pressure, refer to
page219.
Filling the sealant
Strictly follow the specified sequence,
otherwise the sealant may escape under
high pressure.<
1.Shake the sealant bottle.
2.Screw connection hose 9 onto the connec-
tor of the sealant bottle.
3.Ensure that screw 8 on the pressure gauge
is closed.
4.Unscrew the dust cap from the valve of the
defective wheel and screw filling hose 2 of
the sealant bottle onto the valve.
5.Insert the sealant bottle into the housing of
the compressor so that the bottle is upright.
6.Ensure that the compressor is switched off,
position 0.
7.Insert connector 3 into the cigarette lighter
socket/power socket in the interior of the
vehicle, refer to page107.
8.With the ignition switched on:
Switch on the compressor and let it run for
approx. 3 minutes to fill the sealant. The
inflation pressure of the tire after filling is
unimportant.
9.Switch off the compressor.
10.Detach the hoses from the sealant bottle
connector and from the tire valve.
Return the M Mobility System to its storage
location in the vehicle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km to
evenly distribute the sealant in the tire.
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Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Do not exceed a speed of 35 mph/
60 km/h. If possible, do not fall below a
speed of 12 mph/20 km/h.<
Producing the tire inflation pressure
1.After driving approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at a
suitable location.
2.Connect connection hose9 of the com-
pressor directly to the tire valve.
3.Insert connector 3 into the cigarette lighter
socket/power socket in the interior of the
vehicle.
4.Adjust the tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on, pro-
ceed as follows:
>To increase the inflation pressure:
Switch on the compressor, position I. To
check the current inflation pressure set-
ting, briefly switch off the compressor.
Do not let the compressor run for
more than 10 minutes, otherwise the
device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>To reduce the inflation pressure: turn
screw 8 on the pressure gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not maintained,
drive the vehicle a second time, refer to
Distributing the sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to
4.
Use of the M Mobility System may be ineffec-
tual for tire damage larger than approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,
refer to page221, or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made roadworthy with the M Mobility
System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
29 psi/200 kPa. If it is not, do not continue
driving.<
Continuing your trip
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h to avoid the risk
of an accident.
Have the faulty tire and the sealant bottle of the
M Mobility System replaced as soon as possi-
ble.<
Changing wheels
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 % maintenance-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.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page222.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
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Everything from A - Z
238
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
System82
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control63
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request221
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control99
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display88
Adaptive Head Light93
Additives
– coolant206
Address, entering127,133
Address for navigation
– entering127,133
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control97
Adjusting the thigh support43
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control146
Airbags88
– indicator/warning lamp90
– sitting safely42
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control97
– ventilation99
Air distribution
– automatic97
Air flow rate98
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure196Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Air supply
– automatic climate control97
– ventilation99
Air vents96
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications195
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm33
– tilt alarm sensor33
Album information for
music163
Albums of music
collection163
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires200
AM, waveband149
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode98
Antenna for mobile phone172
Antifreeze
– coolant206
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS
82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights231
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights231
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest105
Arrival time, refer to
Computer70
Ashtray
– front106
– rear107Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems82
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audio146
– controls146
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Audio device, external105
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air flow rate97
– cruise control66
– headlamp control92
Automatic car washes209
Automatic climate control96
– automatic air distribution97
Automatic curb monitor49
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC98
Automatic Service
Request189
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– towing223
– tow-starting223
AUTO program for automatic
climate control97
AUX-IN port165
Average fuel consumption70
– setting the units71
Avoid highways in
navigation137
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights231
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Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Exterior mirrors48
– adjusting48
– automatic dimming
feature49
– automatic heating49
– folding in and out49
External audio device105
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away224
– for tying down loads119
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control76
Failure of an electrical
consumer220
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm33
– switching off an alarm33
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts47
Fastest route for
navigation137
Fast forward
– CD changer156
– CD player156
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control99
First aid pouch222
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking29
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM85
Flat tire, repairing217
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire85
– indicator/warning lamp85
– initializing the system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains84,201
– system limits84Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition199
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir66
FM, waveband149
Folding up the floor panel110
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps94
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions58
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection164
Front airbags88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
Fuel195
– average consumption70
– gauge69
– high-quality brands195
– quality195
– specifications195
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities231
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge69
Fuel filler door194
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction194
Fuses220
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control101
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption70
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel195
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge69Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level203
Gear
– neutral59
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster60
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– manual transmission57
General driving notes116
Glass roof, electric37
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– convenient operation28,30
– initializing37
– opening, closing37
– operation with convenient
access34
– pinch protection system37
– power failure37
– raising37
– remote control28
Glove compartment104
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system126
Grills96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights231
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio150
Head airbags88
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints44
– rear, removing45
– sitting safely42
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Everything from A - Z
244 Heated
– mirrors49
– rear window99
– seats46
Heating
– mirrors49
– rear window99
– residual heat98
– seats46
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate96
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat98
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions229
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel50
High beams94
– headlamp flasher94
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio150
High-pressure
washer209,210
High water, refer to Driving
through water117
Highways, refer to Route
criteria137
Hills117
Holders for cups106
Homepage BMW4
Hood202
Hooks for shopping bags109
Horn10,11
Hotel function31
Hot exhaust system116
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Brake assist82
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio150
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning68ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track155
ID3 tags, refer to Album
information163
Identification marks, tire
coding198
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness79
– changing language79
– changing units of measure
and display format71
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and time75
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– MDrive51
– M Dynamic Mode83
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure196
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM85Initializing
– after power failure220
– compass, refer to Digital
compass, calibrating103
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– glass roof37
– radio, refer to Station,
storing149
– refer to Setting the time and
date75
Installation location
– CD changer158
– navigation DVD drive126
– telephone105
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions138
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting94
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control101
Interior lamps94
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror49
– automatic dimming
feature49
– compass103
Intermittent mode of the
wipers65
Intersection, entering,
navigation128
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port165
iPod, connecting, refer to
USB-audio interface166
J
Jacking points219
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting222
Jump starting222
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