Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
3."Triple turn signal"
Triple turn signal activation is activated and
is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or
rain sensor
*
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps
5Setting speed for intermittent wipe, or sen-
sitivity of the rain sensor
Switching on wipers
Press the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system switches to operation in the inter-
mittent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance
point.
The system switches to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*
If the car is not equipped with a rain sensor, the
intermittent-wipe time is a preset.
If the car is equipped with a rain sensor, the time
between wipes is controlled automatically and
depends on the intensity of the rainfall. The rain
sensor is mounted on the windshield, directly in
front of the interior rearview mirror.
Activating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button, arrow3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
Setting speed for intermittent wipe or
sensitivity of the rain sensor
Turn knurled wheel5 up or down.
Deactivating intermittent wipe or rain
sensor
Press the button again, arrow3.
The LED goes out.
Deactivate the rain sensor before enter-
ing an automatic car wash. Failure to do
so could result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Pull the lever, arrow 4.
Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windshield and
the wipers are operated for a short time.
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 65 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Driving
66 When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do, your vision could be
obscured. Antifreeze should therefore be
added to the fluid, refer to Washer fluid.
Do not use the washers when the washer fluid
reservoir is empty, otherwise you will damage
the washer pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are heated
automatically while the engine is running or the
ignition is switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Therefore, keep it away from ignition
sources and only store it in the closed original
container that is kept out of reach of children,
otherwise there is a risk of personal injury.
Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainer.<
Washer fluid filler neck
Only refill washer fluid when the engine is
cool to avoid contact with hot engine
parts. Otherwise, fluid spills constitute a fire
hazard and a risk to personal safety.<
All washer nozzles are supplied with washer
fluid by the same reservoir.
Fill with water and, if required, with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.Mix the water and antifreeze before filling
the washer fluid reservoir to make sure
the correct concentration is maintained.<
Capacity
Approx. 4.8 US quarts/4.5 liters.
Cruise control
The concept
Cruise control is available for use at speeds of
approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h. The car then stores
and maintains the speed that you specify using
the lever on the steering column.
Do not use cruise control when driving at
constant speed is prevented by adverse
conditions, e.g. winding roads, dense traffic or
poor road conditions due to, e.g. snow, rain, ice
or loose surfaces. Otherwise you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a
result.<
One lever for all functions
1Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat-
ing
2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler-
ating
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Tap the lever, arrow 1, or pull it briefly, arrow 2.
The car's current speed is stored and main-
tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster. This function is
not available when DSC is switched off.
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 66 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Mobility
203Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page206
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page663Jump-starting connection, refer to
page222
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
The oil level can be displayed when the engine
is warm. Continuous short distance travel or a
very sporty driving style may make measure-
ment impossible.
Display in the instrument cluster
1Oil level
2Maximum mark
3Minimum mark
4Computer button
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 203 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
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
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 238 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Everything from A - Z
240 Care209
– automatic car washes209
– care products209
– carpets211
– CD/DVD drives212
– chrome parts210
– displays211
– exterior209
– fine wood parts211
– headlamps210
– high-pressure washer209
– interior211
– leather211
– light-alloy wheels211
– paintwork210
– plastic parts211
– retractable hardtop210
– rubber seals210
– safety belts211
– sensors and cameras211
– upholstery and cloth
trim211
– washing the car
manually210
– windows210
– wiper blades210
Cargo, securing119
Cargo bay
– capacity231
– convenient access34
– folding up the floor
panel110
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps94
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
Cargo loading
– securing cargo119
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
Car jack
– jacking points219
Car key, refer to Remote
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest105
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualCar phone, refer to
Telephone172
Car radio, refer to Radio149
Car shampoo211
Car wash
– before entering57
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system116
CBS Condition Based
Service
207
CD, audio playback154
CD changer154
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse156
– installation location158
– random play sequence155
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
CD player154
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse156
– random play sequence155
– selecting a track154
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Center armrest105
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb217
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– convenient access34
– hotel function31
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs213
Changing gears60
Changing the language on the
Control Display79Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display71
Changing wheels219
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment203
Check Control76
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH54
Child-restraint systems53
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely53
Chrome parts211
Chrome polish211
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter107
Cleaning headlamps65
– washer fluid66
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care209
Clock
68
– 12h/24h mode75
– setting the time and date75
– setting time74
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks106
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine56
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access34
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock55
Compass103
Computer69
– displays on Control
Display70
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service185
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked118
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 240 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
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
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 243 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12
Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Triple turn signal activation64
Trip odometer68
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid31
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions229
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
– triple turn signal64
Turn signals64
TV
– control elements146
– switching on/off146
– tone control146
– volume146
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading119
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR198
Units
– average consumption71
– temperature71
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control101
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control101
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking34
Unlocking
– from inside31
– from outside27
– luggage compartment lid34
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access34
USB-audio interface166
V
VCD156Vehicle
– battery219
– breaking in116
– cargo loading118
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment203
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions229
– parking56
– weight231
Vehicle jack219
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position143
Vehicle storage212
Ventilation99
– draft-free99
– in the rear99
Ventilation, refer to Climate96
Ventilation while at a
standstill99
Vents, refer to Ventilation99
Video menu156
Video playback156
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance through voice
instructions138
Voice commands
– overview22
– short commands232
Voice instructions from
navigation system138
– repeating139
– switching on/off138
– volume139
Volume146
– audio sources146
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities231
– mobile phone175
– TV146
– voice instructions139
Volume balance, tone
setting147
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13Warning messages, refer to
Check Control76
Warning triangle222
Washer fluid66
– content of the reservoir66
Washer fluid reservoir66
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray106
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water117
Water penetration209,210
Waveband with the radio149
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth199
Weights231
Welcome lamps92
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires200
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions229
Wheels, new199
Wheels and tires196
Width, refer to
Dimensions229
Wind deflector40
Windows35
– convenient operation28
– convenient operation with
convenient access34
– opening, closing35
– pinch protection system36
Windows, indicator on Control
Display16
Windshield
– cleaning65
Windshield wash65
– filling capacity, reservoir231
– nozzles66
– reservoir for washer fluid66
– washer fluid66
Windshield wiper blades,
changing213
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system65
Winter tires200
– setting speed limit78
– storage200
Wiper blade replacement213
ba8_E9293M3_cic.book Seite 251 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 12:01 12