Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material tested, laboratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page219
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page42
>Maximum permissible tire width
Preparations before driving into an automatic
car wash:
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g.
spoiler or telephone antennas, if there is a
possibility that they could be damaged.
M dual clutch transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, into the ignition lock.
2.Engage transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets / high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or
water penetration. Follow the operating instruc-
tions of the high-pressure washer.<
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray against the sensors and cam-
eras, e.g. Park Distance Control, for an
extended period and maintain a distance of at
least 12 in/30 cm.<
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 199 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Replacing components
208 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 page210, 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 page211.
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
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 208 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Mobility
211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
luggage compartment lid. Press the tabs to take
it out.
Jump starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's
engine can be started by connecting two
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could
cause injury occur.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page193. The cap is
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 211 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Giving and receiving assistance
212 4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the cargo
bay, refer to page203.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page49, otherwise the low-beam
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 212 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Giving and receiving assistance
214 cles with a catalytic converter should only be
tow-started when the engine is cold.
Manual transmission
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page49.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
M dual clutch transmission with
Drivelogic
Vehicles with an M dual clutch transmission
cannot be tow-started. Jump-starting, refer to
page211.
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 214 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Everything from A - Z
230 Cargo bay
– capacity220
– convenient access33
– folding up the floor
panel101
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps87
– opening from inside30
– opening from outside30
Cargo loading
– securing cargo109
– stowing cargo109
– vehicle108
Car jack
– jacking points208
Car key, refer to Remote
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest98
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car phone, refer to
Telephone162
Car radio, refer to Radio139
Car shampoo201
Car wash
– before entering51
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system106
CBS Condition Based
Service197
CD, audio playback144
CD changer144
– controls136
– fast forward/reverse146
– installation location148
– random play sequence145
– selecting a track144
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136CD player144
– controls136
– fast forward/reverse146
– random play sequence145
– selecting a track144
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Center armrest98
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb206
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside29
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– convenient access32
– hotel function31
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs203
Changing gears54
Changing the language on the
Control Display73
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display65
Changing wheels208
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment193
Check Control70
Check Gas Cap184
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH47
Child-restraint systems46
Child-safety lock48
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely46
Chrome parts201
Chrome polish201
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter99
Cleaning headlamps59
– washer fluid60Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care199
Clock62
– 12h/24h mode69
– setting the time and date69
– setting time68
Closing
– from inside29
– from outside27
Clothes hooks98
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine50
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort access, refer to
Convenient access32
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock49
Compass96
Computer63
– displays on Control
Display64
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service175
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked108
Condition Based Service
CBS197
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile
26
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle28
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing
sections128
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances100
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption64
Consumption indicator, refer
to Average consumption64
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 230 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Reference 231
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Control Display
– brightness73
– changing the language73
– switching off/on19
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenient access32
– replacing the battery34
Convenient operation
– glass roof28
– glass roof with convenient
access33
– windows28
– windows with convenient
access33
Coolant196
– checking level196
Coolant temperature63
Cooling, maximum90
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant196
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant196
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive Head
Light86
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light86
Correct tires190
Country codes DVD146
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps87
Criteria for route127
Cross-hairs in navigation122
Cruise control60
Cruising range64
Cup holders99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights220
Current playback of music
collection152
Current position
– displaying133
Customer Relations179D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting87
Data, technical218
– dimensions219
– engine218
– weights220
Data transfer180
Date
– date format70
– setting69
Daytime running lamps86
Deactivating front passenger
airbags83
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking28
Defect
– door lock29
– fuel filler door184
– glass roof36
Destination, entering by town/
city name117
Destination address
– entering117,123
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice123
– entering via map122
– entry117
– home address120
– manual entry117
Destination guidance127
– bypassing a route
section128
– changing specified
route127
– continuing127
– starting127
– voice instructions128
– volume of voice
instructions129
Digital clock62
Digital compass96
Digital radio, refer to High
Definition Radio140Dimensions219
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals58
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions128
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book119
Displacement, refer to Engine
data218
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting87
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant196
– remote control battery34
– vehicle battery208
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements66
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC75
Door key, refer to Remote
control26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency
operation29
DOT Quality Grades188
Draft-free ventilation92
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders99
Drivelogic55
Drive mode53
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
Drive-off assistant78
Drive position, engaging, refer
to Selector lever
positions52
Drive programs, refer to
Drivelogic55
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 231 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
Everything from A - Z
232 Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams85
Driving notes106
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant78
Driving stability control
systems76
Driving through water107
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function91
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control76
DVD
– country codes146
– settings147
– video playback146
DVD menu147
DVD video146
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp77
– M Dynamic Mode MDM76
E
EDC, refer to Electronic
Damper Control77
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player136
Electric
– seat adjustment38
Electrical malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door184
– glass roof36
– M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic54
Electric seat38
Electric seat adjustment38
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access33
Electronic brake-force
distribution76
Electronic Damper Control
EDC77
Electronic oil level check193Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release184
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof36
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock29
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside31
Emergency Request210
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance210
Engine
– breaking in106
– data218
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature63
– speed218
– starting50
– starting, convenient
access32
– switching off50
Engine compartment193
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant196
Engine oil
– adding195
– BMW Maintenance
System197
– checking level193
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements66
– possible displays194
Engine output, refer to Engine
data218
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data
218
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine50
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps87
Entry map for destination122Equalizer, tone setting137
Error messages, refer to
Check Control70
Event data recorders198
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system106
Exterior mirrors42
– adjusting42
– automatic dimming
feature43
– automatic heating43
– folding in and out42
External audio device98
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away212
– for tying down loads109
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control70
Failure of an electrical
consumer209
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm32
– switching off an alarm32
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts41
Fastest route for
navigation127
Fast forward
– CD changer146
– CD player146
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control92
First aid pouch211
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock49
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
Flat tire, repairing206
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 232 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11