2009 BMW M3 tow bar

Controls
75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Technology for driving comfort and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator
warn you of the presence of an object
behind your vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in the
bumpers.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not
sound until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm
from the corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m
from the center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an objec t a t h i g h s p e e d , o t h -
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late.<
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx. 1 sec-
ond when you engage reverse gear. Wait this
short period before driving.
Switching off automatically
After approx. 165 ft/50 m of driving or over
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches
off and the LED goes out.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
An interval tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds>i f y o u s t o p i n f r o n t o f a n o b j e c t t h a t h a s b e e n
detected by only one of the corner sensors
>if you are driving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the
Control Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal tone sounds. The display
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC
is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,
thin or wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
that have already been displayed, e. g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or after a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Loud sound sources out-
side or inside the car can drown out the PDC
signal. Therefore, always drive cautiously, oth-
erwise there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty damage.<
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Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
M dual clutch transmission with
Drivelogic
Ensure that the parking lock P is not
engaged as the rear wheels will otherwise
be blocked.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page51, note that the parking lock P is
engaged automatically after approx. 30 min-
utes, blocking the rear wheels.
If an electrical malfunction occurs or if towing
takes longer than approx. 20 minutes, manually
release the parking lock, refer to page54.<
When towing, do not exceed a maximum
speed of 30 mph/50 km/h and a maxi-
mum distance of 30 miles/50 km, otherwise the
transmission can be damaged.<
BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on
a tow truck with a flat bed.
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Manual transmission:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
M dual clutch transmission:
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
jump-start the engine, refer to page211. Vehi-
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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.
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Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support38
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment38
Backrest width adjustment39
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats39
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb205,206
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps205
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch211
Bar, refer to Towing
methods213
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter171
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment98
Bass, tone setting136
Battery208
– charging208
– disposal34,208
– jump starting211
– remote control26
– temporary power failure209
Battery for mobile phone171
Battery renewal
– remote control34
– remote control for vehicle34
Being towed212
Belts, refer to Safety belts41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts41
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders99
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate91
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating164
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo201
BMW Assist, activating176BMW Assist175
BMW center180
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System197
BMW Search176
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders99
Brake assist76
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements66
Brake force display82
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb205,206
Brake lights
– brake force display82
Brake pads106
– breaking in106
Brake rotors107
– brakes106
– breaking in106
Brakes
– ABS76
– BMW Maintenance
System197
– brake force display82
– breaking in106
– parking brake51
– service requirements66
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely107
Brake system106
– BMW Maintenance
System197
– breaking in106
– disc brakes107
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance210
Breaking in the clutch106
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential106
Break-in period106
Brightness of the Control
Display73
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs203Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button49
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting165
– ending166
– rejecting166
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing166
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders99
Capacities220
Capacity of the cargo bay220
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery208
Car care, refer to Care199
Care199
– automatic car washes199
– care products199
– carpets201
– CD/DVD drives201
– chrome parts200
– displays201
– exterior199
– fine wood parts201
– headlamps200
– high-pressure washer199
– interior201
– leather201
– light-alloy wheels200
– paintwork200
– plastic parts201
– rubber seals200
– safety belts201
– sensors and cameras201
– upholstery and cloth
trim201
– washing the car
manually200
– windows200
– wiper blades200
Cargo, securing109
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Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking30
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal28
– from inside30
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access32
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals28
– from inside29
– from outside27
Low-beam headlamps85
– automatic85
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support38
Luggage compartment lid30
– convenient access33
– emergency release31
– locking or unlocking
separately31
– opening from inside30
– opening from outside30
– remote control28
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack109
Lumbar support38
LW, waveband139
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires190
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system197
Malfunction
– tires79
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control70
Managing music153
Manual car wash200
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door184
– glass roof36
– transmission lock54Manual transmission51
– tow-starting214
Map display129
Map for navigation
– changing scale129
– entering destination122
Master key, refer to Remote
control26
Maximum cooling90
Maximum speed
– with winter tires190
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode76
"MDrive"44
MDrive44
M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic52
– kick-down53
– Launch Control57
– neutral53
– reverse gear53
– sequential mode53
– Shift Lights56
– shiftlock53
– tow-starting214
– unlocking transmission lock
manually54
M Dynamic Mode MDM76
– indicator lamp77
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions219
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory40
M Engine Dynamics
Control58
MENU button16
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System197
– for automatic climate
control92
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System197
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice commands14Mirror dimming feature43
Mirrors42
– automatic curb monitor43
– exterior mirrors42
– heating43
– interior rearview mirror43
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory40
Mirrors, folding in before
entering a car wash42
M Mobility System206
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume165
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing162
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest98
– operation via iDrive165
– pairing162
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest98
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone162
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor78
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port155
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB-audio interface156
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher58
– refer to Wiper system59
Multimedia screen, refer to
iDrive16
Music, playing152
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Everything from A - Z
240 TMC station, refer to
Traffic bulletins130
Tone
– control136
– middle setting138
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit203
Top 50 of music
collection153
Torque, refer to Engine
data218
Tow bar213
Tow fitting212
– screw thread212
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away212
Towing212
– with manual
transmission213
– with M dual clutch
transmission213
Towing and tow-starting212
Towing methods213
Town/city, for navigation117
Tow rope213
Tow-starting212,213
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor79
Track
– selecting on CD144
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
Traffic bulletins
– categories131
Traffic bulletins, filtering131
Traffic bulletins for
navigation130
– during destination
guidance131
– in map display131
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
bulletins130Transmission
– Drivelogic55
– Launch Control57
– manual transmission51
– reverse gear53
– Shift Lights56
– unlocking transmission lock
manually54
Transmission lock, unlocking
manually54
Transporting children
safely46
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo109
Travel instructions,
refer to Voice
instructions128
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread189
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer62
Triple turn signal activation58
Trip odometer62
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid30
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions219
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12
– triple turn signal58
Turn signals58
TV
– control elements136
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading109
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR188
Units
– average consumption65
– temperature65
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control94Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control94
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking32
Unlocking
– from inside30
– from outside27
– luggage compartment lid33
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access32
USB-audio interface156
V
VCD146
Vehicle
– battery208
– breaking in106
– cargo loading108
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment193
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions219
– parking50
– weight220
Vehicle jack208
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position133
Vehicle storage202
Ventilation92
– draft-free92
– in the rear92
Ventilation, refer to Climate89
Ventilation while at a
standstill92
Vents, refer to Ventilation92
Video menu146
Video playback146
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance through voice
instructions128
Voice commands
– overview22
– short commands221
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