2009 BMW M3 SEDAN maintenance

Mobility
This section helps you maintain your car's
mobility by supplying important information
on vital topics including fuels and lubricants,
wheels and tires, service, maintenance and
roadside assistance.
Mobility
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Mobility
185Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing
85Ξ ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise the
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 93
Always use this premium grade fuel to obtain
maximum fuel economy and performance.
The minimum approved fuel grade is AKI 91.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise the
engine could be damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15Ξ MTBE or 3Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
driveability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
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Wheels and tires
186
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive on
a flat tire. A flat tire will seriously impair your
vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of
control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page78, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page79.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The table below provides all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available
from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following page in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found
on the driver's-side door post when the driver's
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for
these tire pressures is 100 mph or
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed, otherwise
tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following page in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise tire
damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits, otherwise violations of the laws could
occur.
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Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The objective is to optimize
efforts with respect to minimal vehicle mainte-
nance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates
displayed, refer to page66:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads: separately for front and rear
>Brake fluid
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this data from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in
for servicing you should therefore hand your
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit
that you last used.
Make sure that the date is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page69; otherwise the
effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
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Maintenance
198
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up:
The exhaust emission values have
worsened. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfiring in the engine. If
this happens, you should reduce your speed
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly
lead to serious damage of emissions-related
components, especially the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. If the gas cap is then tightened, the
warning lamp should go out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a
device for recording or sending certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you have
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer-tain vehicle data may be transmitted or
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding
services.
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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. page78 for more information.
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
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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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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
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