Wheels and tires
190 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 page79. 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
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 190 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11
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.<
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Reference 219
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dimensions
All dimensions given in inches/mm.
Smallest turning circle dia.: 38 ft 5 in/11.7 m.
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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
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Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Flat Tire Monitor FTM78
– indicating a flat tire79
– indicator/warning lamp79
– initializing the system78
– malfunction79
– snow chains78,191
– system limits78
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition189
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir60
FM, waveband139
Folding up the floor panel101
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely107
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps87
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions52
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection154
Front airbags82
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor78
Fuel184
– average consumption64
– gauge63
– high-quality brands184
– quality184
– specifications184
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities220
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge63
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge63
Fuel filler door184
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction184
Fuses209
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control94Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption64
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel184
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge63
Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level193
Gear
– neutral53
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster54
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission51
Gearshifts
– manual transmission51
General driving notes106
Glass roof, electric35
– closing after electrical
malfunction36
– convenient operation28,29
– initializing36
– opening, closing35
– operation with convenient
access33
– pinch protection system36
– power failure36
– raising35
– remote control28
Glove compartment97
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system116
Grills89
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights220
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake51
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio140
Head airbags82
Headlamp control,
automatic85Headlamp flasher58
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints39
– rear, removing39
– sitting safely37
Heated
– mirrors43
– rear window92
– seats40
Heating
– mirrors43
– rear window92
– residual heat91
– seats40
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate89
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat91
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo109
Height, refer to
Dimensions219
Height adjustment
– seats38
– steering wheel43
High beams87
– headlamp flasher87
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio140
High-pressure
washer199,200
High water, refer to Driving
through water107
Highways, refer to Route
criteria127
Hills107
Holders for cups99
Homepage BMW4
Hood192
Hooks for shopping bags101
Horn10,11
Hotel function31
Hot exhaust system106
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Brake assist76
Hydroplaning107
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Everything from A - Z
234
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio140
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning62
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track145
ID3 tags, refer to Album
information153
Identification marks, tire
coding188
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness73
– changing language73
– changing units of measure
and display format65
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and time69
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition49
– switched off50
– switched on49
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness49
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on49
Ignition lock49
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– MDrive45
– M Dynamic Mode77
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM80
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure186
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM79Initializing
– after power failure209
– compass, refer to Digital
compass, calibrating96
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM78
– glass roof36
– radio, refer to Station,
storing139
– refer to Setting the time and
date69
Installation location
– CD changer148
– navigation DVD drive116
– telephone98
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions128
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting87
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control94
Interior lamps87
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor32
Interior rearview mirror43
– automatic dimming
feature43
– compass96
Intermittent mode of the
wipers59
Intersection, entering,
navigation118
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port155
iPod, connecting, refer to
USB-audio interface156
J
Jacking points208
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting211
Jump starting211
K
Key, refer to Remote
control26
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access32
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access32
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26
Knock control184
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control85
– parking lamps/low beams85
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs203
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts41
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo109
Last destinations120
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system47
Launch Control57
Leather care201
LED light-emitting diodes203
Length, refer to
Dimensions219
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb206
Light-alloy wheels200
Light-emitting diodes
LED203
Lighter99
– connecting electrical
appliances100
Lighting
– instruments87
– lamps and bulbs203
– vehicle, refer to Lamps85
Light switch85
Limit, refer to Speed limit72
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo109
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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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Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Starting difficulties
– jump starting211
Starting the engine
– start/stop button49
Start menu17
State/province, for
navigation117
Station, selecting
– radio139
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet199,200
Steering wheel43
– adjustment43
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– lock49
– locking with convenient
access33
– MDrive button44
– shift paddles54
Steering wheel buttons, refer
to Shift paddles54
Storage202
Storage compartments98
Storage nets101
"Store Channel"
on the radio143
Storing music151
Storing seat positions, refer to
Seat and mirror memory40
Storing tires190
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments98
Street, entering,
navigation118
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires186
Sun blinds97
Surface ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning62
SVCD146
SW, waveband139
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine50Switching on
– audio136
– CD changer136
– CD player136
– radio136
Switching the cooling function
on and off91
Switch-on times of parked car
ventilation, preselecting93
Symbols4
– status information19
– traffic bulletins for navigation
system130
T
Tachometer62
Tail lamp
– replacing bulb206
Tail lamps205
– replacing bulb205
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities220
Technical data218
– capacities220
– dimensions219
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety5
Telephone162
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest98
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
TeleService Diagnosis176
TeleService Help176
Temperature
– automatic climate control90
– changing unit of measure65
– coolant, refer to Coolant
temperature63
Temperature display
– outside temperature62
– outside temperature
warning62
– setting the units65
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control60
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo109The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp206
Through-loading system100
Tilt alarm sensor32
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror43
Timer, refer to Preselecting
switch-on times93
Tire inflation pressure186
– loss79,80
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor78
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
– resetting the system80
– system limitations79
– warning lamp80
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor79
Tire Quality Grading188
Tires
– age188
– air loss80
– breaking in106
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels208
– condition189
– damage189
– inflation pressure186
– labels188
– minimum tread depth189
– new wheels and tires189
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor78
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
– puncture79
– replacing189
– size188
– storage190
– tread depth189
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth189
– wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires190
– winter tires190
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