2009 BMW M3 SEDAN width

Controls
39Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Backrest width*
You can change the width of the backrest to suit
your individual preferences by adjusting the lat-
eral-support pads.
Press the front or rear end of the switch.
Backrest width decreases or increases accord-
ingly.
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of neck injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that its center is at approx. ear level. Oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident. Only remove a head
restraint if no one will be sitting on the seat in
question. Reinstall the head restraint before
transporting anyone on that seat. Otherwise,
the passenger will be without protection from
the head restraint.<
Front active head restraints
In a rear collision of a sufficient strength, the
active head restraint reduces the distance to
the head.
Do not use seat or head restraint covers
that could impair the function of the active
head restraint. Otherwise, the protective func-
tion of the active head restraint will not be
ensured and its full potential in reducing the risk
of injury in the event of a rear collision may not
be realized.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation or
triggering of the active head restraints, have the
testing, repair and removal executed only by a
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-ing to repair procedures of BMW with corre-
spondingly trained personnel and that has the
required explosives licenses. Unprofessional
attempts to work on the system could lead to
failure in an emergency or to undesired airbag
activation, either of which could result in per-
sonal injury.<
For technical reasons, the head restraint
cannot be removed.<
Front seats
Height adjustment
>To raise: pull up.
>To lower: press the button, arrow1, and
slide the head restraint down.
Rear seats
Height adjustment
>To raise: pull up.
>To lower: press the button, arrow1, and
slide the head restraint down.
The center head restraint is not height-adjust-
able.
Removing
Only with through-loading system*:
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Adjustments
40 1.Pull up as far as it will go.
2.Press the button, arrow 1, tilt the rear seat
backrest slightly forward and pull the head
restraint all the way out.
Only remove the head restraints if no pas-
sengers will be sitting in the rear. Reinstall
head restraints before transporting passengers
in the rear.<
Folding head restraints down and back
up
Folding down:
Press the button, arrow1.
Folding up:
Pull the head restraint.
Depending on the equipment version, it may be
possible to fold down the outer rear head
restraints as well.
Only fold the head restraints down if no
passengers will be sitting in the rear. Fold
up the head restraints before transporting pas-
sengers in the rear.<
Heated seats*
Press once for each temperature level.
Three LEDs indicate the highest temperature.To switch off:
Press button longer.
If you continue driving within approx.
15 minutes, the seat heating is automatically
activated at the previously set temperature.
The temperature is lowered or the heating is
switched off entirely to save on battery power.
The LEDs stay lit.
Seat and mirror memory
You can store and call up two different combi-
nations of driver's-seat and exterior-mirror
positions.
Settings for the backrest width and lumbar sup-
port are not stored in memory.
Storing
1.Switch on radio readiness or the ignition,
refer to page49.
2.Adjust the seat and exterior mirrors to the
desired positions.
3.Press the button.
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button 1 or 2: the
LED goes out.
The driver's seat and exterior mirror posi-
tions are stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Call-up
Do not call up memory while you are driv-
ing, otherwise unexpected seat move-
ment could result in an accident.<
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Controls
43Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
pressing button3. This can be beneficial in nar-
row streets, for example, or for moving mirrors
that were folded in by hand back out into their
correct positions. Mirrors that were folded in are
folded out automatically at a speed of approx.
25 mph/40 km/h.
Before entering an automatic car wash,
fold in the exterior mirrors manually or
with button3 to prevent them from being dam-
aged, depending on the width of the vehicle.<
Automatic heating*
Depending on the outside temperature, both
exterior mirrors are heated automatically when
the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on.
Passenger-side mirror tilt function –
automatic curb monitor*
Activating
1.Push the switch to the position for the
driver's-side mirror, arrow 1.
2.Engage reverse gear or transmission posi-
tion R.
The glass of the mirror on the passenger
side tilts slightly down. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adjacent
to the vehicle, e.g. a curb, when backing into
a parking space.
Deactivating
Push the switch to the position for the passen-
ger-side mirror, arrow 2.
Interior and exterior mirrors*,
automatic dimming feature
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel position
while the car is in motion, otherwise there
is a risk of accident due to an unexpected move-
ment.<
1.Fold the lever down.
2.Move the steering wheel to the preferred
height and angle to suit your seated posi-
tion.
3.Swing the lever back up.
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Transporting children safely
46
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger
themselves and/or other persons by opening
the doors, for example.<
The rear center seat is not suitable for installing
child-restraint systems for all age groups,
approved for the age group in question.
Children always in the rear
Accident research has shown that the safest
place for children is on the rear seat.
Children under the age of 13 or smaller
than 5 ft/150 cm may be transported only
in the rear in suitable child-restraint systems
appropriate for their age, weight and size. Oth-
erwise there is an increased risk of injury in the
event of an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must be buck-
led in with a safety belt as soon as there no
longer is any child-restraint system that is
appropriate for their age, size and weight.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child-
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger must be deactivated. Otherwise, a child
traveling on that seat will face a significant risk
of injury if the airbags are triggered off, even
with a child-restraint system.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags refer to page83.
Installing child-restraint
systems
Observe the child-restraint system man-
ufacturer's instructions when selecting,
installing and using child-restraint systems.
Otherwise the protective effect may be dimin-
ished. to be secured with a lap belt or with the lap-belt
section of a lap-and-shoulder belt. Incorrectly
or improperly installed child-restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to children.
Always follow the installation instructions for
the system with the greatest care.
On the front passenger seat
After installing a child-restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags for the front passen-
ger are deactivated, otherwise there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags deploy.<
Backrest width*
The backrest width of the front passen-
ger's seat must be at its widest possible
setting. Do not change the setting after install-
ing the child seat. Otherwise the child seat's
stability on the front passenger's seat is lim-
ited.<
1.Adjust the backrest width to its widest set-
ting, refer to page39.
2.Install the child seat.
Child seat security
The rear safety belts and the front passenger's
safety belt can be prevented from being pulled
out in order to fasten child-restraint systems.
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Wheels and tires
188
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Z = over 150 mph/240 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 3208 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 32 of 2008.BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires
235/40 R18100 V
245/35 ZR19
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3208
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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 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 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Voice instructions from
navigation system128
– repeating129
– switching on/off128
– volume129
Volume136
– audio sources136
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities220
– mobile phone165
– TV136
– voice instructions129
Volume balance, tone
setting137
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control70
Warning triangle211
Washer fluid60
– content of the reservoir60
Washer fluid reservoir60
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray99
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water107
Water penetration199,200
Waveband with the radio139
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth189
Weights220
Welcome lamps85
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires190
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions219
Wheels, new189
Wheels and tires186
Width, refer to
Dimensions219Windows34
– convenient operation28
– convenient operation with
convenient access33
– opening, closing34
– pinch protection system35
– safety switch35
Windows, indicator on Control
Display16
Windshield
– cleaning59
Windshield wash59
– filling capacity, reservoir220
– nozzles60
– reservoir for washer fluid60
– washer fluid60
Windshield wiper blades,
changing203
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system59
Winter tires190
– setting speed limit72
– storage190
Wiper blade replacement203
Wiper system59
Word-matching principle for
navigation127
Work in the engine
compartment192
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit203
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb204
Y
Your individual vehicle
– settings, refer to MDrive44
– settings, refer to Personal
Profile26
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