2010 BMW 3 SERIES brake light

Technology for driving comfort and safety
82 can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a
risk of personal injury or property damage.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page118.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock
*,
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are
still performed to enhance drive output if the
drive wheels experience a significant loss of
traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and brak-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,

Technology for driving comfort and safety
84
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
When the vehicle is being braked automatically,
the LED flashes.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds
greater than approx. 35 mph/60 km/h.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster*
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.
2.Release the brake and drive off without
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the
brake is released. Drive off without delay after
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off
assistant will no longer hold the car in place
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to
roll backwards.<
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects pressure loss in a
tire by comparing the rotating speeds of the
individual tires while moving.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum-
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed
of the affected wheel. This change is detected
and is reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The system must be reinitialized each
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage
caused by external factors, nor can it identify
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of
time.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simultaneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page82.
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up and a
message is displayed on the Control
Display. Active steering is malfunc-
tioning or is temporarily deactivated.
At low speeds, greater steering wheel move-
ments are required, whereas at higher speeds
the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message indicates that the feature
is deactivated. Initialization may take several
minutes.
If the message does not disappear during the
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-
sage appears. Have the system checked.
Servotronic*
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force
required to turn the wheels relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering.
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering
assisting power is reduced.
Malfunction
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control,
refer to page77.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.

Things to remember when driving
118 for a short period after the engine is switched
off.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page215.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page84.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page57.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.

Care
226 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. of the Park Distance Control or Rear
View Camera, for an extended period and main-
tain a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.<
Manual car wash
When washing the vehicle by hand, use large
quantities of water and car shampoo if neces-
sary. Clean the vehicle with a sponge or wash-
ing brush, applying light pressure only.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unintentional activation of the
wipers.<
Observe local regulations pertaining to
washing vehicles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub them dry and do not use abrasive or
corrosive cleaning agents.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with copious
quantities of water.
Thaw ice with a windshield deicer and do not
use an ice scraper.
Windows
Clean the inside and outside surfaces of the
windows and the mirrors with window cleaner.
Do not clean the mirrors with cleaners
containing quartz.<
Paintwork care
Regular care contributes to value retention and
protects the paintwork against the long-term
effects of damaging substances.
Region-specific environmental influences can
damage the vehicle paintwork. Therefore, it is
important to adapt the frequency and scope of
car care accordingly.
Immediately remove aggressive materials such
as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap or bird droppings to prevent damage to the paint-
work.
Repairing paintwork damage
Immediately repair scratches or similar
damage, such as that caused by stones
hitting the vehicle, where necessary to prevent
rusting.<
BMW recommends having paintwork damage
repaired by a professional paint repair work-
shop according to BMW specifications using
original BMW paint materials.
Preservation
A preservation treatment is necessary when
water no longer beads off the clean paintwork
surface. Only use products for paintwork pres-
ervation that contain carnauba or synthetic
waxes.
Rubber seals
Treat only with water or rubber care products.
Do not use silicon-containing care prod-
ucts on rubber seals; otherwise, noise
and damage could occur.<
Chrome parts
Carefully clean vehicle parts such as the radia-
tor grill, door handles or window frames with
copious quantities of water and a shampoo
additive, especially when roads are treated with
deicing salt. For additional treatment, use a
chrome polish.
Light-alloy wheels
For technical reasons, dust is generated during
braking that is deposited on the light-alloy
wheels. Remove the dust regularly using acid-
free rim cleaner.
Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly
alkaline and abrasive cleaning agents or
steam jets over 1407/606; otherwise, dam-
age may occur.<

Everything from A - Z
254
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control62
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request237
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control100
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps65
– malfunction66
– selecting distance64
– sensor66
Active steering88
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display89
Adaptive light control93
Additives
– coolant222
Address, entering125,131
Address for navigation
– entering125
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control98
Adjusting the thigh support42
Airbags90
– indicator/warning lamp91
– sitting safely41
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air distribution
– automatic98
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure201
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99Air supply
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air vents97
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications197
Alarm system33
– avoiding unintentional
alarms34
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm33
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection164
ALL program99
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires217
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive83
AM, waveband147
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant222
– washer fluid60
Antilock Brake System
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system33
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights247
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights247
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest106
Arrival time, refer to
Computer71
Ashtray107Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems82
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Audio device, external106
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air volume98
– cruise control61,62
– headlamp control92
Automatic car washes225
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
Automatic curb monitor48
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant94
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic Service
Request192
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– interlock56,57
– overriding selector lever
lock58
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position57
– sport program57
– towing239
– tow-starting239
AUTO program for automatic
climate control
98
AUX-IN
– port106
AUX-IN port167
Available services192

Everything from A - Z
256 Care225
– automatic car washes225
– care products225
– carpets227
– CD/DVD drives228
– chrome parts226
– displays227
– exterior225
– fine wood parts227
– headlamps226
– high-pressure washer225
– interior227
– leather227
– light-alloy wheels226
– paintwork226
– plastic parts227
– rubber seals226
– safety belts227
– sensors and cameras227
– upholstery and cloth
trim227
– washing the car
manually226
– windows226
Cargo, securing120
Cargo area110
– capacity247
– Comfort Access35
– folding up the floor
panel112
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps96
– opening from inside30
– opening from outside31
– partition net111
– roller cover110
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid/tailgate30
Cargo area net, refer to
Partition net111
Cargo loading119
– securing cargo120
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle119
Car jack
– jacking points235
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control26Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car phone, refer to
Telephone174
Car radio, refer to Radio147
Car shampoo
227
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system117
CD, audio playback155
CD changer155,159
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse157
– filling or emptying the
magazine160
– random play sequence156
– selecting a track155
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
CD player155
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse157
– random play sequence156
– selecting a track155
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Center armrest106
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb235
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside27
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access34
– hotel function31
– setting unlocking
characteristics27
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs229Changing the language on the
Control Display79
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display73
Changing wheels235
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment219
Check Control77
Check Gas Cap196
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH51
Child restraint systems50
Child safety locks53
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely50
Chrome parts227
Chrome polish227
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter108
Cleaning headlamps60
– washer fluid60
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care225
Clock69
– 12h/24h mode76
– setting the time and date76
– setting time75
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside27
Clothes hooks107
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine55
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort Access34
– replacing the battery35
Comfort access, refer to
Comfort Access34
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock54
Compass104

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Computer71
– displays on Control
Display71
Computer, refer to iDrive16
Concierge service189
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked119
Condition Based Service
CBS223
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle28
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing
sections135
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances108
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption71
Consumption display
– average consumption71
– Energy Control70
Contacts
– creating186
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– switching on/off19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenient operation
– glass roof28
– windows28
Coolant222
– checking level222
Coolant temperature70
Cooling, maximum98
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant222
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant222
Copyright2Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs231
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control93
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control93
Correct tires216
Country codes DVD157
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps96
Criteria for route134
Cross-hairs in navigation130
Cruise control61
– active62
– malfunction62
Cruising range71
Cupholders107
Curb weight, refer to
Weights247
Current fuel consumption,
refer to Energy Control70
Current playback
– external devices169
– of music collection164
Customer Relations191
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Data, technical244
– capacities248
– dimensions245
– engine244
– weights247
Data transfer192
Date
– date format77
– setting76
Daytime running lights93
– replacing bulbs230
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control82Deactivating front passenger
airbags90
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking28
Defect
– door lock29
– fuel filler flap196
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
Destination, entering by town/
city name125
Destination address
– entering125,131
Destination entry via BMW
Assist129
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice131
– entering via map130
– entry125
– home address128
– manual entry125
Destination guidance134
– bypassing a route
section135
– changing specified
route134
– continuing134
– starting134
– voice instructions135
– volume of voice
instructions136
Diesel exhaust fluid199
Diesel fuel197
Diesel particulate filter117
Digital clock69
Digital compass104
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio148
Dimensions245
Dipstick, engine oil219
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals58
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions135
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book127
Displacement, refer to Engine
data244