2010 BMW 3 SERIES winter tires

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heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page216.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazard and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there.
Otherwise, tire damage can pose a lethal hazard
to vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.

Wheels and tires
216 The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3209 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 32 of 2009.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page85.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
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
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
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. 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, DSC or
FTM.
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 page86. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.

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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 +45°F/+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.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always 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. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page82.<

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3.Release the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
6.Reattach the trim of the tailgate.
License plate lamp, center brake lamp,
parking/tail lamp and turn signal*
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. This removes the need to change a
wheel immediately in the event of a puncture.
For information on continuing to drive with a
damaged tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire on
page85.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page216.
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page216.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.
Replacing the battery
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available.<
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
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 page238.

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

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
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Mobility
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions135
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting95
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control102
Interactive map130
Interior lamps96
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror48
– automatic dimming
feature48
– compass104
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control56
Intermittent mode of the
wipers59
Intersection, entering,
navigation126
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port167
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface167
J
Jacking points235
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting238
Jump-starting238
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control26
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access34
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access34
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26Kickdown57
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
Knock control197
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control92
– parking lamps/low beams92
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs229
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts46
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo120
Last destinations128
LATCH child restraint fixing
system51
Leather care227
LED Light-emitting
diodes230
Length, refer to
Dimensions245
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb235
Light
– high-beam assistant94
Light-alloy wheels226
Light-emitting diodes
LED230
Lighter108
– connecting electrical
appliances108
Lighting
– instruments95
– lamps and bulbs229
– vehicle, refer to Lamps92
Light switch92
Limit, refer to Speed limit79
Load119
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo120
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking30Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal28
– from inside30
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access34
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals28
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low beam control, refer to
High-beam assistant94
Low-beam headlamps92
– automatic92
– replacing bulbs231
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support43
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack120
Lumbar support43
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires217
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system223
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– tires85
– trunk lid31
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual car wash226
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap196
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission58
– trunk lid31

Everything from A - Z
262 Manual transmission56
Map for navigation
– changing scale137
– entering destination130
Map view136
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Maximum cooling98
Maximum speed
– with winter tires217
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions245
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory45
MENU button16
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages180
Messages from the concierge
service181
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System223
– for automatic climate
control100
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System223
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice commands14
Mirror dimming feature48
Mirrors47
– automatic curb monitor48
– exterior mirrors47
– heating47
– interior rearview mirror48
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory45
Mirrors, folding in before
entering a car wash47Mobile phone
– adjusting volume177
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing174
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– operation via iDrive177
– pairing174
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest106
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone174
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
Monitor84
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port167
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface167
Multi-channel playback145
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, managing165
Music collection162
– backup166
– deleting166
– random sequence165
– restoring166
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN port167
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface167Music search163
My Info181
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination127
– storing current position127
– voice activation131
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off135
Navigation data124
Navigation system124
– address book127
– bypassing a route
section135
– continuing destination
guidance134
– destination entry125
– dynamic destination
guidance135
– entering a destination by
voice131
– entering a destination
manually125
– frequently asked
questions140
– gas station
recommendations135
– planning a trip132
– route list135
– selecting destination via
map130
– selecting route criteria134
– special destinations128
– starting destination
guidance134
– terminating destination
guidance134
– traffic bulletins137
– voice instructions135
– volume adjustment136
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints43
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments106

Everything from A - Z
264 Radio readiness54
– switched off55
– switched on54
Radio-remote key, refer to
Remote control with
integrated key26
Rain sensor59
Random sequence
– external devices169
– music collection165
Rapeseed-oil methyl ester
RME197
Reading lamps96
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps232
Rear seat backrest,
folding110
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints44
– folding110
– folding down
backrests109,110
– folding head restraint down
and up44
Rear ventilation100
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors47
Rear window
– cleaning60
– opening32
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds105
Rear window defroster99
Rear window safety switch36
Rear window wiper60
– changing rear wiper
blade229
Receiving level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information19
Reception
– quality148
– radio station148
Recirculated-air mode99
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest42
Refueling196Releasing
– hood218
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range71
Remote control26
– battery renewal35
– Comfort Access34
– garage door opener102
– malfunction28,35
– removing from the ignition
lock54
– service data223
– tailgate28
– trunk lid28
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses236
Replacement remote
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs229
Replacing tires216
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires216
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings146
Restraint systems
– for children50
– refer to Safety belts46
Reverse
– CD changer157
– CD player157
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission56
RME, refer to Rapeseed-oil
methyl ester197
Road map136
Roadside
Assistance189,237
Roadside parking lamps94
– replacing bulbs230,232
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements73
Roller blind
– sun blinds105Roof load capacity247
Roof-mounted luggage
rack120
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away240
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route134,135
– bypassing sections135
– changing134,135
– changing criteria134
– displaying streets or towns/
cities135
– map view136
– selecting134
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions135
Route map, refer to Map
view136
Route section, changing
135
Route selection134
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires216
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires216
Run-flat tires216
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire85
– flat tire85
– Flat Tire Monitor85
– new tires216
– replacing216
– tire inflation pressure201
– winter tires217
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
– damage46
– indicator/warning lamp46
– reminder46
– sitting safely41