2010 BMW M3 ECU

Under the hood
136
Under the hood
Do not work on the car unless you pos-
sess the necessary technical knowledge.
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide-
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a BMW center or by a workshop that
work according to BMW repair procedures with
correspondingly trained personnel. If this work
is not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever.
Opening
In order to avoid damage, make sure that
the wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the hood. Do not open the
engine hood before the engine has cooled
down; otherwise, injuries may result.<
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of approx. 10 in/
25 cm. It must be clearly heard to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may
result.
If you see any signs while driving your vehicle
that the hood is not completely closed, stop at
once and close it securely.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
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
page73.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page134.
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, page134.
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 page156.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or bring them to a recycling
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure
the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page67.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Panorama glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
163
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood; otherwise, there
is a risk of injury from scalding. Contact
your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
181
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support35
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment34
Backrest width adjustment35
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb151,152
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch155
Bar, refer to Towing
methods158
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment95
Battery153
– charging153
– disposal28,153
– jump-starting156
– remote control18
– replacing153
– temporary power failure153
Battery renewal
– remote control28
– remote control for vehicle28
Being towed158
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders95
Blower, refer to Air
volume85,88
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo145
BMW Advanced Diesel116
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System141
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders95Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC70
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements65
Brake Force Display76
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display76
– replacing bulb151,152
Brake pads106
– breaking in106
Brake rotors108
– brakes
106
– breaking in106
Brakes
– ABS70
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– Brake Force Display76
– breaking in106
– parking brake48
– service requirements65
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely108
Brake system106
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– breaking in106
– disc brakes108
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance155
Breaking in the clutch106
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential106
Break-in period106
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs147
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders95
Capacities178Capacity of the cargo area177
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery153
Car care, refer to Care143
Care143
– automatic car washes143
– care products143
– carpets145
– CD/DVD drives146
– chrome parts144
– displays145
– exterior143
– fine wood parts145
– headlamps144
– high-pressure washer143
– interior145
– leather145
– light-alloy wheels144
– paintwork144
– plastic parts145
– rubber seals144
– safety belts145
– sensors and cameras145
– upholstery and cloth
trim145
– washing the car
manually144
– windows144
Cargo, securing110
Cargo area98
– capacity177
– Comfort Access27
– folding up the floor
panel101
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps83
– opening from inside23
– opening from outside23
– partition net99
– roller cover98
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid/tailgate23
Cargo area net, refer to
Partition net99
Cargo loading109
– securing cargo110
– stowing cargo109
– vehicle109

Everything from A to Z
186 Jump-starting156
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control18
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access26
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Kickdown49
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Knock control115
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control79
– parking lamps/low beams79
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs147
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts38
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo110
LATCH child restraint fixing
system43
Leather care145
LED Light-emitting
diodes148
Length, refer to
Dimensions175
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb152
Light
– high-beam assistant81
Light-alloy wheels144
Light-emitting diodes
LED148
Lighter96
– connecting electrical
appliances96Lighting
– instruments82
– lamps and bulbs147
– vehicle, refer to Lamps79
Light switch79
Load109
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo110
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking23
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal20
– from inside23
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beam control, refer to
High-beam assistant81
Low-beam headlamps79
– automatic79
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb169
– replacing bulbs149
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack110
Lumbar support35
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires135
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system141
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– tires73
– trunk lid24
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control67
Manual air distribution85Manual car wash144
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic49
Manual operation
– door lock22
– driver's door22
– fuel filler flap114
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission50
– trunk lid24
Manual transmission48
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key18
Maximum cooling87
Maximum speed
– with winter tires135
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions175
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory37
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– for air conditioner86
– for automatic climate
control90
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System141
Microphone
– telephone14
Mirror dimming feature40
Mirrors39
– automatic curb monitor40
– exterior mirrors39
– heating40
– interior rearview mirror40
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory37
Mirrors, folding in before
entering a car wash39

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
189
Seats34
– adjusting electrically34
– adjusting the seats34
– heating37
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory37
– saving a setting, refer to Seat
and mirror memory37
– sitting safely33
Securing cargo101
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside19
Selecting distance for active
cruise control56
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Selector lever lock, refer to
Changing selector lever
positions, shiftlock49
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance155
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance155
Service data in the remote
control141
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS141
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS141
Service requirements65
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format64
Settings and information64
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission,
refer to Changing selector
lever positions49
Side airbags77Side window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds94
Side windows, refer to
Windows28
Signal horn, refer to
Horn10,11
Sitting safely33
– with airbags33
– with head restraint33
– with safety belts33
Ski bag101
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Panorama glass
roof30
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric29
Slot for remote control46
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray96
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment95
Socket, Onboard Diagnosis
OBD142
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances96
Soot particulate filter, refer to
Diesel particulate filter107
SOS, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request155
Spare fuses154
Speed
– run-flat tires73
– with winter tires135
Speedometer12
Split rear seat backrest, refer
to Expanding the cargo
area99
Spray nozzles, refer to
Cleaning windshield and
headlamps52
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems70
Start/stop button46
– starting the engine47
– switching off the engine47
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine47Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting156
Starting difficulties
– jump-starting156
Starting the engine
– start/stop button46
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet143,144
Steering wheel40
– adjustment40
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– heating41
– lock46
– locking with Comfort
Access27
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering76
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic48
Storage146
Storage compartments95
Storage nets100
Storing seat positions, refer to
Seat and mirror memory37
Storing tires135
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments95
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires119
Sun blinds94
Surface ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning61
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine47
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button46
Switching the cooling function
on and off89
Symbols4
T
Tachometer61

Everything from A to Z
190 Tailgate23
– Comfort Access27
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually24
– opening manually24
– remote control20
Tailgate, refer to Trunk lid/
tailgate23
Tail lamp
– replacing bulb152
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps150
Tail lamps150
– replacing bulb151,152
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities178
Technical data174
– dimensions175
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner86
– automatic climate control87
– coolant, refer to Coolant
temperature62
Temperature display
– outside temperature61
– outside temperature
warning61
– setting the units64
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control53
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo110
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp152
Through-loading system97
Through-loading system,
refer to Expanding the cargo
area99
Tilt alarm sensor26
Tilt function, passenger side
mirror40Tire inflation pressure119
– loss73
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor72
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM73
– resetting the system74
– system limitations74
– warning lamp74
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor73
Tire Quality Grading132
Tires
– age132,133
– air loss74
– breaking in106
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels153
– condition133
– damage133
– inflation pressure119
– labels132
– minimum tread depth133
– new wheels and tires134
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor72
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM73
– puncture73
– replacing134
– run-flat134
– size132
– storage135
– tread depth133
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth133
– wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires134
– winter tires135
Tools, refer to Onboard
vehicle tool kit147
Torque, refer to Engine
data174
Tow bar158
Tow fitting157
– screw thread158Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away157
Towing157
– car with automatic
transmission157
– methods158
Towing and tow-starting157
Tow rope158
Tow-starting157,159
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor73
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic50
Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector
lever position
49
– refer to P Park49
Transporting children
safely42
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo110
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread133
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer61
Triple turn signal activation51
Trip odometer61
Trunk, refer to Cargo area98
Trunk lid23
– Comfort Access27
– emergency release24
– locking or unlocking
separately24
– opening from inside23
– opening from outside23
– remote control20
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions175
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12