2010 BMW M3 tires

Wheels and tires
134 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, page73.
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 page73. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
135
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
page70.<

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.

Everything from A to Z
180
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System70
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control55
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request155
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control90
Active cruise control55
– indicator lamps57
– malfunction58
– selecting distance56
– sensor58
Active steering76
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display76
Adaptive light control81
Additives
– coolant139
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner85
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control87
Adjusting the thigh support34
Airbags77
– indicator/warning lamp78
– sitting safely33
Air conditioner84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner85
– automatic climate control87
– ventilation86,89
Air distribution
– automatic88
– individual85
– manual85
Airing, refer to
Ventilation86,89Air outlets, refer to Air
vents84
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure119
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode85,88
Air supply
– air conditioner85
– automatic climate control87
– ventilation86,89
Air vents84
Air volume85,88
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications115
Alarm system
25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms26
– interior motion sensor26
– switching off an alarm26
– tilt alarm sensor26
ALL program88
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires135
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive71
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode85,88
Antifreeze
– coolant139
– washer fluid52
Antilock Brake System
ABS70
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights177
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights177
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest95Ashtray96
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems70
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control88
Audio device, external95
Automatic
– air distribution88
– air volume88
– cruise control53,55
– headlamp control79
Automatic car washes143
Automatic climate control84
– automatic air distribution88
Automatic curb monitor40
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant81
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC88
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– interlock48,49
– overriding selector lever
lock50
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position49
– sport program49
– towing157
– tow-starting157
AUTO program for automatic
climate control88
AUX-IN
– port95
Average fuel consumption63
– setting the units64
Average speed63
Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
Axle loads, refer to
Weights177

Everything from A to Z
182 Car jack
– jacking points153
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo145
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system107
Center armrest95
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb152
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– hotel function24
– setting unlocking
characteristics19
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs147
Changing wheels153
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment137
Check Control67
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH43
Child restraint systems42
Child safety locks45
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely42
Chrome parts145
Chrome polish145
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter96
Cleaning headlamps52
– washer fluid53
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care143Clock61
– 12h/24h format64
– setting time67
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks95
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
Comfort access, refer to
Comfort Access26
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Compass93
Computer63
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked109
Condition Based Service
CBS141
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances96
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption63
Consumption display
– average consumption63
– Energy Control62
Controls and displays10
Convenient operation
– glass roof20
– windows20
Coolant139
– checking level140
Coolant temperature62
Cooling, maximum87Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant139
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant139
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs148
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control81
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control81
Correct tires134
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps83
Cruise control53
– active55
– malfunction54
Cruising range63
Cupholders95
Curb weight, refer to
Weights177
Current fuel consumption,
refer to Energy Control62
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting82
Data, technical174
– capacities178
– dimensions175
– engine174
– weights177
Date
– setting67
Daytime running lights80
– replacing bulbs148
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control70
Deactivating front passenger
airbags77
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20

Everything from A to Z
184 Engine oil
– adding139
– alternative oil types139
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– capacity178
– checking level137
– dipstick137
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements65
Engine output, refer to Engine
data174
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data174
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine47
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps83
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control62
Error messages, refer to
Check Control67
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC70
Event data recorders142
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system107
Expanding the cargo area99
Exterior mirrors39
– adjusting39
– automatic dimming
feature40
– automatic heating40
– folding in and out39
External audio device95
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away157
– for tying down loads110
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control67
Failure of an electrical
consumer154False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm26
– switching off an alarm26
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts38
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control90
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner86
First aid pouch155
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock46
Flash when locking/
unlocking20
Flat tire
– run-flat tires134
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM73
Flat Tire Monitor FTM72
– indicating a flat tire73
– indicator/warning lamp73
– initializing the system72
– snow chains72,135
– system limits72
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition133
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir53
Fog lamps82
– indicator lamp82,160
Folding rear seat backrest99
Folding up the floor panel101
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely108
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps83
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive71
Front airbags77
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor72Fuel115
– additives116
– average consumption63
– gauge62
– high-quality brands115
– quality115
– specifications115
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities178
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to
Energy Control62
Fuel filler flap114
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction114
Fuses154
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control91
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption63
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel115
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic48
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
General driving notes107

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
185
Glass roof, electric29
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– Convenient operation20,22
– initializing30
– opening, closing29
– pinch protection system30
– power failure30
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment94
Grills, refer to Air vents84
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights177
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs149
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake48
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control71
Head airbags77
Headlamp control,
automatic79
Headlamp cover149
Headlamp flasher50
– indicator lamp11,14,160
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs149
Head restraints35
– rear, removing36
– sitting safely33
Heated
– mirrors40
– rear window86,89
– seats37
– steering wheel41
Heating84
– mirrors40
– rear window86,89
– seats37
– steering wheel41
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate84
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo109Height, refer to
Dimensions175
Height adjustment
– seats34
– steering wheel40
High-beam assistant81
High beams81
– headlamp flasher81
– indicator lamp160
– replacing bulbs149
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant81
High-pressure
washer143,144
High water, refer to Driving
through water108
Hill Descent Control HDC71
Hills108
Holders for cups95
Homepage BMW4
Hood136
Hooks for shopping bags100
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately24
Hot exhaust system107
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC70
Hydroplaning108
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning61
Identification marks
– run-flat tires134
– tire coding132
Ignition46
– switched off47
– switched on46
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness46Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on46
Ignition lock46
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM74
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview160
Individual air distribution85
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure119
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM73
Initializing
– after power failure153
– compass, refer to
Calibrating93
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM72
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
Installation location
– telephone95
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting82
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control91
Interior lamps83
– remote control20
Interior motion sensor26
Interior rearview mirror40
– automatic dimming
feature40
– compass93
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control48
Intermittent mode of the
wipers51
J
Jacking points153
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting156

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