2010 BMW M3 engine overheat

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
47
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas;
otherwise, the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause loss of consciousness and
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly
toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle
with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running,
place the transmission in neutral or move the
selector lever to position P and forcefully apply
the parking brake to prevent the car from mov-
ing.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter.<
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page26.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3.Press the start/stop button.The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page26.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Move the selector lever to position P.
3.Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Diesel engine
When the engine is cold and temperatures are
below approx. 327/06, the starting process
may take a little more time due to automatic
preheating. The preheating indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you
when you leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.<
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page46.
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2.Press the start/stop button.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page46.

Things to remember when driving
108 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 page133.
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 page72.
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 page49.
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.

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

Indicator and warning lamps
168Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and engage P.
Allow the transmission to cool down.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked if the
situation reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
P is not engaged. Vehicle not pre-
vented from rolling
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition, refer
to page46.
Pinch protection system of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Pinch protection system of the electric
glass roof/panorama glass roof mal-
functioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>parking brake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Active cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>parking brake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven orKeep a safe distance.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
183
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap114
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
Defogging windows86
Defrost, windows86
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner86
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows86
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows86
Diesel exhaust fluid117
Diesel fuel115
Diesel particulate filter107
Digital clock61
Digital compass93
Dimensions175
Dipstick, engine oil137
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals50
Displacement, refer to Engine
data174
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting82
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant139
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery153
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control55
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements65
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC69
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key18
Door lock21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades132Draft-free ventilation86,89
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders95
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
Drive-off assistant72
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams79
Driving notes106
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant72
Driving stability control
systems70
Driving through water
108
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function89
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control70
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control70
– indicator/warning lamp70
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC70
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
– indicator/warning lamp70
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp71
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution70
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– driver's door22
– fuel filler flap114
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
– trunk lid24
Electric seat adjustment34
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access27
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV70Electronic oil level check138
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC70
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock50
Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual
release114
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside24
Emergency Request155
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance155
Energy, saving
– saving fuel106
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control62
Energy Control62
Engine
– breaking in106
– data174
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature62
– speed174
– starting47
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off47
Engine compartment137
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant139

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
187
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest95
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor72
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher50
– refer to Wiper system51
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints35
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments95
New tires134
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data174
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope158
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis142
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications115
Odometer61
Oil, refer to Engine oil137
Oil consumption137
Oil level137
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal153
Onboard vehicle tool kit147Opening and closing
– Comfort Access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
– using the door lock21
– via the remote control19
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation86,89
Outlets, refer to Air vents84
Output, refer to Engine
data174
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control88
Outside temperature
display61
– changing units of
measure64
– in computer64
Outside temperature
warning61
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature62
Overriding selector lever
lock50
P
Paintwork care144
Panorama glass roof30
– closing after electrical
malfunction32
– comfort position31
– Convenient operation20
– initializing32
– opening, closing31
– pinch protection system31
– power failure32
– raising31
– remote control20
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control69
Park Distance Control PDC69
Parking
– vehicle47
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC69
Parking brake48
– indicator lamp48Parking lamps79
– replacing bulbs148,150
Parking lamps/low beams79
Particulate filter, refer to
Diesel particulate filter107
Partition net99
Passenger side mirror tilt
function40
Pathway lighting79
Personal Profile18
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric30
– panorama glass roof31
– windows29
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Polish145
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control90
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner86
Power failure153
Power windows28
– safety switch29
Power windows, refer to
Windows28
Preheating, refer to Diesel
engine47
Pressure, tires119
Pressure monitoring, tires72
– Flat Tire Monitor72
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM73
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric30
– panorama glass roof31
– windows29
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch155
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor72