2010 BMW M3 SEDAN Button

Under the hood
220 The oil level must not be above the upper
marking of the dipstick. Too much oil will
harm the engine.<
Checking the engine oil level
electronically*
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least approx. 6.5 miles/10 km. You
can have the oil level displayed while you are
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a
level surface and the engine is running.
Display in the instrument cluster
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up
or down repeatedly until the appropriate
symbol is shown in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator lever.
The oil level is checked and the reading dis-
played.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at
a standstill on a level surface, or about
5 minutes while the car is on the move.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to
Adding engine oil on page221.
4Oil level is too high.
Too much oil will harm the engine.
Have the vehicle checked without
delay.<
5The oil level sensor is defective.
Do not add engine oil. You can continue
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer
to page73. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.

Mobility
237Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency Request*
Conditions for an Emergency Request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone: this
equipment makes it possible to send an
Emergency Request even if no mobile
phone is paired with the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. Activating
BMW Assist, refer to page190.
>Radio readiness is on.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a
mobile phone network.
>The Emergency Request system is opera-
ble.
Once your service contract for BMW Assist
expires, the BMW Assist system can be deacti-
vated by a BMW center without you having to
visit a workshop. Once the BMW Assist system
has been deactivated, Emergency Requests
are not possible. The BMW Assist system can
be reactivated by a BMW center after a new
contract has been signed.
Sending an Emergency Request
1.Briefly press the cover flap to open.
2.Press the SOS button until the LED in the
button lights up.
As soon as the voice connection to the BMW
Assist Response Center has been established,
the LED flashes.
Once the BMW Assist Response Center has
received your Emergency Request, the
BMW Assist Response Center contacts you and takes further steps to help you. Even if you
are unable to respond, the BMW Assist
Response Center will be able to initiate further
steps to assist you under certain conditions.
If the circumstances allow this, remain in the
vehicle until the connection has been estab-
lished. You will then be able to provide a
detailed description of the situation.
Data for determining the necessary rescue
measures are transmitted to the BMW Assist
Response Center, e.g. the current position of
your vehicle, if it can be determined.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist
Response Center cannot be heard over the
hands-free system, it is possible that the
hands-free system is malfunctioning. You may
still be heard by the BMW Assist Response
Center, however.
Under certain conditions, an Emergency
Request is sent automatically immediately after
a severe accident. This Automatic Collision
Notification is not affected by the button being
pressed.
For technical reasons, the Emergency
Request service cannot be guaranteed
for the most unfavorable conditions.<
Roadside Assistance
The BMW Roadside Assistance is there to
assist you around the clock in the event of a
breakdown, including on weekends and public
holidays.
The phone numbers of Roadside Assistance in
your home country can be found in the Contact
brochure.
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units73
Average speed71
Avoid highways in
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional
alarms34
Axle loads, refer to
Weights247
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support43
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment42
Backrest width adjustment43
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats44
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb233,234
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch237
Bar, refer to Towing
methods240
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter184
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment106
Bass, tone setting144
Battery235
– charging235
– disposal35,236
– jump-starting238
– remote control26
– replacing235
– temporary power failure236
Battery for mobile phone185
Battery renewal
– remote control35
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed240
Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts46
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders107Blower, refer to Air volume98
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating176
BMW
– car shampoo227
BMW Advanced Diesel198
BMW Assist188
BMW Assist,
activating190,192
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System223
BMW Search190
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders107
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC82
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements73
Brake Force Display89
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display89
– replacing bulb233,234
Brake pads116
– breaking in116
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS82
– BMW Maintenance
System223
– Brake Force Display89
– breaking in116
– parking brake56
– service requirements73
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely118
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System223
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance237
Breaking in the clutch116Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential116
Break-in period116
Brightness of the Control
Display80
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs229
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button54
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Call
– accepting177
– ending178
– rejecting178
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing178
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders107
Capacities248
Capacity of the cargo area247
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery235
Car care, refer to Care225

Everything from A - Z
258 Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant222
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery236
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control62
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements73
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC81
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency
operation29
DOT Quality Grades214
Draft-free ventilation100
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders107
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
Drive-off assistant84
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams92
Driving notes116
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant84
Driving stability control
systems82
Driving through water118
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function99
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control82DTC Dynamic Traction
Control82
– indicator/warning lamp82
DVD
– country codes157
– settings158
– video playback157
DVD menu158
DVD player, refer to CD
player155
DVD video157
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC82
Dynamic destination
guidance135
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
– indicator/warning lamp82
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp83
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution82
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap196
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
– trunk lid31
Electric seat adjustment42
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access34
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV82
Electronic oil level check220
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock58Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual
release196
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock29
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside32
Emergency Request237
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance237
Energy, saving
– saving fuel116
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control70
Energy Control70
Engine
– breaking in116
– data244
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature70
– speed244
– starting55
– starting, Comfort Access34
– switching off55
Engine compartment219
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant222
Engine oil
– adding221
– alternative oil types222
– BMW Maintenance
System223
– capacity248
– checking level219
– dipstick219
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements73
Engine output, refer to Engine
data244
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data244
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine55

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
New tires216
North-facing map136
Nozzles97
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data244
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope240
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis224
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications197
Odometer69
Oil, refer to Engine oil219
Oil consumption219
Oil level219
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal236
Onboard vehicle tool kit229
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access34
– from inside30
– from outside27
– using the door lock29
– via the remote control27
Options, selecting for
navigation134
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation100
Output, refer to Engine
data244
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control99
Outside temperature
display69
– changing units of
measure73
– in computer73
Outside temperature
warning69
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature70
Overriding selector lever
lock58Overview
– radio control144
P
Paintwork care226
Panorama glass roof38
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– comfort position39
– Convenient operation28
– initializing39
– opening, closing38
– pinch protection system39
– power failure39
– raising38
– remote control28
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control81
Park Distance Control PDC81
Parked car ventilation100
– preselecting switch-on
times101
– switching on and off
directly101
Parking
– vehicle55
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC81
Parking brake56
– indicator lamp56
Parking lamps92
– replacing bulbs230,232
Parking lamps/low beams92
Particulate filter, refer to
Diesel particulate filter117
Partition net111
Passenger side mirror tilt
function48
Pathway lighting93
Personal Profile26
Phone book177
Phone numbers
– dialing178
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– panorama glass roof39
– windows36Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Playing music163
Polish227
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
Postal code, entering for
navigation126
Power failure236
Power windows36
– safety switch36
Power windows, refer to
Windows36
Preheating, refer to Diesel
engine
55
Pressure, tires201
Pressure monitoring, tires84
– Flat Tire Monitor84
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– panorama glass roof39
– windows36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch237
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor84
R
Radio
– controls144
– HD Radio148
– satellite radio150
– selecting a waveband147
– storing stations147
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness54

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