2011 BMW 3 SERIES Owners Manual

▷A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted:
have the service center check it if necessary.
▷Malfunction: have the system checked by
your service center.
▷TPM could not be fully reset. Reset the sys‐
tem again.
▷Disturbance by systems or devices with the
same radio frequency: after leaving the area
of the disturbance, the system automatically
becomes active again.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
Each tire, including the spare (if provided)
should be checked monthly when cold and in‐
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la‐
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla‐
tion pressure for those tires.) As an added safety
feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that il‐
luminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-in‐
flated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a sub‐
stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not operating prop‐
erly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is com‐
bined with the low tire pressure telltale. When
the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then re‐
main continuously illuminated. This sequence
will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups
as long as the malfunction exists. When the mal‐
function indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the re‐
placement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla‐
tion pressure in the tires.
It detects a pressure loss in a tire by comparing
the rotational speeds of the individual wheels
while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre‐
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirements
The system must have been initialized when the
tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise,
reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured. In‐
itialize the system after each correction of the
tire inflation pressure and after every tire or
wheel change.
System limits
Sudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external influences cannot be indicated in ad‐
vance.◀
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A natural, even pressure loss in all four tires can‐
not be detected. Therefore, check the tire infla‐
tion pressure regularly.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:
▷When the system has not been initialized.
▷When driving on a snowy or slippery road
surface.
▷Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration.
▷When driving with snow chains.
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g.,
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3. "Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
Initialization
The initialization process adopts the set inflation
tire pressures as reference values for the detec‐
tion of a flat tire. Initialization is started by con‐
firming the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4.Start the engine - do not drive away.
5.Start the initialization with "Reset".
6.Drive away.
The initialization is completed while driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Indication of a flat tire
The yellow warning lamp lights up. A
Check Control message is displayed.
There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire
inflation pressure.
1.Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.
2.Check whether the vehicle is fitted with reg‐
ular tires or run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 271, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the tire sidewall.
Do not continue driving without run-flat
tires
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is not
equipped with run-flat tires; continued driving
may result in serious accidents.◀
When a flat tire is indicated, DSC Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control is switched on if necessary.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.
2.Rectify the flat tire.
Run-flat tires
Maximum speed
You can continue driving with a damaged tire at
speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
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Continued driving with a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.
2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on the cargo load
and the driving style and conditions.
For a vehicle containing an average load, the
possible driving distance is approx. 50 miles/
80 km.
When the vehicle is driven with a damaged tire,
its handling characteristics change, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance, and altered self-steering
properties. Adjust your driving style accord‐
ingly. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers or driv‐
ing over obstacles, e.g., curbs, potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance depends
on how the vehicle is used during the trip, the
actual distance may be smaller or greater de‐
pending on the driving speed, road conditions,
external temperature, cargo load, etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
A loss of tire inflation pressure results in a
change in the handling characteristics, e.g., re‐
duced lane stability during braking, a longer
braking distance and altered self-steering prop‐
erties.◀
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving can
indicate the final failure of the tire. Reduce speed
and stop; otherwise, pieces of the tire could
come loose and cause an accident. Do not con‐
tinue driving, and contact your service center.◀
Lane departure warning
The concept
Starting at a specific speed, this system alerts
you when the vehicle on streets with lane mark‐
ings is about to leave the lane. Depending on the
country-specific version of the vehicle, the
speed is between 35 mph/55 km/h and 45 mph/
70 km/h. When switching on the system below
this speed, a message appears in the instrument
cluster.
The steering wheel begins vibrating gently in the
event of warnings. The time of the warning may
vary depending on the current driving situation.
The system does not provide a warning if the
turn signal is set before leaving the lane.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
▷On: the LED lights up.
▷Off: the LED goes out.
The state is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
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Display
▷Lines, arrow 1: the system is activated.
▷Arrows, arrow 2: at least one lane marking
was detected and warnings can be issued.
Issued warning
If you leave the lane and if a lane marking has
been detected, the steering wheel begins vi‐
brating.
If the turn signal is set before changing the lane,
a warning is not issued.
End of warning
The warning ends:
▷Automatically after approx. 3 seconds.
▷When returning to your own lane.
▷When braking hard.
▷When using the turn signal.
System limits
Personal responsibility
The system cannot serve as a substitute
for the driver's personal judgment of the course
of the road and the traffic situation.
In the event of a warning, do not jerk the steering
wheel, as you may lose control of the vehicle.◀
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain or snowfall.
▷In the event of worn, poorly visible, merging,
diverging, or multiple lane markings such as
in construction areas.
▷When lane markings are covered in snow,
ice, dirt or water.
▷In tight curves or on narrow lanes.
▷When the lane markings are covered by ob‐
jects.
▷When driving very close to the vehicle in
front of you.
▷When driving toward bright lights.
▷When the windshield behind the interior
rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or cov‐
ered with stickers, etc.
▷During the calibration process of the camera
immediately after vehicle shipment.
Camera
The camera is located near the base of the mir‐
ror.
Keep windshield clean and clear in the area in
front of the interior rear view mirror.
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Active Blind Spot Detection
The concept
Two radar sensors below the rear bumper mon‐
itor the area behind and next to the vehicle at
speeds above approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.
The system indicates whether there are vehicles
in the blind spot, arrow 1, or approaching from
behind on the adjacent lane, arrow 2.
The lamp in the exterior mirror housing lights up
dimly.
Before you change lanes after setting the turn
signal, the system issues a warning in the situa‐
tions described above.
The lamp in the housing of the exterior mirror
flashes and the steering wheel vibrates.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
▷On: the LED lights up.
▷Off: the LED goes out.
The system can issue warnings at speeds above
approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.
The state is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Display
Information stage
The dimmed lamp in the mirror housing indi‐
cates when there are vehicles in the blind spot
or approaching from behind.
Warning
If the turn signal is set while a vehicle is in the
critical zone, the steering wheel vibrates briefly
and the lamp in the mirror housing flashes
brightly.
The warning stops when the turn signal is
switched off, or the other vehicle leaves the crit‐
ical zone.
System limits
Personal responsibility
The system cannot serve as a substitute
for the driver's personal judgment of the traffic
situation.
In the event of a warning, do not jerk the steering
wheel, as you may lose control over the vehi‐
cle.◀
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷When a vehicle is approaching at a speed
much faster than your own.
▷In heavy fog, rain or snowfall.
▷In tight curves or on narrow lanes.
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Radar sensors
The radar sensors are located under the rear
bumper.
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷Dirty or icy bumper.
▷Stickers on the bumper.
A Check Control message is displayed when the
system is not fully functional.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication
Commission regulations. Operation is governed
by the following:
FCC ID:
▷NBG009014A.
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
▷This device may not cause harmful interfer‐
ence, and
▷this device must accept any interference re‐
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or changes to
these devices could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
Brake force display
The concept
▷During normal brake application, the outer
brake lamps light up.
▷During heavy brake application, the inner
brake lamps light up in addition.
Active Protection
The concept
The Active Protection safety package consists
of systems that are independent of each other:
▷PreCrash
▷PostCrash
PreCrash
The concept
The system is used to detect critical driving sit‐
uations that might lead to an accident. In in these
situations, preventative protection measures
are automatically undertaken to minimize the
risk in the event of an accident as much as pos‐
sible.
Critical driving situations may include:
▷Full application of the brakes.
▷Severe understeering.
▷Severe oversteering.
If the vehicle includes the collision warning fea‐
ture, impending collisions with vehicles driving
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ahead or stopped in front of you can also be de‐
tected within the system's range.
Personal responsibility
The system cannot serve as a substitute
for the driver's personal judgment of the traffic
situation. The system may not always detect
critical situations reliably and in a timely manner.
Adapt speed to traffic situation and drive alertly;
otherwise, a risk to safety may result.◀
Function
After the safety belt is buckled, the front belts
are automatically tightened once after the vehi‐
cle is driven is away.
In critical driving situations, the following indi‐
vidual functions become active:
▷The front belts are automatically tightened.
▷Automatic closing of the windows.
▷Automatic closing of the glass sunroof.
After a critical driving situation without an acci‐
dent, the front belts are loosened again. All other
systems can be restored to the desired setting.
If the belt tension does not loosen automatically,
stop the vehicle and unbuckle the belt using the
red button in the buckle. Fasten the belt before
continuing on your trip.
PostCrash
In the event of an accident, the system can bring
the car to a halt automatically without interven‐
tion by the driver in certain situations. This can
reduce the risk of a further collision.
Depressing the brake pedal can cause the vehi‐
cle to brake harder. This interrupts automatic
braking. Depressing the accelerator pedal also
interrupts automatic braking.
After coming to a halt, the brake is released au‐
tomatically. Secure the vehicle against rolling.
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Driving stability control systems
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak‐
ing.
The vehicle remains steerable even during full
brake applications, thus increasing active
safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost. It thus helps to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance during full braking.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes at individual wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Indicator/warning lamps
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐
duced during acceleration and when driving in
bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC
Press and hold the button, but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and DSC OFF is displayed.
The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC
Press the button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
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