2011 BMW 3 SERIES steering

Display on the Control Display
Activating/deactivating systems
Symbol Meaning
Gray: the system is not available.
White: the system is available but not
activated.
The system is activated.
System status
Gray: the system is not activated.
Parking space search.
Blue: the system is activated. A
suitable parking space was
found.
The parking procedure is active.
Steering control has been seized.
Status of the parking space search
▷Gray, arrow 1: parking space search.
▷Blue, arrow 2: parking space is suitable.
The vehicle is parked in the parking space if
the parking procedure is active.
▷No display: no parking space search.
Parking using the parking assistant
Personal responsibility
The parking assistant does not relieve the
driver of responsibility for the vehicle during the
parking procedure.
Watch the parking space and parking procedure
closely and intervene if necessary; otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident.◀
Check the traffic situation as well
Loud sounds outside and within the vehi‐
cle can drown out the signal tones of the parking
assistant and PDC.
Check the traffic situation around the vehicle
with your own eyes; otherwise, there is the dan‐
ger of an accident.◀
1.Switch on the parking assistant and activate
it if necessary.
The status of the parking space search is in‐
dicated on the Control Display.
2.Follow the instructions on the Control Dis‐
play.
The end of the parking procedure is indi‐
cated on the Control Display.
3.Adjust the parking position yourself if nec‐
essary.
Notes
▷The parking assistant takes control of steer‐
ing for as long as the symbol for active park‐
ing appears on the display.
▷The system maneuvers the vehicle to posi‐
tion it properly in smaller parking spaces, for
example.
▷To achieve the best possible parking posi‐
tion, wait for the automatic steering wheel
Seite 131
Driving comfortControls
131Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

movement after the gear change when the
vehicle is stationary.
▷When parking in parking spaces on the driv‐
er's side, the corresponding turn signal must
be set.
Interrupting manually
The parking assistant can be interrupted at any
time by:
▷Grasping the steering wheel and steering
yourself.
▷ "Parking Assistant" Select the symbol on
the Control Display.
Interrupting automatically
The procedure is interrupted automatically:
▷If the vehicle speed exceeds approx. 6 mph/
10 km/h.
▷On snow-covered or slippery road surfaces
if necessary.
▷If doors are open.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Continuing
An interrupted parking procedure can be con‐
tinued if necessary.
Follow the instructions on the Control Display to
do this.
Switching off
The system can be deactivated as follows:
▷Press the button.
▷Switch off the ignition.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed.
The parking assistant failed. Have the system
checked.
System limits
Changes to the parking space
Changes to the parking space after it was
measured are not taken into account by the sys‐
tem.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, there is the danger of an acci‐
dent occurring.◀
Transporting loads
Loads that extend beyond the perimeter
of the vehicle are not taken into account by the
system during the parking procedure.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, there is the danger of an acci‐
dent occurring.◀
Curbs
The parking assistant may steer the vehi‐
cle over or onto curbs.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, the wheels, tires, or the vehicle
may become damaged.◀
No parking assistance
The parking assistant does not provide assis‐
tance in parking.
▷In tight curves.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷When sensors are dirty or iced over.
▷In heavy fog, rain or snowfall.
▷On bumpy road surfaces such as gravel
roads.
▷When leaves or snow has collected in the
parking space.
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The detection of objects can reach the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, e.g.:
Seite 132
ControlsDriving comfort
132Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

ror has been programmed. The system can
then be controlled by the button on the in‐
terior rearview mirror.
If the LED does not flash faster after at least
60 seconds, change the distance and repeat
the step. Several more attempts at different
distances may be necessary. Wait at least
15 seconds between attempts.
Canada: if programming with the hand-held
transmitter was interrupted, hold down the
interior rearview mirror button and repeat‐
edly press and release the hand-held trans‐
mitter button for 2 seconds.
Controls
Before operation
Before operating a system using the
integrated universal remote control, ensure that
there are no people, animals, or objects within
the range of movement of the remote-controlled
system; otherwise, there is a risk of injury or
damage.
Also follow the safety instructions of the hand-
held transmitter.◀
The system, such as the garage door, can be
operated using the button on the interior rear‐
view mirror while the engine is running or when
the ignition is started. To do this, hold down the
button within receiving range of the system until
the function is activated. The interior rearview
mirror LED stays lit while the wireless signal is
being transmitted.
Deleting stored functions
Press and hold the left and right button on the
interior rearview mirror simultaneously for ap‐
proximately 20 seconds until the LED flashes
rapidly. All stored functions are deleted. The
functions cannot be deleted individually.
Digital compass
At a glance
1Control button
2Mirror display
Mirror display
The point of the compass is displayed in the
mirror when driving straight.
Operating concept
Various functions can be called up by pressing
the control button with a pointed object, such as
the tip of a ballpoint pen or similar object. The
following setting options are displayed in suc‐
cession, depending on how long the control but‐
ton is pressed:
▷Pressed briefly: turns display on/off.
▷3 to 6 seconds: compass zone setting.
▷6 to 9 seconds: compass calibration.
▷9 to 12 seconds: left/right-hand steering
setting.
▷12 to 15 seconds: language setting.
Setting the compass zones
Sets the particular compass zones on the vehi‐
cle so that the compass operates correctly; refer
to World map with compass zones.
Seite 143
Interior equipmentControls
143Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

World map with compass zones
Procedure
1.Press and hold the control button for approx.
3 to 4 seconds. The number of the set com‐
pass zone appears in the mirror.
2.To change the zone setting, press the con‐
trol button quickly and repeatedly until the
number of the compass zone corresponding
to your location appears in the mirror.
The set zone is stored automatically. The com‐
pass is ready for use again after approximately
10 seconds.
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
event of the following:
▷The wrong point of the compass is dis‐
played.
▷The point of the compass displayed does
not change despite changing the direction
of travel.
▷Not all points of the compass are displayed.
Procedure
1.Make sure that there are no large metallic
objects or overhead power lines near the ve‐
hicle and that there is sufficient room to drive
around in a circle.
2.Set the currently applicable compass zone.
3.Press and hold the control button for approx.
6 to 7 seconds so that "C" appears on the
display. Next, drive in a complete circle at
least once at a speed of no more than 4 mph/
7 km/h. If calibration is successful, the "C" is
replaced by the points of the compass.
Left/right-hand steering
The digital compass is already set for right or
left-hand steering at the factory.
Setting the language
Press and hold the control button for approx. 12
to 13 seconds. Briefly press the control button
again to switch between English "E" and Ger‐
man "O".
Seite 144
ControlsInterior equipment
144Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. When driv‐
ing, standing at idle and while parking, take care
to avoid possible contact between the hot ex‐
haust system and any highly flammable materi‐
als such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of serious
personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise, there
is the danger of getting burned.◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is advised that you do not use mobile commu‐
nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, inside the
vehicle without connecting them directly to the
external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐
tronics and mobile communication devices can
interfere with each other. In addition, there is no
assurance that the radiation generated during
transmission will be discharged from the vehicle
interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/10 km/h.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec‐
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the area around the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again after they were removed for cleaning, for
example.◀
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.
Seite 157
Things to remember when drivingDriving tips
157Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
Automatic transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down in the manual mode of the auto‐
matic transmission.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:
▷Low mileage.
▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Seite 158
Driving tipsThings to remember when driving
158Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

Roof drip rail with flaps
The anchorage points are located in the roof drip
rail above the doors.
Fold the cover outward.
Loading
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
Therefore, note the following when loading and
driving:
▷Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads
and the approved gross vehicle weight.
▷Distribute the roof load uniformly.
▷The roof load should not be too large in area.
▷Always place the heaviest pieces on the bot‐
tom.
▷Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., tie with
ratchet straps.
▷Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen‐
tly.
Seite 161
LoadingDriving tips
161Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

spelled in the language of the system. Set
the language, refer to page 84.
Example: to enter a town/city in a US state
as a whole word, the language of the system
must be English.
▷Spell the entry if the spoken language and
the language of the system differ.
▷Say the letters smoothly, and avoid exag‐
gerating the pronunciation and inserting
lengthy pauses between the letters.
▷The options available for entering data de‐
pend on the navigation data and the country
and language settings.
Entering an address in a command
1. Press the button on the steering
wheel.
2.›Enter address‹
3.Wait for a request from the system.
4.Say the address in the suggested order.
5.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
If necessary, individually name the separate
components of the address, e.g., the town/city.
Entering a town/city separately
The name of the town/city can be said as a
word or spelled out.
With the destination entry menu displayed:
1. Press the button on the steering
wheel.
2.›City‹ or ›Spell city‹.
3.Wait for the system to prompt you for the
town/city.
4.Say the name of the town/city, or say at least
the first three letters.
Depending on the entry, up to 20 towns/cit‐
ies may be suggested.
5.Select the town/city.
▷To select a recommended town/
city: ›Yes‹
▷To select a different town/city: ›New
entry‹
▷Select an entry: ›Entry ...‹ e.g., entry 2
▷To spell an entry: ›Spell city‹
6.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
If there are several towns/cities with the same
name:
Towns/cities of the same name are grouped in a
list and displayed as one location followed by an
ellipsis.
1.Select an entry: ›Yes‹ or ›Entry ...‹ e.g., en‐
try 2.
2.Select the desired town/city.
Entering a street or intersection
separately
Enter a street and intersection in the same way
as you would enter a town/city.
Entering a house number separately
Depending on the data in the navigation system,
house numbers up to number 2,000 can be en‐
tered.
1.›House number‹
2.Say the house number.
Say each digit separately.
3.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
Planning a trip with intermediate
destinations
New trip
A trip can be planned with several intermediate
destinations.
1."Navigation"
2."Map"
Seite 174
NavigationNavigation system
174Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490