2011 BMW 3 SERIES ABS

Preventing an engine stop using the
brake pedal
The engine stop can be actively prevented
within one second after the vehicle comes to a
standstill.
▷Immediately after the vehicle comes to a
standstill, briefly press the brake pedal
forcefully.
▷Then press the brake pedal with normal
braking force.
Activating/deactivating the system
manually
Using the button
Press the button.
▷LED comes on: Auto Start Stop function is
deactivated.
The engine is started during an automatic
engine stop.
The engine can only be stopped or started
via the Start/Stop button.
▷LED goes out: Auto Start Stop function is
activated.
Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle
can be switched off permanently, e.g., when
leaving it.
1.Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated.
Automatic transmission: the transmission
position P is engaged automatically.
2.Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via start/stop button.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, the Automatic Engine Start/
Stop Function is deactivated automatically for
safety reasons, such as when the driver is de‐
tected to be absent.
Malfunction
The automatic engine start/stop function no lon‐
ger switches of the engine automatically. A
Check Control message is displayed. It is pos‐
sible to continue driving. Have the system
checked.
Parking brake
Applying
The lever automatically engages after being
pulled up.
Releasing
Raise lever slightly, press the button and guide
the lever down.
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DrivingControls
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Several of the lamps are checked for proper
functioning and light up temporarily when the
engine is started or the ignition is switched on.
Overview: indicator/warning lamps
Symbol Function or system
Turn signal
Front fog lamps
Rear fog lamp
High beams
High-beam Assistant
Parking lamps, headlamp control
Active Cruise Control
Vehicle detection, Active Cruise
Control
Collision warning
Adjustable speed limit
Cruise control
Lane departure warning
Symbol Function or system
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is de‐
activated or DTC Dynamic Traction
Control is activated
Tire Pressure Monitor
Flat Tire Monitor
Safety belts
Airbag system
Steering system
Emissions
Parking brake
Brake system
In Canadian models
Parking brake
Brake system
Antilock Brake System ABS
Antilock Brake System ABS in Cana‐
dian models
At least one Check Control message
is displayed or is stored (symbol in
display)
Text messages
Text messages in combination with a symbol in
the instrument cluster explain a Check Control
message and the meaning of the indicator and
warning lamps.
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ControlsDisplays
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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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Indicator/warning lamps
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is de‐
activated.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept
The DTC system is a version of the DSC in which
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward momen‐
tum on special road conditions, e.g., unplowed
snowy roads, but driving stability is limited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC un‐
der the following special circumstances:
▷When driving in slush or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.
▷When rocking the vehicle or driving off in
deep snow or on loose surfaces.
▷When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction on loose ground.
Driving stability is limited during acceleration
and when driving in bends.
Activating DTC
Press the button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Dynamic Damping Control
The concept
This system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐
tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort as required for the road surface and
driving style.
Programs
The system offers two different programs.
The programs can be selected via Dynamic Driv‐
ing Control, refer to page 106.
SPORT
Consistently sporty control of the shock absorb‐
ers for greater driving agility.
SPORT+
Consistently sporty control of the shock absorb‐
ers for greater driving agility when driving with
limited driving stabilization.
COMFORT
Balanced control of the vehicle.
Variable sport steering
The variable sport steering increases the steer‐
ing angle of the front wheels at large steering
wheel angles, e.g., in tight curves or when park‐
ing. Steering becomes more direct.
It also varies the force required to turn the
wheels in accordance with the vehicle speed.
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Driving stability control systemsControls
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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.
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Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the tire's
circumference and have the legally required
minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They are marked on the side of the tire with TWI,
Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
General information
Inspect your tires often for damage, foreign ob‐
jects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Notes
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces, as
well as debris, curbs and other obstacles can
cause serious damage to wheels, tires and sus‐
pension parts. This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less cushioning
between the wheel and the road. Be careful to
avoid road hazards and reduce your speed, es‐
pecially if your vehicle is equipped with low-pro‐
file tires.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:
▷Unusual vibrations during driving.
▷Unusual handling such as a strong tendency
to pull to the left or right.
Damage can, e. g., be caused by driving over
curbs, road damage, or similar things.
In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
wheels and tires checked right away; otherwise,
there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the next service center or tire
shop.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.
Otherwise, tire damage can be life-threatening
for vehicle occupants and other traffic partici‐
pants.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting
Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
Information on the correct wheel-tire combina‐
tion and rim versions for your vehicle can be ob‐
tained from your service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair the
function of a variety of systems such as ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
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Wheels and tiresMobility
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Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐
tem 104
ACC, Active Cruise Control
with Stop & Go 109
Activated-charcoal filter 139
Active Blind Spot Detec‐
tion 101
Active Cruise Control with
Stop & Go, ACC 109
Active Protection 102
Adaptive brake lights, refer to
Brake force display 102
Adaptive light control 88
Additional telephone 228
Additives, oil 275
Adjustments, seats/head re‐
straints 45
After washing vehicle 297
Airbags 91
Airbags, indicator/warning
light 92
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐
culated-air mode 135, 138
Air distribution,
manual 135, 138
Air drying, refer to Cooling
function 135, 137
Air flow, air conditioner 135
Air pressure, tires 263
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐
tion 139
Air volume, automatic climate
control 138
Alarm system 40
Alarm, unintentional 41
All around the center con‐
sole 14
All around the headliner 15
All around the steering
wheel 12
All-season tires, refer to Win‐
ter tires 270
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 142
Alternative oil types 275
AM/FM station 190
Announcement, navigation,
refer to Spoken instruc‐
tions 178
Antifreeze, washer fluid 66
Antilock Brake System,
ABS 104
Anti-slip control, refer to
DSC 104
Applications 255
Appointments 243
Approved engine oils 275
Apps 255
Apps, video playback 213
Arrival time 82
Ash tray 145
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐
tance 291
Assistance when driving
off 108
Assist, BMW 250
Assist system information, on
Control Display 85
Audio playback 199
Audio playback, Blue‐
tooth 213
AUTO intensity 137
Automatic car wash 296
Automatic climate con‐
trol 134
Automatic climate control with
enhanced features 136
Automatic Cruise Control with
Stop & Go 109
Automatic Curb Monitor 52
Automatic deactivation, front
passenger airbags 93
Automatic headlamp con‐
trol 87
Automatic locking 37
Automatic recirculated-air
control 138
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
AUTO program, automatic cli‐
mate control 137
AUTO program, climate con‐
trol 135
AUTO program, intensity 137
Auto Start/Stop function 61
AUX-IN port 210
Average fuel consumption 82
Average speed 82
Axle loads, weights 304
B
Backrest curvature, refer to
Lumbar support 47
Backrest, width 47
Backup camera 123
Balance 188
Band-Aids, refer to First aid
kit 291
Bar for tow-starting/tow‐
ing 294
Bass 188
Battery replacement, vehicle
battery 287
Battery replacement, vehicle
remote control 30
Battery, vehicle 287
Belts, safety belts 48
Beverage holder, cu‐
pholder 150
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
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