2011 BMW 3 SERIES brake light

Driving
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.
Start/Stop button
The concept
Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches the ignition on or off and
starts the engine.
Automatic transmission: the en‐
gine starts if the brake is de‐
pressed when the Start/Stop button is pressed.
Manual transmission: the engine starts if the
clutch is depressed when the Start/Stop button
is pressed.
Ignition on
Automatic transmission: press the Start/Stop
button, and do not press on the brake pedal at
the same time.
Manual-shift transmission: press the Start/Stop
button, and do not press on the clutch pedal at
the same time.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up for varying lengths of
time.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
The ignition switches off automatically:
▷When the vehicle is locked, if the low beams
are switched on.
▷Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
▷If the engine is switched off and the ignition
is switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio ready state when the
door is opened if the lights are switched off
or the daytime running lights are switched
on.
If the engine is switched off and the ignition
is switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio ready state when the
door is opened if the lights are switched off.
Ignition off
Automatic transmission: press the Start/Stop
button again, and do not press on the brake
pedal at the same time.
Manual-shift transmission: press the Start/Stop
button again, and do not press on the clutch
pedal at the same time.
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Transmission position P with the ignition
off
When the ignition is switched off, position P is
engaged automatically. When in an automatic
car wash, for example, ensure that the ignition is
not switched off accidentally.◀
Ignition automatically cuts off while the vehicle
is stationary and the engine is stopped:
▷During locking, also with the low beams ac‐
tivated.
Seite 59
DrivingControls
59Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

Engine stop
General information
Take the remote control with you
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for example,
cannot start the engine.◀
Set the parking brake and further secure
the vehicle as required
Set the parking brake firmly when parking; oth‐
erwise, the vehicle could roll. On steep upward
and downward inclines, further secure the vehi‐
cle, for example, by turning the steering wheel in
the direction of the curb. ◀
Before driving into a car wash
In order for the vehicle to be able to roll into a car
wash, heed the information regarding Washing
in automatic car washes, refer to page 296.
Manual transmission
Switching off the engine
1.With the vehicle at a standstill, press the
Start/Stop button.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Set the parking brake.
Automatic-Transmission
Switching off the engine
1.Engage transmission position P with the ve‐
hicle stopped.
2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The radio ready state is switched on.
3.Set the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
The concept
The automatic engine start-stop function helps
save fuel. The system switches off the engine
during a stop, e. g., in a traffic congestion or at
traffic lights. The ignition remains switched on.
The engine starts again automatically for driving
off.
Automatic mode
The automatic engine start/stop function is op‐
erational after each engine start.
The function is activated above a certain speed.
▷Manual transmission: above 3 mph, approx.
5 km/h.
▷Automatic transmission: from 5 mph, ap‐
prox. 9 km/h.
Engine stop
The engine is switched off automatically during
a stop under the following conditions:
Manual transmission:
▷Neutral is engaged and the clutch pedal is
not pressed.
▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
Automatic transmission:
▷The selector lever is in transmission position
D.
▷Brake pedal remains depressed while the
vehicle is stopped.
▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
The air flow of the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
Seite 61
DrivingControls
61Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

Display in the instrument cluster
The READY display in the tach‐
ometer signals that the Auto
Start/Stop function is ready to
start the engine automatically.
Note
The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
▷External temperature below approx. +37 ℉/
+3 ℃.
▷The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.
▷The passenger compartment has not yet
been heated or cooled to the required level.
▷The engine is not yet at operating tempera‐
ture.
▷The wheels are at a sharp angle or the steer‐
ing wheel is being turned.
▷After driving in reverse.
▷Fogging of the windows when the automatic
climate control is switched on.
▷The vehicle battery charge is very low.
▷The engine compartment lid is unlocked.
▷The parking assistant is activated.
▷Stop-and-go traffic.
▷The transmission selector lever is in position
N or S/M.
Starting the engine
The engine starts automatically under the fol‐
lowing conditions:
▷Manual transmission:
The clutch pedal is pressed.
▷Automatic transmission:
By releasing the brake pedal.
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety mode
After the engine switches off automatically, it
will not start again automatically if any one of the
following conditions are met.
▷The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the
driver's door is open.
▷The hood was unlocked.
Some indicator lamps light up for varying
lengths of time.
The engine can only be started via the Start/
Stop button.
Note
Even if driving away was not intended, the de‐
activated engine starts up automatically in the
following situations:
▷Excessive warming of the passenger com‐
partment when the cooling function is
switched on.
▷The steering wheel is turned.
▷Automatic transmission: the transmission
position is changed from D to N, R, or M/S.
▷Automatic transmission: the transmission
position is changed from P to N, D, R, or M/
S.
▷The vehicle begins rolling.
▷Fogging of the windows when the automatic
climate control is switched on.
▷The vehicle battery charge is very low.
▷Excessive cooling of the passenger com‐
partment when the heating is switched on.
▷Low brake vacuum pressure; this can occur,
for example, if the brake pedal is depressed
a number of times in succession.
Preventing an automatic engine stop
with automatic transmission
The concept
To make it possible to drive away very quickly,
such as at an intersection, the automatic engine
stop can be actively prevented.
Seite 62
ControlsDriving
62Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

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.
Seite 63
DrivingControls
63Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

Notes
Use while driving
If on a rare occasion it is necessary to use
the parking brake while driving, do not use ex‐
cessive force when applying it. When using it,
keep the button on the lever depressed.
Otherwise, using excessive force when applying
the parking brake may cause the rear wheels to
lock, resulting in fishtailing.◀
To prevent corrosion and braking control on one
side only, lightly apply the parking brake period‐
ically while coasting, if traffic conditions permit.
The brake lamps will not light up if the parking
brake is engaged.
Turn signal, high beams,
headlamp flasher
Turn signal
Do not fold in the exterior mirrors
During driving and during the operation of
the turn signals/warning flashers, do not fold in
the exterior mirror, or else the additional flasher
lights in the exterior mirror do not have the pre‐
scribed position and can only be poorly de‐
tected.◀
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To switch off manually, press the lever to the re‐
sistance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp in‐
dicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point.
The turn signal flashes three times.
The function can be activated or deactivated:
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Triple turn signal"
Signaling briefly
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold
it there for as long as you want the turn signal to
flash.
High beams, headlamp flasher
▷High beams, arrow 1.
▷Headlamp flasher, arrow 2.
Seite 64
ControlsDriving
64Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

Otherwise, there is the danger of fire and a risk
to personal safety if the fluid is spilled.◀
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser‐
voir.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to the manufacturer's rec‐
ommendations.
Mix the washer fluid before adding to maintain
the correct mixing ratio.
Manual transmission
Shifting
Shifting into 5th or 6th gear
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, push
the gearshift lever to the right; otherwise inad‐
vertent shifting into the 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage.◀
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. When
the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a slight
resistance needs to be overcome.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Transmission positions
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for‐
ward gears are available.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N is Neutral
Use in automatic car washes, for example. The
vehicle can roll.
When the ignition is switched off, refer to
page 59, position P is engaged automatically.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
P is engaged automatically:
▷After the engine is switched off, if the car is
in radio ready state, refer to page 60, or if the
ignition is switched off, refer to page 59, and
if position R or D is engaged.
▷With the ignition is off, if position N is en‐
gaged.
▷If the safety belt is unbuckled, the driver's
door is opened, and the brake pedal is not
pressed while the vehicle is stationary and
transmission position R or D is engaged.
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that posi‐
tion P of the automatic transmission is engaged.
Otherwise, the vehicle may begin to roll.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Press on the gas pedal beyond the
resistance point at the full throttle position.
Engaging the transmission position
▷Transmission position P can only be disen‐
gaged if the engine is running and the brake
pedal is pressed.
▷With the vehicle stationary, press on the
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N;
otherwise, the shift command will not be
executed: shift lock.
Seite 67
DrivingControls
67Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

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.
Seite 74
ControlsDisplays
74Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490

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
Seite 102
ControlsSafety
102Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 608 633 - 11 09 490