2011 BMW M3 SEDAN flat tire

Wheels and tires
220
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 1010 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 10 of 2010.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page93.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise,
the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to
detect a puncture, refer to page94. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for driving on
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer tires, they
generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page90.<

Replacing components
236 1.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
trunk lid using a screwdriver and remove the
trim.
2.Release the bulb holder, see arrow, and
remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Attach the bulb holder.
5.Attach trunk lid trim.
Convertible: two-stage brake light in
the trunk lid
H21W bulb, 21 watts
1.Take the warning triangle out of its holder,
refer to page239. Unscrew the holder using
the screwdriver from the onboard vehicle
tool kit.
2.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
trunk lid using a screwdriver and remove the
trim.
3.Release the bulb holder, see arrow, and
remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.5.Attach the bulb holder.
6.Reattach the trim of the trunk lid and the
holder for the warning triangle.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. This eliminates the need to change a
wheel immediately in the event of a puncture.
For information on continuing to drive with a
damaged tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire on
page93.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page220.
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page220.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.

Everything from A to Z
258
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System89
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control68
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control64
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request238
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control109
Active Cruise Control
– indicator lamp71
– malfunction72
– selecting distance70
– sensor72
Active cruise control68
Active steering96
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display97
Adaptive light control102
Additives
– coolant226
Address, entering135,141
Address for navigation
– entering135
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control107
Adjusting the thigh support43
Airbags98
– indicator/warning lamp99
– sitting safely42
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate
control107
– ventilation109
Air distribution
– automatic107
Airing, refer to Ventilation109Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure208
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode108
Air supply
– automatic climate
control107
– ventilation109
Air vents106
Air volume108
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications207
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection174
ALL program108
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires221
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive90
AM, waveband157
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode108
Antenna for mobile phone184
Antifreeze
– coolant226
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS89
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights249
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights249
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest115Arrival time, refer to
Computer77
Ashtray117
Assist systems, refer to
Driving stability control89
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Audible instructions, refer to
Spoken instructions146
Audio154
– controls154
– switching on/off154
– tone control154
– volume154
Audio device, external115
Automatic
– air distribution107
– air volume107
– cruise control66,68
– headlamp control101
Automatic car washes229
Automatic climate control106
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC108
Automatic Service
Request202
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– interlock58
– overriding selector lever
lock59
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position58
– sport program59
– towing
241
– tow-starting241
AUTO program for automatic
climate control107

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data246
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine56
Entering special destinations
by name140
Entering the postal code for
navigation136
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps105
Entry map for destination140
Equalizer, tone setting155
Error messages, refer to
Check Control84
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC89
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system127
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone178
Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External audio device115
External devices
– random sequence180
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away241
– for tying down loads130
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control84
Failure of an electrical
consumer237
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm33
– switching off an alarm32Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
Fastest route for
navigation144
Fast forward
– CD changer167
– CD player167
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control109
First aid pouch239
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking29
Flat tire
– run-flat tires220
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM94
Flat Tire Monitor FTM92
– indicating a flat tire93
– indicator/warning lamp93
– initializing the system93
– snow chains92,221
– system limits92
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition219
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir66
FM, waveband157
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp13,104
Folding up the floor panel120
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely128
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive90
Free memory capacity, music
collection175
Front airbags98
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor92Fuel207
– average consumption77
– gauge76
– high-quality brands207
– quality207
– specifications
207
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities250
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel consumption indicator
– average fuel
consumption77
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel filler flap206
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction206
Fuses237
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control111
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption77
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel207
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Gas station
recommendations146
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Gear indicator, refer to
Displays in the instrument
cluster60
Gearshift lever60
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes127

Everything from A to Z
264 Glass roof, electric37
– closing after electrical
malfunction38
– convenient operation28,30
– initializing38
– opening, closing37
– operation with Comfort
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– power failure38
– raising37
– remote control28
Glove compartment114
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system134
Grills106
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights249
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control91
HD Radio158
Head airbags98
Headlamp control,
automatic101
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints45
– rear, removing46
– sitting safely42
Heated
– mirrors50
– rear window108
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating
– mirrors50
– rear window108
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate106Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo130
Height, refer to
Dimensions247
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant103
High beams103
– headlamp flasher103
– indicator lamp13
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant103
High-pressure
washer229,230
High water, refer to Driving
through water128
Highways, refer to Route
criteria144
Hill Descent Control HDC91
Hills128
Holders for cups116
Homepage BMW4
Hood222
Hooks for shopping bags120
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately
31
Hot exhaust system127
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control89
Hydroplaning127
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio158
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning75
Identification marks
– run-flat tires220
– tire coding218iDrive16
– adjusting brightness87
– changing date and time83
– changing language87
– changing settings87
– changing units of measure
and display format80
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM95
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure208
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM94
Initializing
– after power failure237
– compass, refer to
Calibrating114
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM93
– glass roof38
– radio, refer to Station,
storing157
– refer to Setting the time and
date83
Installation location
– telephone115

Everything from A to Z
266 Manual transmission57
Map for navigation
– changing scale147
– entering destination140
Map view146
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Maximum cooling107
Maximum speed
– with winter tires221
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions247
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory48
MENU button16
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages191
Messages from the concierge
service191
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System227
– for automatic climate
control109
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System227
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice commands14
Mirror dimming feature51
Mirrors50
– automatic curb monitor50
– exterior mirrors50
– heating50
– interior rearview mirror51
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory48
Mirrors, folding in before
entering a car wash50Mobile phone
– adjusting volume187
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing184
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest115
– operation via iDrive187
– pairing184
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest115
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone184
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
Monitor92
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port
177
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface178
Multi-channel playback155
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher64
– refer to Wiper system65
Multimedia screen, refer to
iDrive16
Music, managing175
Music collection172
– backup176
– deleting176
– random sequence175
– restoring176
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN port177Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface178
Music search173
My Info191
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination137
– storing current position137
– voice activation141
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off146
Navigation data134
Navigation system134
– address book137
– bypassing a route
section145
– continuing destination
guidance144
– destination entry135
– dynamic destination
guidance145
– entering a destination by
voice141
– entering a destination
manually135
– frequently asked
questions151
– gas station
recommendations146
– planning a trip142
– route list145
– selecting destination via
map140
– selecting route criteria144
– special destinations139
– starting destination
guidance144
– terminating destination
guidance144
– traffic bulletins148
– voice instructions146
– volume adjustment146

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints45
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments116
Neutral61
New tires220
Next Service indicator, refer to
Condition Based Service
CBS227
North-facing map146
Nozzles106
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data246
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope242
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis228
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications207
Odometer75
Oil, refer to Engine oil223
Oil consumption223
Oil level223
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal237
Onboard vehicle tool kit233
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access33
– from inside30
– from outside27
– using the door lock29
– using the remote control27
Options, selecting for
navigation144
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation109
Output, refer to Engine
data246
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate
control108Outside temperature
display75
– changing unit of measure80
– in computer80
Outside temperature
warning75
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature76
Overriding selector lever
lock59
Overview
– radio control154
P
Paintwork care230
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control88
Park Distance Control PDC88
Parked car ventilation110
– preselecting switch-on
times110
– switching on and off
directly110
Parking
– vehicle56
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC88
Parking brake57
– indicator lamp57
Parking lamps101
– replacing bulbs234
Parking lamps/low beams101
Passenger side mirror tilt
function50
Pathway lighting102
Personal Profile26
Phone book187
Phone numbers
– dialing188
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– windows36
Playing music173
Polish232
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control109Power failure237
Power windows36
Power windows, refer to
Windows35
Pressure, tires208
Pressure monitoring, tires92
– Flat Tire Monitor92
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM94
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– windows36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch239
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor92
R
Radio
– controls154
– HD Radio158
– satellite radio160
– selecting waveband157
– storing stations157
– switching on/off154
– tone control154
– volume154
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness55
Radio readiness55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Radio-remote key, refer to
Remote control with
integrated key26
Rain sensor65
Random sequence
– external devices180
– music collection175
Reading lamps105
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps235