2012 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE winter tires

194
MobilityWheels and tires
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested unde r controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessi ve loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. <
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page 195.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for exam ple, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter condit ions. In the interest of
safety, new tires sh ould be installed.
Wear indicators in the ba se of the tread groove
are distributed around th e tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
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 th e road. Be careful to
avoid road hazards and reduce your speed,
especially if your vehi cle is equipped with low-
profile tires.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indi cate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
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195
Wheels and tires
Mobility
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so , drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire dealer. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there.
O t h e r w i s e , t i r e d a m a g e c a n pose a lethal hazard
to vehicle occupants and other road users. <
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... 3010 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 30 of 2010.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires mounted only
by your BMW center or by a tire dealer. If
this work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels
are balanced. <
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 casi ng structures and often
wide variations in tire ag e, 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 an d 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 Monito r may not be able to
detect a puncture, refer to page 95. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
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.
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MobilityWheels and tires
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 th an summer tires, they
generally fail to provide th e 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 agains t 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 betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
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 spec ial rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls en sures that the tire can
continue to be used su bject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to In dication of a flat tire, page 94.
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 Fl at 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 DT C temporarily, refer to
page 91.<
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212
MobilityReplacing components
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, page 195.
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.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Battery replacing
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available. <
After a battery replacem ent, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Note
Do not connect battery chargers to the
sockets built into the vehicle at the plant;
doing so may dama ge the vehicle.<
Jump-starting terminals
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page216.
Power failure
After a temporary power lo ss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
> Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page 86.
> Radio
In some cases, statio ns may have to be
stored again, refer to page 144.
> Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
tilted. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
> Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page 48.
> Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page 119.
> Active steering
The system automatically initializes itself
briefly during a trip. The system is deacti-
vated during this time, refer to page 97.
> xDrive
The system automatically initializes itself
during a trip. Indicator lamps light up during
this time. If the lamps do not go out during
the current trip, have the system checked.
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 90
ACC, refer to Active Cruise Control 71
Acceleration assistant, refer to Launch Control 66
Accessories, refer to Vehicle
equipment 5
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 214
Activated-charcoal filter for automatic climate
control 115
Active Cruise Control 71
– indicator lamp 74
– malfunction 75
– selecting distance 73
– sensor 75
Active steering 97
Adaptive brake lamp
– Brake Force Display 98
Adaptive Light Control 105
Additives
– coolant 200
– engine oil 200
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Air
conditioner 110
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 112
Adjusting the thigh support 44
Airbags 99
– indicator/warning lamp 101
– sitting safely 42
Air conditioner 109 Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner
110
– automatic climate
control 112
– ventilation 111,114
Air distribution
– automatic 113
– individual 110
– manual 110
Airing, refer to Ventilation 111,114
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents 110
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 177
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated air
mode 110,113
Air supply
– air conditioner 110
– automatic climate control 112
– ventilation 111,114
Air vents 110
Air volume 110,11
3
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 175
Alarm system 32
– avoiding unintentional alarms 33
– interior motion sensor 33
– switching off an alarm 32
– tilt alarm sensor 33
ALL program 114
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 196
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 92 Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated air
mode 110,113
AM waveband 144
Antifreeze
– coolant 200
– washer fluid 69
Antilock Brake System ABS 90
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 32
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 237
Approved engine oils 200
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 237
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 120
Ashtray 122
Assist systems, refer to
Driving stability control 90
AUC Automatic recirculated air control 113
Audio device, external 121
Automatic
– air distribution 113
– air volume 113
– cruise control 69,71
– headlamp control 103
Automatic car washes 204
Automatic climate control 109
Automatic curb monitor 51
Automatic high beams and low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant 106
Automatic recirculated air control AUC 113
Automatic station search 144
Automatic station storage 144
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247
Everything from A to Z
Reference
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control 103
– parking lamps/low beams 103
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 208
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer to Safety belts 49
Lashing eyes, refer to Securing cargo 137
LATCH child restraint fixing
system 54
Launch Control 66
Leather care 206
LED Light-emitting diodes 209
Length, refer to Dimensions 235
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb 211
Light
– high-beam assistant 106
Light-alloy wheels 206
Light-emitting diodes LED 209
Lighter 122
– connecting electrical appliances 123
Lighting
– instruments 107
– lamps and bulbs 208
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 103
Light switch 103
Listening to scan samples
– BMW Professional radio 144
Load 136
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo 137
Lock buttons, doors, refer to Locking 30 Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 27
– from inside 30
– from outside 26
– without remote control, refer to Comfort Access 33
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 27
– from inside 29
– from outside 25
Low beam control, refer to High-beam Assistant 106
Low-beam headlamps 103
– automatic 103
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 231
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 44
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 137
Lumbar support 44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 196
Maintenance, re fer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in
the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
Maintenance system 202
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 62
– tires 94
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 87
Manual air distribution 110
Manual car wash 205
Manually unlocking parking
lock 65 Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 61
Manual operation
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler flap 174
– glass roof 37
– parking lock 65
– parking lock, automatic transmission 62
Manual station search 144
Manual transmission 60
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 24
Maximum cooling 113
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 196
Measurements, refer to Dimensions 235
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System 202
– for air conditioner 111
– for automatic climate
control 115
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– BMW Maintenance System 202
Microphone
– telephone 14
Mirror dimming feature 51
Mirrors 50
– automatic curb monitor 51
– exterior mirrors 50
– heating 51
– interior rearview mirror 51
– memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 48
Mirrors, folding in before entering a car wash 50
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249
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch 215
PTY 145
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor 93
R
Radio18
– autostore 144
– controls 18
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– switching on/off 18
– volume 18
Radio, refer to BMW
Professional radio 144
Radio position, refer to Radio readiness 57
Radio readiness 57
– switched off 58
– switched on 57
Radio-remote key, refer to Remote control with
integrated key 24
Rain sensor 68
RDS 145
Reading lamps 108
Rear lamps, refer to Tail lamps 210
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints 46
– folding down backrests 123
Rear ventilation 115
Rearview mirror, refer to Mirrors 50
Rear window
defroster 111,114
Rear window rolle r blind, refer
to Roller sunblinds 120
Reception
– radio station 144
Recirculated air
mode 110,113
Recirculation of air, refer to Recirculated air
mode 110,113 Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest 43
Refueling 174
Releasing
– hood 198
Remaining distance, refer to Cruising range 80
Remote control 24
– battery renewal 35
– Comfort Access 33
– garage door opener 116
– malfunction 28,35
– removing from the ignition lock 57
– service data 202
– trunk lid 27
Replacement fuses, refer to Fuses 213
Replacement remote
co
ntrol 24
Replacing bulbs, refer to Lamps and bulbs 208
Replacing tires 195
Replacing tires, refer to New wheels and tires 195
Reporting safety defects 7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 79
Reset, resetting tone settings 144
Restraint systems
– for children 53
– refer to Safety belts 49
Retractable hardtop 38
– care, refer to Caring for your vehicle brochure
– convenient opening and
closing 26
– remote control 26
Reverse
– CD 148
Reverse gear 63
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 61
– manual transmission 60
Roadside
Assistance 169,215 Roadside parking lamps
105
– replacing bulbs 209
Roadworthiness test, refer to Service requirements 84
Roller sunblinds 120
Rollover protection system, Convertible 101
– resetting 101
Roof load capacity 237
Roof-mounted luggage rack 137
Rope, refer to Tow-starting, towing away 218
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires 196
Runflat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 196
Run-flat tires 196
– continuing driving with a damaged tire 94
– flat tire 94
– Flat Tire Monitor 94
– inflation pressure 177
– new tires 195
– tire replacement 195
– winter tires 196
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat tires 196
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment 49
Safety belts 49
– belt hand-over 49
– damage 49
– indicator/warning lamp 49
– reminder 49
– sitting safely 42
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Safety systems
– airbags99
– Antilock Brake System ABS 90
– brake system 90
– driving stability control 90
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 90
– rollover protection system, Convertible 101
– safety belts 49
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat tires 196
Satellite radio 146
– activating 146
Saving fuel 132
Scan
– CD changer 148
Scan, listening to samples
– BMW Professional radio 144
Scan, sampling tracks
– CD changer 148
– CD player 148
Screw thread for tow fitting 217
Search button 19
Searching
– CD player 148
Searching for a music track
– CD 148
Seat adjustment
– electric 44
– mechanical 43
Seat and mirror memory 48
Seat belt reminder, refer to Fasten safety belts
reminder 49
Seat heating 48
Seats 43
– adjusting electrically 44
– adjusting the seats 43
– heating 48
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
– saving a setting, refer to Seat and mirror memory 48
– sitting safely 42 Securing cargo
126,128
Securing the vehicle
– from inside 29
– from outside 25
Selecting distance for Active
Cruise Control 73
Selecting the sound pattern 143
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 60
Selector lever lock, refer to Changing selector lever
positions, shiftlock 60
Selector lever positions 62
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 60
Service, refer to
Roadside
Assistance 215
Service car, refer to Roadside Assistance 215
Service data in the remote
control 202
Service Interval Display, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 202
Service requirements 84
Service status 170
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format 83
Settings and information 82
Setting the time format 144
Shifting 64
– 7-gear Sport automatic
transmission with double
clutch 64
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 61
– manual transmission 60
Shift into a drive position, refer to selector lever
positions 62
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission, refer to Changing selector
lever positions 60 Shift paddles on the steering
wheel 64
Side airbags 99
Side windows, refer to Windows 35
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10,11
Sitting safely 42
– with airbags 42
– with head restraint 42
– with safety belts 42
Ski bag 126
Ski bag for Convertible, refer to Through-loading opening
with integrated transport
bag 127
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to Glass roof, electric 37
Slot for remote control 57
Smokers' package, refer to Ashtray 122
Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing 165
– use 156
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment 120
Socket, Onboard Diagnosis
OBD 203
Socket, refer to Connecting electrical appliances 123
SOS, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 214
Spare fuses 213
Special oils, refer to Approved engine o
ils200
Specified engine oils, refer to
Approved engine oils 200
Speed
– Run-flat tires 94
– with winter tires 196
Speed-dependent volume 143
Speedo, refer to Speedometer 12
Speedometer 12
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