2012 BMW M3 COUPE winter tires

256
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 257.
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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

257
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 page102. 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.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

258
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 101.
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 98.<
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

273
Replacing components
Mobility
Backup lamp
If these lamps malfunctio
n, please contact your
BMW center.
Turn signal, brake, license plate,
parking, and tail lamps
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
If they malfunction, please contact your BMW
center.
Coupe: Brake Force Display lamp in the
trunk lid
H21W bulb, 21 watts
1. Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
trunk lid using a screwdriver and remove the
trim.
2. Release the bulb hold er, 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: Brake Force Display lamp
in the trunk lid
H21W bulb, 21 watts 1.
Take the warning triangle out of its holder,
refer to page 277. 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 screwd river 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
page 101.
The symbol identifying run- flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page 257.
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 257.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

298
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 97
ACC, refer to Active Cruise Control 75
Acceleration assistant, refer to Launch Control 70
Accessories, refer to Vehicle
equipment 5
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 276
Activated-charcoal filter for automatic climate
control 120
Active Cruise Control 75
– indicator lamp 78
– malfunction 79
– selecting distance 77
– sensor 78
Active steering 105
Adaptive brake lamp
– Brake Force Display 106
Adaptive Light Control 112
Additives
– coolant 263
– engine oil 262
Address, entering 150,156
Address for navigation
– entering 150
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 117
Adjusting the thigh support 49
Airbags 107
– indicator/warning lamp 108
– sitting safely 47
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control 117
– ventilation 119 Air distribution
– automatic
118
Airing, refer to Ventilation 119
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 239
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Air supply
– automatic climate
control 117
– ventilation 119
Air vents 116
Air volume 118
AKI, refer to Fuel grade 237
Alarm system 37
– avoiding unintentional alarms 38
– interior motion sensor 38
– switching off an alarm 37
– tilt alarm sensor 37
ALL program 119
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 258
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 99
Ambient

air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Antifreeze
– coolant 263
– washer fluid 72
Antilock Brake System ABS 97
Anti-theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 37
Appointments, refer to
Calendar 223
Approved axle loads, refer to Weights 287
Approved engine oils 262
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 287Apps
232
Armrest, refer to Center armrest 126
Arrival time, refer to Computer 84
Ashtray 128
Assist systems, refer to Driving stability control 97
AUC Automatic recirculated
air control 118
Audible instructions, refer to Voice instructions 161
Audio device, external 127
Automatic
– air distribution 118
– air volume 118
– cruise control 73,75
– headlamp control 110
Automatic car washes 266
Automatic climate control 116
Automatic curb monitor 55
Automatic high beams and low beams, refer to High-
beam Assistant 113
Automatic recirculated air control AUC 118
Automatic Service Request 232
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 64
– interlock 64
– overriding selector lever
lock 66
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 64
– sport program 65
– towing 279
– tow-starting 279
AUTO program for automatic climate control 118
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

305
Everything from A to Z
Reference
Interior rearview mirror
56
– automatic dimming
feature 56
– compass 124
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control 64
Intermittent mode of the wipers 71
Intersection, entering, navigation 151
J
Jacking points 274
Joystick, refer to iDrive 18
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 278
Jump-starting 278
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control 30
Keyless go, refer to Comfort Access 38
Keyless opening and closing, refer to Comfort Access 38
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile 30
Keypad dialing 212
Kickdown 65
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 65
Knock control 237
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control 110
– parking lamps/low beams 110
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs 270
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer to Safety belts 53 Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo 143
Last destinations 153
LATCH child restraint fixing system 58
Launch Control 70
Leather care 268
LED Light-emitting
diodes 271
Length, refer to Dimensions 285
License plate lamp, replacing bulb 273
Light
– high-beam assistant 113
Light-alloy wheels 268
Light-emitting diodes LED 271
Lighter 129
– connecting electrical appliances 129
Lighting
– instruments 114
– lamps and bulbs 270
– vehicle, refer to Lamps 110
Light switch 110
Limit, refer to Speed limit 93
Load 142
Load securing equipment, refer to Securing cargo 143
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking 35
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal 33
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
– without remote control, refer to Comfort Access 38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals 33
– from inside 35
– from outside 32
Low beam control, refer to High-beam Assistant 113Low-beam headlamps
110
– automatic 110
Lower back support, refer to Lumbar support 49
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 143
Lumbar support 49
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 258
Maintenance, refer to Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in
the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
Maintenance system 264
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 66
– tires 101
Malfunction warnings, refer to Check Control 92
Manual car wash 267
Manually unlocking parking lock 69
Manual mode, automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
Manual operation
– door lock 34
– driver's door 34
– fuel filler flap 236
– glass roof 42
– parking lock 69
– parking lock, automatic transmission 66
Manual transmission 64
Map for navigation
– changing scale 163
– entering destination 155
Map view 162
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

306
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 30
Maximum cooling 117
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 258
Measurements, refer to Dimensions 285
Memory, refer to Seat and mirror memory 53
MENU button 18
Menus, refer to iDrive 18
Messages 220
Messages from the Concierge
service 221
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance System 264
– for automatic climate
control 120
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
– BMW Maintenance System 264
Microphone
– telephone 14
– voice commands 14
Mirror dimming feature 56
Mirrors 55
– automatic curb monitor 55
– exterior mirrors 55
– heating 55
– interior rearview mirror 56
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 53
Mirrors, folding in before entering a car wash 55Mobile phone
– adjusting volume
209
– connecting, refer to Mobile phone, pairing 205
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 126
– operation 209
– pairing 205
– refer to separate Owner's Manual
– suitable mobile phones 204
– unpairing 207
– what to do if…. 208
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest 126
Mobile phone, refer to Telephone 204
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 5
Monitor, refer to iDrive controls 18
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 100
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
M
ultifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 71
– refer to Wiper system 71
Multimedia screen, refer to iDrive 18
My Info 221
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination 152
– storing current position 152
– voice activation 156Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off 161
Navigation data 148
Navigation system 148
– address book 152
– bypassing a route section 160
– continuing destination guidance 159
– destination entry 150
– dynamic destination guidance 166
– entering a destination by
voice 156
– entering a destination
manually 150
– frequently asked questions 167
– gas station recommendations 161
– planning a trip 157
– route list 160
– selecting destination via map 155
– selecting route criteria 159
– special destinations 153
– starting destination
guidance 159
– terminating destination guidance 159
– traffic bulletins 163
– voice instructions 161
– volume adjustment 161
Neck support, refer to Head restraints 50
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments 127
Neutral 67
New tires 257
Next Service indicator, refer to Condition Based Service
CBS 264
North-facing map 162
Notes 224
Nozzles 116
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG

308
ReferenceEverything from A to Z
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 118
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest 48
Redialing 212
Refueling 236
Releasing
– hood 260
Remaining distance, refer to Cruising range 84
Reminders 224
Remote control 30
– battery renewal 40
– Comfort Access 38
– garage door opener 122
– malfunction 34,39
– removing from the ignition lock 61
– service data 264
– trunk lid 33
Replacement fuses, refer to Fuses 275
Replacement remote control 30
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 270
Replacing tires 257
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires 257
Reporting safety defects 7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge 83
Restraint systems
– for children 57
– refer to Safety belts 53
Retractable hardtop 43
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– convenient opening and closing 32
– remote control 32
Reverse gear 67
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
– manual transmission 64Road map
162
Roadside
Assistance 229,277
Roadside parking lamps 112
– replacing bulbs 271
Roadworthiness te st, refer to
Service requirements 87
Roller sunblinds 126
Rollover protection system, Convertible 109
– resetting 109
Roof load capacity 287
Roof-mounted luggage rack 143
Rope,

refer to Tow-starting,
towing away 280
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to iDrive 18
Route 159,160
– bypassing sections 160
– changing 159,160
– changing criteria 159
– displaying streets or towns/ cities 160
– map view 162
– selecting 159
Route instructions, refer to Destination guidance
through voice
instructions 161
Route map, refer to Map
view 162
Route section, changing 160
Route selection 159
RSC Runflat System Component, refer to Run-
flat tires 258
Runflat System Component RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires 258 Run-flat tires
258
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire 101
– flat tire 101
– Flat Tire Monitor 101
– inflation pressure 239
– new tires 257
– tire replacement 257
– winter tires 258
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat tires 258S
Safety-belt height
adjustment 54
Safety belts 53
– belt hand-over 54
– damage 54
– indicator/warning lamp 54
– reminder 54
– sitting safely 47
Safety systems
– airbags 107
– Antilock Brake System
ABS 97
– brake system 97
– driving stability control 97
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 97
– rollover protection system,
Convertible 109
– safety belts 53
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires 258
Saving fuel 138
Screen, refer to iDrive
controls 18
Screw thread for tow fitting 279
Seat adjustment
– electric 49
– mechanical 48
Seat and mirror memory 53
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 609 333 - \251 08/11 BMW AG