warning light BMW 3 SERIES 2010 User Guide

Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
3."Reset TPM"
4.Start the engine – do not drive away.
5.Start the initialization using "Reset TPM".
6.Start driving.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target
values to be monitored. The system reset is
completed during your drive, and can be inter-
rupted at any time. When the trip is resumed,
the reset is continued automatically. On the
Control Display, the tires are shown in green
and "Status: TPM active" is displayed again.
If a flat tire is detected while the system is
resetting and determining the inflation
pressures, all tires on the Control Display are
displayed in yellow. The message "Low tire!" is
shown.<
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. A message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, a signal
sounds. There is a flat tire or substan-
tial loss of tire pressure.
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
If the car is not equipped with run-flat
tires, refer to page216, the standard
equipment by design, do not continue driv-
ing. Otherwise, a severe accident could
result after a tire puncture if you continue
driving.<2.In the event of complete pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guidelines:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
Approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo area full, or 4 persons
without luggage:
Approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 or more persons, cargo area full:
Approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during
the journey, this may be an indication that the
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your
speed and pull over as soon as possible at a
suitable location. Otherwise, parts of the tire
could come loose, resulting in an accident. Do
not continue driving. Instead, contact your
BMW center.<
Status display
The current status of the TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor can be displayed on the Control Dis-
play, e.g. whether or not the TPM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"

Technology for driving comfort and safety
88 The status is displayed.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp comes
on in yellow. On the Control Display,
the tires are shown in gray and a message
appears. No punctures can be detected.
This type of message is shown in the following
situations:
>If there is a malfunction
Have the system checked.
>If a wheel without TPM electronics has
been mounted
>If TPM is temporarily malfunctioning due to
other systems or devices using the same
radio frequency.
Message for unsuccessful system
reset
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The system is not reset, e.g.
after a wheel change.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset the
system, refer to page86.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes
very direct and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the
speed increases. This improves the handling of
your BMW over the entire speed range.

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simultaneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page82.
Malfunction
The warning lamps light up and a
message is displayed on the Control
Display. Active steering is malfunc-
tioning or is temporarily deactivated.
At low speeds, greater steering wheel move-
ments are required, whereas at higher speeds
the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering
wheel movements. The stability-enhancing
feature may also be deactivated. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead.
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an ini-
tialization. A message indicates that the feature
is deactivated. Initialization may take several
minutes.
If the message does not disappear during the
current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
If there is a defect, a corresponding text mes-
sage appears. Have the system checked.
Servotronic*
The concept
The Servotronic varies the steering force
required to turn the wheels relative to the vehi-
cle speed.
At low speeds, the steering force is strongly
assisted, i.e. less force is needed for steering.
As the vehicle speed increases, the steering
assisting power is reduced.
Malfunction
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control,
refer to page77.
Brake Force Display
On the left: normal braking.
On the right: sharp braking.

Controls
91Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-
tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page50.
The front and side airbags can also be deacti-
vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise, a correct analysis of the seat cushion is
not ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger front and side airbags in accordance
with whether and how the front passenger seat
is occupied. The indicator lamp shows whether
the front passenger airbags are activated or
deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a specially designated child restraint sys-
tem is detected, as intended, on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.Most child seats are detected by the
system, especially child seats
required by the NHTSA at the time of vehi-
cle production. After mounting a child seat,
ensure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbag is lit. It indicates that the
child seat has been detected and that the
front passenger airbags are deactivated.<
>The indicator lamp does not come on as
long as a person of sufficient size and in a
correct sitting position is detected on the
seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of radio readiness, refer to page54, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up at radio
readiness or beyond.
>Warning lamp remains permanently on.
In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay; otherwise,
there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.<

Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Wrong fluid
A warning lamp lights up:
The wrong fluid was filled into the res-
ervoir.
Please contact your BMW center.
Having the diesel exhaust fluid refilled
Diesel exhaust fluid is refilled by your BMW
center during regular service. If the service
intervals are adhered to, it generally does not
need to be refilled between service appoint-
ments.
Under certain conditions, e.g. especially fre-
quent accelerations or operation of the vehicle
at high altitudes, it may become necessary to
refill the fluid between service appointments.
When this reserve display appears in the instru-
ment cluster, have diesel exhaust fluid refilled to
avoid not being able to start the engine.
You can have the fluid refilled by a BMW center.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Because of its physical properties, it may
be necessary to refill diesel exhaust fluid
between regular service appointments at tem-
peratures below +237/-56.
The need to add fluid is indicated by the reserve
display in the instrument cluster, refer to
page198.<
Refilling diesel exhaust fluid in
exceptional cases
To be able to reach the next BMW center, you
can refill diesel exhaust fluid yourself while
adhering to the following warnings.
Do not come into contact with diesel
exhaust fluid as it can lead to skin or eye
irritations. Wear goggles and gloves, if neces-
sary. Follow the safety instructions on the bot-
tle.
Vapors with a sharp odor can escape from the
bottle or container when it is opened. Before
refilling, completely close the windows and
doors of the vehicle to prevent the vapors from
intruding into the interior. If handling diesel exhaust fluid in an enclosed area, ensure that
the room is well ventilated.
After handling diesel exhaust fluid, wash your
hands thoroughly; otherwise, for example, inad-
vertently touching your eyes may lead to eye
irritations.
If eye irritations occur, rinse the eyes thoroughly
with water and consult a physician if necessary.
If diesel exhaust fluid comes into contact with
the surface of your vehicle, rinse the affected
areas with water to prevent surface damage.
Keep diesel exhaust fluid away from children.<
Suitable diesel exhaust fluid
>Preferred: BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
Diesel exhaust fluid can be refilled conve-
niently with this bottle and its special
adapter.
>Alternatively: NOx reduction agent AUS 32
You can obtain diesel exhaust fluid from your
BMW center.
Refilling quantity
Refilling quantity when the reserve display first
appears:
Approx. 1 US gallon/3.7 liters
Opening the diesel exhaust fluid
reservoir
1.Remove the cover in the bumper by press-
ing on it, see arrow.

Maintenance
224
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
On the driver's side is an OBD socket for check-
ing components relevant to the composition of
the vehicle's emissions.
Emissions
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing higher emis-
sions. The trip can be continued. Have
the car checked as soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfiring in the engine. If
this happens, you should reduce your speed
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly
lead to serious damage of emissions-related
components, especially the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. Make sure that the gas cap is cor-
rectly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks.
Data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a
device for recording or sending certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you have
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer-
tain vehicle data may be transmitted or
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding
services.

Everything from A - Z
254
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control62
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request237
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control100
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps65
– malfunction66
– selecting distance64
– sensor66
Active steering88
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display89
Adaptive light control93
Additives
– coolant222
Address, entering125,131
Address for navigation
– entering125
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control98
Adjusting the thigh support42
Airbags90
– indicator/warning lamp91
– sitting safely41
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air distribution
– automatic98
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure201
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99Air supply
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air vents97
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications197
Alarm system33
– avoiding unintentional
alarms34
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm33
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection164
ALL program99
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires217
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive83
AM, waveband147
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant222
– washer fluid60
Antilock Brake System
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system33
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights247
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights247
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest106
Arrival time, refer to
Computer71
Ashtray107Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems82
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Audio device, external106
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air volume98
– cruise control61,62
– headlamp control92
Automatic car washes225
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
Automatic curb monitor48
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant94
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic Service
Request192
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– interlock56,57
– overriding selector lever
lock58
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position57
– sport program57
– towing239
– tow-starting239
AUTO program for automatic
climate control
98
AUX-IN
– port106
AUX-IN port167
Available services192

Everything from A - Z
258 Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting95
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant222
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery236
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control62
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements73
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC81
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency
operation29
DOT Quality Grades214
Draft-free ventilation100
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders107
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
Drive-off assistant84
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams92
Driving notes116
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant84
Driving stability control
systems82
Driving through water118
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function99
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control82DTC Dynamic Traction
Control82
– indicator/warning lamp82
DVD
– country codes157
– settings158
– video playback157
DVD menu158
DVD player, refer to CD
player155
DVD video157
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC82
Dynamic destination
guidance135
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC82
– indicator/warning lamp82
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp83
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution82
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap196
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
– trunk lid31
Electric seat adjustment42
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access34
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV82
Electronic oil level check220
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock58Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual
release196
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock29
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside32
Emergency Request237
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance237
Energy, saving
– saving fuel116
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control70
Energy Control70
Engine
– breaking in116
– data244
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature70
– speed244
– starting55
– starting, Comfort Access34
– switching off55
Engine compartment219
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant222
Engine oil
– adding221
– alternative oil types222
– BMW Maintenance
System223
– capacity248
– checking level219
– dipstick219
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements73
Engine output, refer to Engine
data244
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data244
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine55

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions135
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting95
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control102
Interactive map130
Interior lamps96
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror48
– automatic dimming
feature48
– compass104
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control56
Intermittent mode of the
wipers59
Intersection, entering,
navigation126
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port167
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface167
J
Jacking points235
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting238
Jump-starting238
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control26
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access34
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access34
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26Kickdown57
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
Knock control197
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control92
– parking lamps/low beams92
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs229
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts46
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo120
Last destinations128
LATCH child restraint fixing
system51
Leather care227
LED Light-emitting
diodes230
Length, refer to
Dimensions245
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb235
Light
– high-beam assistant94
Light-alloy wheels226
Light-emitting diodes
LED230
Lighter108
– connecting electrical
appliances108
Lighting
– instruments95
– lamps and bulbs229
– vehicle, refer to Lamps92
Light switch92
Limit, refer to Speed limit79
Load119
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo120
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking30Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal28
– from inside30
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access34
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals28
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low beam control, refer to
High-beam assistant94
Low-beam headlamps92
– automatic92
– replacing bulbs231
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support43
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack120
Lumbar support43
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires217
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system223
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– tires85
– trunk lid31
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual car wash226
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap196
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission58
– trunk lid31

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
New tires216
North-facing map136
Nozzles97
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data244
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope240
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis224
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications197
Odometer69
Oil, refer to Engine oil219
Oil consumption219
Oil level219
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal236
Onboard vehicle tool kit229
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access34
– from inside30
– from outside27
– using the door lock29
– via the remote control27
Options, selecting for
navigation134
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation100
Output, refer to Engine
data244
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control99
Outside temperature
display69
– changing units of
measure73
– in computer73
Outside temperature
warning69
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature70
Overriding selector lever
lock58Overview
– radio control144
P
Paintwork care226
Panorama glass roof38
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– comfort position39
– Convenient operation28
– initializing39
– opening, closing38
– pinch protection system39
– power failure39
– raising38
– remote control28
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control81
Park Distance Control PDC81
Parked car ventilation100
– preselecting switch-on
times101
– switching on and off
directly101
Parking
– vehicle55
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC81
Parking brake56
– indicator lamp56
Parking lamps92
– replacing bulbs230,232
Parking lamps/low beams92
Particulate filter, refer to
Diesel particulate filter117
Partition net111
Passenger side mirror tilt
function48
Pathway lighting93
Personal Profile26
Phone book177
Phone numbers
– dialing178
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– panorama glass roof39
– windows36Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Playing music163
Polish227
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
Postal code, entering for
navigation126
Power failure236
Power windows36
– safety switch36
Power windows, refer to
Windows36
Preheating, refer to Diesel
engine
55
Pressure, tires201
Pressure monitoring, tires84
– Flat Tire Monitor84
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– panorama glass roof39
– windows36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch237
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor84
R
Radio
– controls144
– HD Radio148
– satellite radio150
– selecting a waveband147
– storing stations147
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness54