battery BMW M3 2010 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. This removes 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
page73.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page134.
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, page134.
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.
Replacing the battery
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 replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page156.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or bring them to a recycling
center. Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always secure
the battery against tipping over during trans-
port.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, 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
page67.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Panorama glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.

Giving and receiving assistance
156 check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
Sedan
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo area in a storage area.
Sports Wagon
The first aid pouch is located in the cargo area
behind the left-hand trim panel.
Warning triangle*
Sedan
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
trunk lid. Press the tabs to take it out.
Sports Wagon
The warning triangle is located behind the left-
hand trim panel in the cargo area. Press the tab
to take it out.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your BMW's
engine can be started by connecting two
jumper cables to another vehicle's battery. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal acci-
dent may occur. Carefully adhere to the follow-
ing sequence, both to prevent damage to one or
both vehicles, and to guard against possible
personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of shorting.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
157
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could
cause injury occur.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page137. The cap is
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
Sedan: it is stored in the onboard vehicle tool kit
underneath the cover on the right-hand side of
the cargo area, refer to page147.
Sports Wagon: it is stored in the onboard vehi-
cle tool kit underneath the cover on the left-
hand side of the cargo area, refer to page147.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
161
Roadside parking lamps still on Switch off the roadside parking lamps,
refer to page81.
Preheat, refer to page47
Door open
Engine compartment lid open
Trunk lid/tailgate or rear window open
Gas cap is open Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between the
gas cap and the vehicle.
Windshield washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
refer to page52.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, refer to
page65.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer jour-
ney or, in cars with Comfort Access,
replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Active steering defective You can continue your journey.
Steering characteristics are modified
and steering wheel could be off-center.
Steer carefully.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
163
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood; otherwise, there
is a risk of injury from scalding. Contact
your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the power supply
system checked without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Reduced braking effect, stop the car
carefully. Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive-off assistant has failed. The car
will not be held in place after the brake
is releasedHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
181
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support35
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment34
Backrest width adjustment35
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats36
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb151,152
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch155
Bar, refer to Towing
methods158
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment95
Battery153
– charging153
– disposal28,153
– jump-starting156
– remote control18
– replacing153
– temporary power failure153
Battery renewal
– remote control28
– remote control for vehicle28
Being towed158
Belts, refer to Safety belts38
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts38
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders95
Blower, refer to Air
volume85,88
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo145
BMW Advanced Diesel116
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System141
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders95Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC70
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements65
Brake Force Display76
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display76
– replacing bulb151,152
Brake pads106
– breaking in106
Brake rotors108
– brakes
106
– breaking in106
Brakes
– ABS70
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– Brake Force Display76
– breaking in106
– parking brake48
– service requirements65
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely108
Brake system106
– BMW Maintenance
System141
– breaking in106
– disc brakes108
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance155
Breaking in the clutch106
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential106
Break-in period106
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs147
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button46
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders95
Capacities178Capacity of the cargo area177
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery153
Car care, refer to Care143
Care143
– automatic car washes143
– care products143
– carpets145
– CD/DVD drives146
– chrome parts144
– displays145
– exterior143
– fine wood parts145
– headlamps144
– high-pressure washer143
– interior145
– leather145
– light-alloy wheels144
– paintwork144
– plastic parts145
– rubber seals144
– safety belts145
– sensors and cameras145
– upholstery and cloth
trim145
– washing the car
manually144
– windows144
Cargo, securing110
Cargo area98
– capacity177
– Comfort Access27
– folding up the floor
panel101
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps83
– opening from inside23
– opening from outside23
– partition net99
– roller cover98
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid/tailgate23
Cargo area net, refer to
Partition net99
Cargo loading109
– securing cargo110
– stowing cargo109
– vehicle109

Everything from A to Z
182 Car jack
– jacking points153
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo145
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system107
Center armrest95
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb152
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– hotel function24
– setting unlocking
characteristics19
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs147
Changing wheels153
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment137
Check Control67
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH43
Child restraint systems42
Child safety locks45
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely42
Chrome parts145
Chrome polish145
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter96
Cleaning headlamps52
– washer fluid53
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care143Clock61
– 12h/24h format64
– setting time67
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks95
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
Comfort access, refer to
Comfort Access26
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Compass93
Computer63
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked109
Condition Based Service
CBS141
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances96
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption63
Consumption display
– average consumption63
– Energy Control62
Controls and displays10
Convenient operation
– glass roof20
– windows20
Coolant139
– checking level140
Coolant temperature62
Cooling, maximum87Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant139
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant139
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs148
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control81
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control81
Correct tires134
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps83
Cruise control53
– active55
– malfunction54
Cruising range63
Cupholders95
Curb weight, refer to
Weights177
Current fuel consumption,
refer to Energy Control62
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting82
Data, technical174
– capacities178
– dimensions175
– engine174
– weights177
Date
– setting67
Daytime running lights80
– replacing bulbs148
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control70
Deactivating front passenger
airbags77
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
183
Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler flap114
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
Defogging windows86
Defrost, windows86
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner86
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows86
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows86
Diesel exhaust fluid117
Diesel fuel115
Diesel particulate filter107
Digital clock61
Digital compass93
Dimensions175
Dipstick, engine oil137
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals50
Displacement, refer to Engine
data174
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting82
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant139
– remote control battery28
– vehicle battery153
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control55
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements65
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC69
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key18
Door lock21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades132Draft-free ventilation86,89
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders95
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
Drive-off assistant72
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams79
Driving notes106
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant72
Driving stability control
systems70
Driving through water
108
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function89
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control70
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control70
– indicator/warning lamp70
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC70
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
– indicator/warning lamp70
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp71
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution70
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– driver's door22
– fuel filler flap114
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
– trunk lid24
Electric seat adjustment34
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access27
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV70Electronic oil level check138
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC70
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock50
Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual
release114
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof30
– panorama glass roof32
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside24
Emergency Request155
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance155
Energy, saving
– saving fuel106
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control62
Energy Control62
Engine
– breaking in106
– data174
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature62
– speed174
– starting47
– starting, Comfort Access26
– switching off47
Engine compartment137
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant139

Everything from A to Z
188
R
Radio
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness46
Radio readiness46
– switched off47
– switched on46
Radio-remote key, refer to
Remote control with
integrated key18
Rain sensor52
Rapeseed-oil methyl ester
RME115
Reading lamps83
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps150
Rear seat backrest, folding99
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints36
– folding99
– folding down
backrests97,99
– folding head restraint down
and up36
Rear ventilation90
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors39
Rear window
– cleaning52
– opening25
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds94
Rear window defroster86,89
Rear window safety switch29
Rear window wiper52
– changing rear wiper
blade147
Recirculated-air mode85,88
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode85,88
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest34
Refueling114
Releasing
– hood136Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range63
Remote control18
– battery renewal28
– Comfort Access26
– garage door opener91
– malfunction21,27
– removing from the ignition
lock46
– service data141
– tailgate20
– trunk lid20
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses154
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs147
Replacing tires134
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires134
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge62
Restraint systems
– for children42
– refer to Safety belts38
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission48
RME, refer to Rapeseed-oil
methyl ester115
Roadside Assistance155
Roadside parking lamps81
– replacing bulbs148,150
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements65
Roller blind
– sun blinds94
Roof load capacity177
Roof-mounted luggage
rack110
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away158
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires134Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires134
Run-flat tires134
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire73
– flat tire73
– Flat Tire Monitor73
– new tires134
– replacing134
– tire inflation pressure119
– winter tires135
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment38
Safety belts38
– damage39
– indicator/warning lamp39
– reminder39
– sitting safely33
Safety systems
– airbags77
– Antilock Brake System
ABS70
– brake system70
– driving stability control
systems70
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
– safety belts38
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires134
Saving fuel106
Screw thread for tow
fitting158
Seat adjustment
– electric34
– mechanical34
Seat and mirror memory37
Seat belt reminder, refer to
"Fasten safety belts"
reminder39
Seat heating37

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
191
Turn signals50
– replacing bulbs150
– triple turn signal51
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading110
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR132
Units of measure
– average consumption64
– temperature64
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control91
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control91
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking26
Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– setting unlocking
characteristics19
– tailgate27
– trunk lid27
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access26
V
Vehicle
– battery153
– breaking in106
– cargo loading109
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment137
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions175
– parking47
– weight177
Vehicle jack153
Vehicle storage146Ventilation89
– air conditioner86
– draft-free86,89
– in the rear90
Ventilation, refer to Climate84
Vents, refer to Air vents84
Vents, refer to
Ventilation86,89
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities178
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13
Warning and indicator lamps,
overview160
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control67
Warning triangle156
Washer fluid52
– content of the reservoir53
Washer fluid reservoir53
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray96
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water108
Water penetration143,144
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth133
Weights177
Welcome lamps79
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires134
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions175
Wheels, new134
Wheels and tires119
Width, refer to
Dimensions175
Windows28
– Convenient operation20
– opening, closing28
– pinch protection system29
– rear window25
– safety switch29
Windows, defrosting86Windshield
– cleaning52
– defrosting and removing
condensation86
Windshield wash51
– filling capacity, reservoir178
– nozzles52
– rear window52
– reservoir for washer fluid53
– washer fluid53
Windshield wiper blades,
changing147
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system51
Winter diesel116
Winter tires135
– storage135
Wiper blade replacement147
Wiper system51
Work in the engine
compartment136
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard vehicle tool kit147
X
xDrive71
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb148
Y
Your individual vehicle
– settings, refer to Personal
Profile18