tailgate BMW M3 2010 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Drive defensively
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
maneuvers. To do so, keep an adequate dis-
tance between you and the vehicle in front of
you. A defensive and smooth driving style
keeps fuel consumption down.
Avoid high engine speeds
Only use first gear when setting off. In second
and higher gears, accelerate without hesitation
or pauses. When accelerating, shift up before
reaching high engine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con-
stant speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and coast to a stop in the high-
est applicable gear.
O n a d o w n h il l s lo p e , t a k e y o u r f o o t o f f t h e a c c el -
erator and coast in a suitable gear.
The fuel supply is interrupted when coasting.
Switch off the engine during lengthy
stops
Switch off the engine when stopping for lengthy
periods, e.g. at traffic lights, railroad crossings
or in traffic congestions. You achieve fuel sav-
ings even if standing time is as short as approx.
4 seconds.
Switch off functions you do not need at
the moment
Functions such as the air conditioner, seat
heating or rear window defroster draw large
amounts of power and consume additional fuel.
Especially in city traffic and in stop and go driv-
ing they have a considerable impact. Therefore,
switch these functions off when they are not
really needed.
Have the vehicle serviced
Have the vehicle serviced regularly to achieve
good economy and a long vehicle life. BMW
recommends having the vehicle serviced at a
BMW center. Also note the BMW service sys-
tem, refer to page141.
General driving notes
Close the trunk lid/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the trunk
lid/tailgate and rear window are closed.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter the inte-
rior of the vehicle.<
If the vehicle must be driven with the trunk lid/
tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass roof.
2.Greatly increase the air volume of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control
system, refer to page85 or88.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust tail pipes.
Otherwise, there is a risk of burns.<
Diesel particulate filter*
The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti-
cles and burns them periodically at high tem-
peratures. This cleaning process takes several
minutes. During cleaning, you may notice that
the engine temporarily runs less smoothly and
that a somewhat higher engine speed is neces-
sary to achieve the accustomed performance.
Also, noises may be heard and a slight amount
of smoke may emerge from the exhaust, even

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the applicable data under Weights
on page177.
The roof load must be distributed uniformly and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass roof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the trunk lid/
tailgate.
Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
151
3Turn signal, LED
4Backup lamp
5Tail lamp, LED
6Brake lamp
If one of the bulbs2, 3 or 5 malfunctions, please
contact your BMW center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Sports Wagon
>Brake lamp in the tailgate:
H21W bulb, 21 watts
>Backup lamp:
W16W bulb, 16 watts
>Other lamps:
P21W bulb, 21 watts
The tail lamps are divided in two parts. One part
is in the tailgate, the other is in the fender.
1Brake lamp
2Roadside parking lamp/tail lamp, LED
3Turn signal, LED
4Backup lamp
5Tail lamp, LED
6Brake lamp
If one of the bulbs2, 3 or 5 malfunctions, please
contact your BMW center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Fender-mounted lamps
Sedan
1.Using a screwdriver, pry off the cover in the
cargo area or release the turn-lock fastener by turning it counterclockwise and remove
the cover.
2.Loosen the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and pull out.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the cover in the cargo area.
Sports Wagon
1.Left-hand lamps:
Open the flap on the left-hand side of the
cargo area.
Right-hand lamps:
Open the cargo area floor panel. Turn the
screws on the cover, arrows 1, 90° and take
out the cover, arrow 2.

Replacing components
152 2.Loosen the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and pull out.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the cover in the cargo area.
Lamps in the trunk lid/tailgate
Sedan
1.Take the warning triangle out of its holder,
refer to page156. 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 at the clip, see
arrow, and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.6.Reattach the trim of the trunk lid and the
holder for the warning triangle.
Sports Wagon
1.Use a screwdriver to press out the cover at
the clips, see arrows, and fold it downward.
2.Fold away the foam insulating material.
3.Release the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
6.Reattach the trim of the tailgate.
License plate lamp, center brake lamp,
parking/tail lamp and turn signal*
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.

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
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
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

Everything from A to Z
190 Tailgate23
– Comfort Access27
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually24
– opening manually24
– remote control20
Tailgate, refer to Trunk lid/
tailgate23
Tail lamp
– replacing bulb152
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps150
Tail lamps150
– replacing bulb151,152
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities178
Technical data174
– dimensions175
Technical modifications, refer
to For your own safety5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner86
– automatic climate control87
– coolant, refer to Coolant
temperature62
Temperature display
– outside temperature61
– outside temperature
warning61
– setting the units64
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control53
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo110
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp152
Through-loading system97
Through-loading system,
refer to Expanding the cargo
area99
Tilt alarm sensor26
Tilt function, passenger side
mirror40Tire inflation pressure119
– loss73
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor72
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM73
– resetting the system74
– system limitations74
– warning lamp74
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor73
Tire Quality Grading132
Tires
– age132,133
– air loss74
– breaking in106
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels153
– condition133
– damage133
– inflation pressure119
– labels132
– minimum tread depth133
– new wheels and tires134
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor72
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM73
– puncture73
– replacing134
– run-flat134
– size132
– storage135
– tread depth133
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth133
– wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires134
– winter tires135
Tools, refer to Onboard
vehicle tool kit147
Torque, refer to Engine
data174
Tow bar158
Tow fitting157
– screw thread158Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away157
Towing157
– car with automatic
transmission157
– methods158
Towing and tow-starting157
Tow rope158
Tow-starting157,159
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor73
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC70
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– manual transmission48
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic50
Transmission interlock
– refer to Changing selector
lever position
49
– refer to P Park49
Transporting children
safely42
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo110
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread133
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer61
Triple turn signal activation51
Trip odometer61
Trunk, refer to Cargo area98
Trunk lid23
– Comfort Access27
– emergency release24
– locking or unlocking
separately24
– opening from inside23
– opening from outside23
– remote control20
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions175
Turn signal indicators
– indicator/warning lamp12

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