ABS BMW M3 2010 Owners Manual

Driving
54
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance point
or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired speed is
displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
reduced by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h is
achieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Tap the lever upwards or downwards, arrow3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up when
cruise control is deactivated due to
control intervention by the DSC, for
example.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow4. The last stored
speed is resumed and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are
intervening
>In cars with ma nua l trans mis sio n: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral
>In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2Selected speed is displayed briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met.
Calling up Check Control messages, refer to
page68.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. More informa-
tion can be found beginning on
page160.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
57
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, an accident risk could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3.
The displays on the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to neutral in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on
infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is
covered with dirt, refer to page58
>When you apply the parking brake
When the system is deactivated, you
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or
maneuver as necessary; otherwise, there is a
risk of accidents.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated, for example
due to a driving speed below 20 mph or
30 km/h or a DSC intervention.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4.
The stored speed and distance are regained
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are
intervening
>In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to neutral
>In cars with automatic transmission: when
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played

Driving
58 If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control
messages, refer to page68.<
Warning lamps
The indicator2 flashes in red; a
signal sounds.
The system indicates that you
must brake and/or maneuver the
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to
the vehicle ahead.
This indicator does not release you from your
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow.
The prerequisites for operating
active cruise control are not met,
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC
interventions. Active cruise control
is deactivated. You can reactivate the system, if
desired, by tapping or pulling the lever when
road and traffic conditions permit. It is not pos-
sible to resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt,
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure
to use particular care when removing any layers
of snow or ice from the sensor.
The system cannot be activated if the sensor is
incorrectly aligned.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
NF3 ACC2SCU 003YK04001 0000
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
>this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. More informa-
tion can be found beginning on
page160.

Technology for driving comfort and safety
70
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page108.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. The system also recognizes unstable
driving conditions, for example if the rear of the
car is about to swerve or if momentum is acting
at an angle past the front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks, as this could
result in an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
In the same way as with a differential interlock
*,
even if DSC is deactivated, brake actions are
still performed to enhance drive output if the
drive wheels experience a significant loss of
traction.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is regulating the drive and brak-
ing forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:

Things to remember when driving
108 for a short period after the engine is switched
off.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page133.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle for a
lengthy period using the clutch; use the
parking brake instead. Otherwise, greater
clutch wear will result.<
For more information about the drive-off assis-
tant, refer to page72.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page49.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine
braking action will not be present or there will be
no power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals; otherwise, pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.

Wheels and tires
134 The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3209 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 32 of 2009.
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 special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page73.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
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 casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, 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 and 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 Monitor may not be able to
detect a puncture, refer to page73. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.

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
165
xDrive and DSC have failed, refer also
to page72You can continue your journey. Drive
cautiously and think well ahead. Avoid
driving on rough tracks, full-throttle
operation and use of the transmission's
kickdown mode. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page70You can continue your journey.
Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive at moderate speed, avoid sudden
braking if possible. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor
or Tire Pressure Monitor
*, have failed,
refer also to page70You can continue your journey.
Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive at moderate speed, avoid sudden
braking if possible. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor
or Tire Pressure Monitor
*, have failed,
refer also to page70You can continue your journey.
Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive at moderate speed, avoid sudden
braking if possible. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS, xDrive and the Flat Tire
Monitor, have failedYou can continue your journey.
Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive at moderate speed, avoid sudden
braking if possible. Avoid driving on
rough tracks, full-throttle operation and
use of the transmission's kickdown
mode. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS, xDrive and the Flat Tire
Monitor, have failedYou can continue your journey.
Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive at moderate speed, avoid sudden
braking if possible. Avoid driving on
rough tracks, full-throttle operation and
use of the transmission's kickdown
mode. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
166Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS, xDrive and the Flat Tire
Monitor, have failedYou can continue your journey.
Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive at moderate speed, avoid sudden
braking if possible. Avoid driving on
rough tracks, full-throttle operation and
use of the transmission's kickdown
mode. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Con-
tact your BMW center.
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire is deflated Carefully bring the car to a stop. Comply
with the additional information starting
on page72.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initialized Initialize Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page72.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicatedHave the system checked.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
*
Light up in yellow and red:
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of
tire pressureCarefully bring the car to a stop. Comply
with the additional information starting
on page73.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to Z
180
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System70
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control55
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request155
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control90
Active cruise control55
– indicator lamps57
– malfunction58
– selecting distance56
– sensor58
Active steering76
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display76
Adaptive light control81
Additives
– coolant139
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner85
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control87
Adjusting the thigh support34
Airbags77
– indicator/warning lamp78
– sitting safely33
Air conditioner84
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner85
– automatic climate control87
– ventilation86,89
Air distribution
– automatic88
– individual85
– manual85
Airing, refer to
Ventilation86,89Air outlets, refer to Air
vents84
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure119
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode85,88
Air supply
– air conditioner85
– automatic climate control87
– ventilation86,89
Air vents84
Air volume85,88
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications115
Alarm system
25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms26
– interior motion sensor26
– switching off an alarm26
– tilt alarm sensor26
ALL program88
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires135
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive71
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode85,88
Antifreeze
– coolant139
– washer fluid52
Antilock Brake System
ABS70
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights177
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights177
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest95Ashtray96
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems70
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control88
Audio device, external95
Automatic
– air distribution88
– air volume88
– cruise control53,55
– headlamp control79
Automatic car washes143
Automatic climate control84
– automatic air distribution88
Automatic curb monitor40
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant81
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC88
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– interlock48,49
– overriding selector lever
lock50
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position49
– sport program49
– towing157
– tow-starting157
AUTO program for automatic
climate control88
AUX-IN
– port95
Average fuel consumption63
– setting the units64
Average speed63
Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
Axle loads, refer to
Weights177