fuel BMW M3 2010 Owners Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find information on a partic-
ular topic or item is by using the index, refer to
page180.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
6Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
Controls
18Opening and closing
33Adjustments
42Transporting children safely
46Driving
61Controls overview
69Technology for driving comfort and
safety
79Lamps
84Climate
91Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
106Things to remember when driving
Mobility
114Refueling
119Wheels and tires
136Under the hood
141Maintenance
143Care
147Replacing components
155Giving and receiving assistance
160Indicator and warning lamps
Reference
174Technical data
180Everything from A to Z

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Displays for active cruise control
*55
5Tachometer61
6Engine oil temperature
*62
Energy Control
*62
7Display for
>Clock61
>Outside temperature61
>Indicator and warning lamps678Display for
>Position of automatic transmission
*48
>Computer63
>Date of next scheduled service, and
remaining distance to be driven65
>Odometer and trip odometer61
>High-beam assistant
*81
>Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor
*72
>Resetting the Tire Pressure
Monitor
*74
>Checking engine oil level
*137
>Settings and information64
>There is a Check Control
message67
9Fuel gauge62
10Resetting the trip odometer61

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
>Settings for the display in the instrument
cluster:
>12h/24h format of the clock, refer to
page64
>Date format, refer to page64
>Units of measure, refer to page64
>Light settings:
>Pathway lighting, refer to page79
>Daytime running lights, refer to page80
>High-beam assistant, refer to page81
>Automatic climate control
*: AUTO pro-
gram, cooling function and automatic recir-
culated-air control activated/deactivated,
temperature, air volume and distribution,
refer to page87 ff
>Entertainment:
>Speed-dependent volume control, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system functions when the
driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and
releases the locks on the following:
>Doors
>Trunk lid/tailgate
>Fuel filler flap
Operating from outside
>Via the remote control
>Via the door lock
*
>In cars with Comfort Access*, via the han-
dles on the driver's and front passenger
doors
In addition, if the remote control is used, the
interior lamps and the door's courtesy lamps
*
are also switched on or off. The alarm system*
is also armed or disarmed.
For further details of the alarm system,
refer to
page25.
Operating from inside
By means of the button for central locking, refer
to page22.
In the event of a sufficiently severe accident, the
central locking system unlocks automatically. In
addition, the hazard warning flashers and inte-
rior lamps come on.
Opening and closing:
Using the remote control
Persons or animals in a parked vehicle
could lock the doors from the inside. You
should therefore take the remote control with
you when you leave the vehicle so that the latter
can be opened from outside.<
Unlocking
Press the button.
The interior lamps, the courtesy lamps
* and the
welcome lamps come on.
Setting unlocking characteristics
You can set whether only the driver's door or
the entire vehicle is to be unlocked when the
button is pressed for the first time.
For operating principle, refer to page64.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page46.
2.Lightly push button1 in the turn indicator
lever up or down repeatedly until the sym-
bol appears in the display accompanied by
the word "SET".
3.Press button 2.

Opening and closing
20 4.Lightly push button1 in the turn indicator
lever down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display.
5.Press button 2.
6.Use button 1 to select:
>
Press the button once to unlock only
the driver's door and the fuel filler flap.
Press the button twice to unlock the
entire vehicle.
>
Press the button once to unlock the
entire vehicle.
7.Press button 2.
The setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Convenient opening
Hold the button down.
The windows and the glass roof
*/panorama
glass roof
* are opened.
Locking
Press the button.
Switching on interior lamps
While the car is locked:
Press the button.
You can also use this function to locate your
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Sedan:
Unlocking the trunk lid
Press the button for approx. 1 second.
The trunk lid opens a short distance, regardless
of whether it was locked or unlocked.The trunk lid swings back and up when
opened. Ensure that there is sufficient
clearance. To avoid locking yourself out by
accident, do not place the remote control in the
cargo area. A previously locked trunk lid is
locked again after closing.
Before and after each trip, check that the trunk
lid has not been inadvertently unlocked.<
Sports Wagon:
Unlocking the tailgate
Press the button for approx. 1 second.
The tailgate opens a short distance, regardless
of whether it was locked or unlocked.
The tailgate swings back and up when
opened. Ensure that there is sufficient
clearance. To avoid locking yourself out by
accident, do not place the remote control in the
cargo area. A previously locked tailgate is
locked again after closing.
Before and after each trip, check that the tail-
gate has not been inadvertently unlocked.<
Confirmation signals
You can activate or deactivate the confirmation
signals.
For operating principle, refer to page64.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page46.
2.Lightly push button1 in the turn indicator
lever up or down repeatedly until the sym-
bol appears in the display accompanied by
the word "SET".
3.Press button 2.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
21
4.Lightly push button1 in the turn indicator
lever down repeatedly until the desired
symbol appears in the display.
> Confirmation signal during unlocking
> Confirmation signal during locking
5.Press button 2.
6.Use button 1 to select:
>
The hazard warning flashers light up
during unlocking/locking.
>
An acoustic signal sounds during
unlocking/locking.
>
The hazard warning flashers light up and
an acoustic signal
* sounds during
unlocking/locking.
>
The function is deactivated.
7.Press button 2.
The setting is stored.
Malfunctions
The remote control may malfunction due to
local radio waves. If this occurs, unlock and lock
the car at the door lock with the integrated key.
In vehicles without an alarm system
* or Com-
fort Access
*, only the driver's door can be
unlocked and locked using the integrated key in
the door lock.
If the car can no longer be locked with a remote
control, the battery in the remote control is dis-
charged. Use the remote control on an
extended trip to recharge the battery, refer to
page18. The remote control for Comfort Access
* contains a battery that may have to be
changed, refer to page28.
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:
LX8766S
LX8766E
LX8CAS
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.<
Opening and closing:
Using the door lock
You can set the way in which the car is
unlocked, refer to page19.
In vehicles without an alarm system
* or
Comfort Access
*, only the driver's door
can be locked via the door lock.<
To lock all doors, the fuel filler flap and the trunk
lid at once:

Opening and closing
22 1.With the doors closed, lock the vehicle
using the button for the central locking sys-
tem in the interior, refer to page22.
2.Unlock and open the driver's or front pas-
senger door, refer to page23.
3.Lock the vehicle.
>Lock the driver's door using the inte-
grated key in the door lock, or
>press down the lock button of the front
passenger door and close the door from
the outside.
Convenient operation
If the vehicle is equipped with an alarm system*
or Comfort Access*, you can also operate the
windows and the glass roof
*/panorama glass
roof
* via the door lock.
Hold the key in the position for unlocking or
locking.
Watch during the closing process to
ensure that no one is injured. Releasing
the key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
lock and unlock the driver's door by turning the
integrated key to the corresponding limit posi-
tions in the door lock.
Opening and closing:
From inside
This button serves to unlock or lock doors and
the trunk lid/tailgate, but does not activate the
anti-theft system. The fuel filler flap remains
unlocked.
Automatic locking
You can also set the situations in which the car
locks:
For operating principle, refer to page64.
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page46.
2.Lightly push button1 in the turn indicator
lever up or down repeatedly until the sym-
bol appears in the display accompanied by
the word "SET".
3.Press button 2.
4.Lightly push button1 in the turn indicator
lever down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display.
5.Press button 2.
6.Use button 1 to select:
>
The central locking system automati-
cally locks the vehicle after some time if
no door has been opened.
>
The central locking system automati-
cally locks the vehicle as soon as you
drive off.
>
The central locking system automati-
cally locks the vehicle after some time if

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
47
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis-
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Starting the engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas;
otherwise, the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause loss of consciousness and
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly
toxic gas. Never leave an unattended vehicle
with the engine running; otherwise, such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the car with the engine running,
place the transmission in neutral or move the
selector lever to position P and forcefully apply
the parking brake to prevent the car from mov-
ing.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion as well as repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or incompletely burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter.<
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page26.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Depress the clutch and shift to neutral posi-
tion.
3.Press the start/stop button.The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Automatic transmission
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page26.
1.Depress the brake.
2.Move the selector lever to position P.
3.Press the start/stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Diesel engine
When the engine is cold and temperatures are
below approx. 327/06, the starting process
may take a little more time due to automatic
preheating. The preheating indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Switching off the engine
Always take the remote control with you
when you leave the vehicle.
When parking, apply the parking brake force-
fully; otherwise, the vehicle could begin to roll.<
Manual transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, press the start/
stop button.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page46.
Automatic transmission
1.With the car at a standstill, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
2.Press the start/stop button.
3.Forcefully apply the parking brake.
4.Removing the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page46.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Displays in the instrument cluster
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is displayed, or the
current gear in the manual mode.
Changing selector lever positions
>With the ignition switched on or the engine
running, the selector lever can be moved
out of position P.
>Before moving the lever away from P or N
with the vehicle stationary, first depress the
brake; otherwise, the selector lever will
refuse to move: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a driving position,
depress the brake until you are ready to
start.<
A lock prevents you from inadvertently engag-
ing selector lever positions R and P. To cancel
the lock, press the button on the front of the
selector lever, see arrow.
P Park
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
The rear wheels are locked.
R Reverse
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this in a car wash, for example.
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are selected automatically.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when you are driving in posi-
tion D.
Kickdown
Kickdown enables you to achieve maximum
performance.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
M/S
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played on the instrument cluster. This position
is recommended for a performance-oriented
driving style.
To deactivate the sport program or manual
mode M/S, move the selector lever to the right
into position D.
Shifting gears via the selector lever
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
When you press the selector lever forwards or
backwards, the manual mode is activated and

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
61
Controls overview
Odometer, outside
temperature display, clock
1Knob in the instrument cluster
2Outside temperature display and clock
3Odometer and trip odometer
Knob in the instrument cluster
>To reset the trip odometer while the ignition
is switched on
>To display the time, outside temperature
and odometer briefly while the ignition is
switched off
Units of measure
T o s e l e c t t h e r e s p e c t i v e u n i t s o f m e a s u r e , m i l e s
or km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for
the outside temperature, refer to page64.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Time, outside temperature display
Setting the time, refer to page67.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to
approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures
above +377/+36. You should there-
fore drive carefully on bridges and shaded roads, for example; otherwise, there is an
increased risk of an accident.<
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting the trip odometer:
With the ignition switched on, press button1 in
the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is parked
If you still want to view the time, outside tem-
perature and odometer reading briefly after the
remote control has been taken out of the igni-
tion lock:
Press button 1 in the instrument cluster.
Tachometer
Never force the engine speed up into the red
warning field, see arrow. In this range, the fuel
supply is interrupted to protect the engine.

Controls overview
62
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page140.
Energy Control*
Displays the current fuel consumption. This
allows you to see whether your current driving
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini-
mum exhaust emissions.
Engine oil temperature*
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between
approx. 2107/1006 and approx. 3007/
1506.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a warn-
ing lamp comes on in the instrument cluster.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 gallons/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page115.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve
zone of approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 liters for gaso-
line engines and approx. 1.7 US gallons/
6.5 liters for diesel engines, the indicator lamp
and the cruising range for the remaining
amount of fuel are displayed briefly. The indica-
tor lamp remains permanently on when the
remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km; otherwise, engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<