instrument cluster BMW M3 2011 Owner's Manual

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the
Control Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 1 ft/30 cm.
Manual operation*
The LED above the button also flashes.
PDC with visual warning
The approach of the vehicle to an object is
shown on the Control Display. Objects that are
farther away are displayed on the Control Dis-
play before a signal tone sounds. The display
appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC
is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and hitches,
t h i n o r w e d g e - s h a p e d o b j e c t s , e t c . L o w o b j e c t s
that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs,
can disappear again from the detection area of
the sensors before or after a continuous tone
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. Therefore, always drive
cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of personal
injury or property damage.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal. Therefore,
always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a
risk of personal injury or property damage.<
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 page128.
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
s a f e t y m a r g i n a g a i n b y t a k i n g r i s k s , a s t h i s c o u l d
result in an accident.<

Technology for driving comfort and safety
90
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:>When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered
roads
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button; the indicator lamps for DTC
in the instrument cluster come on.
For better control
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC is regulating the drive and
braking forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
xDrive*
xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system.
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes
driving power variably to the front and rear axles
depending on the driving situation and road
conditions.

Controls
91Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Hill Descent Control HDC*
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that controls
your speed on steep downhill gradients and
makes it even easier to control your BMW's
handling under these conditions. The vehicle
then moves slightly faster than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically
reduced to slightly more than double walking
speed and maintained.
Increasing or decreasing speed
By accelerating or braking you can change this
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph,
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range using the cruise control
* lever on the
steering column.
1To increase speed
2To decrease speed
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
When the vehicle is being braked automatically,
the LED flashes.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds
greater than approx. 35 mph/60 km/h.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster*
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.

Controls
103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive light control is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
There is an additional option of switching on the
lamps on the side of the car facing the road
when parked.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the pressure point for a longer
period, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Therefore, do not leave them on for
unduly long periods of time; otherwise, the bat-
tery might not have enough power to start the
engine.<
Switching off
Press the lever in the opposite direction to the
pressure point, arrow 3.
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off. The procedure is controlled
by a sensor on the front of the interior rearview
mirror. The assistant ensures that the high
beams are switched on whenever the traffic sit-
uation allows. It handles this task for you and
gives you the benefit of the best possible view.
You can intervene at any time and switch the
high beams on and off as usual.
Activating the system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to
page101.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly
push the turn indicator lever in the direction
of the high beam.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high beams
are activated. The system automati-
cally switches from high beams to low beams
and vice versa in response to oncoming traffic,
traffic ahead of you, and adequate ambient
lighting, e.g. on city streets.

Lamps
104
Switching the high beams on and off
manually
Whenever you wish, or when the situation
requires, you can intervene:
>If the high-beam assistant switches on the
high beams, but you would like to drive with
the low beams, simply switch off the high
beams using the turn indicator lever. This
deactivates the high-beam assistant.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn indicator lever toward the high beams
again.
>If the high-beam assistant switches on the
low beams, but you would like to drive with
the high beams, switch on the high beams
as usual. This deactivates the system and
the high beams need to be switched off
manually, if necessary.
To reactivate the system, briefly push the
turn indicator lever toward the high beams
again.
>Use the headlamp flasher as usual with the
low beams switched on.
System limitations
The high-beam assistant cannot serve as
a substitute for the driver's personal judg-
ment of when to use the high beams. Therefore,
manually switch off the high beams in situations
where this is required to avoid a safety risk.<
The system is not fully functional in situations
such as the following, and driver intervention
may be necessary:
>In very unfavorable weather conditions,
such as fog or heavy precipitation
>In detecting poorly-lit road users, such as
pedestrians, cyclists, horseback riders and
wagons; when driving close to train or ship
traffic; and at animal crossings
>In tight curves, on hilltops or in depressions,
in cross traffic or half-obscured oncoming
traffic on highways
>In poorly lit towns and cities and in the pres-
ence of highly reflective signs
>At low speeds>When the windshield in front of the interior
rearview mirror is fogged over, dirty or cov-
ered with stickers, etc.
>If the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor on
the front of the interior rearview mirror using
a cloth moistened with a small amount of
glass cleaner.
Activating via iDrive
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."High beam assistant"
The high-beam assistant is activated and is
stored for the remote control currently in use.
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up whenever the
fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off while you acti-
vate the headlamp flasher or switch on the high
beams.

Mobility
223Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page226
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page663Jump-starting connection, refer to
page239
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least approx. 6.2 miles/10 km. You
can have the oil level displayed while you are
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a
level surface and the engine is running.
Display in the instrument cluster
1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up
or down repeatedly until the appropriate
symbol is shown in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator lever.
The oil level is checked and the reading
displayed.

Care
232
Carpet/floor mats*
The floor mats can be removed for cleaning.
When heavily soiled, clean carpets with a
microfiber cloth and water or textile cleaner.
Rub back and forth in the direction of travel; oth-
erwise, the carpet may become matted.
Interior plastic parts
>Imitation leather surfaces
>Lamp glasses
>Display pane of instrument cluster
>Matte parts
Clean with water and solvent-free plastic
cleaner if necessary.
Fine wood parts
Clean fine wood trim and fine wood parts with
a damp cloth. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing.<
Interior sensors/cameras
To clean interior sensors and cameras, e.g. of
the high-beam assistant, use a lint-free cloth
moistened with glass cleaner.
Displays
To clean displays, e.g. of the radio or instrument
cluster, use a cleaning cloth for displays or a
soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
Avoid applying excessive pressure when
cleaning the displays; otherwise, damage
may occur.<
Do not use chemical or abrasive house-
hold cleaning agents. Keep all types of
fluid away from the device. Otherwise, surfaces
or electrical components may be corroded or
damaged.<
CD/DVD drives
Do not use a cleaning CD, as it may
damage parts of the drive.<
Vehicle storage
If your vehicle is to be decommissioned for
longer than three months, your BMW center or
a workshop that operates according to BMW
specifications will be glad to advise you.

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Condition Based Service
CBS227
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle29
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing
sections145
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances118
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption77
Contacts
– creating196
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness87
– switching on/off19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenient loading in
Convertible28
Convenient operation
– glass roof28
– glass roof with Comfort
Access34
– retractable hardtop28
– windows28
– windows with Comfort
Access34
Convertible
– bag holder119
– convenient loading28
– enlarging cargo area119
– folding down rear
backrest119
– retractable hardtop38
– rollover protection
system100
– securing cargo130
– stowing cargo130Coolant226
– checking level226
Coolant temperature76
Cooling, maximum107
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant226
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant226
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs234
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control102
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control102
Correct tires220
Country codes DVD167
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
Criteria for route144
Cross-hairs in navigation140
Cruise control66
– active68
– malfunction68
Cruise control, refer to Active
cruise control68
Cruising range77
Cupholders116
Curb weight, refer to
Weights249
Current playback
– external devices180
– of music collection174
Customer Relations201
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Data, technical246
– capacities250
– dimensions247
– engine246
– weights249Data memory228
Data transfer202
Date
– date format84
– setting84
Daytime running lights102
– replacing bulbs234
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control89
Deactivating front passenger
airbags98
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking28
Defect
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap206
– glass roof38
Destination, entering by town/
city name135
Destination address
– entering135,141
Destination entry via BMW
Assist140
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice141
– entering via map140
– entry135
– home address138
– manual entry135
Destination guidance144
– bypassing a route
section145
– changing specified
route144
– continuing144
– starting144
– voice instructions146
– volume of voice
instructions146
Digital clock75
Digital compass113
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio158
Dimensions247
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals64
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions146

Everything from A to Z
262 Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book137
Displacement, refer to Engine
data246
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Displays
– on the Control Display16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant226
– remote control battery35
– vehicle battery237
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements80
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC88
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Door lock29
Doors, emergency
operation30
DOT Quality Grades218
Draft-free ventilation109
Drinks holders, refer to
Cupholders116
Drive mode61
Drive-off assistance, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC89
Drive-off assistant92
Driving dynamics control62
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams101
Driving notes126
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant92
Driving stability control
systems89
Driving through water128
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes126Dry air, refer to Cooling
function108
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control90
– indicator/warning lamp90
DVD
– country codes167
– settings168
– video playback167
DVD menu168
DVD player, refer to CD
player165
DVD video167
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC89
Dynamic destination
guidance145
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC89
– indicator/warning lamp90
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator/warning lamp90
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution89
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player154
Electrical defect
– 7-gear Sports automatic
transmission with double
clutch63
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap206
– glass roof38
Electric seat adjustment44
Electric steering wheel lock
– with Comfort Access34
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV89
Electronic oil level check223Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC89
Emergency actuation,
automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock59
Emergency operation
– fuel filler flap, manual
release206
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof38
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
Emergency release
– trunk lid from inside32
Emergency Request238
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance238
Energy, saving
– saving fuel126
Engine
– breaking in126
– data246
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature76
– speed246
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off56
Engine compartment223
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant226
Engine oil
– adding225
– alternative oil types225
– BMW Maintenance
System227
– capacity250
– checking level223
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements80
Engine output, refer to Engine
data246

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data246
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine56
Entering special destinations
by name140
Entering the postal code for
navigation136
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps105
Entry map for destination140
Equalizer, tone setting155
Error messages, refer to
Check Control84
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC89
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system127
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone178
Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External audio device115
External devices
– random sequence180
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away241
– for tying down loads130
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control84
Failure of an electrical
consumer237
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm33
– switching off an alarm32Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
Fastest route for
navigation144
Fast forward
– CD changer167
– CD player167
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control109
First aid pouch239
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking29
Flat tire
– run-flat tires220
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM94
Flat Tire Monitor FTM92
– indicating a flat tire93
– indicator/warning lamp93
– initializing the system93
– snow chains92,221
– system limits92
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition219
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir66
FM, waveband157
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp13,104
Folding up the floor panel120
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely128
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive90
Free memory capacity, music
collection175
Front airbags98
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor92Fuel207
– average consumption77
– gauge76
– high-quality brands207
– quality207
– specifications
207
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities250
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel consumption indicator
– average fuel
consumption77
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel filler flap206
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction206
Fuses237
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control111
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption77
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel207
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Gas station
recommendations146
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Gear indicator, refer to
Displays in the instrument
cluster60
Gearshift lever60
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes127