tires BMW M3 2011 Owner's Manual

Wheels and tires
218
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter
Q = up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph or 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph or 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph or 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph or 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph or 300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT … 1010 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 10 of 2010.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not on ZR tires
Speed code letter, in
front of the R on ZR tires225/45 R1791 V
e.g.
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1010

Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
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heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page220.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazard and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there.
Otherwise, tire damage can pose a lethal hazard
to vehicle occupants and other road users.<

Wheels and tires
220
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 1010 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 10 of 2010.
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, page93.
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
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
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 page94. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for driving on
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer tires, they
generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page90.<

Replacing components
236 1.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
trunk lid using a screwdriver and remove the
trim.
2.Release the bulb holder, see arrow, and
remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Attach the bulb holder.
5.Attach trunk lid trim.
Convertible: two-stage brake light in
the trunk lid
H21W bulb, 21 watts
1.Take the warning triangle out of its holder,
refer to page239. 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, see arrow, and
remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.5.Attach the bulb holder.
6.Reattach the trim of the trunk lid and the
holder for the warning triangle.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. This eliminates 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
page93.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page220.
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, page220.
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.

Everything from A to Z
258
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System89
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control68
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control64
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request238
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control109
Active Cruise Control
– indicator lamp71
– malfunction72
– selecting distance70
– sensor72
Active cruise control68
Active steering96
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display97
Adaptive light control102
Additives
– coolant226
Address, entering135,141
Address for navigation
– entering135
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control107
Adjusting the thigh support43
Airbags98
– indicator/warning lamp99
– sitting safely42
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate
control107
– ventilation109
Air distribution
– automatic107
Airing, refer to Ventilation109Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure208
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode108
Air supply
– automatic climate
control107
– ventilation109
Air vents106
Air volume108
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications207
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection174
ALL program108
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires221
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive90
AM, waveband157
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode108
Antenna for mobile phone184
Antifreeze
– coolant226
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS89
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights249
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights249
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest115Arrival time, refer to
Computer77
Ashtray117
Assist systems, refer to
Driving stability control89
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Audible instructions, refer to
Spoken instructions146
Audio154
– controls154
– switching on/off154
– tone control154
– volume154
Audio device, external115
Automatic
– air distribution107
– air volume107
– cruise control66,68
– headlamp control101
Automatic car washes229
Automatic climate control106
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC108
Automatic Service
Request202
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– interlock58
– overriding selector lever
lock59
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position58
– sport program59
– towing
241
– tow-starting241
AUTO program for automatic
climate control107

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

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

Everything from A to Z
264 Glass roof, electric37
– closing after electrical
malfunction38
– convenient operation28,30
– initializing38
– opening, closing37
– operation with Comfort
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– power failure38
– raising37
– remote control28
Glove compartment114
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system134
Grills106
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights249
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control91
HD Radio158
Head airbags98
Headlamp control,
automatic101
Headlamp flasher64
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints45
– rear, removing46
– sitting safely42
Heated
– mirrors50
– rear window108
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating
– mirrors50
– rear window108
– seats47
– steering wheel51
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate106Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo130
Height, refer to
Dimensions247
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant103
High beams103
– headlamp flasher103
– indicator lamp13
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant103
High-pressure
washer229,230
High water, refer to Driving
through water128
Highways, refer to Route
criteria144
Hill Descent Control HDC91
Hills128
Holders for cups116
Homepage BMW4
Hood222
Hooks for shopping bags120
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately
31
Hot exhaust system127
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control89
Hydroplaning127
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio158
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning75
Identification marks
– run-flat tires220
– tire coding218iDrive16
– adjusting brightness87
– changing date and time83
– changing language87
– changing settings87
– changing units of measure
and display format80
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition55
– switched off56
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on55
Ignition lock55
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM95
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure208
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM94
Initializing
– after power failure237
– compass, refer to
Calibrating114
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM93
– glass roof38
– radio, refer to Station,
storing157
– refer to Setting the time and
date83
Installation location
– telephone115

Reference 265
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions146
Instrument cluster12
Instrument combination, refer
to Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting105
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote
control111
Interactive map141
Interior lamps105
– remote control28
Interior motion sensor33
Interior rearview mirror51
– automatic dimming
feature51
– compass113
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control58
Intermittent mode of the
wipers65
Intersection, entering,
navigation136
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port177
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface178
J
Jacking points236
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting239
Jump-starting239
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control26
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access33
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort Access33
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile26Kickdown58
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
Knock control207
L
Lamps
– automatic headlamp
control101
– parking lamps/low
beams101
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs233
Lap-and-shoulder belt, refer
to Safety belts49
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo130
Last destinations138
LATCH child restraint fixing
system53
Launch Control64
Leather care231
LED Light-emitting
diodes233
Length, refer to
Dimensions247
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb235
Light
– high-beam assistant103
Light-alloy wheels231
Light-emitting diodes
LED233
Lighter117
– connecting electrical
appliances118
Lighting
– instruments105
– lamps and bulbs233
– vehicle, refer to Lamps101
Light switch101
Limit, refer to Speed limit86
Load129
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo130
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking31Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal29
– from inside31
– from outside28
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access33
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals29
– from inside30
– from outside27
Low beam control, refer to
High-beam assistant103
Low-beam headlamps101
– automatic101
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack131
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires221
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system227
Malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
– tires93
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control84
Manual car wash230
Manually unlocking parking
lock63
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic59
Manual operation
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap206
– glass roof38
– parking lock63
– parking lock, automatic
transmission59