traction control BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2011 Owners Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: microphone for voice activation
system
* and for telephone* in hands-free
mode
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
2SOS: initiating an Emergency Request
call
*238
3Reading lamps105
4Coupe: glass roof, electric
*37
5Interior lamps105
6Passenger airbag status lamp
*99
7Control Display16
8Hazard warning flashers
9Dynamic Traction Control DTC90
10Central locking system30
11Automatic climate control
12CD/DVD drive
*16513Changing the audio and entertainment
sources
14Selecting AM or FM waveband
15Changing
>Radio station157
>Track165
17Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four
directions
18Buttons on the controller16
Selecting menus directly
20Programmable memory keys20
21Switching entertainment audio sources on/
off and adjusting volume154
22Ejecting a CD/DVD
*165 Air distribution to the
windshield107
Air distribution to the upper body
area107
Air distribution to the footwell107
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate107
Cooling function108
Automatic recirculated-air control
AUC and recirculated-air
mode108
Maximum cooling107
ALL program108
Air volume108
Defrosting windows108
Rear window defroster108
Heated seats
*47
16
Park Distance Control PDC*88
Coupe:
Roller sun blind
*114
Coupe:
Hill Descent Control HDC
*90
19Convertible:
Opening and closing retractable
hardtop38

Driving
64
Launch Control
Launch Control enables an optimum accelera-
tion when starting off on a road surface with
good traction.
Do not use Launch Control too often; oth-
erwise, the powerful stresses on the vehi-
cle will lead to premature component wear.<
Launch Control is available when the engine is
at operating temperature, i.e. after driving con-
tinuously for approx. 6.2 miles/10 km.
1.With the engine running, step on the brake
with your left foot.
2.Activate Dynamic Traction Control (DTC),
refer to page90.
3.Activate Driving dynamics control, refer to
page62.
4.With the vehicle stationary, activate the
manual mode and select 1
stgear.
5.With your right foot, push the accelerator
pedal past the resistance point. The engine
speed for pulling away is adjusted. A flag
symbol appears in the instrument cluster.
6.When you release the brake pedal, the vehi-
cle accelerates. Keep the accelerator pedal
floored.
7.The upshifting occurs automatically as long
as you keep the accelerator pedal pressed
past the resistance point.
Launch Control will be ready for use again after
you drive a certain distance.
Launch Control is not available for use during
the break-in phase, refer to page126.
To maintain driving stability, keep DSC
activated whenever possible.<
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal indicator
has failed.<
Indicating a turn briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance point for
as long as you wish to indicate a turn.

Controls
71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's neutral position N
>When you select the neutral position N with
the Sports automatic transmission with
double clutch
>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 page72
>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. A message appears on
the Control Display.
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>In cars with Sports automatic transmission
with double clutch: when you engage selec-
tor 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
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 page85.<

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.

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
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.<

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 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Temperature display
– outside temperature75
– outside temperature
warning75
– setting the units80
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control66
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo130
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp235
Through-loading opening with
integrated transport
bag121
Through-loading system118
Tilt alarm sensor33
Tilt function, passenger side
mirror50
Timer, refer to Preselecting
switch-on times110
Tire inflation pressure208
– loss93,94
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor92
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM94
– resetting the system95
– system limitations94
– warning lamp95
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor93
Tire Quality Grading218Tires
– age218,220
– air loss95
– breaking in126
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels236
– condition219
– damage219
– inflation pressure208
– labels218
– minimum tread depth219
– new wheels and tires220
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor92
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM94
– puncture93
– replacing220
– size218
– storage221
– tread depth219
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth219
– wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires220
– winter tires221
TMC station, refer to Traffic
bulletins148
Tone
– control154
– middle setting156
Tools, refer to Onboard
vehicle tool kit233
Top, refer to Retractable
hardtop38
Top 50 of music
collection174
Torque, refer to Engine
data246
Tow bar242
Tow fitting241
– screw thread241Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away241
Towing241
– car with automatic
transmission241
– methods242
– with 7-gear Sports
automatic transmission with
double clutch242
Towing and tow-starting241
Town/city, for navigation135
Tow rope242
Tow-starting241,243
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor94
Track
– selecting on CD165
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC89
Traffic bulletins
– categories149
Traffic bulletins, filtering149
Traffic bulletins for
navigation148
– display in map view149
– during destination
guidance150
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
bulletins148
Transmission
– 7-gear Sports automatic
transmission with double
clutch60
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– idle position61
– Launch Control64
– manually unlocking parking
lock63
– manual transmission57
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic59
– reverse gear61