ABS BMW M3 SEDAN 2009 E90 Owner's Manual

Controls
45Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. The settings made
on the Control Display for the functions
in MDrive are active.
Pressing the button again deactivates MDrive.
If the indicator lamp flashes after the but-
ton was pressed, MDrive was unable to
respond because the Antilock Brake System
ABS or Dynamic Stability Control DSC are cur-
rently regulating driving stability. Press the
button again when the indicator lamp is no
longer flashing.<
You can change individual settings outside of
MDrive even when MDrive is activated, e. g.
using the buttons on the center console. To
reactivate all settings made on the Control Dis-
play for MDrive: press the button twice.
Resetting the settings
You can reset all MDrive settings to their default
values:
1."Settings"
2."MDrive"
3.Move the controller to the right repeatedly
until the "Options" menu is selected.
4."Reset"
5."Yes"
M Key settings
For the remote control currently in use, you can
set your preferred program for the M Engine
Dynamics Control, the Electronic Damper Con-
trol EDC and the Shift Lights. These preset-
tings are called up when the engine is started.1."Settings"
2."MDrive"
3.Move the controller to the right repeatedly
until the "Options" menu is selected.
The available functions are displayed:
>"POWER:"
M Engine Dynamics Control programs,
refer to page58
>"EDC:"
Electronic Damper Control
* programs,
refer to page77
>"Shift lights:"
Shift Lights, refer to page56
4.Select the desired function.
5.Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 45 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Controls
61Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If engine braking power is
insufficient on a downhill grade, the stored
speed may be exceeded.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow1, until the desired
speed is reached.
>Each time the lever is pressed lightly to the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
increased by up to 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever
Accelerate slightly, increase speed steadily:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerate strongly, increase speed in intervals
of 10:
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
re duc e d by up to 5 mph or 10 k m/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 shift or depress the clutch
>When you 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.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Press the button, arrow4.
The stored speed is resumed and maintained.
When the ignition is switched off, the stored
speed value is cleared and can no longer be
called up.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2Selected speed is displayed briefly
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 61 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Technology for driving comfort and safety
76
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 page107.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assist
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 optimizes driving stability and traction. In
addition, the system recognizes unstable driv-
ing situations such as understeering and over-
steering, and helps keep the vehicle on a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
power and applying the brakes on individual
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.<
M Dynamic Mode MDM*
M Dynamic Mode is a mode of the Dynamic
Stability Control DSC that permits greater lon-gitudinal and lateral acceleration when driving
on dry surfaces, yet with reduced driving stabil-
ity. Only at the absolute limit of stability does
the system intervene to stabilize the vehicle by
reducing engine power and applying the brakes
on the wheels. In such situations, additional
corrective steering maneuvers may be neces-
sary.
M Dynamic Mode is switched off every time the
engine is restarted.
When the M Dynamic Mode is on, stabi-
lizing measures are performed to a limited
degree only. Take action yourself, otherwise
there is a risk of an accident.<
To maintain vehicle stability, drive with
the DSC activated and the
MDynamicMode deactivated whenever possi-
ble.<
Activating MDM
Press the button on the steering wheel, refer
to MDrive
* on page44. The MDM indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up if you
previously selected the M Dynamic Mode MDM
in MDrive.
When the ignition is on, you can set the
M Dynamic Mode via MDrive on the Control
Display.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."MDrive"
3."DSC:"
4.Select "M Dynamic Mode".
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 76 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Controls
77Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating MDM
Press the button on the steering wheel
again; the MDM indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp goes out briefly after
the engine is started.
If the indicator lamp lights up:
M Dynamic Mode is activated.
The indicator lamp lights up perma-
nently and the DSC indicator lamp
flashes: M Dynamic Mode is control-
ling the drive and braking forces.
Deactivating DSC
Press the DSC OFF button for longer than
approx. 1 second; the indicator lamps for DSC
in the instrument cluster light up. Stabilizing
and drive-output promoting actions are no
longer executed.
You may find it useful to briefly deactivate DSC
under the following exceptional 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
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the DSC OFF 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.
Electronic Damper Control
EDC*
The concept
Whenever there is a change in any significant
parameter such as road surface quality or in an
operating condition such as steering, braking,
etc., the damping automatically adjusts to the
new conditions in fractions of a second.
You can select between three programs.
"Comfort" program
Select the "Comfort" program if you want com-
fort-oriented control of the shock absorbers.
"Normal" program
The "Normal" program offers control that is bal-
anced between comfort and sportiness.
"Sport" program
Select the "Sport" program if you want consis-
tently sporty control of the shock absorbers.
Selecting a program
Press the EDC button repeatedly:
>"Comfort": LED off.
>"Normal": one LED lights up.
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 77 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Driving tips
107Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage. Do not touch hot exhaust pipes, e. g.
when loading the cargo bay, otherwise there is a
risk of burn injuries.<
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 page189.
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 page78.
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.
M dual clutch transmission: never drive
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.
Manual transmission: never drive with the
clutch held down, with the transmission in neu-
tral 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
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 107 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Wheels and tires
190 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
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. When selecting tires, also take their load
capacity into account. 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 or DSC.
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 page79. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
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 winter roads
or at temperatures below +457/+76.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally 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.<
Storage
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. With standard-equipment tires
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 190 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Mobility
211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
First aid pouch*
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents reg-
ularly and replace any items in good time, if nec-
essary.
The first aid pouch is located on the right-hand
side of the cargo bay in a storage area.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in a holder in the
luggage compartment lid. Press the tabs 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.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could
cause injury occur.<
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page193. The cap is
marked with +.
1.Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 211 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Everything from A - Z
228
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System76
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control57
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request210
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control92
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display82
Adaptive Head Light86
Additives
– coolant196
Address, entering117,123
Address for navigation
– entering117,123
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control90
Adjusting the thigh support38
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control136
Airbags82
– indicator/warning lamp84
– sitting safely37
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control90
– ventilation92
Air distribution
– automatic90
Air flow rate91
Airing, refer to Ventilation92
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure186Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode91
Air supply
– automatic climate control90
– ventilation92
Air vents89
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications184
Alarm system31
– avoiding unintentional
alarms32
– interior motion sensor32
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor32
Album information for
music153
Albums of music
collection153
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires190
AM, waveband139
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode91
Antenna for mobile phone162
Antifreeze
– coolant196
– washer fluid60
Antilock Brake System
ABS
76
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system31
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights220
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights220
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest98
Arrival time, refer to
Computer64
Ashtray
– front99
– rear100Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems76
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control91
Audio136
– controls136
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Audio device, external98
Automatic
– air distribution90
– air flow rate90
– cruise control60
– headlamp control85
Automatic car washes199
Automatic climate control89
– automatic air distribution90
Automatic curb monitor43
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC91
Automatic Service
Request179
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
– towing212
– tow-starting212
AUTO program for automatic
climate control90
AUX-IN port155
Average fuel consumption64
– setting the units65
Avoid highways in
navigation127
Avoiding unintentional
alarms32
Axle loads, refer to
Weights220
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 228 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support38
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment38
Backrest width adjustment39
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats39
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb205,206
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps205
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch211
Bar, refer to Towing
methods213
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter171
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment98
Bass, tone setting136
Battery208
– charging208
– disposal34,208
– jump starting211
– remote control26
– temporary power failure209
Battery for mobile phone171
Battery renewal
– remote control34
– remote control for vehicle34
Being towed212
Belts, refer to Safety belts41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts41
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders99
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate91
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating164
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo201
BMW Assist, activating176BMW Assist175
BMW center180
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System197
BMW Search176
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders99
Brake assist76
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements66
Brake force display82
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb205,206
Brake lights
– brake force display82
Brake pads106
– breaking in106
Brake rotors107
– brakes106
– breaking in106
Brakes
– ABS76
– BMW Maintenance
System197
– brake force display82
– breaking in106
– parking brake51
– service requirements66
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely107
Brake system106
– BMW Maintenance
System197
– breaking in106
– disc brakes107
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance210
Breaking in the clutch106
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential106
Break-in period106
Brightness of the Control
Display73
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs203Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button49
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting165
– ending166
– rejecting166
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing166
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders99
Capacities220
Capacity of the cargo bay220
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery208
Car care, refer to Care199
Care199
– automatic car washes199
– care products199
– carpets201
– CD/DVD drives201
– chrome parts200
– displays201
– exterior199
– fine wood parts201
– headlamps200
– high-pressure washer199
– interior201
– leather201
– light-alloy wheels200
– paintwork200
– plastic parts201
– rubber seals200
– safety belts201
– sensors and cameras201
– upholstery and cloth
trim201
– washing the car
manually200
– windows200
– wiper blades200
Cargo, securing109
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 229 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM79
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric36
– windows35
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch211
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor78
R
Radio
– controls136
– High Definition Radio140
– satellite radio142
– selecting a waveband139
– storing stations139
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Radio-operated key, refer to
Remote control26
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness49
Radio readiness49
– switched off50
– switched on49
Rain sensor59
Reading lamps88
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps205
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints39
– folding down backrests100
– folding head restraint down
and up40
Rear ventilation92
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors42
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds97
Rear window defroster92
Rear window safety switch35Receiving level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information19
Reception
– quality140
– radio station140
Recirculated-air mode91
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode91
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest38
Refueling184
Releasing
– hood192
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range64
Remote control26
– battery renewal34
– convenient access32
– garage door opener94
– luggage compartment lid28
– malfunction28,33
– removing from the ignition
lock49
– service data197
Replacement remote
control
26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs203
Replacing tires189
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires189
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge63
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings138
Residual heat91
Restraint systems
– for children46
– refer to Safety belts41
Reverse
– CD changer146
– CD player146
Reverse gear53
– manual transmission52
Road map129
Roadside
Assistance175,210Roadside parking lamps87
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements66
Roller blind
– sun blinds97
Roof load capacity220
Roof-mounted luggage
rack109
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away213
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route127,128
– bypassing sections128
– changing127,128
– changing criteria127
– displaying streets or towns/
cities128
– map display129
– selecting127
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions128
Route map, refer to Map
display129
Route section, changing128
Route selection127
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment41
Safety belts41
– damage42
– indicator/warning lamp42
– reminder42
– sitting safely37
Safety systems
– airbags82
– Antilock Brake System
ABS76
– brake system76
– driving stability control
systems76
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
– safety belts41
ba8_E90M3_cic.book Seite 237 Dienstag, 19. August 2008 11:51 11