tire pressure BMW M3 SEDAN 2010 E90 Owner's Guide

Wheels and tires
216 The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3209 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 32 of 2009.
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, page85.
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
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
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 page86. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.

Mobility
217Reference
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 winter roads
or at temperatures below +45°F/+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.<
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
page82.<

Mobility
225Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW Care Products have been
material tested, laboratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and the brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page245.
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page47.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the
danger of damaging chassis parts.<
Preparations before driving into an automatic
car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Sports Wagon: deactivate the rear window
wiper and protect it against damage. If nec-
essary, ask the operator of the car wash
about protective measures you should take.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure or
temperature can lead to component damage or

Mobility
235Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.Release the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
6.Reattach the trim of the tailgate.
License plate lamp, center brake lamp,
parking/tail lamp and turn signal*
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. This removes 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
page85.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page216.
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, page216.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.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Replacing the battery
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manu-
facturer; otherwise, the vehicle could be dam-
aged and systems or functions may not be fully
available.<
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump-starting
on page238.

Everything from A - Z
254
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System82
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control62
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request237
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control100
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps65
– malfunction66
– selecting distance64
– sensor66
Active steering88
Adaptive brake light
– Brake Force Display89
Adaptive light control93
Additives
– coolant222
Address, entering125,131
Address for navigation
– entering125
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control98
Adjusting the thigh support42
Airbags90
– indicator/warning lamp91
– sitting safely41
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air distribution
– automatic98
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure201
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99Air supply
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air vents97
Air volume98
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications197
Alarm system33
– avoiding unintentional
alarms34
– interior motion sensor33
– switching off an alarm33
– tilt alarm sensor33
Albums of music
collection164
ALL program99
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires217
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive83
AM, waveband147
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant222
– washer fluid60
Antilock Brake System
ABS82
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system33
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights247
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights247
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest106
Arrival time, refer to
Computer71
Ashtray107Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems82
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Audio device, external106
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air volume98
– cruise control61,62
– headlamp control92
Automatic car washes225
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
Automatic curb monitor48
Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant94
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic Service
Request192
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– interlock56,57
– overriding selector lever
lock58
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position57
– sport program57
– towing239
– tow-starting239
AUTO program for automatic
climate control
98
AUX-IN
– port106
AUX-IN port167
Available services192

Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps96
Entry map for destination130
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control70
Equalizer, tone setting145
Error messages, refer to
Check Control77
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Event data recorders224
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system117
Expanding the cargo area110
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone167
Exterior mirrors47
– adjusting47
– automatic dimming
feature48
– automatic heating47
– folding in and out47
External audio device106
External devices
– random sequence169
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away239
– for tying down loads120
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
Failure of an electrical
consumer236
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm34
– switching off an alarm33
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts46
Fastest route for
navigation134Fast forward
– CD changer157
– CD player157
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
First aid pouch237
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock54
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires216
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire85
– indicator/warning lamp85
– initializing the system85
– snow chains84,217
– system limits84
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition215
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir60
FM, waveband147
Fog lamps95
– indicator lamp13,95
Folding rear seat backrest110
Folding up the floor panel112
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely118
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps96
For your own safety5
Four-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive83
Free memory capacity, music
collection165
Front airbags90
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84Fuel197
– additives198
– average consumption71
– gauge70
– high-quality brands197
– quality197
– specifications197
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities248
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to
Energy Control70
Fuel filler flap196
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction196
Fuses236
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control102
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption71
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel197
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Gas station
recommendations135
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission56
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission56
General driving notes117

Everything from A - Z
260 Glass roof, electric37
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– Convenient operation28,29
– initializing37
– opening, closing37
– pinch protection system37
– power failure37
– raising37
– remote control28
Glove compartment105
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124
Grills97
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights247
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs231
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake56
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control83
HD Radio148
Head airbags90
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp cover231
Headlamp flasher58
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs231
Head restraints43
– rear, removing44
– sitting safely41
Heated
– mirrors47
– rear window99
– seats45
– steering wheel49
Heating
– mirrors47
– rear window99
– seats45
– steering wheel49Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate97
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions245
Height adjustment
– seats42
– steering wheel48
High-beam assistant94
High beams94
– headlamp flasher94
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs231
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant94
High-pressure
washer225,226
High water, refer to Driving
through water118
Highways, refer to Route
criteria134
Hill Descent Control HDC83
Hills118
Holders for cups107
Homepage BMW4
Hood
218
Hooks for shopping
bags111,112
Horn10,11
Hotel function, refer to
Locking or unlocking
separately31
Hot exhaust system117
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC82
Hydroplaning118
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio148
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning69
Identification marks
– run-flat tires216
– tire coding214iDrive16
– adjusting brightness80
– changing language79
– changing settings79
– changing units of measure
and display format73
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and time76
– start menu17
– status information19
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition54
– switched off55
– switched on54
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness54
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on54
Ignition lock54
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM87
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure201
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Initializing
– after power failure236
– compass, refer to
Calibrating104
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM85
– glass roof37
– panorama glass roof39
– radio, refer to Station,
storing147
– refer to Setting the time and
date76
Installation location
– telephone106

Everything from A - Z
262 Manual transmission56
Map for navigation
– changing scale137
– entering destination130
Map view136
Master key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key26
Maximum cooling98
Maximum speed
– with winter tires217
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions245
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory45
MENU button16
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages180
Messages from the concierge
service181
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System223
– for automatic climate
control100
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System223
Microphone
– telephone14
– voice commands14
Mirror dimming feature48
Mirrors47
– automatic curb monitor48
– exterior mirrors47
– heating47
– interior rearview mirror48
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory45
Mirrors, folding in before
entering a car wash47Mobile phone
– adjusting volume177
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing174
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– operation via iDrive177
– pairing174
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest106
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone174
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port167
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface167
Multi-channel playback145
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher58
– refer to Wiper system59
Multimedia screen, refer to
iDrive16
Music, managing165
Music collection162
– backup166
– deleting166
– random sequence165
– restoring166
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN port167
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface167Music search163
My Info181
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination127
– storing current position127
– voice activation131
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off135
Navigation data124
Navigation system124
– address book127
– bypassing a route
section135
– continuing destination
guidance134
– destination entry125
– dynamic destination
guidance135
– entering a destination by
voice131
– entering a destination
manually125
– frequently asked
questions140
– gas station
recommendations135
– planning a trip132
– route list135
– selecting destination via
map130
– selecting route criteria134
– special destinations128
– starting destination
guidance134
– terminating destination
guidance134
– traffic bulletins137
– voice instructions135
– volume adjustment136
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints43
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments106

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
New tires216
North-facing map136
Nozzles97
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data244
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope240
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnosis224
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications197
Odometer69
Oil, refer to Engine oil219
Oil consumption219
Oil level219
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal236
Onboard vehicle tool kit229
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access34
– from inside30
– from outside27
– using the door lock29
– via the remote control27
Options, selecting for
navigation134
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation100
Output, refer to Engine
data244
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control99
Outside temperature
display69
– changing units of
measure73
– in computer73
Outside temperature
warning69
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature70
Overriding selector lever
lock58Overview
– radio control144
P
Paintwork care226
Panorama glass roof38
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– comfort position39
– Convenient operation28
– initializing39
– opening, closing38
– pinch protection system39
– power failure39
– raising38
– remote control28
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control81
Park Distance Control PDC81
Parked car ventilation100
– preselecting switch-on
times101
– switching on and off
directly101
Parking
– vehicle55
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC81
Parking brake56
– indicator lamp56
Parking lamps92
– replacing bulbs230,232
Parking lamps/low beams92
Particulate filter, refer to
Diesel particulate filter117
Partition net111
Passenger side mirror tilt
function48
Pathway lighting93
Personal Profile26
Phone book177
Phone numbers
– dialing178
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– panorama glass roof39
– windows36Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Playing music163
Polish227
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
Postal code, entering for
navigation126
Power failure236
Power windows36
– safety switch36
Power windows, refer to
Windows36
Preheating, refer to Diesel
engine
55
Pressure, tires201
Pressure monitoring, tires84
– Flat Tire Monitor84
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM86
Programmable buttons on the
steering wheel11
Protection function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric37
– panorama glass roof39
– windows36
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First aid pouch237
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor84
R
Radio
– controls144
– HD Radio148
– satellite radio150
– selecting a waveband147
– storing stations147
– switching on/off144
– tone control144
– volume144
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness54

Everything from A - Z
264 Radio readiness54
– switched off55
– switched on54
Radio-remote key, refer to
Remote control with
integrated key26
Rain sensor59
Random sequence
– external devices169
– music collection165
Rapeseed-oil methyl ester
RME197
Reading lamps96
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps232
Rear seat backrest,
folding110
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints44
– folding110
– folding down
backrests109,110
– folding head restraint down
and up44
Rear ventilation100
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors47
Rear window
– cleaning60
– opening32
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds105
Rear window defroster99
Rear window safety switch36
Rear window wiper60
– changing rear wiper
blade229
Receiving level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information19
Reception
– quality148
– radio station148
Recirculated-air mode99
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest42
Refueling196Releasing
– hood218
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range71
Remote control26
– battery renewal35
– Comfort Access34
– garage door opener102
– malfunction28,35
– removing from the ignition
lock54
– service data223
– tailgate28
– trunk lid28
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses236
Replacement remote
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs229
Replacing tires216
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires216
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings146
Restraint systems
– for children50
– refer to Safety belts46
Reverse
– CD changer157
– CD player157
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission56
RME, refer to Rapeseed-oil
methyl ester197
Road map136
Roadside
Assistance189,237
Roadside parking lamps94
– replacing bulbs230,232
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements73
Roller blind
– sun blinds105Roof load capacity247
Roof-mounted luggage
rack120
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away240
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route134,135
– bypassing sections135
– changing134,135
– changing criteria134
– displaying streets or towns/
cities135
– map view136
– selecting134
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions135
Route map, refer to Map
view136
Route section, changing
135
Route selection134
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires216
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires216
Run-flat tires216
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire85
– flat tire85
– Flat Tire Monitor85
– new tires216
– replacing216
– tire inflation pressure201
– winter tires217
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment46
Safety belts46
– damage46
– indicator/warning lamp46
– reminder46
– sitting safely41