2009 BMW 3 SERIES fuel cap

Everything under control
68
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. In addi-
tion, a message will appear on the Control Dis-
play.
Check coolant level, refer to page215.
Energy Control*
Displays the current fu el consumption. This
allows you to see whether your current driving
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini-
mum exhaust emissions.
Engine oil temperature*
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between
approx. 210 7/1006 and approx. 300 7/
150 6.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 US gallons/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page 191.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
Once the fuel level ha s fallen to the reserve
zone, a message briefly appears on the Control
Display and the cruising range for the remaining
amount of fuel is displayed on the computer.
Under a cruising range of approx. 30 miles/
50 km, the message remains in the Control Dis-
play.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur. <
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Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also redu ces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road-speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct, and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced more and
more. This improves the handling capability of
your BMW over the entire speed range. In critical situations,
the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver inte rvenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simult aneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 81.
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on. Active
steering is no longer operational. At
low speeds, greater steering wheel
movements are required, whereas at
higher speeds the vehicle reacts more sensi-
tively to steering wheel movements. The stabil-
ity-enhancing feature may also be deactivated.
Drive cautiously and thin k well ahead. Have the
system checked.
Brake force display
On the left: normal braking
On the right: sharp braking.
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Refueling
190
Refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, otherwise, fuel cannot be added to
the tank and a messag e will be displayed.<
Take all precautionary measures and ob-
serve all applicable regulations when han-
dling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel containers
in your vehicle. They can develop a leak and
cause an explosion or cause a fire in the event of
an accident. <
Fuel filler door
Opening
1.Open fuel filler door. To do so, lightly press
the rear edge.
2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the gas cap in th e bracket attached to
the fuel filler door.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it cl ockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the
cap, otherwise the cap cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape. A mes-
sage will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or
missing. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler door
In the event of a malfunction, you can release
the fuel filler door manually:
Sedan
1.Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo bay.
2. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler door is released.
Sports Wagon
1.Fold up the cargo bay floor panel.
2. Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo bay. To do so, turn the
screws, arrows 1, 90° and take out the
cover, arrow 2.
3. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler door is released.
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Mobility
191Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety in-
structions provided at filling stations, oth-
erwise there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty damage. <
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe . Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the ta nk, as that would lead
to
> premature pump shutoff
> reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not en-
sured and damage can occur. <
Gasoline engine
Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
Diesel engine
Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 1.7 US gallons/6.5 liters.
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Do not refuel with leaded fuel; otherwise,
the catalytic conver ter will be damaged.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing
85 Ξ ethanol, nor with Fl exFuel. Otherwise the
engine and fuel suppl y system will be dam-
aged. <
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is hi ghly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is:
> 323i, 328i/xDrive: 87 >
335i/xDrive: 89.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise the
engine could be damaged. <
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 Ξ MTBE or 3 Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warrantie s with respect to de-
fects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
driveability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
y o u a r e u s i n g , w e r e c o m m e n d t h a t y o u r e s p o n d
by switching to a recogn ized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in un scheduled maintenance. <
BMW Advanced Diesel: required fuel
Ultra-low sulfur diesel
The engine of your BMW is designed for diesel
with low sulfur content:
Ultra-low sulfur diesel ASTM D 975-07a.
Refuel with ultra-low sulfur diesel only.
The percentage of biodiesel in the fuel
may not exceed 5 %; this type of fuel is referred
to as B5. Do not refuel with gasoline. After refu-
eling with the wrong fuel, e.g. with gasoline, do
not start the engine; otherwise, engine damage
may occur. <
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Wheels and tires
210
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/+7°C.
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 ti res, 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 agains t 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 th is could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link sn ow 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
page 81. <
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Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust
emissions can be checked by a device via the
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up:
The exhaust emission values have
worsened. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfir ing in the engine. If
this happens, you should reduce your speed
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly
lead to serious damage of emissions-related
components, especially the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas
cap is not properly tightened and the
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor
is escaping. If the gas ca p is then tightened, the
warning lamp should go out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a
device for recording or sending certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you have
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer- tain vehicle data ma
y be transmitted or
recorded in order to fa cilitate the corresponding
services.
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Technical data
242
Sports Wagon
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
328i328i
xDrive
Approved gross weight
> with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,630/2,100 4,872/2,210
> with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,696/2,130 4,916/2,230
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,127/965 2,326/1,055
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 16.2-48.9/460-1,385 16.2-48.9/460-1,385
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 16.1/61 Fuel grade: page 191
including reserve of
> Gasoline engine US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8.0
> Diesel engine US gal/liters approx. 1.7/6.5
Window washer system For more details: page59
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0
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Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
AUX-IN
– port103
AUX-IN port 161
Average fuel consumption 69
– setting the units 71
Average speed 69
Avoid highways in navigation 133
Avoiding unintentional alarms 34
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 241
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 43
Backrests, refer to Seat adjustment 42
Backrest width adjustment 43
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats 44
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 227
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 226
Band-aids, refer to First-aid pouch 231
Bar, refer to Towing methods 233
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 177
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment 103
Bass, tone setting 142
Battery 228
– charging 229
– disposal 35,229
– jump starting 231
– remote control 26
– temporary power failure 229
Battery for mobile phone 177
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
– remote control for vehicle 35
Being towed 233
Belts, refer to Safety belts 46Belt tensioner,
refer to Safety
belts 46
Beverage holders, refer to Cup holders 104
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate 95
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 170
Bluetooth, refer to separate Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo 220
BMW Assist, activating 182
BMW Advanced Diesel 192
BMW Assist 181
BMW center 186
BMW Homepage 4
BMW Maintenance System 216
BMW Search 182
BMW webpage 4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders 104
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control DBC 81
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 71
Brake force display 87
Br

ake lamps
– brake force display 87
– replacing bulb 227
Brake pads 114
– breaking in 114
Brake rotors 116
– brakes 114
– breaking in 114
Brakes
– ABS 81
– BMW Maintenance System 216
– brake force display 87
– breaking in 114
– parking brake 54
– service requirements 71
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 116 Brake system
114
– BMW Maintenance
System 216
– breaking in 114
– disc brakes 116
Breakdown services, refer to Roadside Assistance 230
Breaking in the clutch 114
Breaking in the differential, refer to Engine and
differential 114
Break-in period 114
Brightness of Control
Display 78
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 223
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/stop button 53
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Call
– accepting 171
– ending 172
– rejecting 172
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 172
Can holders, refer to Cup holders 104
Capacities 242
Capacity of the cargo bay 241
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 228
Car care, refer to Care 218
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