2010 BMW M3 fuel cap

Controls overview
62
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page140.
Energy Control*
Displays the current fuel 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. 2107/1006 and approx. 3007/
1506.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a warn-
ing lamp comes on in the instrument cluster.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 gallons/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page115.
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 has fallen to the reserve
zone of approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 liters for gaso-
line engines and approx. 1.7 US gallons/
6.5 liters for diesel engines, the indicator lamp
and the cruising range for the remaining
amount of fuel are displayed briefly. The indica-
tor lamp remains permanently on when the
remaining range is less than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
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.<

Refueling
114
Refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to
the tank and a message will be displayed.<
Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when
handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident.<
Fuel filler flap
Opening
1.Open the fuel filler flap. To do so, lightly
press the rear edge.
2.Turn the gas cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise 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.<
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of a malfunction, you can release
the fuel filler flap manually:
Sedan
1.Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo area.
2.Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler flap is released.
Sports Wagon
1.Fold up the cargo area floor panel.
2.Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo area. 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 flap is released.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
115
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety
instructions provided at filling stations;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank, 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
ensured 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 converter will be damaged.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing
85Ξ ethanol, nor with FlexFuel. Otherwise, the
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged.<
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly 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 2.8Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15Ξ MTBE or 3Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled 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
must not exceed 5 %; this type of fuel is referred
to as B5. Do not refuel with gasoline. If you have
accidentally refueled with the wrong fuel, e.g.
with gasoline, do not start the engine; other-
wise, engine damage may occur.<

Refueling
118 2.Place the handle of the screwdriver from the
onboard vehicle tool kit, page147, onto the
bottom cap and open the cap, arrow.
Refilling BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid
1.Attach the bottle and screw it all the way on,
see arrow. The line on the bottle should
point upward.
Hold the attached bottle to prevent
the thread on the vehicle from
becoming damaged by the weight of the
bottle.<
2.Press the bottle toward the vehicle, see
arrow.
The reservoir in the vehicle is filled.
3.The reservoir is full when the filling level in
the bottle stops changing. It is not possible
to overfill the reservoir. Pull back the bottle, see arrow, and unscrew
it.
Closing the reservoir
After refilling, close the reservoir again using
the handle of the screwdriver.
After refilling diesel exhaust fluid
Wrong fluid
If you add the wrong fluid, e.g. antifreeze
for washer fluid, do not start the engine;
otherwise, there is a danger of fire.<
Contact your BMW center.
Disposing of the bottle
You can dispose of the bottles for diesel
exhaust fluid at your BMW center.
Only dispose of empty bottles in household
refuse if local regulations allow.<
Reserve display-
After refilling, the reserve display continues to
be displayed after the engine is started. It goes
out after the vehicle has been driven for several
minutes.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
135
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
page70.<

Maintenance
142
Socket for Onboard
Diagnosis OBD
On the driver's side is an OBD socket for check-
ing components relevant to the composition of
the vehicle's emissions.
Emissions
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing higher emis-
sions. The trip can be continued. Have
the car checked as soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
indicates excessive misfiring 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. Make sure that the gas cap is cor-
rectly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks.
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 may be transmitted or
recorded in order to facilitate the corresponding
services.

Technical data
178
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 area capacity cu ft/liters 16.2 - 48.9/460 -1385 16.2 - 48.9/460 -1385
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 16.1/61 Fuel grade: page115
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: page53
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0

Everything from A to Z
182 Car jack
– jacking points153
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo145
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system107
Center armrest95
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb152
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– Comfort Access26
– hotel function24
– setting unlocking
characteristics19
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs147
Changing wheels153
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment137
Check Control67
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH43
Child restraint systems42
Child safety locks45
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely42
Chrome parts145
Chrome polish145
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter96
Cleaning headlamps52
– washer fluid53
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care143Clock61
– 12h/24h format64
– setting time67
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks95
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine47
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort Access26
– replacing the battery28
Comfort access, refer to
Comfort Access26
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock46
Compass93
Computer63
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked109
Condition Based Service
CBS141
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle20
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances96
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption63
Consumption display
– average consumption63
– Energy Control62
Controls and displays10
Convenient operation
– glass roof20
– windows20
Coolant139
– checking level140
Coolant temperature62
Cooling, maximum87Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant139
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant139
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs148
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control81
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control81
Correct tires134
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps83
Cruise control53
– active55
– malfunction54
Cruising range63
Cupholders95
Curb weight, refer to
Weights177
Current fuel consumption,
refer to Energy Control62
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting82
Data, technical174
– capacities178
– dimensions175
– engine174
– weights177
Date
– setting67
Daytime running lights80
– replacing bulbs148
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control70
Deactivating front passenger
airbags77
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20