2011 BMW 3 SERIES light

The setting is stored automatically after approx‐
imately 10 seconds.
Ashtray/cigarette lighter
Ashtray
Opening
Raise cover.
Emptying
Take out the insert.
Lighter
Danger of burns
Only hold the hot lighter by its knob; oth‐
erwise, there is the danger of getting burned.
Switch off the ignition and take the remote con‐
trol with you when leaving the vehicle so that
children cannot use the lighter and burn them‐
selves.◀
The lighter is located next to the ashtray.
Push in the lighter.
The lighter can be removed as
soon as it pops back out.
Connecting electrical devices
Sockets
The lighter socket can be used as a socket for
electrical equipment while the engine is running
or when the ignition is switched on. The total
load of all sockets must not exceed 140 watts at
12 volts.
Do not damage the socket by using unsuitable
connectors.
Front center console
Raise the cap and remove the cover or cigarette
lighter.
In the front passenger footwell
Socket is located below the glove compartment.
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4.Pull the corresponding lever in the cargo
area to release the rear seat backrest.
5.The unlocked rear seat backrest moves for‐
ward slightly. Fold the backrest forward by
the head restraint.
Closing
1.Return the rear seat backrest to the upright
seating position and engage it.
Ensure that the lock is securely en‐
gaged
When folding back the backrest, be sure that
it locks in place securely. If it is not properly
engaged, transported cargo could enter the
passenger compartment during braking or
evasive maneuvers and endanger the vehi‐
cle occupants.◀
2.Release the latch plate from the fixture on
the rear window shelf and insert it into the
belt lock of the center safety belt. Make sure
you hear the latch plate engage.
To secure cargo, refer to page 160, with nets or
draw straps, the cargo area is fitted with lashing
eyes.
Folding down the middle section
1.Fold in the middle head restraint.
2.Reach into the recess and pull the middle
section forward.
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Storage compartments
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Notes
No loose objects in the passenger com‐
partment
Do not stow any objects in the passenger com‐
partment without securing them; otherwise,
they may present a danger to occupants for in‐
stance during braking and avoidance maneu‐
vers.◀
Do not place anti-slip mats on the dash‐
board
Do not place anti-slip mats on the dashboard.
The mat materials could damage the dash‐
board.◀
Storage compartments
The following storage compartments are avail‐
able in the vehicle interior:
▷Glove compartment on the front passenger
side, refer to page 148.
▷Without Smoker's package: Front storage
compartment, in front of the cupholders, re‐
fer to page 149.
▷Storage compartment in the front center
armrest, refer to page 149.
▷Compartments in the doors, refer to
page 149.
▷Nets on the backrests of the front seats.
▷Storage compartment in the rear center
console, refer to page 150.
Glove compartment
Front passenger side
Opening
Pull the handle.
The light in the glove compartment switches on.
The net in the glove compartment is provided
for stowing the storage tray for the cupholder,
refer to page 150.
Close the glove compartment again im‐
mediately
Close the glove compartment immediately after
use while driving; otherwise, injury may occur
during accidents.◀
Closing
Fold up the cover.
Locking
The glove compartment can be locked with an
integrated key to separately secure the trunk lid,
refer to page 38, for example.
After the glove compartment is locked, the re‐
mote control can be handed over, such as at a
hotel, without the integrated key, refer to
page 30.
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Connection for an external audio
device
This can be used to connect an external audio
device, such as an MP3 player.
▷AUX-IN port, refer to page 210.
▷USB audio interface, refer to page 210.
Storage compartment in the
rear
Storage compartment is located in the rear cen‐
ter console.
Cupholders
Notes
Shatter-proof containers and no hot
drinks
Use light and shatter-proof containers and do
not transport hot drinks. Otherwise, there is the
increased danger of injury in an accident.◀
Unsuitable containers
Do not forcefully push unsuitable contain‐
ers into the cupholders. This may result in dam‐
age.◀
Front
Storage tray for front cupholders
The cupholder with the storage tray can be used
for additional storage. To do this, place the stor‐
age tray in the cupholder.
Only use the storage tray for small objects, such
as keys or the remote control.
When not in use, stow the storage tray in the
glove compartment net. Insert the storage tray
into the net so that the top surface faces up.
Note the trapezoidal shape of the net and tray.
Rear
In the center armrest.
Pull the center armrest forward at the strap.
To open: press the button.
To close: push both covers back in, one after the
other.
Pushing back the covers
Push back the covers before folding up the
center armrest; otherwise, the cupholder could
become damaged.◀
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Clothes hooks
The clothes hooks are located in the grab han‐
dles in the rear.
Do not obstruct view
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that it will not obstruct the driver's
vision.◀
No heavy objects
Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks;
otherwise, they may present a danger to pas‐
sengers during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
Storage compartments in the
cargo area
Left storage compartment
A storage compartment is located on the left
side.
Net
Small objects can be stowed in the net on the
left side.
Right storage compartment
Located on the right side is a storage compart‐
ment for the onboard vehicle tool kit, refer to
page 279, and first aid kit, refer to page 291.
Hooks/multi-function hook
A multi-function hook is located on each side of
the cargo area. The multi-function hooks can be
loaded up to a max. of 8.8 lbs/4 kg.
Light and suitable objects only
Only hang light bags or suitable objects
from the holders. Otherwise, there is a danger of
objects flying about during braking and evasive
maneuvers.
Only transport heavy luggage in the trunk if it has
been appropriately secured.◀
Retaining strap
A retaining strap is available on the right side trim
for fastening small objects.
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
To secure the cargo, refer to page 160, there
are four lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Floor net
The floor net can also be used to Secure the
load, refer to page 160, and to store small parts.
Storage compartment under cargo
floor panel
Maximum load
To avoid damage to the vehicle, do not ex‐
ceed a maximum permitted load of 44 lbs/20 kg
in the storage compartment under the cargo
floor panel.◀
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In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
Automatic transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down in the manual mode of the auto‐
matic transmission.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:
▷Low mileage.
▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
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Stowing cargo
▷Heavy cargo: stow as far forward and as low
as possible, ideally directly behind the cargo
area separating wall.
▷Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.
▷Cover sharp edges and corners.
▷If necessary, fold down the rear backrests to
stow cargo.
▷Do not stack cargo above the top edge of the
backrests.
▷Place protective material around any sharp-
edged or pointed objects that could bump
against the rear window while the vehicle is
in motion.
Securing cargo
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
To secure the cargo, there are four lashing eyes
in the cargo area
Floor net
The floor net can also be used to Secure the load
and to store small parts.
Hook the floor net into the fittings in the cargo
area floor.
Securing cargo
▷Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining straps, the floor net or draw straps.
▷Larger and heavy objects: secure with cargo
straps.
Attach the cargo straps, retaining straps or draw
straps to the lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Securing cargo
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above; otherwise, it can endanger the
car's occupants if sudden braking or swerving
becomes necessary.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car; otherwise, they could be
thrown around as a result of hard braking, sud‐
den swerves, etc., and endanger the occu‐
pants.◀
Roof-mounted luggage rack
Note
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
Attachment
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
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When you reach the desired speed, shift into the
highest applicable gear and drive with the en‐
gine speed as low as possible and at a constant
speed.
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
The gear shift indicator of your vehicle indicates
the most fuel efficient gear.
Use coasting conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the ac‐
celerator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Switch off the engine during
longer stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
Fuel savings are achieved after the vehicle is
switched off for only approx. 4 seconds.
Switch off any functions that
are not currently needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear win‐
dow defroster require a lot of energy and con‐
sume additional fuel, especially in city and stop-
and-go traffic.
Therefore, switch off these functions if they are
not actually needed.
Have maintenance carried out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle economy and operating life.
Have the maintenance carried out by your serv‐
ice center.
Please also note the BMW Maintenance Sys‐
tem, refer to page 277.
ECO PRO
The concept
ECO PRO supports a driving style that saves on
fuel consumption. For this purpose, the engine
control and comfort functions, e. g. the climate
control output, are adjusted.
In addition, context-sensitive instructions can
be displayed that assist in driving in a manner
that optimizes fuel consumption.
The extension of the range that is achieved as a
result can be displayed in the instrument cluster.
Activating ECO PRO
Press button repeatedly until ECO PRO
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Display in the instrument cluster
ECO PRO bonus range
An extension of the range can be
achieved by an adjusted driving
style.
This may be displayed as the bo‐
nus range in the instrument clus‐
ter.
Driving style
In the tachometer, a mark in the
bar display indicates the current
efficiency of the driving style cor‐
responding to the accelerator
pedal position.
▷Blue display: efficient driving style as long as
the mark moves within the blue range.
▷Gray display: adjust driving style, e. g. by
backing off the accelerator pedal.
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