2011 BMW 3 SERIES towing

2.Move foot in the direction of travel under‐
neath the bumper and immediately back.
The trunk lid opens, regardless of whether it was
previously locked or unlocked.
Malfunction
Comfort Access may not function properly if it
experiences interference from external sources
such as mobile phones, metal objects, overhead
power lines, transmission towers, etc.
In this case, open or close the vehicle using the
buttons on the remote control or use the
integrated key in the door lock.
If there is a malfunction, open the trunk lid with
the remote control button or with the button on
the trunk lid.
Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds to:
▷Opening of a door, the hood or the trunk lid.
▷Movements in the vehicle.
▷Changes in the vehicle tilt, e.g., during at‐
tempts to steal a wheel or when towing the
car.
▷Interruptions in battery voltage.
The alarm system briefly indicates tampering:
▷By sounding an acoustic alarm.
▷By switching on the hazard warning system.
▷By flashing the daytime running lights.
Arming and disarming the alarm
system
General information
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
Door lock and armed alarm system
The alarm system is triggered when the door is
opened, if the vehicle is unlocked via the door
lock.
In order to terminate this alarm, unlock vehicle
with the remote control or switch on the ignition,
if necessary, by emergency detection of the re‐
mote control.
Trunk lid and armed alarm system
The trunk lid can be opened using the remote
control, even if the alarm system is armed.
Press the button on the remote control
for approx. 1 second.
After the trunk lid is closed, it is locked and
monitored again by the alarm system. The haz‐
ard warning system flashes once.
In some vehicle equipment variants, the trunk lid
can only be opened using the remote control if
the vehicle was unlocked first.
Panic mode
Press the button on the remote control
for at least 3 seconds.
Switching off the alarm
▷Unlock the vehicle using the remote control.
▷With Comfort Access: if you are carrying the
remote control with you, pull on the door
handle.
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Camera
The camera is located near the base of the mir‐
ror.
Keep windshield clean and clear in the area in
front of the interior rear view mirror.
Collision warning with
braking function
The concept
If the vehicle is equipped with Active Cruise
Control with Stop & Go, the collision warning is
controlled via the cruise control radar sensor.
The system issues a two-phase warning of a
danger of collision at speeds above approx.
10 mph/15 km/h. The time of these warnings
may vary depending on the current driving sit‐
uation.
The collision warning is available even if cruise
control has been deactivated.
It responds to stationary or moving objects that
are within the detection range of the radar sys‐
tem.
When the vehicle is intentionally brought into
contact with a vehicle, the collision warning is
delayed to avoid false warnings.
Warning stages
Prewarning
This warning is issued, for example, when there
is the impending danger of a collision or the dis‐
tance to the vehicle ahead is too small.
Acute warning with braking function
Warning of the imminent danger of a collision
when the vehicle approaches another object at
a relatively high differential speed.
The acute warning prompts the driver to inter‐
vene and, if there is the danger of a collision, is
accompanied by a braking intervention.
The braking intervention is executed with lim‐
ited braking force and for a brief period only. The
intervention cannot bring the vehicle to a com‐
plete standstill.
The braking intervention is executed only if DSC
Dynamic Stability Control is switched on.
Adapting your speed and driving style
The acute warning does not relieve the
driver of the responsibility to adapt his or her
driving speed and style to the traffic condi‐
tions.◀
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator or by actively mov‐
ing the steering wheel.
When towing or tow-starting the vehicle, switch
off the collision warning with braking function to
prevent undesired interventions.
The braking function is deactivated if the DSC
Dynamic Stability Control or DTC Dynamic
Traction Control is deactivated.
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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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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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3.Let both engines run for several minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Automatic transmission: transporting
your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the event
of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a loading
platform only; otherwise, damage may occur.◀
Tow truck
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for
maneuvering the vehicle only.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Towing
Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions; otherwise,
vehicle damage or accidents may occur.◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.
▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.
▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and steer‐
ing.
▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.
Tow truck
Have your vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Towing other vehicles
General information
Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the
vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be
possible to control vehicle response.◀
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Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:
▷Maneuvering capability is limited during cor‐
nering.
▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that
the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is se‐
cured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW. It is in the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit located in a storage compartment
on the right side in the cargo area. Open the
cover.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.
▷Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads
only.
▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the ve‐
hicle can occur.◀
Screw thread
Push out the cover by pressing on the top edge.
Front
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Engine stop 61
Engine temperature 75
Entering a car wash 296
Equalizer 188
Equipment, interior 141
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐
gram, refer to DSC 104
Exchanging wheels/tires 269
Exhaust system 156
Exterior mirror, automatic dim‐
ming feature 53
Exterior mirrors 52
External devices 210
External start 291
External temperature dis‐
play 76
External temperature warn‐
ing 76
Eyes for securing cargo 160
F
Fader 188
Failure message, refer to
Check Control 73
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐
tional alarm 41
Fan, refer to Air flow 135
Fan, refer to Air volume 138
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control 73
Filler neck for engine oil 274
Fine wood, care 298
First aid kit 291
Fitting for towing, refer to Tow
fitting 294
Flat tire, changing wheels 287
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 97
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 94
Flat tire, warning lamp 95, 98
Flooding 157
Floor carpet, care 298
Floor mats, care 298
FM/AM station 190
Fogged up windows 135
Fold-out position, windshield
wipers 66
Foot brake 157
Front airbags 91
Front fog lamps 89
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐
placement 284
Front lamps 280
Front passenger airbags, au‐
tomatic deactivation 93
Front passenger airbags, indi‐
cator lamp 93
FTM Flat Tire Monitor 97
Fuel cap 260
Fuel consumption, current 77
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel consump‐
tion 82
Fuel filler flap 260
Fuel gauge 75
Fuel quality 262
Fuel, tank capacity 305
Fuse 288
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 141
Gas station recommenda‐
tion 178
Gear change, automatic trans‐
mission 67
Gear shift indicator 78
General driving notes 156
Glass sunroof, powered 43
Glove compartment 148
Gong, volume equaliza‐
tion 189
GPS navigation 168
Gray display of the map 181
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐
proved 304
Gross weight, permissible for
trailer towing 304
H
Handbrake, refer to parking
brake 63
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐
nating code 142
Hazard warning flashers 290
HD Radio 191
Head airbags 91
Headlamp control, auto‐
matic 87
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐
ture 87
Headlamp flasher 64
Headlamp glass 280
Headlamps 280
Headlamps, care 297
Headlamp washer system 65
Headliner 15
Head restraints 45
Head restraints, front 49
Head restraints, rear 50
Head-up Display 128
Head-up Display, care 299
Heavy cargo, stowing 160
Height, vehicle 302
High-beam Assistant 88
High beams 64
High beams/low beams, refer
to High-beam Assistant 88
Hills 158
Hill start assistant, refer to
Drive-off assistant 108
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 150
Homepage 6
Hood 273
Horn 12
Hotel function, trunk lid 38
Hot exhaust system 156
House number, entering for
navigation 169
Hydroplaning 157
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Malfunction displays, refer to
Check Control 73
Manual air distribu‐
tion 135, 138
Manual air flow 135
Manual air volume 138
Manual mode, transmis‐
sion 68
Manual operation, backup
camera 124
Manual operation, door
lock 37
Manual operation, exterior mir‐
rors 52
Manual operation, fuel filler
flap 260
Manual operation, Park Dis‐
tance Control PDC 122
Manual operation, Side
View 128
Manual operation, Top
View 126
Manual transmission 67
Map, destination entry 173
Map in split screen 180
Map view 178
Marking on approved
tires 270
Marking, run-flat tires 271
Master key, refer to Remote
control 30
Maximum cooling 137
Maximum speed, display 79
Maximum speed, winter
tires 270
Measure, units of 85
Medical kit 291
Memory, seat, mirror 51
Menu, EfficientDynamics 164
Menu in instrument cluster 80
Menus, operating, iDrive 16
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐
ing concept 18
Message list, traffic bulle‐
tins 180
Messages 241
Messages, refer to Check
Control 73
Microfilter 136, 139
Minimum tread, tires 269
Mirror 52
Mirror memory 51
Mobile communication devi‐
ces in the vehicle 157
Mobile phone 220, 228
Mode, ECO PRO 163
Modifications, technical, refer
to Safety 6
Moisture in headlamp 280
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐
play 16
Mounting of child restraint fix‐
ing systems 55
MP3 player 210
Multifunction steering wheel,
buttons 12
Music collection 205
Music search 207
Music, storing 205
N
Navigation 168
Navigation data 183
Neck restraints, front, refer to
Head restraints 49
Neck restraints, rear, refer to
Head restraints 50
New wheels and tires 269
No Passing Information 79
Notes 245
Number of cylinders, en‐
gine 303
Nylon rope for tow-starting/
towing 294
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐
tics 278
Obstacle marking, backup
camera 125
Odometer 76
Office 238
Oil 274
Oil, adding 274
Oil additives 275
Oil change 275
Oil change interval, service re‐
quirements 77
Oil filler neck 274
Oil types, alternative 275
Oil types, approved 275
Old batteries, disposal 288
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD 278
Onboard monitor, refer to
Control Display 16
Onboard vehicle tool kit 279
Opening/closing from in‐
side 37
Opening/closing via door
lock 36
Opening/closing with remote
control 34
Operating concept, iDrive 16
Optional equipment, standard
equipment 6
Outside air, refer to Automatic
recirculated-air control 138
Overheating of engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 76
P
Paint, vehicle 297
Pairing, mobile
phone 220, 229
Panic mode 35
Parallel parking assistant 130
Park Distance Control
PDC 121
Parked-car ventilation 139
Parked vehicle, condensa‐
tion 158
Parking aid, refer to PDC 121
Parking assistant 130
Parking brake 63
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