2011 BMW M3 SEDAN fuel cap

Controls overview
76
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant,
and therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
In addition, a message will appear on the
Control Display.
Check coolant level, refer to page226.
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 mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 gallons/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page207.
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, 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 Display.
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.<
Computer
Displays in the instrument cluster
Calling up information
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.
The following items of information are dis-
played in the order listed:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>Current fuel consumption
*
>No information
To set the corresponding units of measure,
refer to Units of measure on page80.

Refueling
206
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. A mes-
sage will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or
missing.<
Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of a malfunction, you can release
the fuel filler flap manually:
Coupe
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.
Convertible
1.Loosen the right-hand cargo area trim panel
by turning the screws by 90°, see arrow.
2.Slightly lift the top section of the panel. It is
not necessary to remove the entire panel.
3.Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler flap is released.

Mobility
207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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
Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
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.<
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:
>328i/xDrive: 87
>335i, 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
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 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.<

Mobility
221Reference
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 driving on
winter roads or at temperatures below +45 7/
+7 6. Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer tires, they
generally 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
page90.<

Maintenance
228
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
correctly positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks.
Data memory
Your vehicle records data about the operation,
faults, and user settings. These data are stored
in the vehicle and in extract form, in the remote
control, and can be read out using suitable
devices at your BMW center. The data that are
read out are used to support service proce-
dures and repairs or to optimize and expand
vehicle functions. If you have a BMW Assist
contract, certain vehicle data can also be trans-
mitted directly from the vehicle in order to
enable the desired services.

Technical data
250
Capacities
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg – – –
Cargo area capacity cu ft/
liters7.4-12.4/
210-3507.4-12.4/
210-3507.4-12.4/
210-350
328i335i335is
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 16.1/61 Fuel grade: page207
including reserve of US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8.0
Window washer system For more details: page66
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0

Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
AUX-IN
– port115
AUX-IN port177
Available services202
Average fuel consumption77
– setting the units80
Average speed77
Avoid highways in
navigation144
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights249
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment43
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats46
Bag holder119
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch239
Bar, refer to Towing
methods242
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter195
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment115
Bass, tone setting154
Battery237
– charging237
– disposal35,237
– jump-starting239
– remote control26
– replacing237
– temporary power failure237
Battery for mobile phone195
Battery renewal
– remote control35
– remote control for vehicle35
Being towed241
Belt hand-over49
– pinch protection system50Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders116
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning75
Blinds, refer to Roller sun
blinds114
Blower, refer to Air
volume108
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating187
BMW
– car shampoo232
BMW Assist198
BMW Assist,
activating200,202
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System227
BMW Search200
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders116
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC89
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements80
Brake Force Display97
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display97
Brake pads126
– breaking in126
Brake rotors128
– brakes126
– breaking in126
Brakes
– ABS89
– BMW Maintenance
System227
– Brake Force Display97
– breaking in126
– parking brake57
– service requirements80
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely128Brake system126
– BMW Maintenance
System227
– breaking in126
– disc brakes128
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance238
Breaking in the clutch126
Breaking in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential126
Break-in period126
Brightness of the Control
Display87
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs233
Button for starting the engine,
refer to Start/stop button55
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Call
– accepting188
– ending188
– rejecting188
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing188
Calling, refer to Telephone
owner's manual
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders116
Capacities250
Capacity of the cargo area249
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery237
Car care, refer to Care229

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Condition Based Service
CBS227
Configuring settings, refer to
Personal Profile26
Confirmation signals for
locking/unlocking the
vehicle29
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing
sections145
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Connecting
electrical appliances118
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption77
Contacts
– creating196
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness87
– switching on/off19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls and displays10
Control unit, refer to iDrive16
Convenient loading in
Convertible28
Convenient operation
– glass roof28
– glass roof with Comfort
Access34
– retractable hardtop28
– windows28
– windows with Comfort
Access34
Convertible
– bag holder119
– convenient loading28
– enlarging cargo area119
– folding down rear
backrest119
– retractable hardtop38
– rollover protection
system100
– securing cargo130
– stowing cargo130Coolant226
– checking level226
Coolant temperature76
Cooling, maximum107
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant226
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant226
Copyright2
Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs234
Corner-illuminating lamps,
refer to Adaptive light
control102
Cornering lamps, refer to
Adaptive light control102
Correct tires220
Country codes DVD167
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
Criteria for route144
Cross-hairs in navigation140
Cruise control66
– active68
– malfunction68
Cruise control, refer to Active
cruise control68
Cruising range77
Cupholders116
Curb weight, refer to
Weights249
Current playback
– external devices180
– of music collection174
Customer Relations201
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard, refer to
instrument cluster12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Data, technical246
– capacities250
– dimensions247
– engine246
– weights249Data memory228
Data transfer202
Date
– date format84
– setting84
Daytime running lights102
– replacing bulbs234
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control89
Deactivating front passenger
airbags98
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking28
Defect
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap206
– glass roof38
Destination, entering by town/
city name135
Destination address
– entering135,141
Destination entry via BMW
Assist140
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice141
– entering via map140
– entry135
– home address138
– manual entry135
Destination guidance144
– bypassing a route
section145
– changing specified
route144
– continuing144
– starting144
– voice instructions146
– volume of voice
instructions146
Digital clock75
Digital compass113
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio158
Dimensions247
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals64
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions146