2013 BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN Service

Refill in good time
The reducing agent must be replenished
as soon as the Reserve display appears, other‐
wise the engine cannot be restarted.◀
Diesel exhaust fluid on minimum The engine will continue to runeven when the display shows --,
as long as it is not switched off
and all other operating condi‐
tions are satisfied, sufficient fuel
for example.
Engine does not start
Do not continue driving to the limit of the
remaining travel distance. Otherwise, you will
not be able to restart the engine after switch‐
ing it off.◀
Filling with incorrect fuel A Check Control message is displayed when
the tank is filled with the incorrect fuel.
After adding the wrong fuel, contact your serv‐
ice center.
System defect
A Check Control message is displayed when
there is a system defect.
Have the diesel exhaust fluid
replenished
The reducing agent is added by the service
center within the context of regular mainte‐
nance. Provided you observe this maintenance
schedule, it is normally necessary to replenish
the fluid once between maintenance appoint‐
ments.
It may be necessary to have the fluid replen‐
ished several times under particular circum‐
stances, for example, if the vehicle is driven in
a particularly sporty style or if it is driven at
high altitudes.The reducing agent must be replenished as
soon as the reserve display appears in the in‐
strument cluster to avoid not being able to re‐
start the engine.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, it is possible that reducing agent may also need to be re‐
plenished between regular maintenance ap‐
pointments if it is exposed to temperatures be‐
low + 23 ℉/- 5 ℃. In this case, add reducing
agent only immediately before starting to drive.
The need to replenish it is indicated by the Re‐
serve display in the instrument cluster.
At temperatures below + 12 ℉/- 11 ℃ the fill
level in some cases cannot be measured.
After adding reducing agent, the reserve dis‐
play is displayed only until the fill level can be
measured again.
Replenishing Diesel exhaust fluid
yourself in exceptional cases
You can replenish reducing agent yourself in
exceptional cases, e.g., to get to the service
center.
Avoid contact with Diesel exhaust fluid
Do not come into contact with the reduc‐
ing agent. Otherwise, skin or eye irritations
may result.◀
Handling Diesel exhaust fluid
When working with reducing agent in
closed spaces, ensure good ventilation. When
the bottle or container is opened, acrid smell‐
ing fumes may escape.◀
Keeping Diesel exhaust fluid out of reach
of children
Keep reducing agent out of reach of children◀
Avoid contact with surfaces
Avoid contact of reducing agent with sur‐
faces of the vehicle. Damage could result.◀Seite 184MobilityFuel184
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Suitable Diesel exhaust fluid▷Preferred: BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid. With
this bottle and its special adapter, Diesel
exhaust fluid can be replenished simply
and safely.▷Alternative: NOx reduction agent AUS 32
Diesel exhaust fluid can be purchased at your
Service Center.
Refill quantity
When the Reserve display starts, add at least 2
bottles of reducing agent.
This corresponds to approx. 1 gallon.
Tank for reducing agent
The tank for the reducing agent is located next
to the fuel tank.
Adding engine oil
1.Open the fuel filler flap, refer to page 180.2.Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise and re‐
move.3.Place the bottle on it and turn it as far as it
will go, see arrow.4.Press the bottle down, see arrow.
The vehicle container will be filled.
The container is full when the fill level in
the bottle no longer changes. It is not pos‐
sible to overfill.5.Pull back the bottle, see arrow, and un‐
screw it.6.Replace the fuel cap and turn it clockwise.7.Close the fuel filler flap.
After adding Diesel exhaust fluid
Note Incorrect fluids
After filling with incorrect fluids, such as
antifreeze for washer water, do not start the
engine, otherwise there is risk of fire.◀
Contact your service center.
Disposing of bottles You take your empty Diesel exhaust
fluid bottles to your Service Center for
disposal.
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Wheels and tiresVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressure Safety information
The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐
sure influence the following:▷The service life of the tires.▷Road safety.▷Driving comfort.
Checking the pressure
Tires have a natural, consistent loss of pres‐
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pres‐
sure, and correct it as needed: at least twice a
month and before a long trip. If you fail to ob‐
serve this precaution, you may be driving on
tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition
that may not only compromise your vehicle's
driving stability, but also lead to tire damage
and the risk of an accident.◀
Tires heat up during driving, and the tire infla‐
tion pressure increases along with the temper‐
ature of the tire. The tire inflation pressure
specifications relate to cold tires or tires with
the ambient temperature.
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after driving no more
than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure:▷Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.▷Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Pressure specifications The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 188, contains all pressure specifications
for the specified tire sizes at the ambient tem‐
perature. Pressure specifications apply to ap‐
proved tire sizes and recommended tire
brands. This information can be obtained from
your service center.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:
▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.▷Maximum permitted driving speed.
Tire inflation pressures up to
100 mph/160 km/h
For speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and for
optimum driving comfort, note the pressure
values in the tire inflation pressure table, refer
to page 188, and adjust as necessary.
These pressure values can also be found on
the tire inflation pressure label on the driver's
door pillar.
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All passenger car tires must conform to Fed‐
eral Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half, 1 g,
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart signifi‐
cantly from the norm due to variations in driv‐
ing habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds
to a level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades Band
A represent higher levels of performance onthe laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
Run-flat tires, refer to page 197, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the sidewall.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires.
Tire tread
Summer tires Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.Seite 194MobilityWheels and tires194
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Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the
tire's circumference and have the legally re‐
quired minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They are marked on the side of the tire with
TWI, Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
General information
Inspect your tires often for damage, foreign
objects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Notes
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces,
as well as debris, curbs and other obstacles can cause serious damage to wheels, tires and
suspension parts. This is more likely to occur
with low-profile tires, which provide less cush‐
ioning between the wheel and the road. Be
careful to avoid road hazards and reduce your
speed, especially if your vehicle is equipped
with low-profile tires.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:
▷Unusual vibrations during driving.▷Unusual handling such as a strong ten‐
dency to pull to the left or right.
Damage can, e. g., be caused by driving over
curbs, road damage, or similar things.
In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
wheels and tires checked right away; other‐
wise, there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the nearest service center.
Have the vehicle towed or transported there.
Otherwise, tire damage can become life threat‐
ening for vehicle occupants and also other
road users.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
You can ask the service center about the right
wheel/tire combination and wheel rim versions
for the vehicle.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.Seite 195Wheels and tiresMobility195
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Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body con‐
tact and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot eval‐
uate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehi‐
cle if they are mounted.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until after an initial breaking-
in period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
Winter tires are recommended for operating on
winter roads.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do
provide better winter traction than summer tires, they do not provide the same level of per‐
formance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field
of vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire
specialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for
the respective winter tires; otherwise, tire dam‐
age and accidents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires If you are already using run-flat tires, for your
own safety you should replace them only with
the same kind. No spare tire is available in the
case of a flat tire. Your service center will be
glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against switching wheels between the front
and rear axles.
This can impair the handling characteristics.
StorageStore 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.Seite 196MobilityWheels and tires196
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Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to
remain drivable to a restricted degree in the
event of a pressure loss.
Continued driving with a damaged tire, refer to
page 104.
Continued driving with a damaged tire, refer to
page 101.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire.
Your service center will be glad to advise you.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains
have been tested by the manufacturer of the
vehicle, classified as road-safe and approved.
Information about the approved snow chains
are available from the service center.
Use
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:▷205/60 R 16.▷225/55 R 16.▷225/50 R 17.▷225/45 R 18.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that the snow chains are always
sufficiently tight. Retighten as needed accord‐
ing to the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, briefly activate
Dynamic Traction Control if necessary.
Maximum speed with snow chains Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h
when using snow chains.
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Hood
Hints Working in the engine compartment
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without the
necessary professional technical training.
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide‐
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a service center.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Never reach into the engine compart‐
ment
Never reach into the intermediate spaces or
gaps in the engine compartment. Otherwise,
there is risk of injury, e.g., from rotating or hot
parts.◀
Fold down wiper arm
Before opening the hood, ensure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield, or this
may result in damage.◀
Opening the hood1.Pull lever in the interior:
Engine is released, arrow 1.2.After the lever is released, pull the lever
again:
Hood can be opened, arrow 2.Indicator/warning lamps
When the hood is opened, a Check Control
message is displayed.
Closing the hood
Let the hood drop from a height of approx. 16
in/40 cm and push down on it to lock it fully.
The hood must audibly engage on both sides.
Hood open when driving
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, pull over im‐
mediately and close it securely.◀
Danger of pinching
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may result.◀
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