2013 BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN towing

The vehicle locks automatically after a
short period of time if a door is not
opened.▷"Lock after start driving"
The vehicle locks automatically after
you drive away.
Retrieving the seat and mirror settings
The driver's seat and exterior mirror positions
used last are stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
When the vehicle is unlocked, these positions
are automatically retrieved if this function was
activated.
Pinch hazard when moving back the seat
If this function is used, first make sure
that the footwell behind the driver's seat is
empty. Otherwise, people can be injured or ob‐
jects damaged when the seat is moved back.◀
The adjustment procedure is interrupted:
▷When a seat position switch is pressed.▷When a button of the seat and mirror mem‐
ory is pressed.
Activating the setting
1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3."Last seat position autom."
Alarm system
The conceptThe 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 sys‐
tem.▷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 via the Comfort Ac‐
cess at the door lock, the alarm system is
armed or disarmed at the same time.
Door lock and armed alarm systemThe 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 igni‐
tion, if necessary, by emergency detection of
the remote control.
Trunk lid and armed alarm systemThe trunk lid can be opened even when the
alarm system is armed.
Press the button on the remote con‐
trol for approx. 1 second.
With Comfort Access the trunk lid opens with
no-touch activation, refer to page 42.
After the trunk lid is closed, it is locked and
monitored again if the doors are locked. The
hazard warning system flashes once.
In some vehicle equipment variants, the trunk
lid can only be opened using the remote con‐
trol if the vehicle was unlocked first.
Panic mode
You can trigger the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
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SymbolMeasureThe vehicle lights up red: prewarn‐
ing.
Increase braking and distance.The vehicle flashes red and an
acoustic signal sounds: acute warn‐
ing.
You are requested to intervene by
braking or making an evasive ma‐
neuver.
Braking intervention
The warning prompts the driver himself to in‐
tervene. During a warning, the maximum brak‐
ing force is used. A prerequisite for the brake
booster is a sufficiently fast and sufficiently
strong actuation of the brake pedal. In addition,
if there is a risk of collision, the system can as‐
sist with a slight braking intervention. The in‐ tervention can bring a vehicle traveling at slow
speed to a complete stop.
Manual transmission: During a braking inter‐
vention up until reaching a complete stop, the
engine may be shut down.
The braking intervention is executed only if
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator pedal or by actively
moving the steering wheel.
Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the braking
function of individual systems could result in
an accident.◀
System limits
Be alert
Due to system limitations, warnings may
be not be issued at all, or may be issued late or
improperly. Therefore, always be alert and
ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the dan‐
ger of an accident occurring.◀
Detection range
The system's detection capabilities are limited.
This may result in the warning not being is‐
sued or being issued late.
For example, the following situations may not
be detected:▷Slow moving vehicles when you approach
them at high speed.▷Vehicles that suddenly swerve in front of
you or sharply decelerating vehicles.▷Vehicles with an unusual rear appearance.▷Two-wheeled vehicles ahead of you.▷Pedestrians.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the driving stability control systems are
limited or deactivated, for example, DSC
OFF.▷If the camera in the mirror or the radar sen‐
sor is dirty or obscured.▷During calibration of the camera immedi‐
ately after vehicle shipment.▷If there is constant dimming because of
oncoming light, for example, from the sun
low in the sky.Seite 107SafetyControls107
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Switch the system back on: press the button
again.
Setting the warning time The warning time can be set via iDrive.1."Settings"2."Frontal Coll. Warning"3.Activate the desired warning time on the
Control Display.
The selected channel is stored for the remote
control currently in use.
Display
Warning stages
Prewarning
This warning is issued, for example, when
there is the impending danger of a collision or
the distance 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 can bring the vehicle to a
complete stop.
The braking intervention is executed only if
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
Above approx. 130 mph/210 km/h, the braking
intervention occurs as a brief braking pressure.
No automatic delay occurs.
Adapting your speed and driving style
The warning does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility to adapt his or her driving
speed and style to the traffic conditions.◀
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator pedal or by actively
moving the steering wheel.
Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the braking
function of individual systems could result in
an accident.◀
Display in the instrument cluster The collision warning can be issued in the in‐
strument cluster, in the Head-up Display, and
acoustically.
Warning stagesSymbolMeasureThe vehicle lights up red: prewarn‐
ing.
Increase distance.The vehicle flashes red and an
acoustic signal sounds: acute warn‐
ing.
You are requested to intervene by
braking or making an evasive ma‐
neuver.
Adapting your speed and driving style
The display does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility to adapt his or her driving
speed and style to the traffic conditions.◀
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The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator pedal or by actively
moving the steering wheel.
Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the braking
function of individual systems could result in
an accident.◀
System limits Be alert
Due to system limitations, warnings may
be not be issued at all, or may be issued late or
improperly. Therefore, always be alert and
ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the dan‐
ger of an accident occurring.◀
Detection range
The detection capability of the camera is lim‐
ited.
This may result in the warning not being is‐
sued or being issued late.
For example, the following situations may not
be detected:▷Partially covered pedestrians.▷Pedestrians that are not detected as such
because of the viewing angle or contour.▷Pedestrians outside of the detection range.▷Pedestrians having a body size less than
32 in/80 cm.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional or may
not be available in the following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the camera view field or the front wind‐
shield are dirty or covered.▷When driving toward bright lights.▷Up to 10 seconds after the start of the en‐
gine, via the Start/Stop knob.▷During calibration of the camera immedi‐
ately after vehicle shipment.▷When it is dark outside.
Lane departure warning
The concept Starting at a specific speed, this system alerts
you when the vehicle on streets with lane
markings is about to leave the lane. This
speed, depending on the country version, is
between 35 mph/55 km/h and
45 mph/70 km/h.
When switching on the system below this
speed, a message is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster.
The steering wheel begins vibrating gently in
the event of warnings. The time of the warning
may vary depending on the current driving sit‐
uation.
The system does not provide a warning if the
turn signal is set before leaving the lane.
Notes Personal responsibility
The system cannot serve as a substitute
for the driver's personal judgment of the
course of the road and the traffic situation.
In the event of a warning, do not jerk the steer‐
ing wheel, as you may lose control of the vehi‐
cle.◀
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Storage compartmentsVehicle equipmentAll 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.
Notes No loose objects in the passenger com‐
partment
Do not stow any objects in the passenger
compartment without securing them; other‐
wise, they may present a danger to occupants
for instance during braking and avoidance ma‐
neuvers.◀
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 driver's side,
refer to page 160.▷Glove compartment on the front passenger
side, refer to page 159.▷Without Smoker's package: Front storage
compartment, in front of the cupholders,
refer to page 160.▷Storage compartment in the front center
armrest, refer to page 160.▷Compartments in the doors, refer to
page 160.▷Nets on the backrests of the front seats.▷Storage compartment in the rear center
console, refer to page 161.
Glove compartment
Front passenger side
Note Close the glove compartment again im‐
mediately
Close the glove compartment immediately af‐
ter use while driving; otherwise, injury may oc‐
cur during accidents.◀
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 161.
Closing Fold cover closed.
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Load
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Stowing cargo
▷Cover sharp edges and corners on the
cargo.▷Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possi‐
ble, directly behind and at the bottom of
the rear passenger seat backrests.▷Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.▷If necessary, fold down the rear backrests
to stow cargo.▷Do not stack cargo above the top edge of
the backrests.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 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.
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If the first starting attempt is not success‐
ful, wait a few minutes before making an‐
other attempt in order to allow the dis‐
charged battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the re‐
verse order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing Note Tow-starting and towing
When tow-starting and towing the vehi‐
cle, switch off the Intelligent Safety systems;
otherwise, improper behavior of the braking
function of individual systems could result in
an accident.◀
Switch off Intelligent Safety systems, refer to
page 104.
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 towedHave your vehicle transported on a load‐
ing platform only; otherwise, damage may oc‐ cur.◀
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
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to control the vehicle
response.Seite 220MobilityBreakdown assistance220
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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
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will
not be possible to control the vehicle re‐
sponse.◀
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
cornering.▷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, al‐
ways 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
secured 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
vehicle tool kit located in a storage compart‐
ment 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.Seite 221Breakdown assistanceMobility221
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