2015 BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN Sport

Engine oilVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
General information The engine oil consumption is dependent on
the driving style and driving conditions.
The engine oil consumption can increase in
case of, for example:▷Sporty driving.▷Break-in the engine.▷Idling of the engine.▷Usage of non-approved engine oil grades.
Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level
after refueling.
Depending on its engine, the vehicle is equip‐
ped with electronic oil measurement or oil
measuring is done with a dipstick.
The electronic oil measurement has two meas‐
uring principles:
▷Status display▷Detailed measurementElectronic oil measurement
Status display
The concept
The engine oil level is monitored electronically
while driving and shown on the Control Dis‐
play.
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level, a check control message is displayed.
Requirements
A current measured value is available after ap‐
prox. 30 minutes of driving. During a shorter
trip, the status of the last, sufficiently long trip
is displayed.
With frequent short-distance trips, regularly
perform a detailed measurement.
Displaying the engine oil level
On the Control Display:1."Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Engine oil level"
Engine oil level display messages
Different messages appear on the display de‐
pending on the engine oil level. Pay attention
to these messages.
If the engine oil level is too low, within the next
125 miles/200 km Add engine oil, refer to
page 207.
Engine oil level too low
Add engine oil immediately; otherwise,
an insufficient amount of engine oil could re‐
sult in engine damage.◀
Take care not to add too much engine oil.
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Battery replacementUse approved vehicle batteries only
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble.◀
After a battery replacement, have the battery registered on the vehicle by the service center
to ensure that all comfort features are fully
available and that any Check Control mes‐
sages of these comfort features are no longer
displayed.
Charging the battery
General information Make sure that the battery is always suffi‐
ciently charged to guarantee that the battery
remains usable for its full service life.
The battery may need to be charged in the fol‐
lowing cases:▷When making frequent short-distance
drives.▷If the vehicle is not used for prolonged pe‐
riods, longer than a month.
Hints
Do not connect charging devices to the
12 volt socket in the vehicle
Do not connect battery chargers to the fac‐
tory-installed 12 volt sockets in the vehicle as
this may damage the vehicle battery due to an
increased power consumption.◀
Starting aid terminals
In the vehicle, only charge the battery via the
starting aid terminals, refer to page 225, in the
engine compartment with the engine off.
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
needs to be newly initialized or individual set‐
tings updated, e. g.:▷Seat and mirror memory: store the posi‐
tions again.▷Time: update.▷Date: update.▷Glass sunroof and sliding visor: initialize
the system, refer to page 48.
Disposing of old batteries
Have old batteries disposed of by your
service center or bring them to a recy‐
cling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for
transport and storage. Secure the battery so
that it does not tip over during transport.
Fuses Hints Replacing fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a substi‐
tute of another color or amperage rating; this
could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately re‐
sulting in a fire in the vehicle.◀
Plastic tweezers and information on the fuse
types and locations are stored in the fuse box
in the trunk.
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Tow-starting and towingNote Tow-starting and towing
For tow-starting or towing, switch off the
Intelligent Safety systems; otherwise malfunc‐
tions of the individual braking systems might
lead to accidents.◀
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 lights, turn
signals, and wipers may be unavailable.▷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 vehi‐
cle's response.Tow truck
With rear-wheel drive
Your vehicle should be 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.◀
With xDrive
The vehicle should only be transported on a
loading platform.
Do not tow with only the front or rear axle
raised
Do not tow the BMW with just the front or rear
axle raised; otherwise, the wheels could lock
up and the transfer case could be damaged.◀
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
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Steptronic 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 load‐
ing platform only; otherwise, damage may oc‐
cur.◀
Tow truck
The vehicle should only be transported on a
loading platform.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Use tow fitting located in the front only for po‐
sitioning the vehicle.
Towing other vehicles
Hints 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's 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 going
around corners.▷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.
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle.
The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front
or rear of the BMW.
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CareVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Car washes General information
Regularly remove foreign objects such as
leaves in the area below the windshield when
the hood is raised.
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in
winter. Intense soiling and road salt can dam‐
age the vehicle.
Hints Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of
140 ℉/60 ℃.
If the vehicle has a glass sunroof, ensure that a
distance of at least 31.5 inches/80 cm is main‐
tained. Holding them too close or using exces‐
sively high pressures or temperatures can
cause damage or preliminary damage that may
then lead to long-term damage.
Follow the user's manual for the high-pressure
washer.◀Cleaning sensors/camera lenses with
high-pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors and camera lenses on the
outside of the vehicle for long periods and
maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.◀
Automatic car washes
Hints▷Give preference to cloth car washes or
those that use soft brushes in order to
avoid paint damage.▷Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.▷Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may be damaged, depending on the width
of the vehicle.▷Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to
page 70, to avoid unintentional wiper acti‐
vation.▷In some cases, an unintentional alarm can
be triggered by the interior motion sensor
of the alarm system. Follow the instruc‐
tions on avoiding an unintentional alarm,
refer to page 45.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.◀
Before driving into a car wash In order to ensure that the vehicle can roll in a
car wash, take the following steps:
Manual transmission:
1.Drive into the car wash.2.Shift to neutral.Seite 229CareMobility229
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Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐pholders 162
Brake assistant 119
Brake discs, break-in 166
Brake force display 118
Brake lights, adaptive 118
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 118
Brake pads, break-in 166
Braking, hints 167
Breakdown assistance 223
Break-in 166
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 90
Bulb replacement 212
Bulb replacement, front 213
Bulb replacement, halogen headlights 213
Bulb replacement, rear 218
Bulb replacement, xenon headlights 216
Bulbs and lights 212
Button, RES 127
Button, Start/Stop 64
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 224
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera lenses, care 232
Camera, rearview cam‐ era 135
Camera, Side View 138
Camera, Top View 139
Can holder, refer to Cuphold‐ ers 162
Car battery 220
Car care products 230
Care, displays 232
Care, vehicle 230
Cargo 169
Cargo area, enlarging 158
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 162 Cargo, securing 170
Cargo straps, securing cargo 170
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 34
Carpet, care 232
Car wash 229
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 167
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 210
CD/Multimedia, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
Center armrest 161
Center console 16
Central locking system 39
Central screen, refer to Con‐ trol Display 18
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 212
Changing wheels 220
Changing wheels/tires 197
Chassis number, see vehicle identification number 9
Check Control 78
Checking the engine oil level electronically 206
Checking the oil level elec‐ tronically 206
Children, seating position 60
Children, transporting safely 60
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 60
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 62
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 60
Child safety locks 63
Child seat, mounting 60
Child seats 60
Chrome parts, care 231
Cigarette lighter 156 Cleaning displays 232
Climate control 145, 147
Clock 82
Closing/opening via door lock 39
Closing/opening with remote control 37
Clothes hooks 162
Coasting 176
Coasting with engine decou‐ pled, coasting 176
Coasting with idling en‐ gine 176
Cockpit 14
Cold starting, refer to Starting the engine 65
Combination reel, refer to Turn signals 69
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 69
Comfort Access 41
COMFORT program, Dy‐ namic Driving Control 122
Compartments in the doors 161
Compass 154
Compressor 199
Computer, refer to On-board computer 86
Condensation on win‐ dows 150
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 168
Condition Based Service CBS 210
Configuring driving pro‐ gram 123
Confirmation signal 44
ConnectedDrive, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
ConnectedDrive Services
Connecting electrical devi‐ ces 156 Seite 243Everything from A to ZReference243
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Safety belt reminder for driv‐er's seat and front passen‐
ger seat 54
Safety belts 53
Safety belts, care 232
Safety switch, windows 47
Safety systems, airbags 97
Saving fuel 172
Screen, refer to Control Dis‐ play 18
Screwdriver, see Onboard ve‐ hicle tool kit 212
Screw thread, see screw thread for tow fitting, screw
thread for tow fitting 228
Sealant 199
Seat and mirror memory 56
Seat belts, refer to Safety belts 53
Seat heating, front 53
Seat heating, rear 53
Seating position for chil‐ dren 60
Seats 50
Selection list in instrument cluster 86
Selector lever, Steptronic transmission 73
Sensors, care 232
Service and warranty 8
Service requirements, Condi‐ tion Based Service
CBS 210
Service requirements, dis‐ play 83
Services, ConnectedDrive
Servotronic 123
SET button, see Active Cruise Control, ACC 124
SET button, see Cruise con‐ trol 130
Settings, locking/unlock‐ ing 43
Settings on Control Dis‐ play 89 Settings, storing for seat, mir‐
ror 56
Shift paddles on the steering wheel 74
Side airbags 97
Side View 137
Signaling, horn 14
Signals when unlocking 44
Sitting safely 50
Size 236
Slide/tilt glass roof 47
Smallest turning radius 236
Snow chains 202
Socket 156
Socket, OBD Onboard Diag‐ nostics 211
Soot particulate filter 167
SOS button 223
Spare fuse 221
Specified engine oil types 208
Speed, average 87
Speed limit detection, on- board computer 88
Speed limiter, display 85
Speed Limit Information 85
Speed warning 88
Split screen 23
SPORT+ - program, Dynamic Driving Control 122
Sport displays, torque dis‐ play, performance dis‐
play 88
SPORT program, Dynamic Driving Control 122
Sport program, transmis‐ sion 74
Sport steering, variable 121
Stability control systems 119
Start/stop, automatic func‐ tion 66
Start/Stop button 64
Start function during malfunc‐ tion 35
Starting the engine 65 Status control display,
tires 101
Status information, iDrive 23
Status of Owner's Manual 7
Steering assistance 123
Steering wheel, adjusting 59
Steering wheel heating 59
Steptronic Sport transmis‐ sion, refer to Steptronic
transmission 72
Steptronic transmission 72
Stopping the engine 66
Storage compartment in the rear 162
Storage compartments 160
Storage compartments, loca‐ tions 160
Storage, tires 199
Storing the vehicle 232
Suitable engine oils 208
Summer tires, tread 197
Sun visor 156
Supplementary text mes‐ sage 81
Surround View 135
Switch for Dynamic Driv‐ ing 121
Switch-on times, parked-car ventilation 151
Switch, refer to Cockpit 14
Symbols 6
Symbols in the status field 23
T Tachometer 81
Tail lights 218
Technical changes, refer to Safety 7
Technical data 236
Telephone, see user's manual for Navigation, Entertain‐
ment and Communication
Temperature, automatic cli‐ mate control 146, 148 Seite 249Everything from A to ZReference249
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Temperature display for ex‐ternal temperature 82
Temperature, engine oil 81
Tempomat, refer to Active Cruise Control 124
Terminal, starting aid 225
Text message, supplemen‐ tary 81
Theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 44
Thigh support 52
Through-loading system 158
Tilt alarm sensor 45
Time of arrival 88
Tire damage 197
Tire identification marks 195
Tire inflation pressure 189
Tire inflation pressure moni‐ tor, refer to FTM 104
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 100
Tires, changing 197
Tire sealant 199
Tires, everything on wheels and tires 189
Tires, run-flat tires 199
Tire tread 197
Tone, see user's manual for Navigation, Entertainment
and Communication
Tool 212
Top View 138
Total vehicle weight 236
Touchpad 21
Tow fitting 227
Towing 226
Tow lug, see Tow fitting 227
Tow-starting 226
Tow truck 226
TPM Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor 100
Traction control 120
TRACTION, driving dynam‐ ics 120
Transmission lock, electronic unlocking 75 Transmission, manual trans‐
mission 72
Transmission, Steptronic transmission 72
Transporting children safely 60
Tread, tires 197
Trip computer 88
Triple turn signal activa‐ tion 69
Trip odometer 82
Truck for tow-starting/ towing 226
Trunk lid closing 40
Trunk lid, emergency unlock‐ ing 41
Trunk lid, hotel function 41
Trunk lid opening 40
Trunk lid, opening with no- touch activation 42
Trunk lid via remote con‐ trol 38
Turning circle 236
Turning circle lines, rearview camera 136
Turn signals, operation 69
U Unintentional alarm 45
Units of measure 90
Universal remote control 152
Unlock button, Steptronic transmission 73
Unlocking/locking via door lock 39
Unlocking/locking with re‐ mote control 37
Unlocking, settings 43
Updates made after the edito‐ rial deadline 7
Upholstery care 231
USB interface 157 V
Vanity mirror 156
Variable sport steering 121
Vehicle battery 220
Vehicle battery, replac‐ ing 221
Vehicle, break-in 166
Vehicle care 230
Vehicle features and op‐ tions 6
Vehicle identification num‐ ber 9
Vehicle jack 220
Vehicle paint 230
Vehicle storage 232
Vehicle wash 229
Ventilation 150
Ventilation, refer to Parked- car ventilation 151
VIN, see vehicle identification number 9
Voice activation system 27
W Warning and indicator lamps, see Check Control 78
Warning displays, see Check Control 78
Warning messages, see Check Control 78
Warning triangle 224
Warranty 7
Washer fluid 71
Washer nozzles, wind‐ shield 71
Washer system 69
Washing, vehicle 229
Water on roads 167
Weights 236
Welcome lamps during un‐ locking 37
Welcome lights 92
Wheel base, vehicle 236
Wheel cleaner 231 Seite 250ReferenceEverything from A to Z250
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