2015 BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN tow

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.
Seite 227Breakdown assistanceMobility227
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The tow fitting is in the onboard vehicle tool kit
located in a storage compartment on the right
side in the trunk. 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
vehicle can occur.◀
Screw thread for tow fitting
Press on the mark on the edge of the cover to
push it out.
Tow-starting
Steptronic transmission
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the Steptronic transmission.
Have the cause of the starting problems fixed.
Manual transmission If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 224. If the vehicle is equipped with a cat‐
alytic converter, only tow-start while the en‐
gine is cold.1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Ignition, refer to page 64, on.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch pedal pressed and slowly release
the pedal. After the engine starts, immedi‐
ately press on the clutch pedal again.5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard
warning system.6.Have the vehicle checked.Seite 228MobilityBreakdown assistance228
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Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 119
ACC, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go 124
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 75
Accessories and parts 7
Activated-charcoal filter 150
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 116
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ACC 124
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 118
Adaptive Light Control 93
Additives, oil 208
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 50
After washing vehicle 230
Airbags 97
Airbags, indicator/warning light 98
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 146, 149
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 146, 149
Air distribution, manual 146, 149
Air flow, air conditioner 146
Air flow, automatic climate control 149
Air pressure, tires 189
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 150
Alarm system 44
Alarm, unintentional 45
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17 All around the steering
wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 198
All-wheel-drive 120
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 153
Alternative oil types 208
Ambient light 96
Antifreeze, washer fluid 71
Antilock Brake System, ABS 119
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 119
Approved axle load 236
Approved engine oils, see Suitable engine oil
types 208
Arrival time 88
Ash tray 156
Assistance when driving off 123
Assist system information, on Control Display 90
Attentiveness assistant 118
AUTO intensity 148
Automatic car wash 229
Automatic climate con‐ trol 145
Automatic climate control with enhanced features 147
Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go 124
Automatic Curb Monitor 58
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 99
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 93
Automatic locking 44
Automatic recirculated-air control 149 Automatic transmission, see
Steptronic transmission 72
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 148
AUTO program, climate con‐ trol 146
AUTO program, intensity 148
Auto Start/Stop function 66
Average fuel consumption 87
Average speed 87
Axle loads, weights 236
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 52
Backrest, width 52
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 224
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 227
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 221
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 35
Battery, vehicle 220
Belts, safety belts 53
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 162
Blinds, sun protection 47
BMW Advanced Diesel 185
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
BMW Driver’s Guide App 6
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 210
Bonus range, ECO PRO 174 Seite 242ReferenceEverything from A to Z242
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Engine, automatic Start/Stopfunction 66
Engine, automatic switch- off 66
Engine compartment 204
Engine compartment, work‐ ing in 205
Engine coolant 209
Engine idling when driving, coasting 176
Engine oil 206
Engine oil, adding 207
Engine oil additives 208
Engine oil change 208
Engine oil filler neck 207
Engine oil temperature 81
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 208
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 208
Engine start during malfunc‐ tion 35
Engine start, jump-start‐ ing 224
Engine start, refer to Starting the engine 65
Engine stop 66
Engine temperature 81
Entering a car wash 229
Equipment, interior 152
Error displays, see Check Control 78
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 119
Exchanging wheels/tires 197
Exhaust system 167
Exterior mirror, automatic dimming feature 58
Exterior mirrors 57
External start 224
External temperature dis‐ play 82
External temperature warn‐ ing 82
Eyes for securing cargo 170 F
Failure message, see Check Control 78
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 45
Fan, refer to Air flow 146, 149
Filler neck for engine oil 207
Fine wood, care 231
First aid kit 224
Fitting for towing, see Tow fit‐ ting 227
Flat tire, changing wheels 220
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 104
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor TPM 100
Flat tire, warning lamp 101, 104
Flooding 167
Floor carpet, care 232
Floor mats, care 232
Fogged up windows 146
Fold down the rear seat back‐ rest, see Though-loading
system 158
Fold-out position, wiper 71
Foot brake 167
Front airbags 97
Front-end collision warning with braking function 109
Front-end collision warning with City Braking func‐
tion 107
Front fog lights 95
Front fog lights, front, bulb re‐ placement 217
Front lights 213
front-seat passenger airbags, automatic deactivation 99
Front-seat passenger airbags, indicator lamp 99
FTM Flat Tire Monitor 104
Fuel 184
Fuel consumption, current 83 Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel consump‐
tion 87
Fuel filler flap 182
Fuel gauge 81
Fuel lid 182
Fuel quality 184
Fuel recommendation 184
Fuel, tank capacity 241
Fuse 221
G Garage door opener, refer to Universal Integrated Remote
Control 152
Gasoline 184
Gear change, Steptronic transmission 73
Gear shift indicator 84
General driving notes 166
Glare shield 156
Glass sunroof, powered 47
Glove compartment 160
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 236
H Handbrake, refer to parking brake 68
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 153
Hazard warning flashers 223
Head airbags 97
Headlight control, auto‐ matic 93
Headlight courtesy delay fea‐ ture 93
Headlight flasher 69
Headlight glass 213
Headlights 213
Headlights, care 230
Headlight washer system 69
Head restraints 50
Head restraints, front 54 Seite 245Everything from A to ZReference245
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Head restraints, rear 55
Head-up Display 90
Head-up Display, care 232
Heavy cargo, stowing 170
Height, vehicle 236
High-beam Assistant 94
High beams 69
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 94
Hills 168
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 123
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 162
Homepage 6
Hood 205
Horn 14
Hotel function, trunk lid 41
Hot exhaust system 167
HUD Head-up Display 90
Hydroplaning 167
I Ice warning, see External temperature warning 82
Icy roads, see External tem‐ perature warning 82
Identification marks, tires 195
Identification number, see ve‐ hicle identification num‐
ber 9
iDrive 18
Ignition key, refer to Remote control 34
Ignition off 64
Ignition on 64
Indication of a flat tire 101 , 104
Indicator and alarm lamps, see Check Control 78
Indicator lamp, see Check Control 78
Individual air distribu‐ tion 146, 149 Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile 35
Inflation pressure, tires 189
Inflation pressure warning FTM, tires 104
Info display, refer to On- Board computer 86
Initialize, Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor TPM 101
Initializing, Flat Tire Monitor FTM 104
Instrument cluster 77
Instrument cluster, electronic displays 77
Instrument lighting 95
Integrated key 34
Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle 30
Intelligent Emergency Re‐ quest 223
Intelligent Safety 106
Intensity, AUTO pro‐ gram 148
Interior equipment 152
Interior lights 95
Interior lights during unlock‐ ing 37
Interior lights with the vehicle locked 38
Interior motion sensor 45
Interior rearview mirror, auto‐ matic dimming feature 59
Interior rearview mirror, com‐ pass 154
Interior rearview mirror, man‐ ually dimmable 59
Internet page 6
Interval display, service re‐ quirements 83
Interval mode 70
J
Jacking points for the vehicle jack 220 Joystick, Steptronic transmis‐
sion 73
Jump-starting 224
K
Key/remote control 34
Keyless Go, refer to Comfort Access 41
Key Memory, refer to Per‐ sonal Profile 35
Kickdown, Steptronic trans‐ mission 73
Knee airbag 98
L
Lamp replacement 212
Lamp replacement, front 213
Lamp replacement, rear 218
Lane departure warning 114
Lane margin, warning 114
Language on Control Dis‐ play 90
Lashing eyes, securing cargo 170
LATCH child restraint sys‐ tem 62
Launch Control 75
Leather, care 231
LEDs, light-emitting di‐ odes 213
Length, vehicle 236
Letters and numbers, enter‐ ing 25
Light alloy wheels, care 231
Light control 93
Light-emitting diodes, LEDs 213
Lighter 156
Lighting 92
Lights 92
Lights and bulbs 212
Light switch 92
Load 170
Loading 169 Seite 246ReferenceEverything from A to Z246
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Lock, door 39
Locking/unlocking via door lock 39
Locking/unlocking with re‐ mote control 37
Locking, automatic 44
Locking, settings 43
Locking via trunk lid 40
Lock, power window 47
Locks, doors, and win‐ dows 63
Low beams 92
Low beams, automatic, refer to High-beam Assistant 94
Lower back support 52
Low-Sulfur Diesel 185
Luggage rack, see Roof- mounted luggage rack 171
Lumbar support 52
M
Maintenance 210
Maintenance require‐ ments 210
Maintenance, service require‐ ments 83
Maintenance system, BMW 210
Make-up mirror 156
Malfunction displays, see Check Control 78
Manual air distribu‐ tion 146, 149
Manual air flow 146, 149
Manual mode, Steptronic transmission 74
Manual operation, door lock 39
Manual operation, exterior mirrors 58
Manual operation, fuel filler flap 182
Manual operation, Park Dis‐ tance Control PDC 133 Manual operation, rearview
camera 136
Manual operation, Side View 138
Manual operation, Top View 139
Manual transmission 72
Marking on approved tires 198
Marking, run-flat tires 199
Master key, refer to Remote control 34
Maximum cooling 148
Maximum speed, display 85
Maximum speed, winter tires 198
Measure, units of 90
Medical kit 224
Memory, seat, mirror 56
Menu, EfficientDynamics 176
Menu in instrument clus‐ ter 86
Menus, operating, iDrive 18
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 20
Messages, see Check Con‐ trol 78
Microfilter 147, 150
Minimum tread, tires 197
Mirror 57
Mirror memory 56
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 167
Mobility System 199
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 7
Moisture in headlight 213
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 18
Mounting of child restraint systems 60
Multifunction steering wheel, buttons 14 N
Navigation, see user's manual for Navigation, Entertain‐
ment and Communication
Neck restraints, front, refer to Head restraints 54
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 55
Neutral cleaner, see wheel cleaner 231
New wheels and tires 197
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 227
O OBD Onboard Diagnosis 211
OBD, see OBD Onboard Di‐ agnosis 211
Obstacle marking, rearview camera 136
Octane rating, refer to Rec‐ ommended fuel grade 184
Odometer 82
Office, see user's manual for Navigation, Entertainment
and Communication
Oil 206
Oil, adding 207
Oil additives 208
Oil change 208
Oil change interval, service requirements 83
Oil filler neck 207
Oil types, alternative 208
Oil types, approved 208
Old batteries, disposal 221
On-board computer 86
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 18
Onboard vehicle tool kit 212
Opening/closing via door lock 39
Opening and closing 34 Seite 247Everything from A to ZReference247
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Opening and closing, withoutremote control 39
Opening and closing, with re‐ mote control 37
Opening the trunk lid with no- touch activation 42
Operating concept, iDrive 18
Optional equipment, standard equipment 6
Outside air, refer to Auto‐ matic recirculated-air con‐
trol 149
Overheating of engine, refer to Coolant temperature 82
P Paint, vehicle 230
Parallel parking assistant 140
Park Distance Control PDC 132
Parked-car ventilation 151
Parked vehicle, condensa‐ tion 168
Parking aid, refer to PDC 132
Parking assistant 140
Parking brake 68
Parking lights 92
Particulate filter 167
Parts and accessories 7
Passenger side mirror, tilting downward 58
Pathway lines, rearview cam‐ era 136
PDC Park Distance Con‐ trol 132
Pedestrian warning with city braking function 112
Personal Profile 35
Personal Profile, exporting profiles 36
Personal Profile, importing profiles 37
Pinch protection system, glass sunroof 48 Pinch protection system, win‐
dows 46
Plastic, care 231
Power failure 221
Power sunroof, glass 47
Power windows 46
Pressure, tire air pres‐ sure 189
Pressure warning FTM, tires 104
Profile, refer to Personal Pro‐ file 35
Programmable memory but‐ tons, iDrive 24
Protective function, glass sunroof 48
Protective function, win‐ dows 46
Push-and-turn switch, refer to Controller 18, 19
R Radiator fluid 209
Radio-operated key, refer to Remote control 34
Radio ready state 64
Radio, see user's manual for Navigation, Entertainment
and Communication
Rain sensor 70
Rear lights 220
Rear socket 157
Rear turn signal, bulb replace‐ ment 218
Rearview camera 135
Rearview mirror 57
Rear window de‐ froster 146, 149
Recirculated-air filter 150
Recirculated-air mode 146, 149
Recommended fuel grade 184
Recommended tire brands 198 Refueling 182
Remaining range 82
Remote control/key 34
Remote control, malfunc‐ tion 38
Remote control, univer‐ sal 152
Replacement fuse 221
Replacing parts 212
Replacing wheels/tires 197
Reporting safety defects 9
RES button 127
RES button, see Active Cruise Control, ACC 124
RES button, see Cruise con‐ trol 130
Reserve warning, refer to Range 82
Reset, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 101
Retaining straps, securing cargo 170
Retreaded tires 198
Roadside parking lights 93
Roller sunblinds 47
RON recommended fuel grade 184
Roofliner 17
Roof load lidacity 236
Roof-mounted luggage rack 171
Rope for tow-starting/ towing 227
RSC Run Flat System Com‐ ponent, refer to Run-flat
tires 199
Rubber components, care 231
Run-flat tires 199
S Safe braking 167
Safety 7 Seite 248ReferenceEverything from A to Z248
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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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