2015 BMW M3 SEDAN engine oil

Engine compartmentVehicle 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 tothe 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.
Important features in the engine compartment
1Jump-starting, negative battery terminal2Vehicle identification number3Washer fluid reservoir4Jump-starting, positive battery terminal5Engine compartment fuse box6Oil filler neck7Coolant reservoir for charge air cooling8Coolant reservoir for engine coolingHood
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 work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀Seite 181Engine compartmentMobility181
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

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.
When a dynamic driving style is used, such as
when cornering fast, the system is unable to
measure the engine oil level. With this driving
style, measure the engine oil level using a de‐
tailed measurement, refer to page 184.
The vehicle is equipped with electronic oil
measurement.
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 184.
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.
Seite 183Engine oilMobility183
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, surplus engine oil can lead to en‐
gine damage.◀
Detailed measurement
The concept In the detailed measurement the engine oil
level is checked and displayed via a scale.
Gasoline engine:
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level, a check control message is displayed.
Diesel engine:
During the measurement, the idle speed is in‐
creased somewhat.
Requirements▷Vehicle is on level road.▷Manual transmission: shift lever in neutral
position, clutch and accelerator pedals not
depressed.▷M Double clutch transmission: selector
lever in selector lever position N and accel‐
erator pedal not depressed.▷Engine is running and is at operating tem‐
perature.
Performing a detailed measurement
In order to perform a detailed measurement of
the engine oil level:
1."Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Measure engine oil level"4."Start measurement"
The engine oil level is checked and displayed
via a scale.
Time: approx. 1 minute.
Adding engine oil
General information
Switch off the ignition and safely park the vehi‐
cle before engine oil is added.
Spilled engine oil can damage carbon parts.
Wipe up spilled motor oil using a lint-free cloth.
Oil filler neck
Only add engine oil when the message is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster. The quantity
to be added is indicated in the message dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
Adding engine oil
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, this may cause engine damage.◀
Do not add too much engine oil
When too much engine oil is added, im‐
mediately have the vehicle checked, otherwise,
this may cause engine damage.◀
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and observe the warnings on the contain‐
ers to prevent health risks.◀
Seite 184MobilityEngine oil184
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Engine oil types to addHints No oil additives
Oil additives may lead to engine dam‐
age.◀
Viscosity grades for engine oils
When selecting an engine oil, ensure that
the engine oil belongs to the viscosity grade
SAE 0W-40, or malfunctions or engine dam‐
age may occur.
As an alternative, you can also use motor oils
with a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-30.◀
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of
the engine.
Suitable engine oil types
You can add engine oils that meet the follow‐
ing oil rating standards:Oil ratingBMW Longlife-01.BMW Longlife-01 FE.
Further information regarding the oil specifica‐
tions and viscosities of engine oils can be in‐
quired with the service center.
Alternative engine oil types If an engine oil suitable for continuous use is
not available, up to 1 US quart/liter of an en‐
gine oil with the following oil rating can be
added:
Oil ratingAPI SM or superior oil rating.
Engine oil change:
The vehicle manufacturer recommends that
you let the service center change the motor oil.
Seite 185Engine oilMobility185
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

MaintenanceVehicle 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.
BMW maintenance system The maintenance system indicates required
maintenance measures, and thereby provides
support in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
In some cases scopes and intervals may vary
according to the country-specific version. Re‐
placement work, spare parts, fuels and lubri‐
cants and wear materials are calculated sepa‐
rately. Additional information is available from
the service center.
Condition Based Service
CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service recog‐
nizes the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance corresponding to your
user profile.
Detailed information on service requirements,
refer to page 83, can be displayed on the Con‐
trol Display.Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is
continuously stored in the remote control. Your service center will read out this data and
suggest the right array of service procedures for your vehicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control with which the vehicle was driven
most recently.
Storage periods Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if needed,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter.
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty In‐
formation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian mod‐
els for additional information on service re‐
quirements.
Maintenance and repair should be performed
by your service center. Make sure to have reg‐
ular maintenance procedures recorded in the
vehicle's Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, and in the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian mod‐
els. These entries are proof of regular mainte‐
nance.Seite 188MobilityMaintenance188
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

3.Switch the engine off.4.Switch on the ignition.
M double-clutch transmission:
1.Drive into the car wash.2.Engage selector lever position N.3.Switch the engine off.
In this way, the ignition remains switched
on, and a Check-Control message is dis‐
played.
The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in selector lever position N. A signal
sounds when an attempt is made to lock the
vehicle.
To start the engine with manual transmission:
1.Press on the clutch pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
To start the engine with a M double clutch
transmission:
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button without step‐
ping on the brake turns the ignition off.
Transmission position
Transmission position P is engaged automati‐
cally:
▷When the ignition is switched off.▷After approx. 15 minutes.
Headlights
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
acidic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been dirtied e. g.,
from insects, with shampoo and wash off
with water.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Completely remove all residues on the win‐
dows, to minimize loss of visibility due to
smearing and to reduce wiper noises and
wiper blade wear.
Vehicle care
Car care products BMW recommends using care and cleaning
products from BMW, since these have been
tested and approved.
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are
dangerous and harmful to your health.◀
Vehicle paint
Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with elevated air pollution or natural con‐
taminants, such as tree resin or pollen can af‐
fect the vehicle's paintwork. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your car care to these
influences.
Aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil,
grease or bird droppings, must be removed im‐
mediately to prevent the finish from being al‐
tered or discolored.
Only use respectively approved cleaning and
care products for vehicles with matte finish.
Suitable care products for matte finishes are
available from the service center.Seite 205CareMobility205
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 114
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 73
Accessories and parts 7
Activated-charcoal filter 137
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 111
Active M differential 117
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 113
Adaptive Light Control 94
Adaptive M chassis 117
Additives, oil 185
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 50
After washing vehicle 205
Airbags 98
Airbags, indicator/warning light 99
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 136
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 135
Air distribution, manual 136
Air flow, automatic climate control 136
Air pressure, tires 172
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 137
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 177 Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 140
Alternative oil types 185
Ambient light 96
Antifreeze, washer fluid 69
Antilock Brake System, ABS 114
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 115
Approved axle load 211
Approved engine oils, see Suitable engine oil
types 185
Arrival time 87
Ash tray 143
Assistance when driving off 118
Attentiveness assistant 113
AUTO intensity 135
Automatic car wash 204
Automatic climate con‐ trol 134
Automatic Curb Monitor 56
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 100
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 94
Automatic locking 44
Automatic recirculated-air control 136
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 135
AUTO program, intensity 135
Auto Start/Stop function 64
Average fuel consumption 87
Average speed 87
Axle loads, weights 211 B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 52
Backrest, width 52
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 199
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 202
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 196
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 35
Battery, vehicle 195
Belts, safety belts 53
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 149
Blinds, sun protection 47
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 188
BMW M technology 154
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholders 149
Brake assistant 114
Brake discs, break-in 156
Brake force display 113
Brake lights, adaptive 113
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 113
Brake pads, break-in 156
Braking, hints 157
Breakdown assistance 198
Break-in 156 Seite 212ReferenceEverything from A to Z212
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15

Brightness of Control Dis‐play 90
Bulb replacement 190
Bulb replacement, front 191
Bulb replacement, LED head‐ lights 192
Bulb replacement, rear 193
Bulb replacement, xenon headlights 191
Bulbs and lights 190
Button, Start/Stop 62
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 199
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera lenses, care 207
Camera, rearview cam‐ era 125
Camera, Side View 127
Camera, Top View 129
Can holder, refer to Cuphold‐ ers 149
Car battery 195
Carbon ceramic brake M 154
Car care products 205
Care, displays 207
Care, vehicle 205
Cargo 160
Cargo area, enlarging 145
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 149
Cargo, securing 161
Cargo straps, securing cargo 161
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 34
Carpet, care 207
Car wash 204
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 157
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 188 CD/Multimedia, see user's
manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
Center armrest 148
Center console 16
Central locking system 39
Central screen, refer to Con‐ trol Display 18
Ceramic brake 154
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 190
Changing wheels 195
Changing wheels/tires 176
Chassis, electronic 117
Chassis number, see vehicle identification number 9
Check Control 77
Checking the engine oil level electronically 183
Checking the oil level elec‐ tronically 183
Children, seating position 58
Children, transporting safely 58
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 58
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 60
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 58
Child safety locks 61
Child seat, mounting 58
Child seats 58
Chrome parts, care 206
Cigarette lighter 143
Cleaning displays 207
Climate control 134
Clock 81
Closing/opening via door lock 39
Closing/opening with remote control 37
Clothes hooks 149
Cockpit 14 Combination reel, refer to
Turn signals 67
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 67
Comfort Access 41
Compartments in the doors 148
Compass 141
Compound brake 154
Compressor 177
Computer, refer to On-board computer 86
Condensation on win‐ dows 136
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 158
Condition Based Service CBS 188
Confirmation signal 44
ConnectedDrive, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
ConnectedDrive Services
Connecting electrical devi‐ ces 143
Control Display 18
Control Display, settings 89
Controller 18, 19
Control systems, driving sta‐ bility 114
Convenient opening with the remote control 37
Coolant 186
Coolant temperature 81
Cooling function 135
Cooling, maximum 135
Cooling system 186
Cornering light 94
Corrosion on brake discs 158
Cosmetic mirror 143
Courtesy lamps during un‐ locking 37
Courtesy lamps with the vehi‐ cle locked 38
Cruise control 120 Seite 213Everything from A to ZReference213
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 759 - II/15