This document is the Owner's Manual for the BMW 3 Series Sedan, specifically an online edition for part number 01405A8A749 - VI/23. It provides comprehensive information on the vehicle's operation, features, maintenance, and safety.
The manual emphasizes the importance of reading it before operating the vehicle to ensure better control, enhance operating reliability, and maintain the vehicle's value. It also notes that the printed manual is current at the time of production, but the Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle will contain the latest information after software updates. The manual covers standard, country-specific, and optional equipment. It includes warnings about potential injuries or damage if instructions are not followed, and environmental protection measures.
Data & Privacy
The vehicle is equipped with electronic control devices that process data from sensors, self-generate data, or exchange data with each other. This data is used for safe vehicle function, driving assistance, comfort, and infotainment. Information about stored or exchanged data can be requested from the manufacturer. Personal data, such as BMW IDs, driver profiles, stored radio stations, navigation destinations, and phone book entries, can be stored and managed. The manual details how to delete personal data and reset vehicle data to factory settings. It also explains data transfer for online services, emphasizing that legal permission, contractual arrangement, or consent is required for personal data use beyond what's needed for services. The Event Data Recorder (EDR) records data related to driving dynamics and safety for a short time (max. 30 seconds) in crash-like situations, but does not record personal data like name, gender, or age.
Vehicle Identification
The unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found in several locations:
- Engraved in the engine compartment on the right-hand side.
- On the nameplate on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
- On the nameplate on the left-hand side of the vehicle.
- Behind the windshield.
- It can also be displayed via iDrive under "Apps menu" > "All apps" > "Mobile devices" > "Settings" > "Vehicle ID (VIN):".
Key & Access
The vehicle comes with two vehicle keys, each containing a replaceable battery. Additional keys are available from authorized service centers. The manual provides instructions for replacing the key battery (CR2032 3V). The integrated key allows manual unlocking/locking. The BMW Display Key offers additional functions like displaying door/window status, alarm system status, fuel range, and operating pre-heating. It has a Micro-USB charging port and can be charged wirelessly in the center console tray. The Key Card is a chip card with a digital key for unlocking, locking, and starting the vehicle. The BMW Digital Key allows a compatible smartphone to function as a key, enabling unlocking, locking, and starting the vehicle. Digital keys can be shared and their functions limited.
Central Locking System
The central locking system can be operated via buttons on the vehicle key or on the front door. It locks all vehicle access points. The fuel filler flap remains unlocked when locking via the central locking buttons. The vehicle automatically locks when driving off and unlocks in severe accidents.
Windows & Sunroof
Windows can be opened/closed using the vehicle key (press and hold unlock/lock button) or switches in the interior. The glass sunroof also has opening/closing functions via the vehicle key and interior switch. Both systems feature jam protection, which interrupts closing if resistance is detected. The manual provides instructions for closing without jam protection and initializing the system after a power interruption.
Seats, Mirrors & Steering Wheel
- Seats: Manually and electrically adjustable seats are described, including longitudinal direction, thigh support, seat tilt, backrest width, lumbar support, and height. The driver's seat position can be stored and automatically recalled via the active BMW ID or driver profile.
- Head Restraints: Adjustable for height and distance. Instructions are provided for manual and electrical adjustments, and for removing/installing them.
- Exterior Mirrors: Adjustable and can be folded in/out. The driver's side mirror features automatic dimming. The Automatic Curb Monitor tilts the passenger-side mirror down when reverse gear is engaged.
- Steering Wheel: Manual adjustment for height and angle. Steering wheel heating is available.
- Memory Function: Stores seat position, exterior mirror adjustment, and Head-up display height for each driver profile.
Climate Control
The automatic climate control system manages interior temperature, air flow, and air distribution. Functions include:
- Automatic Program: Cools, ventilates, or heats the interior based on outside temperature, interior temperature, sunlight, and seat occupancy.
- Temperature Setting: Individual adjustment for driver and front passenger.
- Upper Body Temperature: Adjustable air temperature in the upper body area.
- Air Conditioning: Cools and dehumidifies the interior.
- Maximum Cooling: Quickly cools the interior.
- Air Recirculation Mode: Temporarily suspends outside air supply to react to unpleasant odors or pollutants.
- SYNC Program: Transfers driver's side settings to the passenger side and rear.
- Defrost Function: Quickly removes ice and condensation from the windshield and front side windows.
- Rear Window Defroster: Removes ice and condensation from the rear window.
- Pre-ventilation: Cools or heats the car's interior before driving off, based on set departure times.
- Remote Engine Start: Enables pre-conditioning by automatically starting the engine for a limited period.
Driving Features
- Drive-ready State: Activated by depressing the brake pedal and pressing the Start/Stop button. Turning off involves engaging position P, setting the parking brake, and pressing the Start/Stop button.
- Auto Start/Stop Function: Saves fuel by switching off the engine during stops.
- Steptronic Transmission: Automatic transmission with optional manual shifting via shift paddles. Includes Sport mode and Kickdown for maximum performance.
- Parking Brake: Electrically operated, used to prevent rolling away. Can be set and released manually or automatically.
- Automatic Hold: Assists by automatically setting and releasing the brake when stationary.
- Driving Experience Control: Influences driving dynamics (drivetrain, chassis, steering) with various driving modes (COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT PLUS, ECO PRO, INDIVIDUAL).
- Launch Control: Enables optimum acceleration on roads with good traction.
- Steptronic Sport Transmission Sprint Function: Prepares the drivetrain for acceleration.
- BMW xDrive: All-wheel-drive system optimizing traction and driving dynamics.
- M Sport Differential: Provides continuously variable locking of the rear axle differential for optimal traction.
- Variable Sport Steering: Facilitates direct and agile handling with little steering effort.
Displays & Indicators
- Instrument Cluster: Digital displays for speedometer, time, range, temperature, and indicator/warning lights. Layout adapts to driving mode.
- Live Vehicle: Virtual representation of the vehicle with real-time information like vehicle status, driving conditions, sport displays, driving style analysis, and trip data.
- Head-up Display: Projects important information (speed, navigation, Check Control messages, sport displays, shift lights, lists, driver assistance systems) onto the windshield. Brightness and height are adjustable.
- Check Control System: Monitors vehicle functions and notifies of faults with indicator/warning lights and text messages.
- Indicator/Warning Lights: Various colors and combinations indicate function status or faults.
- Gear Shift Indicator: Recommends optimal upshift points for efficient driving.
- Power Gauge: Indicates current drive power as a percentage.
- Engine Temperature: Displays cold, normal, or hot engine conditions.
- Outside Temperature: Displays ambient temperature and warns of potential ice.
- Shift Lights: Indicate suitable upshift points for optimal acceleration.
- Central Display Range: Configurable to show trip data, Assisted View, navigation, G-Meter, entertainment, or Android Auto.
- Trip Data: Provides information on average consumption, travel time, and distance traveled.
- Assisted View: Displays information on driver assistance systems with a vehicle animation.
- G-Meter: Indicates longitudinal and transverse forces on occupants.
- Fuel Gauge: Displays current fuel level and estimated range.
- Tachometer: Displays engine RPM.
Driver Assistance Systems
- Speed Warning: Sets a speed limit and warns when exceeded.
- Speed Limit Info: Displays current valid speed limits based on camera detection and navigation data.
- Manual Speed Limiter: Sets a manual speed limit.
- Cruise Control without Distance Control: Maintains a set speed, accelerating and braking automatically.
- Active Cruise Control with Distance Control: Maintains a set speed and a desired distance to the vehicle ahead.
- Speed Limit Assistant: Supports driving at the speed limit by suggesting and applying detected speed values.
- Steering Assistant: Helps keep the vehicle in the lane with supporting steering movements.
- Assisted Driving Mode Plus: Guides the vehicle through traffic jams with supporting steering movements without active driver steering.
- Lane Change Assistant: Assists with lane changes on multi-lane roads.
- Forward Collision Mitigation with Brake Intervention: Warns of collision risks and can brake independently. Includes Pedestrian Collision Mitigation, Intersection Collision Warning, and Evasion Assistant.
- Active Blind Spot Detection: Detects vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, providing visual and haptic warnings.
- Side Collision Mitigation: Helps avoid impending side collisions with warnings and steering intervention.
- Rear-end Collision Preparation: Reacts to vehicles approaching from behind by activating hazard warning flashers and PreCrash functions.
- Emergency Stop Assistant: Helps bring the vehicle to a safe standstill if the driver can no longer drive safely.
- Cross Traffic Warning: Detects road users approaching from the side at blind driveway exits or parking spaces.
- BMW Drive Recorder: Stores brief video recordings of the vehicle surroundings, automatically in accidents or manually.
- Active Protection: Prepares occupants and the vehicle for a possible accident by closing windows/sunroof and positioning seats.
- PostCrash – iBrake: Automatically brings the vehicle to a standstill in certain accident situations.
- Fatigue Alert: Recommends a break if the driver is fatigued or less alert.
- Driver Attention Camera: Monitors driver activity and viewing direction to assess attention.
Parking Assistance Systems
- Park Distance Control (PDC): Assists with parking by signaling obstacles with acoustic and visual warnings.
- Rearview Camera: Shows the area behind the vehicle for reverse parking and maneuvering.
- Automatic Camera Perspective: Shows a steering-dependent view that adapts to the driving situation.
- Side Protection: Shows obstacles next to the vehicle.
- Side View: Shows the vehicle's side surroundings for easier positioning.
- 3D View: Displays a three-dimensional view of the vehicle's surroundings.
- Car Wash View: Helps when driving into a car wash.
- Panorama View: Provides an earlier view of crossing traffic at blind driveway exits and intersections.
- Remote 3D View: Displays the vehicle's surroundings on a mobile device via the My BMW App.
- Active Park Distance Control: Initiates emergency braking if there is an acute risk of collision during parking.
- Automatic Parking Assistant: Provides support for parallel and perpendicular parking, and driving out of parallel parking spaces, taking control of the vehicle for maneuvering.
- Back-up Assistant: Helps when reversing by storing and automatically steering the vehicle along the last driven path.
Driving Tips
- Break-in Procedures: Guidelines for new engines, transmissions, axle drives, tires, and brake systems.
- General Driving Notes: Advice on driving with an open trunk lid, hot exhaust systems, exhaust gas particulate filter, condensation detection, and driving through water.
- Braking Safely: Information on the Antilock Braking System and brake disk corrosion.
- Roof Bars: Information on loading and safety when using roof bars.
- Driving on Racetracks: Warnings against using the vehicle for motorsport-like competition.
- Saving Fuel: Tips for reducing fuel consumption, including ECO PRO mode, driving style analysis, adaptive recuperation, and engine off/coasting.
Mobility & Maintenance
- Refueling: Instructions for opening/closing the fuel filler flap and emergency unlocking. Fuel quality recommendations (AKI 91, AKI 93 for M Performance, minimum AKI 87).
- Wheels and Tires: Tire pressure specifications for various tire sizes (e.g., 225/50 R17 98 H XL M+S at 2.3/33 bar/PSI, 225/45 R18 95 H XL A/S at 2.5/36 bar/PSI, 225/40 R19 93 H XL A/S at 2.7/39 bar/PSI, 225/35 R20 90 Y XL at 2.9/42 bar/PSI) and maximum speeds (up to 100 mph/160 km/h, up to 150 mph/240 km/h, etc.). Includes information on tire marking (nominal width, cross-sectional relationship, rim diameter, load bearing capacity, speed code letter), maximum tire load, and speed letters (Q, R, S, T, H, V, W, Y, (Y)). Recommendations for tire age (replace every 6 years), production date, Uniform Tire Quality Grading (Treadwear, Traction, Temperature), minimum tread depth (0.06 in/1.6 mm), and recommended tire brands (star-marked tires).
- Runflat Tires: Permit continued driving under limited conditions after pressure loss (max 50 mph/80 km/h, max 50 miles/80 km).
- Tire Repair Set: Used for temporary sealing of minor tire damage (up to 0.16 in/4 mm). Includes sealant bottle and compressor.
- Snow Chains: Use fine-link snow chains on rear wheels for specific tire sizes (e.g., 225/50 R17, 225/45 R18) and do not exceed 30 mph/50 km/h.
- Tire Pressure Monitor (TPMS): Monitors tire pressure and warns of drops. Sensors in tire valves measure pressure and temperature.
- Flat Tire Monitor: Detects tire pressure loss based on rotation speed differences.
- Changing Wheels/Tires: Instructions for jacking up the vehicle and mounting a wheel.
- Emergency Wheel: For temporary use only (max 50 mph/80 km/h).
- Engine Compartment: Overview of components (jump-starting terminals, oil filler neck, coolant reservoir, VIN, washer fluid filler neck).
- Hood: Instructions for opening and closing.
- Operating Materials: Fuel recommendations (sulfur-free, max E10, RON 98 E10, minimum AKI 87), engine oil types (BMW Longlife-17 FE+, API SL/SM/SN), and coolant (BMW LC-18 specification, 50:50 water/additive mix).
- Washer Fluid: Mixture of tap water and windshield washer concentrate (0.4 US gal/2 liters minimum fill).
- Maintenance: BMW maintenance system, Condition Based Service, service data in vehicle key, stationary periods, and Maintenance Booklet for US Models.
- Diagnostic Socket: Located on the driver's side for reading vehicle data.
- Replacing Components: Wiper blades, lights and bulbs, vehicle battery.
- Mild Hybrid Technology: 48-volt battery system to lower fuel consumption.
- Fuses: Located in different places, information available online.
- Breakdown Assistance: First-aid kit, BMW Assist, BMW Roadside Assistance, Teleservice Diagnosis, Teleservice Help, BMW Accident Assistance, Emergency Call.
- Tow-starting and Towing: Instructions for pushing the vehicle, tow truck transport, towing other vehicles, and using the tow fitting.
Interior Equipment
- Integrated Universal Remote Control: Programs up to three remote-controlled systems (garage door openers, alarm systems, locking systems).
- Sun Visor: Glare shield and vanity mirror.
- Sockets: 12V sockets for electronic devices (max 140 watts).
- USB Port: Located in the center armrest (Type C, max 3A charge) and rear center console (Type C, max 3A charge) for charging and data transfer.
- Wireless Charging Tray: For Qi-certified mobile phones (max 6.0 x 3.1 x 0.7 in/154.5 x 80 x 18 mm). Includes forgotten warning.
Storage Compartments
- Glove Compartment: Lockable with integrated key.
- Fold-out Compartment: Opens with a button.
- Storage Compartments in Doors: For general storage.
- Storage Tray in Center Console: Opens with a press.
- Front Center Armrest: Contains a storage compartment.
- Front Cup Holder: For beverages.
- Rear Cup Holder: For beverages.
- Coat Hooks: Located in the rear grab handles.
- Storage Compartment on Right/Left Side: In the cargo area.
- Cargo Floor Panel: Underneath is a storage compartment.
- Emergency Wheel Storage: Can be temporarily removed to enlarge the trunk.
- Through-loading System: Rear seat backrests can be folded down (40-20-40 split) to enlarge the cargo area.
Cargo Area
- Loading: Guidelines for payload, securing cargo, and not exceeding approved weights.
- Lashing Eyes: For securing cargo with straps or nets.
- Multifunction Hook: Located on the left side of the cargo area.
Vehicle Care
- Washing the Vehicle: Regular washing, especially in winter, and cleaning the fuel filler flap.
- Steam Cleaner and High Pressure Cleaner: Guidelines for safe use (max 140 ℉/60 ℃, min 12 inches/30 cm distance from sensors/cameras/seals/lights, min 31.5 in/80 cm from glass sunroof).
- Automatic Car Washes: Prefer cloth car washes, avoid guide rails higher than 4 in/10 cm.
- After Washing: Briefly apply brakes to dry them, remove residues from windows.
- Vehicle Care Products: BMW recommends specific products.
- Vehicle Paintwork: Regular care, immediate removal of aggressive substances.
- Leather Care: Regular cleaning and care.
- Synthetic Leather Care: Regular cleaning with damp microfiber cloth.
- Fabric Care: Cleaning beverage stains, immediate removal of aggressive substances.
- Upholstery Material Care: Regular vacuuming, avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Textile Care: Use microfiber cloth with water.
- Caring for Special Components: Displays, operating elements, Head-up display protective glass (dry, antistatic microfiber cloth), light-alloy wheels (neutral rim cleaners pH 5-9), rubber components (water and suitable cleaning agents), wiper blades (washer system), fine wood parts (damp soft cloth), Kenaf fibers (suitable care product), plastic components (microfiber cloth with water).
- Seat Belts: Clean with mild soap solution.
- Carpets and Floor Mats: Securely attach floor mats, clean with microfiber cloth and water or textile cleaner.
- Sensors and Camera Lenses: Clean with cloth moistened with glass detergent.
- Taking Vehicle out of Service: Special measures for long-term shutdown (over three months).
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