check engine light BMW 3 SERIES 2009 Owners Manual
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Page 15 of 268

At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in a 
variety of combinations and colors.
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning 
and thus come on briefly when the engine is 
started or the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the top edge of the Control 
Display describe the meanings of the indicator 
and warning lamps.
You can call up more information, e.g. on the 
cause of a malfunction and on how to respond, 
via Check Control, refer to page 75.
In urgent cases, this  information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps notify you that 
certain functions are active:
High beams/headlamp flasher 92
Fog lamps 92
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating the propul-
sive forces in order to maintain driving 
stability 82
Parking brake applied 54
Canada: parking brake applied 54
Engine malfunction with adverse 
effect on exhaust emissions 217
Canada: engine malfunction with 
adverse effect on exhaust 
emissions 217
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Page 36 of 268

Opening and closing
34
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor 
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following 
situations:
>In duplex garages
> During transport on car-carrying trains, 
boats/ships or on a trailer
> When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
Press the   button on the remote control 
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp light s up briefly and then 
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and 
the interior motion sensor  are switched off until 
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
Convenient access*
Convenient access enables you to enter your 
vehicle without needing to  hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. All you  need to do is wear the 
remote control close to your body, e.g. in your 
jacket pocket. The vehicle detects the corre-
sponding remote control within the immediate 
vicinity or in the passenger compartment.
Convenient access supports the following 
functions:
> Unlocking/locking the vehicle
> Unlocking the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate separately
> Engine starting
> Convenient closure
Functional requirement
>The vehicle or the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate can only  be locked when the 
vehicle detects that th e remote control cur-
rently in use is ou tside of the vehicle.
> The vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked 
again until after approx. 2 seconds. >
The engine can only be started when the 
vehicle detects that th e remote control cur-
rently in use is  inside the vehicle.
Comparison to the standard remote 
control
In general, there is no difference between using 
convenient access or pressing the buttons on 
the remote control to  carry out the functions 
mentioned above. You should therefore first 
familiarize yourself with the instructions on 
opening and closing starting on page 26.
Special features regarding the use of conve-
nient access are described below. If you notice a brief delay while opening or 
closing windows or the glass roof/pan-
orama glass roof, the system is checking 
whether a remote control  is inside the vehicle. 
Please repeat the opening or closing proce-
dure, if necessary. <
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger's door completely, arrow  1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow  2, with your finger for 
approx. 1 second. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
To preserve the battery, please make 
sure that the ignition  and all electrical 
consumers are switched off before locking the 
vehicle. <
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Page 37 of 268

Controls
 35Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Convenient closure
For convenient closure, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
Unlocking the luggage compartment 
lid/tailgate separately
Press the button on the  outside of the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate. This corresponds to 
pressing the  button.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accident ally left inside the 
locked vehicle's cargo bay after the luggage 
compartment lid/tailgate or rear window is 
closed, the lid will reopen. The hazard warning 
flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* sounds. <
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page 53.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start. <
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition switch, refer to page 53.
Switching off the engine in cars with 
automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, refer to page 54.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition switch.
Malfunction
Convenient access may  malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this  happens, open or close 
the vehicle via the butto ns on the remote con-
trol or using the integrated key. To start the 
engine afterward, insert  the remote control into 
the ignition switch.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote co ntrol is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote 
control with you inside the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery in  the remote control.
Replacing the battery
The remote control for convenient access con-
tains a battery that will n eed to be replaced from 
time to time.
1. Take the integrated ke y out of the remote 
control, refer to page 26.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Insert the new battery wi th the plus side fac-
ing up.
4. Press the cover on to close.
Take the old battery to a battery collec-
tion point or to your BMW center. <
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Page 70 of 268

Everything under control
68
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and 
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. In addi-
tion, a message will appear on the Control Dis-
play.
Check coolant level, refer to page215.
Energy Control*
Displays the current fu el consumption. This 
allows you to see whether your current driving 
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini-
mum exhaust emissions.
Engine oil temperature*
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between 
approx. 210 7/1006  and approx. 300 7/
150 6.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 16.1 US gallons/
61 liters.
You can find information on refueling on 
page 191.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
Once the fuel level ha s fallen to the reserve 
zone, a message briefly appears on the Control 
Display and the cruising range for the remaining 
amount of fuel is displayed on the computer. 
Under a cruising range of approx. 30 miles/
50 km, the message remains in the Control Dis-
play.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur. <
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Controls
 71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Button for:
>Selecting display
> Setting values
2 Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
> Calling up computer information 693
When the lights are on: instrument lighting 
brightness 92
4 Calling up Check Control 75
5 Checking engine oil level 212
6 Setting the time 73
7 Setting the date 74
8 Viewing service requirement display 71
Exiting displays
The outside-temperature reading and the time 
reappear when you press button 2 or if you 
make no entries within  approx. 15 seconds. If 
required, complete the current setting first.
Units of measure
Setting the units of measure
You can change the units for fuel consumption, 
route/distance, temperature and pressure.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. "Settings"
2. "Language/Units"
3. Select the desired menu item.
4. Select the desired unit.
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Service requirements
The remaining driving dist ance and the date of 
the next scheduled service are displayed briefly 
immediately after you start the engine or switch 
on the ignition.
The extent of service work required can 
be read out from th e remote control by 
your BMW Service Advisor. <
For certain maintenance operations, you can 
view the respective distance remaining or due 
date individually in  the instrument cluster.
1. Switch on the ignition, refer to page 53.
2. Push button  1 in the turn indicator lever up 
or down repeatedly until the appropriate 
symbol appears in the display, accompa-
nied by the words "SERVICE-INFO".
3. Press button  2.
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Technology for driving comfort and safety
84
iDrive, for operating pr
inciple refer to page16.
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Reset"
4. Start the engine - do not drive away.
5. Start the initialization using "Reset".
6. Start to drive.
The initialization is comp leted during the trip. 
"Status: Flat Tire Monitor active" is displayed 
again on the Control Display.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, an 
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat 
tire or substantial lo ss of tire pressure.
1. Cautiously reduce sp eed to below 50 mph 
or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and 
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed 
of 50 mph or 80 km/h.
If the car is not equipped with Run-
Flat Tires, refer to page 209, the stan-
dard equipment by design, do not continue 
driving. Otherwise a se vere accident could 
result if you continue driving. <
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If all four tires are inflated to the cor-
rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor 
might not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized. <
3. In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible  distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guidelines:
>
With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons 
without luggage: 
approx. 90 miles/150 km
> With a full load: 
4 or more persons, cargo bay full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously an d do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h, otherwise 
there is a risk of an accident. In the event of 
pressure loss, vehicle  handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking  stability in braking, 
extended braking distan ce and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or lo ud noises occur during 
the journey, this may be  an indication that the 
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your 
speed and pull over as soon as possible at a 
suitable location. Otherw ise parts of the tire 
could come loose, resulting in an accident. Do 
not continue driving. Instead, contact your 
BMW center. <
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on in yel-
low. A message appears on the Con-
trol Display. The Flat Tire Monitor has 
a malfunction or has failed. Have the 
system checked as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*
The concept
TPM checks the inflation pressures of the four 
mounted tires. The system  notifies you if there 
is a significant loss of pressure in one or more 
tires.
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Mobility
 217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Socket for On-Board 
Diagnosis OBD
Primary components that make up exhaust 
emissions can be checked by a device via the 
OBD socket.
This socket is located on the driver's side to the 
left, on the bottom of the instrument panel 
underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp lights up:
The exhaust emission values have 
worsened. Have the car checked as 
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this warning 
lamp.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This 
indicates excessive misfir ing in the engine. If 
this happens, you should reduce your speed 
and visit your nearest BMW center as soon as 
possible. Severe engine misfiring can quickly 
lead to serious damage  of emissions-related 
components, especially  the catalytic converter.
The warning lamp comes on if the gas 
cap is not properly tightened and the 
OBD system assumes that fuel vapor 
is escaping. If the gas ca p is then tightened, the 
warning lamp should go  out within a few days.
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring or diagnostic modules or a 
device for recording or sending certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you have 
signed a service contract for BMW Assist, cer- tain vehicle data ma
y be transmitted or 
recorded in order to fa cilitate the corresponding 
services.
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Giving and receiving assistance
232
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3. Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between 
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise 
there is a danger of shorting. <
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct 
order, so that no sparks which could 
cause injury occur. <
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in 
the engine compartment  which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal,  refer also to the Engine 
compartment overview on page 212. The cap is 
marked with +.
1. Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+ 
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the 
battery or a starting-aid  terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3. Attach the second terminal clamp of the 
plus/+ jumper cable to  the positive terminal 
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of 
the vehicle to be started.
4. Attach one terminal  clamp of the minus/– 
jumper cable to the nega tive terminal of the 
battery or to an engine  or body ground of 
the assisting vehicle.  Your BMW has a special nut as body ground 
or negative pole.
5. Attach the second te rminal clamp of the 
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to  the engine or body 
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1. Start the engine of the donor vehicle and 
allow it to run for a fe w minutes at slightly 
increased idle speed.
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle in the 
usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes be fore another attempt 
in order to allow the  discharged battery to 
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have th e battery checked and 
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine. <
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles. <
Do not transport any passengers other 
than the driver in a vehicle that is being 
towed. <
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Page 254 of 268

Everything from A - Z
252
Care
218
– automatic car washes 218
– care products 218
– carpets 220
– CD/DVD drives 221
– chrome parts 219
– displays 220
– exterior 218
– fine wood parts 220
– headlamps 219
– high-pressure washer 218
– interior 220
– leather 220
– light-alloy wheels 219
– paintwork 219
– plastic parts 220
– rubber seals 219
– safety belts 220
– sensors and cameras 220
– upholstery and cloth  trim 220
– washing the car 
manually 219
– windows 219
– wiper blades 219
Cargo, securing 118
Cargo bay 107
– capacity 241
– convenient access 35
– folding up the floor  panel 109
– lamp, refer to Interior  lamps 93
– opening from inside 30
– opening from outside 31
– partition net 107
– roll-up cover 107
Cargo bay lid, refer to  Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate 30
Cargo bay net, refer to  Partition net 107
Cargo loading 117
– securing cargo 118
– stowing cargo 118
– vehicle 117
Car jack
– jacking points 228 Car key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control 26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to  Center armrest 103
– refer to separate Owner's  Manual
Car phone, refer to 
Telephone 168
Car radio, refer to Radio 145
Car s
hampoo 220
Car wash 117
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system 115
CBS Condition Based  Service 216
CD, audio playback 150
CD changer 150
– controls 142
– fast forward/reverse 152
– installation location 154
– random play sequence 151
– selecting a track 150
– switching on/off 142
– tone control 142
– volume 142
CD player 150
– controls 142
– fast forward/reverse 152
– random play sequence 151
– selecting a track 150
– switching on/off 142
– tone control 142
– volume 142
Center armrest 103
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulb 228
Center console, refer to  Around the center 
console 14
Central locking
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Central locking system 27
– convenient access 34
– hotel function 32
– setting unlocking  characteristics 27 Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety 5
Changing bulbs, refer to  Lamps and bulbs 223
Changing the measurement 
units on the Control 
Display 71
Changing wheels 228
Chassis number, refer to  Engine compartment 212
Check Control 75
Check Gas Cap 190
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH 50
Child-restraint systems 49
Child-safety lock 52
Child seats, refer to  Transporting children 
safely 49
Chrome parts 220
Chrome polish 220
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Ligh
 ter104
Cleaning headlamps 58
– washer fluid 59
Cleaning your BMW, refer to  Care 218
Clock 67
– 12h/24h mode 74
– setting the time and date 74
– setting time 73
Closing
– from inside 30
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks 103
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine 53
Combined instrument, refer to  Instrument cluster 12
Comfort access, refer to  Convenient access 34
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console 14
Compartment for remote  control, refer to Ignition 
lock 53
Compass 101
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Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Computer69
– displays on Control 
Display 69
Computer, refer to iDrive 16
Concierge service 181
Condensation, refer to When  the vehicle is parked 117
Condition Based Service 
CBS 216
Configuring settings, refer to  Personal Profile 26
Confirmation signals for  locking/unlocking the 
vehicle 28
Congestion
– refer to Route, bypassing 
sections 134
Connecting vacuum cleaner,  refer to Connecting 
electrical appliances 105
Consumption, refer to  Average consumption 69
Consumption display
– average consumption 69
– Energy Control 68
Control Center, refer to  iDrive 16
Control Display, refer to 
iDrive 16
– adjusting brightness 78
– switching on/off 19
Controller, refer to iDrive 16
Controls and displays 10
Control unit, refer to iDrive 16
Convenient access 34
– replacing the battery 35
Convenient operation
– glass roof 28
– windows 28
Coolant 215
– checking level 215
Coolant temperature 68
Cooling, maximum 95
Cooling fluid, refer to  Coolant 215
Cooling system, refer to 
Coolant 215
Copyright 2 Corner-illuminating lamps
– replacing bulbs
224
Corner-illuminating lamps,  refer to Adaptive Head 
Light 91
Cornering lamps, refer to  Adaptive Head Light 91
Correct tires 209
Country codes DVD 152
Courtesy lamps, refer to  Interior lamps 93
Criteria for route 133
Cross-hairs in navigation 128
Cruise control 59
– active 61
– malfunctio
 n61
Cruising range 69
Cup holders 104
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 241
Current fuel consumption,  refer to Energy Control 68
Current playback of music  collection 158
Current position
– displaying 139
Customer Relations 185
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Dashboard, refer to  Instrument cluster 12
Dashboard lighting, refer to  Instrument lighting 92
Data, technical 238
– dimensions 239
– engine 238
– weights 241
Data transfer 186
Date
– date format 75
– setting 74
Daytime running lamps 91
– replacing bulbs 223
DBC Dynamic Brake  Control 81 Deactivating front passenger 
airbags 88
Deadlocking, refer to  Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
– fuel filler door 190
– glass roof 37
– panorama glass roof 39
Destination, entering by town/ city name 123
Destination address
– entering 123,129
Destination for navigation
– entering by voice 129
– entering via map 128
– entry 123
– home address 126
– manual entry 123
Destination guidance 133
– bypassing a route  section 134
– changing specified  route 133
– continuing 133
– starting 133
– voice instructions 134
– volume of voice 
instructions 135
Diesel exhaust fluid 193
Diesel fuel 191
Diesel particulate filter 115
Digital clock 67
Digital compass 101
Digital radio, refer to High  Definition Radio 146
Dimensions 239
Dipstick, engine oil 212
Directional indicators, refer to  Turn signals 57
Direction instructions, refer to  Vo
 ice instructions 134
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book 125
Displacement, refer to Engine  data 238
Display, refer to iDrive  controls 16
"Display current location" 139
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