fuel cap BMW 3 SERIES 2009 Owners Manual

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. <
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 68 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also redu ces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously lit. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road-speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct, and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced more and
more. This improves the handling capability of
your BMW over the entire speed range. In critical situations,
the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver inte rvenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simult aneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page 81.
Malfunction
The warning lamps come on. Active
steering is no longer operational. At
low speeds, greater steering wheel
movements are required, whereas at
higher speeds the vehicle reacts more sensi-
tively to steering wheel movements. The stabil-
ity-enhancing feature may also be deactivated.
Drive cautiously and thin k well ahead. Have the
system checked.
Brake force display
On the left: normal braking
On the right: sharp braking.
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 87 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Refueling
190
Refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, otherwise, fuel cannot be added to
the tank and a messag e will be displayed.<
Take all precautionary measures and ob-
serve all applicable regulations when han-
dling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel containers
in your vehicle. They can develop a leak and
cause an explosion or cause a fire in the event of
an accident. <
Fuel filler door
Opening
1.Open fuel filler door. To do so, lightly press
the rear edge.
2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the gas cap in th e bracket attached to
the fuel filler door.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it cl ockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not pinch the band attached to the
cap, otherwise the cap cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape. A mes-
sage will be displayed if the gas cap is loose or
missing. <
Manually releasing the fuel filler door
In the event of a malfunction, you can release
the fuel filler door manually:
Sedan
1.Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo bay.
2. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler door is released.
Sports Wagon
1.Fold up the cargo bay floor panel.
2. Remove the cover from the right-hand side-
wall of the cargo bay. To do so, turn the
screws, arrows 1, 90° and take out the
cover, arrow 2.
3. Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler door is released.
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 190 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Mobility
191Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety in-
structions provided at filling stations, oth-
erwise there is a risk of personal injury or prop-
erty damage. <
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe . Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the ta nk, as that would lead
to
> premature pump shutoff
> reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not en-
sured and damage can occur. <
Gasoline engine
Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.
Diesel engine
Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 1.7 US gallons/6.5 liters.
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Do not refuel with leaded fuel; otherwise,
the catalytic conver ter will be damaged.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel containing
85 Ξ ethanol, nor with Fl exFuel. Otherwise the
engine and fuel suppl y system will be dam-
aged. <
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is hi ghly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is:
> 323i, 328i/xDrive: 87 >
335i/xDrive: 89.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Do not use any gasoline below the speci-
fied minimum fuel grade. Otherwise the
engine could be damaged. <
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 Ξ MTBE or 3 Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warrantie s with respect to de-
fects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
driveability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
y o u a r e u s i n g , w e r e c o m m e n d t h a t y o u r e s p o n d
by switching to a recogn ized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in un scheduled maintenance. <
BMW Advanced Diesel: required fuel
Ultra-low sulfur diesel
The engine of your BMW is designed for diesel
with low sulfur content:
Ultra-low sulfur diesel ASTM D 975-07a.
Refuel with ultra-low sulfur diesel only.
The percentage of biodiesel in the fuel
may not exceed 5 %; this type of fuel is referred
to as B5. Do not refuel with gasoline. After refu-
eling with the wrong fuel, e.g. with gasoline, do
not start the engine; otherwise, engine damage
may occur. <
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 191 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Wheels and tires
210
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +45°F/+7°C.
Although all-season M+ S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents. <
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter ti res, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires agains t all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as th is could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels betwee n the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link sn ow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page 81. <
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 210 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

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.
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 217 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Technical data
242
Sports Wagon
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
328i328i
xDrive
Approved gross weight
> with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,630/2,100 4,872/2,210
> with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,696/2,130 4,916/2,230
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,127/965 2,326/1,055
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 16.2-48.9/460-1,385 16.2-48.9/460-1,385
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 16.1/61 Fuel grade: page 191
including reserve of
> Gasoline engine US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8.0
> Diesel engine US gal/liters approx. 1.7/6.5
Window washer system For more details: page59
including headlamp washers US qt/liters approx. 6.3/6.0
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 242 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
AUX-IN
– port103
AUX-IN port 161
Average fuel consumption 69
– setting the units 71
Average speed 69
Avoid highways in navigation 133
Avoiding unintentional alarms 34
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 241
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 43
Backrests, refer to Seat adjustment 42
Backrest width adjustment 43
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats 44
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 227
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 226
Band-aids, refer to First-aid pouch 231
Bar, refer to Towing methods 233
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 177
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment 103
Bass, tone setting 142
Battery 228
– charging 229
– disposal 35,229
– jump starting 231
– remote control 26
– temporary power failure 229
Battery for mobile phone 177
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
– remote control for vehicle 35
Being towed 233
Belts, refer to Safety belts 46Belt tensioner,
refer to Safety
belts 46
Beverage holders, refer to Cup holders 104
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate 95
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 170
Bluetooth, refer to separate Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo 220
BMW Assist, activating 182
BMW Advanced Diesel 192
BMW Assist 181
BMW center 186
BMW Homepage 4
BMW Maintenance System 216
BMW Search 182
BMW webpage 4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders 104
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control DBC 81
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 71
Brake force display 87
Br

ake lamps
– brake force display 87
– replacing bulb 227
Brake pads 114
– breaking in 114
Brake rotors 116
– brakes 114
– breaking in 114
Brakes
– ABS 81
– BMW Maintenance System 216
– brake force display 87
– breaking in 114
– parking brake 54
– service requirements 71
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 116 Brake system
114
– BMW Maintenance
System 216
– breaking in 114
– disc brakes 116
Breakdown services, refer to Roadside Assistance 230
Breaking in the clutch 114
Breaking in the differential, refer to Engine and
differential 114
Break-in period 114
Brightness of Control
Display 78
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 223
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/stop button 53
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Call
– accepting 171
– ending 172
– rejecting 172
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 172
Can holders, refer to Cup holders 104
Capacities 242
Capacity of the cargo bay 241
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 228
Car care, refer to Care 218
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 251 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Everything from A - Z
254
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 92
Displays
– on the Control Display 16
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 12
Displays and controls 10
Disposal
– coolant 215
– remote control battery 35
– vehicle battery 229
Distance control, refer to Active cruise control 61
Distance remainin g to service,
refer to Service
requirements 71
Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control
PDC 80
Door key, refer to Remote control with integrated
key 26
Door lock 29
Doors, emergency operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 207
Draft-free ventilation 97
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders 104
Drive-off assistance, refer to Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 81
Drive-off assistant 83
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 90
Driving notes 114
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant 83
Driving stability control systems 81
Driving through water 116
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 114
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 96
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 81 DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 81
– indicator/warning lamp 81
DVD
– country codes 152
– settings 153
– video playback 152
DVD menu 153
DVD video 152
Dynamic Brake Control DBC 81
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
– indicator/warning lamp 81
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
– indicator/warning lamp 82
E
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player 142
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 190
– glass roof 37
– luggage compartment lid 31
– panorama glass roof 39
Electric seat adjustment 42
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access 34
Electronic brake-force distribution EBV 81
Electronic oil level check 213
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 81
Emergency actuation, automatic transmission,
refer to Overriding selector
lever lock 57
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual release 190
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof 37
– panorama glass roof 39Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 29
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside 32
Emergency Request 230
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 230
Energy, saving
– saving fuel 114
Energy-conscious driving, refer to Energy Control 68
Energy Control 68
Engine
– breaking in 114
– data 238
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 68
– speed 238
– starting 53
– starting, convenient
access 34
– switching off 54
Engine compartment 212
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 215
Engine oil
– adding 214
– alternative oil types 215
– BMW Maintenance
System 216
– capacity 242
– checking level 212
– dipstick 212
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
re

quirements 71
Engine output, refer to Engine data 238
Engine speed, refer to Engine data 238
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 53
Entry lamps, refer to Interior lamps 93
Entry map for destination 128
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 254 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Environmentally friendly driving, refer to Energy
Control 68
Equalizer, tone setting 143
Error messages, refer to
Check Control 75
Event data recorders 217
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 115
Expanding the cargo bay 107
Exterior mirrors 47
– adjusting 47
– automatic dimming
feature 48
– automatic heating 47
– folding in and out 47
External audio device 103
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 233
– for tying down loads 118
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 75
Failure of an electrical consumer 229
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional alarm 34
– switching off an alarm 33
Fastening safety belts, refer to Safety belts 46
Fastest route for navigation 133
Fast forward
– CD changer 152
– CD player 152
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 97
First aid pouch 231
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 53
Flash when locking/ unlocking 28 Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires
209
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 84
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 83
– indicating a flat tire 84
– indicator/warning lamp 84
– initializing the system 83
– malfunction 84
– snow chains 83,210
– system limits 83
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 208
Fluid reservoir, refer to Washer fluid reservoir 59
FM, waveband 145
Fog lamps 92
– indicator lamp 13,92
Folding rear seat backrest 107
Folding up the floor panel 109
Footbrake, refer to Braking safely 116
Footwell lamps, refer to Interior lamps 93
For your own safety 5
Four-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 82
Free memory capacity, music
collection 159
Front airbags 88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 83
Fuel 191
– additives 192
– average consumption 69
– gauge 68
– high-qu
ality brands 191
– quality 191
– specifications 191
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities 242
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel gauge 68
Fuel display, refer to Fuel gauge 68
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to
Energy Control 68 Fuel filler door
190
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 190
Fuses 229
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 99
Gasoline
– refer to Average consumption 69
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel 191
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 68
Gear indicator, automatic transmission with
Steptronic 55
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 56
– manual transmission 55
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 56
– manual transmission 55
General driving notes 115
Glass roof, electric 37
– closing after electrical
malfunction 37
– convenient operation 28,29
– initializing 37
– opening, closing 37
– pinch protection system 37
– power failure 37
– raising 37
– remote control 28
Glove compartment 102
GPS navigation, refer to Navigation system 122
Grills 94
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 241
ba8_E9091_cic.book Seite 255 Mittwoch, 29. Oktober 2008 2:59 14