check oil BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN 2015 F30 Owner's Manual

DisplaysVehicle 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.
Overview, instrument cluster
1Fuel gauge   812Speedometer3Messages, e.g. Check Control4Tachometer   815Engine oil temperature   816Current fuel consumption7Electronic displays  778Reset miles  82
Electronic displays
▷Selection lists, refer to page 86.▷External temperature, refer to page 82.▷Auto Start/Stop function, refer to page 66.▷On-board computer, refer to page 86.▷Date, refer to page 82.▷Energy recovery, refer to page 83.▷Transmission display, refer to page 75.▷Miles/trip miles, refer to page 82.Seite 77DisplaysControls77
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15

Supplementary text messages
Additional information, such as on the cause of
an error or the required action, can be called up
via Check Control.
With urgent messages the added text will be
automatically displayed on the Control Display.
Symbols
Depending on the Check Control message, the
following functions can be selected.▷ "Owner's Manual"
Display additional information about the
Check Control message in the Integrated
Owner's Manual.▷ "Service request"
Contact your service center.▷ "Roadside Assistance"
Contact Roadside Assistance.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the onboard computer button on the
turn signal lever.
▷Some Check Control messages are dis‐
played continuously and are not cleared
until the malfunction is eliminated. If sev‐
eral malfunctions occur at once, the mes‐
sages are displayed consecutively.
These messages can be faded for approx.
8 seconds. After this time, they are dis‐
played again automatically.▷Other Check Control messages are faded
automatically after approx. 20 seconds.They are stored and can be displayed
again later.
Displaying stored Check Control
messages
On the Control Display:
1."Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Check Control"4.Select the text message.
Messages after trip completion Special messages displayed while driving are
displayed again after the ignition is switched
off.
Fuel gauge Vehicle tilt position may cause
the display to vary.
Depending on the equipment
version, the arrow beside the
fuel pump symbol shows which
side of the vehicle the fuel filler flap is on.
Hints on refueling, refer to page 182.
Tachometer Always avoid engine speeds in the red warning
field. In this range, the fuel supply is inter‐
rupted to protect the engine.
Engine oil temperature
▷Cold engine: the pointer is at
the low temperature end.
Drive at moderate engine
and vehicle speeds.▷Normal operating tempera‐
ture: the pointer is in theSeite 81DisplaysControls81
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15

Rotating wheels between axlesDifferent wear patterns can occur on the frontand rear axles depending on individual driving
conditions. The tires can be rotated between
the axles to achieve even wear. Your service
center will be glad to advise you. After rotating,
check the tire pressure and correct if needed.
Rotating the tires is not permissible on vehi‐
cles with different tire sizes or rim sizes on the
front and rear axles.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels consist of tires that are self-sup‐
porting, to a limited degree, and possibly spe‐
cial rims.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to
remain drivable to a restricted degree in the
event of a tire inflation pressure loss.
Follow the instructions for continued driving
with a flat tire.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire.
Your service center will be glad to advise you.
Mobility System
The concept With the Mobility System, minor tire damagecan be sealed quickly to enable continued
travel. To accomplish this, sealant is pumped
into the tires, which seals the damage from the
inside.
The compressor can be used to check the tire
inflation pressure.
Hints▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant container.▷Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐
tive if the tire puncture measures approx.
1/8 in/4 mm or more.▷Contact the nearest service center if the
tire cannot be made drivable.▷If possible, do not remove foreign bodies
that have penetrated the tire.▷Pull the speed limit sticker off the sealant
container and apply it to the steering
wheel.▷The use of a sealant can damage the TPM
wheel electronics. In this case, have the
electronics checked at the next opportu‐
nity and have them replaced if needed.
Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas, since breathing in exhaust fumes may
lead to loss of consciousness and death. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless but highly toxic gas.◀
Seite 199Wheels and tiresMobility199
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - 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.
Depending on its engine, the vehicle is equip‐
ped with electronic oil measurement or oil
measuring is done with a dipstick.
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 207.
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 206MobilityEngine oil206
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - 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:
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level or an overfilling is detected, a check con‐
trol message is displayed.
During the measurement, the idle speed is in‐
creased somewhat.
General information A detailed measurement is only possible with
certain engines.
Requirements▷Vehicle is on level road.▷Manual transmission: shift lever in neutral
position, clutch and accelerator pedals not
depressed.▷Steptronic transmission: selector lever in
selector lever position N or P and accelera‐
tor 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.
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 207Engine oilMobility207
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - 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 210MobilityMaintenance210
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15

3.Switch the engine off.4.Switch on the ignition.
Steptronic 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.
Do not turn off the ignition in the car
wash
Do not turn off the ignition in the car wash;
otherwise, selector lever position P is en‐
gaged and damages can result.◀
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 Steptronic transmis‐
sion:
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.
Selector lever positionSelector lever 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‐
Seite 230MobilityCare230
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15

Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐pholders 162
Brake assistant 119
Brake discs, break-in 166
Brake force display 118
Brake lights, adaptive 118
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 118
Brake pads, break-in 166
Braking, hints 167
Breakdown assistance 223
Break-in 166
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 90
Bulb replacement 212
Bulb replacement, front 213
Bulb replacement, halogen headlights 213
Bulb replacement, rear 218
Bulb replacement, xenon headlights 216
Bulbs and lights 212
Button, RES 127
Button, Start/Stop 64
Bypassing, refer to Jump- starting 224
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera lenses, care 232
Camera, rearview cam‐ era 135
Camera, Side View 138
Camera, Top View 139
Can holder, refer to Cuphold‐ ers 162
Car battery 220
Car care products 230
Care, displays 232
Care, vehicle 230
Cargo 169
Cargo area, enlarging 158
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 162 Cargo, securing 170
Cargo straps, securing cargo 170
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 34
Carpet, care 232
Car wash 229
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 167
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 210
CD/Multimedia, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
Center armrest 161
Center console 16
Central locking system 39
Central screen, refer to Con‐ trol Display 18
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 212
Changing wheels 220
Changing wheels/tires 197
Chassis number, see vehicle identification number 9
Check Control 78
Checking the engine oil level electronically 206
Checking the oil level elec‐ tronically 206
Children, seating position 60
Children, transporting safely 60
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 60
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 62
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 60
Child safety locks 63
Child seat, mounting 60
Child seats 60
Chrome parts, care 231
Cigarette lighter 156 Cleaning displays 232
Climate control 145, 147
Clock 82
Closing/opening via door lock 39
Closing/opening with remote control 37
Clothes hooks 162
Coasting 176
Coasting with engine decou‐ pled, coasting 176
Coasting with idling en‐ gine 176
Cockpit 14
Cold starting, refer to Starting the engine 65
Combination reel, refer to Turn signals 69
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 69
Comfort Access 41
COMFORT program, Dy‐ namic Driving Control 122
Compartments in the doors 161
Compass 154
Compressor 199
Computer, refer to On-board computer 86
Condensation on win‐ dows 150
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 168
Condition Based Service CBS 210
Configuring driving pro‐ gram 123
Confirmation signal 44
ConnectedDrive, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
ConnectedDrive Services
Connecting electrical devi‐ ces 156 Seite 243Everything from A to ZReference243
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15

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
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15

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
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 960 440 - II/15