tow BMW 3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON 2014 F31 Owner's Guide

3.Hook the retaining strap into the fixing
point.4.Press button 1 to tighten the retaining
strap.
To secure larger loads, the retaining straps can
also be interlocked with one another.
Removing the brackets
Pull the bracket vertically out of the fixing
point.
Stowing the adaptive retaining system If the adaptive retaining system is not needed,
it can be stowed under the rear part of the
cargo floor panel. Use the tension straps to se‐
cure it more firmly.
Floor net
The floor net can also be used to Secure the
load, refer to page 174, and to store small
parts.
Storage compartment under the cargofloor panel
Maximum load
To avoid damage to the vehicle, do not
exceed a maximum permitted load of 44 lbs/
20 kg in the storage compartment under the
cargo floor panel.◀
Fold up the cargo floor panel, arrow.
Partitioning the compartment The compartment can be divided using an at‐
tachable partition.
Storage compartment, narrow
Fold up the cargo floor panel. The storage
compartment can be used e.g., for stowing the
cargo cover or the adaptive retaining system.
Reversible floor panel
The bottom of the cargo floor panel is coated
with a water- and dirt-resistant finish.
Fold the cargo floor panel up, remove and turn
it over.
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LoadingVehicle 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.
Hints Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved ca‐
pacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden
loss of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Heavy and hard objects
Do not stow any heavy and hard objects
in the car's interior without securing them; oth‐
erwise, they may present a danger to occu‐
pants, e.g., during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
Determining the load limit1.Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard:▷The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to thevehicle and unstable driving situations
may result.2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or
YYY pounds.4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load ca‐
pacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs =
400 lbs.5.Determine the combined weight of lug‐
gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi‐
cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
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Load
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Stowing cargo
▷Cover sharp edges and corners on the
cargo.▷Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possi‐
ble, directly behind and at the bottom of
the rear passenger seat backrests.▷Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.▷If necessary, fold down the rear backrests
to stow cargo.▷Do not stack cargo above the top edge of
the backrests.▷Use the cargo area partition net, refer to
page 161, to protect passengers. Make
sure that objects cannot penetrate the
cargo area partition net.Securing cargo
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
To secure the cargo there are four lashing
eyes in the cargo area.
Lashing eyes in the cargo area with
rails
To secure the cargo, there are four movable
lashing eyes in the cargo area.
To slide the lashing eyes, press the button, ar‐
row 1. Make sure that the lashing eyes latch at
the new position.
The lashing eyes at the openings in the rails
can be removed.
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Securing cargo▷Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining straps or draw straps.▷Larger and heavy objects: secure with
cargo straps.
Attach the cargo straps, retaining straps or
draw straps to the lashing eyes in the cargo
area.
Securing cargo
Stow and secure the cargo as described
above; otherwise it may present a danger to
the occupants, e.g., during braking and evasive
maneuvers.◀
Roof-mounted luggage rack Note
Installation only possible with roof rack.
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
Securing
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Loading Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center
of gravity when loaded, they have a major ef‐
fect on vehicle handling and steering re‐
sponse.
Therefore, note the following when loading
and driving:
▷Do not exceed the approved roof/axle
loads and the approved gross vehicle
weight.▷Distribute the roof load uniformly.▷The roof load should not extend past the
loading area.▷Always place the heaviest pieces on the
bottom.▷Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., tie
with ratchet straps.▷Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate.▷Drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceler‐
ation and braking maneuvers. Take corners
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prox. 50 km/h to 100 mph, approx. 160 km/h, if
the following conditions are met:▷Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
The driving status Coast can be influenced
with the shift paddles.
Display Display in the instrument cluster
The mark in the bar display is backlit in blue
and is located at the zero point. The tachome‐
ter approximately indicates idle speed.
The coasting point indicator is illuminated at
the zero point during coasting.
Display in the instrument cluster with
extended range
The mark in the bar display be‐
low the tachometer is backlit in
blue and is located at the zero
point. The tachometer approxi‐
mately indicates idle speed.
The coasting point indicator is illuminated at
the zero point during coasting.
Indications on the Control Display
The Coasting driving condition is displayed in
EfficientDynamics Info while this driving mode
is active.
The distance traveled in the Coasting driving
condition is indicated by a counter.
Color code blue, arrow 1, and symbol, arrow 2:
driving condition Coasting.
Displaying EfficientDynamics info
1."Vehicle info"2."EfficientDynamics"3. "EfficientDynamics info"
Deactivating the system manually The function can be deactivated in the Config‐
ure ECO PRO, refer to page 178, menu, e.g., to
use the braking effect of the engine when trav‐
eling downhill.
Settings are stored for the profile currently in
use.
ECO PRO driving style analysis
The concept
In this situation the system helps develop an
especially efficient driving style and to con‐
serve fuel.
For this purpose, the driving style is analyzed.
The assessment is done in various categories
and is displayed on the Control Display.
Using this indication, the individual driving
style can be oriented toward conserving fuel.
The last fifteen minutes of a trip are evaluated.
The range of the vehicle can be extended by
an efficient driving style.
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sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds
to a level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades Band
A represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
Run-flat tires, refer to page 199, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the sidewall.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires.
Tire treadSummer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tire tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the
tire's circumference and have the legally re‐
quired minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They are marked on the side of the tire with
TWI, Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
General information
Inspect your tires often for damage, foreign
objects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Hints
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces,
as well as debris, curbs and other obstacles
can cause serious damage to wheels, tires and
suspension parts. This is more likely to occur
with low-profile tires, which provide less cush‐
ioning between the wheel and the road. Be
careful to avoid road hazards and reduce your
speed, especially if your vehicle is equipped
with low-profile tires.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:
▷Unusual vibrations while driving.▷Unusual handling such as a strong ten‐
dency to pull to the left or right.
Damage can, e. g., be caused by driving over
curbs, road damage, or similar things.
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In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
rims and tires checked right away; otherwise,
there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the nearest service center.
Have the vehicle towed or transported there.
Otherwise, tire damage can become life threat‐
ening for vehicle occupants and also other traf‐
fic.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center.
If work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
You can ask the service center about the right
wheel/tire combination and wheel rim versions
for the vehicle.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.Approved wheels and tires
You should only use wheels and tires
that have been approved by the vehicle manu‐
facturer for your vehicle type; otherwise, e.g.,
despite having the same official size ratings,
variations can lead to chassis contact and with
it, the risk of severe accidents
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot eval‐
uate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot guarantee the operating safety of the
vehicle.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
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CoolantVehicle 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 to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Hints Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while
the engine is hot; otherwise, esliding coolant
may cause burns.◀
Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may occur. The additives are
harmful to your health.◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for the vehicle. Information about the
suitable additives are available from the service
center.
Coolant level
General information Depending on the engine installation, the cool‐
ant reservoir is located on the right side or the
left side of the engine compartment.
Checking1.Let the engine cool.2.The coolant level is correct if it lies be‐
tween the minimum and maximum marks.The marks are on the side of the coolant
reservoir.SymbolMeaningMaximumMinimum
Adding
1.Let the engine cool.2.Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly
counterclockwise to allow any excess
pressure to dissipate, then open it.3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up
to the specified level; do not overfill.4.Turn the lid until there is an audible click.
The arrows on the coolant reservoir and
the lid must point towards one another.5.Have the cause of the coolant loss elimi‐
nated as soon as possible.
Disposal
Comply with the relevant environmen‐
tal protection regulations when dispos‐
ing of coolant and coolant additives.
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If the first starting attempt is not success‐
ful, wait a few minutes before making an‐
other attempt in order to allow the dis‐
charged battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the re‐
verse order.
Check the battery and recharge if needed.
Tow-starting and towing Note Tow-starting and towing
For towing the vehicle turn, switch off the
Intelligent Safety systems; otherwise malfunc‐
tions of the individual braking systems might
lead to accidents.◀
Manual transmission Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Towing Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions; otherwise,
vehicle damage or accidents may occur.◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lights, turn
signals, and wipers may be unavailable.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to control the vehi‐
cle's response.Tow truck
With xDrive
The vehicle should only be transported on a
loading platform.
Do not tow with only the front or rear axle
raised
Do not tow the BMW with just the front or rear
axle raised; otherwise, the wheels could lock
up and the transfer case could be damaged.◀
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Steptronic transmission: transporting
your vehicle
Note Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the
event of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towedHave your vehicle transported on a load‐
ing platform only; otherwise, damage may oc‐
cur.◀
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Tow truck
The vehicle should only be transported on a
loading platform.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Use tow fitting located in the front only for po‐
sitioning the vehicle.
Towing other vehicles
Hints Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will
not be possible to control the vehicle's re‐
sponse.◀
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:▷Maneuvering capability is limited going
around corners.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure
that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses
on the vehicle components when towing, al‐
ways use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle.
The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front
or rear of the BMW.
The tow fitting is located in the onboard vehi‐
cle tool kit under the cargo floor panel. Lift to
open the slim cover.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.▷Use the tow fitting for towing on paved
roads only.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle can occur.◀
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