BMW 3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON 2015 F31 Owner's Manual

1.Fold up the cargo floor panel.2.Pull the green knob with the fuel pump
symbol. This releases the fuel filler flap.
Observe the following when
refueling
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Do not overfill the fuel tank
Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise
fuel may eslide, causing harm to the environ‐
ment and damaging the vehicle.◀
Handling fuels
Observe safety regulations posted at the
gas station.◀
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FuelVehicle 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. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Fuel recommendation Note General fuel quality
Even fuels that conform to the specifica‐
tions can be of low quality. This may cause en‐
gine problems, for instance poor engine start-
up behavior, poor handling and/or poor
performance. Switch gas stations or use a
brand name fuel with a higher octane rating.◀
Gasoline For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline
should be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur con‐
tent.
Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as con‐
taining metal must not be used.
Refuel only with unleaded gasoline with‐
out metallic additives.
Do not refuel with any leaded gasoline or gaso‐
line with metallic additives, e. g. manganese or
iron, as this can cause permanent damage to
the catalytic converter and other compo‐
nents.◀
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
10 %, i. e., E10, may be used for refueling.Ethanol should satisfy the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Do not use a fuel with a higher percent‐
age of ethanol
Do not use a fuel with a higher ethanol per‐
centage than recommended or one with other
types of alcohol, e.g. M5 to M100; otherwise
this could damage the engine and fuel supply
system.◀
Recommended fuel grade BMW recommends AKI 91.
Minimum fuel grade
BMW recommends AKI 89.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not use any gasoline below the mini‐
mum fuel grade as this may impair engine per‐
formance.◀
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.
Fuel quality
The use of poor-quality fuels may result
in harmful engine deposits or damage. Addi‐
tionally, problems relating to drivability, start‐
ing and stalling, especially under certain envi‐
ronmental conditions such as high ambient
temperature and high altitude, may occur.
If drivability problems are encountered, we rec‐
ommend switching to a high quality gasoline
brand and a higher octane grade — AKI num‐
ber — for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful en‐Seite 188MobilityFuel188
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gine deposits, it is highly recommended to
purchase gasoline from Top Tier retailers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in the need for unscheduled main‐
tenance.◀
Diesel
Low-Sulfur Diesel
The engine of your BMW is designed for diesel
with low sulfur content:
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel ASTM D 975-xx.
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Use only Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel.
The fraction of biodiesel in the fuel must
not exceed 5 %, referred to as B5. Do not use
gasoline. If you do fill the tank with the wrong
fuel, e.g., gasoline, do not start the engine as
this may damage the engine.◀
After adding the wrong fuel, contact your serv‐
ice center or Roadside Assistance.
If the fuel pump nozzle does not fit in the filler
pipe of your BMW, please check to ensure that you are refueling at a diesel fuel pump that is
equipped with a diesel fuel pump nozzle.
In the event the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuel
cannot be fully inserted into the fuel filler neck,
please contact BMW Roadside Assistance for
instructions on how to add fuel.
For additional information regarding Roadside
Assistance, refer to Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment and Communication.
Winter diesel
To ensure that the diesel engine remains op‐
erational in the winter, use winter diesel.
It is available at gas stations during winter
months.
The fuel filter heating system, included as a
standard feature, prevents disruption of the
fuel supply while driving.Do not add any diesel additives
Do not add additives, including gasoline;
otherwise, engine damage may occur.◀
BMW Advanced Diesel
The concept BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen ox‐
ides in the diesel emissions by injecting diesel
exhaust fluid reducing agent into the exhaust
system. A chemical reaction takes place inside
the catalytic converter that minimizes nitrogen
oxides.
The vehicle has a tank that can be refilled.
To be able to start the engine as usual, there
must be an adequate reducing agent.
Reducing agent is added by the service center.
Warming up the system
In order to warm the engine up to its operating
temperature after a cold start, the Steptronic
transmission may subsequently shift up to the
next higher gear.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Reserve indication This display in the instrument cluster provides
information about the distance that can still be
driven with the current reserve level.▷Lamp white: refill with re‐
duction agent at the next
opportunity.▷Lamp yellow: not enough re‐
duction agent present. The
remaining range is displayed
in the instrument cluster. Im‐
mediately refill with reduc‐
tion agent, refer to
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Diesel exhaust fluid on minimum▷The remaining range is dis‐
played in the instrument
cluster: refill with reduction
agent. The engine will con‐
tinue to run as long as it is
not switched off and all
other operating conditions
are satisfied; sufficient fuel,
e.g.
Engine does not start
Do not continue driving to the limit of the
remaining travel distance. Otherwise, you will
not be able to restart the engine after switch‐
ing it off. In certain cases, this could cause
safety to be impaired.◀
Filling with an incorrect fluid A Check Control message is displayed when
an incorrect fluid is added.
After adding the incorrect fluid, contact your
service center.
System defect A Check Control message is displayed when
there is a system defect.
Have the diesel exhaust fluid
replenished
The reducing agent is added by the service
center within the context of regular mainte‐
nance.
It may be necessary to have the fluid replen‐
ished several times under particular circum‐
stances, e.g., if the vehicle is driven in a partic‐
ularly sporty style or if it is driven at high
altitudes.
The reducing agent must be replenished as
soon as the reserve display appears in the in‐
strument cluster to avoid not being able to re‐
start the engine.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, it is possible
that the reducing agent may also need to be
replenished between regular maintenance ap‐
pointments if it is exposed to temperatures un‐
der + 23 ℉/- 5 ℃. In this case, add reducing
agent only immediately before driving off.
The need to replenish it is indicated by the Re‐
serve display in the instrument cluster.
At temperatures below + 12 ℉/- 11 ℃, the fill‐
ing level cannot be measured in some cases.
After adding reducing agent, the Reserve Dis‐
play is displayed only until the fill level can be
measured again.
Replenishing Diesel exhaust fluid
yourself in exceptional cases
You can replenish reducing agent yourself in
exceptional cases, e.g., to get to the service
center.
Avoid contact with Diesel exhaust fluid
Do not come into contact with the reduc‐
ing agent. Otherwise, skin or eye irritations
may result.◀
Handling Diesel exhaust fluid
When working with reducing agent in
closed spaces, ensure good ventilation. When
the bottle or container is opened, acrid smell‐
ing fumes may eslide.◀
Keeping Diesel exhaust fluid out of reach
of children
Keep reducing agent out of reach of children.◀
Avoid contact with surfaces
Avoid contact of reduction agent with
surfaces of the vehicle; otherwise, damage
could occur.◀
Suitable Diesel exhaust fluid▷Preferred: BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid. With
this bottle and its special adapter, DieselSeite 190MobilityFuel190
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exhaust fluid can be replenished simply
and safely.▷Alternative: NOx reduction agent AUS 32
Diesel exhaust fluid can be purchased at your
service center.
Refill quantity
When the Reserve display starts, add at least
3 bottles of reducing agent.
This corresponds to approx. 1.5 US gal/6 liters.
Tank for reducing agent
The tank for the reducing agent is located next
to the fuel tank.
Adding the reducing agent Add the reducing agent when the ignition is
switched on.
1.Open the fuel filler flap, refer to page 186.2.Turn the tank lid counterclockwise and re‐
move.3.Place the bottle on it and turn it as far as it
will go, see arrow.4.Press the bottle down, see arrow.The vehicle tank will be filled.
The tank is full when the fill level in the bot‐
tle no longer changes. It is not possible to
overfill.5.Pull back the bottle, see arrow, and un‐
screw it.6.Replace the tank lid and turn it clockwise.7.Close the fuel filler flap.
After adding Diesel exhaust fluid
Note Incorrect fluids
After filling with incorrect fluids, such as
antifreeze for washer fluid, do not start the en‐
gine, otherwise there is risk of fire.◀
Contact your service center.
Disposing of bottles You take your empty Diesel exhaust
fluid bottles to your service center for
disposal.
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Do not dispose of empty bottles with house‐
hold waste unless this is permitted by local
regulations.
Reserve indication The Reserve display will still ap‐
pear along with the remaining
range after refilling.
Engine can be started.
After several minutes of driving,
the Reserve indication goes out.
Diesel exhaust fluid on minimum After filling, the indication -- is
still displayed.
Only after the display goes out
can the engine -- be started.1.Switch on the ignition.
Display -- goes out after approx. 1 minute.2.Engine can be started.Seite 192MobilityFuel192
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Wheels and tiresVehicle 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.
Tire inflation pressure Safety information
The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐
sure influence the following:▷The service life of the tires.▷Road safety.▷Driving comfort.
Checking the tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pres‐
sure, and correct it as needed: at least twice a
month and before a long trip. If you fail to ob‐
serve this precaution, you may be driving on
tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition
that may not only compromise your vehicle's
driving stability, but also lead to tire damage
and the risk of an accident.◀
Tires have a natural, consistent loss of tire in‐
flation pressure.
Tires heat up while driving, and the tire infla‐
tion pressure increases along with the tire's
temperature. The tire inflation pressure speci‐
fications relate to cold tires or tires with the
ambient temperature.
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after driving no more
than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours.
The displays of inflation devices may under-
read by up to 1.45 psi/0.1 bar.
For Flat Tire Monitor: after correcting the tire
inflation pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor.
For Tire Pressure Monitor: after correcting the
tire inflation pressure, reset the Tire Pressure
Monitor.
Tire inflation pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 194, contains all tire inflation pressure
specifications for the specified tire sizes at the
ambient temperature. Tire inflation pressure
specifications apply to approved tire sizes and
recommended tire brands. This information
can be obtained from your service center.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.▷Maximum permitted driving speed.
Tire inflation pressures up to
100 mph/160 km/h
For speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and for
optimum driving comfort, note the pressure
values in the tire inflation pressure table, refer
to page 194, and adjust as necessary.
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These pressure values can also be found on
the tire inflation pressure label on the driver's
door pillar.
Maximum permissible speed
Do not exceed 100 mph/160 km/h; other‐
wise, tire damage and accidents may result.◀
Tire inflation pressure values up to
100 mph/160 km/h
328i xDrive, 328d xDrive
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSISpecifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires225/50 R 17 94 V
M+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H
M+S RSC2.2 / 322.4 / 35225/45 R 18 91 V
M+S A/S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V
M+S XL RSC2.4 / 352.7 / 39Front: 225/50 R 17
94 W RSC
Rear: 255/45 R 17
98 W RSC2.2 / 32
--
2.4 / 35Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSIFront: 225/45 R 18
91 Y RSC
Rear: 255/40 R 18
95 Y RSC2.4 / 35
--
2.4 / 35Front: 225/40 R 19
89 Y RSC
Rear: 255/35 R 19
92 Y RSC2.2 / 32
--
2.6 / 38Front: 225/35 R 20
90 Y XL RSC
Rear: 255/30 R 20
92 Y XL RSC2.5 / 36
--
3.0 / 44Emergency wheel:
T 135/80 R 17 102
MSpeed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
Tire inflation pressures at max.
speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please observe,
and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures for
speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from the
relevant table on the following pages. Other‐
wise tire damage and accidents could occur.◀
Tire inflation pressure values over
100 mph/160 km/h
328i xDrive, 328d xDrive
Without high-speed tuning feature
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Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSISpecifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires225/50 R 17 94 V
M+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H
M+S RSC2.7 / 393.2 / 46225/45 R 18 91 V
M+S A/S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V
M+S XL RSC2.9 /423.4 / 49Front: 225/50 R 17
94 W RSC
Rear: 255/45 R 17
98 W RSC2.7 / 39
--
2.9 /42Front: 225/45 R 18
91 Y RSC
Rear: 255/40 R 18
95 Y RSC2.9 /42
--
2.9 /42Front: 225/40 R 19
89 Y RSC
Rear: 255/35 R 19
92 Y RSC2.7 / 39
--
3.2 / 46Front: 225/35 R 20
90 Y XL RSC
Rear: 255/30 R 20
92 Y XL RSC2.9 /42
--
3.4 / 49Emergency wheel:
T 135/80 R 17 102
MSpeed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
With high-speed tuning feature
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSISpecifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires225/50 R 17 94 H
M+S RSC2.7 / 393.2 / 46225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V
M+S XL RSC2.9 /423.4 / 49Front: 225/50 R 17
94 W RSC
Rear: 255/45 R 17
98 W RSC2.7 / 39
--
2.9 /42Front: 225/45 R 18
91 Y RSC
Rear: 255/40 R 18
95 Y RSC2.9 /42
--
2.9 /42Front: 225/40 R 19
89 Y RSC
Rear: 255/35 R 19
92 Y RSC2.7 / 39
--
3.2 / 46Front: 225/35 R 20
90 Y XL RSC
Rear: 255/30 R 20
92 Y XL RSC2.9 /42
--
3.4 / 49Emergency wheel:
T 135/80 R 17 102
MSpeed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
Tire identification marks
Tire size 245/45 R 18 96 Y
245: nominal width in mm
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45: aspect ratio in %
R: radial tire code
18: rim diameter in inches
96: load rating, not for ZR tires
Y: speed rating, before the R on ZR tires
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph, 160 km/h
R = up to 106 mph, 170 km/h
S = up to 112 mph, 180 km/h
T = up to 118 mph, 190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph, 210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph, 240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph, 270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph, 300 km/h
Tire Identification NumberDOT code: DOT xxxx xxx 0115
xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand
xxx: tire size and tire design
0115: tire age
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Tire age DOT … 0115: the tire was manufactured in the
1st week of 2015.
Recommendation
Regardless of wear and tear, replace tires at
least every 6 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example: Treadwear 200; Traction AA;
Temperature ADOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to Fed‐
eral Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half, 1 g,
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart signifi‐
cantly from the norm due to variations in driv‐
ing habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead toSeite 196MobilityWheels and tires196
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