ECU BMW 3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON 2015 F31 Owner's Guide

Multi-function hook
A multi-function hook is located on each side
of the trunk.
The multi-function hooks can be loaded up to
a max. of 8.8 lbs/4 kg.
Lightweight objects only
Only hang lightweight objects, e.g. shop‐
ping bags, from the multifunction hooks. Oth‐
erwise, there is a danger of objects flying about
during braking and evasive maneuvers.
Only transport heavy luggage in the trunk if it
has been appropriately secured.◀
Retaining strap A retaining strap is available on the right side
trim for fastening small objects.
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
To secure the cargo, refer to page 174, there
are four lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Adaptive retaining system
At a glance The adaptive retaining system serves to subdi‐
vide the cargo area. It consists of two brackets
with a telescopic rail and a retaining strap.
Do not fold the rear seat backrests down
Fold the rear seat backrest up and hook
the cargo area partition net into place before
using the adaptive retaining system, otherwise
the transported cargo could be thrown into the
vehicle interior in the event of an accident.◀
1Bracket2Telescopic rail3Retaining strap4Fixing point for retaining strap5Fixing points for bracket
Insert the bracket
Press the bracket into the retaining point until
it clicks into place.
Secure the cargo
The cargo may be secured in the following
ways:
▷Between the rear seat backrest and the
telescopic rail.▷Between the telescopic rail and the retain‐
ing strap.
Securing the cargo between the telescopic rail
and the retaining strap:
1.Place the cargo against the telescopic rail.2.Press button 1 and pass the retaining strap
around the cargo, arrow 2.Seite 166ControlsStorage compartments166
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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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In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.
Objects within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
Brake disc corrosion
Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the
brake pads are favored by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during
braking is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
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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. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features 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
calculated in Step 4.Seite 173LoadingDriving tips173
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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 trunk partition net, refer to
page 161, to protect passengers. Make
sure that objects cannot penetrate the
trunk partition net.Securing cargo
Lashing eyes in the trunk
To secure the cargo there are four lashing
eyes in the cargo area.
Lashing eyes in the trunk 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 cargoSecuring cargo
Stow and secure the cargo as described;
otherwise it may present a danger to the occu‐
pants, e.g., during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀▷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 trunk.
Roof-mounted luggage rack NoteInstallation 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
gently.Seite 175LoadingDriving tips175
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Hood
Hints Working in the engine compartment
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without the
necessary professional technical training.
If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide‐
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a service center.
If work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Never reach into the engine compart‐
ment
Never reach into spaces or gaps in the engine
compartment; otherwise, there is a risk of in‐
jury, e.g., from rotating or hot parts.◀
Fold down wiper arm
Before opening the hood, ensure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield, or this
may result in damage.◀
Opening the hood1.Pull lever, arrow 1.
Hood is unlocked2.After the lever is released, pull the lever
again, arrow 2.
Hood can be opened.Indicator/warning lights
When the hood is unlocked, a Check Control
message is displayed.
Closing the hood Hood open when driving
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, pull over im‐
mediately and close it securely.◀
Danger of jamming
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may result.◀
Let the hood drop from a height of approx. 16
in/40 cm and push down on it to lock it fully.
The hood must audibly engage on both sides.
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Removing the exterior tail lamp1.Open the tailgate.2.Use a screwdriver out of the onboard vehi‐
cle tool kit to depress the catch fittings, ar‐
rows, and take off the cover.3.Loosen the two nuts with the screwdriver
handle, arrows.4.Grasp the inner edge of the tail lamp, ar‐
row 1, and carefully pull it backward and
out, arrow 2. Use your free hand to hold it
in place in order to prevent the tail lamp
from coming loose suddenly. Make surethat the foam rubber sealing ring is on the
centering pin.5.Release the catch at the top on the con‐
nector of the connecting line and remove
the connector from the bulb holder.
Replacing the bulbs
1.Loosen the five fasteners, arrows 1, on the
bulb holder and remove the bulb holder
from the tail lamp, arrow 2.2.Press the defective bulb gently into the
socket, turn counterclockwise and remove.3.Proceed in the reverse order to insert the
new bulb and attach the bulb holder. Make
sure that the bulb holder engages in all fas‐
teners.
Installing the tail lamp
1.Connect the connecting line to the tail
lamp and secure the bulb holder in the clip.2.Make sure that the sealing ring is on the
centering pin and that it is not damaged.3.Position and firmly press the outer part of
the tail lamp onto the rubber mount, ar‐
row 1, and the inner part onto the screws,Seite 219Replacing componentsMobility219
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Disposing of old batteriesHave old batteries disposed of by your
service center or bring them to a recy‐
cling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for
transport and storage. Secure the battery so
that it does not tip over during transport.
Fuses Hints Replacing fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a substi‐
tute of another color or amperage rating; this
could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately re‐
sulting in a fire in the vehicle.◀
Plastic tweezers and information on the fuse
types and locations are stored in the fuse box
in the trunk.
In the engine compartment1.Use the onboard vehicle tool kit to loosen
the three cover screws, arrow 1.2.Pull up the holder, arrow 2.3.Remove the cover from one side, arrow 3.4.Press the four fasteners and remove the
cover.
Attaching the covers
1.When attaching the cover, make sure that
all four fasteners are engaged.2.Attach the cover under the rubber lip and
then thread it between the bars.3.Press down on the holder and tighten the
three screws.
In the trunk
Fold up the cargo floor panel.
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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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