check engine BMW 3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON 2015 F31 Owner's Guide

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.
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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.◀
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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. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features 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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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 84, 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‐
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Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis
Note Socket for Onboard Diagnosis
The socket for onboard diagnostics may
only be used by the service center or a work‐
shop that operates in accordance with the
specifications of the vehicle manufacturer with
correspondingly trained personnel and other
authorized persons. Otherwise, use may result
in operating problems for the vehicle.◀
Position
There is an OBD socket on the driver's side for
checking the primary components in the vehi‐
cle's emissions.
Emissions
▷The warning lamp lights up:
Emissions are deteriorating. Have
the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.▷The warning lamp flashes under certain
circumstances:
This indicates that there is excessive mis‐
firing in the engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have the
system checked immediately; otherwise,
serious engine misfiring within a brief pe‐
riod can seriously damage emission con‐
trol components, in particular the catalytic
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Changing wheels
Hints
When using run-flat tires or sealants, a tire
does not need to be changed immediately in
the event of pressure loss due to a flat tire.
Which is why no spare tire is available.
The tools for changing wheels are available as
accessories from your service center.
Jacking points for the vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐
cated at the positions shown.
Vehicle battery Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free.
The added amount of acid is sufficient for the
service life of the battery.
Further information about the battery can be
obtained from your service center.
Battery replacement Use approved vehicle batteries only
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble.◀
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by the service center
to ensure that all comfort features are fully
available and that any Check Control mes‐
sages of these comfort features are no longer
displayed.
Charging the battery
General information
Make sure that the battery is always suffi‐
ciently charged to guarantee that the battery
remains usable for its full service life.
The battery may need to be charged in the fol‐
lowing cases:▷When making frequent short-distance
drives.▷If the vehicle is not used for prolonged pe‐
riods, longer than a month.
Hints
Do not connect charging devices to the
12 volt socket in the vehicle
Do not connect battery chargers to the fac‐
tory-installed 12 volt sockets in the vehicle as
this may damage the vehicle battery due to an
increased power consumption.◀
Starting aid terminals
In the vehicle, only charge the battery via the
starting aid terminals, refer to page 226, in the
engine compartment with the engine off.
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
needs to be newly initialized or individual set‐
tings updated, e. g.:
▷Seat and mirror memory: store the posi‐
tions again.▷Time: update.▷Date: update.▷Glass sunroof: initialize the system, refer to
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When the emergency request is received
at the BMW Response Center, the BMW
Response Center contacts you and takes
further steps to help you.
Even if you are unable to respond, the
BMW Response Center can take further
steps to help you under certain circum‐
stances.
For this, data are transmitted to the BMW
Response Center which serve to deter‐
mine the necessary rescue measures. E. g.
the current position of the vehicle, if it can
be established.▷If the LED is flashing green, but the BMW
Response Center can no longer be heard
via the speaker, you can nevertheless still
be heard at the BMW Response Center.
Initiating an Emergency Request
automatically
Under certain conditions, an Emergency Re‐
quest is automatically initiated immediately af‐
ter a severe accident. Automatic Collision Noti‐
fication is not affected by pressing the SOS
button.
Warning triangle
The warning triangle is located in the tailgate.
To open the catches, arrows, turn through 90°.
Fold back the trim.
First aid kit
Note
Some of the articles have a limited service life.
Check the expiration dates of the contents
regularly and replace any expired items
promptly.
Storage
The first aid kit is located behind the left-hand
cover in the trunk.
Jump-starting
General information If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started using the battery of another vehicle and two jumper cables. Only use jumper ca‐
bles with fully insulated clamp handles.
Hints Do not touch live parts
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal in‐
jury, always avoid all contact with electrical
components while the engine is running.◀
To prevent personal injury or damage to both
vehicles, adhere strictly to the following proce‐
dure.
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PreparationBodywork contact between vehicles
Make sure that there is no contact be‐
tween the bodywork of the two vehicles; other‐
wise, there is a danger of short circuits.◀1.Check whether the battery of the other ve‐
hicle has a voltage of 12 volts. This infor‐
mation can be found on the battery.2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi‐
cle.3.Switch off any electronic systems/power
consumers in both vehicles.
Starting aid terminals
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order to prevent risk of injury from arcing.◀
The so-called starting aid terminal in the en‐
gine compartment acts as the battery's posi‐
tive terminal.
Open the cover of the starting aid terminal.
The body ground or a special nut acts as the
battery negative terminal.
Connecting the cables1.Open the cover of the BMW starting aid
terminal.2.Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding starting
aid terminal of the vehicle providing assis‐
tance.3.Attach the terminal clamp on the other end
of the cable to the positive terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding starting
aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.4.Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper cable to the negative terminal of
the battery, or to the corresponding engine
or body ground of assisting vehicle.5.Attach the second terminal clamp to the
negative terminal of the battery, or to the
corresponding engine or body ground of
the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle
and let it run for several minutes at an in‐
creased idle speed.
If the vehicle to be started has a diesel en‐
gine: let the engine of the assisting vehicle
run for approx. 10 minutes.2.Start the engine of the vehicle that is to be
started in the usual way.
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.
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Screw thread for tow fitting
Press on the mark on the edge of the cover to
push it out.
Tow-starting
Steptronic transmission
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the Steptronic transmission.
Have the cause of the starting problems fixed.
Manual transmission If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 225. If the vehicle is equipped with a cat‐
alytic converter, only tow-start while the en‐
gine is cold.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Ignition, refer to page 65, on.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch pedal pressed and slowly release
the pedal. After the engine starts, immedi‐
ately press on the clutch pedal again.5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard
warning system.6.Have the vehicle checked.Seite 229Breakdown assistanceMobility229
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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‐
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