tow BMW M3 SEDAN 2015 Owner's Manual

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.◀
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires.
Tire tread Summer 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. If
necessary, have the vehicle towed or trans‐
ported there. Otherwise, tire damage can be‐
come life threatening for vehicle occupants
and also other traffic.◀
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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4.Insert the sealant container on the com‐
pressor housing in an upright position.5.Screw the filling hose of the sealant con‐
tainer onto the tire valve of the defective
wheel.6.With the compressor switched off, insert
the plug into the power socket inside the
vehicle.7.With the ignition turned on or the engine
running, reel on the compressor.
Switch off the compressor after 10 mi‐
nutes
Do not allow the compressor to run longer than
10 minutes; otherwise, the device will overheat
and may be damaged.◀
Let the compressor run for approx. 3 to 8 mi‐
nutes to fill the tire with sealant and achieve a
tire inflation pressure of approx. 2.5 bar.
While the tire is being filled with sealant, the
tire inflation pressure may sporadically reach
approx. 5 bar. Do not reel off the compressor at
this point.
If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar is not
reached:
1.Switch off the compressor.2.Unscrew the filling hose from the wheel.3.Drive 33 ft/10 m forward and back to dis‐
tribute the sealant in the tire.4.Inflate the tire again using the compressor.
If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar cannot be
reached, contact your service center.
Stowing the Mobility System
1.Unscrew the filling hose of the sealant con‐
tainer from the wheel.2.Unscrew the connection hose of the com‐
pressor from the sealant container.3.Connect the filling hose of the sealant con‐
tainer previously connected to the tire
valve with the available connector on the
sealant container.Seite 179Wheels and tiresMobility179
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This prevents leftover sealant from escap‐
ing from the container.4.Wrap the empty sealant container in suita‐
ble material to avoid dirtying the cargo
area.5.Stow the Mobility System back in the vehi‐
cle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. 5 miles/10 km to en‐
sure that the sealant is evenly distributed in the
tire.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If possible, do not drive at speeds less than
12 mph/20 km/h.
To correct the tire inflation pressure
1.Stop at a suitable location.2.Screw the connection hose of the com‐
pressor directly onto the tire valve stem.3.Insert the connector into the power socket
inside the vehicle.4.Correct the tire inflation pressure to
2.5 bar.▷Increase pressure: with the ignition
turned on or the engine running, reel
on the compressor.▷To reduce the pressure: press the but‐
ton on the compressor.
Continuing the trip
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Replace the defective tire and the sealant con‐
tainer of the Mobility System as soon as possi‐
ble.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains Only certain types of fine-link snow chains
have been tested by the manufacturer of the
vehicle, classified as road-safe and approved.
Information about the approved snow chains
are available from the service center.
Use Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:▷255/40 R 18▷255/35 R 19
Follow the snow chain manufacturer's instruc‐
tions.
Make sure that the snow chains are always
sufficiently tight. Retighten as needed accord‐
ing to the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, if needed
briefly activate M Dynamic Mode.
Maximum speed with snow chains
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h
when using snow chains.
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5.Remove the connecting line from the clip
on the bulb holder.6.Press and hold the catch at the top on the
connector of the connecting line and re‐
move the connector from the bulb holder.
Replacing the bulbs
1.Loosen the four fasteners, arrow 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 foam rubber sealing
ring is on the centering pin, arrow 2, and 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 centeringcomponent, arrow 2. Make sure that the
tail lamp engages in the rubber mount.4.Screw the tail lamp on with the two nuts.5.Insert and secure the cover. Make sure that
the tubular seal is not pinched.
Lights in the trunk lid
General information
Follow general instructions, refer to page 190.
Reversing lights: 16-watt bulb, PW16W.
Inner brake lights: 21-watt bulb, H21W
Accessing the lights
1.If needed, remove warning triangle, refer to
page 199, and bracket with the screw‐
driver from the onboard vehicle tool kit, re‐
fer to page 190.2.Use the screwdriver from the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit to loosen and completely re‐
move the screws on the trim.3.Carefully loosen the trim from the trunk lid,
starting at the edge and working towardSeite 194MobilityReplacing components194
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Tow-starting and towingNote Tow-starting and towing
For tow-starting or towing, 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 rear-wheel drive
Your vehicle should be transported with a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
M double clutch 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 in the onboard vehicle tool kit
located in a storage compartment on the right
side in the trunk. Open the 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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Screw thread for tow fitting
Press on the mark of the front cover to push it
out.
Press out the rear cover at the recess using
the screw driver from the onboard vehicle tool
kit.
Tow-starting
M double-clutch transmission
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the M double-clutch 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 199. 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 62, 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 203Breakdown assistanceMobility203
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Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 114
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 73
Accessories and parts 7
Activated-charcoal filter 137
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 111
Active M differential 117
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 113
Adaptive Light Control 94
Adaptive M chassis 117
Additives, oil 185
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 50
After washing vehicle 205
Airbags 98
Airbags, indicator/warning light 99
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 136
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 135
Air distribution, manual 136
Air flow, automatic climate control 136
Air pressure, tires 172
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 137
Alarm system 44
Alarm, unintentional 45
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 177 Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 140
Alternative oil types 185
Ambient light 96
Antifreeze, washer fluid 69
Antilock Brake System, ABS 114
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 115
Approved axle load 211
Approved engine oils, see Suitable engine oil
types 185
Arrival time 87
Ash tray 143
Assistance when driving off 118
Attentiveness assistant 113
AUTO intensity 135
Automatic car wash 204
Automatic climate con‐ trol 134
Automatic Curb Monitor 56
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 100
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 94
Automatic locking 44
Automatic recirculated-air control 136
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 135
AUTO program, intensity 135
Auto Start/Stop function 64
Average fuel consumption 87
Average speed 87
Axle loads, weights 211 B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 52
Backrest, width 52
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 199
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 202
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 196
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 35
Battery, vehicle 195
Belts, safety belts 53
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 149
Blinds, sun protection 47
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
BMW Driver’s Guide App 6
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 188
BMW M technology 154
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholders 149
Brake assistant 114
Brake discs, break-in 156
Brake force display 113
Brake lights, adaptive 113
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 113
Brake pads, break-in 156
Braking, hints 157
Breakdown assistance 198
Break-in 156 Seite 212ReferenceEverything from A to Z212
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Eyes for securing cargo 161
F
Failure message, see Check Control 77
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 45
Fan, refer to Air flow 136
Filler neck for engine oil 184
Fine wood, care 206
First aid kit 199
Fitting for towing, see Tow fit‐ ting 202
Flat tire, changing wheels 195
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor TPM 101
Flat tire, warning lamp 102
Flooding 157
Floor carpet, care 207
Floor mats, care 207
Fold down the rear seat back‐ rest, see Though-loading
system 145
Fold-out position, wiper 69
Foot brake 157
Front airbags 98
Front-end collision warning with City Braking func‐
tion 105
Front lights 191
front-seat passenger airbags, automatic deactivation 100
Front-seat passenger airbags, indicator lamp 100
Fuel 170
Fuel consumption, current 82
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 87
Fuel filler flap 168
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel lid 168
Fuel quality 170
Fuel recommendation 170 Fuel, tank capacity 211
Fuse 196
G
Garage door opener, refer to Universal Integrated Remote
Control 139
Gasoline 170
Gear change 72
Gear shift indicator 84
General driving notes 157
Glare shield 143
Glass sunroof, powered 47
Glove compartment 147
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 211
Ground clearance 158
H
Handbrake, refer to parking brake 66
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 140
Hazard warning flashers 198
Head airbags 98
Headlight control, auto‐ matic 94
Headlight courtesy delay fea‐ ture 93
Headlight flasher 67
Headlight glass 191
Headlights 191
Headlights, care 205
Headlight washer system 67
Head restraints 50
Head restraints, front 54
Head-up Display 90
Head-up Display, care 207
Head-up display, M view 91
Head-up display, standard view 90
Heavy cargo, stowing 161
Height, vehicle 210
High-beam Assistant 95 High beams 67
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 95
High-performance en‐ gine 154
Hills 158
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 118
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 149
Homepage 6
Hood 181
Horn 14
Hotel function, trunk lid 41
Hot exhaust system 157
HUD Head-up Display 90
Hydroplaning 157
I Ice warning, see External temperature warning 81
Icy roads, see External tem‐ perature warning 81
Identification marks, tires 173
Identification number, see ve‐ hicle identification num‐
ber 9
iDrive 18
Ignition key, refer to Remote control 34
Ignition off 62
Ignition on 62
Indication of a flat tire 102
Indicator and alarm lamps, see Check Control 77
Indicator lamp, see Check Control 77
Individual air distribution 136
Individual settings, refer to M Drive 114
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 35
Inflation pressure, tires 172
Info display, refer to On- Board computer 86 Seite 215Everything from A to ZReference215
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