Model years 2018–2026GLOBAL marketManual language: en
BMW 3 series (2018–2026) owner's manual guide
This guide summarizes the official owner's manual for the BMW 3 series, model years 2018–2026. It is an original overview - not a reproduction of the manual - covering what each chapter contains and answers to common owner questions, grounded in the manual's content with section and page references.
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Answers come only from the BMW 3 series (2018–2026) owner's manual, with section and page references. Ask in any language.
What the manual covers(39)
- Generalp. 1
- Informationp. 6
- Getting inp. 16
- Set-up and usep. 20
- On the roadp. 24
- Dashboardp. 30
- Sensors of the vehiclep. 35
- Operating state of the vehiclep. 40
- BMW iDrivep. 43
- BMW Remote Software Upgradep. 58
- Personal settingsp. 62
- Opening and closingp. 68
- Seats, mirrors and steering wheelp. 95
- Transporting children safelyp. 109
- Drivingp. 115
- Displaysp. 128
- Light and viewp. 149
- Safetyp. 160
- Driving stability control systemsp. 193
- Driver assistance systemsp. 197
- Parkingp. 221
- Driving comfortp. 241
- Climate controlp. 242
- Interior equipmentp. 256
- Storage compartmentsp. 264
- Cargo areap. 268
- Things to remember when drivingp. 274
- Saving fuelp. 280
- Refuelingp. 286
- Wheels and tiresp. 288
- Engine compartmentp. 324
- Operating fluidsp. 327
- Maintenancep. 334
- Replacing componentsp. 336
- Breakdown Assistancep. 340
- Vehicle carep. 347
- Technical datap. 354
- Appendixp. 357
- Everything from A to Zp. 360
Dashboard warning lights(112)
What each warning light means, extracted from the manual. Always confirm the full procedure on the cited page or with a workshop.
| Light | Meaning | What to do | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | Warning light does not illuminate or illuminates continuously: the airbag system or the seat belt tensioners may not be operational | Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop | p. 132 |
| Parking brake | The parking brake is set | Release the parking brake | p. 132 |
| Brake system | The brake pads are worn or there is another issue with the brake system | Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop | p. 132 |
| Emergency Stop Assistant | The Emergency Stop Assistant is triggered | Refer to Emergency Stop Assistant information | p. 132 |
| Pedestrian Warning | Risk of collision with a pedestrian or cyclist detected; flashing indicates imminent collision | Increase awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuver | p. 132 |
| Forward Collision Warning | Risk of collision with a vehicle detected; flashing indicates imminent collision | Increase awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuver | p. 133 |
| Intersection Warning: vehicle detected from the right | Risk of collision with vehicle crossing from the right; flashing indicates imminent collision | Increase awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuver | p. 133 |
| Intersection Warning: vehicle detected from the left | Risk of collision with vehicle crossing from the left; flashing indicates imminent collision | Increase awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuver | p. 133 |
| Intersection Warning: vehicle from undetectable direction of travel | Risk of collision with vehicle from unrecognizable direction detected; flashing indicates imminent collision | Increase awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuver | p. 134 |
| Active Cruise Control with Distance Control | Warning light flashes and acoustic signal sounds | Brake and evade as necessary | p. 134 |
| Steering Assistant: system switched off | The system is switched off | Refer to Steering Assistant information | p. 134 |
| Steering Assistant: hands not gripping steering wheel | Driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel; system interruption is imminent | Grab the steering wheel immediately with your hands | p. 134 |
| Antilock Braking System | System may not be operational or is not available; ability to steer may be restricted during full braking | Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center | p. 134 |
| Dynamic Stability Control flashing | Dynamic Stability Control is regulating driving and brake power | Reduce vehicle speed and adjust driving style to road conditions | p. 134 |
| Dynamic Stability Control illuminated | Dynamic Stability Control has malfunctioned or is initializing | Have the vehicle checked immediately if illuminates continuously | p. 134 |
| Flat tire monitor | Flat tire or tire pressure loss has been detected | Reduce speed and stop cautiously. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. | p. 135 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor - flashing then illuminating continuously | Flat tires or tire pressure losses cannot be detected | Check for radio frequency interference, tires with special approval requiring reset, wheels without electronics, or malfunction requiring service center inspection | p. 135 |
| Steering system | The steering system may not be operational | Have the vehicle checked by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop | p. 135 |
| Pollutant emissions - illuminated | Exhaust gas quality is declining, e.g., fuel filler cap fitted incorrectly | Check fuel filler cap and have system checked by authorized service center | p. 135 |
| Pollutant emissions - flashing | Excessive misfiring in the engine | Reduce vehicle speed and have system checked immediately by authorized service center to prevent damage to catalytic converter | p. 135 |
| Turn signal | Turn signal is on; rapid flashing indicates bulb failure | Replace failed bulb if rapid flashing occurs | p. 135 |
| Parking lights | Parking lights are switched on | No action required | p. 135 |
| Low-beam headlights | Low-beam headlights are switched on | No action required | p. 135 |
| High Beam Assistant | Low-beam headlights are on with High Beam Assistant activated; high-beam headlights switch on and off automatically | No action required | p. 135 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Flat tire or tire pressure loss detected; flashing then continuous indicates cannot be detected | Follow Check Control message; have vehicle checked if malfunction | p. 135 |
| Pollutant emissions illuminated | Exhaust gas quality is declining, e.g., fuel filler cap fitted incorrectly | Have the system checked by an authorized service center | p. 135 |
| Pollutant emissions flashing | Excessive misfiring in the engine | Reduce vehicle speed and have system checked immediately to avoid damage to catalytic converter | p. 135 |
| Lane Departure Warning | System is switched on; at least one lane boundary detected on one side of vehicle | Monitor lane position | p. 135 |
| Lane Departure Warning - illuminated | System is switched on and at least one lane boundary detected; system is ready to intervene and perform steering interventions | No action required | p. 136 |
| Lane Departure Warning - flashing | System is performing a steering intervention | No action required | p. 136 |
| Automatic Hold activated | After stopping, Automatic Hold will automatically secure the vehicle to prevent rolling | No action required | p. 136 |
| Automatic Hold holding vehicle | Automatic Hold is securing the stopped vehicle to prevent rolling | No action required | p. 136 |
| Manual Speed Limiter - illuminated | System is switched on | No action required | p. 136 |
| Manual Speed Limiter - flashing | Set speed limit has been exceeded | No action required | p. 136 |
| Cruise Control | System is active | No action required | p. 136 |
| Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - illuminated | Vehicle has been detected ahead | No action required | p. 136 |
| Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - flashing | Preceding vehicle has driven off | No action required | p. 136 |
| Speed Limit Assistant activated | Speed Limit Assistant is active and detected speed limits can be applied manually | No action required | p. 137 |
| Speed Limit Assistant: Apply speed limit | Detected speed limit can be applied with SET button | Press SET button to apply speed limit; green checkmark will display | p. 137 |
| Steering Assistant | System is activated and helps keep vehicle in lane | No action required | p. 137 |
| Lane Change Assistant: lane change in progress | System is carrying out a lane change | No action required | p. 137 |
| Lane Change Assistant: lane change not possible | System detected lane change request but change not currently possible | No action required | p. 137 |
| Lane Change Assistant: functional requirements not met | Lane change not possible; functional requirements not met | No action required | p. 137 |
| Assisted Driving Mode Plus | System is active | No action required | p. 137 |
| High-beam headlights | High-beam headlights have been switched on | No action required | p. 138 |
| Seat belt reminder | Seat belt on passenger seat or another seat in vehicle is not buckled | Buckle seat belt | p. 138 |
| Manual Speed Limiter - gray | System is interrupted | No action required | p. 138 |
| Cruise Control - gray | System is interrupted | No action required | p. 138 |
| Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - gray illuminated | System is interrupted | No action required | p. 138 |
| Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - gray flashing | Conditions not adequate for system to work; system was deactivated but applies brakes | Actively resume control by pressing brake pedal or accelerator pedal | p. 138 |
| Steering Assistant - gray | System is on standby and does not manipulate steering movements | System will activate automatically when all conditions are fulfilled | p. 138 |
| Assisted Driving Mode Plus - gray | System is interrupted and will activate automatically when functional requirements are met | No action required | p. 138 |
| Cruise Control with Distance Control - white | No Distance Control because accelerator pedal is being pressed | No action required | p. 138 |
| Assisted Driving Mode Plus - white | System can be activated | No action required | p. 138 |
| Engine temperature - cold engine | Needle is in blue temperature range; WARM-UP displayed | Drive at moderate RPM and vehicle speeds | p. 140 |
| Engine temperature - hot engine | Needle is in red temperature range | Refer to Check Control message and coolant level | p. 140 |
| Outside temperature indicator | Temperature has dropped to +37°F/+3°C or lower; increased risk of ice on roads | A signal sounds and Check Control message displays. Modify driving style to weather conditions | p. 141 |
| Airbag system warning light | Operational readiness of airbag system and seat belt tensioners; or system malfunction if does not illuminate at startup or illuminates continuously | Have vehicle checked immediately by authorized service center if malfunction indicators appear | p. 162 |
| Front passenger airbag indicator light (headliner) | Illuminated when child in restraint system or seat empty (airbag deactivated); not illuminated when correctly seated adult detected (airbag activated) | Change seat position if airbag deactivates unintentionally; if unable to activate, have occupant sit in rear seat | p. 163 |
| Forward Collision Mitigation warning lights | Red illuminated: hazardous situation detected; Red flashing: risk of collision; Multiple icons indicate collision direction (pedestrian, preceding vehicle, crossing vehicles, unrecognizable direction) | Intervene immediately; system may provide automatic brake intervention up to specified speeds | p. 166 |
| Forward Collision Mitigation - Red warning light illuminates | A hazardous situation has been detected | Increased awareness is required | p. 167 |
| Forward Collision Mitigation - Red warning light flashes | There is a risk of collision | Intervene immediately | p. 167 |
| Forward Collision Warning with braking function | Risk of collision with a detected vehicle | Intervene immediately | p. 169 |
| Pedestrian Warning with city braking function | Risk of collision with a pedestrian or cyclist | Intervene immediately | p. 170 |
| Intersection Warning - crossing from the right | Risk of collision with vehicle crossing from the right | Intervene immediately | p. 172 |
| Intersection Warning - crossing from the left | Risk of collision with vehicle crossing from the left | Intervene immediately | p. 172 |
| Intersection Warning - undetermined direction | Risk of collision with vehicle for which driving direction cannot be determined | Intervene immediately | p. 172 |
| Evasion Assistant - vehicle detected | Risk of imminent collision with a detected vehicle | Intervene immediately | p. 173 |
| Evasion Assistant - pedestrian detected | Risk of collision with a pedestrian | Intervene immediately | p. 173 |
| Lane Departure Warning indicator | System is switched on and ready; at least one lane boundary detected | System is ready to intervene and issue warnings | p. 175 |
| Lane Departure Warning indicator flashing green | System is performing a steering intervention | Monitor steering; intervention can be manually overridden | p. 175 |
| Active Blind Spot Detection warning light in exterior mirror (dimmed) | Vehicles in blind spot or approaching from rear | Monitor traffic; do not change lanes without checking | p. 179 |
| Active Blind Spot Detection warning light in exterior mirror (flashing) | Acute warning of possible collision when turn signal activated | Do not change lanes; steering wheel vibration occurs | p. 179 |
| Side Collision Protection warning light in exterior mirror | Risk of side collision with detected vehicle | Monitor and be ready to intervene; system may perform steering intervention | p. 181 |
| Side Collision Protection acute warning (flashing mirror light and steering wheel vibration) | Risk of collision detected | Take immediate action to avoid collision | p. 181 |
| Emergency Stop Assistant - hands not on steering wheel (amber warning light) | Driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel while system is active | Grab the steering wheel with your hands | p. 184 |
| Emergency Stop Assistant - hands not on steering wheel (red warning light with acoustic signal) | Driver's hands not on steering wheel; interruption of lane keeping imminent | Grab the steering wheel immediately with your hands | p. 184 |
| Emergency Stop Assistant - lane keeping switched off (red warning light with acoustic signal) | Lane keeping has been switched off | Take control of the vehicle | p. 184 |
| Cross Traffic Warning - warning light in exterior mirror | Vehicles detected by rear sensors when reversing | Check surroundings and proceed with caution | p. 186 |
| Antilock Braking System warning light | Antilock Braking System is not available | Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop | p. 193 |
| Dynamic Stability Control indicator light | Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated | Reactivate Dynamic Stability Control as soon as possible to support driving stability | p. 194 |
| Dynamic Stability Control warning light (flashing) | Dynamic Stability Control is regulating driving and brake power; vehicle is being stabilized | Reduce speed and modify driving style to driving circumstances | p. 194 |
| Dynamic Stability Control warning light (illuminated) | Dynamic Stability Control has failed or is initializing; driving stabilization is restricted or failed | Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop | p. 194 |
| Variable Sport Steering warning light | Steering system may not be operational; Variable Sport Steering assistance may no longer be provided | Proceed cautiously and practice anticipatory driving; have vehicle checked by authorized service center or qualified repair shop | p. 196 |
| White indicator light | No Distance Control because accelerator pedal is being pressed | None required | p. 209 |
| Green indicator light | Vehicle has been detected ahead | Monitor system operation | p. 209 |
| Green flashing indicator light | Preceding vehicle has driven off | Monitor system operation | p. 209 |
| Gray indicator light | System interrupted | Manually resume control or reactivate system | p. 209 |
| Gray flashing indicator light | Conditions are not adequate for the system to work | The system deactivates but applies brakes until driver actively resumes control via brake or accelerator pedal | p. 209 |
| Red flashing warning light with acoustic signal | Imminent collision risk | Brake and make an evasive maneuver if necessary | p. 209 |
| Speed Limit Assistant indicator (green) | Speed Limit Assistant is active and detected speed limits can be applied manually | Monitor system status | p. 212 |
| Speed Limit Assistant indicator (green checkmark) | Detected speed limit has been applied to active driver assistance system | Monitor system status | p. 213 |
| Steering Assistant indicator (gray) | System is on standby and does not manipulate steering movements | Monitor system status | p. 215 |
| Steering Assistant indicator (green) | System is active and supports driver in keeping vehicle within lane | Monitor system status | p. 215 |
| Steering Assistant warning light (yellow flash) | Lane boundary has been crossed | Resume control; steering wheel vibrates | p. 215 |
| Steering Assistant warning light (yellow) | Driver's hands are not currently gripping steering wheel; system still active | Grab steering wheel with hands immediately | p. 215 |
| Steering Assistant warning light (red, acoustic signal) | Driver's hands not gripping steering wheel; system interruption imminent; vehicle may reduce speed to standstill | Grab steering wheel immediately with hands | p. 216 |
| Assisted Driving Mode Plus indicator (green) | System is active and assisting driver with vehicle control | Monitor system status | p. 218 |
| Assisted Driving Mode Plus indicator (white) | System is ready | Monitor system status | p. 218 |
| Assisted Driving Mode Plus indicator (gray) | System has been interrupted | Monitor system status | p. 218 |
| Automatic Parking Assistant status icon | System has failed to detect suitable parking space | Refer to system limits and attempt parking in different location or use manual parking | p. 223 |
| Automatic Parking Assistant search active | System is actively searching for suitable parking spaces | Continue driving slowly past potential parking spaces at proper speed and distance | p. 223 |
| Active Park Distance Control engaged | Emergency braking function is active and controlling vehicle | Be ready to take over control; press accelerator to interrupt braking if needed | p. 223 |
| Back Up Assistant active | Steering control is being provided during reverse operation | Control speed with pedals only; be prepared to take over steering | p. 223 |
| Park Distance Control warning icon | System malfunction or sensor issue detected | Have the vehicle checked by an authorized or qualified service center | p. 233 |
| Tire pressure low warning light (yellow) | Tire pressure loss detected | Reduce speed to no more than 80 mph/130 km/h, check all four tire pressures at next opportunity and correct if necessary. For tires with special approval, perform system reset. | p. 304 |
| Significant tire pressure loss warning light (yellow with affected tire icon) | Flat tire or major tire pressure loss | Reduce speed and stop cautiously, avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Check if vehicle has standard or run-flat tires. Follow flat tire procedures. | p. 305 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor malfunction indicator (yellow flashing then continuous) | System malfunction or unable to identify tire pressure losses | Check for wheel without air pressure sensor, verify no interference from systems with same transmission frequency, perform system reset for special approval tires, or contact authorized service center if malfunction persists. | p. 307 |
| Flat tire indicator (yellow warning light) | Flat tire or major tire pressure loss detected by flat tire monitor | Reduce speed and stop cautiously, avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Check tire type and follow appropriate flat tire actions. | p. 309 |
| Flat tire warning light | Flat tire or major tire pressure loss indicated by yellow warning light in instrument cluster with Check Control message | Reduce speed and stop cautiously; avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers; check tire pressure in all four tires; identify damaged tire; repair with flat tire kit or wheel change | p. 309 |
| Exhaust emissions warning light (illuminated) | Exhaust gas quality is declining, such as due to incorrect fuel filler cap installation | Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible | p. 335 |
| Exhaust emissions warning light (flashing) | Excessive misfiring occurring in the engine | Reduce vehicle speed and have the system checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop to prevent severe engine damage to emissions-related components, especially the catalytic converter | p. 335 |
Fluids & capacities(2)
| Fluid | Capacity | Specification | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washer fluid | 0.4 US gal/2 liters | Recommended minimum fill quantity | p. 332 |
| Fuel tank | 15.6 US gal / 59 liters | Approx. | p. 354 |
Service intervals(3)
| Item | Interval | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Tire inflation pressure check | At least twice a month; before extended trips | p. 28 |
| Tire pressure check | Twice a month and before a long trip | p. 288 |
| Tire replacement | At least every 6 years regardless of tread depth | p. 295 |
Frequently asked questions(12)
- What manual chapters were updated after the editorial deadline?
- The Operation chapters covering Key Card deactivation, Access to the vehicle interior locking procedures, and Attaching child restraint systems were updated in the printed version after the editorial deadline.
- What is the minimum safe distance required between the Tire Pressure Monitoring System radiator and my body?
- This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body, as required by FCC and IC radiation exposure limits.
- Can I modify or make changes to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System equipment?
- No. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance void your authority to operate the equipment.
- Can the TPMS transmitter be used together with another antenna or transmitter?
- No. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
- What should I do if the Speed Limit Assistant detects a new speed limit?
- When the system detects a change in the speed limit, a suggested speed value is displayed in the instrument cluster. If the SET icon illuminates green, you can press the corresponding button on the steering wheel to manually apply the detected speed limit to your active cruise control system. However, the corresponding driver assistance system must be activated for the speed value to apply. The manual states: Adjust the set speed to traffic conditions and watch surrounding traffic closely to actively intervene where appropriate.
- What are the functional requirements for Steering Assistant to work?
- Steering Assistant requires: speed below 130 mph/210 km/h; sufficient lane width; above 43 mph lane boundaries detected on both sides, or below 43 mph lane boundaries or a vehicle ahead detected; hands on the steering wheel rim; wide curves; driving in the center of the lane; turn signal switched off; complete sensor system calibration; Cruise Control with Distance Control active; fastened driver's side seat belt; Forward Collision Warning with braking function on; Pedestrian Warning with city braking function on; and Side Collision Protection active.
- When will Steering Assistant stop providing steering support automatically?
- Steering Assistant automatically interrupts supporting steering movements in these situations: speed above 130 mph/210 km/h; steering wheel released; manual braking; strong steering intervention; leaving own lane; turn signal switched on; lane too narrow; lane boundary not detected for a certain period and no vehicle ahead; Active Cruise Control with Distance Control stopped; or driver's side seat belt unfastened.
- What does a red warning light and acoustic signal on the Steering Assistant mean?
- A red warning light with an acoustic signal indicates the driver's hands are not currently gripping the steering wheel and system interruption is imminent. The system may reduce the speed to a standstill if applicable and may not execute any supporting steering movements. The manual warns: Grab the steering wheel immediately with your hands.
- What are the functional requirements specific to Assisted Driving Mode Plus beyond Steering Assistant requirements?
- Beyond the Steering Assistant functional requirements, Assisted Driving Mode Plus requires: Steering Assistant must be active; function only available on certain street types such as freeways; driving on a road without pedestrians or cyclists; sufficient lane width; both lane boundaries and a vehicle ahead detected; speed below approximately 40 mph/60 km/h; Driver Attention Camera detecting that the driver is paying attention to surrounding traffic; and the function must be available in the country where the vehicle is driven.
- Is Assisted Driving Mode Plus a substitute for my attention as the driver?
- No. The manual states: The system cannot serve as a substitute for the driver's personal judgment in assessing the traffic situation. Based on the limits of the system, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations. There is a risk of accident, injury, and property damage. You must adjust your driving style to traffic conditions, watch the surrounding traffic situation closely, be ready to take over steering and braking at any time, and actively intervene where appropriate. Additionally, federal, state, or local laws may differ and the use of this function may be prohibited or limited, so you must check applicable laws before use.
- How do I activate the High Beam Assistant?
- Press the button on the turn signal lever. The High Beam Assistant will automatically switch between low-beam and high-beam headlights depending on traffic conditions. The system requires automatic headlight control to be activated and low-beam headlights to be switched on. Note: if you manually switch high-beam headlights on and off, the High Beam Assistant will deactivate and you must press the button again to reactivate it.
- What should I do if the rain sensor activates in a car wash?
- Deactivate the rain sensor in car washes. The rain sensor can accidentally start wiper movement in car wash environments, risking property damage.