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Model years 2018–2026GLOBAL marketManual language: en

BMW 3 series (2018–2026) owner's manual guide

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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.

OwnersAsk is an independent guide and is not affiliated with BMW. For official documentation and support, visit bmw.com.

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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.

LightMeaningWhat to doPage
Airbag systemWarning light does not illuminate or illuminates continuously: the airbag system or the seat belt tensioners may not be operationalHave the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shopp. 132
Parking brakeThe parking brake is setRelease the parking brakep. 132
Brake systemThe brake pads are worn or there is another issue with the brake systemHave the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shopp. 132
Emergency Stop AssistantThe Emergency Stop Assistant is triggeredRefer to Emergency Stop Assistant informationp. 132
Pedestrian WarningRisk of collision with a pedestrian or cyclist detected; flashing indicates imminent collisionIncrease awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuverp. 132
Forward Collision WarningRisk of collision with a vehicle detected; flashing indicates imminent collisionIncrease awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuverp. 133
Intersection Warning: vehicle detected from the rightRisk of collision with vehicle crossing from the right; flashing indicates imminent collisionIncrease awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuverp. 133
Intersection Warning: vehicle detected from the leftRisk of collision with vehicle crossing from the left; flashing indicates imminent collisionIncrease awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuverp. 133
Intersection Warning: vehicle from undetectable direction of travelRisk of collision with vehicle from unrecognizable direction detected; flashing indicates imminent collisionIncrease awareness or immediately initiate braking or evasive maneuverp. 134
Active Cruise Control with Distance ControlWarning light flashes and acoustic signal soundsBrake and evade as necessaryp. 134
Steering Assistant: system switched offThe system is switched offRefer to Steering Assistant informationp. 134
Steering Assistant: hands not gripping steering wheelDriver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel; system interruption is imminentGrab the steering wheel immediately with your handsp. 134
Antilock Braking SystemSystem may not be operational or is not available; ability to steer may be restricted during full brakingHave the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service centerp. 134
Dynamic Stability Control flashingDynamic Stability Control is regulating driving and brake powerReduce vehicle speed and adjust driving style to road conditionsp. 134
Dynamic Stability Control illuminatedDynamic Stability Control has malfunctioned or is initializingHave the vehicle checked immediately if illuminates continuouslyp. 134
Flat tire monitorFlat tire or tire pressure loss has been detectedReduce speed and stop cautiously. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.p. 135
Tire Pressure Monitor - flashing then illuminating continuouslyFlat tires or tire pressure losses cannot be detectedCheck for radio frequency interference, tires with special approval requiring reset, wheels without electronics, or malfunction requiring service center inspectionp. 135
Steering systemThe steering system may not be operationalHave the vehicle checked by an authorized service center or qualified repair shopp. 135
Pollutant emissions - illuminatedExhaust gas quality is declining, e.g., fuel filler cap fitted incorrectlyCheck fuel filler cap and have system checked by authorized service centerp. 135
Pollutant emissions - flashingExcessive misfiring in the engineReduce vehicle speed and have system checked immediately by authorized service center to prevent damage to catalytic converterp. 135
Turn signalTurn signal is on; rapid flashing indicates bulb failureReplace failed bulb if rapid flashing occursp. 135
Parking lightsParking lights are switched onNo action requiredp. 135
Low-beam headlightsLow-beam headlights are switched onNo action requiredp. 135
High Beam AssistantLow-beam headlights are on with High Beam Assistant activated; high-beam headlights switch on and off automaticallyNo action requiredp. 135
Tire Pressure MonitorFlat tire or tire pressure loss detected; flashing then continuous indicates cannot be detectedFollow Check Control message; have vehicle checked if malfunctionp. 135
Pollutant emissions illuminatedExhaust gas quality is declining, e.g., fuel filler cap fitted incorrectlyHave the system checked by an authorized service centerp. 135
Pollutant emissions flashingExcessive misfiring in the engineReduce vehicle speed and have system checked immediately to avoid damage to catalytic converterp. 135
Lane Departure WarningSystem is switched on; at least one lane boundary detected on one side of vehicleMonitor lane positionp. 135
Lane Departure Warning - illuminatedSystem is switched on and at least one lane boundary detected; system is ready to intervene and perform steering interventionsNo action requiredp. 136
Lane Departure Warning - flashingSystem is performing a steering interventionNo action requiredp. 136
Automatic Hold activatedAfter stopping, Automatic Hold will automatically secure the vehicle to prevent rollingNo action requiredp. 136
Automatic Hold holding vehicleAutomatic Hold is securing the stopped vehicle to prevent rollingNo action requiredp. 136
Manual Speed Limiter - illuminatedSystem is switched onNo action requiredp. 136
Manual Speed Limiter - flashingSet speed limit has been exceededNo action requiredp. 136
Cruise ControlSystem is activeNo action requiredp. 136
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - illuminatedVehicle has been detected aheadNo action requiredp. 136
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - flashingPreceding vehicle has driven offNo action requiredp. 136
Speed Limit Assistant activatedSpeed Limit Assistant is active and detected speed limits can be applied manuallyNo action requiredp. 137
Speed Limit Assistant: Apply speed limitDetected speed limit can be applied with SET buttonPress SET button to apply speed limit; green checkmark will displayp. 137
Steering AssistantSystem is activated and helps keep vehicle in laneNo action requiredp. 137
Lane Change Assistant: lane change in progressSystem is carrying out a lane changeNo action requiredp. 137
Lane Change Assistant: lane change not possibleSystem detected lane change request but change not currently possibleNo action requiredp. 137
Lane Change Assistant: functional requirements not metLane change not possible; functional requirements not metNo action requiredp. 137
Assisted Driving Mode PlusSystem is activeNo action requiredp. 137
High-beam headlightsHigh-beam headlights have been switched onNo action requiredp. 138
Seat belt reminderSeat belt on passenger seat or another seat in vehicle is not buckledBuckle seat beltp. 138
Manual Speed Limiter - graySystem is interruptedNo action requiredp. 138
Cruise Control - graySystem is interruptedNo action requiredp. 138
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - gray illuminatedSystem is interruptedNo action requiredp. 138
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control - gray flashingConditions not adequate for system to work; system was deactivated but applies brakesActively resume control by pressing brake pedal or accelerator pedalp. 138
Steering Assistant - graySystem is on standby and does not manipulate steering movementsSystem will activate automatically when all conditions are fulfilledp. 138
Assisted Driving Mode Plus - graySystem is interrupted and will activate automatically when functional requirements are metNo action requiredp. 138
Cruise Control with Distance Control - whiteNo Distance Control because accelerator pedal is being pressedNo action requiredp. 138
Assisted Driving Mode Plus - whiteSystem can be activatedNo action requiredp. 138
Engine temperature - cold engineNeedle is in blue temperature range; WARM-UP displayedDrive at moderate RPM and vehicle speedsp. 140
Engine temperature - hot engineNeedle is in red temperature rangeRefer to Check Control message and coolant levelp. 140
Outside temperature indicatorTemperature has dropped to +37°F/+3°C or lower; increased risk of ice on roadsA signal sounds and Check Control message displays. Modify driving style to weather conditionsp. 141
Airbag system warning lightOperational readiness of airbag system and seat belt tensioners; or system malfunction if does not illuminate at startup or illuminates continuouslyHave vehicle checked immediately by authorized service center if malfunction indicators appearp. 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 seatp. 163
Forward Collision Mitigation warning lightsRed 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 speedsp. 166
Forward Collision Mitigation - Red warning light illuminatesA hazardous situation has been detectedIncreased awareness is requiredp. 167
Forward Collision Mitigation - Red warning light flashesThere is a risk of collisionIntervene immediatelyp. 167
Forward Collision Warning with braking functionRisk of collision with a detected vehicleIntervene immediatelyp. 169
Pedestrian Warning with city braking functionRisk of collision with a pedestrian or cyclistIntervene immediatelyp. 170
Intersection Warning - crossing from the rightRisk of collision with vehicle crossing from the rightIntervene immediatelyp. 172
Intersection Warning - crossing from the leftRisk of collision with vehicle crossing from the leftIntervene immediatelyp. 172
Intersection Warning - undetermined directionRisk of collision with vehicle for which driving direction cannot be determinedIntervene immediatelyp. 172
Evasion Assistant - vehicle detectedRisk of imminent collision with a detected vehicleIntervene immediatelyp. 173
Evasion Assistant - pedestrian detectedRisk of collision with a pedestrianIntervene immediatelyp. 173
Lane Departure Warning indicatorSystem is switched on and ready; at least one lane boundary detectedSystem is ready to intervene and issue warningsp. 175
Lane Departure Warning indicator flashing greenSystem is performing a steering interventionMonitor steering; intervention can be manually overriddenp. 175
Active Blind Spot Detection warning light in exterior mirror (dimmed)Vehicles in blind spot or approaching from rearMonitor traffic; do not change lanes without checkingp. 179
Active Blind Spot Detection warning light in exterior mirror (flashing)Acute warning of possible collision when turn signal activatedDo not change lanes; steering wheel vibration occursp. 179
Side Collision Protection warning light in exterior mirrorRisk of side collision with detected vehicleMonitor and be ready to intervene; system may perform steering interventionp. 181
Side Collision Protection acute warning (flashing mirror light and steering wheel vibration)Risk of collision detectedTake immediate action to avoid collisionp. 181
Emergency Stop Assistant - hands not on steering wheel (amber warning light)Driver's hands are not gripping the steering wheel while system is activeGrab the steering wheel with your handsp. 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 imminentGrab the steering wheel immediately with your handsp. 184
Emergency Stop Assistant - lane keeping switched off (red warning light with acoustic signal)Lane keeping has been switched offTake control of the vehiclep. 184
Cross Traffic Warning - warning light in exterior mirrorVehicles detected by rear sensors when reversingCheck surroundings and proceed with cautionp. 186
Antilock Braking System warning lightAntilock Braking System is not availableHave the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shopp. 193
Dynamic Stability Control indicator lightDynamic Stability Control is deactivatedReactivate Dynamic Stability Control as soon as possible to support driving stabilityp. 194
Dynamic Stability Control warning light (flashing)Dynamic Stability Control is regulating driving and brake power; vehicle is being stabilizedReduce speed and modify driving style to driving circumstancesp. 194
Dynamic Stability Control warning light (illuminated)Dynamic Stability Control has failed or is initializing; driving stabilization is restricted or failedHave the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shopp. 194
Variable Sport Steering warning lightSteering system may not be operational; Variable Sport Steering assistance may no longer be providedProceed cautiously and practice anticipatory driving; have vehicle checked by authorized service center or qualified repair shopp. 196
White indicator lightNo Distance Control because accelerator pedal is being pressedNone requiredp. 209
Green indicator lightVehicle has been detected aheadMonitor system operationp. 209
Green flashing indicator lightPreceding vehicle has driven offMonitor system operationp. 209
Gray indicator lightSystem interruptedManually resume control or reactivate systemp. 209
Gray flashing indicator lightConditions are not adequate for the system to workThe system deactivates but applies brakes until driver actively resumes control via brake or accelerator pedalp. 209
Red flashing warning light with acoustic signalImminent collision riskBrake and make an evasive maneuver if necessaryp. 209
Speed Limit Assistant indicator (green)Speed Limit Assistant is active and detected speed limits can be applied manuallyMonitor system statusp. 212
Speed Limit Assistant indicator (green checkmark)Detected speed limit has been applied to active driver assistance systemMonitor system statusp. 213
Steering Assistant indicator (gray)System is on standby and does not manipulate steering movementsMonitor system statusp. 215
Steering Assistant indicator (green)System is active and supports driver in keeping vehicle within laneMonitor system statusp. 215
Steering Assistant warning light (yellow flash)Lane boundary has been crossedResume control; steering wheel vibratesp. 215
Steering Assistant warning light (yellow)Driver's hands are not currently gripping steering wheel; system still activeGrab steering wheel with hands immediatelyp. 215
Steering Assistant warning light (red, acoustic signal)Driver's hands not gripping steering wheel; system interruption imminent; vehicle may reduce speed to standstillGrab steering wheel immediately with handsp. 216
Assisted Driving Mode Plus indicator (green)System is active and assisting driver with vehicle controlMonitor system statusp. 218
Assisted Driving Mode Plus indicator (white)System is readyMonitor system statusp. 218
Assisted Driving Mode Plus indicator (gray)System has been interruptedMonitor system statusp. 218
Automatic Parking Assistant status iconSystem has failed to detect suitable parking spaceRefer to system limits and attempt parking in different location or use manual parkingp. 223
Automatic Parking Assistant search activeSystem is actively searching for suitable parking spacesContinue driving slowly past potential parking spaces at proper speed and distancep. 223
Active Park Distance Control engagedEmergency braking function is active and controlling vehicleBe ready to take over control; press accelerator to interrupt braking if neededp. 223
Back Up Assistant activeSteering control is being provided during reverse operationControl speed with pedals only; be prepared to take over steeringp. 223
Park Distance Control warning iconSystem malfunction or sensor issue detectedHave the vehicle checked by an authorized or qualified service centerp. 233
Tire pressure low warning light (yellow)Tire pressure loss detectedReduce 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 lossReduce 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 lossesCheck 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 monitorReduce speed and stop cautiously, avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Check tire type and follow appropriate flat tire actions.p. 309
Flat tire warning lightFlat tire or major tire pressure loss indicated by yellow warning light in instrument cluster with Check Control messageReduce 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 changep. 309
Exhaust emissions warning light (illuminated)Exhaust gas quality is declining, such as due to incorrect fuel filler cap installationHave the vehicle checked as soon as possiblep. 335
Exhaust emissions warning light (flashing)Excessive misfiring occurring in the engineReduce 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 converterp. 335

Fluids & capacities(2)

FluidCapacitySpecificationPage
Washer fluid0.4 US gal/2 litersRecommended minimum fill quantityp. 332
Fuel tank15.6 US gal / 59 litersApprox.p. 354

Service intervals(3)

ItemIntervalPage
Tire inflation pressure checkAt least twice a month; before extended tripsp. 28
Tire pressure checkTwice a month and before a long tripp. 288
Tire replacementAt least every 6 years regardless of tread depthp. 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.