2026 BMW 3 Series Owner's Manual

2026 BMW 3 Series owners manual
Year:
2026
Make:
BMW
Model:
3 Series

Online manual

Size:
4.08 MB

Table of Contents

- Notes
6
Information
6
Using this Owner's Manual
6
Media at a glance
6
Additional sources of information
7
Icons and displays
7
Vehicle features and options
8
Status of the Owner's Manual
8
For your own safety
9
Data memory
11
Event Data Recorder
13
Vehicle identification number
13
Getting in
16
Opening and closing
16
Displays, operating elements
17
Set-up and use
20
Seats, mirrors and steering wheel
20
Infotainment
22
On the road
24
Driving
24
Light and view
25
Climate control
27
Intermediate stop
28
Dashboard
30
Vehicle features and options
30
In the vicinity of the steering wheel
30
In the vicinity of the center console
32
In the vicinity of the headliner
34
Sensors of the vehicle
35
Vehicle features and options
35
Overview
35
Cameras
35
Radar sensors
36
Ultrasonic sensors
38
Operating state of the vehicle
40
Vehicle features and options
40
General information
40
Idle state
40
Standby state
41
Drive-ready state
41
BMW iDrive
43
Vehicle features and options
43
Display and operating concept
43
BMW Curved Display
46
Control display
47
Controller
48
Operating via the Controller
48
Operation via touchpad
50
Operation via control display
51
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
52
Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle
57
BMW Remote Software Upgrade
58
Vehicle features and options
58
BMW Remote Software Upgrade
58
Personal settings
62
Vehicle features and options
62
Data protection
62
Reset vehicle data
62
BMW ID/driver profiles
63
Opening and closing
68
Vehicle features and options
68
Vehicle key
68
BMW Digital Key
72
Key Card
75
Access to vehicle interior
76
Access to the cargo area
80
Buttons for the central locking system
83
Valet parking mode
84
Settings
85
Alarm system
86
Window
88
Safety switch
90
Glass sunroof
91
Seats, mirrors and steering wheel
95
Vehicle features and options
95
Sitting safely
95
Seats
95
Seat belts
99
Front head restraints
101
Rear head restraints
103
Exterior mirrors
105
Interior mirror, manually dimmable
106
Interior mirror, automatic dimming feature
106
Steering wheel
107
Memory function
107
Transporting children safely
109
Vehicle features and options
109
The right place for children
109
Installing child restraint systems
110
Lower anchors for child restraint systems
112
Child restraint systems with tether strap
113
Locking the doors and windows in the rear
114
Driving
115
Vehicle features and options
115
Start/Stop button
115
Auto Start/Stop function
115
Automatic transmission
118
Shift paddles
120
Launch Control
121
Automatic transmission: Sprint function
122
Driving Experience Control
123
Drive-off assistant
124
Parking brake
124
Automatic Hold
126
Displays
128
Vehicle features and options
128
Instrument cluster
128
Live Vehicle
129
BMW Head-up display
130
Check Control
131
Indicator lights and warning lights
132
Selection lists
139
Gear shift indicator
139
Power gauge
140
Tachometer
140
Standby state and drive-ready state
141
Engine temperature
141
Outside temperature
141
Shift lights
142
Central display range
142
Trip data
143
Assisted View
145
G-Meter
145
Date and time
146
Fuel gauge
146
Range
146
Setting the units of measurement
147
Vehicle status
147
Current driving condition
147
Sport displays
148
Service
148
Light and view
149
Vehicle features and options
149
Turn signal
149
High-beam headlights, headlight flasher
149
High Beam Assistant
149
Exterior lighting
151
Driving lights automatic
152
Parking lights, low-beam headlights and roadside parking lights
152
Welcome lights
153
Pathway lighting
154
Daytime driving lights
154
Adaptive lighting functions
154
Cornering light
155
Adaptive headlight range control
155
Instrument lighting
155
Interior lighting
155
Ambient light
156
Window wiper system
157
Safety
160
Vehicle features and options
160
Airbags
160
Automatic deactivation of front passenger airbag
162
Acoustic pedestrian protection
163
Collision warning systems
164
Forward Collision Mitigation with brake intervention
165
Forward Collision Warning with braking function
168
Pedestrian Warning with city braking function
169
Intersection Warning with city braking function
171
Evasion Assistant
172
Lane Departure Warning
174
Active Blind Spot Detection
177
Side Collision Protection
180
Rear-End Collision Preparation
182
Emergency Stop Assistant
183
Cross Traffic Warning
185
BMW Drive Recorder
187
Active Protection
189
PostCrash iBrake
190
Fatigue Alert
190
Driver Attention Camera
191
Driving stability control systems
193
Vehicle features and options
193
Antilock Braking System
193
Brake assistant
193
Dynamic Stability Control
193
Dynamic Traction Control
195
BMW xDrive
195
M sport differential
196
Servotronic
196
Variable sport steering
196
Driver assistance systems
197
Vehicle features and options
197
Speed warning
197
Speed Limit Info
197
Manual Speed Limiter
199
Cruise Control without Distance Control
201
Active Cruise Control with Distance Control
204
Speed Limit Assistant
211
Steering Assistant
214
Assisted Driving Mode Plus
217
Lane Change Assistant
219
Parking
221
Vehicle features and options
221
Parking assistance systems
221
Rear View Camera
226
Automatic camera perspective
226
Side view
227
3D view
228
Car wash view
228
Panorama View
228
Door opening angle
230
Remote 3D View
230
Park Distance Control
231
Active Park Distance Control
234
Automatic Parking Assistant
235
Back Up Assistant
239
Driving comfort
241
Vehicle features and options
241
Adaptive M chassis
241
BMW IconicSounds
241
Climate control
242
Vehicle features and options
242
Climate control
242
Automatic program
244
Temperature
245
Air flow
246
Air distribution settings
247
Air conditioning
247
Maximum cooling
247
Air recirculation mode
248
SYNC program
248
Defrost function
249
Rear window defroster
249
Seat heating
249
Steering wheel heating
250
Ventilation
251
Air quality
251
Pre-ventilation
252
Pre-conditioning through Remote Engine Start
253
Interior equipment
256
Vehicle features and options
256
Integrated universal remote control
256
Sun visor
258
Sockets
258
USB port
259
Wireless charging tray
261
Storage compartments
264
Vehicle features and options
264
Safety information
264
Glove compartment
264
Fold-out compartment
265
Storage tray in center console
265
Front center armrest
265
Front cup holder
265
Rear cup holder
266
Coat hooks
267
Cargo area
268
Vehicle features and options
268
Loading
268
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
269
Multifunction hook
269
Net
270
Storage compartment on the right side
270
Storage compartment on the left side
270
Cargo area floor
270
Things to remember when driving
274
Vehicle features and options
274
Break-in procedures
274
General driving notes
275
Driving on racetracks
278
Roof bars
278
Saving fuel
280
Vehicle features and options
280
Reducing fuel consumption
280
ECO PRO
280
Using ECO PRO effectively
281
Driving style analysis
282
Refueling
286
Vehicle features and options
286
Follow the following when refueling
286
Fuel filler cap
286
Wheels and tires
288
Vehicle features and options
288
Tire pressure
288
Tire marking
295
Tire tread depth
296
Tire damage
297
Exchanging wheels and tires
297
Runflat tires
300
Snow chains
301
Tire Pressure Monitor
301
Flat tire monitor
309
Repairing a flat tire
311
Tire repair set Plus
311
Tire repair set
314
Emergency wheel
318
Changing wheels/tires
318
Engine compartment
324
Vehicle features and options
324
Overview
324
Hood
325
Operating fluids
327
Vehicle features and options
327
Fuel recommendation
327
Engine oil
328
Coolant
331
Washer fluid
332
Maintenance
334
Vehicle features and options
334
Maintenance system
334
Condition Based Service
334
Maintenance Booklet for US Models
334
Diagnostic socket
335
Taking the vehicle out of service
335
Replacing components
336
Vehicle features and options
336
Onboard vehicle tool kit
336
Wiper blades
336
Lights and bulbs
336
Vehicle battery
337
Fuses
339
Breakdown Assistance
340
Vehicle features and options
340
Hazard warning system
340
Warning triangle
340
First-aid kit
340
Emergency Call
340
Jump-starting
342
Tow-starting/towing
343
Vehicle care
347
Vehicle features and options
347
Washing the vehicle
347
Technical data
354
Vehicle features and options
354
General information
354
Dimensions
354
Detailed technical data
354
Appendix
357
General information
357
Updates made after the editorial deadline
357
Everything from A to Z
360

2026 BMW 3 Series Overview

Owner's Manual

The owner's manual for the 2026 BMW 3 Series is an essential guide designed to enhance your vehicle ownership experience. It serves multiple functions, including providing detailed insights into the car’s features, specifications, and maintenance routines. The manual includes vital safety information, operation instructions for various systems, and troubleshooting tips. By familiarizing yourself with the manual, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your vehicle, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle any issues that may arise. It also offers valuable maintenance schedules to help keep your 3 Series in optimal condition. Ultimately, the owner's manual is your go-to resource for taking full advantage of your car’s capabilities.

Introduction

The 2026 BMW 3 Series is a sophisticated blend of performance and luxury, embodying the essence of the ultimate driving machine. With a sleek, aerodynamic design and state-of-the-art technology, the new 3 Series is crafted for those who appreciate the finer details of driving. This latest iteration continues BMW's legacy of excellence in the compact luxury segment, delivering an engaging and enjoyable driving experience while incorporating modern conveniences and cutting-edge safety features. Whether you're navigating city streets or winding country roads, the 3 Series is poised to provide an unrivaled experience.

Powertrains

The 2026 BMW 3 Series offers a variety of powertrain options to suit diverse driving preferences. From the efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing remarkable fuel economy and sprightly performance, to the powerful inline-six variant that brings a thrilling acceleration experience, drivers can choose the setup that best matches their lifestyle. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid variant balances performance and sustainability, making advanced technology more accessible. Each powertrain is paired with an ultra-responsive automatic transmission, ensuring seamless gear shifts and impressive handling dynamics.

Trims

The 2026 BMW 3 Series is available in multiple trims, each tailored to accommodate different tastes and budgets. The entry-level trim sets the groundwork with premium materials and essential features. As you move up to the mid-tier options, enhancements include advanced technology, performance packages, and a broader array of customizations. The top-tier trim epitomizes luxury, integrating exclusive amenities, superior sound systems, and enhanced performance features. Whichever trim you choose, the 3 Series maintains a commitment to quality and refinement.

Features

Loaded with advanced technology and comfort-enhancing features, the 2026 BMW 3 Series promises an exceptional driving environment. Its interior is adorned with high-quality materials and innovative labor-saving technologies, such as a responsive infotainment system featuring voice command functionality and seamless smartphone integration. Safety is paramount, with the inclusion of various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. Furthermore, thoughtful design touches, such as customizable ambient lighting and ergonomic seating, elevate the overall driving experience, ensuring that every journey is as enjoyable as it is safe.

User manual download

The BMW 3 Series owner manual for the 2026 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2026 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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