Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2015 ActiveHybrid 3.
The 2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a hybrid-powered passenger car based on BMW's 3 Series platform, featuring an automatic S8 transmission and achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 25/32/28 mpg across city/highway/combined cycles, with a 6.9-quart engine oil capacity specifying 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-30 viscosity. This model year recorded 47 total owner complaints with steering as the primary concern, alongside three issued recalls. These reliability indicators position the 2015 ActiveHybrid 3 as a relatively solid iteration within the model's history, though the steering-related issues warrant attention for prospective owners researching long-term ownership costs and maintenance considerations.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 800 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11428683168. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428683168 alt 11428637821 |
| Engine air filter | 13718616909 alt 13717602643 |
| Spark plug | 12120037582 |
| Battery | 61217639053 alt 61217598775 |
| Front wiper blades | 61615A43585 |
| Cabin air filter | 64119237555 alt 64116821995 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 182.3 in |
| Overall width | 71.3 in |
| Overall height | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.6 in |
| Curb weight | 3825 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.6 / 62.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 52/48 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 25 / 32 / 28 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 96 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 10 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6.9 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Engine Coolant | Ethylene Glycol |
| Engine Oil | 0W-30 · 0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6.9 qt |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gallons |
| Power Steering Fluid | Use Pentosin CHF 11S |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 30 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | M8 Bolts: 33.0, M10: 58.0 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 107 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Spark Plug Type | M14X1.25 |
| Spark Plug Gap | non-adjustable in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front w/11.81" |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 dominate in one area — the steering, 15 of 47 reports (32%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 3 recall campaigns target the steering, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 1 of the reports describe a crash and 1 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the steering pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 47 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall…
Showing 5 of 294 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B011124 | 2024-12-04 | Electrical System | the High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC… |
| 011024 | 2024-12-04 | Electrical System | The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assembly Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC… |
| B010818 | 2024-01-25 | Air Bags | The Supplemental Restraint SystemâÂÂs (SRS) air bag warning lamp is illuminated, and… |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| SIB651312 | 2022-05-01 | Electrical System | The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
6.9 qt of Gasoline engines: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 oil meeting BMW specification LL01.Diesel engines: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 oil meeting BMW specification LL04, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 25 city / 32 highway / 28 combined mpg.