2001 BMW 325Ci COUPE tire pressure

28n
Tire inflation pressure Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these manufacturers.
Higher pressures may be specified for
tires made by other manufacturers. You
will find a list of approved tires begin-
ning on page 127.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of BMW-
approved tires.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
325CiAll summer tires 30 (210) 35 (240) 35 (240) 42 (290)
All winter tires 33 (230) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
330Ci All summer and winter tires 33 (230) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
All Space-saver spare tire 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.
When using extra load tires (205/50 R 17), the inflation pressure increases
by 3 psi (20 kilopascal) for summer tires.
330Ci: when using 225/45 R 17 91 W tires, the air pressure decreases by
3 psi (20 kilopascal).

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock63
Starting the engine63
Switching off the engine64
Parking brake65
Manual transmission66
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic67
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher70
Washer/Wiper system70
Rear window defroster72
Cruise control73
Everything under control:
Odometer75
Tachometer75
Energy Control75
Fuel gauge76
Temperature gauge76
Service Interval Display76
Check Control77
Computer77
Technology for driving comfort
and safety:
Park Distance Control (PDC)81
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)82
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
with Automatic Differential
Brake (ADB) and Dynamic
Brake Control (DBC)83
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)85Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams87
Instrument panel lighting87
High beams/Parking lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps88
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner90
Automatic climate control96
Seat heating101
Roller sun blind101
Interior convenience:
HiFi System101
Glove compartment102
Storage facilities102
Cellular phone104
Ashtray, front104
Cigarette lighter105
Ashtray, rear105
Clothes hooks105
Loading and transporting:
Through-loading system106
Ski bag107
Cargo loading108
Roof-mounted luggage rack109

85n

StichworteDatenTechnikSelbsthilfeWartungBedienung†berblick

Tire Pressure Control (RDC)

*
The concept

RDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels, even when the vehicle is
moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the
correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires according
to the inflation pressure table (page 28)
and make corrections as necessary.
Then activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if
the tire pressure is not correct.

Depending on the type of equipment,
the switch either has the letters RDC on
it or the RDC-symbol.

Activate the system

1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not
start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC
sets the current inflation pressure in
the tires as the target values to be
monitored.462de293

You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.

In the event of tire pressure loss

If the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the indi-
cator lamp will come on with a yellow
lamp.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated
to the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were
not accurate. Please check the inflation
pressure again and make corrections
according to the inflation pressure
table. Then activate the system once
again.

<

86n

Tire Pressure Control (RDC)

*
In the event of a flat tire

If there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic
signal is sounded.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately to stop the vehicle in a safe
location. Avoid hard brake applications.
Do not oversteer. Replace the wheel
and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is
provided for temporary use only in
the event of tire pressure loss. It does
not have RDC electronics and is not
monitored. A full-size spare tire that has
the same dimensions as the tires
already mounted on the vehicle is
equipped with the necessary RDC elec-
tronics, and will be also monitored once
the tires have been mounted and the
system activated.

<

RDC cannot alert you to severe
and sudden tire damage caused
by external factors.

<

Have the tires changed by your
BMW center.
Your BMW center has been trained to
work with the RDC system and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.

<

System interference

Local devices using the same radio
frequency can interfere with the RDC.
The yellow indicator lamp will come on
during the malfunction.
The indicator lamp also comes on

>

in the event of a system fault.

>

if a wheel is mounted without the
appropriate electronics.

>

if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with RDC electronics
are on board.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
111n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115
Disc brakes117
Brake system118
Winter operation119
Power steering121
Cellular phones121
Radio reception121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure122
Tire condition122
Tire replacement123
Tire rotation124
Wheel and tire
combinations125
Winter tires126
Snow chains126
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127Under the hood:
Hood130
Engine compartment132
Washer fluids134
Washer nozzles134
Engine oil135
Coolant137
Brake fluid138
Vehicle Identification
Number139
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System140
Caring for your vehicle141
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications148
California Proposition
65 Warning148
OBD interface socket149
Car care

113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear, and
possibly to brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
Do not drive through water on the road
if it is deeper than 1 foot (30 cm), and
then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be
damaged.
Rear window shelf:
Never use it to store heavy or hard
objects, otherwise, occupants could
be injured if the vehicle is braked hard.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, be sure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers. exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only. Even minute quantities of lead
would be enough to permanently
damage both the catalytic converter
and the system oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential
damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements.
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
>Tow-start only when the engine is
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
a warm engine, unburned residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to jump-start the vehicle with outside
assistance.
>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables discon-
nected.
Driving notes Catalytic converter

116n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.In the event of a malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
system then reverts to conventional
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
However, have the brake system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible. To prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system,
refer any problems to your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If the brake warning lamp, and
the ABS and ASC+T/DSC
indi-
cator lamps come on, refer to
page 21, then the entire ABS,
CBC, ASC+T/DSC control
system has failed. Continue
driving cautiously and defen-
sively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions. This could cause the vehicle to
lose stability and you might no longer
be able to control it.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Indicator and warning lamps for
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB for Canadian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 83.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow brake warning lamp
comes on. Normal braking effi-
ciency and ABS are still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
Please observe the section "Infor-
mation for your safety" concerning
the ABS system, which also applies to
the DSC system.<

119n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture
provides protection against freezing
down to approx. Ð34 7 (Ð37 6).
Replace the coolant every four years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, we recommend
you treat the door lock with BMW lock
cylinder lubricant.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center. *
BMW snow chains can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this rare situation, it may be effective
to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system
for a brief period of time. Refer to
page 82.
Starting offWhen starting up from a full stop in
deep snow or when "rocking" the
vehicle to free it, it may be effective to
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for
a brief period of time. Refer to page 82.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. On down-
hill grades or slopes, shift down to the
next lower gear at an early point. Main-
tain an adequate distance between
yourself and the vehicle ahead.