2001 BMW 325I steering

62n
Starting the engine Switching off the engine If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold start at very low temperatures
approx. +5 7 (Ð15 6) at high altitude
over 3,300 ft (1000 m):
>On the first start attempt, engage
the starter for a longer period
(approx. 10 seconds).
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from dischar-
ging, always switch off electrical
devices which are not in use and the
ignition when the vehicle is not being
driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving.
If you did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since placing the lever in
1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."<

76n
Computer
*
Mode selectionIn ignition key positions 1 and 2, you
can call up information from the
computer using the button in the turn
signal lever. By pressing the button
briefly in the direction of the steering
column, you can call up a new function
for display.
The displays appear in the following
order:
Time, outside temperature, average fuel
consumption, cruising range, average
vehicle speed.
Starting with ignition key position 1, the
last active setting is displayed.460de084
Outside temperature You can change the units of measure-
ment (6/7) for the outside tempera-
ture display by pressing the right-hand
reset button in the instrument cluster
when the temperature display is active. 460us146
Ice warning If the outside temperature drops to
approx. +37.5 7 (+3 6), the computer
automatically switches to the outside
temperature display. In addition, a
signal sounds as a warning and the
display flashes for a brief period.
The warning is repeated whenever the
temperature climbs to at least +43 7
(+6 6) following the last warning, and
then drops back to +37.5 7 (+3 6).
The ice warning does not alter the
fact that surface ice can form at
temperatures above +37.5 7 (+3 6),
on bridges or shaded road surfaces, for
instance.<

81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
DSC
* Ð BMW 325i
The concept DSC helps maintain vehicle stability,
even in critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, the system recog-
nizes unstable vehicle conditions
(understeering or oversteering, for
example) and helps hold the vehicle on
a sure course by intervening via the
engine and by braking intervention at
the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 117.
The ADB (Automatic Differential
Braking) copies the function of conven-
tional differential and transverse lock
through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e. g. when driving on snow-
covered roads.
If the DSC is switched off the ADB will
still be in ready mode.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to pages 21 and 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and governs the drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp lights up continu-
ously:
The DSC has been turned off via the
switch; ADB is ready to use.
ADB intervention is not indicated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp lights up
continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been switched off via the button
or are defective.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
You can continue to drive the vehicle
normally, but without DSC. Please
consult your BMW center in the event
of a malfunction, refer to pages 21
and 22.
Deactivate DSC/activate ADBPress the DSC button briefly, the indi-
cator lamp lights up continuously.
The DSC has been switched off; ADB is
operational.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the ADB for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
>When driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on.
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 121.
The gain in traction is achieved by a
reduction in stabilizing intervention.460de313

83n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
DSC Ð BMW 325xiThe conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system enhances vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
up from a full stop, and optimizes trac-
tion as well. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the vehicle on a
steady course by reducing the engine
output and brake applications to the
individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains ADB-X
und DBC, refer to page 118.
The ADB-X (Automatic Differential
Braking) replaces the function of
conventional differential and transverse
lock through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e. g. when driving on snow-
covered streets.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
started. Refer to pages 21, 22.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC is switched off via the switch;
ADB-X is operational.
ADB-X intervention not indicated.
If the indicator lamp does not go
out after repeatedly pressing the
DSC switch, then the DSC and the
ADB-X are defective, and the interven-
tion described to the right is then no
longer available.<
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center. Refer to pages 21, 22.
Deactivate the DSCPress the DSC button; the indicator
lamp comes on and stays on.
The DSC has been switched off and the
ADB-X is designed for maximum
output.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
>When driving with snow chains. Refer
also to page 121.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC on
whenever possible.<460de313

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Mounting pointsAccess to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool which is provided with the
luggage system.
A special luggage system is available
as an option for your BMW. Please
observe the precautions included with
the installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 186.463de045
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first
(on the bottom). Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do
not project into the opening path of the
tailgate.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
tightly to prevent it from shifting or
being lost during driving (danger to
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance, resulting in increased fuel
consumption and additional stresses
on the vehicle's body.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
113n
Index DataTechnologyRepairs Car care Controls Overview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures114
Driving notes115
Catalytic converter115
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)116
Disc brakes118
Brake system120
Winter operation121
Power steering123
Cellular phone123
Radio reception123
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure124
Tire condition124
Tire replacement125
Tire rotation126
Wheel and tire
combinations127
Winter tires128
Snow chains128
Approved wheel and tire
specifications129Under 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
Airbags147
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications148
California Proposition
65 Warning148
OBD interface socket149
Car care

115n
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:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm), and then only at walking speed
at the most, otherwise the vehicle can
sustain damage to the engine, the elec-
trical systems and the transmission.
Roll-up cover:
Never use the rear window shelf to
store heavy or bulky objects. If you do
so, such objects could injure vehicle
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers or in a crash.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do, such
objects could pose the risk of personal
injury during braking or evasive maneu-
vers. exhaust emissions, and 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 start the vehicle with an outside
starting aid.
>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
disconnected.
Driving notes Catalytic converter

116n
Catalytic converter Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to observe the instruc-
tions above to prevent unburned
fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter, otherwise, the catalytic
converter could overheat and be
damaged.
High temperatures occur in any vehicle
equipped with a catalytic converter.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to
some sections of the exhaust system.
Never remove these shields; do not
apply undercoating to their surfaces.
When driving, standing at idle, and
parking the vehicle, take care to avoid
contact between the exhaust system
and flammable materials (grass, hay,
leaves etc.). Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in personal injury and
property damage.<
The concept ABS enhances active driving safety by
helping to prevent the wheels from
locking under braking. The reason:
locked wheels are dangerous. When the
front wheels slide, the driver loses
steering control over the vehicle. Trac-
tion loss at the rear wheels can cause
the rear end to break into an uncon-
trolled skid.
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability.
>Assured ability to steer and
maneuver Ð on the various road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt,
wet conditions, snow, ice).
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-away and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). It is deactivated once
again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h).
This means that the wheels can lock in
the final phase of a panic stop Ð a factor
of no significance in actual use.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum brake pressure ("panic
stop"). Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit
cycles in fractions of a second. A pulsa-
tion at the brake pedal, together with
the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range, and reminds you that you
should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel or snow, for
example), or when snow chains are
mounted, braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.