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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
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptThe 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 RDC system to "learn"
the correct tire inflation pressure, first
check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires. Then compare these pressures
with the tire inflation pressure chart
(page 29) and adjust if necessary. Then
activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster informs you when-
ever the tire pressure is not
normal.
Activate the system Depending on the type of equipment,
the switch either has the letters RDC on
it or the RDC-symbol.
1 Turn the ignition key to position 2
(do not start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up yellow for a few
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, the
RDC sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target values
to be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, the RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.460us297
Loss of tire pressureIf 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 that you should 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.<
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Air conditionerAir supply
You can select fan speeds
from 1 to 4. The greater the air
supply, the more effective the
heating and ventilation are. In
position 0, the fan and the heater are
switched off. By using position 0, you
can totally block the interior ventilation
outlets by pressing the button for the
recirculated-air mode.
Temperature
In order to increase the
temperature of the passenger
compartment, turn it to the
right (red). Temperature regu-
lation will keep the interior temperature
you have selected constant.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . You can also
make all intermediate settings. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto
the windows to keep them free of
condensation. The "6 o'clock" setting is
recommended as a normal setting (refer
also to the illustration and overview on
page 90).
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically. Refer to
page 70.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7(+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
blocking the outside air. The system
then recirculates the air already within
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch the
recirculated air off and increase the air
supply as required.<
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control for the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply stops.
You can reactivate the system by
pressing any button of the automatic
climate control.
Defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off when outside air temperatures
are below approx. +41 7 (+5 6). This
will help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, that then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
blocking the outside air. The system
then recirculates the air already within
the vehicle. By repeated actuation of
the button, you can select one of three
different operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle.
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.
is turned on, the indicator lamp
comes on; refer to page 70.
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
114n
To ensure maximum economy and a
long service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and road
speeds, but do not exceed the following
engine or road speeds during this time:
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"kickdown" point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced at a later point.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydropla-
ning, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemAfter approximately 300 miles (500 km),
the brake pads and discs achieve the
optimal pad surface and wear patterns
required for trouble-free operation and
long service life.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off Ð when
towing, for example Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.
Break-in procedures
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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.
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
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Nevertheless, ABS possesses the
advantage of vehicle stability and
steering response.Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate clea-
rances for safety between vehicles,
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
occurs are always the responsibility of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.
opment of 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 authorized
BMW center at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
model.
If the brake warning lamps light
up together with the indicator
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC
Ð refer to page 19 Ð then the
entire regulating system, the
ABS, CBC and ASC+T/DSC
and
ADB/ ADB-X/DBC have failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. 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.
CBC, ABS und ASC+T/DSC
indicators and warning lamps
for Canadian models.