98n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO button 7). Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for
you Ð we recommend +72 7 (+22 6).
When the outside temperature is above
+41 7 (+5 6), you can also use the air
conditioner 12. This will dry the air as
well as preventing condensation on the
window surfaces Ð if there are passen-
gers with damp clothing, for example.
Set the outlets 2 so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you. Set the rotary dial between the air
outlets 2 for the upper body to a
medium position, since air that is some-
what cooler promotes driving without
fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and
adapts the temperature to external
influences (summer, winter) to meet
preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you Ð we recommend +72 7
(+22 6). The selected temperature
and AUTO for the air flow appear in
the display 10 (refer to the overview on
page 96). Open the air outlets for the
upper body area. Switch on the air
conditioner in warm weather. The
maximum cooling capacity is achieved
when you set rotary dial 3 (refer to
page 100) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper body
and into the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display
provide a general indication of
interior temperature. We recommend
+72 7 (+22 6) as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not. When you start the
vehicle, the system ensures that the
selected temperature is reached as
quickly as possible. It then maintains
this temperature, regardless of the
season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 100) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output up to +90 7 (+32 6). At
+60 7 (+16 6), full cooling output is
available from an activated air condi-
tioner.<
119n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDriving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other drivers. The heat which
is generated by the brake applications
helps to dry the brake pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 122).
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 66.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid
extended, continuous braking. Instead
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
sure over an extended period of time,
you should decelerate by applying
more substantial pressure to the brake
pedal (watch for following traffic),
releasing the pedal, and then repeating
the application (staggered braking). The
cooling phases between active braking
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not allow the vehicle to coast
when the clutch is depressed or
by shifting into neutral while moving. Do
not drive when the engine is switched
off. The engine provides no braking
control when the clutch is depressed or
the transmission is in "Neutral" and
there is no power-assist for the brakes
when the engine is shut off.
BMW 325xi: have brake inspections
performed at a BMW center only. If you
do not, parts of the four-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<
137n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
If you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the approved specifica-
tions.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. Therefore,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could
ignite and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).46cde036
187n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: page 28
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system (front)
Rear window washer system (rear)quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)
approx. 2.4 (approx. 2.3)For details: page 134
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) For details: page 137
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 325i approx. 6.9
(approx. 6.5)
325xi: approx. 7.9
(approx. 7.5)BMW High Performance
synthetic oil
Specifications: page 136
Manual and automatic transmission and
differentialÐ Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required
Everything from A to Z
193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel159
Charge indicator lamp20
Check air pressure28
Check Control75
Check engine oil level135
Child restraint
systems54,60
Child-safety locks58
Child's seat54
Cigarette lighter104
Cleaning windshield68
Clock75
refer also to the Radio or
Computer Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Coin holder102
Combination switch68
Compression184
Computer76
Configure settings52
Consumption77
display74
Contents10
Control elements20
Coolant121,137,187
antifreeze121
Coolant temperature
gauge74
Cooling system187
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21,117 Cruise control71
Cruising range77
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder102
Curb weight186
Current check indicator20
D
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions185
engine184
technical184
weights186
Daytime-driving lamp
switch87
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)118
Defrost position94,98
Defrostable rear window99
Defrosting
rear window92
windows94,98
Digital clock75
Dimensions185
Dipstick, engine oil135
Disc brakes118
Displacement184
Display lighting87
Displays18
Distance warning78 Diversity Antenna
system174
Door key32,35
Door locks, care121
Doors
child-safety locks58
emergency operation34
unlocking and locking34
DOT Quality Grades125
Draft-free ventilation93
Drive belts188
Driving hints115
Driving in winter121
Driving lamps87
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)81,173
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)118
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22,81,173
E
Electric power seat48
Electric power windows43
Electrical accessories,
failure164
Electrical system188
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16 Emergency operation,
doors34
Energy Control73
Engine
coolant137,187
data184
starting61
Engine oil
capacity187
consumption135
pressure20
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136
Engine speed184
Exterior mirrors51
F
Failure messages75
Fault displays75
Fault, ABS117
Filler cap cover27
Filling capacities187
Filling the washer
reservoir187
First-aid kit26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing168
Flashlight101
Flat tire124,159
Fog lamps88