27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 172.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
460de004
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full, whenever the fuel
nozzle shuts off the first time, as is
specified for proper service.
Tank capacity: refer to page 195.
460de005
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<
75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval Display When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is stationary.
Once the indicator lamp begins to light
up continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Tank capacity: refer to page 195.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions of the needle.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty. Driving to the last drop of
fuel can result in damage to the engine
and/or the catalytic converter.<460us081
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle: the engine is overheated.
Stop and switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions. Checking coolant
level: refer to page 142.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds from ignition
key position 1 or after the engine is
started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the remaining distance
before the service is due.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.460us112
100n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO Ð 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 condi-
tioner (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 air 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 somewhat 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 in
addition 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 temperature selected and
AUTO for the air supply appear in
display (10), refer to the overview on
page 98. 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) to cold.
Refer to page 102.
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 tempera-
ture, regardless of the season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 102) 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.
The full, uncontrolled heater
output is available at 90 7
(+32 6). At a setting of 60 7 (+16 6),
the full cooling output is available when
the air conditioner is activated.<
120n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in oper-
ating conditions where brake applica-
tions are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat that 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 described on
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.Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure 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 inter-
vals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the shift lever
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: have brake inspec-
tions 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.<
138n
Washer fluids Washer nozzlesHeadlamp
* and windshield
washer system
Filling capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 463de243
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is inflammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it in its original
container. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Windshield washer The spray from the nozzles should be
directed so as to ensure effective
cleaning, even at high speeds. Use a
needle to adjust the nozzles as
required, or have them adjusted by your
BMW center.Headlamp washer system
*
Have this system adjusted by your
BMW center as required.
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel
Take these precautionary
measures if you have either a flat
tire or are changing the tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat
surface. Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in "Park" with
automatic) and engage the parking
brake.
Have all passengers leave the vehicle
and remain well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all applicable safety guidelines and
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If you do so, the
jack might not be able to reach its full
support capacity because of the limited
height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW has either a spare wheel or
a space-saver spare tire for temporary
use and to ensure your mobility.
To remove the spare wheel, lift out
the floor panel in the luggage
compartment completely (refer to
page 41).<
You will need the followingIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack (1)
Raise the floor panel in the luggage
compartment (refer to page 41) and
loosen the red wing nut (arrow).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and
insert it in its holder
>Wedge (2)
The wedge, or wheel chock, is
located behind the jack on the
luggage compartment's rear wall.
Loosen the wing nut to remove it460de058
194n
Weights
BMW 320i BMW 325i BMW 325xi BMW 330i BMW 330xi
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,175
(1,440)
3,252
(1,475)3,241
(1,470)
3,318
(1,505)3,494
(1,585)
3,560
(1,615)3,318
(1,505)
3,373
(1,530)3,527 (1,600)
3,583 (1,625)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,233
(1,920)
4,310
(1,955)4,299
(1,950)
4,376
(1,985)4,553
(2,065)
4,619
(2,095)4,376
(1,985)
4,431
(2,010)4,586 (2,080)
4,641 (2,105)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 1,962 (890) 1,962 (890) 2,183 (990) 1,984 (900) 2,205 (1,000)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,403
(1,090)2,436
(1,105)2,469
(1,120)2,469
(1,120)2,491 (1,130)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 165 (75) 165 (75) 165 (75) 165 (75) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.
Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)22,118
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter102,171
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)66,178
Adding engine oil139
Adding washer
fluid138,195
Adjusting the backrest48
Adjusting the steering
wheel51
Adjusting the
temperature94
Adjusting the thigh support
area49
Air conditioner92
Air distribution94,100
Air nozzles92,98
Air outlets92,98
ventilation92,98
Air pressure125
Air supply94,101
Airbags21,55,151,179
Alarm system42
Antenna124
Antenna, Diversity181
Antifreeze142
radiator122 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22,118
Anti-theft alarm system42
Aquaplaning117,125
Armrest105
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)22
Ashtray107
front107
rear108
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)66,178
Attach car vacuum
cleaner108
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)101
Automatic car washes146
Automatic climate
control98
removing condensation
from the windows101
Automatic cruise control72
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)101
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)22
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic21,66 Automatic windshield
washer70
Average consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads194
B
Backrest, adjusting48
Backup lamps65
bulb replacement161
Battery168,196
capacity196
charge170
discharged173
removal and
installation169
Battery charge current20
Battery safety terminal169
Belts54
Beverage holder105
Blower94,101
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils140
BMW sports seat49
Bore192
Brake fluid143
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement161
Brake pads22
Brake system121 Brakes120
malfunctions121
Break-in procedures116
Bulb replacement158
C
California Proposition
65 Warning153
Capacities195
Car Memory53
Car radio124
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception124,181
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting108
Car wash146
Care
exterior147
interior150
Care of upholstery150
Care of wool velour150
Cargo loading112
Caring for the vehicle
finish148
Catalytic converter117
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21,119
Cellular phone107,124
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
A-Z