2001 BMW 325i TOURING tire pressure

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
325
325xiAll summer tires and
the all season tire
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S32 (220) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
All winter tires and
the all season tire
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S
35 (240) 41 (280) 41 (280) 48 (330)
Space-saver tire in the luggage
compartment61 (420)
For all season tires use the same inflation pressure as for summer tires.
For extra load tires 205/50 R 17 93 W use the same tire inflation pressure as for
winter tires.
Tire inflation pressureObserve tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. You will
find a list of approved tires beginning
on page 129.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock61
Starting the engine61
Switching off the engine62
Parking brake63
Manual transmission64
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic65
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher68
Washer/Wiper system68
Rear window defroster70
Cruise control71
Everything under control:
Odometer73
Tachometer73
Energy Control73
Fuel gauge74
Coolant temperature gauge74
Service Interval Display74
Check Control75
Clock75
Computer76
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)78
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)79
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)80
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)85Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams87
Instrument lighting87
High beams/Parking lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps88
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner90
Automatic climate control96
Seat heating100
Cabin convenience:
HiFi system101
Glove compartment101
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone103
Ashtray, front104
Cigarette lighter104
Ashtray, rear105
Power outlet105
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag106
Cargo area107
Cargo loading110
Roof-mounted luggage rack111

54n
Safety beltstion the lap belt against the lower hips,
where it will not exert pressure against
the abdominal area.<
For child restraint system installation,
refer to page 59.
If the safety belt system has been
subjected to the stresses involved
in an accident or otherwise damaged,
have the entire safety belt mechanism
replaced by your BMW center,
including the safety belt tensioner. In
addition, have your BMW center
inspect the safety belt anchors. If a
child restraint system was in the vehicle
during an accident, consult the manu-
facturer's instructions regarding
replacement.<
Child restraint systems
*
Never install a rear-facing child
restraint system on the front
passenger seat. If you do so, the child
could be injured when the airbag is trig-
gered.
Children should always ride in the rear
and the restraint systems should be
secured with the outer belts.
The center seat belt should only be
used when it is necessary to secure
three child restraint systems.
Do not modify the child restraint system
in any way. If you do so, it will not
provide your child with maximum
protection.<

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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.<

86n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
Flat tireIf there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic
signal goes off.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle in a
safe location. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Do not oversteer. Replace the
wheel and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is
provided for temporary use only
in the event of a tire failure. It does not
have RDC electronics and is not moni-
tored. A full-size spare tire
that has the
same dimensions as the tires already
mounted on the vehicle is equipped
with the necessary RDC electronics,
and will also be monitored once the
tires have been mounted and the
system activated.<
The 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 interferenceThe RDC may encounter interference
from outside equipment or devices
which use the same radio frequency.
The indicator lamp will come on with
a yellow lamp during the malfunction.
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
RDC 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
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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

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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. 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

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationWinter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather. Adaptions in
driving style should be accompanied by
preparations on the vehicle itself to
ensure that your vehicle operates safely
and trouble-free throughout the winter
months.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture will resist freezing 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, treatment with
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
mended.
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 tailgate 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 type of exceptional situation
where the snow chains are mounted,
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC. Refer to
page 79.
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Starting offWhen starting off 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 short period. Refer to page 79.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. Downshift
into the next lower gear on ascents or
descents. Maintain an adequate
distance between yourself and the
vehicle ahead.