
 
Contents
 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24
Sports steering wheel25
Hazard warning flashers26
Warning triangle26
First-aid kit26
Refueling27
Fuel specifications28
Tire inflation pressure28
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys32
Electronic vehicle 
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð 
from the outside34
Opening and closing Ð 
from the inside38
Tailgate38
Cargo area40
Alarm system41
Electric power windows43
Sliding/tilt sunroof44
 
Adjustments:
 
Seats46
Seat and mirror memory49
Steering wheel50
Mirrors51
Car Memory, Key Memory52
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Safety belts53
Airbags55
Transporting children safely58
 
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)85 

 
11n
 
Controls and features
Maintenance and care
 
Lamps:
 
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
 
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 
specifications129
 
Under 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 modifications 
to the vehicle148
California Proposition 
65 Warning148
OBD interface socket149 

 
19n
 
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
 
Instrument cluster
 
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for 
fuel reserve74
2 Turn signal indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:
 
>
 
Battery charge current20
 
>
 
High beams23
 
> 
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil 
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control73
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge 
with "Coolant temperature too high" 
indicator74
7 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for:
 > Parking brake/Brake hydraulic 
system/Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC)/(DBC)20, 21 >
 Antilock Brake System (ABS)22  
>
 
Brake pads22
 
>
 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)20, 22
 
>
 
Airbags21
 
>
 
Please fasten safety belts21
 
>
 
Cruise control
 
* 23
8 Adjusting knob for the clock759 Program display for automatic 
transmission65, 67
Indicator lamp for automatic 
transmission21, 65, 67
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic 
Stability Control plus Traction 
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) or DSC and 
ADB/ADB-X22
11 Indicator for: 
>
 
Odometer73
 
>
 
Trip odometer73
 
>
 
Clock75
 
>
 
Service Interval74
Display for computer, operation 
via the turn signal lever, refer to 
page 76: 
 
>
 
Clock
 
>
 
Outside temperature
 
>
 
Average fuel consumption
 > Cruising range  >
 Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control75
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7314 Indicator and warning lamps 
(clockwise) for:  
>
 
Fog lamps23
 
>
 
Add washer fluid22
 
>
 
Coolant level23
 
>
 
Electronic Throttle Control 
(EML)
 
* 
23
 
>
 
Service engine soon23
You can display the outside 
temperature and distance driven 
in different units of measurement.
 
< 

23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to 
page 149.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
* 
There is a fault in the engine's 
electronic control system. The 
electronics allow for continued driving 
with reduced engine output or rpms. 
Please have the system inspected by 
your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top 
off the coolant at the earliest 
opportunity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 137.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator 
Flashes when the turn signal is 
operated. Rapid flashing indi-
cates a system malfunction. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 68.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise 
control is activated. Available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 71.
Fog lamps
Comes on whenever you switch 
on the fog lamps. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 88.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated. 
For additional information, refer to 
pages 68, 88. 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
 and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
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 

74n
Fuel gauge 
Coolant temperature gauge
 Service Interval Display 
When you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp lights up briefly as a 
function check. 
Once the indicator lamp stays on 
continuously, there are still approx. 
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel left in the fuel 
tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to page 187.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended 
driving in mountainous areas, for 
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions of the needle.
Please refuel early, since driving 
to the last drop of fuel can result 
in damage to the engine and/or cata-
lytic converter.<460us081
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at 
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly as a 
function check.
If the lamp comes on while operating 
the vehicle, the engine has over-
heated. 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 13 7.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration 
appear for a few seconds when the 
ignition key is in position 1 or after the 
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the 
message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION, 
together with the remaining distance 
before scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations 
of the remaining distance on the rate of 
fuel consumption in the period immedi-
ately preceding your data request.
A flashing display and a "Ð" in front of 
the number indicate that service is past 
due by the number of kilometers/miles 
displayed. Please contact your BMW 
center for an appointment.460us112 

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 

121n
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.