
 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs153
Changing a wheel159
Battery162
Fuses164
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter165
 
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door166
Sliding/Tilt sunroof166
Tailgate166
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting167
Towing the vehicle168Airbags172
Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)173
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)173 
Radio reception174
Four-wheel drive175
Safety belt tensioner175
Interior rearview mirror with 
automatic dimmer176
Rain sensor177
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)178
Self-diagnostics179
Xenon lamps180Engine data184
Dimensions185
Weights186
Capacities187
Electrical system188
Drive belts188 

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 166.
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.< 
Place 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 
refueling 
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is operated correctly, 
the fuel tank will be full when it shuts off 
for the first time. 
Tank capacity: refer to page 187.
460de005
Close the filler 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 lamp.< 

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 

149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the driver's side at 
the left-hand bottom of the dashboard 
and under a cover. The cover has the 
letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper emission control system 
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by 
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration 
and malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs 
you of the need for service, not 
that you need to stop the 
vehicle. Your system should be 
checked, however, at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this 
indicates a high level of engine misfire. 
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe 
engine misfire over even a short period 
of time can seriously damage emission 
control components, especially the 
catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can 
detect leaking vapor and the indicator 
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then 
tightened, the indicator will usually go 
out after a short period of time.< 

186n
Weights 
BMW 325i BMW 325xi
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlb. (kg)
lb. (kg)3,384 (1,535)
3,428 (1,555)3,627 (1,645)
3,693 (1,675)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlb. (kg)
lb. (kg)4,531 (2,055)
4,576 (2,075)4,729 (2,145)
4,795 (2,175)
Approved front axle weight lb. (kg) 2,006 (910) 2,183 (990)
Approved rear axle weight lb. (kg) 2,579 (1,170) 2,668 (1,210)
Approved roof load capacity lb. (kg) 165 (75) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity  cu. ft. (liters) 15.4 - 47.5 (435 - 1,345) 15.4 - 47.5 (435 - 1,345)
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight may not be exceeded. 

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 ZFolding rear backrest108 
Footbrake118 
Footwell lamps88 
bulb replacement158 
Four-wheel drive175 
Front fog lamps, bulb 
replacement155 
Front seat adjustment46 
Frost protection, 
radiator137 
Fuel28 
consumption77 
consumption display74 
gauge74 
preparation184 
quality28 
Fuel filler door 
releasing following an 
electrical malfunction166 
Fuel reserve indicator 
lamp74 
Fuel tank capacity187 
Fuel tank gauge74 
Functional status179 
Fuses164 G 
Gasoline28 
Gasoline gauge74 
Gasoline quality28 
Glove compartment101 Glove compartment lamp, 
bulb replacement158 
Gross vehicle weight186 
H 
Handbrake63 
Hands-free system103 
Hazard warning flashers26 
Hazard warning triangle26 
Head restraint47 
Headlamp covers, 
care141,153 
Headlamp flasher88 
Headlamp washer 
system70,134,187 
Heated seats100 
Heating, rapid94 
Heavy loads110 
Height185 
HiFi system101 
High beams23,68,88 
bulb replacement153 
High Performance Synthetic 
Oils136 
High-mount brake lamp157 
Hood release130 
Horn17 
Hubcap160 
Hydraulic Brake assistant, 
refer to DBC118 
I 
Ice warning76 
Icy roads76,121 
Identification, tires127 
Ignition key32,35 
Ignition lock61 
Imprint4 
Indicator lamps20 
Inflation pressure28,124 
monitoring85,178 
INSPECTION74 
Installation child restraint 
systems60 
Instrument cluster18 
Instrument lighting87 
Interaxle tire rotation126 
Interface socket for Onboard 
Diagnostics149 
Interference, cellular 
phone123 
Interior lamps36,88 
bulb replacement158 
remote control36 
Interior motion sensor41 
Interior rearview mirror51 
automatic dimming 
feature52,176 
Interlock61 
Intermittent wipe68 
J 
Jack159 
Jump-starting167 K 
Key32,35 
Key Memory52 L 
Lamps and bulbs153 
Lashing eyes110 
LATCH attachment of the 
child seat58 
Leather care145 
Length185 
License plate lamp 
bulb replacement157 
Light switch87 
Light-alloy wheels129 
Lighter104 
Load-securing devices110 
Louvers90,96 
Low beam headlamps87 
bulb replacement153 
Lug bolts160 
Lug wrench159  

Everything from A to Z
195n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Luggage 
compartment38,107 
capacity186 
emergency release166 
lamps39 
lamps, bulb 
replacement158 
remote control system37 
trunk floor40 
Luggage compartment lid 
emergency release166 
Luggage rack111 
Lumbar support48 M 
Maintenance74 
Malfunction displays75 
Manual transmission64 
Memory49 
MFL (Multifunction steering 
wheel)24 
Microfilter93,165 
Mirror memory49 
Mirrors51 
Mobile phone123 
Modifications, 
technical6,148 
Motion sensor, interior41 
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)24 
M+S tires128 
N 
Neckrest47 
Nozzles96 O 
OBD interface socket149 
Obstruction protection43 
Odometer73 
Oil 
additives135 
capacity187 
consumption135 
dipstick135 
quality136 
specifications136 
viscosity136 
Oil change intervals, refer to 
the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet or to 
the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet 
Oil filter change187 
Oil level, indicator lamp20 
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp20 
OILSERVICE74 
Onboard computer, please 
refer to Computer76 
Onboard tool kit152 
Opening and closing 
from the inside38 
from the outside34 Opening the rear 
window40 
Outside temperature 
display76 
Owner service 
procedure141 
P 
Paint blemishes142 
Paintwork 
minor repairs143 
waxing143 
Paint, care142 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)78 
Parking brake63 
Parking help78 
Parking lamps88 
Parking, winter122 
Partition net107 
PDC (Park Distance 
Control)78 
Performance184 
Phone, mobile123 
Pocket lamp101 
Pollen93,100 
Power outlet105 
Power steering123 
Power windows43 
safety switch44 
Pressure monitoring, 
tires85,178 
Pressure, tires28,124 
Q 
Quality Grades125 R 
Radiator187 
Radio 
refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual 
Radio Data System 
(RDS)174 
Radio reception123,174 
Rain sensor69,177 
RDC (Tire Pressure 
Control)85,178 
RDS (Radio Data 
System)174 
Reading lamps88 
Rear backrest, folded 
down108 
Rear hatch lamp 
bulb replacement157 
Rear lamps156 
Rear seat backrest, 
folding107 
Rear window 
defroster70,92,99 
Rearview mirror51 
Recirculated air control92 
automatic99 
Recirculated-air mode92 
Reclining seat46 
Refueling27