
 
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.
 
< 

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Many of the systems of your BMW 
monitor themselves automatically, both 
during engine starts and while you are 
driving. Indicator and warning lamps 
that are identified by "
 
l
 
" are tested for 
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up 
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started or 
it will light up while the vehicle is 
moving. You will see how to react to 
this below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current 
 
l
 
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. There is a malfunction 
of the alternator V-belt or in the 
charging circuit of the alternator. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not 
continue driving. The engine could 
be damaged due to overheating. If the 
V-belt is defective, increased steering 
effort is also required.
 
<
 
Engine oil pressure
 
  
l
 
  
Stop the vehicle immediately 
and switch off the engine. Check 
the engine oil level and refill as required. 
If the oil level is correct, please contact 
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, otherwise, 
the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.
 
< 
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
In addition, an acoustic signal 
will go off: a tire failure has 
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. Do not oversteer. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 85.
Brake warning lamp l
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged, 
check the brake fluid level. Before 
driving further, be sure to read the 
notes on pages 122 and 138.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models. 

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have 
the system inspected by your BMW 
center. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 117.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil 
level is at the absolute 
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do 
not drive more than approx. 30 miles 
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information, refer to 
page 135.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has 
been shut off: add oil at the 
earliest opportunity (when you stop to 
refuel). 
For additional information, refer to 
page 135
Brake pads l
 
Have the brake pads checked. 
For additional information, refer 
to page 120.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check the tire pressure. Refer to 
pages 28 and 85.
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive 
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp remains on:
ASC+T has been switched off via the 
button or it is defective, or the DSC has 
been switched off, the ADB is opera-
tional.
In the event of a fault, please consult 
the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer 
page 79. 
BMW 325xi:
The DSC has been either turned off or 
is defective. ADB-X is in ready mode. If 
the warning lamp does not go out after 
pressing the DSC button repeatedly, 
then the both the DSC and ADB-X are 
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information, refer to 
page 80.
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) and 
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC
 and ADB/DBC are 
switched off by means of the button or 
are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information, refer to 
page 79.
BMW 325xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective. 
ADB-X cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW 
center.
For additional information, refer to 
page 83.
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC indi-
cator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid 
The washer fluid level is too low. 
Top up at the earliest opportu-
nity. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 134. 

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 

128n
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter 
road conditions. So-called all-season 
tires with the M+S-identification mark 
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load 
rating H, V, W, Y und ZR, but usually do 
not achieve the same level of perfor-
mance as winter tires. 
In the interests of safe tracking and 
steering response, install radial tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread configuration on all 
four wheels if you elect to mount winter 
tires.
Mount only winter tires which have 
been approved by BMW. Any BMW 
center will be glad to provide you with 
information on the best winter tires for 
your particular driving conditions.
Do not exceed specified 
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed 
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in 
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope 
with winter driving conditions, and 
should be replaced in the interest of 
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures Ð and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place. 
Store them away from light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
The use of narrow-link BMW snow 
chains on summer or winter tires is 
approved only in pairs and only on the 
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains.
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.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains. 

141n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can wash your BMW at an auto-
matic car wash, even when it is new. 
Brushless systems are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and 
remove dead insects before washing 
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash 
the vehicle when the hood is warm, or 
during or immediately after exposure to 
strong sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be 
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the 
dimensions of your vehicle.
>No damage will occur to vehicles 
with attached body accessories (such 
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the 
car wash operator if necessary. 
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle 
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum 
brush pressure, and that ample water 
is available for washing and rinsing.
Vehicles with rain sensor:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax 
from automatic car washes or insects 
can cause malfunctions in the function 
of the rain sensor.Turn the rain sensor off (refer to 
page 69) when passing through an 
automatic car wash. Failure to do so 
could result in damage caused by unin-
tended wiper activation.<
Parts of the vehicle which are 
inaccessible to the automatic washer Ð 
such as door sills, door and hood 
edges, etc. Ð should be cleaned by 
hand.
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to 
remove, and they also damage the 
vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure 
washers are used, be sure to 
maintain an adequate distance between 
the spray source and the vehicle's 
surface. Inadequate distance and 
excessive pressure can damage or 
weaken the finish, making it more 
susceptible to subsequent attack. In 
addition, moisture could penetrate to 
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps, 
please observe the following: 
do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth 
(scratches). Never use abrasives or 
strong solvents to clean the covers. 
Remove dirt and contamination (such 
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car 
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty 
of water. Always use a deicer spray to 
remove accumulated ice and snow Ð 
never use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply 
the brakes briefly to dry them. 
Braking efficiency might otherwise be 
reduced by the moisture and the brake 
rotors could be corrode.<
Caring for your vehicle  

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)22,116 
Accessories6 
Activated-charcoal 
filter100,165 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)65,173 
Adding engine oil135 
Adding washer 
fluid134,187 
Adjust 
backrest47 
steering wheel50 
temperature92 
thigh support area48 
Air conditioner90 
Air distribution92,98 
Air nozzles90 
Air outlets96 
ventilation90,96 
Air pressure124 
Air supply92,99 
Airbags21,58,147,172 
Alarm system41 
Antenna123 
Antenna Diversity174 
Antifreeze137 
radiator121 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)22,116 
Anti-theft alarm system41 
Aquaplaning115,124 Armrest102 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus 
Traction)22,173 
Ashtray104 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)65,173 
Attaching vacuum 
cleaner104 
AUC (Automatic climate 
control)96 
Automatic car washes141 
Automatic climate 
control96 
remove condensation from 
the windows98 
Automatic cruise control71 
Automatic dimming, interior 
rearview mirror52 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction 
(ASC+T)22,173 
Automatic transmission21 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic65 
Automatic washer 
rear window69 
windshield69 
Average consumption77 
Average speed77 
Axle loads186 
B 
Backrest, adjusting47 
Backup lamps64 
bulb replacement156 
Battery162,188 
capacity188 
charging164 
discharged167 
removal and 
installation163 
Battery charge current20 
Battery safety terminal163 
Belts53 
Beverage holder102 
Blower92,99 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oils136 
BMW sports seat48 
Bore184 
Brake 
fluid138 
hydraulic system20 
pads22 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement156 
Brake system118 
faults120 
Break-in procedure114 
Bulb replacement153 
Bulbs and lamps153 
C 
California Proposition 
65 Warning148 
Capacities187 
Car Memory52 
Car radio123 
reception174 
refer also to the separate 
Owner's Manual 
Car telephone103 
Car vacuum cleaner, 
connecting104 
Car wash141 
Care 
upholstery145 
vehicle exterior142 
vehicle finish143 
vehicle interior144 
wool velour145 
Cargo loading110 
Catalytic converter115 
CBC (Cornering Brake 
Control)21,117 
Cellular phone123 
refer to the separate 
Owner's Manual 
Center armrest102 
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp157 
Central locking system34 
button38 
Changing a tire159