66n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
You have the option of driving with a
normal automatic transmission or
switching to manual.
When you move the selector lever from
the "D" position to the left into the M/S
range, the performance-oriented shift
programs of the automatic transmission
are engaged. As soon as you briefly
touch the selector lever in the "+" or "Ð"
direction, Steptronic changes the gear.
The manual mode is engaged. When-
ever you want to use automatic again,
just shift the selector lever toward the
right to position D.
The automatic transmission with Step-
tronic is equipped with ATC (Adaptive
Transmission Control). ATC reacts with
precision to your individual driving style
and the current driving conditions. It is
for this reason that various shift
programs are used.
For additional details concerning the
ATC, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page 178.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + Ð
Starting the engineThe engine can only be started in
selector lever positions P ("Park") or N
("Neutral").Range selectionA detent prevents inadvertent shifts into
certain selector lever positions. To
disengage the detent, press the button
on the front of the shift knob (arrow).463de061
While the vehicle is stationary and
before shifting out of "Park" or
"Neutral," depress the footbrake in
order to disengage the selector lever's
lock mechanism (Shiftlock).
Hold the footbrake down until starting
off. Otherwise the vehicle will "creep"
when a drive position is engaged.<
If you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, move the selector
lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" position
and apply the parking brake. If you fail
to do this, the vehicle could move.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a major potential safety hazard.<
P ParkSelect only when the vehicle is
stationary. The transmission locks to
prevent the rear wheels from turning.R ReverseSelect only when the vehicle is
stationary.N NeutralSelect only if your journey is interrupted
for a long period.
76n
The following information and/or condi-
tions are indicated using symbols,
starting with the ignition key position 2,
until the condition has been corrected.
1 Inspect the low beam and high beam
headlamps, as well as the side lamps
2 Door open
3 Luggage compartment lid open
4 Check brake and tail lamps.
After the completion of a trip and when
the driver's door is opened, an acous-
tical signal is given for "Lamps on" if the
lamps have not been switched off.
When you open the driver's door after
stopping with the lights still on, a
warning signal sounds for LIGHTS ON.
460de083
If you wish to have a permanent time
display, you can make this adjustment
in the radio display (refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual).
You can adjust the clock and the time
display in the car radio as follows.
AdjustmentsFrom ignition key position 1.
To set ahead: turn the right knob to the
right.
To set back: turn the right knob to the
left.
The adjustment speed will increase the
longer you continue to hold the knob.
To change the display mode: press the
knob briefly.
Every time you press the knob, the
clock display alternates between the
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0: the time is
displayed for a few seconds after you
press the left button (refer to
"Odometer" on page 74).460us078
Check Control Clock
82n
DSC
* Ð BMW 320i, 325i, 330i
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the car on a steady
course by reducing the engine spped
and brake applications to the individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 119.
The ADB (automatic differential braking)
copies the function of conventional
differential and transverse lock through
brake intervention, and increases trac-
tion whenever conditions merit, e. g.
when driving on snow-covered roads.
If the DSC is switched off the ADB will
still be in ready mode.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment panel will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
started. Refer to pages 21, 22.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off by the
button; ADB is operational.
ADB intervention is not indicated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp stay lit:
DSC, ADB and DBC have been
switched off via the button or
are defective.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center. Refer to pages 21, 22.
Switch off the DSC/activate the
ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
The DSC has been switched off; ADB is
operational.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
>when rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>when driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on
>or when driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 122.
The gain in traction is achieved by a
reduction in stabilizing intervention.460de313
84n
DSC Ð BMW 325xi, 330xiThe conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system enhances vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
up from a full stop, and optimizes trac-
tion as well. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the car on a steady
course by reducing the RPMs and
brake applications to the individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains the
functions of ADB-X and CBC, refer to
page 119.
The ADB-X (automatic differential
braking) replaces the function of
conventional differential and transverse
lock through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e. g. when driving on snow-
covered roads.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to pages 21, 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
Indicator lamp lights up permanently:
DSC has been switched off via the
button; ADB-X is operational.
ADB-X intervention is not indicated.
If the warning lamp does not go
out after pressing the DSC button
repeatedly, then both the DSC and
ADB-X are defective. Consequently,
interventions to increase driving
stability (as described in the preceding
column) are not available.<
You can drive perfectly well without
DSC. Please contact your BMW center
in the event of a fault, refer to
pages 21, 22.
Switching the DSC offPress the DSC button; the indicator
lamp comes on and stays on.
The DSC has been switched off and the
ADB-X is designed for maximum
output.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 122.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC on
whenever possible.<460de313
94n
Air conditionerAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The heating and
ventilation become more and
more effective as the air
supply settings are increased. In posi-
tion 0, the fan and the heater are
switched off. By using position 0, you
can totally block the air supply by
pressing the button for the recirculated-
air mode.
Temperature
In order to increase the
temperature of the passenger
compartment, turn it to the
right (red). Temperature regu-
lation will keep the interior temperature
you have selected constant.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . You can also
make all intermediate settings. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto
the windows to keep them free of
condensation. The "6 o'clock" setting is
recommended as a normal setting (refer
also to the illustration and overview on
page 92).
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically. Refer to
page 71.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when
the engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7(+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
blocking the outside air. The system
then recirculates the air already within
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<
101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control of the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is
stopped. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button of the automatic
climate control.
To defrost the windshield and
side windows
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Switch off the air conditioner at outside
temperatures below approx. 41 7
(+5 6). This will help to prevent the
windows from fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the air flow from
the outside. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
By repeated actuation of the button,
you can select one of three different
operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the
vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<
104n
HiFi system Ð harman kardonSpecial acoustical effects are activated
or deactivated every time you press the
button.
When the system is activated, the
impression of a significantly larger
passenger compartment is created at
all seating areas, together with an
improvement of the stereo effect.
When reception is weak, the system
frequently switches between stereo and
mono operation. Switch it off.460us287
To openPull the handle. The lamp comes on.To closeFold the cover up.To lockLock with one of the master keys.
A master key can also be used for
unlocking.
If you turn over only your door and
ignition keys for valet parking
(refer to page 32), for example, access
to the glove compartment is not
possible.<460de041
To prevent injury in the event of
a crash, close the glove compart-
ment immediately after use.<
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left-
hand side of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload-protection
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
Be sure that the flashlight is
switched off when it is inserted
into its holder. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to over-
charging and damage.<
HiFi system
* Glove compartment
109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Through-loading system
*
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections (one-third and two-thirds of the
width of the seat). For carrying longer
objects, you can fold down either
section of the backrest separately.
To unlock, pull the lever corresponding
to the section (arrow).460de154
The rear backrest section will move
for-ward slightly when it is unlocked.
Reach into the gap and pull the backrest
down.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the retainer engages
correctly. If it is not correctly engaged,
transported cargo could enter the
passenger compartment from the
luggage compartment during brake
applications or evasive maneuvers and
endanger the vehicle occupants.<
The fittings at the corners of the
luggage compartment provide you
with a convenient means of attaching
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for
securing suitcases and luggage.
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on
page 112.
460de153
Center 3-point-safety belt in the
rear
*
You can retract the 3-point-safety belt
in the rear, before folding the through-
loading system back:
>Loosen the safety belt and put the
buckle latch that is on the end of the
safety belt into the bracket mounted
on the rear window shelf (arrow).
To install a child restraint system
always use the outer belts. The
centre 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.<462us054