
 
Contents
 
Repairs
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter180
 
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)188
Airbags189
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
Safety belt tensioner190
Interior rearview mirror with 
automatic dimming 
feature191
Rain sensor191
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)192
Self-diagnostics192
Rollover protection system193
Xenon lamps193Engine data196
Dimensions197
Weights198
Capacities199
Electrical system200
Drive belts200 

75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual 
mode:
>In order to prevent the engine from 
overrevving, the transmission shifts 
automatically to the next higher gear 
just before the RPM cutoff point.
>At low speeds, the transmission 
shifts down automatically and you do 
not have to act
>In the "kickdown" mode, the trans-
mission shifts down to the lowest 
gear which is possible, depending on 
the engine speed.
>Depending on the situation Ñ when 
driving in adverse winter conditions, 
for example Ñ you may also start out 
in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Possible displays 
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control 
module
If the indicator lamp comes on, 
there is a malfunction in the 
transmission system.
46cus005
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the 
transmission selector lever to "P." Set 
the parking brake and turn the engine 
off (ignition key to position 0). 
Wait a few seconds, then start the 
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a 
few seconds, normal transmission 
performance has been restored. You 
may continue to drive as usual. 
If the indicator lamp does not go out, 
you can place the selector lever in all 
positions. However, the vehicle will now 
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear. 
If this happens, avoid extreme engine 
loads and consult the nearest BMW 
center.
Do not work in the engine 
compartment when a drive gear 
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you 
do this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the 
information beginning on page 183. 

121n
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: 
Do not drive through water on the road 
if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm), and then 
only at walking speed. Otherwise, the 
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems 
and the transmission may be damaged. 
Clothes hooks (for the hardtop): 
When suspending clothing from the 
hooks, be sure that they will not 
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang 
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do 
so, they could cause personal injury 
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
The catalytic converter reduces harmful 
exhaust emissions.
It 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 jump-start the vehicle with outside 
assistance.
>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 discon-
nected.Be sure to comply with the 
preceding instructions to prevent 
unburned fuel from reaching the cata-
lytic converter. If you do not, the cata-
lytic converter could respond by 
overheating, leading to serious 
damage. 
Very high temperatures occur in any 
vehicle equipped with a catalytic 
converter. Heat shields are installed 
adjacent to some sections of the 
exhaust system. Never remove these 
shields; do not apply undercoating to 
their surfaces. When driving, standing 
at idle, and parking the vehicle, take 
extra care to avoid contact between the 
exhaust system and flammable mate-
rials (grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such 
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in 
serious personal injury and property 
damage.<
Driving notes  Catalytic converter 

143n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment Ð BMW 325Ci, 330Ci1 Brake fluid reservoir148
2 Dipstick for the engine oil145
3 Coolant expansion tank147
4 Engine oil filler neck145
5 Reservoir for headlamp
* and 
windshield washer system144
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump 
starting183 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal 
filter180
In case of electrical 
malfunction:
Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184
Repairs 

183n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Do not use spray starter fluids. 
If the battery is discharged, the engine 
can be started with the use of two 
jumper cables and the battery of 
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables 
with fully insulated grips on the terminal 
clamps.
Do not touch the parts conducting 
electrical current while the engine 
is running. Failure to comply with this 
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
Carefully comply with the following 
instructions to avoid personal injury or 
damage to one or both vehicles:
1 Be sure that the battery on the 
support vehicle is also rated at 
12 volts, and that the capacities of 
the two batteries (Ah) are roughly 
comparable (printed on casing).
2 Leave the drained battery connected 
to the vehicle's electrical system. 
3 Make sure that there is no contact 
between the bodywork of the two 
vehicles Ð this creates a risk of short 
circuits.
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable 
from the positive terminal of the 
support vehicle to the positive 
terminal connector located in your 
BMW's engine compartment. The 
cover of the positive terminal 
connector is marked with a "+" sign. 
Refer to the illustration. Remove by 
pulling the tab (arrow 1).
5 Then connect the negative terminals. 
Attach the cable to either the support 
vehicle's negative battery terminal, or 
to a suitable ground on its engine or 
bodywork. Then connect the other 
end of the cable to a ground on the 
engine or on the bodywork of the 
vehicle that is to be started. There is 
a special nut provided for this on the 
BMW (arrow 2).
Follow the same sequence for 
connecting the jumper cables 
when helping other vehicles. If you do 
not, there is the risk of injury if sparks 
are generated at the battery.<462us053
6 Start the support vehicle's engine 
and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle 
needing the jump-start, and allow it 
to run as usual. If the first start 
attempt is not successful, wait a few 
minutes before another attempt in 
order to allow the discharged battery 
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper 
cables from your BMW, turn on the 
lighting, the rear window defroster 
and set the blower to the highest 
speed; allow the engine to run 
approx. 10 seconds. This will prevent 
a voltage surge from the voltage 
regulator to the electrical accesso-
ries.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in 
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault, 
recharge the battery.
Jump-starting 

Everything from A to Z
207n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interlock69 
Intermittent mode, wiper 
system76 J 
Jack173 
Jump-starting183 K 
Key Memory59 
Keys32 
with remote control32 L 
Lamps and bulbs166 
LAMPS ON warning93 
Lashing eyes115 
LATCH attachment of the 
child seat64 
Leather care155 
Length197 
License plate lamp, bulb 
replacement171 
Light-alloy wheels137 
Lighter112 
Loads, securing114 
Load-securing devices115 
Low beam headlamps93 
bulb replacement167 
Lug bolts174 Luggage 
compartment40,41 
capacity198 
emergency release39 
floor panel40 
lid39 
lighting39 
lock separately39 
remote control36 
Luggage compartment 
lamps, bulb 
replacement172 
Luggage rack116 
Lumbar support55 
M 
M+S tires136 
Maintenance82,150 
Malfunction displays83 
Manual convertible top, 
operating45 
Manual transmission72 
Manually controlled 
recirculated-air105 
Memory57 
MFL (Multi-function steering 
wheel)24 
Microfilter99,180 
Mirror memory57 
Mirrors57 
Mobile phones129 Modifications, 
technical6,161 
Motion sensor, interior43 
Mounting child safety 
seat64 
Mounting the roof 
carrier130 
Multi-function steering 
wheel (MFL)24 
N 
Navigation system, refer to 
the radio Owner's Manual O 
OBD interface socket162 
Odometer81 
Oil 
additives145 
capacity199 
consumption145 
dipstick145 
quality146 
specifications146 
viscosity146 
Oil change intervals, see the 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models)/Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) Oil filter change199 
Oil level 
check145 
indicator lamp20 
Oil pressure, indicator 
lamp20 
OILSERVICE82 
Onboard tool kit166 
Opening and closing 
from the inside38 
from the outside34 
Operating the convertible
top manually in the event 
of an electrical 
malfunction181 
Outside temperature 
display84 
P 
Paint blemishes152 
Paint, care152 
Paintwork 
minor repairs153 
waxing153 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC)87 
Parking brake71 
Parking help87 
Parking lamps94 
Parking, winter128