2001 BMW 330i SEDAN low oil pressure

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 lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge 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. If you do so, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check
the engine oil and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: 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 86.
Brake hydraulic system 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 121 and 143.
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 119.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 139.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: Add more engine
oil the next time you stop for gas.
For additional information, refer to
page 139.
Brake pads l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 121.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 28 and 86.
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 stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off via the
button, or it is defective, or, the DSC
has been turned off, ADB is in ready
mode.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
ASC+T beginning on page 80.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
The DSC has either been 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 both the DSC
and ADB-X are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 84.
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 have
been switched off by means of the
button or are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective. ADB-X
cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 81.
Indicator and warning lamps
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC for
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low, refill
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 138.

129n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Winter tires

Choosing the right tire

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction
than standard summer tires with H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of
performance as standard snow tires in
winter driving.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Mount only winter tires 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 pressure

Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should
thus be replaced.
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.

Storage

Always 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 winter tires is approved only
in pairs and only on the rear wheels.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one
side or you cannot access one tire, then
a chain may be attached to one rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.

146n
Washing your vehicle You can have your BMW washed in
an automatic car wash, even when it
is new. Car wash systems that do not
employ brushes 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 on 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.
Deactivate the rain sensor
(refer to page 70) when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure
to do so could result in damage caused
by unintended wiper activation.<
Parts of the vehicle that 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 be sure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage
to 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
(this causes scratches). Never use
abrasives or strong solvents. 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 also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)22,118
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter102,171
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)66,178
Adding engine oil139
Adding washer
fluid138,195
Adjusting the backrest48
Adjusting the steering
wheel51
Adjusting the
temperature94
Adjusting the thigh support
area49
Air conditioner92
Air distribution94,100
Air nozzles92,98
Air outlets92,98
ventilation92,98
Air pressure125
Air supply94,101
Airbags21,55,151,179
Alarm system42
Antenna124
Antenna, Diversity181
Antifreeze142
radiator122 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22,118
Anti-theft alarm system42
Aquaplaning117,125
Armrest105
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)22
Ashtray107
front107
rear108
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)66,178
Attach car vacuum
cleaner108
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)101
Automatic car washes146
Automatic climate
control98
removing condensation
from the windows101
Automatic cruise control72
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)101
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)22
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic21,66 Automatic windshield
washer70
Average consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads194
B
Backrest, adjusting48
Backup lamps65
bulb replacement161
Battery168,196
capacity196
charge170
discharged173
removal and
installation169
Battery charge current20
Battery safety terminal169
Belts54
Beverage holder105
Blower94,101
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils140
BMW sports seat49
Bore192
Brake fluid143
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement161
Brake pads22
Brake system121 Brakes120
malfunctions121
Break-in procedures116
Bulb replacement158
C
California Proposition
65 Warning153
Capacities195
Car Memory53
Car radio124
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car radio
reception124,181
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting108
Car wash146
Care
exterior147
interior150
Care of upholstery150
Care of wool velour150
Cargo loading112
Caring for the vehicle
finish148
Catalytic converter117
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21,119
Cellular phone107,124
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
A-Z

Everything from A to ZFootwell lamps89
bulb replacement164
Four-wheel drive182
Front fog lamps89
bulb replacement161
Frost protection,
radiator142
Fuel28
Fuel consumption78
Fuel consumption
display75
Fuel filler door
releasing following an
electrical malfunction172
Fuel gauge75
Fuel injection192
Fuel quality28
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp75
Fuel specifications28
Fuel tank capacity195
Fuel tank gauge75
Functional status187
Fuses170 G
Gasoline28
Gasoline gauge75
Glove compartment104 Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement164
Gross vehicle weight194
H
Handbrake64
Handsfree system107
Hazard warning flashers26
Hazard warning triangle26
Head restraints48
Headlamp covers,
care146,159
Headlamp flasher69,89
Headlamp washer
system138,195
Headlamp washers71
Headlamps88
Heated seats103
Heating, rapid96
Heavy loads112
Height193
HiFi system Ð harman
kardon104
High beams23,69,89
bulb replacement159
High Performance Synthetic
Oils140
High-mount brake lamp163
Hood release134 Horn17
Hubcap166
Hydraulic Brake assistant,
refer to DBC
I
Ice warning77
Icy roads77
Identification, tires128
Ignition key32
Ignition lock62
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure28,125
Inflation pressure
monitoring86,186
INSPECTION75
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel18
Interaxle tire rotation127
Interface socket108
for Onboard
Diagnostics154
Interference
cellular phone124
Interior lamps36,89
bulb replacement163
remote control36
Interior motion sensor42 Interior rearview mirror52
automatic dimming
feature53,184
Interlock62
Intermittent wipe69
J
Jack165
Jump-starting173 K
Key Memory53
Keys32
with remote control32 L
Lamps and bulbs158
LAMPS ON warning88
Lashing eyes112
LATCH attachment of the
child seat59
Leather care150
Length193
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement163
Light switch88
Light-alloy wheels130
Lighter108
Load-securing devices112

Everything from A to Z
203n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Louvers92,98
Low beam headlamps88
Low beams, bulb
replacement159
Lug bolts166
Lug wrench165
Luggage compartment41
capacity194
floor mat41
floor panel41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement164
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
securing separately39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack113
Lumbar support49 M
M+S tires129
Maintenance75,145
Malfunction displays76
Manual transmission65
Manually controlled
recirculated-air101
Memory50 MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)24
Microfilter95,171
Mirror memory50
Mirrors52
Mobile phone124
Modifications,
technical6,153
Motion sensor, interior42
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
N
Neckrest48 O
OBD interface socket154
Obstruction protection44
Odometer74
Oil
capacity195
consumption139
dipstick139
quality140
specifications140
viscosity140
Oil additives139
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Oil filter change195 Oil level
check139
indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE75
Onboard tool kit158
Opening and closing Ð from
the inside38
Opening and closing Ð from
the outside34
Outside temperature
display77
Owner service
procedures206
P
Paint blemishes147
Paint, care147
Paintwork, minor
repairs148
Paintwork, waxing148
Park Distance Control
(PDC)79
Parking brake64
Parking help79
Parking lamps89
Parking, winter123
PDC (Park Distance
Control)79
Performance192
Phone, mobile124 Pocket flashlight104
Pollen95,102
Power seat49
Power steering123
Power windows44
safety switch45
Pressure monitoring,
tires86,186
Pressure, tires28,125
R
Radiator195
Radio Data System
(RDS)181
Radio reception124,181
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor69,185
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)86,186
RDS (Radio Data
System)181
Reading lamps90
Rear backrest, folding109
Rear lamps161
Rear window
defroster71,94,102
Rearview mirror52
Recirculated air mode94
Reclining seat47
Refueling27
Remote control35

Owner service proceduresA
Activated-charcoal filter,
changing171
Adding brake fluid143
Adding engine coolant142
Adding engine oil139
Air pressure, checking28
Antifreeze142 B
Backup lamps, bulb
replacement161
Battery
add distilled water169
charging170
Brake fluid, adding143
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement161
Brakes, brake faults121 C
Changing a tire165
Changing a wheel165
Checking air pressure28
Checking engine oil
level139
Checking oil level139 D
Defrost setting96
Defrosting the
windows96,101 Difficult steering123
Doors, emergency
operation34
E
Electrical accessories,
failure170
Electrical malfunction
fuel filler door172
sliding/tilt sunroof172
Emergency operation
doors34
fuel filler door172
sliding/tilt sunroof172
Engine coolant, adding142
Engine oil
add139
check139
quality140
specifications140
viscosity140
Engine oil level,
checking139 F
First-aid kit26
Fittings, towing and
tow-starting174
Flat tire165
Footwell lamps, bulb
replacement164 Front fog lamps, bulb
replacement161
Fuses, replacing170
G
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement164 H
Hazard warning flashers26
Hazard warning triangle26
Headlamp cover, care159
High beams, bulb
replacement159 I
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure28,125
Interior lamps, bulb
replacement163
Interior motion sensor,
switching off43 J
Jack165 L
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement163
Low beams, bulb
replacement159 Lug wrench165
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement164
Luggage compartment lid,
emergency release39
M
Maintenance145
Microfilter, changing171
Motion sensor, switching
off43 O
Oil
quality140
specifications140
viscosity140
Onboard tool kit158 P
Pressure, tires28 R
Rear lamps161
Releasing the fuel filler door
following an electrical
malfunction172
Releasing the hood134
Removing condensation
from the
Owner service procedure