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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual
mode:
>In order to prevent engine over-
speeding, the transmission shifts
automatically to the next higher gear
shortly before the engine speed
cutoff point.
>At low speeds, the transmission
shifts down automatically Ð you do
not have to act.
>In the "kickdown" mode, the trans-
mission shifts down to the lowest
gear possible, depending
on the engine speed.
>Depending on the situation Ð when
driving in adverse winter conditions,
for example Ð you may also start out
in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Available displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5460us143
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select trans-
mission position "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 transmis-
sion performance has been restored.
Drive off normally.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
all selector lever positions can still be
selected, however in the forward posi-
tions the vehicle has limited perfor-
mance, as it drives only in 3
rd and 4
th
gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest BMW
center.
Do not perform service operations
in the engine compartment with
a drive position engaged. If you do so,
the vehicle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting or jump-
starting the vehicle, refer to the infor-
mation beginning on page 167.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cruise control
*
The vehicle can store and automatically
maintain any desired vehicle speed
above approx. 20 mph (30 km/h) that
you input.
Do not use the cruise control on
winding roads, when high traffic
density prevents driving at a constant
speed, when the road surface is slick
(snow, rain, ice), or when the road
surface is loose (rocks, sand).
the instrument cluster comes on. You
can now use the cruise control.460de077
To store and maintain speed or
to accelerate Press button 2 briefly:
The system registers and maintains the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly touch the button, the speed
increases by 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold button 2:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the button, the system
registers and maintains the current
speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the
engine braking effect is not suffi-
cient, the controlled speed can be
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill
grades if the engine output is
insufficient.<
To deceleratePress button 3 briefly:
If you are already driving with active
cruise control, the speed is decreased
by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) every time
you briefly touch the lever.
Press and hold button 3:
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the button, the
system registers and maintains the
current speed.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
1 Odometer You can activate the displays shown in
the illustration with the ignition key in
position 0 by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster (arrow).2 Trip odometerTo reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1 and up.460us144
Avoid engine speeds in the red warning
zone of the gauge.
To protect the engine, the engine-
management system automatically
interrupts the fuel supply in this range;
the resulting effect resembles that
associated with a sudden loss of
power.460us079
Indicates current fuel consumption in
mpg (in liters per 100 km on Canadian
vehicles). You can check your current
driving style to see whether it is condu-
cive to economy and minimum exhaust
emissions.
When the vehicle is stationary, the
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on
Canadian models).460us080
Odometer Tachometer Energy Control
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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
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Computer
*
Average fuel consumption If you continue to hold the button on the
turn signal lever, the average fuel
consumption last displayed is recalcu-
lated from that point.460us296
Range The computer bases its calculations of
the cruising range on the previous
driving style and the amount of fuel
remaining.460us148
Average speed If you continue to hold the button on the
turn signal lever, the average speed last
displayed is recalculated from that
point.
Any time spent when the vehicle is
stationary and the engine is shut off is
ignored for the calculation.460us149
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
ASC+TThe conceptThis systems enhances driving stability
and traction, especially when you are
just starting off, accelerating or in
curves.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present
in traction loss and will increase driving
stability and traction by reducing the
engine's output, and if necessary, by
applying the brakes to the rear wheels.
ASC+T is available as soon as the
engine starts up.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to pages 21 and 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
ASC+T controls the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the
button. Consequently, interventions to
increase driving stability (as described
in the preceding column) are not avail-
able. You can still drive the vehicle
perfectly well without ASC+T.
Please consult your BMW center in the
event of a fault, refer to pages 21
and 22.
Deactivate the ASC+T Press the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
The illustration shows the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. This may vary, depending on
the equipment actually installed.
In the following rare situations, it may
be effective to deactivate the ASC+T
for a brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 121.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the ASC+T
activated whenever possible.<460de312
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
DSC
* Ð BMW 325i
The concept DSC helps maintain 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, the system recog-
nizes unstable vehicle conditions
(understeering or oversteering, for
example) and helps hold the vehicle on
a sure course by intervening via the
engine and by braking intervention at
the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 117.
The ADB (Automatic Differential
Braking) copies the function of conven-
tional differential and transverse lock
through brake intervention, and
increases traction 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 in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to pages 21 and 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and governs the drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp lights up continu-
ously:
The DSC has been turned off via the
switch; ADB is ready to use.
ADB intervention is not indicated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp lights up
continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been switched off via the button
or are defective.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
You can continue to drive the vehicle
normally, but without DSC. Please
consult your BMW center in the event
of a malfunction, refer to pages 21
and 22.
Deactivate DSC/activate ADBPress the DSC button briefly, the indi-
cator lamp lights up continuously.
The DSC has been switched off; ADB is
operational.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the ADB 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.
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 121.
The gain in traction is achieved by a
reduction in stabilizing intervention.460de313
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DSC
* Ð BMW 325i
Deactivate DSC and ADBHold the DSC switch down for at least
3 seconds. The indicator and the yellow
brake warning lamps will remain on the
entire time.
In this case, no interventions to
increase stability and traction for engine
and brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC on
whenever possible.<
Reactivate DSC and ADBPress the button again; the indicator
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
Whenever the ADB is activated, the
DSC is switched off and will not
perform any stabilizing intervention.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
For additional information concerning
DSC, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page 173.