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
120n
Brake systemBrake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
comes on with the parking
brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 138).
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake linings
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
BMW approved brake pads for
your specific vehicle model. BMW
cannot evaluate non-approved brake
pads to determine if they are suited for
use, and therefore cannot ensure the
operating safety of the vehicle if they
are installed.<
133n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment Ð BMW 325i, 325xi1 Brake fluid reservoir138
2 Engine oil dipstick135
3 Coolant expansion tank137
4 Engine oil filler neck135
5 Reservoir for the headlamp
* and
windshield washer system134
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting167
138n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be
located in the blue zone. If it is not,
there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape, then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been
released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 120.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<