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.
<
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.
114n
To ensure maximum economy and a
long service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and road
speeds, but do not exceed the following
engine or road speeds during this time:
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"kickdown" point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced at a later point.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydropla-
ning, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemAfter approximately 300 miles (500 km),
the brake pads and discs achieve the
optimal pad surface and wear patterns
required for trouble-free operation and
long service life.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off Ð when
towing, for example Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.
Break-in procedures
118n
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Disc brakesDynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 81.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow warning lamp comes
on. Normal braking efficiency
and the anti-lock braking system are
still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
Refer to the "Information for your
safety" covering the ABS system.
This information also generally applies
for DBC.<
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved 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.<
119n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDriving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other drivers. The heat which
is generated by the brake applications
helps to dry the brake pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 122).
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 66.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid
extended, continuous braking. Instead
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
sure over an extended period of time,
you should decelerate by applying
more substantial pressure to the brake
pedal (watch for following traffic),
releasing the pedal, and then repeating
the application (staggered braking). The
cooling phases between active braking
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not allow the vehicle to coast
when the clutch is depressed or
by shifting into neutral while moving. Do
not drive when the engine is switched
off. The engine provides no braking
control when the clutch is depressed or
the transmission is in "Neutral" and
there is no power-assist for the brakes
when the engine is shut off.
BMW 325xi: have brake inspections
performed at a BMW center only. If you
do not, parts of the four-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<
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.<
122n
Winter operationBrakingWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
Keep this in mind, because the braking
distance increases substantially.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces Ð if you want to decel-
erate. Doing so could cause the rear
wheels to lose traction and skid, which
could result in the loss of vehicle
control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal, or place the selector
lever of the automatic transmission into
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.
ParkingEngage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park." On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake pads
from locking due to frost or corrosion,
dry them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic
is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
applied.<
Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)22,116
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter100,165
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)65,173
Adding engine oil135
Adding washer
fluid134,187
Adjust
backrest47
steering wheel50
temperature92
thigh support area48
Air conditioner90
Air distribution92,98
Air nozzles90
Air outlets96
ventilation90,96
Air pressure124
Air supply92,99
Airbags21,58,147,172
Alarm system41
Antenna123
Antenna Diversity174
Antifreeze137
radiator121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22,116
Anti-theft alarm system41
Aquaplaning115,124 Armrest102
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction)22,173
Ashtray104
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)65,173
Attaching vacuum
cleaner104
AUC (Automatic climate
control)96
Automatic car washes141
Automatic climate
control96
remove condensation from
the windows98
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror52
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T)22,173
Automatic transmission21
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Automatic washer
rear window69
windshield69
Average consumption77
Average speed77
Axle loads186
B
Backrest, adjusting47
Backup lamps64
bulb replacement156
Battery162,188
capacity188
charging164
discharged167
removal and
installation163
Battery charge current20
Battery safety terminal163
Belts53
Beverage holder102
Blower92,99
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils136
BMW sports seat48
Bore184
Brake
fluid138
hydraulic system20
pads22
Brake lamps
bulb replacement156
Brake system118
faults120
Break-in procedure114
Bulb replacement153
Bulbs and lamps153
C
California Proposition
65 Warning148
Capacities187
Car Memory52
Car radio123
reception174
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone103
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting104
Car wash141
Care
upholstery145
vehicle exterior142
vehicle finish143
vehicle interior144
wool velour145
Cargo loading110
Catalytic converter115
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21,117
Cellular phone123
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest102
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp157
Central locking system34
button38
Changing a tire159