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
79n
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
81n
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
83n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
DSC Ð BMW 325xiThe conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system enhances vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
up from a full stop, and optimizes trac-
tion as well. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the vehicle on a
steady course by reducing the engine
output and brake applications to the
individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains ADB-X
und DBC, refer to page 118.
The ADB-X (Automatic Differential
Braking) replaces the function of
conventional differential and transverse
lock through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e. g. when driving on snow-
covered streets.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
started. Refer to pages 21, 22.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC is switched off via the switch;
ADB-X is operational.
ADB-X intervention not indicated.
If the indicator lamp does not go
out after repeatedly pressing the
DSC switch, then the DSC and the
ADB-X are defective, and the interven-
tion described to the right is then no
longer available.<
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center. Refer to pages 21, 22.
Deactivate the DSCPress the DSC button; the indicator
lamp comes on and stays on.
The DSC has been switched off and the
ADB-X is designed for maximum
output.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short 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 DSC on
whenever possible.<460de313
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
116n
Catalytic converter Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to observe the instruc-
tions above to prevent unburned
fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter, otherwise, the catalytic
converter could overheat and be
damaged.
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 care to avoid
contact between the exhaust system
and flammable materials (grass, hay,
leaves etc.). Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in personal injury and
property damage.<
The concept ABS enhances active driving safety by
helping to prevent the wheels from
locking under braking. The reason:
locked wheels are dangerous. When the
front wheels slide, the driver loses
steering control over the vehicle. Trac-
tion loss at the rear wheels can cause
the rear end to break into an uncon-
trolled skid.
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability.
>Assured ability to steer and
maneuver Ð on the various road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt,
wet conditions, snow, ice).
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-away and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). It is deactivated once
again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h).
This means that the wheels can lock in
the final phase of a panic stop Ð a factor
of no significance in actual use.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum brake pressure ("panic
stop"). Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit
cycles in fractions of a second. A pulsa-
tion at the brake pedal, together with
the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range, and reminds you that you
should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel or snow, for
example), or when snow chains are
mounted, braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.
121n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operationWinter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather. Adaptions in
driving style should be accompanied by
preparations on the vehicle itself to
ensure that your vehicle operates safely
and trouble-free throughout the winter
months.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture will resist freezing to
approx. Ð34 7 (Ð37 6). Replace the
coolant every four years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
mended.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and tailgate seals.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.
BMW snow chains can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this type of exceptional situation
where the snow chains are mounted,
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC. Refer to
page 79.
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Starting offWhen starting off from a full stop in
deep snow or when "rocking" the
vehicle to free it, it may be effective to
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for
a short period. Refer to page 79.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Downshift
into the next lower gear on ascents or
descents. Maintain an adequate
distance between yourself and the
vehicle ahead.
128n
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S-identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load
rating H, V, W, Y und ZR, but usually do
not achieve the same level of perfor-
mance as winter tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Mount only winter tires which have
been 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 pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
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.
StorageAlways 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 summer or winter tires is
approved only in pairs and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.