104n
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide maximum economy throughout
an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the
following instructions.
Engine and differentialThe first 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle
and engine speed during these initial
miles while remembering to avoid
engine speeds in excess of 4,500 rpm
and/or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph
(160 km/h):
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
After the initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km)
you can gradually increase both engine
and vehicle speeds.
Please remember to observe these
same break-in procedures if either the
engine or the differential is replaced
later in the course of the vehicle's
service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
We thus ask you to drive with extra care
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official 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 hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service
life later on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance); use caution to
avoid posing a danger to other road
users. You can prevent corrosion in the
drums by periodically repeating this
procedure.
The rear brake lamps do not come
on when you apply the parking
brake.
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.
operate at optimum efficiency.
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures
105n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving notes Antilock Brake System
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
you do not, a wedge of water may form
between the tires and the road surface.
This phenomenon can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, vehicle control
and braking ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft (30 cm), and then only at
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Rear tray: never use it to store heavy or
hard objects, as otherwise occupants
could be injured during braking maneu-
vers.
Clothes hooks: when hanging clothing
from the hooks, be sure that they will
not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not
hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you
do so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps
the wheels from locking during braking,
thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum pedal pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
106n
Brake systemBrake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. It may be necessary to
apply higher levels of pressure to the
pedal when stopping and braking
distances may also be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.
and operating conditions in which
braking is restricted to gentle, low-
pressure applications will all increase
the tendency for corrosion to form on
the rotors; this is often accompanied by
a simultaneous accumulation of
contamination on the brake pads. The
pads must exert a certain minimal level
of pressure against the rotors for the
disc brakes' inherent self-cleaning
effect to remain effective; the pressure
available under the above conditions
may not provide adequate cleansing.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
pose a hazard to you or to other road
users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors
to ensure that your brake system will
respond with undiminished efficiency
when you need it.
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the
approved engine-speed range, refer to
page 66.Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion in neutral. Do not coast with the
engine shut off. The engine provides no
braking effect when the clutch is
depressed and there is no power-assist
for braking or steering when the engine
is not running.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: always refer all
brake inspection and service work to
your BMW center, as failure to observe
the special procedures could result in
damage to brake system components.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that the manufacturer
has released for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer cannot eval-
uate 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.<
127n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbsTail lampsBulbs: 21 watt
1 Brake lamps red
2 Backup lamps white
3 Tail lamp red
4 Turn signal yellow
Right luggage compartment opening:
Bulbs in the fender:
All of the bulbs are integrated in a
central bulb holder.
1. Unscrew the bulb holder (arrow in
close-up view) to remove
2. Unplug the power supply plug. Set
the bulb holder aside (on the luggage
compartment floor, for example)
3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and replace the
bulb
4. Plug in the power supply fitting
5. Screw the bulb holder back on
(arrow in close-up view).
Bulbs in the luggage compartment lid:
1. Use a screwdriver to release the two
clips
128n
Lamps and bulbs2. Fold the trim panel down (1). Disen-
gage the bulb holder (2) and remove
it
3. Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and replace the
bulb
4. Press the bulb holder into place,
continuing until you hear it engage
5. Reinstall the trim panel with the clips.
Center (high-mount) brake lampLED strip on the rear window.
Please contact your BMW center in
case of malfunction.
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left (arrow) to
release the lens
2. Replace the bulb.
132n
Changing a wheelDriving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking
response, longer braking distances and
sacrifices in roadholding.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced if winter
tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time.
Reinstall wheels and tires of the same
size and specification as soon as
possible. Maintain correct tire pres-
sures, refer to page 25.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains
possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to pages 78 or 80.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
With the safety tires, you can drive
another approx. 155 miles (250 km) to
reach a safe parking location, a service
station or the nearest BMW center.
With a low vehicle load, this can also be
considerably more than 155 miles
(250 km).Safety tires are only possible in
conjunction with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
If the defective wheel can not be seen
as such immediately from the outside,
check the tire inflation pressure at all
four wheels.
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center. For safety reasons,
do not have a safety tire repaired. Your
BMW center has the information
needed for working with safety tires
and is equipped with the necessary
special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your
BMW center to reequip your
vehicle from summer to winter tires Ð or
vice versa.<
Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 105
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal filter91
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)60
ADB (Automatic Differential
Brake)73
Adding
brake fluid118
coolant117
engine oil115
washer fluid114
Adjusting
head restraints44
lumbar support43
manual seats42
mirrors48
power seat43
steering wheel47
thigh support42
Air conditioning85
temperature settings86
Air distribution86, 89
Air nozzles85 Air outlets,
ventilation85, 88
Air supply86, 89
Airbags18, 49
sitting correctly41
Alarm system36
Antifreeze117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 105
Anti-theft system36
Aquaplaning104, 105
Armrest92
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)72
Ashtray
front95
rear95
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)60
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner95
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90
Automatic climate
control88
temperature settings89
Automatic cruise control64
Automatic curb monitor47 Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB)73
Automatic headlight
control82
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)90
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)72
Automatic transmission59
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic18, 59
Automatic-dimming feature,
mirrors49
Average consumption70
Average speed70
Axle loads142
B
Backrest, adjusting42
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement127
Battery133
care133
charge current
indicator17
charging133
Belts, safety45
Beverage holder93 Blower86, 89
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil116
BMW Maintenance
System119
BMW sports seat
electrical adjustment43
manual adjustment42
Bore140
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Brake fluid118
add118
warning lamp17
Brake lamps
bulb replacement127
Brake system104, 106
brake fluid118
brake fluid level106
brake pads106
brake pads, indicator
lamp19
disc brakes106
Break-in procedure104
Bulbs and lamps,
replacement124
A-Z
Everything from A to Z
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
C
California Proposition
65 Warning120
Capacities143
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car key28
Car phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo loading99
Cassette operation, refer to
the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)18, 73
CD operation, refer to the
"Radio Owner's Manual"
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"94 Center (high-mount) brake
lamp128
Center armrest92
Central locking system28
button32
Changing a wheel/tire129
Check Control68
Checking coolant level117
Checking engine oil
level115
Child-restraint systems52
Clean the headlamps63
Cleaning windshield63
Clock68
refer to the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
Cockpit14
Coin box93
Compartments92
Compression ratio140
Computer69
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"69
Configuring individual
settings via Vehicle and
Key Memory55 Consumption70
display67
Convenience operation via
the door lock
sliding/tilt sunroof31
windows31
Coolant117
add117
capacity143
checking level117
Coolant temperature
gauge67
Cooling system including
heater circuit,
capacity143
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)18, 73
Correct sitting posture41
Cover, sun blinds91
Cruise control64
Cruising range70
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Curb monitor47
Curb weight142
Current check indicator17
D
Data
dimensions141
engine140
weights142
Daytime driving lamps82
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)73, 74
Deep water105
Defrost windows and
remove
condensation87, 89
Defroster, rear
window86, 90
Digital clock68
Dimensions141
Dipstick, engine oil115
Displacement140
Display lighting83
Displays15
Distance warning71
Divided rear-seat
backrest96
Door key28