
69n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Computer
*
Mode selectionIn ignition key positions 1 and 2, you 
can request information from the 
computer using the button in the turn 
signal lever. By pressing the button 
briefly toward the steering column, you 
can call up a new function for display.
The displays appear in the following 
order:
Time of day, outside temperature, 
average fuel consumption, cruising 
range, average vehicle speed.
Starting with ignition key position 1, 
the last active setting is displayed.
Outside temperatureYou can change the units of measure 
(6/7) for the outside temperature 
display by pressing the right-hand reset 
button in the instrument cluster while 
the temperature display is active.
Ice warningIf the outside temperature drops to 
about 37.5 7 (+3 6), then the 
computer will automatically switch to a 
display of the outside temperature. In 
addition, a signal sounds as a warning 
and the display flashes for a brief 
period.
The ice warning does not alter the 
fact that surface ice can form at 
temperatures above  37.5 7 (+3  6), on 
bridges or shaded road surfaces, for 
instance.< 

70n
Computer
*
Average fuel consumptionIf you continue to hold the button on the 
turn signal lever, the average fuel 
consumption last displayed is recalcu-
lated from that point in time.
RangeThe computer bases its calculations for 
the cruising range on the operating 
conditions in the preceding period and 
on the remaining fuel in the tank.
Average speedIf you continue to hold the button, the 
average speed last displayed is recal-
culated from that point in time.
Any time spent when the vehicle is 
stationary and the engine is shut off is 
ignored for the calculation. 

81n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Flat Tire Monitor
*
To activate/deactivate the systemThe Flat Tire Monitor automatically 
assumes operation whenever you turn 
the ignition key to position 2. Unless 
manually deactivated, it is always on 
during normal vehicle operation.
To deactivate the system: press the 
button, the yellow indicator lamp comes 
on.
To activate the system: press the 
button again, the indicator lamp goes 
out.
You should deactivate the system 
before driving with snow chains, as the 
chains can generate spurious warnings 
and/or prevent the system from 
detecting actual pressure loss. 
Flat tire warning
The red warning lamp in the 
instrument cluster lights up to 
warn of pressure loss and tire 
failure. This visual alert is accompanied 
by an acoustic warning signal. Reduce 
your speed immediately, and steer and 
brake gently as you bring the vehicle to 
a stop. 
To reset the warning lamp: after 
replacing the damaged tire you will 
need to reset the red warning lamp 
manually: maintain pressure on the Flat 
Tire Monitor button until the warning 
lamp goes out. Then reinitialize the 
system.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot 
provide you with advance warning 
of sudden and severe tire damage 
caused by external factors.
The system also does not detect the 
gradual and minor loss of pressure that 
all tires display over extended periods 
of time.<
Check tire inflation pressures on a 
regular basis, correcting them as 
necessary, refer to page 24.
The system may respond to operation 
on slippery or snow-covered road 
surfaces with false warnings or delays 
in detecting actual pressure loss.
Performance-oriented driving (slip at 
the drive wheels, high rates of lateral 
acceleration) can also increase the time 
that the Flat Tire Monitor requires to 
detect a flat.<
System malfunctionsThe yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up and remains on 
until the problem is corrected.
Please refer the problem to your BMW 
center. 

88n
Automatic climate control
*
1 Air onto the windshield and onto the 
side windows
2 Air for the upper body area90
3 Air for the footwell 
4 Recirculated-air mode/Automatic 
recirculated-air control (AUC)905 Air supply89
6 Temperature89
7 Automatic air distribution89
8 Individual air distribution89
9 Interior temperature sensor Ð please 
keep clear and unobstructed10 Display for temperature and air 
supply89
11 To defrost windows and remove 
condensation 89
12 Air conditioning89
13 Rear window defroster90 

89n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system Ð switch on 
with AUTO button 7. Select the desired 
interior temperature.
Detailed setting options are described 
for you in the following section.Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program adjusts the 
air distribution and the air 
supply for you and Ð in addition to that Ð 
adapts the temperature to external 
influences (summer, winter) to meet 
preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO 
program by selecting specific 
distribution patterns to suit your 
own individual requirements. 
While the AUTO program is then deacti-
vated, the automatic airflow control 
remains in operation. The system 
directs air to the windows  , the upper 
body  and into the footwells  . You 
can reactivate the automatic air distri-
bution mode by selecting the AUTO 
button.
Temperature
The interior temperature that 
appears in the display panel is a 
general figure intended for reference 
purposes. We recommend 72 7 
(+22 6) as a comfortable setting, even 
if the air conditioning is on. When you 
start the vehicle, the system ensures 
that the selected temperature is 
achieved as quickly as possible. It then 
maintains this temperature, regardless 
of the season.
Air supply
By pressing the left or right half 
of the button, you can vary the 
air supply. This deactivates the auto-
matic control of the air supply, AUTO 
disappears from the display panel. 
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged. You can 
reactivate the automatic air distribution 
mode by selecting the AUTO button.
When the lowest blower speed is set 
and you press the left half of the button, 
all of the displays are canceled: the 
blower, heating and air conditioning are 
switched off. The outside air supply is 
blocked. You can reactivate the system 
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost windows and remove 
condensation
This program quickly removes 
ice and condensation from the 
windshield and the side windows.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the 
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the 
engine is started. Switching on the air 
conditioning will reduce condensation 
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms during opera-
tion of the air conditioning system, 
which then exits under the vehicle. 
Traces of condensed water of this kind 
are thus normal.< 

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than 
summer tires with the load ratings H, V, 
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not 
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer having 
the same tread configuration on all four 
wheels.
Never exceed the maximum 
speed for which the winter tires 
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained 
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 Ñ and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, 
protecting them against light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are 
intended for mounting on summer or 
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels 
only. 
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in an extreme emer-
gency Ð for instance, with the vehicle 
stuck on one side, or when obstruc-
tions make it impossible to reach one 
tire Ð a chain may also be mounted on 
just one tire for the limited period 
needed to resolve the problem.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the 
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17 

 
119n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the 
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a 
significant role in maintaining the resale 
value of the vehicle.
 
Service Interval Display
 
While conventional systems rely on 
milage alone to determine when service 
is due, the BMW Maintenance System 
reflects the actual conditions under 
which the vehicle is operated: some 
miles are more strenuous than others.
From a maintenance point of view, 
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumu-
lated in short-distance urban driving are 
not the equivalent of the same distance 
covered at moderate cruising speeds in 
long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System moni-
tors actual operating conditions as the 
basis for defining when the Engine Oil 
Service and Inspections I and II are 
due.
This service strategy accurately reflects 
your own vehicle's specific needs by 
defining maintenance intervals 
according individual operating condi-
tions. However, drivers who cover only 
extremely short distances Ð substan-
tially less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) 
annually Ð should still have the engine 
oil changed at least every 2 years, as it 
continues to age regardless of whether 
the vehicle is used on a regular basis.
 
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models)/Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models)
 
For additional information on specified 
maintenance intervals and procedures, 
please refer to the Service and 
Warranty Information Booklet (US 
models), or the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
As a precaution against corrosion, if 
your vehicle is exposed to potential 
damage from unimproved road 
surfaces we suggest that you have the 
body checked for damage from stone 
chips and gravel at the same time.
We recommend that you refer all 
maintenance and repair opera-
tions to your BMW center.
Be sure that all maintenance work is 
confirmed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models), or in 
the Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian models). These 
entries confirm that your vehicle has 
benefitted from regular maintenance, 
and are also required for warranty 
claims.
 
<
 
The BMW Maintenance System 

120n
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind 
translucent lenses serve as the light 
source for many of the controls and 
displays in your vehicle. These LEDs 
operate using a concept related to that 
of conventional lasers.
Do not remove the protective lens 
and avoid staring directly at the 
unfiltered beam for extended periods 
(several hours), as inflammation of the 
iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the 
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its 
constituents, and certain vehicle 
components contain or emit chemicals 
known to the State of California to 
cause cancer and birth defects or other 
reproductive harm.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning