Page 65 of 155

65n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cruise control
*
To deceleratePress button (Ð) briefly:
If you are already driving with active
cruise control, the speed is decreased
by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) every time
you tap the button.
Press and hold button (Ð):
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the button, the
system registers and maintains the
current speed.
To cancel the cruise controlWhen the system is activated, press the
button. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
whenever you want by calling up the
speed that was stored last.
In addition, cruise control is canceled
automatically:
>When the brakes are applied
>When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal, or when you move the
automatic transmission selector lever
from D to N
>If you exceed or fall below the
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example).
Recall the stored speedPress button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.
Page 77 of 155

77n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Hill Descent Control (HDC)* Ð BMW 325xi, 330xiThe conceptBy reducing the vehicle's speed on
steep downhill stretches, HDC main-
tains predictable vehicle handling
response to provide you with even
greater control of your BMW during
extreme descents.
The vehicle slows to a pace just slightly
faster than walking speed.
HDC is available for activation at
vehicle speeds below approx. 22 mph
(35 km/h). When driving down steep
hills, the vehicle reduces speed auto-
matically down to slightly more than
double walking speed (approx. 8 mph/
12 km/h) and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph
(25 km/h).
In conjunction with the multifunction
steering wheel, you can use the
+/Ð button to set the cruise control to a
target speed in the range from approx.
3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph (25 km/h).
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph (60 km/h).
To activate the systemPress the HDC button; the green indi-
cator lamp integrated within the button
comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes whenever
the system is actively intervening to
control your speed with automatic
brake applications.To deactivate the systemPress the button again, the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
the vehicle accelerates to more than
35 mph (60 km/h) as well as whenever
you switch off the ignition.
Using HDCVehicles with manual transmission:
You should always ensure that either
reverse or first gear is engaged before
using HDC, as the engine's braking
effect is most pronounced in these
gears, and only reduced engine braking
is available in higher gears.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
HDC is available for use in all ranges.System malfunctionis signalled by the indicator lamp, which
responds to problems by going out
while HDC is in operation or by failing
to come on when you activate the
system:
HDC has been temporarily deactivated
as a result of high brake temperatures.
If the DSC indicator lamp comes
on at the same time:
Malfunction in HDC and DSC
system. Refer the problem to your
BMW center.
Page 105 of 155

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.
Page 115 of 155

115n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.
Page 129 of 155

129n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions in the event of
a flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat,
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position and engage the
steering lock. Shift into 1st or reverse
(selector lever in Park with automatic
transmission) and engage the parking
brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for example).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could
prevent the jack from extending to its
full height and reduce its support
capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW is equipped with a spare tire
or a space-saver spare tire designed for
temporary use in maintaining the
vehicle's mobility in an emergency.
To remove the spare tire, lift the
floor panel in the luggage
compartment completely out, refer to
page 35.<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are done
using them.
>Jack 1
Lift the floor panel within the luggage
compartment, refer to page 35 and
undo the red wingnut (arrow).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and
insert it in its holder
>Chock 2
Located behind the jack on the wall
in the luggage compartment. Loosen
the wing nut to remove it
Page 136 of 155
136n
Towing the vehicleBMW 325xi, 330xi: raise one of the
axles for towing1. Place the transmission in neutral
2. Switch off the engine
3. Maximum towing speed:
30 mph (50 km/h)
4. Maximum towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km).
Before towing over a greater
distance: if towing with the front
axle raised, disconnect the rear drive
shaft; if towing with the rear of the
vehicle raised, disconnect the front
driveshaft. Failure to observe this
precaution will result in damage to the
transfer case.<
Page 142 of 155

142n
Weights
BMW 320i BMW 325i BMW 325xi BMW 330i BMW 330xi
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,142 (1,425)
3,219 (1,460)3,219 (1,460)
3,307 (1,500)3,461 (1,570)
3,527 (1,600)3,285 (1,490)
3,362 (1,525)3,483 (1,580)
3,538 (1,605)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,200 (1,905)
4,277 (1,940)4,277 (1,940)
4,365 (1,980)4,520 (2,050)
4,586 (2,080)4,343 (1,970)
4,420 (2,005)4,541 (2,060)
4,597 (2,085)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 1,973 (895) 1,984 (900) 2,183 (990) 2,006 (910) 2,161 (980)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,359 (1,070) 2,425 (1,100) 2,469 (1,120) 2,469 (1,120) 2,491 (1,130)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 165 (75) 165 (75) 165 (75) 165 (75) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440) 15.5 (440)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the approved gross vehicle weight.
Page 143 of 155
143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification, refer to
page 23
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoir quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)Specifications, refer to
page 114
Cooling system including
heater circuitquarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) Specifications, refer to
page 117
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 320i, 325i, 330i:
approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5)
325xi, 330xi:
approx. 7.9 (approx. 7.5)BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications, refer to
page 115
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer box and differential.Ð Lifetime lubricant, no oil change
required