2002 BMW 325i TOURING brake

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Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Ð BMW 325xiThe conceptDSC maintains 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, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
under- or oversteering, and, as far as is
possible within the laws of physics,
helps keeping the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing the engine speed
and brake applications to the individual
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC includes the functions
of ADB-X and CBC.
The Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB-X) enhances traction in critical
situations (such as those encountered
on snow-covered roads) by using
selective braking intervention to replace
the limited-slip functions executed by
the differential and transfer case in
conventional drivetrains.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the
button; ADB-X is operational.
ADB-X control intervention is not indi-
cated.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out
when you press the DSC button,
this indicates a malfunction in the DSC
and ADB-X systems; the stability
enhancement functions described on
the left are no longer available.<
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a malfunction, please
consult your BMW center, refer to
pages 18, 19.
To deactivate DSCPress the DSC button briefly, the indi-
cator lamp comes on and remains lit.
DSC is switched off, and ADB-X reverts
to its maximum torque-transfer mode.
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.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC
switched on whenever possible.<

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Hill Descent Control (HDC) Ð BMW 325xiThe conceptBy reducing the vehicle's speed on
steep downhill stretches, HDC main-
tains predictable vehicle handling
response to provide you with 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.
To use HDCWith 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.
With automatic transmission:
HDC is available for use in all ranges.System malfunctionsSignalled 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 is temporarily not available if
brake temperature is too high.
If the DSC indicator lamp comes
on at the same time:
There is a fault in the HDC and
DSC systems. Have your BMW center
inspect this system as soon as
possible.

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Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
In the event of a flat tireIf there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic
signal is sounded.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle in a
safe location. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Do not oversteer. Replace the
wheel and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is
provided for temporary use only in
the case of a tire failure. It does not
have RDC electronics and is not moni-
tored. The spare tire
that has the same
dimensions as the tires already
mounted on the vehicle is equipped
with the necessary RDC electronics
and will be also monitored once the
tires have been mounted and the
system activated.<
RDC cannot alert you to severe
and sudden tire damage caused
by external factors.<
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center.
Your BMW center has the information
needed for working with RDC and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.<
System interferenceLocal devices using the same radio
frequency can interfere with RDC.
The yellow indicator lamp will come on
during the malfunction.
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
appropriate electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with RDC electronics
are on board.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.

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Flat Tire Monitor
*
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.
In the event of a flat tire
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 flat 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 the 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 tire.<
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.

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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following information.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Constantly vary both engine and vehicle
speed, remembering not to exceed
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h)
during this period.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Do not use full throttle, and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point during these initial
miles.
You can then proceed to increase both
engine and vehicle speed once the
initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have
elapsed.
You should also observe the same
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
after an initial break-in period. 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. elapse before the brake pads and
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), 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
engaged.
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 switched off Ð
when towing, for example Ð substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. elapse before the clutch starts to
operate at optimum efficiency.
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures

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Driving notes Antilock Brake System
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pressure on the
brake pedal can lead to high tempera-
tures, accelerated brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce your speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water may form
between tires and 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.
Cargo area cover: never use it to store
heavy or hard objects, as otherwise
occupants could be injured during
braking maneuvers.
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.

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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 two
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. with the vehicle parked or in storage,
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 useful 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 undi-
minished 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 65.Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not
coast with the engine switched 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: 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.<

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Engine compartment essentials1 Brake fluid reservoir118
2 Engine oil dipstick1153 Coolant expansion tank117
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system1145 Engine oil filler neck115
6 Auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting134