5n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 77
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)78
Flat Tire Monitor80
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams82
Instrument lighting83
High beams/Standing lamps83
Fog lamps83
Interior lamps84
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioning85
Automatic climate control88
Interior conveniences:
Sound system91
Glove compartment92
Storage compartments92
Cellular phone94
Ashtray, front94
Ashtray, rear95
Electrical power socket95
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag96
Cargo area97
Cargo loading99
Roof-mounted luggage rack100
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedure104
Driving notes105
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)105
Brake system106
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure107
Tire condition107
Tire replacement108
Wheel and tire
combinations110
Winter tires111
In the engine compartment:
Hood112
Engine compartment
essentials113
Washer fluids114
Engine oil115
Coolant117
Brake fluid118
Maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System119
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications120
California Proposition
65 Warning120
OBD interface socket121
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by
l
are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this in the
following section.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
l
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.
<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.
<
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to comply with
the instructions on pages 106 and 118
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information refer to
pages 78, 80
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 105
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information refer to
page 115
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time
you stop to refuel). For additional infor-
mation refer to page 115
Brake pads
l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information refer
to page 106
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/Flat
Tire Monitor
l
Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 24, 78, 80
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)
l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off with the
button or it is defective or, the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please contact the nearest BMW center
in case of a malfunction.
For additional details refer to informa-
tion beginning on page 71
BMW 325xi:
DSC has been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction. ADB-X is
operational in its standby mode. If the
warning lamp fails to go out when you
press the DSC button again, this indi-
cates a system malfunction affecting
both DSC and ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information refer to
page 75
Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) and brake
warning lamp
l
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC
and ADB/DBC have been
switched off with the button or are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center. For additional information refer
to page 73
BMW 325xi:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction.
There is no provision for switching off
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center. For additional information refer
to page 75
DSC and ADB indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
l
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible. For addi-
tional information refer to page 74
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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.
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
*
Use BMW narrow-link snow chains on
summer or winter tires in pairs only and
only on the rear wheels.
BMW 325xi: in an extreme emergency Ð
for instance, with the vehicle stuck on
one side, or when obstructions 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
Everything from A to Z
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Break-in procedures104
Bulbs and lamps
replacement125 C
California Proposition
65 Warning120
Can holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Capacities143
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car phone94
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo area35, 97
capacity142
Cargo area cover97
Cargo area lighting33
Cargo loading99 CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)18, 73
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"94
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp128
Center armrest92
Central locking system28
control button32
Changing a wheel129
Check Control67
Checking engine oil
level115
Checking tire pressures24
Child-restraint systems51
Cigarette lighter94
Cigarette lighter socket94
Clean rear window62
Clean the headlamps62
Cleaning windshield62
Clock67
refer also to the "Radio
Owner's Manual" Clothes hooks105
Clutch104
Cockpit14
Coin box93
Compartments92
Compression ratio140
Computer68
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual Onboard
Computer"
Configuring individual
settings via Vehicle and
Key Memory54
Convenience operation via
the door lock
power windows31
sliding/tilt sunroof31
Coolant117, 143
Coolant temperature
gauge66
Cooling system including
heating circuit,
capacity143
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)18, 73 Correct sitting posture40
Cruise control63
Cruising range69
Curb weight142
D
Data
dimensions141
technical140
weights142
Daytime driving lamps82
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)74
Deep water105
Defrost windows87, 89
Defroster, rear
window86, 90
Digital clock67
Dimming rearview mirror48
Dipstick, engine oil115
Displacement140
Display lighting83
Displays15
Disposal
antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents117
battery133
brake fluid118
engine oil116
Everything from A to Z
149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
I
Ice warning68
Icy roads68
Ignition keys28
Ignition lock55
Imprint4
Indicator lamps17
Inflation pressures24, 107
INSPECTION66
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting83
Instrument panel15
Interface socket
for onboard diagnostics
(OBD)121
Interior lamps30, 84
remote control30
Interior motion sensor35
operation via remote
control30
switching off36
Interior rearview mirror47
automatic dimming
feature48
Interlock55
J
Jack129
Jump-starting134 K
Key Memory54
Key set28
Keys28 L
Lamps and bulbs,
replacement125
Lashing eyes100
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement128, 129
LIGHTS ON warning82
Litter bag holder93
Loading and driving
notes100
Load-securing devices100
Lock buttons32
Low beams82
bulb replacement125
Lug wrench129
Luggage cover, refer to
cargo area cover
Luggage rack100
M
M+S tires111
Maintenance66, 119
Malfunction displays67
Manual operation
doors31
fuel filler door22
sliding/tilt sunroof39
tailgate33
Manual seat adjustment41
Manual transmission57
Manually controlled recircu-
lated-air90
Master keys28
Memory settings45
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter87, 91
Mirror defrosting47
Mirror memory45
Mirrors47
Mobile phone94
Modifications,
technical10, 120
Motion sensor, refer to
interior motion sensor35
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
O
OBD interface socket121
Odometer65
Oil
additives115
capacity143
consumption115
quality116
specifications116
viscosity116
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Oil dipstick115
Oil filter change143
OILSERVICE66
Onboard computer68
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual Onboard
Computer"
Onboard tool kit124
Opening and closing
from the inside32
via the door lock31
via the remote control29
Outside temperature
display68
Everything from A to Z
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Steering wheel lock55
Stopping the vehicle56
Storage compartments92
Stroke140
Switching off the engine56
Symbols8
Synthetic oils116 T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement127
Tailgate33
electrical malfunction33
manual operation33
remote control
operation30
Tank capacity143
Technical data140
Technical
modifications10, 120
Telephone preparation94
Temperature display
outside temperature68
Temperature gauge
engine coolant66 Temperature
layering87, 90
Temperature
settings86, 89
The Automatic Differential
Brake (ADB-X)75
Thigh support41
Third brake light128
Tilt alarm sensor36
operation via remote
control30
switching off36
Tire change129
Tire inflation
pressures24, 107
Tire inflation pressures,
table25
Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)78, 109, 132
Tire pressure, indicator78
Tire pressure,
monitoring78
Tire Quality Grading109
Tire replacement108
Tire tread107
wear indicators (TWI)107 Tools124
Torque140
Tow fittings135
Towing the vehicle135
Trailer weights142
Transmission57
Transmitter keys28
Transporting children
safely51
Tread depth, tires107
Tread wear indicators107
Trip odometer65
Turn signal
indicators20, 60
Turn signals
bulb replacement126
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading109
Use antifreeze, radiator117
V
Vehicle keys28
Vehicle Memory54
Vehicle weight142
Vehicle, starting55
Ventilation85, 88
draft-free87, 90 W
Warning lamps17
Warning messages67
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)119
Washer fluid, adding114
Washer reservoir, filling114
Washing your vehicle, refer
to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Water on roadways105
Weights142
Wheel and tire
combinations110
Wheels and tires107
Windshield washer system
capacity143
filling114
To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information
when you stop for fuel, we recommend
that you fill out the adjoining chart by
entering the data that apply to your
vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations.
Fuel Please enter your preferred fuel here. Engine oil The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressures
Summer tires Winter tires
Front Rear Front Rear
Up to 4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
Refueling