
68n
Check Control ClockWhen you turn the ignition key to posi-
tion 2, any of the following symbols may 
appear to call your attention to problem 
areas; the symbols remain in the 
display panel until the problem is 
corrected:
1 Check the low beam and high beam 
headlamps, as well as the parking 
lamps
2 Door open
3 Luggage compartment lid open
4 Check brake and tail lamps
When you open the driver's door after 
completing a journey, an acoustic 
warning signal will sound if you have 
forgotten to turn off the headlamps.
If you wish to have a permanent time 
display, you can make this adjustment 
in the radio display (refer to the Radio 
Owner's Manual).
You can adjust the clock and the time 
display in the car radio as follows.
AdjustmentsWith ignition key in position 1or 2 and 
time displayed in the instrument cluster.
To set ahead: turn the button to the 
right.
To set back: turn the button to the left.
The adjustment speed will increase the 
longer you continue to hold the button.
To change the display mode: press the 
button briefly.
Every time you press the button, the 
clock display alternates between the 
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0: the time is 
displayed for a few seconds after you 
press the left button, refer to Odometer 
on page 66. 

73n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
ASC+T DSC
* Ð BMW 320i, 325i, 330i
To switch ASC+T back onPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with ASC+T. An 
appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
We therefore urge you to avoid using 
the additional safety margin of the 
system as an excuse for taking risks.<
The conceptThe Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 
maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical 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 rpms and brake 
applications to the individual wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start 
the engine. DSC incorporates the func-
tionality of the Automatic Differential 
Brake (ADB) and the Cornering Brake 
Control (CBC).
ADB relies on selective braking applica-
tions at the drive wheels to furnish the 
functionality of a conventional limited-
slip differential for enhanced traction in 
critical driving conditions such as those 
encountered on snow-covered road 
surfaces, etc.
The ADB is operational when DSC is 
switched off.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on 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 is actively controlling drive torque 
and braking intervention. 
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off manually; 
ADB is operational.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator and the brake 
warning lamps remain on 
continuously:
The DSC, ADB and Dynamic 
Brake Control (DBC) have been 
switched off with the button or 
are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely 
operational, however, without DSC. In 
the event of a fault, please consult your 
BMW center, refer to pages 18, 19.
Indicator and warning lamps for 
Canadian models. 

74n
DSC
* Ð BMW 320i, 325i, 330i
Switch DSC off/activate ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC is deactivated; ADB is operational. 
In the following rare situations, it may 
prove useful to deactivate the ADB for a 
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting 
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered 
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been 
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.
Under these special circumstances 
traction is increased by deactivating the 
control systems that enhance traction 
under normal conditions.
Switch the DSC and ADB offHold the DSC button down for at least 
3  seconds. The indicator and the yellow 
brake warning lamps will remain on 
continuously.
The systems for enhancing stability and 
traction are deactivated, and there is no 
active braking intervention or torque 
control.
To maintain vehicle stability, 
always drive with the DSC 
switched on whenever possible.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. An 
appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
We therefore urge you to avoid using 
the additional safety margin of the 
system as an excuse for taking risks.
When ADB is in its standby mode, DSC 
is deactivated; DSC does not intervene 
to enhance vehicle stability under these 
conditions.
Do not make any modifications to the 
DSC system. Allow only authorized 
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the 
DSC system.
The system responds to sudden, high-
intensity applications of force to the 
brake pedal by automatically braking 
the vehicle with maximum boost to 
achieve the shortest-possible braking 
distances during "panic stops." This 
system exploits all the benefits of ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure exerted 
against the brake pedal until the 
braking maneuver has been completed. 
DBC is deactivated when you release 
the brake pedal. 

75n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
DSC Ð BMW 325xi, 330xiThe conceptThe Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 
maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical 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 rpms and brake 
applications to the individual wheels.
The 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 on 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 is actively controlling drive torque 
and braking intervention. 
The indicator lamp stays lit: 
DSC has been switched off manually; 
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 system is 
deactivated, and the stability enhance-
ment functions described on the left are 
no longer available.<
The vehicle will remain completely 
operational, however, without DSC. In 
the event of a fault, 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 now off, and ADB-X reverts to 
its maximum torque-transfer mode.
Under the following special circum-
stances you may find it useful to deacti-
vate DSC manually for a brief 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 acti-
vated whenever possible.< 

86n
Air conditioningAir supply
You can select blower speeds 
from 1 to 4. The heating and 
ventilation become more and 
more effective as the air 
supply settings are increased. In 
position 0, the blower and the heater 
are switched off. The outside air supply 
is blocked in position 0.
Temperature
In order to increase the 
temperature of the passenger 
compartment, turn to the right 
(red). The temperature of the 
incoming air is kept constant.
Air distribution
You can direct the emerging 
air toward the windows  , 
toward your upper body   or 
into the footwell  . All inter-
mediate settings are possible. In the   
setting, there is a low flow of air onto 
the windows to keep them free of 
condensation.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster 
is activated, the indicator lamp 
comes on. The rear window defroster 
switches off automatically.
The rear window defroster auto-
matically assumes operation 
within 5 minutes after the engine is 
started at outside temperatures below 
approx. 39 7 (+4 6).<
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.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant 
external odors by temporarily 
suspending the supply of outside air. 
The system then recirculates the air 
currently within the vehicle.
If the windows should fog over in 
the recirculated-air mode, switch 
it off and increase the air supply as 
required.< 

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.< 

90n
Automatic climate control
*
Automatic recirculated-air control 
(AUC)
You can respond to unpleasant 
external odors by temporarily 
stopping the flow of outside air. The 
system then recirculates the air 
currently within the vehicle. 
Press the button repeatedly to select 
one of three different operating modes.
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow is 
on
>Left indicator lamp on Ð AUC mode: 
the system recognizes pollutants in 
the outside air and blocks the flow of 
air when necessary. The system then 
recirculates the air currently within the 
vehicle. Depending on the air quality, 
the automatic system then switches 
back and forth between outside air 
supply and recirculation of the air 
within the vehicle
>Right indicator lamp on: the flow of 
external air into the vehicle is perma-
nently blocked. The system then 
recirculates the air currently within 
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the 
recirculated-air mode, switch it off 
and increase the air supply as 
required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster 
is activated, the indicator lamp 
comes on. The rear window defroster 
switches off automatically.
The rear window defroster auto-
matically assumes operation 
within 5 minutes after the engine is 
started at outside temperatures below 
approx. 39 7 (+4 6).<
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the blower controls for 
the upper body area to select the 
optimum airflow rates and directions for 
your personal requirements:
1 Rotary dials for infinitely-variable 
opening and closing of the vent 
outlets
2 Selectors levers for airflow direction
3 Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the 
temperature of the airflow from these 
outlets as desired. 

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.<