Page 117 of 155

117n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later 
on, never use anything other than 
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with 
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is 
familiar with the official specifications. 
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents 
are hazardous to health. You should 
always store them in their original 
container and in a location which is out 
of reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable 
substance ethylene glycol. For this 
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot 
engine parts. It could ignite and cause 
serious burns.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine 
is cold (approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank 
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure 
to escape, then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the 
upper end of the red float is at least 
even with the upper edge of the filler 
neck, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm) 
above it Ð that is, up to the second 
mark on the float (refer also to the 
schematic diagram next to the filler 
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the 
coolant is low, slowly add coolant 
until the correct level is reached Ð do 
not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze 
with corrosion inhibitor.< 
     
        
        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 (front) quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)Specifications, refer to page 114
Cooling system including heating circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) Specifications, refer to page 117
Engine oil and filter change
quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)325i: 
approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5)
325xi:
approx. 7.9 (approx. 7.5)BMW High Performance 
synthetic oil 
Oil specifications, refer to 
page 115
Manual and automatic transmission, transfer box 
and differentialÐ Lifetime lubricant, no oil change 
required 
     
        
        Page 147 of 155

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