
 
Contents
 
© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the 
written consent of BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 41 0 156 156
US English VIII/01
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper 
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling). 
Overview
Controls and features
 
Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps17
Multifunction steering wheel 
(MFL)21
Hazard warning triangle22
Refueling22
Fuel specifications23
Tire inflation pressures24
 
Opening and closing:
 
Keys28
Central locking system28
Opening and closing Ð via the 
remote control29
Opening and closing Ð via the 
door lock31
Opening and closing Ð from the 
inside32
Tailgate33
Rear window34
Cargo area35
Alarm system35
Electric power windows37
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
 
Adjustments:
 
Correct sitting posture40
Seats40
Manual seat adjustment41
Power seat adjustment42
Lumbar support42
Head restraints43
Safety belts44
Seat and mirror memory45
Seat heating46
Steering wheel46
Mirrors47
 
Passenger safety systems:
 
Airbags48
Transporting children safely51Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory54
 
Driving:
 
Ignition lock55
Starting the engine55
Switching off the engine56
Parking brake57
Manual transmission57
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic58
Indicator/Headlamp flasher60
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor61
Cruise control63
 
Everything under control:
 
Odometer65
Tachometer65
Energy control65
Fuel gauge66
Coolant temperature gauge66
Service Interval Display66
Check Control67
Clock67
Computer68
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience:
 
Park Distance Control (PDC)70
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)71
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC)73
 
Contents 

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps
 
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low. 
Top off the fluid at the earliest 
opportunity. For additional information 
refer to page 114
SERVICE ENGINE SOON 
 
l
 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW center at the 
earliest possible opportunity. 
For additional information refer to 
page 12 1.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
Engine electronics 
 
l
 
 
There is a fault in the electronic 
engine-management system. 
You can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output or engine speed. Please 
have the system inspected at your 
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add 
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity. For additional information refer to 
page 117
 
Green: for your information
 
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signals 
are on. 
Rapid flashing indicates a system 
malfunction.
For additional information refer to 
page 60
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise 
control is activated: available for 
operation via the multifunction steering 
wheel.
For additional information refer to 
page 63
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch 
on the fog lamps.
For additional information refer to 
page 83
 
Blue: for your information
 
High beams
Comes on when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated.
For additional information refer to 
pages 60, 83 

 21n 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)
 
* 
The buttons integrated in the multifunc-
tion steering wheel are provided so  that 
you can operate a number of accesso-
ries quickly and without being 
distracted from traffic conditions. You 
may operate:
 
>
 
Selected radio functions
 
>
 
The cruise control
 
>
 
Selected cellular phone functions.
The controls are active only when 
the corresponding systems and 
accessories are switched on.
 
< 
 
Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing, 
terminate a call.
 
Switch between phone, radio, cassette 
and CD.
Forward:
 
>
 
Radio
Press briefly: station scan in FM band
Extended pressure: search function
 
>
 
CD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function 
in track
 
>
 
Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast 
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
 
>
 
Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind/reverse: functions as fast 
forward.
 
Volume
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+) 
or decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate. 

63n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cruise control
*
You can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above 
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
The cruise control is available whenever 
the engine is running and the system 
has been activated.
To activate the systemFrom ignition key position 2:
Press the button and the indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster will come on, 
refer to page 20. You can now use the 
cruise control.
Do not use cruise control on 
twisting roads, when high traffic 
density prevents driving at a constant 
speed, or when the road surface is slick 
(snow, rain, ice) or loose (rocks or 
gravel, sand).
ment cluster goes out.
Cruise control is also deactivated when 
the ignition key is in position 0.
The speed stored in memory is deleted.
To maintain and store speed 
or to acceleratePress button (+) briefly:
The system maintains and stores the 
current vehicle speed. Every time you 
tap the button, the speed increases by 
approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold button (+):
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When 
you release the button, the system 
maintains and stores the current speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the 
engine braking effect is not suffi-
cient, the preset speed can be 
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill 
grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.< 

64n
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 maintains and stores the 
current speed.
To interrupt 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 interrupted 
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 preset 
speed for an extended period (by 
depressing the accelerator, for 
example).
To call up the stored speedPress button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored. 

77n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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. 

Everything from A to ZA 
ABS (Antilock Brake 
System)19, 105 
Accessories10 
Activated-charcoal filter91 
Adaptive Transmission 
Control (ATC)59 
ADB (Automatic Differential 
Brake)73 
Adding 
brake fluid118 
coolant117 
engine oil115 
washer fluid114 
Adjusting 
backrest41 
manual seat41 
mirrors47 
power seat42 
steering wheel46 
thigh support41 
Air conditioning85 
Air distribution86, 89 
Air outlets, 
ventilation85, 88 
Air supply86, 89 Airbags18, 48 
sitting correctly40 
Alarm system35 
Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents117 
disposal117 
Antilock Brake System 
(ABS)19, 105 
Anti-theft system35 
Approved gross vehicle 
weight142 
Aquaplaning105, 107 
Armrest92 
ASC+T (Automatic Stability 
Control plus Traction)71 
Ashtray 
front94 
rear95 
ATC (Adaptive Transmission 
Control)59 
Attach vehicle vacuum 
cleaner94 
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90 Automatic climate 
control88, 89 
Automatic cruise control63 
Automatic Differential Brake 
(ADB)73 
Automatic headlight 
control82 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control (AUC)90 
Automatic Stability Control 
plus Traction (ASC+T)71 
Automatic transmission58 
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic18, 58 
Average fuel 
consumption69 
Average speed69 
Axle loads142 
B 
Backrest41 
Backup lamps57 
bulb replacement127 
Battery133 
care133 
charging133 
disposal133 Battery charge current 
indicator17 
Beverage holder93 
Blower86, 89 
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil116 
BMW Maintenance 
System119 
BMW sports seat 
manual adjustment41 
power adjustment42 
Bore140 
Bottle holder, refer to 
beverage holder93 
Brake fluid118 
disposal118 
Brake lamps 
bulb replacement127 
Brake pads19 
Brake system 
brake fluid level106 
brake pads106 
brake rotors, 
corrosion106 
defect in hydraulic 
circuits106 
disc brakes106 
   
A-Z 

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