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Foreword
 
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and 
security when you drive it. Therefore we have one request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the 
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The 
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining 
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical 
features. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance 
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value 
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supple-
mental manuals.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It 
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important 
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). 
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
Ð New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Ð Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
Ð Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
Ð California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed descriptions of these warranties are provided in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG 
     
        
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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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Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit124
Windshield wiper blades124
Lamps and bulbs125
Changing a wheel129
Battery133
Fuses133
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting134
Towing the vehicle135Engine data140
Dimensions141
Weights142
Capacities143Everything from A to Z146 
     
        
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Overview
Controls in detail
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index Technical data
 
Overview 
     
        
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Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs
Data
Index
Overview
Controls in detail
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index
Technical data 
     
        
        Page 101 of 155
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
You should therefore always remember 
not to exceed the approved roof load 
capacity, the approved gross vehicle 
weight or the axle weights when 
loading the rack. These weights are 
listed under Technical Data  on 
page 142.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky, 
and attempt to distribute it evenly. 
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on 
the bottom). Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the 
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do 
not project into the opening path of the 
tailgate.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or 
being lost during driving (danger to 
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden 
acceleration and braking. Do not corner 
at high speeds. 
The roof-mounted luggage rack and the 
roof load increase the aerodynamic 
resistance: increased fuel consumption 
and additional stress on the vehicle's 
body are the result. 
     
        
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Overview
Controls in detail
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index Technical data
Mainte- 
     
        
        Page 111 of 155

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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