59n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Indicator/Headlamp ßasher
Available displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to "P."
Engage the parking brake and turn the
engine off (ignition key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission
performance has been restored. You
may continue to drive as usual.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
you can place the selector lever in all
positions. However, the vehicle will now
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest BMW
center.
Never work in the engine
compartment when a drive gear
(forward or reverse) is engaged. If you
do this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the
information beginning on page 128.
1 High beams (blue indicator lamp)
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator
lamp)
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
accompanied by periodic clicking
sound from the relay)To signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond
the detent. It then returns to the center
position when released.
If the flashing of the turn signal
indicators and the clicking from
the relay are both faster than normal,
one of the turn signal indicators has
failed.<
63n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 registers and maintains 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
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example).
To recall the stored settingPress button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.
99n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving notes Antilock Brake System
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pressure on the
brake pedal can lead to high tempera-
tures, accelerated brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce your speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water may form
between tires and road surface. This
phenomenon can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, vehicle control
and braking ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft (30 cm), and then only at
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Rear parcel tray: never use it to store
heavy or hard objects, as otherwise
occupants could be injured during
braking maneuvers.
Clothes hooks: when hanging clothing
from the hooks, be sure that they will
not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not
hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you
do so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps
the wheels from locking during braking,
thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum pedal pressure (panic stop).
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.
123n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions in the event of
a flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm support
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position, remove the key
and engage the steering lock. Shift into
1st or reverse (selector lever in Park
with automatic transmission) and
engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for example).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all local safety guidelines and
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could
prevent the jack from extending to its
full height and reduce its support
capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW is equipped with a spare tire
or a space-saver tire designed for
temporary use in maintaining the
vehicle's mobility in an emergency.
To remove the spare tire, lift the
floor panel in the luggage
compartment completely out, refer to
page 35.<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are done
using them.
>Jack 1
Lift the floor panel within the luggage
compartment, refer to page 35 and
undo the red wingnut (arrow).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and
insert it in its holder
>Chock 2
Located behind the jack on the wall
in the luggage compartment. Loosen
the wing nut to remove it
134n
Weights
BMW 325Ci BMW 330Ci
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs (kg)
lbs (kg)3,197 (1,450)
3,285 (1,490)3,285 (1,490)
3,362 (1,525)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs (kg)
lbs (kg)4,255 (1,930)
4,343 (1,970)4,343 (1,970)
4,420 (2,005)
Approved front axle weight lbs (kg) 1,984 (900) 2,006 (910)
Approved rear axle weight lbs (kg) 2,425 (1,100) 2,469 (1,120)
Approved roof load capacity lbs (kg) 165 (75) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (l) 14.5 (410) 14.5 (410)
Approved axle weights and approved gross vehicle weight may not be exceeded.
135n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: page 23
Windshield/Headlamp washer reservoir quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3) Specifications: page 108
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) Specifications: page 111
Engine with oil filter change quarts (liters) approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5) BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications: page 109
Manual and automatic transmission
and differential.Ð Lifetime lubricant, no oil change
required
Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 99
Acceleration traction control,
refer to DSC71
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal filter86
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)58
ADB (Automatic Differential
Brake)71
Adding
brake fluid112
coolant111
engine oil109
washer fluid108
Adjusting
head restraints43
lumbar support42
manual seat41
power seat42
steering wheel46
thigh support41
Air conditioning80
temperature settings81
Air distribution81, 84 Air nozzles80, 83
Air outlets80, 83
ventilation80
Air supply81, 84
Airbags18, 48
sitting correctly40
Alarm system36
Antifreeze111
radiator111
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 99
Anti-theft system36
Aquaplaning99
Armrest87
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)70
Ashtray
front89
rear90
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)58
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner89
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)85
Automatic climate
control83
temperature settings84 Automatic cruise control62
Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB)71
Automatic headlight
control77
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)85
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)70
Automatic transmission57
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic18, 57
Automatic-dimming inside
rearview mirror48
Average consumption68
Average speed68
Axle loads134
B
Backrest
adjusting41
releasing43
Backup lamps56
bulb replacement121
Battery127
charge current indicator
lamp17
charging127 Beverage holder88
Blower81, 84
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil110
BMW Maintenance
System113
BMW sports seat
manual adjustment41
power adjustment42
Bore132
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder88
Brake fluid112
Brake hydraulic system17
Brake lamps
bulb replacement121
Brake system100
brake fluid level100
brake pads100
brake pads, indicator19
disc brakes100
Brake system, brake
malfunction100
Break-in procedure98
Bulbs and lamps,
replacement118
A-Z