
 
17n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
The system runs an operational check 
on the indicator and warning lamps 
identified with the 
 
l
 
 symbol each time 
you switch on the ignition. They each 
light up once for different periods of 
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started, or 
it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see how to react to this below.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current
 
 
 
l
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. Indicates a defective 
alternator drive belt or a problem with 
the alternator's charge circuit. Please 
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop 
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and 
serious engine damage. If the drive belt 
is defective, increased steering effort is 
also required.
 
<
 
Engine oil pressure
 
  
l
 
Stop the vehicle immediately 
and switch off the engine. 
Check the engine oil level; top off as 
required. If the oil level is correct: 
please contact the nearest BMW 
center.
Do not continue driving, as the 
engine could sustain serious 
damage from inadequate lubrication.
 
<
 Brake warning lamp  
l 
 If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged: 
check the brake fluid level. Before 
driving further, be sure to comply with 
the instructions on pages 106 and 118
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor  
l
 In addition, an acoustic signal is 
sounded: a tire failure has occurred. 
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and 
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake 
applications. As you steer the vehicle, 
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to 
pages 78 and 80 

61n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Indicator/Headlamp flasher 
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 134.
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 indica-
tors and the clicking from the relay 
are both faster than normal, one of the 
turn signal indicators has failed.< 

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. 

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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.< 

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. 

129n
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, flat, 
surface. Switch on the hazard warning 
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the 
straight-ahead position 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 safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
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 spare 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 

Everything from A to Z
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Sliding/tilt sunroof39 
electrical malfunction40 
manual operation40 
Socket95 
Sound system91 
Space-saver spare 
tire25, 132 
Spare tire129 
Speedometer15 
Sports seat 
electrical adjustment43 
manual adjustment42 
Standing lamps83 
Starting the engine56 
Steering wheel47 
Steering wheel lock56 
Stopping the vehicle57 
Storage compartments92 
Storing heavy loads99 
Stroke140 
Sun blind cover91 
Switching off the engine57 
Symbols used in this 
manual8 
Synthetic oils116 
T 
Tachometer66 
Tail lamps 
bulb replacement127 
Tank capacity143 
Technical data140 
Technical 
modifications10, 120 
Telephone preparation94 
Temperature display 
outside temperature69 
Temperature gauge 
engine coolant67 
Temperature 
layering87, 90 
Temperature settings 
air conditioning86 
automatic climate 
control89 
Thigh support 
adjustment42 
Third brake light128 
Through-loading system96 
Tilt alarm sensor30 
avoiding unintentional 
alarms37 
deactivate by remote 
control30 Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror47 
Tire change129 
Tire condition107 
Tire inflation 
pressures24, 107 
monitoring78 
table25 
Tire Pressure Monitor 
(RDC)78, 109, 132 
warning lamp17 
Tire Quality Grading109 
Tire replacement108 
Tire tread107 
Tool kit124 
Torque140 
Tow fittings135 
Towing the vehicle135 
Track141 
Transmission58 
Transmitter keys28 
Transporting children 
safely52 
Tread depth, tires107 
Tread wear, tires107 
Trip odometer66 
Trunk lid, refer to luggage 
compartment lid33 Trunk, refer to luggage 
compartment35 
Turn signal 
indicators20, 61 
bulb replacement126 
Turning radius141 
U 
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading109 V 
Vehicle Memory55 
Vehicle weight142 
Vehicle, starting56 
Ventilation85, 88 
draft-free87, 90 W
 
Warning lamp "Fasten safety 
belts"18 
Warning lamps17 
Warning messages68 
Warning triangle22 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet (Canadian 
models)119