2003 BMW 325I engine coolant

Contents

9

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags52
Transporting children safely54
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory58

Driving:

Ignition lock59
Starting the engine59
Switching off the engine61
Parking brake61
Manual transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*63
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher66
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*67
Cruise control*69

Everything under control:

Odometer71
Tachometer71
Energy control71
Fuel gauge72
Engine coolant temperature
gauge72
Service interval display73
Check Control73
Clock74
Computer*75

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*77
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)*78
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)*80
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) –
BMW 325xi82
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*84
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)*85
Flat Tire Monitor*86

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams89
Instrument lighting90
High beams/Standing lamps90
Fog lamps*91
Interior lamps91

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning92
Automatic climate control*96

Interior conveniences:

Premium sound system*101
Glove compartment101
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone*103
Ashtray, front*104
Ashtray, rear*104
Socket105

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag*106
Cargo area107
Cargo loading109
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*111

Controls and features

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Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures114
Driving notes115
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115
Brake system116

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure117
Tire condition117
Tire replacement118
Wheel and tire
combinations120
Winter tires120

In the engine compartment:

Hood122
Engine compartment
essentials124
Washer fluids126
Engine oil126
Coolant128
Brake fluid129

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System130

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning132
OBD interface socket132
Owner service procedures
Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit136
Windshield wiper blades136
Lamps and bulbs137
Changing a wheel141
Run Flat tires*145
Battery146
Fuses146 Giving and receiving
assistance: Jump-starting147
Towing the vehicle148
Technical data

Engine data152
Dimensions153
Weights154
Capacities155

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17
1Fuel gauge72
2Indicator lamp for turn signals20
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
5Tachometer and
Energy Control 71, 71
6Engine coolant temperature
gauge72
7Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
8Adjusting knob for

>

Time74

>

Service interval display73

>

Outside temperature display75
9Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission19, 65
10 Display for

>

Trip odometer/Odometer71

>

Clock74

>

Service interval73

>

Computer74
11 Check Control73
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero71
13 Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21

Instrument cluster

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20
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp

●

The indicator lamps remain on:
The ASC+T/ADB or DSC/DTC
have been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Additional information beginning on
page 80
BMW 325xi:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction.
There is no provision for switching off
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
DSC and ADB indicator and
brake warning lamps for Cana-
dian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 115

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low.
Top off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 126
CHECK FILLER CAP

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 132
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Engine electronics

●

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 128

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signals
are on.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information: refer to
page 66
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated: ready for oper-
ation via the steering wheel with multi-
function buttons.
For additional information: refer to
page 69

Indicator and warning lamps

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72
Fuel gaugeOnce the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.6
gallons/63 liters
Certain operating conditions, such as
those encountered in mountainous
areas, may cause the needle to fluctu-
ate slightly.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last
drop of fuel can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
Engine coolant temperature gaugeBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Switch off the engine immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.
To check coolant level, refer to
page 128.
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating temperature. The
needle may rise as far as the edge of
the red sector in normal operation.
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125
1Brake fluid reservoir129
2Dipstick, engine oil126
3Coolant expansion tank128
4Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system126
5Engine oil filler neck126
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting147Engine compartment essentials
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128
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils that have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit
this website: www.bmwusa.com to
obtain this information.
Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These kinds of oil may be used for driv-
ing in all ambient temperatures.
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.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their original con-
tainers and in a location which is out of
reach of children. Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents are inflammable. For
this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Checking the coolant level and
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206:
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; see arrow. The end of the float
may stick out by a maximum of
3/4 in / 2 cm – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
Engine oil
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129
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: the brake fluid
level is too low, refer to page 18.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss results in extended
brake pedal travel. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 116.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by a
BMW center. Refer to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for US
models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
them in their original containers and in a
location which is out of reach of chil-
dren.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
Coolant
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