2003 BMW 325xi TOURING oil

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
handbook.book Page 128 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

130Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.Service interval displayWhile conventional systems rely on dis-
tance traveled alone to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System has for years taken the actual
conditions under which the vehicle
operates into consideration, because
miles can be traveled in many different
ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles/100,000 km of short-dis-
tance urban driving cannot be com-
pared with 62,000 miles/100,000 km of
long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehi-
cle covers every kind of operating situa-
tion. Minimal use drivers – significantly
fewer than 6,200 miles/10,000 km
annually – should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil
deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian modelsFor additional information on required
maintenance intervals and procedures,
please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els, or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
recorded in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, or
in the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries confirm that your vehicle has
benefitted from regular maintenance,
and are also required for warranty
claims.<
handbook.book Page 130 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

132Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-
ling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side
of the driver's side, below the instru-
ment panel and under a cover panel.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to
access data on emissions-related com-
ponents using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehi-
cle. Your system should be checked,
however, at the earliest opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact the nearest
BMW center immediately. Severe
handbook.book Page 132 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

155
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/63
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specification, refer to
page 25
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoir front
Rear window washer reservoirquarts/liters
quarts/litersapprox. 5.6/5.3
approx. 2.4/2.3Specifications, refer to
page 126
Cooling system including heating circuit quarts/liters approx. 8.9/8.4 Specifications, refer to
page 128
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters 325i: approx. 6.9/6.5
325xi: approx. 7.9/7.5BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Oil specifications, refer to
page 126
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer box and differential–Lifetime lubricant, no oil
change required
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 155 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
18, 115
Accessories 4, 5
Activated-charcoal filter 100
ADB Automatic Differential
Brake 78
Adding brake fluid 129
Air conditioning 92
Air distribution 94, 98
Air nozzles 92, 96
Air outlets 92, 96
Air pressure 117
check 25
Air supply 94, 98
Airbags 18, 52
Alarm system 37
Antifreeze agent 128
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
18, 115
Anti-theft system 37
Armrest 102
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 18,
19, 78
Ashtray
front 104
rear 104
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 99Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 96
Automatic cruise control 69
Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB) 78
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 51
Automatic headlamp
control 89
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 99
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 18,
19, 78
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 19, 63
Average fuel
consumption 76
Average speed 76
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
Axle loads 154
B
Backrest, adjusting 44, 45
Backup lamps 62
replacing bulb 139
Battery
charge 146
discharged 146Battery charge current 18
Belts 47
Beverage holder 103
Blower 94, 98
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 127
BMW sports seat 45, 46
Bore 152
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 103
Brake hydraulic system 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 139
Brake pads 19
Brake, parking 61
Brakes, malfunctions 116
Break-in procedures 114
Bulb, replacing 137
C
California Proposition 65
warning 132
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 103
Capacities 155
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for RadioCar telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 104
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cargo area 36, 107
capacity 154
emergency operation 35
floor 36
floor panel 109
remote control 32
Cargo area cover 107
Cargo area lamps 34
Cargo loading 109
Cargo, securing 110
Cassette player operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 18, 115
CD player operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio
Cellular phone 103
Center armrest 102
Center high-mount brake
lamp 140
Central locking system 30
button 34
Charge indicator lamp 18
handbook.book Page 158 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

Everything from A to Z
159
Check Control 73
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 56
Cigarette lighter 104
Clean rear window 68
Clean windshield 68
Clock 74
setting, refer also to the
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Coin box 102
Compartments 102
Compression ratio 152
Computer 75
Condensation, removing
from windows 95, 98
Consumption 76
display 72
Coolant 128, 155
Cooling system 155
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 18, 115
Cover, refer to Cargo area
cover
Cruise control 69
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 103
Curb weight 154Cushion height 153
D
Data
dimensions 153
engine 152
technical 152
weights 154
Daytime driving lamps 89
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 115
Defrost position 95, 98
Defrosting rear window
94, 99
Defrosting, windows 95, 98
Digital clock 74
Dimensions 153
Dipstick, engine oil 126
Displacement 152
Display lighting 90
Displays 16
Distance warning 77
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
unlocking and locking 31
Driving notes 115
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 18, 19, 80
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 80Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 115
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 18, 19, 80
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 80
E
Electric power windows 39
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 146
Electrical malfunction
fuel filler door 24
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 71
Energy control 71
Engine
starting 59
switching off 61
Engine compartment 124
Engine coolant 155
adding 128
temperature gauge 72
Engine data 152Engine oil
adding 126
capacity 155
quality 127
viscosity 127
Engine oil consumption 126
Engine oil level 19
check 126
Engine oil pressure 18
Engine oil types 127
Engine speed 152
Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 71
Exterior mirrors 50
Eyelet, towing 148
F
Failure messages 73
False alarm, avoiding 38
Fault displays 73
First-aid kit 23
Flashlight 102
Flat tire 117, 141
Flat Tire Monitor 86
Floor panel, lifting 109
Fog lamps 91
Folding rear backrest 107
Follow me home lamps 89
Front fog lamps 91
Front seat adjustment 44
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 159 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

Everything from A to Z
161
N
Navigation System, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest 47
O
OBD interface socket 132
Obstruction protection 39
Odometer 71
Oil
capacity 155
quality 127
viscosity 127
Oil additives 127
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 126
Oil dipstick 126
Oil filter change 155
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 73
Oil types 127Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 92, 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 75
P
Panic mode 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 77
Parking aid 77
Parking brake 61
Parking lamps 89
replacing bulb 138
Partition net 107
PDC Park Distance
Control 77
Pocket flashlight 102
Pollen 95, 100
Power output 152
Power seat 46
Power windows
safety switch 40
Pressure, tires 25, 85, 117
monitoring 85
R
Radiator 155Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 67
Range 76
Reading lamps
front 91
rear 91
Rear lamps 139
Rear window defroster
94, 99
Rearview mirror 50
Recirculated-air mode
94, 99
Reclining seat 44
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 72
Reverse 62
Roof load capacity 154
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 111
Run Flat tires 119, 145
S
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 48
Safety feature 39
Safety instructions 5Seat adjustment 44
mechanical 44
power 46
Seat heating 49
Seat memory 48
Securing cargo 110
Securing devices 110
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 63
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
Service interval display
73, 130
Shiftlock 63
Side airbags 52
Size 153
Ski bag 106
Sliding/tilt sunroof 40
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 31
remote control 32
Snow chains 121
Socket 104
Spare key 30
Spare tire 141
Speedometer 16
Sports seat 45
Standing lamps 90
Starting problems 59
Starting the engine 59
Steering wheel lock 59
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 161 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM

Everything from A to ZSteering wheel with multi-
function buttons 22
Steering wheel, adjusting 50
Steptronic 63
Storage
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure 137
Storage compartments 102
Stroke 152
Switching off the engine 61
Synthetic oils 127
T
Tachometer 16, 71
Tail lamp assembly
replacing bulb 139
Tail lamps
replacing bulb 139
Tailgate 34
emergency operation 35
Tailgate lamp
replacing bulb 141
Tank capacity 155
Technical data 152
Technical modifications 4, 5
Telephone hookup 103
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Temperature adjustment
94, 98Temperature display
engine coolant 72
outside temperature 75
Temperature layering 95, 99
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 45
Third brake lamp 140
Tilt alarm sensor 32, 38
remote control 32
switching off 38
Time 74
Tire change 141
Tire inflation pressure
25, 117
Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM) 85
Tire replacement 118
Tools 136
Torque 152
Towing eyelet 148
Towing the vehicle 148
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor 85
Track 153
Transmission 62
Transporting children
safely 54
Tread depth, tires 117
Tread wear indicator 117
Trip odometer 71
Turn signal indicator 20, 66
replacing bulb 138Turning circle 153
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 119
V
Vacuum cleaner, connect-
ing 104
Vehicle
break-in procedures 114
starting 59
switching off 61
Vehicle Memory 58
Vehicle storage
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Vehicle weight 154
Ventilation 92, 96
draft-free 95, 99
Voice Control System, refer
to the separate Owner's
Manual
Voice recognition 22
W
Warning lamp Please fasten
safety belts 18
Warning lamps 18
Warning messages 73
Warranty and Service
Guide 130Warranty, refer to separate
booklet 6
Washer fluid
refilling 126, 155
Washer reservoir
filling 126, 155
Washer/wiper system 67
Water on roadways
deep water 115
Wear indicator for tires 117
Weights 154
Wheel, changing 141
Wheelbase 153
Wheels and tires 120
Width 153
Window condensation
removing 95, 98
Windows
convenience operation 31
defrosting 95
power 39
remote control 32
Windows, defrosting 98
Windshield washer reser-
voir, filling 126, 155
Windshield wipers 67
Winter tires 120
Wiper blades
replacing 136
Work in the engine compart-
ment 122
handbook.book Page 162 Saturday, July 27, 2002 1:36 PM