
79
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*You can drive as with a normal auto-
matic transmission. In addition, you can 
also shift manually.
When you move the selector lever from 
the D position to the left into the M/S 
range, the performance-oriented shift 
programs of the automatic transmission 
are engaged. Steptronic enters the 
manual selection mode and executes 
the desired shift whenever you tap the 
selector lever in the direction indicated 
by + or –. Whenever you want to use 
automatic again, just move the selector 
lever toward the right to position D.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel 
consumption is lowest when driving in 
position D.Selector lever positionsP R N D M/S + –Starting the engineThe engine can only be started in selec-
tor lever positions P – for Park – or N – 
for Neutral.
Range selectionA catch prevents inadvertent movement 
of the selector lever to positions R and 
P. To deactivate the catch, press the 
button on the front of the selector lever 
knob, see arrow.
While the vehicle is stationary and 
before shifting out of Park or Neu-
tral, depress the footbrake in order to 
disengage the selector lever's lock 
mechanism – Shiftlock.<
Hold the footbrake down until 
starting off. Otherwise the vehicle 
will 'creep' when a drive position is 
engaged. To prevent the vehicle from 
starting off on its own, always move the 
selector lever to position P and engage 
the parking brake before leaving your 
vehicle with the engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
with the engine running. An unattended 
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a safety hazard.<
PParkSelect only when the vehicle is station-
ary. Transmission locks to prevent rear 
wheels from turning.RReverseSelect only when the vehicle is station-
ary.NNeutralSelect only when stopping for an 
extended period.DDrive – automatic shift programThis position is designed for driving 
under all normal operating conditions. 
All forward gears are available.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

80
KickdownIn the kickdown mode, you achieve 
maximum acceleration and top speed 
in position D.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the 
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S manual operation and Sport 
programMove the selector lever from D to M/S 
to activate the Sport program; SD 
appears in the display panel. The M/S 
mode is recommended for perfor-
mance-oriented driving.
Once in the M/S mode, you can tap the 
selector lever to switch the automatic 
transmission from the Sport program to 
its manual selection mode.
This mode allows you to execute 
upshifts manually by tapping the lever 
toward +, while downshifts are selected 
by tapping in the – direction. The dis-
plays M1 through M5 appear in the dis-
play panel to indicate your current gear 
selection.
The transmission will only execute 
upshifts and downshifts that will result 
in an appropriate combination of vehi-
cle speed and engine rpm. For 
instance, downshifts that would result 
in excessive engine speed are not exe-
cuted. The desired, then the actual 
gear, briefly appear in the instrument 
cluster.
To accelerate quickly in the man-
ual mode for maneuvers such as 
passing another vehicle, shift down 
manually or employ the kickdown 
mode.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever 
positions P, R and N is possible only by 
going through D.
Automatic transmission with Steptronic* 

139
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level 
has dropped to just above the lower 
mark on the dipstick.
BMW engines are designed to 
operate without oil additives; the 
use of additives could lead to damage 
in some cases. This also applies to the 
manual transmission, the automatic 
transmission, the differential, and the 
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
at your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil 
has caused cancer in laboratory 
testing. For this reason, any skin areas 
that come into contact with oil should 
be thoroughly washed with soap and 
water.
Store oils, grease and similar materials 
so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and 
information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is 
extremely important for the operation 
and service life of an engine. Based on 
extensive testing, BMW has approved 
only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If an approved BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil should be unavailable, you 
may use small amounts of other syn-
thetic oils for topping up between oil 
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher.
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 where 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.
Engine oil
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161
Towing the vehicle with the front 
axle raisedVehicles with automatic transmission:
1. Towing speed: maximum 45 mph / 
70 km/h
2. Towing distance: maximum 
90 miles/150 km.
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG:
While the ignition is on, move the selec-
tor lever to position N, then turn off the 
ignition.Towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is stored in 
the onboard tool kit; be sure that it 
remains in the vehicle at all times. It can 
be attached at the front or rear of the 
vehicle. It should not be used to pull a 
vehicle out of deep snow, mud, sand, 
etc.
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations.
Access to tow socketsFront:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Rear:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Use only the towing eyelet sup-
plied with the vehicle and screw it 
in firmly until it stops. Use the towing 
eyelet for towing on paved roads only. If 
you do not follow these instructions, the 
towing eyelet could be torn out and 
vehicle damage could occur.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control 
arms, or any other part of the vehicle 
suspension, as severe damage to these 
components will occur, possibly lead-
ing to accidents.<
Towing the vehicle
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168
Weights
325Ci 330Ci
Curb weight 
with manual transmission/SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg3,560/1,615
3,627/1,6453,616/1,640
3,704/1,675
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission/SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg4,442/2,015
4,509/2,0454,497/2,040
4,575/2,075
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,083/945 2,094/950
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,546/1,155 2,579/1,170
Approved maximum roof load for the hardtop lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment capacity
with the convertible top compartment raisedcu ft/l
cu ft/l9.2/260
10.6/3009.2/260
10.6/300
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight must never be exceeded. 

169
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/63
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specification, refer to
page 25
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoir quarts/liters approx. 5.6/5.3Specifications, refer to
page 138
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications, refer to page 138
Manual and automatic transmission and differential – Lifetime lubricant, no oil change 
required
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex 

Everything from A to ZFlat tire 153
Flat Tire Monitor 94
space-saver spare tire 153
Flat Tire Monitor 94
indicator lamp 18, 19, 95
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 129
Fluid reservoir for washer 
systems 138
Fog lamps 99
indicator lamp 20
Follow me home lamps 97
Footbrake, refer to General 
driving notes 125
Front airbags 61
Front fog lamps 99
Front seat adjustment 53
Fuel
display 87
quality 25
volume 169
Fuel consumption
display 91
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge 87
Fuel economy, refer to 
Energy control 86
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to 
Fuel gauge 87Fuel mixture preparation 166
Fuel reserve indicator, refer 
to Fuel gauge 87
Fuel tank capacity 169
Fully-automatic convertible 
top 46
activation 46
convenience operation
32, 33
opening, closing 47
remote control 32
Fuses 157
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal 
remote control 112
Gasoline consumption, refer 
to Average fuel consump-
tion 91
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 77, 81
Gear lever
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 79
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 75
Gearbox
manual transmission 74
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 74General driving notes 125
Glove compartment 111
Grills, refer to Ventilation 
102, 106
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights 168
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake 73
Hardtop 127
Hardtop preparation 127
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual 127
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 54
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 84
washer fluid 138, 169
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 97
Headlamp flasher 99
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 149
care, refer to the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 59Heated rear window
air conditioning 104
automatic climate
control 109
Heated seats 58
Heating
exterior mirrors 59
rear window 104, 109
seats 58
Heating and ventilation
102, 106
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo 
loading 119
Height adjustment
seats 53
steering wheel 59
Height, refer to 
Dimensions 167
High beams 82, 83, 99
bulb replacement 150
headlamp flasher 99
indicator lamp 21
Holder for beverages 115
Hood release 134
Horn 14
Hub cap 154
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to DBC 125
Hydraulic system
brakes 126
Hydroplaning 125 

Everything from A to ZLuggage compartment
capacity 168
emergency operation, 
refer to Manual 
operation 35
enlarge volume 37
floor panel 37
lid 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote 
control 32
opening/closing, refer 
to Luggage compartment 
lid 35
remote control 32
volume 168
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency operation 35
emergency release 36
indicator lamp 88
opening from inside the 
vehicle 35
opening from outside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
unlocking manually 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 121
Lumbar support 54M
Maintenance 88, 142
Maintenance system 142
Making telephone calls, 
refer to the telephone 
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
convertible top 48
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 88
Manual convertible top 41
closing 44
opening 42
operation 41
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment 
lid 35
power convertible top 48
Manual transmission 74
Master keys 30
MC operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Memory, refer to Seat and 
mirror memory 57Memory, refer to Vehicle 
Memory, Key Memory 70
Microfilter
air conditioning 105
automatic climate 
control 110
Microphone, refer to Cellular 
phone 115
Mini disc operation, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 59
heated 59
memory, refer to Seat and 
mirror memory 57
Mobile Service 158
Modifications, technical, 
refer to For your own 
safety 5
Multifunction steering 
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 82, 83
N
Navigation system, refer to 
the Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to 
Head restraints 54
Nets 114Nozzles, refer to Ventilation 
102, 106
Nylon rope, refer to Towing 
the vehicle 161
O
OBD interface socket 143
Odometer 86
Oil
additives, refer to Adding 
engine oil 139
capacity 169
dipstick 138
quality 139
specified engine oils 139
viscosity 139
Oil change intervals, refer 
to Service interval 
display 142
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 138
Oil dipstick 138
Oil filter change 169
Oil level
checking 138
indicator lamp 18