2004 BMW 325CI COUPE brake

6

Notes

Parts and accessories

Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to ascertain
whether it can be used on a BMW
safely and without risk to either the
vehicle, its operation, or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,

wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones – including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna – or trans-
ceiver equipment such as a CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar, may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle, com-
promise its safety, interfere with the
vehicle's electrical system or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty.
Contact your BMW center for additional
information.
Do not use key or remote control to
lock doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to
the Owner's Manual for more details.

<

Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.

<

Service and warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Ser-
vice and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for Canadian mod-
els.
We recommend that you read this pub-
lication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:

>

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

>

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

>

Federal Emissions System Defect
Warranty

>

Federal Emissions Performance War-
ranty

>

California Emission Control System
Limited Warranty.
Detailed information about these war-
ranties is listed in the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

Contents

9

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags51
Transporting children safely54
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory58

Driving:

Ignition lock59
Starting the engine59
Switching off the engine61
Parking brake61
Manual transmission62
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*63
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*67
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher70
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*71
Cruise control*72

Everything under control:

Odometer74
Tachometer74
Energy control74
Fuel gauge75
Engine coolant temperature
gauge75
Service interval display76
Check Control76
Clock77
Computer78

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*80
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)81
Flat Tire Monitor*82
Brake force display84

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams85
Adaptive headlights*86
Instrument lighting86
High beams/Standing lamps87
Front fog lamps87
Interior lamps88

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning90
Automatic climate control*94
Roller sun blind*98

Interior conveniences:

Premium sound system*99
Glove compartment99
Storage compartments100
Microphone*101
Ashtray, front*102
Ashtray, rear*102
Clothes hooks103

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system104
Ski bag*105
Cargo loading106
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*109

Controls and features

Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures112
General driving notes113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure116
Tire code118
Tire condition119
Run Flat tires*120
New wheels and tires121
Snow chains*122

In the engine compartment:

Hood123
Engine compartment
essentials124
Washer fluids126
Engine oil126
Coolant128
Brake fluid128

Maintenance:

BMW Maintenance System130

Laws and regulations:

California laws132
OBD interface socket132

Owner service procedures

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit136
Windshield wiper blades136
Lamps and bulbs137
Changing a wheel141
Battery145
Fuses145

Giving and receiving
assistance:

Receiving assistance146
Jump-starting147
Towing and tow-starting the
vehicle149

Technical data

Engine data154
Dimensions155
Weights156
Capacities157

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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

●

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 seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

The engine oil pressure is too
low. Stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the engine. It is not
possible to continue driving. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 128 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 83.

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
Additional information beginning on 81.
CBC, ABS and DSC and DBC
indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 61.

19
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 46.
Airbags

●

Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 53.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox
The respective transmission has
responded to a malfunction by reverting
to operation in its emergency default
program. Have the system checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
pages 65, 69.

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than approx.
30 miles/50 km before refilling.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
the earliest opportunity, such as the
next time you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
page 114.
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-
tioning or out of order. If there is
a malfunction, have the system
checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 84.

Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

●

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the
button; DTC is operational.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
tem checked.
Additional information beginning on 81.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
and brake warning lamp
The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC/DTC have been switched
off with the button or are faulty.
If there is a malfunction, have
the system checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Additional information beginning on 81.
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.

Indicator and warning lamps

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

20
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in the DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 115.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low,
top it up at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
CHECK GAS CAP*

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
missing.
Close the gas 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 indicator
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 signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information, refer to
page 70.

Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the buttons in the steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 72.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 87.

Blue: for your information

High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 70, 87.

Indicator and warning lamps

60
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt – if it is very hot or cold, for
instance:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at extremely low tempera-
tures below +57/–156 and at alti-
tudes of over approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>On the first start attempt, it may be
necessary to engage the starter for a
longer period, but no longer than
20 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged can damage the catalytic con-
verter.<
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always deactivate electrical
devices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Manual transmission1. Engage the parking brake
2. Gearshift lever in idling position
3. Depress the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not depressed,
the engine cannot be started
4. Start the engine.Automatic transmission1. Depress footbrake
2. Place the selector lever in position P
or N
3. Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from start-
ing off on its own, always move
the selector lever to position P and
engage the parking brake before leav-
ing your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a safety hazard.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG1. Depress footbrake
2. Move selector lever into position N
3. Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, reen-
gage the gear last selected, refer
to the gear indicator in the display, and
move the selector lever into neutral
position N again.
The gearbox is automatically taken out
of gear if the driver's door is opened
while the engine is running and the
driver does not actuate the pedals, the
shift paddles or the selector lever. This
is accompanied by a warning tone and
the flashing gear indicator. The gear
display N appears in the instrument
cluster.<
Before exiting the vehicle with the
engine running, move the selector
lever into position N and apply the park-
ing brake.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a safety hazard.<
Starting the engine

61
Switching off the engine
You should never remove the igni-
tion key when the vehicle is in
motion, as the steering lock could
engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Engaging a gear may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.<
Vehicles with manual
transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Automatic transmissionMove the selector lever into position P,
and turn the ignition key to position 1 or
0.SMG gearboxIf you turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0 with the selector lever in position
R, or in sequential mode, a gear auto-
matically remains engaged.
If you turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0 with the selector lever in neutral
position N, a warning tone and the
flashing gear indicator in the display
remind you that no gear is engaged to
secure the vehicle against rolling.
The warning stops after approx.
9 seconds.
Parking brakeThe parking brake is designed primarily
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when
it is parked. It operates on the rear
wheels.To engageThe detent engages automatically, and
the indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition key
is in position 2, refer to page 18.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the
button and lower the lever.
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