2004 BMW 325XI SEDAN brake fluid

Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures120
General driving notes121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)121
Brake system122

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure124
Tire condition124
Tire replacement125
Wheel and tire
combinations127
Winter tires127

In the engine compartment:

Hood129
Engine compartment
essentials130
Washer fluids132
Engine oil132
Coolant134
Brake fluid134

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System136

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning138
OBD interface socket138
Owner service procedures
Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit142
Windshield wiper blades142
Lamps and bulbs143
Changing a wheel147
Run Flat tires*150
Battery151
Fuses151

Giving and receiving
assistance: Receiving assistance152
Jump-starting153
Towing the vehicle154
Technical data

Engine data160
Dimensions161
Weights162
Capacities163

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

●

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 cen-
ter.
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. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 122 and 134.
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 92

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, DSC and
ADB-X/DBC control system has
failed. Continue driving cau-
tiously and defensively. Avoid
hard brake applications. Please have
the system checked by your BMW cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 86
CBC, ABS, DSC and ADB-X/
DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information: refer to
page 67

20
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.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
Additional information beginning on
page 86
325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction.
There is no provision for deactivating
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
For additional information: refer to
page 89
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian 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.
For additional information: refer to
page 121

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 132
CHECK GAS CAP*

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler 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 138
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 by your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to
page 134

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 76
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 78

Indicator and warning lamps

122
Brake systemBrake fluid levelLow brake fluid level in the reservoir
combined with longer than usual pedal
travel may indicate a defect in one of
the brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen-
ter. It may be necessary to apply
higher levels of pressure to the pedal
when stopping and braking distances
may also be longer. Please remember
to adapt your driving style accord-
ingly. sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
rotors by brake applications is not
reached.
Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by
a running or pulsation during braking;
even extended subsequent braking will
not cure this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when
driving in rain and on wet roads. Watch
traffic conditions to ensure that this
maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors
to ensure that your brake system will
respond with undiminished efficiency
when you need it.
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
This helps avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system. Use care to
avoid exceeding the approved engine-
speed range, refer to page 80.Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not
coast with the engine shut off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
325xi, 330xi: always refer all brake
inspection and service work to your
BMW center, as failure to observe the
special procedures could result in dam-
age to components of the all-wheel
drive.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suitable for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<

131
1Brake fluid reservoir134
2Engine oil dipstick132
3Coolant expansion tank134
4Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system132
5Engine oil filler neck133
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting153Engine compartment essentials
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

134
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 closed original
containers 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 serious burns. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
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.
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.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian 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
pedal travel. Refer to the information on
page 122.

135
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
it in its closed original container 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.<
Brake fluid
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 121
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 72
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 152
Activated-charcoal filter 106
ADB-X Automatic Differen-
tial Brake, all-wheel 89
Adding brake fluid 134
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 98
Air conditioning mode 100
automatic climate
control 104
Air distribution
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 104
Air distribution,
individual 104
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 98, 102
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 25, 124
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
100, 105Air supply
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 104
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 100, 104
Airbags 57
indicator lamp 18, 59
sitting safely 47
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 98, 102
Alarm system 41
avoiding unintentional
alarms 42
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 127
Antifreeze 134
coolant 134
washer fluid 132
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 121
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 32
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 41
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 162
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 162
Armrest
front 108
rear 109Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 110
rear 111
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 87
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 105
AUTO program, refer
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 104
Automatic
air distribution 104
air supply 104
cruise control 78
headlamp control 94
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 102
Automatic curb monitor 54
Automatic Differential Brake,
all-wheel ADB-X 89
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 56
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 105Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 73
indicator lamp 19, 75
interlock 65
selector lever lock 73
shiftlock 73
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 77
Average fuel
consumption 85
Average speed 85
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 42
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 162
B
Backrest, adjusting 49
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 48, 50
Backup lamps 68
bulb replacement 145
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Battery 151
charge 151
disposal 151
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 153
remote control 32, 33
Battery charge current 18