2005 BMW 325CI COUPE parking brake

124Special operating instructions
Break-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide maximum economy throughout
an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the
following instructions.Engine and differentialThe first 1,250 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed an engine
speed of 4,500 rpm or a road speed of
100 mph / 160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Do not use full throttle, and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point during these initial
miles.
You can then proceed to increase
engine or vehicle speeds once the ini-
tial 1,250 miles/2,000 km have elapsed.TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
We thus ask you to drive with extra care
during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles/500 km must elapse
before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and an extended service life
later on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill, e.g. at a
traffic signal, provided that traffic condi-
tions permit to do so.
You can prevent corrosion in the drums
by periodically repeating this proce-
dure.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off – when tow-
ing, for example – substantially higher
levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.<
ClutchApprox. 300 miles/500 km must elapse
before the clutch starts to operate at
optimum efficiency. Remember to
engage the clutch carefully during this
initial period.After replacing partsFollow the same break-in procedures if
any of the components mentioned
above have to be replaced in the future.

125
General driving notesHot exhaust system
High temperatures occur with
every vehicle equipped with a cat-
alytic converter. Heat shields are
installed adjacent to some sections of
the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoat-
ing to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle and parking the vehicle,
take care to avoid contact between the
hot exhaust system and flammable
materials, e.g. hay, leaves, grass, etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Parking the vehicleCondensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, which
then exits under the vehicle. It is thus
not unusual for a small puddle to form
under the car while the system is run-
ning.Before driving through a car washFold in the exterior mirrors manually
because they could otherwise be dam-
aged due to the width of the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
you do not, a wedge of water may form
between tire and road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as
the tread depth of the tires decreases,
refer also to Tire tread on page 135.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm,
and then only at walking speed. Other-
wise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Braking safelyYour BMW is equipped with ABS as a
standard feature. If you are in a situa-
tion which requires full braking, it is
best to brake using maximum brake
pressure: panic stop. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort, despite the
full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Otherwise,
even light but consistent pedal pres-
sure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.<
Wet roads:
if the roads are wet or if there is heavy
rain, it is advisable to gently press the
brakes for a brief moment every few
miles/kilometers. Monitor traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat generated in this process helps
dry the pads and rotors. Immediate
braking force is then available if neces-
sary.
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145
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The warning lamp comes on
even though the parking brake
is released:
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is
too low, refer to page 18. At the same
time, there may be significantly greater
pedal travel. Have the system checked
immediately.
Warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If you continue driving, extended
pedal travel may be necessary
and braking distances may be signifi-
cantly longer. Be sure to adapt your
driving style accordingly.<
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.
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 also to page 86 and
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian 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.<
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157
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left to release the
lens
2. Replace the bulb.Light-emitting diodesLight-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed
behind translucent lenses serve as the
light sources for many of the controls
and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to con-
ventional lasers, and legislation defines
them as light-emitting diodes, Class 1.
Do not remove the protective lens,
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for several hours, as
inflammation of the retina could
result.<
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions in the event of
a flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position and engage the
steering lock. Shift into 1st or Reverse,
or if you have an automatic transmis-
sion position the selector lever in Park,
and engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area – behind a guardrail,
for example.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface – snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc. – as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could pre-
vent the jack from extending to its full
Lamps and bulbs
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Everything from A to Z
177
Battery 161
charge 161
disposal 161
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 163
remote control 28, 29
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 54
Beverage holders 113
Blower
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 106
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 143
BMW Maintenance
System 146
BMW sports seat 51
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 113
Brake fluid 145
indicator lamp 18, 145
level 145
Brake force display 94
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 155
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 86
Brake lamps, refer to Brake
force display 94Brake pads
brake fluid level 18, 145
breaking in 124
indicator lamp 19
Brake rotors
breaking in 124
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 127
brake fluid 145
brake force display 94
brake pads 126
breaking in 124
driving notes 125
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 71
Break-in procedures 124
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 153
Bulb, replacing 153
Buttons in steering wheel 21
C
California laws
event data recorders 148
Proposition 65
warning 148
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 113
Capacities 173Car battery 161
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 28
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car telephone
preparation 113
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 114
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 127
warning lamp 18
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Center armrest
front 112Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 156
Central locking system 28
button 32
passenger
compartment 32
Changing a wheel 157
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 86
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 62
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 64
Child-restraint system 62
Chock 158
Cigarette lighter 113
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 43, 48
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 82
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Everything from A to Z
179
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 90
Door key 28
Door lock 31
Doors
emergency operation 31
Draft-free ventilation
103, 107
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 95
Driving notes 125
Driving through water, deep
water 125
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 102, 106
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 91
indicator lamp 19, 91
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol 91
indicator lamp 19, 91
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 19, 127
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 91
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 91
indicator lamp 19, 91E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 53
Electric power windows 38
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 161
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 79
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
luggage compartment
lid 33
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 91
Emergency call 162
Emergency operation
closing the convertible
top 46
doors 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
33, 34
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 84
Energy control 84Engine
breaking in 124
data 170
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 84, 170
starting 69
switching off 71
Engine compartment 140
Engine coolant 144
adding 144
Engine oil
adding 143
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 143
capacity 173
consumption 142
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 143
specified oils 143
viscosity 143
Engine oil level 19
check 142
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil types 143
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 170
Engine speed 84, 170
Entering the rear 53Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 84
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 91
Exterior mirrors 57
Eyelets, towing 165
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Fasten safety belts 54
warning lamp 18
Fault displays 86
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 173
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 22
First-aid kit 22
Flashlight 109
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 109
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZFlat tire 157
Flat Tire Monitor 92
space-saver spare tire 157
Flat Tire Monitor 92
indicator lamp 18, 19, 93
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 142
Fog lamps
indicator lamp 20
Follow me home lamps 95
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely 125
Front airbags 59
Front fog lamps 97
Front seat adjustment 51
Fuel
display 85
quality 24
volume 173
Fuel consumption
display 89
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 85
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 84
Fuel filler door 23
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 23
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 85
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 85Fuel tank capacity 173
Fully-automatic convertible
top 44
activation 44
convenience operation
30, 31
opening, closing 45
remote control 30
Fuses 161
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 110
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 89
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 24
Gear indicator 75, 79
Gear lever
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 77
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 73
Gearbox
manual transmission 72
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 72
General driving notes 125
Glove compartment 109Grills, refer to Ventilation
100, 104
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 172
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 71
Hands-free system 113
Hardtop 127
Hardtop preparation 127
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual 127
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 22
Head restraints 52
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 82
washer fluid 142, 173
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 95
Headlamp flasher 97
indicator lamp 20
Headlamps
bulb replacement 153
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 57
Heated rear window
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 107Heated seats 57
Heating
exterior mirrors 57
rear window 102, 107
seats 57
Heating and ventilation
100, 104
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 118
Height adjustment
seats 51
steering wheel 58
Height, refer to
Dimensions 171
High beams 80, 81, 97
bulb replacement 154
headlamp flasher 97
indicator lamp 20
Holder for beverages 113
Hood release 138
Horn 14
Hub cap 158
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 127
Hydroplaning 125
I
Ice warning 88
Ignition 69
Ignition key 28
positions 69
Ignition lock 69

Everything from A to Z
181
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 37
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 85
DSC 19
Fasten safety belts 18
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 93
reserve 85
rollover protection
system 19
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 106
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 68
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 92
Inflation pressure, tires 130
INSPECTION 86
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 96
Instrument panel 14
Integrated universal remote
control 110
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 148Interior lamps 98
remote control 30
Interior motion sensor 37
switching off 37
Interior rearview mirror 58
automatic dimming
feature 58
Interior temperature, adjust-
ment 102, 106
Interlock, refer to Steering
wheel lock 69
Intermittent mode, wipers 81
Interval display, service 86
J
Jack 157
Jacking points 158
Jump-starting 163
K
Key Memory 68
Keys 28
with remote control 28
Kickdown 74, 78
L
Lamp defect 153
Lamps and bulbs 153
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 117
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 119Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 119
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 64
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Leaving the vehicle 71
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 157
Length, refer to
Dimensions 171
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 157
Light switch 95
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 157
Lighter 113
LIGHTS ON warning 95
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 95
Load, determining the maxi-
mum 117
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 117
Loading
vehicle 117
Load-securing devices 119
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 32
Lock, steering wheel 69Locking
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Low beams 95
automatic 95
bulb replacement 153
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 86
Lug bolts
key 158
torque 158
Luggage compartment
capacity 172
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 33
enlarge volume 35
floor panel 35
lid 33
opening from outside 33
opening, remote
control 30
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 33
remote control 30
volume 172
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