Driving tips
107Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can actually lose contact
completely with the road surface, so that nei-
ther the car can be steered nor the brake be
properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page177.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
Also use the drive-off assistant, refer to
page80.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor 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 full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page52.
Never drive with the clutch pedal held
down, with the gearshift lever or selector
lever in neutral or with the engine switched off;
engine braking action will not be present with
Things to remember when driving
108 the transmission in neutral and there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering
while the engine is switched off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct their
movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Mobility
195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at an
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have your BMW center check and
recharge the battery.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
on the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the luggage
compartment, refer to page187.
In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting and
the vehicle, please follow these instructions:
use only the tow fitting provided with the vehi-
cle and screw it all the way in. Use the tow fitting
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral loading of
the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page49, as the low beams, tail
lamps, turn signals and windshield wipers
would no longer be available. If the electrical
system fails, do not attempt to tow away or tow-
start the vehicle. The electric steering wheel
lock cannot be disengaged and the car is not
steerable. Jump starting, refer to page194.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Reference 201
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
325i330i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs./kg
lbs./kg3,285/1,490
3,351/1,5203,417/1,550
3,450/1,565
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs./kg
lbs./kg4,343/1,970
4,409/2,0004,475/2,030
4,508/2,045
Load lbs./kg 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,072/940 2,138/970
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,425/1,100 2,469/1,120
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment volume cu ft/l 16.2/460 16.2/460
Notes
Fuel tank
including reserve ofgal/liters
gal/litersapprox. 15.9/60
approx. 2.1/8.0Fuel grade: page169
Windshield washer system
including headlamp washers quarts/liters approx. 1.6/6.0For more details: page55
Engine with oil filter renewal
quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Oil grades: page183
Everything from A - Z
210 Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting87
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"72
Disposal
– of coolant183
– vehicle battery191
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control57
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements69
"Distance to dest."66
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control77
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Door lock31
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors, emergency
operation31
DOT Quality Grades176
Draft-free ventilation92
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Drive-off assistant80
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams85
Driving notes106
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route126
Driving stability control
systems78
Driving through water107
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function92
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control78
– indicator lamps79DTC Dynamic Traction
Control79
– indicator lamps79
DVD for navigation114
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator lamps79
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps79
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution78
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player134
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
Electric seat adjustment39
Electronic brake-force
distribution78
Electronic oil level check181
Emergency call193
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission53
Emergency release of luggage
compartment lid from
luggage compartment's
interior33
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance193
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements69
"Enable services"161
"End call"154
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control64
Energy Control64Engine
– breaking in106
– data200
– speed200
– starting49
– switching off50
Engine compartment181
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant183
Engine oil
– adding183
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– checking level181
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements69
"Engine oil level"182
Engine output, refer to Engine
data200
Engine speed200
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine49
"Enter address"116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
"Entertainment"134
"Entertainment settings"135
Entry map for destination118
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control136
Error messages, refer to
Check Control73
"ESN"142
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Event data recorders186
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system106
Exterior mirrors43
– adjusting43
– automatic dimming
feature107
– automatic heating44
External audio device97,149
Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away195
– for tying down loads109
F
Fader, tone control135
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control73
Failure of an electrical
consumer192
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts43
Fastest route for
navigation123
Fast forward
– CD changer147
– CD player147
"Fast route" in navigation123
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control92
First-aid kit193
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock49
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight96
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires178
Flat Tire Monitor
– snow chains179
Flat Tire Monitor FTM80
– indicating a flat tire81
– initializing the system80
– malfunction81
– system limits80
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition177
"FM", waveband134,138
FM, waveband138
Fog lamps87
– indicator lamp13,87Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely107
Footwell lamps87
Front airbags82
Front seat adjustment39
"FTM"81
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor80
Fuel168
– display65
– high-quality brands168
– quality168
– specifications168
– tank capacity201
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption66
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel filler door168
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction168
Fuses192
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control93
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel168
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level181
Gear indicator, for automatic
transmission51
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic52
– manual transmission51
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission52
– with manual transmission51
General driving notes106Glass sunroof, electric36
– anti-trapping mechanism37
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– convenient operation30,31
– opening, closing36
– raising36
– remote control30
Glove compartment96
– rechargeable flashlight96
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system114
Grills89
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights201
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs188
Handbrake51
– indicator lamp51
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight96
Hands-free system14,152
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags82
Headlamp control,
automatic85
Headlamp cover188
Headlamp flasher53
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs188
Head restraints40
– sitting safely38
Heated
– mirrors44
– rear window92
– seats41
Heating
– mirrors44
– seats41
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat91
Reference 213
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Lighting"85,86
Lighting
– instruments87
– lamps and bulbs187
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps85
Light switch85
"Limit"75
Limit, refer to Speed limit75
Loading
– securing cargo109
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo109
Location
– drive for navigation DVD and
audio CD114
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking32
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone
control136
Low beams85
– automatic85
– replacing bulbs188
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support39
Luggage compartment
– capacity201
– lamp87
– lid32
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– volume201
Luggage compartment lid32
– locking or unlocking
separately33
– opening and closing33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– unlocking with remote
control30Luggage compartment net,
refer to Securing cargo109
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack109
Lumbar support39
LW, waveband138
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires179
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system185
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control73
Manual mode of automatic
transmission52
"Manual"
on the radio139
Manual operation
– door lock31
– glass sunroof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission53
Manual release
– fuel filler door168
Manual transmission51
Map
– changing scale127
– destination entry118
"Map direction of travel"127
"Map facing north"127
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Maximum cooling90
Maximum speed
– for winter tires179
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– for automatic climate
control92
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System185Microphone
– for hands-free system152
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature107
Mirrors43
– automatic curb monitor44
– exterior mirrors43
– heating44
– interior rearview mirror44
"Missed calls"155
Missed calls155
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor80
"Monitor on / off"45
Most recent portable phone
numbers155
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher53
– refer to Wiper system
54
Music track
– finding146
"Mute on / off"45
N
"Navigation"115
Navigation address
– home address122
Navigation destination
– manual entry115
– selecting via map118
Navigation drive, location114
Navigation DVD114
Everything from A - Z
216 Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic52
– manual transmission51
Road map126
"Roadside Assistance"162
Roadside
Assistance162,193
Roadside parking lamps86
– replacing bulbs189
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements69
Roller blind
– sun blinds95
Roof load capacity201
Roof-mounted luggage
rack109
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away196
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route123
– changing123
– display126
– displaying arrow view126
– displaying map view126
– displaying town127
– list127
– selecting123
– selecting criteria123
"Route list" in navigation127
Route map126
"Route preference",
changing123
Route selection123
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires178
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires178
Run-Flat Tires178
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire81
– flat tire81
– new tires178
– replacing tires178
– tire pressures170
– winter tires179Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires178
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment43
Safety belts43
– damage43
– indicator lamp43
– reminder43
– sitting safely38
Safety systems
– airbags82
– Antilock Brake System
ABS78
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC78
– safety belts43
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires178
Sampling tracks
– scan146
Satellite radio141
– enabling141
– selecting channel142
– storing channel142
"SAT" for radio134,142
Scan
– CD changer146
– CD player146
– radio139
"Scan", sampling radio
stations139
"Scan", sampling
tracks on CD146
Screen, refer to iDrive
controls16
Seat adjustment
– electric39
– mechanical39
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder43
Seats39
– adjusting the seats39
– heating41
– sitting safely38
Securing cargo101"Select as destination"120
"Select current speed"75
Selecting distance for active
cruise control59
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for
navigation127
Selecting the frequency
manually139
Selection options with
navigation system123
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic52
"Service"75
,161,182
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance193
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance193
Service data in the remote
control185
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS185
"Service notification"161
"Service Request"162,164
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS185
"Service
requirements"70,161,182
Service requirements69
"Service Status"161
"Set date"73
"Set" for audio mode134
"Set time"72
Settings
– clock,12h/24h mode72
– date format73
"Set tire pressure"81
Shifting with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic52
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever positions52
Short commands of voice
command system202
Shortest route in navigation,
refer to Selecting route123