
 
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:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction. 
There is no provision for switching off 
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
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.
Additional information beginning on 
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 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 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 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 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 74
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 77
 
Indicator and warning lamps 

80
Fuel gaugeOnce the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx. 
2 gallons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity approx. 
16.6 gallons/63 liters
Certain operating conditions, such as 
those encountered in mountainous 
areas, may cause the needle to fluctu-
ate slightly.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last 
drop of fuel can prevent the engine 
from operating properly and result in 
damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the 
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an 
operation check.
Engine coolant temperature gaugeBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating temperature. The 
needle may rise as far as the edge of 
the red sector in normal operation.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on during normal 
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Switch off the engine immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.
To check coolant level, refer to 
page 134. 

134
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 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.
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 their closed origi-
nal 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 burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions 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.
Engine oil 

Everything from A to ZCleaning light alloy wheels, 
refer to the Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cleaning windshield 76
Clock 82
12-/24-hour mode 82
setting, refer also to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 35
from outside 31
Clothes hooks 121
Clutch
breaking in 120
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Coin box 106
Cold start, refer to Starting 
the engine 63
Compact disc operation, 
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Compartments 106
Compartments in cargo
area 113Compression ratio, refer to 
Engine data 160
Computer 83
Condensation, refer to Air 
conditioning mode 98, 102
Configuring settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 61
Connecting a vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Cigarette 
lighter 108
Consumption
display 79
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 84
Control elements, refer to 
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 34
glass sunroof 32
windows 32
Coolant 134
indicator lamp 19, 80
level 134
temperature gauge 80
Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 134
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 98, 102
Copyright 4Cornering Brake Control 
(CBC) 121
warning lamp 18
Correct tires 127
Cover, refer to Cargo area 
cover 111
Cruise control 77
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage 
holders 106, 107
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 162
Current consumption, refer 
to Energy control 79
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data 160
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 163
dimensions 161
engine 160
technical 160
weights 162
Daytime driving lamps 93
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
19, 121
Deep water, refer to Water 
on roadways 121Defrost position, refer
to Defrosting windows 
99, 102
Defrosting and demisting 
windows
air conditioning 99
automatic climate
control 102
Defrosting windows 99, 102
Defrosting windshield, 
refer to Defrosting win-
dows 99, 102
Demisting windows
air conditioning 99
automatic climate 
control 102
Determining the maximum 
load 114
Differential
breaking in 120
Digital clock 82
Dimensions 161
Dipstick, engine oil 132
Disc brakes 122
Displacement, refer to 
Engine data 160
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting 94
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster 16 

Everything from A to Z
169
Disposal
oil 133
vehicle battery 151
Distance warning, refer to 
Park Distance Control 
(PDC) 85
Door key 30
Door lock 34
Doors
emergency operation 34
Draft-free ventilation 99, 103
Driving light, refer to Parking 
lamps/Low beams 93
Driving notes 121
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 98, 102
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 86
indicator lamp 19, 86
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol 86
indicator lamp 19, 86
Dynamic Brake Control 
(DBC) 19, 121
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) 19, 86
Dynamic Traction Control 
(DTC) 86
indicator lamp 19, 86E
Electric glass sunroof 41
Electric power windows 40
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 151
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 73
door lock 34
driver's door 34
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 43
tailgate 36
Electronic Stability Program 
(ESP), refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Emergency call 152
Emergency operation
doors 34
driver's door 34
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 43
Emergency release
tailgate 36
Emissions, minimum, refer 
to Energy control 79
Energy control 79Engine
breaking in 120
data 160
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 79, 160
starting 63
switching off 65
Engine compartment 130
Engine coolant 134
adding 134
Engine oil
adding 133
additives, refer to Adding 
engine oil 133
capacity 163
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 133
viscosity 134
Engine oil consumption 132
Engine oil level 19
check 132
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil types 133
Engine output, refer to 
Engine data 160
Engine speed 79, 160
Environmentally-friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
control 79ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC 86
Exterior mirrors 52
Eyeglasses 
compartment 107
Eyelet, towing 155
F
False alarm, refer to 
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms 39
Fastening the safety belts 48
Fault displays 81
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flashlight 106
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable 
flashlight 106
Flat tire 147
Flat Tire Monitor 91
space-saver spare tire 147
Flat Tire Monitor 91
indicator lamp 18, 19, 92
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 124
Floor panel, lifting 113
Fluid reservoir for washer 
systems 132
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex