Contents
9
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags54
Transporting children safely57
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Driving:
Ignition lock63
Starting the engine63
Switching off the engine65
Parking brake65
Manual transmission66
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*71
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher74
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*75
Cruise control*77
Everything under control:
Odometer79
Tachometer79
Energy control79
Fuel gauge80
Engine coolant temperature
gauge80
Service interval display81
Check Control81
Clock82
Computer*83
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)*85
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)86
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) –
325xi88
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*90
Flat Tire Monitor*91
Brake force display92
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams93
Instrument lighting94
High beams/Standing lamps94
Fog lamps*95
Interior lamps95
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioning96
Automatic climate control*100
Interior conveniences:
Premium sound system*105
Glove compartment105
Storage compartments106
Cellular phone*107
Ashtray, front*108
Ashtray, rear*108
Socket109
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag*110
Cargo area111
Cargo loading113
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*116
Controls and features
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 fluid135
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
17
1Fuel gauge80
2Indicator lamp for turn signals20
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
5Tachometer and Energy Control 79,
79
6Engine coolant temperature
gauge80
7Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
8Control button for
>
Time82
>
Service interval display81
>
Outside temperature display83
9Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox19, 67, 73
10 Display for
>
Trip odometer/Odometer79
>
Clock82
>
Service interval81
>
Computer82
11 Check Control81
12 Trip odometer, reset to zero79
13 Indicator and warning lamps18
to 21
Instrument cluster
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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.
131
1Brake fluid reservoir135
2Dipstick, engine oil132
3Coolant expansion tank134
4Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system132
5Engine oil filler neck132
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting153Engine compartment essentials
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 121
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 70
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 152
Activated-charcoal filter 104
ADB-X Automatic Differen-
tial Brake, all-wheel 88
Adding brake fluid 135
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 96
Air conditioning mode 98
automatic climate
control 102
Air distribution
air conditioning 98
automatic climate
control 102
Air distribution,
individual 102
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 96, 100
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 25, 124
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
98, 103Air supply
air conditioning 98
automatic climate
control 102
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 98, 102
Airbags 54
indicator lamp 18, 56
sitting safely 44
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 96, 100
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
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 30
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 38
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 162
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 162
Armrest
front 106
rear 107Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 108
rear 108
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 103
AUTO program, refer
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 102
Automatic
air distribution 102
air supply 102
cruise control 77
headlamp control 93
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 100
Automatic curb monitor 51
Automatic Differential Brake,
all wheel ADB-X 88
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 103Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 71
indicator lamp 19, 73
interlock 63
selector lever lock 71
shiftlock 71
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 75
Average fuel
consumption 84
Average speed 84
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 162
B
Backrest, adjusting 46
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 45, 47
Backup lamps 66
bulb replacement 145
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Battery 151
charge 151
disposal 151
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 153
remote control 30, 31
Battery charge current 18