2006 BMW 325XI TOURING steering

Things to remember when driving
100
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the roof or
along the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights on page144.
The roof load must be uniformly distributed and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
127
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
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 slightly
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 the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any occupants other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in 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 cargo
area, refer to page119.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Check that the car is radio-ready and that
the electric steering wheel lock is not
engaged, otherwise the car would not be steer-
able. If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car. The
electric steering wheel lock cannot be disen-

Giving and receiving assistance
128 gaged and the car is not steerable. Jump start-
ing, refer to page126.
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.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page45.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page126.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page126.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
Engine compartment lid open
Tailgate or rear window open
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
refer to page48.
Lights up in red:
Service is due Schedule a service appointment
Check service requirements, refer to
page61.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have the
remote control checked, if necessary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer jour-
ney or, in cars with convenient access,
replace the battery.
Lights up in red:
Driver's and/or front passenger's air-
bags malfunctioningHave the system checked immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
for rear-seat passengers malfunction-
ingHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immediately.
Active steering defective You can continue your journey.
Steering characteristics are modified
and steering wheel could be off-center.
Steer carefully.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up:
Emergency call system has failed or is
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
137
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when
you wish to switch off the ignition, refer
to page42.
Lights up in red:
Electric steering wheel lock malfunc-
tioningThe engine can no longer be started. If
applicable, do not switch off the engine.
Contact your BMW Center.
Lights up in yellow:
Electric steering wheel lock jammed Move the steering wheel before starting
the engine.
Anti-trapping mechanism of the power
windows malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Anti-trapping mechanism of the elec-
tric glass sunroof malfunctioningHave the system checked.
Cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>handbrake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven
Cruise control system failed You can continue your journey. Have
the system checked.
Engine speed too low Select a lower gear if the driving situa-
tion permits you to do so.
Engine speed too high Select a higher gear if the driving situa-
tion permits you to do so.
Active cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>handbrake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven orKeep a safe distance.
>radar sensor dirty Clean the radar sensor, refer to
page54.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to Z
146
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System66
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control50
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Active cruise control50
– indicator lamps53
– malfunction54
– selecting distance52
– sensor54
Active steering70
– warning lamp71
Adapter for spare key18
Adaptive Head Light75
Additives
– coolant115
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Airbags71
– sitting safely31
– warning lamp73
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation80,83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual79
– manual79
Air flow rate79,82
Airing, refer to
Ventilation80,83Air outlets, refer to Air
vents78
Air pressure, tires106
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,82
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation80,83
Air vents78
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications105
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires111
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,82
Antifreeze
– coolant115
– washer fluid48
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Anti-trapping mechanism
– windows28
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest87
Ashtray
– front88
– rear89Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC66
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control82
Audio device, external87
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control48,50
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution82
Automatic curb monitor37
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic44
– interlock44,45
– overriding selector lever
lock46
– shiftlock45
– sport program45
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
AUX-IN
– port87
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144
B
Backrests, refer to Seats31
Backrest width adjustment33
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs122

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
147
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps122
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch125
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away128
Battery123
– charging123
– disposal27,123
– jump starting126
– temporary power failure123
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed127
Belts, refer to Safety belts36
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts36
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders88
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning57
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate79,82
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System117
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control66
Brake fluid115
– level too low115
– warning lamp115,116
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements61
Brake Force Display71
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes115
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display71
– replacing bulbs122
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96Brakes
– ABS66
– BMW Maintenance
System117
– brake fluid115
– brake pads116
– breaking in96
– handbrake44
– service requirements61
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely97
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System117
– brake fluid115
– brake pads116
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance125
Breaking in the clutch96
Breaking in the differential96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs119
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption58
Button for starting engine42
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Capacities145
Capacity of cargo area144
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery123
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing99Cargo area90
– capacity144
– convenient access26
– cover90
– folding up the floor panel92
– lamp77
– lid, refer to Tailgate23
– net90
– opening from outside23
Cargo area net90
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle98
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car jack
– jacking points123
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest87
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash98
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system96
CBS Condition Based
Service117
Center armrest87

Everything from A to Z
150 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control83
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner80
First aid pouch125
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock42
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight87
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires110
Flat Tire Monitor FTM69
– indicating a flat tire70
– initializing the system69
– malfunction70
– snow chains69,111
– system limits69
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition109
Fog lamps76
– indicator lamp76,130
Folding rear seat back90
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely97
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5
Front airbags71
Front seat adjustment31
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor69
Fuel105
– display58
– high-quality brands105
– quality105
– specifications105
– tank capacity145
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge58
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge58Fuel filler door104
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction104
Fuses124
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control84
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel105
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge58
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level113
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic44
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic45
– manual transmission44
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission45
– with manual transmission44
General driving notes96
Glass sunroof, electric
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation20,22
– operation with convenient
access26
– remote control20
Glove compartment87
– rechargeable flashlight87
Grills, refer to Air vents78
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights144
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs120
Handbrake44
– indicator lamp44
– manual release22Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight87
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp cover120
Headlamp flasher46
– indicator lamp11,14,130
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs120
Head restraints33
– sitting safely31
Heated
– mirrors37
– rear window79,83
– seats34
Heating78
– mirrors37
– rear window79,83
– seats34
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat82
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo99
Height, refer to
Dimensions143
Height adjustment
– seats32
– steering wheel38
High beams76
– headlamp flasher76
– indicator lamp130
– replacing bulbs120
High water, refer to Driving
through water97
Hills97
Holders for cups88
Homepage4
Hood112
Horn10
Hot exhaust system96
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control66
Hydroplaning
97