Contents
From A to Z
Owner's Manual for the Vehicle.
With a quick reference guide
for your convenience.
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Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new vehicle.
It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining
maximum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your
BMW. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to
enhance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW
throughout an extended service life.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty
– Limited Warranty Rust Perforation
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
– California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
Preface
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4n
Symbols used
The individual vehicle
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
Indicates instructions or precau-
tions that must be followed pre-
cisely in order to avoid the possibility of alized equipment and features. This
On buying your BMW, you have de-
cided in favor of a model with individu-
possible. The fastest way to find certain personal injury and serious damage to
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish to gain only an ini-
tial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
the vehicle.<
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
that you might not have chosen for your
vehicle. Any differences can easily be
identified, since all optional accessories
and special equipment are marked with
an asterisk *.
The detailed list of contents that direct- benefit from your vehicle and enables
ly follows the summary of contents is
intended to stimulate your curiosity re-
garding your BMW and to encourage
you to read the manual.
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.<
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.<
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remem-
ber to hand over the Owner's Manual to
the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(car radio or telephone, for instance),
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are
enclosed. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
< Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
If you have any questions, an autho-
rized BMW center will be glad to advise
you.
* Indicates special equipment, coun-
try-specific equipment and optional
extras.
Identifies systems or components,
which your BMW center can either
activate or adapt to suit an individual
driver's requirements ("Car Memory",
"Key Memory"). Refer to page 52.<
© 2000 BMW AG
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order no. 01 41 0 155 307
US-English IX/00
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
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Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this
reason, it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor
can errors and omissions be entirely
ruled out. You are therefore asked to
appreciate that no legal claims can be
entertained on the basis of the data,
illustrations or descriptions in this
manual.
Status at time of printing
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6n
Important safety information!
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle, com-
promise its safety, interfere with the
vehicle's electrical system or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty.
See your BMW center for additional
information.
For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
10% ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (that is,
15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will
not void the applicable warranties re-
specting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, etc.) among gasolines offered for
sale in the United States and Canada.
The use of poor quality fuels may result
in driveability, starting and stalling
problems especially under certain envi-
ronmental conditions, such as high am-
bient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to verify if it can
be used on a BMW safely and without
risk to either the vehicle, its operation,
or its occupants.
Do not use key or remote to lock doors
or trunk with anyone inside the car. See
Owner's Manual for more details.<
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.<
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from
all BMW centers.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
you are handling gasoline.<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this Owner's
Manual for information on a particular
part or assembly.
For your own safety
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7n
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You
can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Contents
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Contents
Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Keys 32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 33
Central locking system 34
Opening and closing –
from the outside 34
Opening and closing –
from the inside 38
Tailgate 38
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock 61
Starting the engine 61
Switching off the engine 62
Parking brake 63
Manual transmission 64
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
Turn signal indicator/
Headlamp flasher 68
Washer/Wiper system 68
Rear window defroster 70
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 24
Sports steering wheel 25
Hazard warning flashers 26
Warning triangle 26
First-aid kit 26
Refueling 27
Tire inflation pressure 28
Cargo area 40
Everything under control:
Odometer 73
Adjustments:
Seats 46
Tachometer 73
Mirrors 51
Fuel gauge 74
Coolant temperature gauge 74
Service Interval Display 74
Check Control 75
Clock 75
Car Memory, Key Memory 52
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 53
Airbags 55
Computer 76
Transporting children safely 58
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 78
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T) 79
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 80
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 85
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11n
Lamps:
Break-in procedures 114
Driving notes 115
Catalytic converter 115
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 116
Under the hood:
Hood 130
Engine compartment 132
Washer fluids 134
Washer nozzles 134
Engine oil 135
Side lamps/Low beams 87
Instrument lighting 87
High beams/Parking lamps 88
Fog lamps 88
Interior lamps 88
Disc brakes 118
Brake system 120
Winter operation 121
Power steering 123
Cellular phone 123
Coolant 137
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner 90
Automatic climate control 96
Seat heating 100
Brake fluid 138
Vehicle Identification
Number 139
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 140
Airbags 147
Cabin convenience:
HiFi system 101
Glove compartment 101
Storage compartments 102
Cellular phone 103
Ashtray, front 104
Cigarette lighter 104
Ashtray, rear 105
Power outlet 105
Wheels and tires:
Tire replacement 125
Wheel and tire
combinations 127
Winter tires 128
Vehicle storage 147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications
to the vehicle 148
California Proposition
65 Warning 148
Snow chains 128
Approved wheel and tire
specifications 129
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag 106
OBD interface socket 149
Cargo area 107
Cargo loading 110
Roof-mounted luggage rack 111
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Contents
Replacement procedures:
Airbags 172
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) 173
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 173
Radio reception 174
Dimensions 185
Weights 186
Capacities 187
Electrical system 188
Drive belts 188
Onboard tool kit 152
Windshield wiper blades 152
Lamps and bulbs 153
Changing a wheel 159
Battery 162
Fuses 164
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter 165
Four-wheel drive 175
Safety belt tensioner 175
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer 176
Rain sensor 177
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 178
Self-diagnostics 179
Xenon lamps 180
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door 166
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 166
Tailgate 166
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting 167
Towing the vehicle 168
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13n
Everything from A to Z 192
Owner service procedures 198
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14n
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15n
Cockpit 16
Overview
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 24
Controls and features
Sports steering wheel 25
Hazard warning flashers 26
Warning triangle 26
First-aid kit 26
Refueling 27
Fuel specifications 28
Tire inflation pressure 28
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Overview
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Cockpit
17n
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 87
2 d Turn signal indicator 68
> Parking lamps 88
> High beams 88
> Headlamp flasher 68
> Computer* 76
3 Washer/Wiper system 68
4 Shift lever/Selector lever* 64
For vehicles equipped with manual
transmission:
To engage reverse gear, press the
lever to the left and overcome the
slight resistance you will encounter
5 Hazard warning flashers 26
6 Central locking system 34
7 Rear window defroster 70
8 Horn sports steering wheel*: the
entire surface
9 Adjusting steering wheel 50
10 Fog lamps* 88
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Instrument cluster
19n
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for
fuel reserve 74
9 Program display for automatic
transmission 65, 67
14 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission 21, 65, 67
> Fog lamps 23
> Add washer fluid 22
> Coolant level 23
> Electronic Throttle Control
(EML)* 23
> Service engine soon 23
2 Turn signal indicator 23
3 Speedometer
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) or DSC and
4 Indicator lamp for:
> Battery charge current 20
> High beams 23
> Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level 20, 22
ADB/ADB-X 22
You can display the outside
temperature and distance driven
11 Indicator for:
> Odometer 73
> Trip odometer 73
> Clock 75
5 Tachometer and Energy Control 73
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator 74
> Service Interval 74
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:
Display for computer, operation
via the turn signal lever, refer to
page 76:
> Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)/(DBC) 20, 21
> Antilock Brake System (ABS) 22
> Brake pads 22
> Tire Pressure Control
(RDC) 20, 22
> Airbags 21
> Clock
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption
> Cruising range
> Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control 75
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 73
> Please fasten safety belts 21
> Cruise control* 23
8 Adjusting knob for the clock 75
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20nIndicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) ●
In addition, an acoustic signal
will go off: a tire failure has
Technology that monitors itself
Red: stop immediately
Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
Battery charge current ●
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
that are identified by "●" are tested for charging circuit of the alternator. Please
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
effort is also required.<
Brake warning lamp ●
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged,
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 122 and 138.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it will light up while the vehicle is
moving. You will see how to react to
this below.
Engine oil pressure ●
Stop the vehicle immediately
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
and switch off the engine. Check
the engine oil level and refill as required.
If the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, otherwise,
the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
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Indicator and warning lamps
21n
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
Red: an important reminder
Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center
Brake warning lamp
If the brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS and ASC+T/ acoustic signal sounds when starting
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
Automatic transmission
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
DSC:
off.
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 65, 67.
Then the entire ABS, CBC,
ASC+T/DSC and ADB/ADB-X/
DBC control system has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 63.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts ●
A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Lights up for a
few seconds or until the safety belt is
fastened.
For additional information, refer to
pages 79, 80.
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/ADB-X/DBC indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 53.
Airbags ●
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 55, 172.
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22nIndicator and warning lamps
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) ●
Check the tire pressure. Refer to
pages 28 and 85.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp ●
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ●
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 117.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) ●
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC and ADB/DBC are
switched off by means of the button or
are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp remains on:
ASC+T has been switched off via the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, the ADB is opera-
tional.
In the event of a fault, please consult
the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer
page 79.
For additional information, refer to
page 79.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
BMW 325xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective.
ADB-X cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 83.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do
not drive more than approx. 30 miles
(50 km) until you add oil.
For additional information, refer to
page 135.
BMW 325xi:
The DSC has been either turned off or
is defective. ADB-X is in ready mode. If
the warning lamp does not go out after
pressing the DSC button repeatedly,
then the both the DSC and ADB-X are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 80.
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC indi-
cator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the
earliest opportunity (when you stop to
refuel).
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low.
Top up at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 135
Brake pads ●
For additional information, refer to
page 134.
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 120.
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Indicator and warning lamps
23n
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 149.
Green: for your information
Blue: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated. Rapid flashing indi-
cates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 68.
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 68, 88.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 71.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics*
Fog lamps
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics allow for continued driving
with reduced engine output or rpms.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Comes on whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top
off the coolant at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 137.
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24nMultifunction steering wheel (MFL)
The controls integrated in the multifunc-
tion steering wheel (MFL) are provided
so that you can operate a number of
accessories quickly and without being
distracted from traffic conditions. You
can operate:
> Selected radio functions,
> the cruise control,
> selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding
system controls must be activated.<
6 Horn: the entire surface
1 Press briefly:
Receive a call, start dialing, terminate
a call
Press longer:
Voice recognition*: switch on and off
7 Cruise control: resume stored setting
Refer to the individual accessory
manuals for more detailed descriptions.
8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate
and store (–)
2 Radio/Cellular phone: select
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate
3 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
4 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
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Sports steering wheel*
25n
The controls integrated in the sports
steering wheel are provided so that you
can operate a number of accessories
quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions.
You can operate:
> Selected radio functions,
> the cruise control,
> selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the sports steering wheel, the
corresponding system controls must be
activated.<
6 Horn: the entire surface
1 Radio/Cellular phone: select
7 Cruise control: resume stored setting
2 Press briefly:
Receive a call, start dialing, terminate
a call
Press longer:
8 Cruise control: store and
accelerate (+); decelerate
and store (–)
Refer to the individual accessory
manuals for more detailed descriptions.
Voice recognition*: switch on and off
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/
deactivate
3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume
4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll through
the phone listings
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26nHazard warning flashers
Warning triangle*
First-aid kit*
The button flashes intermittently when
the hazard flashers are on.
The hazard warning triangle is stored
on the left-hand side of the luggage
compartment behind the cover panel.
The first-aid kit is located under the front
passenger's seat.
To help you locate the switch in an
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the vehicle's lamps
are on.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To open: press the button (arrow) and
remove the cover.
To close: fold the cover up.
Comply with legal requirements
for keeping a hazard warning
triangle in the vehicle.<
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
The turn signal indicator function
takes priority over the hazard
time only. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any with passed
dates. You can acquire replacements
in any drugstore or pharmacy.
warning function. This means that with
the ignition key in position 1, you can
still use the turn signal indicator funtion,
even if the hazard warning flashers are
being used at the same time.<
Comply with legal requirements for
keeping a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
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Refueling
27n
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
Service Engine Soon lamp.<
Fuel filler door
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the Service
Engine Soon lamp may come on.<
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
Place the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 166.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during
refueling
When handling fuels, comply with > results in premature pump shutoff
all of the applicable safety precau- > and will reduce the effect of the vapor
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event
of a collision.<
recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is operated correctly,
the fuel tank will be full when it shuts off
for the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 187.
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28nFuel specifications
Tire inflation pressure
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Check tire inflation pressures –
including the space-saver spare
wheel, or spare wheel – regularly, at
least every two weeks and before
beginning any extended driving. Incor-
rect tire pressure can otherwise lead to
tire damage and accidents.
Required fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Inflate the spare tire to the highest tire
inflation pressure specified for your
vehicle.<
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
You will find the inflation pressures on
the inside door pillar (visible with door
open).
Check tire pressures
On the next page you will find all the tire
pressure and ambient air temperature
specifications stated in the units usually
used in your country (psi; kilopascal).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC):
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reactivate the system. Refer to
page 85.
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Tire inflation pressure
29n
Observe tire approval
specifications
BMW
Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
The inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. You will
find a list of approved tires beginning
on page 129.
All summer tires and
the all season tire
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
32 (220) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
325
325xi
All winter tires and
the all season tire
35 (240) 41 (280) 41 (280) 48 (330)
61 (420)
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S
Space-saver tire in the luggage
compartment
For all season tires use the same inflation pressure as for summer tires.
For extra load tires 205/50 R 17 93 W use the same tire inflation pressure as for
winter tires.
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30n
Opening and closing:
Keys 32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 33
Central locking system 34
Opening and closing –
from the outside 34
Tailgate 39
Alarm system 41
Adjustments:
Seats 46
Seat and mirror memory 49
Steering wheel 50
Mirrors 51
Car Memory, Key Memory 52
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 53
Airbags 55
Transporting children safely 58
Controls
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31n
Driving:
Lamps:
Overview
Steering/Ignition lock 61
Starting the engine 61
Switching off the engine 62
Parking brake 63
Side lamps/Low beams 87
Instrument lighting 87
High beams/Parking lamps 88
Fog lamps 88
Controls and features
Manual transmission 64
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 65
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher 68
Washer/Wiper system 68
Rear window defroster 70
Cruise control 71
Interior lamps 88
Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:
Air conditioner 90
Automatic climate control 96
Seat heating 100
Operation, care
and maintenance
Cabin convenience:
HiFi system 101
Glove compartment 101
Storage compartments 102
Cellular phone 103
Ashtray, front 104
Cigarette lighter 104
Ashtray, rear 105
Power outlet 105
Everything under control:
Odometer 73
Tachometer 73
Energy Control 73
Fuel gauge 74
Coolant temperature gauge 74
Service Interval Display 74
Check Control 75
Clock 75
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag 106
Cargo area 107
Cargo loading 110
Roof-mounted luggage rack 111
Computer 76
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 78
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T) 79
Index
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 80
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 85
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32nKeys
3 Door and ignition key
Replacement keys
The lock for the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key,
which is an advantage when using for
valet parking, for instance
Replacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your authorized BMW
center. Since the keys belong to a
security system, your BMW center is
obligated to ensure that a person
requesting a key is authorized to do so
(refer to "Electronic vehicle immobilizer"
on page 35).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn that key to position 2 in
the ignition lock once (ignition switched
on) and then back. This allows the elec-
tronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the
new key.<
1 The master keys with remote control
determine the functions for the Key
Memory; refer to page 52
There is an extended-life battery in
every master key that is charged
automatically in the steering lock as you
drive.
For this reason, if you have a master key
that is otherwise not used, use that key
at least once every year while driving for
an extended period to charge the
battery. Refer also to page 35.<
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for constant use
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Electronic vehicle immobilizer
33n
How the electronics work
At the heart of this system is an elec-
tronic chip that is integrated into the
key. The lock mechanism itself is actu-
ally a dual-function device. While the
engine is running, the circuitry in the
ignition key and the vehicle's electronic
system constantly exchange variable,
vehicle-specific signals. The system will
not release the ignition, fuel injection
and starter unless it recognizes an
"authorized" key.
The key to security
Force applied to the key can
damage the integrated electronic
circuitry. A damaged key can no longer
be used to start the engine.<
Your BMW is equipped with a passive
anti-theft system. This electronic immo-
bilization system reduces the likelihood
of your vehicle being stolen by making
it impossible to start the engine using
any keys other than the ones furnished
with the vehicle. Your BMW center can
cancel the electronic system authoriza-
tion for individual keys (in the event of
loss, for instance). A deactivated key
can no longer be used to start the
engine.
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34nCentral locking system
Opening and closing – from the outside
The concept
Convenience operation
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed. The system engages and
releases the locks on the
You can also operate the power
windows and sliding/tilt sunroof via the
door lock.
> To open: if the door is closed, hold
the key firmly in the "Unlock" posi-
tion.
> To close: if the door is closed, hold
the key firmly in the "Lock" position.
> doors
> tailgate and rear window
> fuel filler door.
The central locking system can be
operated
Watch during the closing process
to be sure that nobody is inadvert-
ently injured. Releasing the key stops
the operation.<
> from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
> from inside by pressing a button.
Using the key
One turn of the key in the driver's door
lock unlocks the driver's door only.
Turning the key a second time unlocks
all of the remaining doors, the tailgate
and the fuel filler door.
Activating the central locking system
from inside does not lock the fuel filler
door (see page 38). When it is actuated
from the outside, the anti-theft system
is activated simultaneously. Both the
door locks and release handles remain
locked. The alarm system is also armed
or disarmed.
Manual operation
(in the event of an electrical malfunction)
Turn the key to the extreme left or right
to unlock/lock the door.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
If locked from the inside, the central
locking system unlocks automatically in
the event of an accident. But the system
only unlocks those doors that were not
locked separately using the safety
buttons, refer to page 38. In addition,
the hazard warning flashers and interior
lamps come on.
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Opening and closing – from the outside
35n
Master keys that are used repeat-
Using the remote control
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the steering
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key while
driving for an extended period in order
to recharge the battery. Refer also to
page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the
remote control, surrender only the door
and ignition key or the spare key (refer
to page 32) when leaving the vehicle for
valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<
The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for
unlocking and locking your vehicle.
Furthermore, it provides two additional
functions that only the remote control
can execute:
> Switching on the interior lamps, refer
to page 38.
With this function, you can also
"search for" your car – when parked
in an underground garage, for
instance.
> Opening the rear window, refer to
page 39.
Master keys
Keys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 32.
The rear window will open slightly,
regardless of whether it was previ-
ously locked or unlocked.
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this
reason, always take the vehicle's keys
with you so that the vehicle can be
opened again from the outside at any
time.<
When you unlock the vehicle, the anti-
theft system is deactivated, the alarm
system is disarmed, and the interior
lamps are turned on. When you lock the
vehicle, the systems are activated and
armed, and the lamps go off.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
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36nOpening and closing – from the outside
To unlock the vehicle
Locking and securing
Turning on the interior lamps
Press button 1.
Press button 2.
After locking the vehicle, press button 2
again.
Press the button once to unlock the
driver's door only; press a second time
to unlock all remaining doors as well as
the rear window and fuel filler door.
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor*
and interior motion sensor*
Press button 2 again immediately after
locking.
Convenience opening mode
For additional information, refer to
page 42.
Press and hold button 1. The power
windows and sliding/tilt sunroof are
opened.
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Opening and closing – from the outside
37n
Panic mode (trigger alarm)
For US owners only
By pressing button 3 for 2 to 5 seconds, The transmitter and receiver units
the alarm can be sounded in the event comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal
of danger, if the alarm system is armed. Communication Commission) regula-
Pressing on button 1 will turn the alarm tions. Operation is governed by the
off.
following:
The LED (light-emitting diode) will light
up briefly whenever you press on the
individual buttons.
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
System interference
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
External systems or devices may cause
local interference in the functions of the
remote control.
Opening the rear window
Press button 3.
> This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
> this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
The rear window opens slightly. It can
now be tilted up.
If this should occur, you can unlock and
lock the vehicle via the door lock with
a master key.
Before and after a trip, be sure
that the rear window was not
opened unintentionally.<
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could
void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.<
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38nOpening and closing – from the inside
To unlock and open the doors
> Either unlock the doors together with
the button for the central locking
system and then pull each of the
release handles above the armrests,
or
> pull the release handle for each door
twice: the first pull unlocks the door,
and the second one opens it.
To engage locks
> Use the central locking button to lock
all of the doors simultaneously, or
> press the individual safety lock
buttons down. The fuel filler door
then remains unlocked. As an added
design feature to prevent the driver
from being inadvertently locked out
of the vehicle, the driver's door safety
lock button will not engage as long as
the door is open.
Use this button to operate the central
locking system when the front doors
are closed. The doors and tailgate are
unlocked or locked only. The anti-theft
alarm system is not activated.
If only the driver's door was
unlocked from the outside and
you press on the button, then all the
other doors, tailgate and rear window
as well as the fuel filler door will unlock
if the driver's door is open.
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this
reason, take the vehicle's keys with you
so that the vehicle can be opened again
from the outside at any time.<
If the driver's door is closed it will be
locked.<
The central locking system can be
locked automatically as soon as
you begin to drive if you desire. You
may also have this adjusted so that it is
specific to keys.<
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Tailgate
39n
Operate the vehicle only when
the tailgate or rear window is
completely closed so that no exhaust
fumes penetrate the interior of the
vehicle. If it should happen that the
tailgate or rear window are left open
anyway while driving:
> Close all windows, including the
sliding/tilt sunroof.
> Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or automatic climate
control to a high level. Refer to
page 90 or 96.<
Opening from outside
Closing
Press the button in the handle recess
(arrow): the tailgate opens slightly.
The handle recesses in the interior trim
panel of the tailgate (arrows) make it
easier to pull down.
The luggage compartment lamp goes
on when the tailgate is opened.
Before and after a trip, be sure
that the rear window was not
opened unintentionally.<
For opening manually in the event
of an electrical malfunction, refer to
page 166.
Opening from the inside, refer to
page 38.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the tailgate lid is
clear when it is closed, as with all
closing procedures.<
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40nTailgate
Cargo area
Opening the rear window
Luggage straps
Small items can be loaded or unloaded Use the retaining straps on the cargo
quickly if the rear window is opened
separately.
area floor to secure smaller items of
luggage.
Press the button (arrow): the rear
window opens slightly. It can now be
tilted up.
Movement is reduced when objects are
placed on the straps.
To attach the luggage nets* or elastic
straps in order to keep luggage
Push the window down to close it.
securely in place, you will find lashing
If pointed or sharp-edged objects eyes on the inside corners of the
could hit the rear window while
driving, be sure to provide protection
around all edges, otherwise, the
heating conductors for the rear window
could be damaged.<
luggage compartment.
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on
page 110.
For the roll-up cover and other features
in the cargo area, refer to "Cargo area"
beginning on page 107.
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Alarm system*
41n
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
To activate and deactivate the
alarm system
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked
by using a key or the remote control,
the alarm system is also armed or
disarmed at the same time.
The interior motion sensor and tilt alarm
sensor are activated 30 seconds after
the last locking operation.
> When a door, the hood or the tailgate
is opened.
> To movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor).
> To a change of the vehicle's tilt – if
someone attempts to steal the wheels
or tow the vehicle without authoriza-
tion, for example.
If the alarm system has been armed
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
flash once.
> To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
Indicator lamp displays
The indicator lamp is located under the
inside rearview mirror.
You can have one signal set as
acknowledgment when arming
and disarming.<
> Sounding an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds.
> The indicator lamp flashes
continuously: the system is armed.
> The indicator lamp flashes when it
is armed: doors, the hood, tailgate
or rear window have not been prop-
erly closed. Even if you do not close
the alerted area, the remaining areas
are deadlocked, and the indicator
lamp flashes continuously after
10 seconds. However, the interior
motion sensor is not activated.
> The indicator lamp goes out when the
system is disarmed: no manipulation
or attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed.
> Activating the hazard warning flashers
for approx. five minutes.
> Flashing the high beams flash on and
off in rhythm with the hazard warning
flashers.
You can also open the rear window
when the system is armed by pressing
button 3 of the remote control (refer to
page 37). When it is closed, the rear
window is once again secured.
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42nAlarm system*
> The indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is
disarmed: an attempted entry has
been detected in the period since the
system was armed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time. Doing this prevents a false alarm
from being triggered (in garages with
elevator ramps, for instance), or when
the vehicle is transported by trailer or
train:
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.
Lock the vehicle (= arm the system)
twice. Press button 2 on the remote
control twice in succession or lock the
vehicle twice with the key (refer to
page 36).
Interior motion sensor
The transmitter and receiver of the inte-
rior motion sensor are located in a trim
panel in the vehicle's roof.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
are deactivated as long as the system is
armed.
In order for the interior motion sensor
to function properly, the windows and
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely
closed.
Reset the alarm system in order to
reactivate both the tilt sensor alarm
system and interior motion sensor.
However, be sure to deactivate the
interior motion sensor (refer to the
previous column "Avoiding uninten-
tional alarms"), when you wish to leave
the windows or the tilt/sunroof open.
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Electric power windows
43n
In the rear, there are separate switches
under the windows.
Safety feature
A contact strip is located on the inside
After the ignition has been switched off: upper frame of each of the windows. If
pressure is exerted against this contact
strip while a window is being raised, the
system will respond by stopping the
window and then retracting it some-
what.
You can still operate the power
windows for up to 15 minutes, as long
as neither of the front doors was
opened during that time.
Remove the key from the ignition
and close the doors when you
leave the vehicle, so that children
cannot operate the power windows and
possibly injure themselves.<
Despite this safety feature, be
extremely careful that the closing
path of the window is not obstructed
whenever it is being closed. Otherwise,
an object might not touch the contact
strip in some situations (with very thin
objects, for instance).
You can override this safety feature by
pulling the switch beyond the resis-
tance point and holding it.<
Open and close the windows
From ignition key position 1:
For the convenience opening mode
with the door lock or remote control,
refer to page 34 or 35.
> Press the switch up to but not past
the resistance point:
The window will continue to open as
long as you hold the switch.
> Press the switch past the resistance
point:
The window will move automatically.
Pressing the switch again stops the
opening cycle.
You can close the windows in the same
manner by pulling the switch.
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44nElectric power windows
Sliding/tilt sunroof*
Exercise care when closing the
sliding/tilt sunroof and keep it in
your field of vision until it is completely
closed. Failure to do so can result in
injuries.
Always remove the key from the ignition
and lock the doors when you leave the
vehicle so that, for instance, children
cannot operate the sunroof and
possibly injure themselves.<
You can avoid a vacuum or drafts in the
passenger compartment whenever the
sunroof is open or raised if you keep the
air vents in the dashboard open and
increase the air supply as needed. Refer
to pages 92 or 99.
Safety switch
Lifting – opening – closing
With the safety switch, you can prevent
the rear windows from being opened or
closed via the switch in the rear
passenger area* (by children, for
instance).
From ignition key position 1, press the
switch or slide it to the desired direction
until you feel resistance.
When lifting, the headliner retracts
several inches.
If the sunroof is completely open, air
disturbances may be caused in the
vehicle when you are driving at higher
speeds. Close the roof as far as is
necessary until this natural phenom-
enon ceases.
Press the safety switch whenever
children are riding in the rear of
the vehicle. Careless use of the power
windows can lead to injury.<
Do not use force to closethe
headliner when the sunroof is
open, or you could damage the
mechanism.<
For the convenience opening mode
with the door lock or the remote
control, refer to page 34 or 35.
After the ignition has been switched off,
you can still operate the sunroof for up
to 15 minutes, as long as neither of the
front doors was opened during that
time.
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Sliding/tilt sunroof
45n
Automatic opening and closing
Safety feature
Power loss or malfunction
> Press the switch past the resistance
If the sliding/tilt sunroof encounters
In the event of an electrical system
point: the sunroof travels to either the resistance at a point roughly past the
fully-closed or fully-opened position. middle of its travel when it is closing,
malfunction, the sliding/tilt sunroof can
be operated manually. Refer to
> With the sunroof open, press the
the closing cycle is interrupted and the page 166.
switch briefly toward "Raise": the roof sunroof will open again slightly.
will move into the end "Raise" posi-
tion.
Despite this safety feature, be
extremely careful that the closing
path of the sunroof is not obstructed
whenever it is closed. Otherwise, trig-
gering the closing-force limitation may
not be ensured in some situations (with
very thin objects, for instance).
Pressing the switch again stops opera-
tion immediately.
You can disable this safety feature by
pressing the switch beyond the pres-
sure point and holding it.<
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46nSeat adjustment
Mechanical seat
For maximum safety when adjusting
the seat position, please observe the
following:
Correct sitting posture
To reduce strain on the spinal column,
sit all the way back in the seat and rest
your back fully against the backrest.
The ideal sitting posture is when your
head forms a straight line with your
spine.
For long-distance driving, you may wish
to increase the backrest angle slightly
to reduce muscular tension. You should
be able to grasp the steering wheel at
its highest point with your arms slightly
bent.
Never try to adjust your seat while
driving the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected move-
ment, and the ensuing loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident.
Be sure that the safety belt remains
firmly against your body at all times. In
the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over the hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced
if the belt is worn loosely.
1 Backward/forward adjustment
Pull the lever and slide the seat to the
desired position.
After a seat adjustment, adjust the
height of the safety belt also. Refer to
page 53.
After releasing the lever, apply pres-
sure to the cushion to ensure that the
latch engages securely
While driving, do not recline the back-
rest too far (this applies to the
passenger side especially), because
otherwise there is the danger of sliding
underneath the safety belt during an
accident, thereby negating the safety
belt's protection.<
2 Cushion height
Pull the lever and apply weight to
or remove weight from the seat as
required
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Mechanical seat
Head restraints
47n
Adjustments
Removal
3 Backrest angle
Pull the lever and apply weight to or
remove weight from the backrest to
reach the desired position
Height: adjust by pulling or applying
pressure.
> Pull the head restraint upward to the
stop.
> Press the button (arrow) and remove
the head restraint.
In order to move to the lowest
positions, press button 1.<
Installation
To adjust the angle of the front head
restraints:
Adjust by tilting the head restraint.
> Press the button (arrow) and insert
the head restraint into the guides.
> Adjust the head restraint.
Head restraints reduce the risk of
injury to the cervical vertebra
during an accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its
center is approximately at the height
of the ear.<
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48nBMW sports seat*
Lumbar support*
Power seat*
With this seat, you can also adjust the
tilt angle and the thigh support:
You can adjust the backrest's contour
for additional support in the curvature
of your spine's lumbar region.
1 Backward/forward adjustment
2 Cushion height
1 Tilt angle upward:
Pull the lever as often as necessary to The upper hips and spinal column
reach the desired angle
3 Backrest angle
The head restraint is adjusted manually.
receive supplementary support to help
you maintain a relaxed, upright posture.
2 Tilt angle downward:
Push the lever as often as necessary > Press front/rear of switch:
to reach the desired angle
Comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 46. Failure to
do so could result in diminished
personal safety.<
Increase/decrease curvature.
> Press the upper/lower end of the
switch:
3 Thigh support area:
Pull the lever and adjust the position
of the cushion for thigh support as
desired
Increase the upper/lower curvature.
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Power seat*
Seat and mirror memory*
49n
To select a stored setting
Convenience function:
1 The driver's door remains open after
unlocking or the ignition key is in
position 1.
2 Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,
as desired.
The adjustment cycle is canceled
immediately if you press a seat
adjustment switch or one of the
memory buttons.
Security function:
BMW sports seat
1 Tilt angle
You can store and recall three different
driver's seat and outside mirror posi-
tions.
1 The driver's door is closed and the
ignition key is either removed or in
position 0 or 2.
2 Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button 1, 2 or 3 until the
adjustment process is completed.
2 Backward/forward adjustment
3 Cushion height
The adjustment setting for the lumbar
support is not saved in memory.<
4 Backrest angle
Adjust the head restraints (refer to
page 47) and thigh support (refer to
page 48) manually.
To store
1 Turn the key to ignition key position
1 or 2.
2 Adjust your seat and outside mirrors
to the desired position.
3 Press the MEMORY button: the indi-
cator lamp in the button lights up.
4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired. Indicator lamp goes out.
If you press the MEMORY button acci-
dentally: press the button again; the
indicator lamp goes out.
Comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 46. Failure to
do so could result in diminished
personal safety.<
Do not select a memory position
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected seat movement.<
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50nSeat and mirror memory*
Adjusting steering wheel
Your BMW center can adjust your
vehicle's systems in such a
manner that your personalized settings
are automatically set for the seat and
outside mirror positions when you
unlock the vehicle with your personal
remote control.<
When this setting is used, be sure
that the footwell behind the
driver's seat is clear before unlocking
the vehicle. If you fail to do so, any
persons or objects behind the seat
could be injured or damaged by a rear-
ward movement of the seat.<
Passenger side exterior mirror
tilt function
(automatic curb monitor*)
1 Push the locking lever downward.
2 Adjust the steering wheel (fore/aft
and up/down) to the desired position.
3 Pull the lever back in to clamp the
steering wheel in the new position.
1 Move the mirror selector switch 1 to
the "driver's mirror" position.
2 When the selector lever is placed in
"Reverse," the passenger-side mirror
tilts downward. This allows the driver
to see the area directly adjacent to
the vehicle during parking (curbs,
etc.).
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected movement.<
You can deactivate this automatic
feature: set mirror-selector switch to
the "passenger mirror" position.
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Mirrors
51n
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.
The mirror on the passenger's
side features a lens with a more
convex surface than the mirror installed
on the driver's side. When estimating
the distance between yourself and
other traffic, bear in mind that the
objects reflected in the mirror are closer
than they appear. Estimating the
distance between you and the traffic
behind you is therefore imprecise.<
Exterior mirrors
1 Switch for 4-way adjustment
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind
you when you are driving at night, tilt
the mirror by turning the button.
2 Button for switching from one mirror
to the other
Electric defrosting
Both mirrors are automatically
defrosted with the ignition key in
position 2.
Lighted vanity mirrors*
Fold down the sun visor and slide the
cover panel to the side as required.
The mirror lamps operate in ignition key
positions 1 and 2.
Sun visors
These can be folded down toward the
windshield or swiveled out against the
side windows.
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52nMirrors
Car Memory, Key Memory
adjustments accordingly.
So that you can distinguish among the
different keys, colored decals are
supplied along with the keys.
What the system can do
Your authorized BMW center can
provide you with details on the capabili-
ties of the Car Memory and Key
Memory systems. A few examples
follow below:
Examples for Car Memory:
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming feature*
By responding to the effects of ambient that you could configure individual
light and the glare from following traffic, functions of your vehicles to reflect your
this mirror automatically dims through
an infinitely-variable range.
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished
> Various signals used as acknowl-
edgement when locking or unlocking
your vehicle.
> Deactivating/activating the Follow-
Me-Home lamps function.
> Activating/deactivating daytime
running lamps*.
own personal requirements. In engi-
neering your vehicle, BMW has
included several user-defined func-
tions in the vehicle's design. Your BMW
center can make these settings for you
in accordance with your wishes.
The mirror switches to its clear,
undimmed mode whenever the trans-
mission is placed in reverse gear
(selector lever in "Reverse").
Examples for Key Memory:
> Automatically setting the driver's
power seat.
There are settings related to the vehicle
("Car Memory") and settings related to
individuals ("Key Memory"). You can
have up to four different basic settings
adjusted for four different persons. The
only requirement is that each person
uses his or her own remote control key.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes
the individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes
For proper functioning of the mirror, be
sure that the two photocells are unob-
structed and clean. One of the photo-
cells (arrow) is positioned in the mirror's
glass, while the other is slightly offset
on the opposite side of the mirror.
> Locking your vehicle after starting off.
When unlocking your vehicle, first
unlock the driver's door, then the rest of
the vehicle.
You will see this symbol through-
out the Owner's Manual. It is to
remind you at appropriate places of the
settings that are available to you.<
For an explanation of the electro-
chromic technology used in this mirror,
refer to page 176.
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Safety belts
53n
For your safety, please comply
with the following instructions for
wearing safety belts. If you do not, the
safety belts may not be able to provide
their maximum protection. The
following information also applies to
your passengers:
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a
passenger's lap.
Avoid twisting the belt while routing it
firmly across your hips and shoulder.
Do not allow the belt to rest against
hard or fragile objects in your pockets.
Do not route the belt across your neck,
or run it across sharp edges. Be sure
that the belt does not become caught
or jammed.
Drive with your safety belt on
Fasten your safety belt at the beginning You can adjust the safety belts to fit
of every trip.
Safety belt height adjustment
your own physical dimensions by using
the safety belt height adjustment.
To fasten:
Make sure you hear the catch engage in Slide the button downward or upward.
the belt buckle.
Be sure that the safety belt fits snugly
against your body at all times. You
should avoid wearing bulky clothing
that prevents it from doing so. Pull the
belt periodically to re-tension it across
your shoulder. In the event of a frontal
impact, a loose lap belt could slide over
your hips, leading to abdominal injury.
In addition, the safety belt's restraint
effectiveness is reduced if the belt is
worn loosely.
To release:
Press the red button in the buckle. Hold
the belt and guide it back into its reel.
The two rear safety belt buckles which
are integrated in the rear seat are for
passengers sitting on the left and right.
The belt buckle with the word "CENTER"
is intended exclusively for passengers
sitting in the middle.
For care instructions, refer to page 144.
Expectant mothers should always wear
their safety belts, taking care to posi-
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54nSafety belts
tion the lap belt against the lower hips,
where it will not exert pressure against
the abdominal area.<
Child restraint systems*
Never install a rear-facing child
restraint system on the front
passenger seat. If you do so, the child
could be injured when the airbag is trig-
gered.
For child restraint system installation,
refer to page 59.
Children should always ride in the rear
and the restraint systems should be
secured with the outer belts.
The center seat belt should only be
used when it is necessary to secure
three child restraint systems.
Do not modify the child restraint system
in any way. If you do so, it will not
provide your child with maximum
protection.<
If the safety belt system has been
subjected to the stresses involved
in an accident or otherwise damaged,
have the entire safety belt mechanism
replaced by your BMW center,
including the safety belt tensioner. In
addition, have your BMW center
inspect the safety belt anchors. If a
child restraint system was in the vehicle
during an accident, consult the manu-
facturer's instructions regarding
replacement.<
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Airbags
55n
Operational status
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster displays the opera-
tional status of the airbag
system from ignition key position 1 and
up.
System operational:
> The indicator lamp comes on briefly
then goes out.
System malfunction:
> The indicator lamp fails to come on.
> The indicator lamp comes on briefly
before going out and then lighting up
again.
1 Front airbags for driver and passenger
2 Side impact Head Protection System
for driver and passenger (front)
3 Side airbags for driver and passenger
(front and rear*)
The side airbags in the rear
passenger area* of your vehicle
may already have been deactivated
either at the time of manufacture or by a
BMW center. You may have them acti-
vated if you desire to do so. Please
contact your BMW center for additional
information.<
If there is a system malfunction, there
is a risk that the airbags will not be
triggered within their normal response
range, even if the level of impact would
normally have triggered them.
Protective effect
The front airbags supplement the three-
point safety belts by providing addi-
tional protection for the front-seat occu-
pants, in the event of a severe frontal
collision in which the protection
afforded by the belts alone may no
longer be sufficient. The Head Protec-
tion System and side airbags help
provide protection in the event of a colli-
sion from the side. Each of the side
airbags is designed to help support the
occupant's upper body.
Have your BMW center inspect and
repair the system immediately.
The illustration depicts schematically
the primary directions of vehicle impact
that initiate airbag deployment.
The airbag indicator lamp also
comes on if the safety belt
tensioners have been triggered.<
The airbags will not be triggered in
the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle roll-over, or collisions from the
rear.c
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56nAirbags
To avoid sustaining hand and arm inju-
ries, always grasp the steering wheel
on the rim with the hands at the 9 and
3 o'clock positions. Do not place your
hands on the center pad.
Never allow any objects to obstruct the belts). Never let an occupant's head
area between the airbag and an occu-
pant.
Do not use the cover panel above the
passenger-side airbag as a storage
area.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them Accident research shows that the
or modify them in any other way.
Do not install a rear-facing child
restraint system in the front passenger
seat of this car.
Children under 13 years of age and
children less than 5 feet (150 cm) tall
should only ride in the rear seat.
Infants or small children should never
be held on the lap of a passenger.
If your car is equipped with side airbags that children in the rear seat will remain
in the rear passenger area*, be sure
that child restraints are mounted
correctly and provided with the grea-
test-possible distance between the
airbags in the side trim panels. Do not
allow children to lean out of the child's
seat in the direction of the side trim
panels. If they do so, serious injuries
can occur if the airbag is triggered.<
At all times, occupants should sit
upright and be properly restrained
(infants and small children in appro-
priate child restraint systems; larger
children and adults using the safety
Sitting correctly with airbags
For your safety, comply with the
following instructions for the
airbags. If you do not, the airbags may
not be able to provide their maximum
protection. All passengers in the vehicle
should be aware of and comply with
this information:
The airbags are supplemental restraint
devices designed to provide extra
protection; they are not a substitute for
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all
times. The airbags will not be triggered
in the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle roll-over, or collisions from the
rear. In these instances, the safety belt
provides optimal protection.
Airbags are located under cover panels
in the steering wheel, in the dashboard,
in the side trim panels in the front and
rear*, in the roof panels, and in the
sides of the inside roof lining.
Adjust your seat to a position that
provides maximum distance between
you and the steering wheel, the instru-
ment panel and the door while still allo-
wing comfortable and safe access to all
vehicle controls.
rest near or on a side airbag, because
as the inflating airbag could cause a
serious or fatal injury. Please note that
the word "Airbag" imprinted on the door
trim panel indicates the airbag's loca-
tion.
safest place for children in an
automobile is in the rear seat. However,
a child sitting in the rear seat and not
properly restrained may place his or her
head on or near the airbag, if so
equipped. For example, a child — even
though belted — may fall asleep with his
or her head against the side airbag. It
may be difficult for a driver to ensure
properly positioned at all times and not
place their heads on or near the side
airbag. Therefore, we recommend that
the rear seat side airbags, if so
equipped, be deactivated if children will
travel in the rear seat.
The rear seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated, either at the
time of manufacture or by a BMW
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Airbags
57n
center. Labels in the rear door opening
should indicate the status of your rear
seat side airbags. If you are uncertain of
their status, or wish to have the airbags
activated or deactivated, please
contact your BMW center.<
Even when all these guidelines are
observed, there is still a small residual
risk of injuries to the face, hands and
arms occurring from airbag deployment
in isolated instances. The ignition and
inflation noise may induce a mild
temporary hearing loss in sensitive
individuals.
This is the right way for a child to sit in a This is the right way for a larger child
child restraint when rear side airbags
(arrow) are provided.
to sit wearing the safety belt when rear
side airbags (arrow) are provided.
For additional information concerning
the airbag system, refer to pages 147
and 172.
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58nTransporting children safely
LATCH attachment of the child
seat
The illustration shows the right rear
seat.
Child-safety locks
On a rear door, push the safety lever
downward:
The door can now be opened from the
outside only.
The mounts for the LATCH attachment
of the child seat are located behind the
plastic covers (arrows), and are covered
again once the LATCH attachment of
the child seat has been removed.
To mount the LATCH attachment
of the child seat, please follow the
manufacturer's operating and safety
precautions.<
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Transporting children safely
59n
If the respective seating position is
fitted with a headrest, lift the headrest
and pass the tether strap between the
headrest and the seat back.
maximize the distance between the
airbag and the child. Older children
should be tightly secured with the
safety belt. Younger children should be
secured in an appropriate forward-
facing child restraint system that has
first been properly secured with a safety
belt.
Adjust the tether strap according to the
child restraint manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint
system in the front passenger seat.
We strongly urge you to carefully read
and comply with the instructions for
installation and use provided by the
child restraint's manufacturer when-
ever you use such a device.
Be sure that all occupants (of all ages)
remain properly and securely restrained
at all times.c
Before installing any child restraint
device or child seat, please read
the following:
Never install a rear-facing child restraint
system in the front passenger seat of
this vehicle.
Commercially available child seats
complying with the legal standard are
designed to be secured with a lap belt
or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation lap/shoulder belt.
Improperly or inadequately installed
restraint systems can increase the risk
of injury to children. Always read and
follow the instructions that come with
the system.
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag
supplemental restraint system for the
front passenger. Because the backrest
on any rear-facing child restraint system
(of the kind designed for infants under
1 year and 20 lbs./9 kg) would be within
the airbag's deployment range, you
should never mount such a device in
the front passenger seat, since the
impact of the airbag against the child
restraint's backrest could lead to
serious or fatal injuries.
If it is necessary for a child (not an
infant) to ride in the front seat, certain
precautions should be taken. First,
move the passenger seat as far away
from the dashboard as possible. This
important precaution is intended to
All rear seating positions in your vehicle
meet the recommendations of SAE
J1819, an industry recommended prac-
tice for securing child restraint systems
in motor vehicles.
If you use a child restraint system with a
tether strap, three additional tether
anchorage points (refer to the arrows in
the illustration) have been provided.
Depending on the location selected for
seating in the rear passenger area,
attach the tether strap to the corre-
sponding anchorage point to secure the
child restraint system. Remove the
cover first on the middle location.
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60nTransporting children safely
Lock the safety belt
Unlock the safety belt
Extract the entire length of the belt from Release the safety belt, remove the
the inertia reel mechanism. Allow the
reel to retract the belt somewhat and
engage the buckle, then tighten the belt
against the child restraint system. The
retraction mechanism is now locked.
The belt cannot be extracted farther.
Always comply with the installation
instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the child restraint system.
child's seat and retract the safety belt
to its end position on the belt retractor.
Child seat security
All of the rear belt retractors and the
front passenger's safety belt can be
locked for mounting and securing child
restraint systems.
Information pertaining to this is located
in the immediate vicinity of the buckle
latch of each safety belt.
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Steering/Ignition lock
Starting the engine
61n
Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion:
Before starting
> Engage the parking brake.
Do not move the selector lever from the
"Park" position until the engine is
running (ignition key at position 2).
In order to turn the key to position 0 or
to remove it, first move the selector
lever to the position "Park" (Interlock).<
> Put the manual-shift gear lever in idle
or in P for an automatic transmission.
> Depress the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine in enclosed
areas. The exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
1 Steering lock disengaged
Turning the steering wheel slightly to
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an
the right or left often makes it easier to extreme health risk, and can lead to
turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual electrical devices are ready
for operation.
unconsciousness and death.
0 Steering lock engaged
The key can be inserted or removed in
this position only.
Never leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
After removing the key, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the left or right
until the lock engages.
2 Ignition on
All electrical equipment and accesso-
ries are available for use.
Do not press the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
If the key has been left in the ignition,
an acoustic signal will sound after the
door has been opened.
3 Starting the engine
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time, but do not keep
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion:
Depress the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine
from starting if the clutch is not
depressed.<
turning it for more than approx.
20 seconds. Release the ignition key
immediately when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, drive off
immediately at a moderate engine
speed.<
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62nStarting the engine
Switching off the engine
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving.
If you did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since placing the lever in
1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."<
> Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold start at very low temperatures
approx. +5 7 (–15 6) at high altitude
over 3,300 ft (1000 m):
> On the first start attempt, engage
the starter for a longer period
(approx. 10 seconds).
> Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from dischar-
ging, always switch off electrical
devices which are not in use and the
ignition when the vehicle is not being
driven.
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Parking brake
63n
If, in exceptional circumstances,
it should be necessary to apply the
parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, do not pull the lever with exces-
sive pressure. Keep your thumb
pressed against the release button
while carefully pulling the lever up to
apply moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction (fishtailing)
at the rear axle.
The brake lamps do not come on when
the parking brake is applied.
To engage
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always apply the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined surfaces,
since placing the lever in 1st gear or
reverse may not provide adequate
resistance to rolling.
The parking brake is designed primarily
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when
it is parked. It acts on the rear wheels.
The lock engages automatically when
you lift the lever, and the indicator lamp
in the instrument panel comes on when
the ignition key is in position 2. Refer to
page 21.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake lightly
from time to time when coasting to a
standstill (at a traffic signal, for
instance), provided that it is safe to do
so.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the
button (arrow) and lower the lever.
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64nManual transmission
Reverse
Select "Reverse" only when the vehicle
is stationary. Press the shift lever to the
left to overcome the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will
turn on automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or "riding" the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead.
Otherwise, riding the clutch will cause
heavy wear and tear to the clutch.<
Completely depress the clutch pedal
each time you shift, pressing the
manual-shift gear lever into its respec-
tive end position.
Also depress the clutch when starting
the vehicle, as otherwise lockout will
prevent the engine from starting.
The shift lever's neutral plane (dot in the
illustration) is located between 3rd and
4th gears.
When shifting from each gear into
"Neutral," the shift lever returns auto-
matically to this gear plane because
of its spring loading.
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
65n
You have the option of driving with a
normal automatic transmission or
switching to manual.
While the vehicle is stationary
and before shifting out of "Park" or
"Neutral," depress the footbrake, other-
wise the selector lever will be blocked
(shiftlock).
Hold the footbrake down until starting
off. Otherwise the vehicle will "creep"
when a drive position is engaged.<
When you move the selector lever from
the "D" position to the left into the M/S
range, the performance-oriented shift
programs of the automatic transmission
are engaged. As soon as you tap the
selector lever in the "+" or "–" direction,
Steptronic changes the gear. The
manual mode is engaged. Whenever
you want to use the automatic mode
again, move the selector lever to the
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, move the selector
lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" position
and apply the parking brake. The
vehicle will move if this is not done. Do
not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Selector lever positions
right into position "D."
P R N D M/S + –
The automatic transmission with Step-
tronic is equipped with Adaptive Trans-
mission Control (ATC). ATC reacts with
precision to your individual driving style
and the current driving conditions. It is
for this reason that various shift
Starting the engine
The engine can only be started in
selector lever positions P ("Park") or N
("Neutral").
P Park
Select "Park" only when the vehicle is
stationary. The transmission locks to
prevent the rear wheels from turning.
programs are used.
Range selection
For additional information concerning
the ATC, please refer to the chapter
describing "Advanced technology" on
page 173.
A detent prevents inadvertent shifts into
some selector lever positions. To
release the shift-lock mechanism, press
the button on the front side of the
selector handle (arrow).
R Reverse
Select "Reverse" only when the vehicle
is stationary.
N Neutral
Select "Neutral" only if your journey is
interrupted for a longer period.
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66nAutomatic transmission with Steptronic*
Upshifts or downshifts will only be
carried out by the ATC at appropriate
engine speeds and road speeds. If the
engine speed is too high, for instance,
a downshift will not be executed. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the
current gear.
D Drive (automatic shift program)
This position is designed for driving
under all normal operating conditions.
All forward gears are available and the
ATC is fully operational.
"Kickdown"
You will get maximum vehicle perfor-
mance in the "kickdown" mode.
To activate this mode, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle position, at which a resistance
To accelerate quickly in the
manual mode (to pass another
vehicle), shift down manually or employ
the "kickdown" mode.<
M/S Manual mode and Sport
point must be overcome.
Program
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever
positions P, R and N is possible only by
going through D.
Shifting from D into M/S activates the
Sport Program. This is indicated by
"SD" in the gear selection display. This
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport
Program to the manual mode.
Whenever you tap the selector lever
forward in the "+" direction, the trans-
mission shifts up. Whenever the lever is
moved back in the "–" direction, the
transmission shifts down. M1 to M5
appear in the gear indicator.
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
67n
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual
mode:
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
> In order to prevent engine over-
speeding, the transmission shifts
automatically to the next higher gear
shortly before the engine speed
cutoff point.
> At low speeds, the transmission
shifts down automatically – you do
not have to act.
> In the "kickdown" mode, the trans-
mission shifts down to the lowest
gear possible, depending
on the engine speed.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select trans-
mission position "P," set the parking
brake and turn the engine off (ignition
key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine. If the indicator lamp goes out
after a few seconds, normal transmis-
sion performance has been restored.
Drive off normally.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
all selector lever positions can still be
selected, however in the forward posi-
tions the vehicle has limited perfor-
mance, as it drives only in 3rd and 4th
gear.
Available displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
driving in adverse winter conditions,
for example – you may also start out
in 2nd or 3rd gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest BMW
center.
Do not perform service operations
in the engine compartment with
a drive position engaged. If you do so,
the vehicle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting or jump-
starting the vehicle, refer to the infor-
mation beginning on page 167.
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68nTurn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher
Washer/Wiper system
To signal briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond
the detent. It then returns to the center
position when released.
1 High beams
(blue indicator lamp)
0 Wipers retracted
1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor
2 Normal wipe
2 Headlamp flasher
(blue indicator lamp)
3 Fast wipe
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator
lamp accompanied by periodic
clicking sound from the relay)
4 Brief wipe
5 Cleaning windshield
6 Rotary dial for control of the wipe
interval or the sensitivity of the rain
sensor
If the indicator lamp and the clicking
from the relay are both faster than
normal, one of the turn indicators has
failed.
Rear window wiper
7 Intermittent mode
8 Cleaning rear window
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Washer/Wiper system
69n
can concentrate fully on the traffic
conditions. This is especially important
under adverse weather conditions.
2 Normal wiper speed
When the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers switch automatically to intermit-
tent wipe (not on vehicles with rain
sensor).
To activate the rain sensor:
From ignition key position 1 and up,
move the lever to position 1. The wipers
travel once across the windshield,
regardless of the weather.
3 Fast wiper speed
When the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers operate at normal speed (not on
vehicles with rain sensor).
You can leave the lever permanently in
position 1. It is then only necessary to
activate the rain sensor from ignition
key position 1 and up. To do this,
5 Cleaning windshield
1 Intermittent mode or rain
sensor*
Intermittent mode:
The system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
> turn rotary dial 6 briefly or
> use cleaning windshield 5.
To modify the sensitivity of the rain
sensor:
Turn rotary dial 6.
You can use rotary dial 6 to select from
four wipe intervals.
In addition, the wipe interval automati-
cally adapts to variations in road speed.
If you only pull the lever briefly, the
system sprays washer fluid onto the
windshield without activating the
wipers.
Deactivating the rain sensor:
Put lever in position 0.
Rain sensor:
The rain sensor is positioned on the
windshield, directly ahead of the inte-
rior rearview mirror. When the rain
sensor is activated, the windshield
wiper is controlled automatically,
Turn the rain sensor off when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper
activation.<
depending on the degree of wetness of
the windshield (in both snow and rain).
You do not have to be concerned with
switching the windshield wiper on or off
or adjusting the wipe interval between
intermittent and full wipe. Instead, you
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70nWasher/Wiper system
Rear window defroster
7 Rear window wiper
Cleaning headlamps*
Rear window wiper in intermittent
mode. When reverse gear is engaged,
continuous operation is switched on
automatically
If the headlamps are on, they will also
be cleaned every fifth time you activate
cleaning windshield.
Do not use the washers if there is
any danger that the fluid will freeze
on the windshield. If you do so, your
vision could be obscured. Use an anti-
freeze agent. Refer to page 134.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. If you do so, the washer
pump could be damaged.<
You can also program the interval:
> Switch briefly from position 0 to
position 7.
> The time until reactivation (from
position 0 to 7) is the programmed
interval (max. 30 seconds).
The illustration shows the button set-up
for vehicles equipped with automatic
climate control. For other layouts, refer
to page 90.
8 Cleaning rear window
Washer fluid sprayed on the rear
window.
Windshield washer jets
The windshield washer jets are heated
automatically* when the ignition key is
in position 2.
Refer to page 152 for changing the
wiper blades.
To activate
> Press the button once: as long as the
indicator lamp remains on, the rear
window defroster continues at high
output (rapid thaw).
> Press button twice: the rear window
defroster operates continuously.
To deactivate
If the indicator lamp is still on, press the
button.
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Cruise control*
71n
To store and maintain speed or
to accelerate
To decelerate
Press button 3 briefly:
Press button 2 briefly:
If you are already driving with active
The system registers and maintains the cruise control, the speed is decreased
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly touch the button, the speed
increases by 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) every time
you briefly touch the lever.
Press and hold button 3:
Press and hold button 2:
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the button, the
system registers and maintains the
current speed.
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the button, the system
registers and maintains the current
speed.
The vehicle can store and automatically
maintain any desired vehicle speed
above approx. 20 mph (30 km/h) that
you input.
If, on a downhill gradient, the
engine braking effect is not suffi-
cient, the controlled speed can be
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill
grades if the engine output is
insufficient.<
Do not use the cruise control on
winding roads, when high traffic
density prevents driving at a constant
speed, when the road surface is slick
(snow, rain, ice), or when the road
surface is loose (rocks, sand).<
To activate the system
From ignition key position 2:
Press button 1. The indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on. You
can now use the cruise control.
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72nCruise control*
To cancel the cruise control
To resume the stored setting
When the system is activated, press
Press button 4:
button 1. The indicator lamp stays on.
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
When you
You can use the cruise control again as tains the last speed stored.
turn the ignition key to position 0, the
stored speed is deleted from the
system's memory and the system is
deactivated.
required.
In addition, cruise control is canceled
automatically:
> When braking.
> If the clutch is depressed or the auto-
matic transmission selector lever is
moved from "Drive" to "Neutral".
> If you exceed or fall below the
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example).
To deactivate the system
When the cruise control has been
canceled, press button 1 again. The
indicator lamp goes out and the stored
speed is deleted.
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Odometer
Tachometer
Energy Control
73n
1 Odometer
Avoid engine speeds in the red warning Indicates current fuel consumption in
zone of the gauge.
mpg (in liters per 100 km on Canadian
vehicles). You can check your current
driving style to see whether it is condu-
cive to economy and minimum exhaust
emissions.
You can activate the displays shown in
the illustration with the ignition key in
position 0 by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster (arrow).
To protect the engine, the engine-
management system automatically
interrupts the fuel supply in this range;
the resulting effect resembles that
associated with a sudden loss of
power.
2 Trip odometer
When the vehicle is stationary, the
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on
Canadian models).
To reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1 and up.
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74nFuel gauge
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display
Blue
Remaining distance for service
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as a
function check.
The engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.
The displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel left in the fuel
tank.
Red
When you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly as a
function check.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the remaining distance
before scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations
of the remaining distance on the rate of
fuel consumption in the period immedi-
ately preceding your data request.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to page 187.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle, the engine has over-
heated. Switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions of the needle.
A flashing display and a "–" in front of
the number indicate that service is past
due by the number of kilometers/miles
displayed. Please contact your BMW
center for an appointment.
Between the blue and red zones
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result
in damage to the engine and/or cata-
lytic converter.<
Normal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response
to high outside temperatures or
severe operating conditions. Checking
coolant level: refer to page 137.
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Check Control
Clock
75n
If you wish to have a permanent time
display, you can make this adjustment
in the radio display (refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual).
You can adjust the clock and the time
display in the car radio as follows.
Graphic display
Adjustments
tions are indicated using symbols,
starting with the ignition key position 2,
until the condition has been corrected:
From ignition key position 1
To set ahead: turn the right button to
the right.
To set back: turn the right button to the
left.
1 Inspect the low-beam and high-beam
headlamps, as well as the side lamps
The adjustment speed will increase the
longer you continue to hold the button
turned to the left.
2 Door open
3 Tailgate open
4 Check brake and brake lamps
To change the display mode: press the
knob briefly.
Every time you press the knob, the
clock display alternates between the
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
When you open the driver's door after
stopping with the lights still on, a
warning signal sounds for LIGHTS ON.
In ignition key position 0:
The time is displayed for a few seconds
after you press the left button (refer to
"Odometer" on page 73).
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76nComputer*
Ice warning
If the outside temperature drops to
approx. +37.5 7 (+3 6), the computer
automatically switches to the outside
temperature display. In addition, a
signal sounds as a warning and the
display flashes for a brief period.
The warning is repeated whenever the
temperature climbs to at least +43 7
(+6 6) following the last warning, and
then drops back to +37.5 7 (+3 6).
Mode selection
Outside temperature
The ice warning does not alter the
fact that surface ice can form at
temperatures above +37.5 7 (+3 6),
on bridges or shaded road surfaces, for
instance.<
In ignition key positions 1 and 2, you
can call up information from the
computer using the button in the turn
signal lever. By pressing the button
briefly in the direction of the steering
column, you can call up a new function
for display.
You can change the units of measure-
ment (6/7) for the outside tempera-
ture display by pressing the right-hand
reset button in the instrument cluster
when the temperature display is active.
The displays appear in the following
order:
Time, outside temperature, average fuel
consumption, cruising range, average
vehicle speed.
Starting with ignition key position 1, the
last active setting is displayed.
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Computer*
77n
Average fuel consumption
Range
Average speed
If you continue to hold the button on the The computer bases its calculations of
If you continue to hold the button on the
turn signal lever, the average speed last
displayed is recalculated from that
point.
turn signal lever, the average fuel
consumption last displayed is recalcu-
lated from that point.
the cruising range on the previous
driving style and the amount of fuel
remaining.
Any time spent when the vehicle is
stationary and the engine is shut off is
ignored for the calculation.
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78nPark Distance Control (PDC)*
The PDC does not remove the
driver's personal responsibility for
evaluating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are
parking. A signal warns you of the real
distance to an obstacle. To do this, four intervals. As the distance between
ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper
measure the distance to the nearest
Acoustical signals
The distance to the nearest object is
indicated by a tone sounding at various
vehicle and object decreases, the inter-
vals between the tones become shorter.
object. The range for the sensors at the If the distance between the vehicle and
two rear corners ends approx. 2 ft a detected object is less than 1ft
approaches the physical limits of ultra-
sonic measurement, as occurs with tow
bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin and painted objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal
tone.<
(60 cm) from the bumper. The range for (30 cm), then a continuous tone will go
the two center sensors is approx. 4.9 ft off.
(1.50 meters) wide.
The warning signal is canceled after
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you select the obstacle remains constant during
"Reverse" with the ignition key in posi- this time (if you are moving parallel to
approx. three seconds if the distance to
tion 2. PDC is deactivated when you shift a wall, for instance).
back out of reverse.
System malfunctions will be indicated
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high-pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Maintain a distance of more than 4 in
(10 cm).<
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please refer the problem to your
BMW center.
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ASC+T
79n
The concept
This systems enhances driving stability
and traction, especially when you are
just starting off, accelerating or in
curves.
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to pages 21 and 22.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present
in traction loss and will increase driving
stability and traction by reducing the
engine's output, and if necessary, by
applying the brakes to the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp flashes:
ASC+T controls the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the
button. Consequently, interventions to
increase driving stability (as described
in the preceding column) are not avail-
able. You can still drive the vehicle
perfectly well without ASC+T.
ASC+T is available as soon as the
engine starts up.
Deactivate the ASC+T
Press the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
The illustration shows the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. This may vary, depending on
the equipment actually installed.
Please consult your BMW center in the
event of a fault, refer to pages 21
and 22.
In the following rare situations, it may
be effective to deactivate the ASC+T
for a brief period:
> When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
> When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 121.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the ASC+T
activated whenever possible.<
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80nASC+T
Reactivate the ASC+T
Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. This is why you should not
use the additional safety margin the
system provides as an excuse to take
risks.<
For additional informations concerning
ASC+T, please refer to "Advanced
Technology" on page 173.
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DSC* – BMW 325i
81n
The concept
Indicator lamp
DSC helps maintain vehicle stability,
even in critical driving situations.
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
Refer to pages 21 and 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
traction. In addition, the system recog- DSC is active and governs the drive
nizes unstable vehicle conditions
(understeering or oversteering, for
example) and helps hold the vehicle on
a sure course by intervening via the
engine and by braking intervention at
the individual wheels.
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp lights up continu-
ously:
The DSC has been turned off via the
switch; ADB is ready to use.
ADB intervention is not indicated.
Deactivate DSC/activate ADB
Press the DSC button briefly, the indi-
cator lamp lights up continuously.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 117.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp lights up
continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been switched off via the button
or are defective.
The DSC has been switched off; ADB is
operational.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the ADB for a short period:
The ADB (Automatic Differential
Braking) copies the function of conven-
tional differential and transverse lock
through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e.g. when driving on snow-
covered roads.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
> When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
> When driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on.
> When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 121.
If the DSC is switched off the ADB will
still be in ready mode.
You can continue to drive the vehicle
normally, but without DSC. Please
consult your BMW center in the event
of a malfunction, refer to pages 21
and 22.
The gain in traction is achieved by a
reduction in stabilizing intervention.
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82nDSC* – BMW 325i
Deactivate DSC and ADB
Reactivate DSC and ADB
Hold the DSC switch down for at least
3 seconds. The indicator and the yellow lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
brake warning lamps will remain on the
entire time.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
In this case, no interventions to
increase stability and traction for engine
and brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC on
whenever possible.<
Whenever the ADB is activated, the
DSC is switched off and will not
perform any stabilizing intervention.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
For additional information concerning
DSC, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced technology" on page 173.
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DSC – BMW 325xi
83n
If the indicator lamp flashes:
forces.
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC is switched off via the switch;
ADB-X is operational.
The system enhances vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
up from a full stop, and optimizes trac-
tion as well. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
steady course by reducing the engine
output and brake applications to the
individual wheels.
ADB-X intervention not indicated.
If the indicator lamp does not go
out after repeatedly pressing the
DSC switch, then the DSC and the
ADB-X are defective, and the interven-
tion described to the right is then no
longer available.<
Deactivate the DSC
Press the DSC button; the indicator
lamp comes on and stays on.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains ADB-X
und DBC, refer to page 118.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center. Refer to pages 21, 22.
The DSC has been switched off and the
ADB-X is designed for maximum
output.
The ADB-X (Automatic Differential
Braking) replaces the function of
conventional differential and transverse
lock through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e.g. when driving on snow-
covered streets.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
> When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
> When driving with snow chains. Refer
also to page 121.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC on
whenever possible.<
started. Refer to pages 21, 22.
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84nDSC – BMW 325xi
Reactivate the DSC
Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
Whenever the DSC has been switched
off, it will not perform any stabilizing
intervention.
Do not make any changes to the DSC.
Allow only authorized technicians to
perform service procedures on the
DSC.<
For additional information concerning
DSC, please refer to "Advanced tech-
nology" on page 171.
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Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*
85n
The concept
Loss of tire pressure
The RDC monitors the tire pressures at
all four wheels, even when the vehicle
is moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
If the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the indi-
cator lamp will come on with a yellow
lamp.
This alerts you that you should have the
tires inflated to the specified pressures
as soon as possible.
In order for the RDC system to "learn"
the correct tire inflation pressure, first
check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires. Then compare these pressures
with the tire inflation pressure chart
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
Activate the system
(page 29) and adjust if necessary. Then
activate the system.
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were
not accurate. Please check the inflation
pressure again and make corrections
according to the inflation pressure
table. Then activate the system once
again.<
Depending on the type of equipment,
the switch either has the letters RDC on
it or the RDC-symbol.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster informs you when-
ever the tire pressure is not
normal.
1 Turn the ignition key to position 2
(do not start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up yellow for a few
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, the
RDC sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target values
to be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, the RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.
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86nTire Pressure Control (RDC)*
The RDC cannot alert you to
severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors.<
Flat tire
System interference
If there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
The RDC may encounter interference
from outside equipment or devices
which use the same radio frequency.
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic
signal goes off.
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center.
Your BMW center has been trained to
work with the RDC system and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.<
The indicator lamp will come on with
a yellow lamp during the malfunction.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle in a
safe location. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Do not oversteer. Replace the
wheel and flat tire.
The indicator lamp also comes on
> in the event of a system fault
> if a wheel is mounted without the
RDC electronics
> if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with RDC electronics
are on board.
The space-saver spare tire is
provided for temporary use only
in the event of a tire failure. It does not
have RDC electronics and is not moni-
tored. A full-size spare tire that has the
same dimensions as the tires already
mounted on the vehicle is equipped
with the necessary RDC electronics,
and will also be monitored once the
tires have been mounted and the
system activated.<
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.
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Side lamps/Low beams
Instrument lighting
87n
"Follow-Me-Home" lamps:
If you actuate the headlamp
flasher after you have turned the vehicle
off, the low beams will come on for a
brief period. You may also have this
function deactivated if you wish.<
"LAMPS ON" warning
When you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0, an
acoustic signal will go off for a few
seconds to remind you when the head-
lamps have not been switched off.
Side lamps
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting comes on. As an addi-
tional feature, you can illuminate your
vehicle on either side for parking, refer
to page 88.
Daytime running lamps*
If you desire, the lamp switch can be
left in the second position:
When the ignition is switched off, the
external lighting is also switched off.
Low beam headlamps
When you switch the ignition off
with the low beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
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88nHigh beams/Parking lamps Fog lamp
Interior lamps
Fog lamps
1 High beams
(blue indicator lamp)
The illustration provides an example of
the interior lamps when equipped with
reading lamps.
A green indicator lamp comes
on in the instrument cluster to
indicate that the front fog lamps
2 Headlamp flasher
(blue indicator lamp)
The interior lamps operate
automatically.
are on.
3 Parking lamp
To switch the interior lamps on
and off manually
Press the button briefly.
Parking lamps, left or right
As an additional feature, you can illumi-
nate your vehicle on either side for
parking, if you wish to do so:
If you want the interior lamps to remain
off all the time, press and hold the
button for approx. 3 seconds.
With the ignition key in position 0,
engage the lever in the appropriate
turn-signal position.
To revert to normal operation, press the
button briefly.
Footwell lamps*
The footwell lamps operate in the same
way as the interior lamps.
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Interior lamps
89n
In order to prevent draining the
battery, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key is turned to position 0.<
Reading lamps, front
The reading lamps can be switched on
and off with the switch adjacent to each
lamp.
Reading lamps, rear
The reading lamps can be switched on
and off with the switch adjacent ot each
lamp.
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Air conditioner
91n
1 Air onto the windshield and onto the
side windows
2 Air flow for the upper body
The side rotary dials allow you to
open and close the air supply through
an infinitely-variable range, while the
levers change the airflow direction.
The center rotary dial controls the
temperature of the air as it flows out.
Refer to page 92
3 Ventilation for the front footwell
There are corresponding air vents in
the rear footwell as well
4 Air supply
Heating and ventilation are available
starting with position 1. Refer to
page 92
5 Temperature 92
6 Air distribution toward
> the windows
> the upper body
> the footwell
All intermediate settings are possible.
Refer to page 92
7 Rear window defroster 92
8 Air conditioner 92
9 Recirculated-air mode 92
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92nAir conditioner
Air supply
Rear window defroster
Recirculated-air mode
You can select fan speeds
from 1 to 4. The greater the air
supply, the more effective the comes on. The rear window defroster
heating and ventilation are. In switches off automatically. Refer to
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
blocking the outside air. The system
then recirculates the air already within
the vehicle.
position 0, the fan and the heater are
page 70.
switched off. By using position 0, you
can totally block the interior ventilation
outlets by pressing the button for the
recirculated-air mode.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch the
recirculated air off and increase the air
supply as required.<
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the
temperature setting – rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on.
Temperature
In order to increase the
temperature of the passenger Depending on the weather, the wind-
compartment, turn it to the shield may fog over briefly when the
right (red). Temperature regu- engine is started.
lation will keep the interior temperature Use the button to switch the air condi-
you have selected constant.
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7(+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows
upper body
, toward the
and into the
footwell
. You can also
make all intermediate settings. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto
the windows to keep them free of
condensation. The "6 o'clock" setting is
recommended as a normal setting (refer
also to the illustration and overview on
page 90).
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
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Air conditioner
93n
Microfilter
An activated-charcoal microfilter, which
traps incoming dust and pollen, has
been installed in your vehicle. Your
BMW center will replace the it during
regularly scheduled maintenance. A
substantial reduction in air supply indi-
cates that the filter must be replaced
before normal maintenance.
For additional details on the filter
change, refer to page 165.
Draft-free ventilation
Rapid ventilation
You can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the
optimum airflow rates and directions for
your personal requirements:
1 Set the fan speed control for the air
flow rate to position 4.
2 Switch on the air conditioner.
3 Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the left (blue).
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range. You can adjust the direction of
the airflow with rotary dial 2.
4 Rotary control for air distribution in
position
.
5 Open the air outlets for the upper
body.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the
temperature of the air flow from these
outlets as desired.
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94nAir conditioner
Rapid heating
1 Set the fan speed control for the air
flow rate to position 3.
2 Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right (red).
3 Rotary control for air distribution in
Defrost windows and remove
condensation
1 Set the fan speed control for the air
flow rate to position 4.
2 Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right (red).
3 Rotary control for air distribution in
Heating
When the windows are free of ice and
condensation, we recommend the
following settings:
1 Set the fan speed control for the air
flow rate to position 2.
2 Use the rotary temperature control to
select an interior temperature which
is comfortable for you.
position
.
position
.
4 Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window.
3 Rotary control for air distribution in
position
.
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95n
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Automatic climate control*
97n
1 Air onto the windshield and the side
windows
2 Air flow toward the upper body
The side rotary dials provide infi-
nitely-variable regulation of the air
supply, while the levers change the
air-flow direction. The center rotary
dial controls the temperature of the
air as it flows out. Refer to page 100
3 Front footwell ventilation
There are corresponding air vents in
the rear footwell as well
4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic
recirculated air control (AUC) 99
5 Air supply 99
6 Temperature 98
7 Automatic air distribution 98
8 Individual air distribution 98
9 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor – please keep clear and
unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air
supply 98
11 Defrost windows and remove
condensation 99
12 Air conditioner 99
13 Rear window defroster 70, 99
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98nAutomatic climate control*
Tips for pleasant driving
Automatic air distribution
Temperature
Use the automatic system (switch on
AUTO button 7). Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for
you – we recommend +72 7 (+22 6). adapts the temperature to external
When the outside temperature is above influences (summer, winter) to meet
+41 7 (+5 6), you can also use the air preferences you can specify. This
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and
The figures in the display
provide a general indication of
interior temperature. We recommend
+72 7 (+22 6) as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not. When you start the
conditioner 12. This will dry the air as program maintains a comfortable in-car vehicle, the system ensures that the
well as preventing condensation on the climate regardless of the season. Select selected temperature is reached as
window surfaces – if there are passen-
gers with damp clothing, for example.
Set the outlets 2 so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
outlets 2 for the upper body to a page 96). Open the air outlets for the
medium position, since air that is some- upper body area. Switch on the air
an interior temperature that is comfort- quickly as possible. It then maintains
able for you – we recommend +72 7
(+22 6). The selected temperature
this temperature, regardless of the
season.
and
AUTO for the air flow appear in
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 100) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
what cooler promotes driving without
fatigue.
conditioner in warm weather. The
maximum cooling capacity is achieved
when you set rotary dial 3 (refer to
page 100) to cold.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output up to +90 7 (+32 6). At
+60 7 (+16 6), full cooling output is
available from an activated air condi-
tioner.<
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows
, toward the upper body
and into the footwell
.
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Automatic climate control*
99n
> Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle.
Air supply
Air conditioner
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off temperature setting – rewarmed when
the automatic control for the air supply. the air conditioner system is switched
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the
> Left-hand indicator lamp on – AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle.
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off when outside air temperatures
are below approx. +41 7 (+5 6). This
will help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply stops.
You can reactivate the system by
pressing any button of the automatic
climate control.
> Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back on.
Defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, that then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<
Rear window defroster
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
When the rear window defroster
is turned on, the indicator lamp
comes on; refer to page 70.
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
blocking the outside air. The system
then recirculates the air already within
the vehicle. By repeated actuation of
the button, you can select one of three
different operation modes.
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100nAutomatic climate control*
Seat heating*
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter
The microfilter has been installed to
catch any incoming dust and pollen.
The activated-charcoal filter provides
additional protection by filtering
gaseous pollutants from the outside air.
Your BMW center can replace the
combined filter as a standard part of
your scheduled maintenance.
A substantial reduction in air flow indi-
cates that the filter needs to be
replaced early.
The seat cushion and backrest can
be heated with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2.
Draft-free ventilation
For additional information on filter
removal, refer to page 165.
You can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the
optimum airflow rates and directions for
your personal comfort:
You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the buttons.
When the three indicator lamps are illu-
minated, the highest heating mode is
activated. One lamp indicates the
lowest heating mode. The temperature
is regulated with a thermostat in each
mode.
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range. You can adjust the direction of
the airflow with rotary dial 2.
Set the air outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight
at you.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press and hold the button slightly
longer.
The rotary dial 3 allows you to mix the air
from the outlets for the upper body with
more or less cool air.
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HiFi system*
Glove compartment
101n
To prevent injury in the event of
a crash, close the glove compart-
ment immediately after use.<
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left-
hand side of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload-protection
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
Be sure that the flashlight is
switched off when it is inserted
into its holder. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to over-
charging and damage.<
HiFi system – harman kardon
Special acoustical effects are activated Pull the handle. The lamp comes on.
or deactivated every time you press the
To open
button.
To closing
When the system is activated, the
impression of a significantly larger
passenger compartment is created at
all seating areas, together with an
improvement of the stereo effect.
Fold the door up.
To lock
Lock with one of the master keys. A
master key can also be used for
unlocking.
When reception is weak, the system
frequently switches between stereo
and mono operation. Switch off if this
occurs.
If you turn over only your door and
ignition keys for valet parking
(refer to page 32), for instance, access
to the glove compartment is not
possible.<
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102nStorage compartments
Beverage holder, coin box
A coin box and two beverage holders
are provided in the center console.
Rear center armrest
Open the storage compartment in the
front center armrest*: press the button
(arrow) and lift upward.
There is a storage compartment, a
beverage holder (for two drinks) and a
garbage bag holder located in the rear
center armrest.
You will find additional storage areas in
the front doors and in the center
console above the ashtray. Storage
nets* are located on the backs of the
front seats.
1 Storage compartment: pull upward (1)
2 Beverage holder: press (2)
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Storage compartments
Cellular phone*
103n
Additional storage areas are located
under both the cargo area and under
the spare wheel/space-saver tire panel.
Storage package*
Hands-free system
For your convenience, there are:
On vehicles that are wired for a tele-
phone*, the cover for the hands-free
microphone is located in the headliner
near the interior lamp.
> Two flip-out sockets on the rear
center console (arrows).
> An eyeglasses compartment* (not
shown in the illustration) in the front
center console above the ashtray.
For further information on the cellular
phone, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual.
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104nAshtray, front
Cigarette lighter
To open
To empty
Press the lighter in. It can be remove as
soon as it pops up.
Press briefly in the direction indicated
by the arrow.
Open the lid and press down (arrow):
You can now pull the ashtray upward
for removal.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result
in burns.
To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the
ash and gently press the tip into the
funnel.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children
should never be left in the vehicle
unattended.<
Cigarette lighter socket
This socket can be used for connecting
a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, or other
appliances up to approx. 200 watts at
12 volts. Avoid damaging the socket due
to inserting plugs of different shapes or
sizes.
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Ashtray, rear
Power outlet
105n
To open
Push the cover open.
A flip-out socket (12 V) is located in the
luggage compartment.
To empty
Press on the edge of the raised cover
in the opening direction (arrow). You
can now pull the ashtray upward for
removal.
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106nSki bag*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean
transport of up to four pairs of standard
skis or up to two snowboards.
The length of the ski bag and the addi-
tional space provided in the luggage
compartment make it possible to carry
skis up to 6.8 feet long (2.10 meters).
Because of the tapered shape of the
bag, the ski bag can only accommodate
two pairs of skis that are 6.8 feet
(2.10 meters) long.
Secure the skis or other objects in
the bag by tightening the strap
with the buckle.<
Loading
1 Fold the center armrest outward.
Loosen the trim from the upper
Velcro® fastener and place it on the
armrest.
2 Press the button (arrow 1) from inside
the passenger compartment: the cover
panel will fall to the luggage compart-
ment floor.
Please be sure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Be
careful to avoid damage from sharp
edges.
3 Press the detent lever (arrow 2)
downward and fold the cover to the
front.
4 Extend the ski bag between the front
seats. The zipper provides conve-
nient access to the inside of the bag,
and can also be left open to promote
drying.
To store the ski bag, perform the above
steps in reverse sequence.
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Cargo area
107n
Rear backrest that can be folded
forward
Reach into the recess and pull forward into the brackets.
(arrow).
Roll-up cover
Pull the roll-up cover out and hook it
Partition net*
Pull the partition net out by the straps.
Hold the bar on both sides and insert it
into the holder. It is easiest to do this
from the back seat.
The cover will support light objects
The backrest of the rear seat is divided such as items of clothing.
into two portions, one-third and two-
Do not allow the partition net to
snap back. Doing so could cause
injury and the partition net could be
damaged.<
thirds of the seat respectively. You can
fold either section of the backrest down
separately in order to increase the
capacity of the luggage compartment.
Never put any heavy or hard
objects onto the roll-up cover,
otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured during braking or in an accident.
Do not allow the cover to snap back,
since this could damage it.<
When the rear backrests are folded
down, you can store the cassette on
the back of the seats, pull the partition
net out from there and insert it in the
front holders (refer to the next page).
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator
disappears into the recess.<
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108nCargo area
The cassette always has to be
pushed all the way into both guide
rails from the right side, or else it might
be jammed in asymmetrically. In addi-
tion, the door's interior paneling could
be damaged when shutting the door.<
Remove the roll-up cover and
partition net
Store with rear backrest folded
down
1 Press the side buttons simulta-
neously (arrow 1).
2 Pull the cassette out the back
(arrow 2).
The take-up guides for the cassette are
attached to the back sides of the seat-
backs (arrows 1).
As shown in the illustration, push the
cassette in from the right side until it
clicks into place (arrow 2). When doing
Installation
Simply slide the cassette forward in the this, the roll-up cover must always point
two side holders until it engages.
in the direction of travel, and the strap
for the partition net must point upward.
You can pull the partition net out and
insert it in the holders above it in the
upper roof area.
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Cargo area
109n
Floor panel
Side covers
To raise and secure the floor panel, lift
Open the side covers by pressing the
it by the ring and hook it into the rubber button.
seal of the run-off gutter with the
hanger (arrow).
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110nCargo loading
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
vehicle weight and the permissible axle
loads (refer to page 186). If you do, safe
operation of the vehicle is no longer
ensured, and you are in violation of
the law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects
unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment. If you do so, they may be
and evasive maneuvers, thus endan-
gering vehicle occupants.<
Stowing cargo
If you are transporting a load in your
BMW:
Securing the load
> Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or a luggage net*, or
use luggage straps (refer to page 40).
> For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing
devices*. Use the lashing eyes
(arrow) affixed to the four inside
corners in the luggage compartment
for securing the load.
> Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible – directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment
partition – and as low as possible.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.
> Pull the partition net* out (refer to
previous page). Be sure that items
carried in the rear cannot slip through
the partition net*.
> Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
> If you are transporting very heavy
loads when the rear seat is not occu-
pied, secure the outer safety belts in
the opposite buckles.
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Roof-mounted luggage rack*
111n
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first
(on the bottom). Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do
not project into the opening path of the
tailgate.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
tightly to prevent it from shifting or
being lost during driving (danger to
following traffic).
Mounting points
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
Access to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover (arrow), please use
the tool which is provided with the
luggage system.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance, resulting in increased fuel
consumption and additional stresses
on the vehicle's body.
A special luggage system is available
as an option for your BMW. Please
observe the precautions included with
the installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 186.
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112n
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113n
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures 114
Driving notes 115
Catalytic converter 115
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 116
Hood 130
Engine compartment 132
Washer fluids 134
Washer nozzles 134
Engine oil 135
Overview
Controls and features
Disc brakes 118
Coolant 137
Brake system 120
Brake fluid 138
Vehicle Identification
Number 139
Winter operation 121
Power steering 123
Cellular phone 123
Radio reception 123
Operation, care
and maintenance
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 140
Caring for your vehicle 141
Airbags 147
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 124
Tire condition 124
Tire replacement 125
Tire rotation 126
Wheel and tire
combinations 127
Winter tires 128
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Vehicle storage 147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 148
California Proposition
65 Warning 148
Snow chains 128
Approved wheel and tire
specifications 129
OBD interface socket 149
Index
Car care
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114nBreak-in procedures
To ensure maximum economy and a
long service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions.
Tires
Brake system
After approximately 300 miles (500 km),
the brake pads and discs achieve the
Due to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until optimal pad surface and wear patterns
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
required for trouble-free operation and
long service life.
Drive at varying engine speeds and road initial 200 miles (300 km).
speeds, but do not exceed the following
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
Obey your local and state maximum
engine or road speeds during this time:
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h).
speed limits.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydropla-
ning, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"kickdown" point.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
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
towing, for example – substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speeds.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced at a later point.
Clutch
The clutch will also begin to function
optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.
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Driving notes
Catalytic converter
115n
Brakes:
Clothes hooks:
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions, and is designed for
Do not drive with your foot resting When suspending clothing from the
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear, and
possibly to brake failure.
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct use with unleaded fuel only.
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do, such
Even minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
objects could pose the risk of personal the catalytic converter and the system
injury during braking or evasive maneu- oxygen sensor.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
vers.<
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential
damage:
> Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements.
> Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
> Tow-start only when the engine is
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
a warm engine, unburned residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to start the vehicle with an outside
starting aid.
> Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables
Driving through water:
When there is water on the roads, do
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
(30 cm), and then only at walking speed
at the most, otherwise the vehicle can
sustain damage to the engine, the elec-
trical systems and the transmission.
Roll-up cover:
Never use the rear window shelf to
store heavy or bulky objects. If you do
so, such objects could injure vehicle
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers or in a crash.
disconnected.
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116nCatalytic converter
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to observe the instruc-
tions above to prevent unburned
fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter, otherwise, the catalytic
converter could overheat and be
damaged.
High temperatures occur in any vehicle
equipped with a catalytic converter.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to
some sections of the exhaust system.
Never remove these shields; do not
apply undercoating to their surfaces.
When driving, standing at idle, and
parking the vehicle, take care to avoid
contact between the exhaust system
and flammable materials (grass, hay,
leaves etc.). Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in personal injury and
property damage.<
The concept
Braking with ABS
ABS enhances active driving safety by
helping to prevent the wheels from
locking under braking. The reason:
The system is operative once the
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). It is deactivated once
locked wheels are dangerous. When the again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h).
front wheels slide, the driver loses
steering control over the vehicle. Trac-
tion loss at the rear wheels can cause
the rear end to break into an uncon-
trolled skid.
This means that the wheels can lock in
the final phase of a panic stop – a factor
of no significance in actual use.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most maximum brake pressure ("panic
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
stop"). Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli- The ABS closed-loop control circuit
cation:
cycles in fractions of a second. A pulsa-
tion at the brake pedal, together with
the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range, and reminds you that you
should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
> To help provide vehicle stability.
> Assured ability to steer and
maneuver – on the various road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt,
wet conditions, snow, ice).
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-away and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel or snow, for
example), or when snow chains are
mounted, braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
117n
Nevertheless, ABS possesses the
advantage of vehicle stability and
steering response.
CBC, ABS und ASC+T/DSC
indicators and warning lamps
for Canadian models.
In the event of a malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
system then reverts to conventional
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
Information for your safety
Not even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. The consequences of brake However, have the brake system
applications with inadequate clea-
rances for safety between vehicles,
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
occurs are always the responsibility of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible. To prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system,
refer any problems to your authorized
BMW center at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
model.
If the brake warning lamps light
up together with the indicator
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC
– refer to page 19 – then the
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<
entire regulating system, the
ABS, CBC and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/ ADB-X/DBC have failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions. This could cause the vehicle to
lose stability and you might no longer
be able to control it.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
opment of ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
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118nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
Disc brakes
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*
DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 81.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow warning lamp comes
on. Normal braking efficiency
and the anti-lock braking system are
still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads which BMW has
approved for your specific vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate
non-approved brake pads to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Refer to the "Information for your
safety" covering the ABS system.
This information also generally applies
for DBC.<
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Disc brakes
119n
If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid
Driving notes
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other drivers. The heat which
is generated by the brake applications
helps to dry the brake pads and discs.
extended, continuous braking. Instead
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
sure over an extended period of time,
you should decelerate by applying
more substantial pressure to the brake
pedal (watch for following traffic),
releasing the pedal, and then repeating
the application (staggered braking). The
cooling phases between active braking
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique (refer to page 122).
Do not allow the vehicle to coast
when the clutch is depressed or
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
by shifting into neutral while moving. Do
not drive when the engine is switched
off. The engine provides no braking
control when the clutch is depressed or
the transmission is in "Neutral" and
there is no power-assist for the brakes
when the engine is shut off.
BMW 325xi: have brake inspections
performed at a BMW center only. If you
do not, parts of the four-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<
impairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 66.
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120nBrake system
Brake fluid level
Brake linings
The warning lamp for the brake
The warning lamp for the brake
comes on with the parking
brake released:
pads comes on:
The brake pads have reached
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 138).
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
For your own safety: use only
BMW approved brake pads for
your specific vehicle model. BMW
cannot evaluate non-approved brake
pads to determine if they are suited for
use, and therefore cannot ensure the
operating safety of the vehicle if they
are installed.<
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
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Winter operation
121n
Winter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather. Adaptions in
driving style should be accompanied by
preparations on the vehicle itself to
ensure that your vehicle operates safely
and trouble-free throughout the winter
months.
Rubber seals and components
To prevent the weather stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat- deep snow or when "rocking" the
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood vehicle to free it, it may be effective to
and tailgate seals.
Starting off
When starting off from a full stop in
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for
a short period. Refer to page 79.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces
Coolant
Be sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture will resist freezing to
approx. –34 7 (–37 6). Replace the
coolant every four years.
Snow chains*
Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
BMW snow chains can be mounted on the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this type of exceptional situation
where the snow chains are mounted,
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC. Refer to
page 79.
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Downshift
into the next lower gear on ascents or
descents. Maintain an adequate
distance between yourself and the
vehicle ahead.
Locks
BMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
mended.
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
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122nWinter operation
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces – if you want to decel-
erate. Doing so could cause the rear
wheels to lose traction and skid, which
could result in the loss of vehicle
control.<
Braking
Parking
Winter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
Keep this in mind, because the braking
distance increases substantially.
Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park." On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake pads
from locking due to frost or corrosion,
dry them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic
is not endangered.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
Skid control
Depress the clutch and release the
accelerator pedal, or place the selector
lever of the automatic transmission into
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
applied.<
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
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Power steering
Cellular phone*
Radio reception
123n
Changes in steering response, e. g. high Only mobile communications systems
The reception and sound quality
obtained from mobile radios vary
according to a variety of factors,
including the broadcast range of the
transmitter and the directional orienta-
tion of the antenna. Interference factors
such as high-tension power lines,
steering effort:
Consult a BMW center to have the
system checked.
(cellular phone, radio, etc.) with an
output up to 10 watts are permitted.
Mobile communications devices not
specifically designed for use in your
vehicle may trigger malfunctions while
If the power steering fails,
increased effort will be required to operating your vehicle. BMW can
steer the vehicle.<
neither test nor assume responsibility
for every individual product being
structural or natural obstructions can all
lead to unavoidable reception interfer-
offered on the market. We recommend ence, regardless of how well the vehicle
that you consult your BMW center
before purchasing any device of this
kind.
sound system is operating.
Climatic factors such as intense solar
radiation, fog, rain and snow can also
interfere with reception.
To ensure that your BMW continues to
provide reliable and trouble-free opera- Cellular or portable phones not recom-
tion, do not use a cellular phone or
other radio device with an antenna
located inside the passenger compart-
ment. The antenna should always be
mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
mended by BMW can also generate
interference in the radio when making
telephone calls. This phenomenon
assumes the form of a low-pitched hum
emanating from the speaker system.
Please refer to the Owner's Manual
provided with your sound system for
detailed information on its use.
Before loading the vehicle on a
car-carrier train or driving it
through a car-wash, remove the
antenna.<
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124nTire inflation pressure
Tire condition
Never continue driving on a
deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly
impairs steering and braking response,
and can lead to complete loss of
control over the vehicle.
Information for your safety
The factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. You could have a blowout as a
result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
The same applies to irregularities
related to your usual driving style, such
as pulling hard to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest BMW center or
professional tire center, or have the
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires
inspected.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all
else – driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Tire tread – tire damage
Inspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Check the tire inflation pressure –
for the space-saver spare tire or
spare tire – on a regular basis (refer to
page 28), at least twice a month, and
before starting out on any extended
trip. If this is not done, incorrect tire
pressures can cause driving instability
and tire damage, ultimately resulting in
an accident.<
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base indicate that the wear
limit – applicable by law throughout
Europe – has been reached. Below
0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there is an
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road.
Tire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete air loss) can
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users.<
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Tire replacement
125n
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to
page 129.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.<
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.<
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
rating based on the wear rate of the tire highest), B, and C, representing the
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Do not use retreaded tires. Driving
safety may be impaired by their
use. This is due to the possible varia-
tions in casing structures and, in some
cases, to their extreme age, which can
lead to a decrease in their durability.<
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under
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126nTire replacement
Tire rotation
If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 129), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<
Tire age
Between the axles
The tread wear patterns at the front end
The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the differ from those at the rear – the actual
sidewall: patterns will vary according to indi-
DOT ... 4100 indicates that the tire was vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
manufactured during week 41 of the
year 2000.
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation is
not recommended.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when the tires are no more than If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years is based on economic considerations,
is possible.
one should consider whether the costs
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life
of the tires that might be realized. In
principle, interaxle rotation must be
performed in short intervals, with a
maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
Consult your BMW center for more
information.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. A tire
of this age should be replaced by a new
tire immediately, and should not be
mounted together with new tires.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the following:
Rotate tires on the same side only, since
braking characteristics and road grip
could otherwise be adversely affected.
Following rotation, the tire inflation
pressure should always be corrected.
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Wheel and tire combinations
127n
Winter tires:
The right choice
Codes on tires and wheels
Use only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 129.
The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T
M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on radial tires:
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory.
Consult any BMW center for details.
Comply with local/national regulations.
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:
For example:
205/60 R 15 91 W
For example:
7
J
x 15 H 2
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and ASC+T/DSC. The
function of these systems is impaired if
improper wheel-tire combinations are
used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. In the
event of a flat tire, for example, remount
the approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible.<
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
(before R on ZR tires)
Protect tire valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks.
The speed rating indicates the approved
maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S
T
H
V
W
Y
= up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
= up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
= up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
= up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
= up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
= up to 187 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h)
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128nWinter tires
Choosing the right tire
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Storage
BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S-identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load
rating H, V, W, Y und ZR, but usually do Have this work performed by skilled
not achieve the same level of perfor-
mance as winter tires.
Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
Never exceed the maximum speed Store them away from light whenever
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains*
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on summer or winter tires is
approved only in pairs and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in
tires.
Tire condition, tire pressure
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Mount only winter tires which have
been approved by BMW. Any BMW
center will be glad to provide you with
information on the best winter tires for
your particular driving conditions.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
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Approved wheel and tire specifications
129n
BMW 325xi
Tire specifications
Steel rim
Light-alloy wheel
For all tires, only light-alloy wheels must
be used.
(wheel rim)
All season tires
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load
Summer tires
7Jx16
7Jx17
7Jx16
7Jx17
Snow chains*
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S
225/50 ZR 16
205/55 R 16 91 V
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16
–
7Jx16
225/45 R 17 91 W
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
225/45 ZR 17
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load
225/45 R 17 91 W
–
–
7Jx17
8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17
–
–
7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Mixed tires
For details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.
Winter tires
205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S
7Jx16
7Jx16
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S (not 325xi)
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
Spare wheel
7Jx17
–
7Jx17
8Jx17
T 115/90 R 16 92 M
T 125/90 R 16 98 M
T 125/80 R 17 99 M
3.0Bx16
3.5Bx16
3.5Bx17
–
–
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle documents.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, this information must
be entered in the vehicle documents.
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130nHood
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all applica-
ble instructions and warnings. Failure to
work in an informed, professional man-
ner when servicing components and
materials constitutes a safety hazard for
vehicle occupants and other road
To unlock
Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the dashboard.
To open
Pull the release handle and open the
hood.
users. If you are not familiar with the
guidelines, please have the operations
performed by your BMW center.<
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Hood
131n
To close
Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<
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Engine compartment – BMW 325i, 325xi
133n
1 Brake fluid reservoir 138
2 Engine oil dipstick 135
3 Coolant expansion tank 137
4 Engine oil filler neck 135
5 Reservoir for the headlamp* and
windshield washer system 134
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting 167
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134nWasher fluids
Washer nozzles
Windshield washer
The spray from the nozzles should be
directed at the front windshield and the
rear window in such a way they will be
properly cleaned even at high speeds.
Use a needle to adjust the nozzles as
required, or have them adjusted by your
BMW center.
Headlamp washer system*
Have this system adjusted by your
BMW center as required.
Windshield washer system
(rear window)
Headlamp* and windshield
washer system
Capacity: approx. 2.4 US quarts
(2.3 liters).
Capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and – if required – with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
Fill with water and – if required – with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze for the washer systems
is flammable. For this reason, keep
it away from sources of flame and store
it only in its original containers. Store it
so that it is inaccessible to children.
Comply with the instructions on the
containers.<
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Engine oil
135n
Checking the oil level
To add oil
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material.
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, automatic trans-
mission, differential and power steering
system.<
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
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136nEngine oil
Specified engine oil
Viscosity ratings
The quality of the engine oil is
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain types of engine oils.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil", you may
use small volumes of other approved
synthetic oils for topping off between oil
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher.
These kinds of oil may be used for
driving in all ambient temperatures.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
synthetic oils that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America
at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
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Engine oil
Coolant
137n
Comply with the applicable envi-
Do not add coolant to the cooling
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
system when the engine is hot.
If you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
Recommendation: have the oil changed To avoid the possibility of damage later
by your BMW center only.
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the approved specifica-
tions.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
Checking coolant level
Correct coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):
to children. Comply with warning labels Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
and information on containers.<
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. Therefore,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could
ignite and cause burns.<
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 (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it – that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
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138nCoolant
Brake fluid
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
Adding coolant
Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be
located in the blue zone. If it is not,
there is a danger of scalding.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the 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.<
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape, then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been
released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining 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).
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
Replace the coolant every four years.
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 120.
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140nThe BMW Maintenance System
actual conditions under which the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide (Canada models)
For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or to the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
vehicle operates, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance perspective,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
distance urban driving are not equiva-
lent to 62,000 miles (100,000 km)
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
As a precaution against rust, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means for
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost effectively as
possible for you.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehi- conditions.
cle covers every kind of operating situa-
tion. However, even those who drive
only short distances – significantly less
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annually – Your BMW center is always "up to date"
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
on the latest maintenance work and
repair techniques and equipped with
the required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models). These entries will constitute
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also
required for warranty claims.<
Service Interval Display
Advanced technology is employed
to calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals. These are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While
conventional systems rely on distance
traveled alone to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System has for years considered the
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Caring for your vehicle
141n
Turn the rain sensor off (refer to
page 69) when passing through an
automatic car wash. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by unin- (scratches). Never use abrasives or
tended wiper activation.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth
Washing your vehicle
You can wash your BMW at an auto-
matic car wash, even when it is new.
Brushless systems are preferable.
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
Parts of the vehicle which are
inaccessible to the automatic washer – Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
In order to avoid spots, do not wash
the vehicle when the hood is warm, or
during or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
such as door sills, door and hood
edges, etc. – should be cleaned by
hand.
of water. Always use a deicer spray to
remove accumulated ice and snow –
never use a scraper.<
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also damage the
vehicle.
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could be corrode.<
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
> The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle.
> No damage will occur to vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car wash operator if necessary.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to subsequent attack. In
addition, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
> The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Vehicles with rain sensor:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects
can cause malfunctions in the function
of the rain sensor.
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142nCaring for your vehicle
Depending upon material and type of
impact (perforation of paint layer),
physical stresses from sand, road salt,
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to start
extending beneath the finish, starting at
the point of impact.
In coastal regions, high levels of
atmospheric salt and humidity promote
corrosion.
Exterior finish
To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
with special body-cavity protectants,
by applying specially-developed and
extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied
to the undercarriage. Following this,
a comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is
applied. Regular maintenance makes
In tropical zones, temperatures of over
+105 7 (+40 6) in the shade prevail,
in addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation
and high humidity. Under those condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures up to +175 7 (+80 6) and dark
paints up to +250 7 (+120 6).
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,
animal droppings (strong alkali effect)
and tree excretions (resins and pollen)
all contain substances capable of
causing damage when allowed to
remain on the finish of your vehicle for
any extended period of time (spots,
an important contribution to maintaining etching, flaking, separation in the top
the safety and value of your vehicle.
coat).
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on vehi-
cle finishes have led paint and vehicle
manufacturers to initiate programs
In industrial areas, flue dust deposits,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the
designed to further improve the durabil- vehicle's finish unless adequate care is
ity of their finishes. Despite this, envi-
ronmental factors that occur locally or
provided – even though this is generally
limited to the outside horizontal sur-
regionally can have negative effects on faces.
the finish of your vehicle. Use the
factors to determine the frequency and
extent of your efforts to maintain the
vehicle finish.
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Caring for your vehicle
143n
Caring for the vehicle finish
Waxing your vehicle
Paint damage
Regular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from or synthetic-based waxes.
substances that are harmful to the
Protect the finish using only carnauba
You can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The best way to determine when the
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive
your vehicle in areas with high levels of
air pollution or aggressive natural
substances (tree resins, pollen).
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
The paint color code for your car is
provided on a sticker located on the
righthand side under the hood and on
the first page of your Service and
Warranty Information Booklet
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive
(US models) or Warranty and Service
Guide (Canadian models).
substances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical
structure or to discoloration. Gasoline
spilled during refueling, oil, grease and
brake fluid should always be cleaned
away immediately, as should bird
droppings.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the
area with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally,
apply the finish coat. Wait a few days,
then polish the repaired area. Finish by
applying a wax preservative.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean
cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove
tar spots with tar remover. After clean-
ing, the affected areas should be waxed
to ensure continued protection.
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
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144nCaring for your vehicle
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.
Caring for the windows
You can use window and glass cleaner
to clean inside window surfaces and
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials
Light-alloy wheels should be treated
mirrors without smearing and streaking. with alloy wheel cleaner, especially
Safety belts should be cleaned with a
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive during the winter months. However, do mild soap and water solution without
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.
not use aggressive products contain-
ing acids, strong alkalis or abrasives.
Do not use steam cleaners operating at damage to the belt fabric could result.
temperatures above +140 7 (+60 6).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
being removed from the car. Never
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
Clean the wiper blades with soapy
water. The wiper blades should be
replaced twice a year – before and after
winter. This is especially important for
vehicles with a rain sensor.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
If your vehicle has chrome parts*, such completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-
as the window frames and door
handles, be especially careful about
vent the inertia reel mechanism from
retracting the strap properly, and thus
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
cleaning them with plenty of water and constitute a safety hazard.
possibly a shampoo supplement as well
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*
after the roads have been salted.
Use a chrome polish for an additional
treatment.
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from
the vehicle for cleaning.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover
of the instrument cluster and compo-
nents with a sprayed dull black surface
can be cleaned with water and a
synthetic cleaner (if necessary). Do not
allow moisture to soak through the
seats or headliner. Never use solvents
such as lacquer thinner, heavy-duty
grease remover, fuels, or similar
substances.
Use only a damp cloth to clean trim
panels made of real wood* and other
parts constructed of real wood*. Follow
up by drying with a soft cloth.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
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Caring for your vehicle
145n
The buildup of an electrostatic charge
on the seat covers, particularly if
atmospheric humidity is low, can give
the occupants an unpleasant electric
shock if they touch metal body parts
after leaving the vehicle. Although this is
not dangerous in any way, it can be
avoided by touching a bare or polished
metal part of the vehicle while getting
out.
Care of upholstery materials
Depressions in the upholstery that
result from everyday use can be
brushed smooth by brushing against
the nap with a lightly dampened brush.
Leather care
The leather* upholstery used by BMW
is a natural product of the highest
quality, processed using state-of-the-
art methods to ensure that it will main-
tain its high quality for years to come,
provided that it is properly cared for.
The tendency of the pile to lie in a
particular direction on velour upholstery
is not a quality defect, and, just as on
home textiles or clothing, cannot be
avoided.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
and for the peculiarities of its use
and care.
Lint on upholstery materials, textile or
leather remnants that have been worn
into the upholstery may be removed
Regular periodic cleaning and care
are essential, as dust and road dirt act
as abrasives in the pores and creases
of the material. This leads to wear
spots and premature brittleness on
the surface of the leather. We there-
fore suggest that you clean the leather
with a vacuum cleaner or cloth at
frequent intervals.
â
with a lint brush or a Velcro brush. A
cleaning glove is available for especially
"stubborn" lint. Stains and fairly large
areas of dirt should be cleaned off with-
out delay, using lukewarm water and an
interior cleaner, stain remover or appro-
priate cleaning fluid. Brush the fabric
afterwards to restore its appearance.
If the vehicle is to be stored for an ex-
tended period, or if it is exposed to in-
tense sunlight, cover all the seats or the
windows to prevent fading.
For cleaning, use BMW leather
cleaning foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
acts as an antistatic agent.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
For protection against dampness
or moisture, treat the leather with an
impregnating agent made by BMW.
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146nCaring for your vehicle
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Cleaning agents can contain
substances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore, always
comply with the warnings and danger
labels on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.<
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains by
dabbing with with spot remover. Avoid
rubbing.
If the upholstery is to be exposed to
intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover
all leather surfaces (or, better yet, the
windows) to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
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Airbags
Vehicle storage
147n
Modifications may not be made on
either the wiring or the individual
components in the airbag system.
These include the padded steering
wheel hub, the instrument panel, the
side trim panels of the front or rear
doors and the roof pillars or the sides
of the headliner. Do not apply adhesive
materials to these components, cover
or modify them in any way. Do not
attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel.
Consult your BMW center regarding
special procedures if you intend
to store the vehicle for more than
three months.
To ensure compliance with official
safety regulations, entrust disposal of
airbag generators to a BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag activa-
tion, either of which could result in
personal injury.<
1 Front airbags for driver and
passenger
2 Side Impact Head Protection
System for driver and passenger
(front)
3 Side airbags for driver and passenger
(front and rear*)
Important safety notices
Do not remove the airbag restraint
system's gas generator. Have
testing and service procedures per-
formed by specially qualified techni-
cians only. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, deactivation or triggered actuation
(as a response to an accident) of the
airbag restraint system, consult your
BMW center for repairs or service
operations.
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148nTechnical modifications
California Proposition 65 Warning
Any BMW center will be glad to advise California laws require us to state the
you concerning the advisability, legal
implications and factory recommenda-
tions for technical modifications to the
vehicle. For this purpose, the BMW cen-
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ter will require the Vehicle Identification ponents contain or emit chemicals
Number and, in some cases, the engine known to the State of California to
number as well.
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. The concept be-
hind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours). To do so could result in
inflammation of the iris.<
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OBD interface socket
149n
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the
vehicle. Your system should be
checked, however, at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over even a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
The interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the driver's side at
the left-hand bottom of the dashboard
and under a cover. The cover has the
letters "OBD" on it.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<
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150n
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151n
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 152
Windshield wiper blades 152
Lamps and bulbs 153
Changing a wheel 159
Battery 162
Overview
Controls and features
Fuses 164
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter 165
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door 166
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 166
Tailgate 166
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting 167
Towing the vehicle 168
Index
Repairs
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152nOnboard tool kit
Windshield wiper blades
Windshield
Rear window
The onboard tool kit is stowed under
the cargo area floor panel.
1 Move the wiper to a fold-out position. 1 Move the wiper to a fold-out position.
2 Position the wiper blade at an angle
and pull the release spring (arrow).
3 Fold the wiper blade down and
unhook it toward the windshield.
4 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper
arm toward the top.
2 Remove the wiper blade (arrow).
3 Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
To raise the cargo area floor panel,
refer to page 109.
5 Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
Use only BMW approved wiper
blades.<
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Lamps and bulbs
153n
The lamps and bulbs are essential
factors contributing to the safety of your
vehicle. Therefore, comply fully with the
following instructions during bulb
replacement. If you are not familiar with
any of the procedures, consult your
BMW center.
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth
(scratches). Never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water. Always use a deicer spray to
remove accumulated ice and snow –
never use a scraper.<
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
The illustration shows the left-hand side
of the engine compartment.
1 Low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
2 High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Whenever working on the
electrical system, switch off the
electrical accessory you are working on
or disconnect the cable from the nega-
tive terminal of the battery. Failure to do
this could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage,
comply with any instructions provided
by the bulb manufacturer.<
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and
protective gloves. Failure to comply
with this precaution could lead to injury
if the bulb is accidentally damaged
during replacement.<
1 Press the two locks at the front and
turn left to release the bulb holder.
2 Remove and replace the bulb.
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154nLamps and bulbs
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very
long and the probability of a failure is
very low, provided that they are not
switched on and off an unusual number
of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-
tinue driving with great caution using
the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in
your area do not prohibit this.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on
Front turn signal indicator
21 watt bulb
The illustration shows the left-hand side
of the engine compartment.
the xenon lighting system and bulb
replacement should be performed only
by technicians with the appropriate
qualifications. Failure to comply with
this creates a risk of fatal injury.<
1 Using a screwdriver, release the inner
hook through the upper opening.
2 Remove the lamp by pulling it toward
the front.
3 Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb.
Parking lamps
5 watt bulb
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow)
and remove it.
2 Remove and replace the bulb.
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Lamps and bulbs
155n
Side turn signal indicator
5 watt bulb
Front fog lamps*
HB4 bulb, 55 watts
4 Insert the 2 pins on the lamp into the
guides on the vehicle.
5 Push the lamp in. Carefully apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
1 Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lens (arrow) to press it
forward for removal.
2 Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left to remove.
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and
protective gloves. Failure to comply
with this precaution could lead to injury
if the bulb is accidentally damaged
during replacement.<
1 Using a screwdriver, carefully remove
the lamp.
2 Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb.
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156nLamps and bulbs
Tail lamps
Tail lamp 4: bulbs 21/4 watts
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
The illustration shows the right-hand
luggage compartment section.
Lamps in the tailgate:
1 Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press downward (arrow) to release.
Bulbs in the fender:
1 Turn signal indicators
2 Backup lamps
yellow
white
red
All of the bulbs are integrated in a cen-
tral bulb holder.
1 Release and remove the flap from the
respective luggage compartment
side facing.
3 Tail lamps
4 Tail lamps/brake lamps
red
2 Release the bulb holder (arrow) and
remove.
3 Pull the power supply receptacle off
and set the bulb holder aside (e.g. on
the luggage compartment floor).
4 Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb.
5 Plug in the power supply receptacle.
6 Press the bulb holder into position
until you hear it engage.
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Lamps and bulbs
157n
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
Tailgate lamp
5 watt bulb
2 Rotate the trim downward. Release
the bulb holder and remove it.
3 Applying light pressure, turn the bulb
to the left. Remove and exchange the
bulb.
1 Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left (arrow) to
release the lens.
1 Remove lamp socket (arrow).
2 Replace the bulb.
4 Press the bulb holder into position
until you hear it engage.
2 Replace the bulb.
5 Press the trim into position until you
hear it engage.
Center (high-mount) brake lamp
LED strip on the rear window.
Please contact a BMW center in the
event of a malfunction.
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158nLamps and bulbs
Footwell lamps*
5 watt bulb
1 Press the lamp out using a screw-
driver.
2 Replace the bulb.
Glove compartment lamp
5 watt bulb
1 Press the lamp out using a screw-
driver.
2 Replace the bulb.
Interior lamps
The illustration provides an example of 10 watt bulb
the interior lamps when equipped with
Lighted vanity mirrors*
Luggage compartment lamps
One lamp each in rear tailgate section:
10 watt bulbs
1 Remove the bulb housing – use a
screwdriver if necessary.
2 Replace the bulb.
reading lamps.
1 Apply a screwdriver to the recess and
remove the lens.
2 Replace the bulb.
Interior lamps (2 x 5 watt bulbs)
1 Using a screwdriver, press the lamp
out toward the front.
2 Remove the lens and pull the bulb
out of the contact studs.
Interior lamps (6 watt bulb) with reading
lamps* (2 x 6 watt bulbs)
1 Using a screwdriver, press the lamp
out toward the front.
2 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove it.
3 Remove and replace the bulb.
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Changing a wheel
159n
Take these precautionary mea-
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
sures if you have either a flat tire or engine when the vehicle is supported by
are changing a wheel. the jack. Failure to comply with this
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from creates a risk of fatal injury.<
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
Your BMW has either a spare tire or
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the space-saver tire for temporary use to
straight-ahead position, remove the key ensure your mobility.
and engage the steering lock. Shift into
1st gear or reverse (selector lever in
"Park" with automatic transmission)
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 instance).
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 regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. Avoid jack-
ing the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
To remove the spare wheel, lift out
the floor panel in the luggage
compartment completely (refer to
page 109.<
What you will need
In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
> Jack (1)
Raise both the floor panel and spare
tire panel and loosen the red wing nut
(arrow).
When you have completed your work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and
insert it into its holder
> Wedge (2)
Located behind the jack. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it
> Wheel stud wrench (3)
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack, otherwise, the
jack might not be able to reach its full
support capacity because of the limited
height.
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160nChanging a wheel
Procedure
1 Read and comply with the safety
precautions provided on the
> Spare tire or space-saver tire
Located next to the jack.
Loosen the wing nut (arrow) by hand,
remove the storage tray and take out
the wheel.
4 Loosen the lug bolts g turn.
5 Position the jack under the jacking
point nearest the wheel you are
changing (refer to the illustration at
the left) so that the base of the jack is
positioned vertically under the jack-
ing point relative to the entire surface,
and that the jack head fits securely
into the square recess for the jacking
point (refer to illustration detail) when
the jack is cranked.
6 Jack the vehicle up until the wheel
you are changing is raised from the
ground.
7 Unscrew the lug bolts and remove
the wheel.
previous page.
2 Secure the vehicle against rolling:
Place the wedge against the rear
surface of the front tire on the side
opposite the side being raised. If the
vehicle is parked on a downward
slope, place the wedge securely in
front of the tire. If the wheel must
be changed on a surface with a more
severe slope, take additional precau-
tions to secure the vehicle against
rolling.
3 If your wheels are equipped with full
wheel covers*: reach into the ventila-
tion openings and pull the cover off.
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Changing a wheel
161n
14 Check and correct the tire's inflation If light-alloy wheels other than original
pressure at the earliest possibility.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure
Control (RDC):
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
After mounting the spare tire or
correcting the inflation pressure,
reactivate the system. Refer to
page 85.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.
Use only the full wheel cover in-
stalled by the factory. Other wheel
covers may not fit securely. The full
wheel cover may not be installed on the
space-saver tire since this could
damage the cover.<
8 Remove mud or dirt accumulation
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts.
9 Position the new wheel or the
space-saver tire on the hub and
screw at least two lug bolts finger-
tight into opposite bolt holes.
10 Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts snugly.
11 Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle.
12 Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal
pattern.
13 If your wheels are equipped with full
wheel covers*, place the wheel
cover with the valve opening over
the valve (arrow). Use both hands
to press the cover securely onto
the rim.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any load of any kind.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the
tightness of the lug bolts [torque
specification: 76 lb. ft. (100 Nm)]
checked with a calibrated torque
wrench.<
When storing the wheel, take care to
ensure that you do not damage the
retaining pin in the spare tire recess.
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162nChanging a wheel
Battery
Driving with the space-saver tire
Installation location
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed The battery is in the right rear of the
of 50 mph (80 km/h).
luggage compartment. Release side
trim panel and remove. Fold back the
cover panel.
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking re-
sponse, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties in
marginal stability limits.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced in
conjunction with winter tires.
Charge condition
Only one space-saver tire may be
mounted at one time. Reinstall
wheels and tires of the same size and
specification as soon as possible.
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to
page 29.<
You can read the charge condition
of the battery with the "Magic Eye*"
(= a hydrometer):
> Green: adequate charge.
> Black: not charged adequately.
The battery must be recharged.
Please contact your BMW center
for additional information.
> Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge
status often.<
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Battery
163n
Do not allow children to have
access to batteries and battery
acid.
Battery care
Removal and installation
The battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original acid
will normally last for the service life of
the battery under temperate climatic
conditions.
Do not disconnect the battery
while the engine is running.
Disconnecting the battery cable when
the engine is running will cause a
voltage surge which will damage the
vehicle's onboard electronics.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do
not smoke in the vicinity of the
battery. Avoid sparks from electrical
For all questions that regard the
cables or electrical equipment. Turn the Do not make any modifications in the
battery, please consult your BMW key to position 0 in the steering lock
wires to the positive terminal. If you do
so, the protective function of the safety
battery terminal is no longer ensured.
Repairs and disposal may only be per-
formed by specially trained personnel.<
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following is for
your information only.<
when disconnecting or connecting the
battery. Never short-circuit the battery
terminals. This creates a risk of injury
from high-energy sparks.
Symbols
A highly explosive gas is gener-
ated when the battery is
charged.
When removing the battery, disconnect
the cable on the negative terminal first,
then the cable on the positive terminal.
Loosen the center adjusting screw on
the battery retaining strap (use the
screwdriver included with the onboard
tool kit) and disconnect the strap.
You will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. For your safety,
please be cautious whenever you work
with or near the battery.
If you happen to get acid in
your eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
Consult a physician immediately. If you
get acid spray on your skin or clothing,
rinse with plenty of water. If acid is
accidentally swallowed, consult a
physician immediately.
When installing a battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then connect the
negative terminal.
Wear eye protection. Do not al-
low particles containing battery
acid or lead to come into con-
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your
clothing.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.
When installing a battery, be sure
that it is mounted properly and that
the retaining strap is installed using the
center adjustment screw, otherwise, the
battery will not be secure enough in
case of an accident.<
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
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164nBattery
Fuses
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage.
Secure the battery to prevent it from
tilting during transport.<
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running.
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can cause fire
or personal injury.<
Storage periods during which
the battery is disconnected are
not taken into consideration by the
Service Interval Display for changing
the brake fluid.
For this reason, be sure that the brake
fluid is changed every two years,
regardless of the information displayed.
Read and comply with the information
on page 138 covering this subject.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If an electrical accessory should fail,
switch it off and check the fuse.
In glove compartment
If you intend to store the vehicle for
longer than 12 weeks, remove the
battery, charge it and store it in a cool
and dust-free room where there is no
danger of freezing. During storage,
have the battery recharged every
3 months. Also recharge the battery
before it is reinstalled. If this is not
done, the battery will not be service-
able. Every time the battery is drained,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
1 Open the glove compartment and
turn the two white quick-release
fasteners outward. Spare fuses and
plastic tweezers are located on the
fuse holder.
2 Use the plastic tweezers to remove
the fuse for the accessory or equip-
ment that has stopped working.
3 If the fuse is burned through ("blown"),
the metal strip will have melted and
separated; replace it with a new fuse
of the same ampere rating (color
code).
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Fuses
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal filter
165n
A list of the fuses, their respective am-
pere ratings and the equipment in their
circuits, is provided below the fuse
holder.
To close the fuse holder, snap it into
position at the top and turn the two
fasteners inward.
Do not attempt to repair a burned-
out fuse or replace it with a fuse
with a different color or ampere rating.
Doing this could cause a fire in the
vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.<
1 Open the hood.
2 Release the three hooks (arrow) with
a f turn.
4 Remove the filter by pulling toward
the front and install a new one.
5 Position the filter cover and secure it
with the three fasteners.
If the fuse continues to burn out, have
the problem corrected by a BMW
center.
3 Remove the filter cover.
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166nFuel filler door
Tailgate
Manual release
Manual operation
Manual operation
Unlatch the right-side side panel in the 1 Remove the interior lamp (refer to
1 Fold either the center armrest or the
rear backrest in the back forward.
2 Remove the cover panel under
tailgate 1 (possible by using the igni-
tion key).
cargo area (arrow 1). Pull the knob with
the fuel pump symbol (arrow 2).
page 158), reach into the opening
and push out the panel.
2 Turn the sunroof's steel crank with
the Allen wrench from the onboard
tool kit (refer to page 152) in the
desired direction.
3 Press the lever (arrow) to the right.
The luggage compartment is locked
again as soon as you close the tailgate.
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Jump-starting
167n
Do not use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
6 Start the support vehicle's engine
and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle
If the battery is drained, the engine can
be started using two jumper cables and
another vehicle's battery. Use only
jumper cables with fully insulated grips
on the terminal clamps.
needing the jump-start, and allow it
to run as usual. If the first start
attempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the drained battery to
recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper
cables from your BMW, turn on the
rear window defroster and set the
blower to the highest speed; allow the
engine to run approx. 10 seconds.
This will prevent a voltage surge from
the voltage regulator to the electrical
accessories.
Do not touch the parts conducting
current while the engine is
running. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
cover of the auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting is identified by a "+"
sign. Refer to the illustration. Remove
the cover by pulling the tab (arrow 1).
5 Then connect the negative terminals.
Attach the cable to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal (–),
or to a suitable ground on its engine
or bodywork. Then connect the other
end of the cable to a ground on the
engine or on the bodywork of the
vehicle that is to be started. There is
a special nut provided for this on the
BMW (arrow 2).
Carefully comply with the following
instructions to avoid personal injury or
damage to one or both vehicles:
1 Be sure that the battery on the
support vehicle is also rated at
12 volts, and that the capacities of
the two batteries (Ah) are roughly
comparable (printed on casing)
2 Leave the drained battery connected
to the vehicle's electrical system
3 Make sure that there is no contact
between the bodywork of the two
vehicles – short circuit risk!
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Depending on the reason for the
malfunction, recharge the battery.
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable
from the positive terminal of the
support vehicle to the positive
terminal connector located in your
BMW's engine compartment. The
Follow the same sequence for
connecting the jumper cables if
you assist in jump-starting another
vehicle. If you do not, there is a risk of
injury caused by spark generation at the
battery.<
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168nTowing the vehicle
Tow fitting
Rear:
Towing with a commercial tow
truck
> Do not tow with sling-type equip-
Using a screwdriver, press out the cover
panel on the top part of the recess.
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle. It is intended for towing on
paved road surfaces only. This fitting
should not be used to pull a vehicle out
of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
ment.
Screw the tow fitting in until it
bottoms firmly. If this is not done,
the threads could be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do, the compo-
nents could be damaged, leading to
possible accidents.<
> Use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.
> Please comply with applicable state
towing laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, leading to
possible accidents.c
Access to tow socket
Front:
Using a screwdriver, press out the cover
panel on the top part of the recess.
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Towing the vehicle
169n
BMW 325xi: tow the vehicle with
one raised axle
1 Place the gearshift lever or selector
lever in "Neutral."
2 Switch off the engine.
3 Towing speed:
Maximum 30 mph (50 km/h).
4 Towing distance:
Maximum 95 miles (150 km).
Remove the rear driveshaft for
longer towing distances with the
front axle lifted; remove the front drive-
shaft for towing over longer distances
with the rear axle lifted. Failure to
comply with this will result in damage to
the transfer box.<
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170n
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171n
Advanced technology:
Airbags 172
Overview
(ATC) 173
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction ASC+T/Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 173
Radio reception 174
Four-wheel drive 175
Safety belt tensioner 175
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer 176
Rain sensor 177
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 178
Self-diagnostics 179
Xenon lamps 180
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Technol-
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172nAirbags
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of
a few milliseconds. In this process, they
tear through the designed separation
points of the upholstered covers or
press them out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of
ignition and inflation noise. The gas
required to inflate the airbags is not
dangerous, and the smoke associated
with it dissipates.
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the acceleration forces acting
upon the vehicle. If, as the result of
a frontal collision, a deceleration is
reached at which the protection of
the safety belts alone is no longer
adequate, the gas generators of the
driver and passenger-front airbags are
ignited. However, the passenger-side
airbag is only triggered if an additional
sensor has recognized that the
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.
passenger seat is occupied.
In the event of a side collision, the Head
Protection and side airbags in the front
or rear* are triggered if necessary.
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ATC*
ASC+T/DSC*
173n
In order to include driving conditions in Highly sensitive sensors monitor the
its calculations, ATC registers curves
and both uphill and downhill gradients. steering angle, lateral acceleration,
For example, if you maintain speed brake pressure and the movement of
number of revolutions of the wheels,
through a curve, the transmission does the vehicle around its vertical axis.
not shift up. On uphill gradients, it shifts
up only when the engine speed
If differences in the wheel speeds
occur, ASC+T recognizes the danger of
wheelspin and reduces torque. If
necessary, the system also responds
with additional brake applications at the
rear wheels.
increases in order to make more effi-
cient use of power reserves. On down-
hill gradients, ATC shifts down when
the speed of the vehicle increases and
the driver must apply the brakes.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condition
and compares it with an ideal condition
that is calculated from the sensor's
signals. If deviations from this occur
(understeering or oversteering, for
instance), DSC can stabilize the vehicle
in fractions of a second by reducing
engine output and with the assistance of
braking intervention at individual
wheels. As a result, dangerous skids can
be prevented even as they are just
beginning.
On vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission, the Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC) uses a number of factors
to calculate the gear which provides
maximum efficiency. In this process, it
considers your individual driving style
as well as current driving conditions.
ATC recognizes your personal driving
style from the positions and movements
of the accelerator pedal, deceleration
when braking, and lateral acceleration
through curves. Based on different shift
characteristics – from comfort-oriented
to performance-oriented – ATC will
select the appropriate gear.
You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system's interven-
tion. However, it provides optimum drive
force and vehicle stability.
The braking intervention may be
accompanied by sounds specific to the
system.
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174nRadio reception
The limitations inherent to radio recep-
tion in a moving vehicle have been
minimized by a number of innovative
system designs:
The Radio Data System (RDS) makes
sure that, for broadcast stations trans-
mitting on several frequencies, the
radio automatically tunes to the
frequency with the best reception
quality.
The Diversity Antenna system employs
several FM antennas integrated within
the rear window to provide three sepa-
rate sources for receiving broadcast
waves. An integral processor automati-
cally selects the antenna with the best
FM reception quality at any given time.
The selection of the antenna takes place
within milliseconds, and is therefore not
noticed by the radio listener.
The AM frequency bands (medium-
wave, long-wave and short-wave) make
it possible to receive stations from a
great distance, because the broadcast
signals travel not only along the ground
as surface waves, but also as atmo-
spheric waves that are reflected from
the ionosphere.
Frequency-modulation (FM) provides
substantially better sound quality than
the other frequencies. However,
because FM transmissions rely on line-
of-sight broadcast waves, their effec-
tive reception range is limited.
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Four-wheel drive
Safety belt tensioner
175n
system intervention. Engine output is
also reduced if necessary.
When the DSC is deactivated, the
ADB-X traction intervention is set for
the maximum drive force. However, the
engine intervention and the stability
controls are no longer available. For
this reason, DSC should only be deacti-
vated in the exceptional circumstances
described on page 81.
The BMW 325xi is not an off-road
vehicle. Instead, permanent four-wheel
drive provides a high degree of vehicle
stability and tractive ability under all
road conditions, and will aid you in crit-
ical driving situations, e.g. driving in
extreme winter conditions or on loose
road surfaces.
The transmission of power to the four
drive wheels is provided permanently
through a transfer box. The distribution
of torque between the front and rear
axles is 38 % to 62%.
The safety belt tensioner responds to
severe frontal collisions by tightening
the belts to ensure that occupants
remain firmly positioned in their seats.
A gas-pressure system retracts the
buckle assembly to tension the
shoulder and lap belts within fractions
of a second. This reduces the tendency
to slide under the lap belt.
Traditional differential locks at the front
and rear axles and in the transfer box
are not required. Their function is
assumed by automatic braking inter-
vention at all four wheels. These trac-
tion interventions are governed by
Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), a
sub-function of DSC.
If a wheel tends to slip, it is braked
automatically by ADB-X until it once
again gains traction, and drive force
can be transmitted to that wheel. In
addition, the drive force is distributed to
the remaining wheels during this
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176nInterior rearview mirror with automatic dimmer*
The semisolid reacts chemically to
this electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirror through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the mirror manually, and the driver
can concentrate completely on traffic
conditions.
The interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature reduces blinding
from following traffic by adapting the
intensity of the reflected images to
correspond to levels of light registered
by the unit's sensors. The mirror reverts
to its undimmed setting as soon as the
light source disappears. One light
sensor is mounted on the front of the
mirror housing. This sensor, the one
that is directed forward, measures light
intensity in the area ahead of the
vehicle. The second sensor is inte-
grated within the mirror's glass. The
electronic control system compares the
light intensity from front and rear. The
difference provides the basic parameter
used to modulate an electrical current
and induce chemical changes in a
semisolid layer incorporated in the lens.
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Rain sensor*
177n
When the system is set to the "Intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately – if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor contributes to driving
safety and comfort.
Depending on how wet the windshield
is, the rain sensor controls the opera-
tion of the windshield wipers.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If there is moisture on the glass, the
amount of light reflected is reduced
since the infrared light at the surface of
the windshield can escape. The quan-
tity of reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.
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178nTire Pressure Control (RDC)*
There is an antenna located right near
every wheel in the vehicle body. This
antenna picks up signals from its
respective wheel. A central electronics
system evaluates the quadruple signals
which it receives and forwards any
changes.
The RDC provides an important contri-
bution to driving safety.
This system regularly checks tire pres-
sure and monitors all four tires even
while driving, so you do not have to.
Behind the valve stem in every wheel,
there is an electronic chip which is
designed for severe-duty applications
and long service life. It contains a pres-
sure sensor, a transmitter and a battery.
The pressure is measured in extremely
short time intervals and then transmitted
by a radio signal. If an irregularity is
detected, the transmission rate is
increased.
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Self-diagnostics
179n
In the same manner, the electrical
You will hear the sounds of the air flaps
resistance of the airbag ignition genera- as the air conditioning system/auto-
tors and all of the remaining airbag
components is measured at all times.
Any fault in this system would be
matic climate control carry out their
self-diagnostic functions after the igni-
tion has been turned off. All of the other
detected immediately by a current fluc- self-diagnostics functions operate
tuation that would necessarily accom-
pany it. The fault would be indicated
immediately by the airbag warning
lamp.
silently in the background.
Any possible defects detected during
these self-diagnostics can be read out
by your BMW center and quickly
corrected during the vehicle's next
Even after you shut off the engine, the
overall functional status of your vehicle regularly scheduled maintenance.
is monitored. For example, all of the
flaps of the heating and ventilation
system travel to the nearest limit posi-
tion. This action ensures that the
All of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested
regularly and automatically; the driver
does not have to perform any extra
operations or adjustments.
system will be able to provide
defrosting, regardless of other circum-
stances, e.g. if a malfunction in the air
conditioner/climate control system
should occur during the night while the
vehicle is parked.
The indicator lamps also come on
briefly after the ignition has been turned
on.
While you are driving, the functional
status of the actuator motors (for the
windshield wipers, power windows,
seats, sliding/tilt sunroof, etc.) is
constantly analyzed by current
measurements in their relays.
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time
the engine is shut off. During this cycle,
the actuator motors move all air condi-
tioner/automatic climate control flaps to
their limit stops in both directions. The
limit positions and the return travel
paths are checked in this manner in
order to ensure that appropriate adjust-
ments for the operating elements can
be made at any time.
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180nXenon lamps*
Xenon lamps provide significantly
improved visibility, especially during
adverse weather and poor driving
conditions e.g. driving at night in heavy
rain or through road repair areas where
there are no lane markers.
Vehicles with xenon lamps are equipped
with an automatic headlamp range
control. Thus the highway is always
optimally lighted and drivers in
oncoming traffic are not blinded.
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-
bution to highway safety since other
highway users, bicyclists and motorcy-
clists in the right lane, and pedestrians
are more easily detected.
The xenon lamp provides forward illu-
mination with significantly more bright-
ness and uniformity than the traditional
halogen lamp.
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc replaces
the filament in order to generate intense
illumination. A gas mixture in a quartz
glass tube with metal vapor is ignited by
a high electric voltage. The arc that is
generated is then sustained by a lower
voltage. When the lamp is turned on,
there is a brief warm-up period.
Maximum brightness is attained in
approx. 15 seconds.
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181n
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182n
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183n
Engine data 184
Dimensions 185
Weights 186
Overview
Capacities 187
Electrical system 188
Drive belts 188
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
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184nEngine data
BMW 325i/325xi
Displacement
Number of cylinders
cu.in (cmm)
152.2 (2,494)
6
Maximum output
at engine speed
hp (kW)
rpm
184 (135)
6.000
Maximum torque
at engine speed
lb.ft (Nm)
rpm
175 (237)
3.500
Compression ratio
e
10.5
Stroke
Bore
in (mm)
in (mm)
2.95 (75)
3.31 (84)
Fuel-injection system
Digital-electronic engine-management system
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Dimensions
185n
Dimensions in ( ) apply to 325xi.
Height with roof-mounted luggage rack: 56.9 in/1,444 mm (57.6 in/1,464 mm).
Minimum turning circle dia.: 34.4 feet/10.5 m (35.8 feet/10.9 m).
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186nWeights
BMW 325i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
BMW 325xi
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
lb. (kg)
lb. (kg)
3,384 (1,535)
3,428 (1,555)
3,627 (1,645)
3,693 (1,675)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
lb. (kg)
lb. (kg)
4,531 (2,055)
4,576 (2,075)
4,729 (2,145)
4,795 (2,175)
Approved front axle weight
Approved rear axle weight
Approved roof load capacity
Luggage compartment capacity
lb. (kg)
2,006 (910)
2,183 (990)
lb. (kg)
2,579 (1,170)
165 (75)
2,668 (1,210)
165 (75)
lb. (kg)
cu. ft. (liters)
15.4 - 47.5 (435 - 1,345)
15.4 - 47.5 (435 - 1,345)
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight may not be exceeded.
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Capacities
187n
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve
gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)
approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)
Fuel specification: page 28
Windshield washer system/
For details: page 134
Headlamp washer system (front)
Rear window washer system (rear)
quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)
quarts (liters) approx. 2.4 (approx. 2.3)
Cooling system including heater circuit
Engine oil filter change
quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4)
For details: page 137
quarts (liters) 325i approx. 6.9
(approx. 6.5)
BMW High Performance
synthetic oil
325xi: approx. 7.9
(approx. 7.5)
Specifications: page 136
Manual and automatic transmission and
differential
–
Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required
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188nElectrical system
Drive belts
Water pump – Generator –
Power steering
Drive belt 6 PK x 1538
You can obtain Original BMW
Parts and Accessories, as well
as professional advice from your BMW
center.<
Battery
12 V, 80 Ah
A/C compressor
Drive belt 5 PK x 863
Spark plugs
NGK BKR 6 EQUP
Bosch FGR 7 DQP
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189n
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191n
Everything from A to Z 192
Overview
Owner service procedures 198
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Index
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Everything from A to Z
Armrest 102
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Traction) 22, 173
Ashtray 104
Control) 65, 173
Attaching vacuum
cleaner 104
AUC (Automatic climate
control) 96
Automatic car washes 141
Automatic climate
A
B
C
ABS (Antilock Brake
System) 22, 116
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal
filter 100, 165
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC) 65, 173
Adding engine oil 135
Adding washer
bulb replacement 156
Battery 162, 188
capacity 188
California Proposition
Capacities 187
Car radio 123
discharged 167
removal and
reception 174
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone 103
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting 104
Car wash 141
installation 163
Battery charge current 20
Battery safety terminal 163
Belts 53
Synthetic Oils 136
BMW sports seat 48
Bore 184
fluid 134, 187
Adjust
backrest 47
steering wheel 50
temperature 92
control 96
Care
upholstery 145
Air conditioner 90
Air distribution 92, 98
Air nozzles 90
vehicle finish 143
vehicle interior 144
wool velour 145
Cargo loading 110
Catalytic converter 115
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control) 21, 117
Cellular phone 123
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest 102
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp 157
rearview mirror 52
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T) 22, 173
Automatic transmission 21
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
Automatic washer
rear window 69
windshield 69
Average consumption 77
Average speed 77
Axle loads 186
Air outlets 96
Brake
ventilation 90, 96
Air pressure 124
Air supply 92, 99
Airbags 21, 58, 147, 172
Alarm system 41
Antenna 123
fluid 138
hydraulic system 20
pads 22
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 156
Brake system 118
faults 120
Break-in procedure 114
Bulb replacement 153
Bulbs and lamps 153
Antenna Diversity 174
Antifreeze 137
radiator 121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 22, 116
Central locking system 34
button 38
Anti-theft alarm system 41
Aquaplaning 115, 124
Changing a tire 159
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Everything from A to Z
193n
Changing a wheel 159
Charge indicator lamp 20
Check air pressure 28
Check Control 75
Check engine oil level 135
Child restraint
systems 54, 60
Child-safety locks 58
Child's seat 54
Cigarette lighter 104
Cleaning windshield 68
Clock 75
refer also to the Radio or
Cockpit 16
Cruise control 71
Cup holder, refer to
Curb weight 186
Diversity Antenna
system 174
DOT Quality Grades 125
Draft-free ventilation 93
Drive belts 188
Driving hints 115
Driving in winter 121
Driving lamps 87
Control) 81, 173
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 22, 81, 173
Emergency operation,
doors 34
Energy Control 73
coolant 137, 187
data 184
starting 61
Engine oil
D
capacity 187
consumption 135
pressure 20
Dashboard 16
Data
dimensions 185
engine 184
technical 184
weights 186
switch 87
Control) 118
Defrost position 94, 98
Defrostable rear window 99
Defrosting
rear window 92
windows 94, 98
Digital clock 75
Dimensions 185
Dipstick, engine oil 135
Disc brakes 118
Displacement 184
Display lighting 87
Displays 18
quality 136
specifications 136
viscosity 136
Engine speed 184
Exterior mirrors 51
Coin holder 102
Combination switch 68
Compression 184
Computer 76
Configure settings 52
Consumption 77
display 74
F
Failure messages 75
Fault displays 75
Fault, ABS 117
Filler cap cover 27
Filling capacities 187
Filling the washer
reservoir 187
First-aid kit 26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing 168
E
Contents 10
Electric power seat 48
Electric power windows 43
Electrical accessories,
failure 164
Electrical system 188
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer 33
Control elements 20
Coolant 121, 137, 187
antifreeze 121
Coolant temperature
gauge 74
Cooling system 187
Flashlight 101
Flat tire 124, 159
Fog lamps 88
Copyright
4
Elements of operation 16
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 21, 117
Distance warning 78
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Everything from A to Z
Folding rear backrest 108
Footbrake 118
bulb replacement 158
I
Jack 159
Jump-starting 167
Footwell lamps 88
bulb replacement 158
Four-wheel drive 175
Front fog lamps, bulb
replacement 155
Front seat adjustment 46
Frost protection,
H
K
Handbrake 63
Key 32, 35
Key Memory 52
Imprint 4
Hazard warning flashers 26
Hazard warning triangle 26
Head restraint 47
Headlamp covers,
care 141, 153
Heated seats 100
Heating, rapid 94
Height 185
Indicator lamps 20
Inflation pressure 28, 124
monitoring 85, 178
INSPECTION 74
systems 60
Instrument cluster 18
Diagnostics 149
L
radiator 137
Fuel 28
Lamps and bulbs 153
Lashing eyes 110
child seat 58
Leather care 145
Length 185
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 157
Light switch 87
Light-alloy wheels 129
Lighter 104
Load-securing devices 110
Louvers 90, 96
Low beam headlamps 87
bulb replacement 153
Lug bolts 160
consumption 77
consumption display 74
gauge 74
preparation 184
quality 28
Fuel filler door
releasing following an
electrical malfunction 166
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp 74
Fuel tank capacity 187
Fuel tank gauge 74
Functional status 179
Fuses 164
Interference, cellular
phone 123
HiFi system 101
Interior lamps 36, 88
bulb replacement 158
remote control 36
Interior motion sensor 41
Interior rearview mirror 51
automatic dimming
feature 52, 176
High beams 23, 68, 88
bulb replacement 153
High Performance Synthetic
Oils 136
High-mount brake lamp 157
Hood release 130
Horn 17
Hubcap 160
Hydraulic Brake assistant,
refer to DBC 118
Lug wrench 159
G
Interlock 61
Intermittent wipe 68
Gasoline 28
Gasoline gauge 74
Gasoline quality 28
Glove compartment 101
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Everything from A to Z
195n
Luggage
compartment 38, 107
capacity 186
lamps 39
lamps, bulb
replacement 158
remote control system 37
trunk floor 40
Luggage compartment lid
emergency release 166
Luggage rack 111
Lumbar support 48
Opening the rear
display 76
procedure 141
N
Q
Neckrest 47
Nozzles 96
R
Radiator 187
Radio
OBD interface socket 149
Obstruction protection 43
Odometer 73
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Radio Data System
(RDS) 174
Radio reception 123, 174
Rain sensor 69, 177
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control) 85, 178
RDS (Radio Data
System) 174
Rear backrest, folded
down 108
Rear hatch lamp
bulb replacement 157
Rear lamps 156
Rear seat backrest,
folding 107
P
Paint blemishes 142
Paintwork
Oil
additives 135
capacity 187
consumption 135
dipstick 135
quality 136
minor repairs 143
waxing 143
Paint, care 142
(PDC) 78
M
specifications 136
viscosity 136
Maintenance 74
Malfunction displays 75
Manual transmission 64
Memory 49
wheel) 24
Microfilter 93, 165
Mirror memory 49
Mirrors 51
Mobile phone 123
Modifications,
Parking brake 63
Parking, winter 122
PDC (Park Distance
Control) 78
Performance 184
Phone, mobile 123
Pocket lamp 101
Pollen 93, 100
Power outlet 105
Power steering 123
Power windows 43
safety switch 44
Pressure monitoring,
tires 85, 178
the Service and Warranty
the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet
Oil filter change 187
Oil level, indicator lamp 20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp 20
Rear window
OILSERVICE 74
defroster 70, 92, 99
Rearview mirror 51
Recirculated air control 92
automatic 99
Recirculated-air mode 92
Reclining seat 46
Refueling 27
technical 6, 148
Motion sensor, interior 41
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL) 24
Onboard computer, please
refer to Computer 76
Onboard tool kit 152
Opening and closing
from the inside 38
from the outside 34
M+S tires 128
Pressure, tires 28, 124
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Everything from A to Z
Remote control 35
Removal from service of the
vehicle 147
Removing condensation
from the windows 94
transmission 65
Spare tire 159
Speaker 103
Speed control 71
Speedometer 18
Sports seat 48
Sports steering wheel 25
Starting assistance 167
Self-diagnostics 179
Service and Warranty
Service Interval Display 74
Setting the temperature 98
Shiftlock 65
Side airbags 58
Side impact Head Protection Starting
System 58
Sliding/tilt sunroof 44
electrical short 166
Tachometer 73
Tail lamps 156
bulb replacement 156
Tailgate
Reporting safety defects
Restraint system 54
Retaining straps 40
Reverse 17, 64
7
emergency release 166
Tailgate lamp, bulb
replacement 157
Tank capacity 187
Technical data 184
Technical
modifications 6, 148
Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup 103
Temperature adjustment 98
Temperature display,
outside temperature 76
Temperature gauge, engine
coolant 74
Roll-up cover 107
Roof load capacity 186
Roof luggage rack 111
Rubber parts 121
problems 115, 167
Starting the engine 61
Steering wheel lock 61
S
Safety belt height
adjustment 53
Safety belt tensioners 175
Safety belts 53
height adjustment 53
adjusting 50
Steptronic 65
convenience operation 34 Stereo system – harman
Safety defects, reporting
Safety feature 43
Safety lock buttons 38
Seat
7
Slippery roads 122
Snow chains 121
Socket 104
for electrical
appliances 104
for flashlights 104
for vacuum cleaner 104
refer also to power
outlet 105
kardon 101
Stopping the vehicle 62
Storage compartments 102
Storing the vehicle 147
Stroke 184
Summer tires 127
Sun visors 51
Sunroof 44
Switching off the engine 62
Symbols 4, 163
Temperature
electric power 48
mechanical 46
layering 93, 100
Thigh support area,
adjusting 48
Third brake lamp 157
Tilt alarm 42
Tilt sensor alarm system 36
remote control 36
Tire changing 159
Seat adjustment 46
Seat heating 100
Seat memory 49
Securing cargo 110
Securing loads 110
Space-saver spare tire 159
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Everything from A to Z
197n
Tire codes 127
Tire damages 124
Tire inflation
pressure 28, 124
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC) 85, 178
Weights 186
Wheel changing 159
Wheel lug wrench 159
Wheel rims 127
Wheel stud wrench 159
Wheelbase 185
Wheels and tires 127, 129
Width 185
Windows, convenience
operation 34
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment 134
U
X
Grading 125
Xenon lamp 154, 180
V
Tire pressure
monitoring 85, 178
Tire Quality Grading 125
Tire replacement 125, 126
Tire specifications 129
Tire tread 124
Tools 152
Torque 184
Tow fittings 168
Tow starting 168
Towing 168
connecting 104
Vanity mirror 51
bulb replacement 158
Vehicle battery 162, 188
Vehicle care
exterior 142
interior 144
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) 139
Vehicle immobilizer 33
Vehicle painting 142
Vehicle removal from
service 147
Vehicle storage 147
Vehicle weight 186
Ventilation 90, 93, 96
draft-free 93, 100
Vinyl upholstery, care 144
Voice recognition 24, 25
Track 185
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC 79
Transmission 64
Transporting children
safely 58
Tread depth, tires 124
Trip odometer 73
Trunk 38
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling 134, 187
Windshield wiper 68
blade replacement 152
Winter operation 121
Winter tires 127, 128
Wiper blade
Turn signal
replacement 152
indicator 23, 68, 154
bulb replacement 154
Turning radius 185
Two-way radios 123
Wiper system 68
Work in the engine
compartment 130
W
Warning lamps 20
Warning messages 75
Warranty and Service Guide
(Canadian models) 140
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Owner service procedures
Check air pressure 28
add 135
quality 136
specifications 136
viscosity 136
Engine oil level,
checking 135
A
Check Control 75
Checking air pressure 28
Checking engine oil
level 135
Activated-charcoal filter,
Hatch lamps
changing 165
bulb replacement 156
operation 166
Hazard warning flashers 26
Hazard warning triangle 26
Headlamp cover, care 153
High beams, bulb
Adding brake fluid 138
Adding engine coolant 138
Adding engine oil 135
Adjust washer nozzles 134
Air pressure, checking 28
Antifreeze 138
D
Defrost setting 94
Defrosting the windows 94
Difficult steering 123
Disposal
F
replacement 153
Failure messages 75
Filling washer reservoir 134
First-aid kit 26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing 168
B
batteries 164
I
Backup lamps
bulb replacement 156
Battery
engine oil 136
Doors, emergency
actuation 34
Indicator lamps 20
Inflated pressure 28
Interior lamps, bulb
replacement 158
Interior motion sensor,
Flat tire 159
care 163
charging 164
removal and
replacement 158
Front fog lamps
Fuses, replacing 164
E
installation 163
Brake fluid, adding 138
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 156
Brakes, brake faults 120
failure 164
Electrical defect
fuel filler door 166
sliding/tilt sunroof 166
Emergency operation
doors 34
fuel filler door 166
luggage
compartment 166
sliding/tilt sunroof 166
J
Jack 159
G
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement 158
L
C
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 157
Low beams, bulb
replacement 153
Lug wrench 159
Changing a tire 159
Changing a wheel 159
Changing the
microfilter 165
Charging the battery 164
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Owner service procedures
199n
Luggage compartment
emergency actuation 166
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
Releasing the fuel filler door
after an electrical
defect 166
Removing condensation
Replace windshield wiper
blades 152
Replacement key 32
Replacing lamp bulbs 153
Replenish washer
T
W
bulb replacement 156
Tailgate, emergency lock
operation 166
Tire changing 159
Tire damage 124
Tools 152
Tow fittings 168
Tow starting 168
Towing 168
Turn signals, bulb
replacement 154
Warning lamps 20
Warning messages 75
Washer fluid, adding 134
Washer nozzles,
adjusting 134
Washer reservoir, filling 134
Wheel changing 159
Windshield wiper blades,
replacing 152
replacement 158
M
Maintenance 140
Malfunction displays 75
Microfilter, change 165
Motion sensor, switching
off 42
reservoir 134
Return used batteries 164
Working in the engine
compartment 130
S
O
Oil
Side lamps
bulb replacement 154
Sliding/tilt sunroof
close in event of electrical
defect 166
Space-saver spare tire 159
Spare key 32
quality 136
specifications 136
viscosity 136
Onboard tool kit 152
U
Use antifreeze for
radiator 138
Used batteries 164
Used engine oil 136
P
Spare tire 159
Pressure, tires 28
Spare wheel 159
Starting problems 115
Switching off tilt alarm/
interior motion sensor 42
V
R
Vanity mirror lamp, bulb
Rear hatch lamp
bulb replacement 157
Rear lamp 156
Release the hood 130
replacement 158
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Refueling
BMW recommends Castrol
So that you will have important
specifications available when you
stop to refuel, we recommend
that you supplement this table
with data which apply to your
vehicle.
Fuel
Designation
Premium Unleaded
Gasoline
AKI: minimum
91
Engine oil
Quality
The oil volume between the
two marks on the oil dipstick
corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter).
Summer
Front Rear
Winter
Tire inflation pressures
Front
Rear
4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
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We wish you an enjoyable
driving experience.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
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