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
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish to gain only an initial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
The detailed list of contents that directly follows the summary of contents is
intended to stimulate your curiosity regarding your BMW and to encourage
you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remember to hand over the Owner's Manual to
the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.
If you have any questions, an authorized BMW center will be glad to advise
you.
tions that must be followed precisely in order to avoid the possibility of
personal injury and serious damage to
<
the vehicle.
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enables
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.
<
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-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.
<
<
<
The individual vehicle
On buying your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.
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
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.
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.
containing up to and including
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 respecting defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, additives, 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 environmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems 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.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
<
you are handling gasoline.
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workmanship.
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.
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.
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 transceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkietalkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise 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.
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.
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
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
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.
immobilizer 33
Central locking system 34
Opening and closing –
from the outside 34
Opening and closing –
from the inside 38
Tailgate 38
Controls and features
Cargo area 40
Alarm system 41
Electric power windows 43
Sliding/tilt sunroof 44
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
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
Cruise control 71
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
Computer 76
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 78
Automatic Stability Control plus
Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
●
that are identified by "
proper functioning whenever the ignition key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
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.
" are tested for
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current ●
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
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
V-belt is defective, increased steering
effort is also required.
Engine oil pressure ●
Stop the vehicle immediately
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.
<
<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) ●
In addition, an acoustic signal
will go off: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.
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 the brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indicator lamps for ABS and ASC+T/
DSC:
Then the entire ABS, CBC,
ASC+T/DSC and ADB/ADB-X/
control system has failed.
DBC
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
pages 79, 80.
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/ADB-X/DBC indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
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 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.
Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center
Automatic transmission
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 65, 67.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ●
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is available without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 117.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
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.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the
earliest opportunity (when you stop to
refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 135
Brake pads ●
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 120.
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) ●
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 operational.
In the event of a fault, please consult
the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer
page 79.
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.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp ●
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC
switched off by means of the button or
are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 79.
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.
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC indi-
cator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low.
Top up at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 134.
Service Engine Soon ●
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 149.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
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.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top
off the coolant at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 137.
*
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated. Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 68.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 71.
Fog lamps
Comes on whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 68, 88.
The controls integrated in the multifunction 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.<
Refer to the individual accessory
manuals for more detailed descriptions.
460de326
1 Press briefly:
Receive a call, start dialing, terminate
a call
Press longer:
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.<
Refer to the individual accessory
manuals for more detailed descriptions.
463de057
1 Radio/Cellular phone: select
2 Press briefly:
Receive a call, start dialing, terminate
a call
Press longer:
The button flashes intermittently when
the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an
emergency, the button is also illuminated whenever the vehicle's lamps
are on.
The turn signal indicator function
takes priority over the hazard
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.<
463de035
The hazard warning triangle is stored
on the left-hand side of the luggage
compartment behind the cover panel.
To open: press the button (arrow) and
remove the cover.
Comply with legal requirements
for keeping a hazard warning
triangle in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the front
passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To close: fold the cover up.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
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.
Comply with legal requirements for
keeping a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
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.<
460de004
Fuel filler door
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.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 166.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precautions 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.<
460de005
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Place the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during
refueling
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the vapor
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.
of leaded fuels will cause permanent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
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. Incorrect tire pressure can otherwise lead to
tire damage and accidents.
Inflate the spare tire to the highest tire
inflation pressure specified for your
vehicle.<
460de163
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 pressure, reactivate the system. Refer to
page 85.
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.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.
BMWTires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
All summer tires and
the all season tire
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
325
325xi
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.