Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. Therefore we have one 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 BMW. The
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical features. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supplemental manuals.
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.
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 specific topics is by using the detailed
index at the end. If you wish to gain an
initial overview of your vehicle, you will
find this in the first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remember to hand over this Owner's Manual
to the new owner; it is an important part
of the vehicle.
If you have any additional questions,
your BMW center will be glad to advise
you.
You can find more information about
BMW, for example on its technology,
on the Internet at www.bmw.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions 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 enable
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 when available.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 64. Identifies functions that can be specifically adapted
for a particular key or vehicle. These
adjustments can be performed either by
yourself or by your BMW center.
On purchasing 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. You can easily identify any differences with the aid of the asterisk
used to identify all optional equipment
and accessories.
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
such as a car radio or telephone, Supplementary Owner's Manuals are
enclosed. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development 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, 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
claims can be recognized on the basis
of the data, illustrations or descriptions
in this Owner's Manual.
For your own safety
Fuels
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
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.
Obey all applicable safety rules when
handling gasoline.
use of modern materials and highperformance electronics, requires specially adapted maintenance and repair
methods. Therefore, only have corresponding work on your BMW carried
out by a BMW center or a workshop
that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If work is carried out
improperly there is a danger of consequential damage and the related safety
<
risks.
Parts and accessories
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 on the
market to determine whether 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 a CB, 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 control to
lock doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to
the 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 automotive 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.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:
>
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>
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 for US models or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Reporting safety defects
The following only applies to vehicles
owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which 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, LLC, P.O. Box 1227,
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227,
telephone toll-free 1-800-831-1117.
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, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 in the
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.
Symbols used 4
Your individual vehicle 5
Status at time of printing 5
For your own safety 5
Symbol on vehicle parts 6
Service and warranty 7
Reporting safety defects 7
Cockpit 14
Instrument cluster 16
Indicator and warning lamps 18
Buttons in steering wheel* 22
identified by
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 lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
are tested for proper
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immediately to prevent overheating and serious engine damage. If the drive 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; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.
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 comply with the
instructions on pages 122 and 134.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Flat Tire Monitor
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 92
●
<
●
●
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
●
cator lamps for ABS
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, DSC and
ADB-X/DBC control system has
failed. Continue driving cau-
tiously and defensively. Avoid
hard brake applications. Please have
the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 86
CBC, ABS, DSC and ADB-X/
DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.
and
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information: refer to
page 67
Please fasten safety belts
Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 51
Airbags
Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 57
●
●
Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center
Automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox
The respective transmission has
responded to a malfunction by reverting
to operation in its emergency default
program. Please consult the nearest
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 69, 73
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Engine oil level
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation: the
engine oil level has fallen to the absolute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than approx.
30 miles/50 km before refilling.
For additional information: refer to
page 132
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity, such as
when you next stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to
page 132
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 122
Flat Tire Monitor
The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-
tioning or out of order. Please
have the system inspected by your
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 92
●
●
Dynamic Stability Control
●
(DSC)
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the
button; DTC is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in case of a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on
page 86
325xi, 330xi:
DSC has been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
ADB-X is operational in its standby
mode. If the indidator lamp fails to go
out when you press the DSC button
again, this indicates a system malfunction affecting both DSC and ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 89
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
and brake warning lamp
The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC/DTC have been switched
off with the button or are faulty.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
Additional information beginning on
page 86
325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction.
There is no provision for deactivating
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 89
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 121
●
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low.
Top off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 132
CHECK GAS CAP*
This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 24
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or 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 138
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
●
Engine electronics
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected by your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 134
●
Green: for your information
●
Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 76
ation via the buttons in the steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 78
The hazard warning triangle is stored in
a storage case on the left side of the
luggage compartment.
Always observe all legal regulations requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the
passenger seat.
To release: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To close: fold the cover up and press it
until the tab engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit have a limited period of use
before expiration. For this reason,
check the expiration dates of each of
the items regularly and replace any
whose expiration dates have passed.
You can purchase replacements in any
drugstore or pharmacy. in any drugstore or pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
tions posted at the service station
when handling fuel.
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.<
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not possible to add fuel with the engine running,
and attempts may also trigger the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol, located on the right side wall of the
luggage compartment.
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the gas cap carefully to prevent fuel from spraying out. Fuel
spray may cause injury.<
Keep the gas cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the
nozzle during refueling
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effectiveness of
the vapor recovery system on the
pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle shuts off the first time.
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
CHECK GAS CAP* lamp.<
Tank capacity
> Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which
> approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Do not drive to the last drop of
fuel. This can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
> Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Checking tire pressures
Tire pressures in psi/kilopascal are
shown on the driver's door post and are
visible when the door is open.
Only check the tire inflation pressures
of cold tires. This means after driving a
maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or after
the vehicle has been parked for at least
2 hours. Warm tires have higher inflation pressures.
In the following tire inflation pressure
table, all pressures are specified in the
standard units of pressure, psi and kilopascal, and apply to cold tires, i.e. tires
at ambient temperature.
After correcting the inflation pressures,
reinitialize the system. Refer to
page 92.
Check the tire pressures on a reg-
ular basis – at least twice a
month – and before every extended
journey. If this is not done, incorrect tire
pressures can cause driving instability
and tire damage, ultimately resulting in
accidents.
Remember to check the inflation pressure in the space-saver or standard
spare tire.
Inflate the spare tire to the highest inflation pressure specified for your vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specifications
The inflation pressures in the table
apply to BMW approved tire sizes and
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center
can provide you with more information
about these. Other pressures may be
required for tires made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.
All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires
cold = ambient temperature
320i205/55 R 16 91 H M+S, 205/55 R 16 91 H,
225/50 R 16 92 W, 225/45 R 17 91 W
225/45 ZR 17
245/40 ZR 17
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load, 205/50 R 17 93 W extra load,
195/65 R 15 91 Q M+S, 205/60 R 15 91 Q M+S,
205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S, 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S,
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load, 225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
325i
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S, 205/55 R 16 91 H,
325xi
225/50 R 16 92 W – not 325xi, 225/45 R 17 91 W
225/45 ZR 17
245/40 ZR 17
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load, 205/50 R 17 93 W extra load,
205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S, 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
330i205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load, 205/50 R 17 93 W extra load,
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load, 225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S,
225/45 R 17 91 W