load BMW 325i TOURING 2003 E46 User Guide

117 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressureInformation for your safetyThe factory-approved tires are matched
to your vehicle and have been selected
to provide optimum safety and driving
comfort when used properly.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all else
– driving safety that depend on the con-
dition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire inflation pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a fre-
quent cause of tire damage. It also sig-
nificantly influences the roadholding
ability of your BMW.
Be sure to check the tire inflation
pressure, including the space-
saver spare tire or the spare tire, on a
regular basis, at least twice a month
and before every extended journey,
refer to page 25. If this is not done,
incorrect tire pressures can cause driv-
ing instability and tire damage, ulti-
mately resulting in an accident.<
Tire conditionTire tread – tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 1/8 in / 3 mm, even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is 1/16 in / 1.6 mm.
Below 1/8 in / 3 mm tread depth, there
is a great risk of hydroplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road. Tread wear indicators – see arrow
– are embedded in the base of the tire's
tread. Their locations are indicated by
the letters TWI – Tread Wear Indicator –
at various points on the tire's shoulder.
When the tread reaches a depth of
1/16 in / 1.6 mm, these indicators
appear and signal that the tires have
worn to the minimum legal level.
Do not drive 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.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage to the
inside of the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
damaged tire or some other vehicle
malfunction. This type of problem can
be caused by contact with curbs, etc.
This is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
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119
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.<Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
BMW advises against using
retreaded tires, since driving
safety may be impaired. This is due to
the possible variations in casing struc-
tures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT... 3502 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 35 of the year
2002.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires – including the spare tire* –
when the tires are no more than 6 years
old, even if a tire life of 10 years is pos-
sible.Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains pos-
sible to a restricted degree. The vehicle
is equipped with a Tire Pressure Moni-
tor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor, which
indicate a flat tire. For additional infor-
mation on the Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 85 or 86.
Run Flat tires are only possible in
conjunction with the Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Moni-
tor.<
Tire replacement
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144
13. Wheels with full wheel covers*:
place the wheel cover with the
valve opening – see arrow – over
the valve. Use both hands to press
the cover securely onto the rim
14. Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM)/Flat Tire Monitor: after
mounting the spare tire or correct-
ing the inflation pressure, reinitial-
ize the system, refer to page 85
or 86.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty
valve stems frequently lead to slow
pressure loss.
Do not attempt to install the full
wheel cover on the space-saver
spare tire, since this could damage the
cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any other type of load.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the
tightness of the torque bolts checked
with a calibrated lug wrench – torque
specification: 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm – at the
earliest opportunity.<
When storing a wheel in the spare tire
recess, take care to avoid bending the
threaded rod.
If the original BMW light-alloy wheels
have been replaced with other light-
alloy wheels, different lug bolts may be
required.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.
Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Be aware that vehicle handling may be
altered. Anticipate, e.g., reduced track-
ing during braking, longer braking dis-
tances, and changed steering charac-
teristics when approaching limit
conditions. These handling characteris-
tics will be even more pronounced if
winter tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time.
Mount a wheel and tire of the original
size at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.<Driving with a spare tire*
For certain wheel/tire combina-
tions, the size of the spare tire will
differ from that of the remaining tires.
The spare tire is fully functional at all
loads and speeds. However, the spare
tire should be replaced at the earliest
possible opportunity in order to achieve
the original operating conditions.<
Changing a wheel
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145
Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-
wall with a circular symbol containing
the letters RSC. Run Flat tires consist of
self-supporting tires and special rims.
The tire reinforcement ensures that the
tire retains some residual safety in the
event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
The vehicle is equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire
Monitor, which indicate a flat tire.
Because the sides of Run Flat
tires are reinforced, a drop in infla-
tion pressure usually cannot be
detected from the outside.<
Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. This visual alert
is accompanied by an acoustic warning
signal.
Additional information on the Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor
is found beginning on page 85.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph / 80 km/h, avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
If the defective wheel is not immedi-
ately recognizable on the outside,
check the tire pressure at all four
wheels.
Have Run Flat tires replaced by
your BMW center. In the interest
of safety, Run Flat tires should not be
repaired. Your BMW center has the
information needed for working with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your
BMW center to reequip your vehi-
cle from summer to winter tires – or vice
versa.<
Driving with a damaged tireRun Flat tires allow you to continue
driving to a restricted degree at a maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h
depending on the cargo load and the
extent of tire damage. You can deter-
mine the distance you may continue
driving on the basis of the following val-
ues:
>Tire inflation pressure of
0 psi/0 kilopascal (kPa):
approx. 100 miles/150 km
>Tire inflation pressure of approx.
7-15 psi/50-100 kPa:
approx. 300 miles/500 km
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi/100 kPa:
approx. 600 miles/1,000 km.
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Be
aware that vehicle handling will be
altered when there is a loss in inflation
pressure. Anticipate, e.g., reduced
tracking during braking, longer braking
distances and changed steering char-
acteristics.<
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146
BatteryMaintenanceThe battery is absolutely maintenance-
free, that is, the original electrolyte will
normally last for the service life of the
battery under moderate climatic condi-
tions.
Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. Since the bat-
tery is absolutely maintenance-free, the
following is for your information only.<
Never disconnect the battery
when the engine is running; the
ensuing voltage surge would seriously
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronic systems.<Charging the batteryWhen charging the battery in the vehi-
cle, leave the engine off at all times.
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment. For
terminal locations, refer to Jump-start-
ing on page 147.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting during trans-
port.<
FusesYou will find the fuses and information
on their respective allocation in the
glove compartment behind a panel with
two snap clips.
Do not attempt to repair a blown
fuse or replace it with a fuse
having a different color or amperage
rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.<
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154
Weights
BMW 325i BMW 325xi
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg3,362/1,525
3,450/1,5653,594/1,630
3,627/1,645
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg4,509/2,045
4,597/2,0854,696/2,130
4,729/2,145
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,984/900 2,139/970
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,668/1,210 2,657/1,205
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 15.4-57.1/435-1,617 15.4-57.1/435-1,617
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight must never be exceeded.
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Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
18, 115
Accessories 4, 5
Activated-charcoal filter 100
ADB Automatic Differential
Brake 78
Adding brake fluid 129
Air conditioning 92
Air distribution 94, 98
Air nozzles 92, 96
Air outlets 92, 96
Air pressure 117
check 25
Air supply 94, 98
Airbags 18, 52
Alarm system 37
Antifreeze agent 128
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
18, 115
Anti-theft system 37
Armrest 102
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 18,
19, 78
Ashtray
front 104
rear 104
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 99Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 96
Automatic cruise control 69
Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB) 78
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 51
Automatic headlamp
control 89
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 99
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 18,
19, 78
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 19, 63
Average fuel
consumption 76
Average speed 76
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 38
Axle loads 154
B
Backrest, adjusting 44, 45
Backup lamps 62
replacing bulb 139
Battery
charge 146
discharged 146Battery charge current 18
Belts 47
Beverage holder 103
Blower 94, 98
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 127
BMW sports seat 45, 46
Bore 152
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 103
Brake hydraulic system 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 139
Brake pads 19
Brake, parking 61
Brakes, malfunctions 116
Break-in procedures 114
Bulb, replacing 137
C
California Proposition 65
warning 132
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 103
Capacities 155
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for RadioCar telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 104
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cargo area 36, 107
capacity 154
emergency operation 35
floor 36
floor panel 109
remote control 32
Cargo area cover 107
Cargo area lamps 34
Cargo loading 109
Cargo, securing 110
Cassette player operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 18, 115
CD player operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio
Cellular phone 103
Center armrest 102
Center high-mount brake
lamp 140
Central locking system 30
button 34
Charge indicator lamp 18
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Everything from A to Z
161
N
Navigation System, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest 47
O
OBD interface socket 132
Obstruction protection 39
Odometer 71
Oil
capacity 155
quality 127
viscosity 127
Oil additives 127
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 126
Oil dipstick 126
Oil filter change 155
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 73
Oil types 127Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 92, 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 75
P
Panic mode 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 77
Parking aid 77
Parking brake 61
Parking lamps 89
replacing bulb 138
Partition net 107
PDC Park Distance
Control 77
Pocket flashlight 102
Pollen 95, 100
Power output 152
Power seat 46
Power windows
safety switch 40
Pressure, tires 25, 85, 117
monitoring 85
R
Radiator 155Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 67
Range 76
Reading lamps
front 91
rear 91
Rear lamps 139
Rear window defroster
94, 99
Rearview mirror 50
Recirculated-air mode
94, 99
Reclining seat 44
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 72
Reverse 62
Roof load capacity 154
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 111
Run Flat tires 119, 145
S
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 48
Safety feature 39
Safety instructions 5Seat adjustment 44
mechanical 44
power 46
Seat heating 49
Seat memory 48
Securing cargo 110
Securing devices 110
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 63
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
Service interval display
73, 130
Shiftlock 63
Side airbags 52
Size 153
Ski bag 106
Sliding/tilt sunroof 40
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 31
remote control 32
Snow chains 121
Socket 104
Spare key 30
Spare tire 141
Speedometer 16
Sports seat 45
Standing lamps 90
Starting problems 59
Starting the engine 59
Steering wheel lock 59
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