check engine BMW 325xi SEDAN 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

© 2001 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 156 168
US English VIII/01
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit14
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps17
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
Hazard warning triangle22
Refueling22
Fuel specifications23
Tire inflation pressures24

Opening and closing:

Keys28
Central locking system28
Opening and closing Ð via the
remote control29
Opening and closing Ð via the
door lock31
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside32
Luggage compartment lid33
Luggage compartment35
Alarm system36
Electric power windows37
Sliding/tilt sunroof39

Adjustments:

Correct sitting posture41
Seats41
Manual seat adjustment42
Power seat adjustment43
Lumbar support43
Head restraints44
Safety belts45
Seat and mirror memory46
Seat heating47
Steering wheel47
Mirrors48

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags49
Transporting children safely52
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory55

Driving:

Ignition lock56
Starting the engine56
Switching off the engine57
Parking brake58
Manual transmission58
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
Indicator/Headlamp flasher61
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor62
Cruise control64

Everything under control:

Odometer66
Tachometer66
Energy control66
Fuel gauge67
Temperature gauge67
Service Interval Display67
Check Control68
Clock68
Computer69

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)71
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)72
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)73

Contents

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs an operational check
on the indicator and warning lamps
identified with the

l

symbol each time
you switch on the ignition. 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.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

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 immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

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Engine oil pressure


l

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
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<
Brake warning lamp
l
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 106 and 118
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to
pages 78 and 80

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 105
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: 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) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 115
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (next time you
stop to refuel). For additional informa-
tion: refer to page 115
Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 106

Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor

l

Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 24, 78, 80
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)


l

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off with the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in case of a malfunction.
For additional information: beginning on
page 72
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC has been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
ADB-X is operational in its standby
mode. If the warning lamp fails to go
out when you press the DSC button
again, this indicates a system malfunc-
tion affecting both DSC and ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 75

Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) and brake warning
lamp

l

The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC


and ADB/DBC have been
switched off with the button or are defec-
tive.
Please consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 73
BMW 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 75
DSC and ADB indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

l

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible. For addi-
tional information: refer to page 74

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity. For additional information:
refer to page 114
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

l

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 at your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 121.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine electronics

l


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 opportu-
nity. For additional information: refer to
page 117

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signals
are on.
Rapid flashing indicates a system
malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 61
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated: available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 64
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 83

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 61, 83

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling Fuel specificationsSimple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket (arrow)
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
all the way into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness of
the vapor recovery system on the
pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Close the fuel 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
CHECK FILLER CAP lamp
* or the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Tank capacity: approx. 16.6 gal.
(63 liters), incl. a reserve capacity of
approx. 2.1 gal. (8 liters).
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.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval DisplayOnce the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
For information on the fuel tank
capacity, refer to page 143.
Certain operating conditions (such as
those encountered in mountainous
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Shut off the engine immediately
and allow it to cool down.
For instructions on checking the
coolant level, refer to page 117.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector in normal operation.
Remaining distance to serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or INSPEC-
TION, together with the distance
remaining in miles (kilometers) before
the next scheduled service. The
computer bases its calculations of the
remaining distance on the preceding
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.

78n
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels while the vehicle is moving.
The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly
below the specified pressure in one or
more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the
correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires according
to the inflation pressures table on
page 25 and make corrections as
necessary. Then activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if
the tire pressure is not correct.
To activate the system1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not
start the engine)
2 Press the button long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few
seconds
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC
sets the current inflation pressures 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, RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.
In the event of loss in inflation
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the yellow
indicator lamp will come on.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated
to the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
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.<

115n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
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
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.
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.
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.

117n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
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 official specifications.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their original
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. For this
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
engine parts. It could ignite and cause
serious burns.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine
(approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
2. 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, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second
mark on the float (refer also to the
schematic diagram next to the filler
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the
coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do
not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
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.

Service Interval Display

While conventional systems rely on
milage alone to determine when service
is due, the BMW Maintenance System
reflects the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated: some
miles are more strenuous than others.
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumu-
lated in short-distance urban driving are
not the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate cruising speeds in
long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System moni-
tors actual operating conditions as the
basis for defining when the Engine Oil
Service and Inspections I and II are
due.
This service strategy accurately reflects
your own vehicle's specific needs by
defining maintenance intervals
according individual operating condi-
tions. However, drivers who cover only
extremely short distances Ð substan-
tially less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km)
annually Ð should still have the engine
oil changed at least every 2 years, as it
continues to age regardless of whether
the vehicle is used on a regular basis.

Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)

For additional information on specified
maintenance intervals and procedures,
please refer to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US
models), or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
As a precaution against corrosion, if
your vehicle is exposed to potential
damage from unimproved road
surfaces we suggest that you have the
body checked for damage from stone
chips and gravel at the same time.
We recommend that you refer all
maintenance and repair opera-
tions to your BMW center.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models), or in
the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models). These
entries confirm that your vehicle has
benefitted from regular maintenance,
and are also required for warranty
claims.

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The BMW Maintenance System