service BMW 320i 2002 User Guide

67n
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.

74n
DSC
* Ð BMW 320i, 325i, 330i
Switch DSC off/activate ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC is deactivated; ADB is operational.
In the following rare situations, it may
prove useful to deactivate the ADB for a
brief period:
>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.
Under these special circumstances
traction is increased by deactivating the
control systems that enhance traction
under normal conditions.
Switch the DSC and ADB offHold the DSC button down for at least
3 seconds. The indicator and the yellow
brake warning lamps will remain on
continuously.
The systems for enhancing stability and
traction are deactivated, and there is no
active braking intervention or torque
control.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC
switched on whenever possible. lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the
system as an excuse for taking risks.
When ADB is in its standby mode, DSC
is deactivated; DSC does not intervene
to enhance vehicle stability under these
conditions.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the
DSC system.
The system responds to sudden, high-
intensity applications of force to the
brake pedal by automatically braking
the vehicle with maximum boost to
achieve the shortest-possible braking
distances during "panic stops." This
system exploits all the benefits of ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure exerted
against the brake pedal until the
braking maneuver has been completed.
DBC is deactivated when you release
the brake pedal.

76n
DSC Ð BMW 325xi, 330xiTo reactivate DSCPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the
system as an excuse for taking risks.
DSC does not intervene to enhance
vehicle stability when it is switched off.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<

103n
Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs
Data
Index
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index
Technical data

104n
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide maximum economy throughout
an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the
following instructions.
Engine and differentialThe first 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle
and engine speed during these initial
miles while remembering to avoid
engine speeds in excess of 4,500 rpm
and/or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph
(160 km/h):
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
After the initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km)
you can gradually increase both engine
and vehicle speeds.
Please remember to observe these
same break-in procedures if either the
engine or the differential is replaced
later in the course of the vehicle's
service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
We thus ask you to drive with extra care
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official 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 hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads. elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service
life later on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance); use caution to
avoid posing a danger to other road
users. You can prevent corrosion in the
drums by periodically repeating this
procedure.
The rear brake lamps do not come
on when you apply the parking
brake.
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 Ð when
towing, for example Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. elapse before the clutch starts to
operate at optimum efficiency.
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures

106n
Brake systemBrake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. It may be necessary to
apply higher levels of pressure to the
pedal when stopping and braking
distances may also be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly. with the vehicle parked or in storage,
and operating conditions in which
braking is restricted to gentle, low-
pressure applications will all increase
the tendency for corrosion to form on
the rotors; this is often accompanied by
a simultaneous accumulation of
contamination on the brake pads. The
pads must exert a certain minimal level
of pressure against the rotors for the
disc brakes' inherent self-cleaning
effect to remain effective; the pressure
available under the above conditions
may not provide adequate cleansing.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
pose a hazard to you or to other road
users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors
to ensure that your brake system will
respond with undiminished efficiency
when you need it.
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the
approved engine-speed range, refer to
page 66.Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion in neutral. Do not coast with the
engine shut off. The engine provides no
braking effect when the clutch is
depressed and there is no power-assist
for braking or steering when the engine
is not running.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: always refer all
brake inspection and service work to
your BMW center, as failure to observe
the special procedures could result in
damage to brake system components.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that the manufacturer
has released for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer cannot eval-
uate 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.<

107n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
a frequent cause of tire damage.
Tire pressure also has a major effect on
your BMW's handling response. 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 24.
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
lead to poor handling, to tire damage
and accidents.<
Tire tread Ð 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 0.12 in (3 mm), even though the
legally specified minimum tread depth is
0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear indicators
(arrow) are embedded in the base of the
tire's tread. Their locations are indicated
by the legend TWI Ð Tread Wear Indicator
Ð at various points on the tire's shoulder.
When the tread reaches a depth of
0.063 in (1.6 mm), these indicators
appear to signal that the tires have worn
to the minimum legal level. 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.
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 inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The 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.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire inflation pressures

Tire condition

108n
Tire condition Tire replacementTire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete air loss) can
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users. response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer.
DOT Quality GradesTread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1 g) 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.
TractionThe 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.
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.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
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.
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 vehicle tires must meet

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacementunder 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 Grading Quality 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
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired.
This is due to the possible variations in
casing structures 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 ... 4101 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 41 of the year
2001.
Although tires may have a theoretical
service life of up to 10 years, BMW
strongly recommends that you replace
all tires after an absolute maximum of
6 years.
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consists of self-contained
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
possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to pages 78 or 80.
Safety tires are only possible in
conjunction with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(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.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are
intended for mounting on summer or
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels
only.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in an extreme emer-
gency Ð for instance, with the vehicle
stuck on one side, or when obstruc-
tions make it impossible to reach one
tire Ð a chain may also be mounted on
just one tire for the limited period
needed to resolve the problem.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17