steering wheel BMW 325CI 2004 User Guide

76
RReverseSelect only when the vehicle is station-
ary.NNeutralAlways engage before starting the
engine, refer to Starting the engine on
page 72.Sequential modeEach time the engine is started, the
sequential mode is activated as soon as
you move the selector lever into the for-
ward driving position while the brake is
depressed.
The gears are shifted via the shift pad-
dles or the selector lever.
It is also possible to drive off in second
gear, e.g. on snow-covered roads.DDrive modeIn the drive mode all forward gears are
shifted automatically.
To switch from sequential to drive
mode: tap the selector lever to the right
toward D.
For rapid acceleration, e.g. during
passing, depress the accelerator pedal
completely: kickdown.To switch back to sequential mode: tap
the selector lever again to the right
toward D or change the current gear via
the shift paddles or the selector lever.
KickdownYou can achieve maximum acceleration
using kickdown.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
Shifting gearsWith the selector lever:
>To upshift, tap the selector lever
toward +
>To downshift, tap the lever toward —.
With the shift paddles on the steering
wheel:
>To upshift, pull one of the shift pad-
dles
>To downshift, push the paddle.
You accelerate from higher gears, e.g.
during passing, by manually downshift-
ing.
In the following situations, the SMG in
the sequential mode assists you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are only exe-
cuted at appopriate combinations of
engine rpm and vehicle speed. For
Sequential manual gearbox SMG*

84
0Wipers retracted
1Clean windshield and headlampsCleaning windshield and
headlamps*
Do not use the washers if there is
any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield, as your vision
could be obscured. Always use a wind-
shield washer antifreeze in cold
weather. Refer to page 138.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage
to the washer pump.<
The system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
When the vehicle's lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps will also be
cleaned at reasonable intervals.Windshield washer nozzlesThe windshield washer nozzles are
heated automatically* when the ignition
key is in position 2.
Cruise control*You can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 20 mph / 30 km/h.
The cruise control is available whenever
the engine is running and the system
has been activated.To activate the systemIn ignition key position 2:
Press the button in the steering wheel.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on, refer to page 20. You
can now use the cruise control.
Do not use cruise control on twist-
ing roads, when high traffic den-
sity prevents driving at a constant
speed, or when the road surface is slick
– snow, rain, ice – or loose – rocks or
gravel, sand. until the indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Cruise control is also deactivated when
the ignition key is in position 0.
Washer/wiper system/Rain sensor*

95
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-
vide you with advance warning of
sudden and severe tire damage caused
by external factors and does not detect
the balanced and very gradual pressure
loss that takes place in all four tires
over an extended period of time.<
On the other hand, the following situa-
tions can lead to a delayed detection of
pressure loss and even to the system
not functioning:
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery
roads
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at
the drive wheels, high levels of lateral
acceleration
>When driving with snow chains, false
warnings and undetected pressure
losses may occur
>When driving with a space-saver
spare tire, the Flat Tire Monitor can-
not function.
Initializing the system
Each time you correct the pres-
sure in a tire, or change a wheel or
tire, reinitialize the system immediately
afterwards. This requires a bit of driv-
ing.<
1. Before driving off, start the engine
but do not start driving
2. Press the button as long as you need
to until the yellow indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up for a
few seconds
3. Drive off.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat
Tire Monitor can detect a flat tire and
issue a warning.
When driving with snow chains or
a space-saver spare tire, do not
initialize the system.<
Flat tire
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up red. This
visual alert is accompanied by
an acoustic warning signal.
1. Carefully reduce speed and come to
a stop. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2. Determine which wheel is damaged
If this cannot be determined, con-
tact your BMW center.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 153.
After replacing the damaged tire, initial-
ize the system.
Vehicles with Run Flat tires:
1. Carefully reduce your speed to under
50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid sudden
braking and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a speed of 50 mph /
80 km/h
Flat Tire Monitor*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

125
General driving notes
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly even brake failure.
Hydroplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
you do not, a wedge of water may form
between the tires and the road surface.
This phenomenon can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, as well as loss of
vehicle control and braking ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk-
ing speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Clothes hooks, with hardtop: when
hanging clothing from the hooks, be
sure that they will not obstruct the
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they
could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking
during braking, thereby enhancing
active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of ABS system if you apply maximum
pedal pressure – panic stop.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
page 93. The system responds to sud-
den, 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 also exploits the benefits of
ABS. Do not reduce the pressure exerted against the brake pedal until
the braking maneuver has been com-
pleted. DBC is deactivated when you
release the brake pedal.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
opment of ABS. When braking during
cornering with high lateral accelera-
tion, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is improved
and the steering response is enhanced.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

130
Do not drive on a deflated – flat –
tire unless your vehicle is
equipped with Run Flat tires. 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 per-
mitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and internal tire damage.
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. This type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the vehi-
cle's handling characteristics, such as a
pronounced tendency to pull to the left
or right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed. Pro-
ceed carefully to the nearest BMW cen-
ter or professional tire center, or have
the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels or its tires inspected.
Tire damage up to and including sud-
den and complete air loss can endan-
ger the lives of both the vehicle occu-
pants and other road users.<
Tire replacementTo maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures — and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assembly balanced
every time you change a tire or wheel.DOT quality gradesTread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades. 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
1/2 – 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 performance.
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. 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.
Tire condition

132
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
approved by BMW for your particular
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result
despite the use of the same nominal
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires
and wheels on the market, and is thus
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are
mounted.<
For each tire size, BMW has assessed
the safe performance of specific tire
brands and approved them for use.
Consult any BMW center for details.
Comply with any local/national regula-
tions, for example by recording the tire
type in the vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems
that would otherwise be impaired, for
example ABS, DSC and DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for exam-
ple, remount the approved wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire
sidewall.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends the use of winter
tires for operation under winter road
conditions. While all-season tires – with
M+S designation – provide better winter
traction than the corresponding sum-
mer tires, 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 and
with 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. your BMW is eqipped with Run Flat
tires. These are indicated by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on

153
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left to release the
lens
2. Replace the bulb.
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions in the event of
a flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position and engage the
steering lock. Shift into 1st or Reverse,
or if you have an automatic transmis-
sion position the selector lever in Park,
and engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area – behind a guardrail,
for example.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface – snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc. – as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could pre-
vent the jack from extending to its full
height and reduce its support capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. There is otherwise a risk of
fatal injury.<
Your BMW is equipped with a space-
saver spare tire designed for temporary
use in maintaining the vehicle's mobility
in an emergency.
To remove the space-saver spare
tire, lift the floor panel in the lug-
gage compartment completely out,
refer to page 37.<
Lamps and bulbs
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156
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 light-alloy wheels other than original
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
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 45 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.<
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
driving remains possible to a restricted
degree in the event of pressure drop or
even if the tire is deflated.
When mounting or replacing sum-
mer tires with winter tires, or vice
versa, use Run Flat tires since no spare
wheel is available in the event of a flat.
In this event, BMW recommends con-
sulting your BMW center. Your BMW
center has the information needed for
working with Run Flat tires and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.<
Changing a wheel

Everything from A to Z
173
Battery 157
charge 157
disposal 157
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 159
remote control 30, 31
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 56
Beverage holders 115
Blower
air conditioning 104
automatic climate
control 108
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 139
BMW Maintenance
System 142
BMW sports seat 53
Bore, refer to Engine
data 166
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 115
Brake fluid 141
indicator lamp 18, 141
level 141
Brake force display 96
Brake hydraulic system 126
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 151
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 88Brake lights
brake force display 96
Brake pads 126
brake fluid level
18, 126, 141
breaking in 124
disc brakes 126
indicator lamp 19
Brake rotors
brake system 126
breaking in 124
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 125
brake fluid 141
breaking in 124
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 73
Break-in procedures 124
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 149
Bulb, replacing 149
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition
65 warning 143
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 115
Capacities 169Car battery 157
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car telephone
preparation 115
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 116
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 125
warning lamp 19
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Cellular phone 115
Center armrest
front 114Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 152
Central locking system 30
button 34
passenger
compartment 34
Changing a wheel 153
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 88
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 64
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 66
Child-restraint system 64
Chock 154
Cigarette lighter 115
Cigarette lighter socket 116
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 45, 50
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 84
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZFlat tire 153
Flat Tire Monitor 94
space-saver spare tire 153
Flat Tire Monitor 94
indicator lamp 18, 19, 95
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 129
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 138
Fog lamps 99
indicator lamp 20
Follow me home lamps 97
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 125
Front airbags 61
Front fog lamps 99
Front seat adjustment 53
Fuel
display 87
quality 25
volume 169
Fuel consumption
display 91
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 87
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 86
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 87Fuel mixture preparation 166
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 87
Fuel tank capacity 169
Fully-automatic convertible
top 46
activation 46
convenience operation
32, 33
opening, closing 47
remote control 32
Fuses 157
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 112
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 91
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 77, 81
Gear lever
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 79
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 75
Gearbox
manual transmission 74
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 74General driving notes 125
Glove compartment 111
Grills, refer to Ventilation
102, 106
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 168
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 73
Hardtop 127
Hardtop preparation 127
Hardtop, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual 127
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 54
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 84
washer fluid 138, 169
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 97
Headlamp flasher 99
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 149
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 59Heated rear window
air conditioning 104
automatic climate
control 109
Heated seats 58
Heating
exterior mirrors 59
rear window 104, 109
seats 58
Heating and ventilation
102, 106
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 119
Height adjustment
seats 53
steering wheel 59
Height, refer to
Dimensions 167
High beams 82, 83, 99
bulb replacement 150
headlamp flasher 99
indicator lamp 21
Holder for beverages 115
Hood release 134
Horn 14
Hub cap 154
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 125
Hydraulic system
brakes 126
Hydroplaning 125