steering BMW 325CI 2004 Owner's Manual

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

139
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower
mark on the dipstick.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the operation
and service life of an engine. Based on
extensive testing, BMW has approved
only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If an approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil should be unavailable, you
may use small amounts of other syn-
thetic oils for topping up between oil
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils that have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit
this website: www.bmwusa.com to
obtain this information.
Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These kinds of oil may be used for driv-
ing in all ambient temperatures.
Engine oil
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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
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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

157
Driving with a damaged tireDepending on the cargo load, Run Flat
tires allow you to continue driving at a
maximum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. If
there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire dam-
age, you can determine the distance
you may continue driving based on the
following values:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 150 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full;
or 4 persons without luggage:
approx. 100 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 persons, luggage compartment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 45 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.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
not having damaged Run Flat tires
repaired. In this case, consult your
BMW center.<
BatteryMaintenanceThe battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions.
Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. 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 159.Disposal
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.<
Run Flat tires*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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

Everything from A to Z
177
I
Ice warning 90
Ignition 71
Ignition key 30
positions 71
Ignition lock 71
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 39
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 87
DSC 19
Fasten safety belts 18
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 95
fog lamps 20
reserve 87
rollover protection
system 19
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 108
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 70
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 94
Inflation pressure, tires
25, 129INSPECTION 88
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 98
Instrument panel 14
Integrated universal remote
control 112
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 143
Interior lamps 100
remote control 32
Interior motion sensor 38
switching off 32, 39
Interior rearview mirror 60
automatic dimming
feature 60
Interior temperature, adjust-
ment 104, 108
Interlock, refer to Steering
wheel lock 71
Intermittent
mode, wipers 83
Interval
display, service 88
J
Jack 153
Jacking points 154
Jump-starting 159
K
Key Memory 70Keys 30
with remote control 30
Kickdown 76, 80
L
Lamp defect 149
Lamps and bulbs 149
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 118
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 120
Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 120
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 66
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 100
Length, refer to
Dimensions 167
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 153
Light switch 97
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 100
Lighter 115
LIGHTS ON warning 97
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 97Load, refer to Cargo
loading 118
Loading
vehicle 118
Load-securing devices 120
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 34
Lock, steering wheel 71
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Low beams 97
automatic 97
bulb replacement 149
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 88
Lug bolts
key 154
torque 154
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZLuggage compartment
capacity 168
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 35
enlarge volume 37
floor panel 37
lid 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote
control 32
opening/closing, refer
to Luggage compartment
lid 35
remote control 32
volume 168
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency operation 35
emergency release 36
indicator lamp 88
opening from inside the
vehicle 35
opening from outside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
unlocking manually 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 121
Lumbar support 54M
Maintenance 88, 142
Maintenance system 142
Making telephone calls,
refer to the telephone
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
convertible top 48
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 88
Manual convertible top 41
closing 44
opening 42
operation 41
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 35
power convertible top 48
Manual transmission 74
Master keys 30
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 57Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 70
Microfilter
air conditioning 105
automatic climate
control 110
Microphone, refer to Cellular
phone 115
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 59
heated 59
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 57
Mobile Service 158
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Multifunction steering
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 82, 83
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 54
Nets 114Nozzles, refer to Ventilation
102, 106
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
the vehicle 161
O
OBD interface socket 143
Odometer 86
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 139
capacity 169
dipstick 138
quality 139
specified engine oils 139
viscosity 139
Oil change intervals, refer
to Service interval
display 142
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 138
Oil dipstick 138
Oil filter change 169
Oil level
checking 138
indicator lamp 18

Everything from A to ZRollover protection
system 68
indicator lamp 19
lowering 68
Roof load capacity 168
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 121
Rope, refer to Towing the
vehicle 161
Run Flat tires 131, 156
S
Safe seating position 52
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 56
Safety belts 56
seat-integrated safety belt
system 55
sitting safely 52
warning lamp 18
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 125
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 93
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 148
Seat adjustment 53
BMW sports seat 53
power 53
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 56Seat heating 58
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 57
Seat positions, storing 57
Seats 53
Securing cargo 120
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 66
Securing the vehicle
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Selector lever
automatic transmission 79
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 75
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock 75, 79
Selector lever positions
automatic transmission 79
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 75
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG 75
indicator lamp 19
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 142
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
88, 142
Shift paddles 76Shifting gears
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 79
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 76
Shiftlock 75
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection 79
Side airbags 61
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 151
Sitting safely
with airbags 52
with safety belts 52
Size 167
Ski bag 117
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector 50
SMG sequential manual
gearbox 75
indicator lamp 19
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 115
Snow chains 133
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 158
Space-saver spare tire
changing a wheel 153
Spare key 30
Spare tire 153
Spare wheel 156
Special oils 139Specified oils 139
Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
SPORT button 78
Sport program
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 80
Sports seat 53
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 93
Standing lamps 99
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 159
temperature 71
Starting help DSC 93
Starting the engine 71
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 71
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 71
Steering wheel, adjusting 59
Steptronic, refer to Manual
operation 80
Storage compartments 114
Storage nets 114
Storing seat positions,
refer to Seat and mirror
memory 57
Storing tires 132