steering wheel BMW 325I 2002 User Guide

77n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Hill Descent Control (HDC) Ð BMW 325xiThe conceptBy reducing the vehicle's speed on
steep downhill stretches, HDC main-
tains predictable vehicle handling
response to provide you with control of
your BMW during extreme descents.
The vehicle slows to a pace just slightly
faster than walking speed.
HDC is available for activation at
vehicle speeds below approx. 22 mph
(35 km/h). When driving down steep
hills, the vehicle reduces speed auto-
matically down to slightly more than
double walking speed (approx. 8 mph/
12 km/h) and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph
(25 km/h).
In conjunction with the multifunction
steering wheel, you can use the
+/Ð button to set the cruise control to a
target speed in the range from approx.
3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph (25 km/h).
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph (60 km/h).
To activate the systemPress the HDC button; the green indi-
cator lamp integrated within the button
comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes whenever
the system is actively intervening to
control your speed with automatic
brake applications.To deactivate the systemPress the button again, the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
the vehicle accelerates to more than
35 mph (60 km/h) as well as whenever
you switch off the ignition.
To use HDCWith manual transmission:
You should always ensure that either
reverse or first gear is engaged before
using HDC, as the engine's braking
effect is most pronounced in these
gears, and only reduced engine braking
is available in higher gears.
With automatic transmission:
HDC is available for use in all ranges.System malfunctionsSignalled by the indicator lamp, which
responds to problems by going out
while HDC is in operation or by failing
to come on when you activate the
system:
HDC is temporarily not available if
brake temperature is too high.
If the DSC indicator lamp comes
on at the same time:
There is a fault in the HDC and
DSC systems. Have your BMW center
inspect this system as soon as
possible.

105n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving notes Antilock Brake System
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pressure on the
brake pedal can lead to high tempera-
tures, accelerated brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce your speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water may form
between tires and road surface. This
phenomenon can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, 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
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Cargo area cover: never use it to store
heavy or hard objects, as otherwise
occupants could be injured during
braking maneuvers.
Clothes hooks: 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.<
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) 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 the 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.

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 inflation
pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
a frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road-
holding 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 24. If
this is not done, incorrect tire pressures
can cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in an
accident.<
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 pressure

Tire condition

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.
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
Use BMW narrow-link snow chains on
summer or winter tires in pairs only and
only on the rear wheels.
BMW 325xi: in an extreme emergency Ð
for instance, with the vehicle stuck on
one side, or when obstructions 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

129n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheelTailgate lamp5 watt bulb
1. Pull out the bulb holder (arrow)
2. Replace the bulb.
Safety measures 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,
surface. 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
(selector lever in Park with automatic
transmission) 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 instance).
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 local safety guidelines and
regulations.
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
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could
prevent 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 Ð risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW is equipped with a spare tire
or a space-saver spare tire designed for
temporary use in maintaining the
vehicle's mobility in an emergency.
To remove the spare tire, lift the
floor panel in the cargo area
completely out, refer to page 99.<

132n
Changing a wheel
Only use original BMW full wheel
covers, otherwise, the trim piece
may not fit securely. The full wheel
cover may not be installed 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 load of any kind.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the
tightness of the lug bolts checked with
a calibrated torque wrench [torque
specification: 72 lb ft (100 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).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking
response, longer braking distances and
sacrifices in roadholding.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced if winter
tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at a time. Rein-
stall wheels and tires of the same size
and specification as soon as possible.
Maintain correct tire pressures, refer to
page 24.<
Safety tires
*
Safety 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
possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to page 78 or 80.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
With the safety tires, you can drive
another approx. 155 miles (250 km) to
reach a safe parking location, a service
station or the nearest BMW center.
With a low vehicle load, this can also be
considerably more than 155 miles
(250 km).

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 105
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal filter91
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)59
ADB (Automatic Differential
Brake)73
Adding
brake fluid118
coolant117
engine oil115
washer fluid114
Adjusting
backrest41
manual seat41
mirrors47
power seat42
steering wheel46
thigh support41
Air conditioning85
Air distribution86, 89
Air outlets,
ventilation85, 88
Air supply86, 89 Airbags18, 48
sitting correctly40
Alarm system35
Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents117
disposal117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 105
Anti-theft system35
Approved gross vehicle
weight142
Aquaplaning105, 107
Armrest92
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)71
Ashtray
front94
rear95
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)59
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner94
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90 Automatic climate
control88, 89
Automatic cruise control63
Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB)73
Automatic headlight
control82
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)90
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)71
Automatic transmission58
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic18, 58
Average fuel
consumption69
Average speed69
Axle loads142
B
Backrest41
Backup lamps57
bulb replacement127
Battery133
care133
charging133
disposal133 Battery charge current
indicator17
Beverage holder93
Blower86, 89
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil116
BMW Maintenance
System119
BMW sports seat
manual adjustment41
power adjustment42
Bore140
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Brake fluid118
disposal118
Brake lamps
bulb replacement127
Brake pads19
Brake system
brake fluid level106
brake pads106
brake rotors,
corrosion106
defect in hydraulic
circuits106
disc brakes106

A-Z

Everything from A to Z
149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
I
Ice warning68
Icy roads68
Ignition keys28
Ignition lock55
Imprint4
Indicator lamps17
Inflation pressures24, 107
INSPECTION66
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting83
Instrument panel15
Interface socket
for onboard diagnostics
(OBD)121
Interior lamps30, 84
remote control30
Interior motion sensor35
operation via remote
control30
switching off36
Interior rearview mirror47
automatic dimming
feature48
Interlock55
J
Jack129
Jump-starting134 K
Key Memory54
Key set28
Keys28 L
Lamps and bulbs,
replacement125
Lashing eyes100
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement128, 129
LIGHTS ON warning82
Litter bag holder93
Loading and driving
notes100
Load-securing devices100
Lock buttons32
Low beams82
bulb replacement125
Lug wrench129
Luggage cover, refer to
cargo area cover
Luggage rack100
M
M+S tires111
Maintenance66, 119
Malfunction displays67
Manual operation
doors31
fuel filler door22
sliding/tilt sunroof39
tailgate33
Manual seat adjustment41
Manual transmission57
Manually controlled recircu-
lated-air90
Master keys28
Memory settings45
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter87, 91
Mirror defrosting47
Mirror memory45
Mirrors47
Mobile phone94
Modifications,
technical10, 120
Motion sensor, refer to
interior motion sensor35
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
O
OBD interface socket121
Odometer65
Oil
additives115
capacity143
consumption115
quality116
specifications116
viscosity116
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Oil dipstick115
Oil filter change143
OILSERVICE66
Onboard computer68
refer also to the "Owner's
Manual Onboard
Computer"
Onboard tool kit124
Opening and closing
from the inside32
via the door lock31
via the remote control29
Outside temperature
display68

P
Paintwork, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Park assistant70
Park Distance Control
(PDC)70
Parking aid70
Parking brake57
Parking lamps82
bulb replacement126
Partition net97
PDC (Park Distance
Control)70
Phone94
Pocket light92
Power seat adjustment42
Power windows
safety switch38 Q
Quality Grades, tires108
R
Radiator143
Rain sensor61
RDC (Tire Pressure
Monitor)78
Rear backrests, folding97
Rear fog lamps
bulb replacement127
Rear lamps127
Rear reading lamps84
Rear window34
Rear window
defroster86, 90
Rearview mirror47
Recirculated-air mode86
Reclining seat40
Refilling washer
reservoir114
Refueling22
Remote control29
Remove window
condensation87, 89
Replace rear window wiper
blades124 Replace windshield wiper
blades124
Replacement keys28
Reporting safety defects11
Retractable luggage cover,
refer to cargo area cover
Reverse57
Roof load capacity142
Roof-mounted luggage
rack100
S
Safe with safety belts40
Safety belts40
height adjustment44
Safety defects, reporting11
Safety tires109, 132
Seat adjustment40
Seat heating46
Seat memory45
Seat, manually-adjusted40
Securing cargo100
Selector lever, automatic
transmission58
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US
models)119 Service Interval
Display66, 119
Setting temperature86
Shiftlock58
Shoulder strap height
adjustment44
Side airbags48
Side Impact Head Protection
System48
Sitting correctly with
airbags40
Ski bag96
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
electrical malfunction39
manual operation39
Socket for power
appliances94
Sound system91
Spare key28
Spare tire129
Speedometer15
Sports seat
manual adjustment41
power adjustment42
Standing lamps83
Starting problems56
Starting the engine55
Steering wheel46

Everything from A to Z
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Steering wheel lock55
Stopping the vehicle56
Storage compartments92
Stroke140
Switching off the engine56
Symbols8
Synthetic oils116 T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement127
Tailgate33
electrical malfunction33
manual operation33
remote control
operation30
Tank capacity143
Technical data140
Technical
modifications10, 120
Telephone preparation94
Temperature display
outside temperature68
Temperature gauge
engine coolant66 Temperature
layering87, 90
Temperature
settings86, 89
The Automatic Differential
Brake (ADB-X)75
Thigh support41
Third brake light128
Tilt alarm sensor36
operation via remote
control30
switching off36
Tire change129
Tire inflation
pressures24, 107
Tire inflation pressures,
table25
Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)78, 109, 132
Tire pressure, indicator78
Tire pressure,
monitoring78
Tire Quality Grading109
Tire replacement108
Tire tread107
wear indicators (TWI)107 Tools124
Torque140
Tow fittings135
Towing the vehicle135
Trailer weights142
Transmission57
Transmitter keys28
Transporting children
safely51
Tread depth, tires107
Tread wear indicators107
Trip odometer65
Turn signal
indicators20, 60
Turn signals
bulb replacement126
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading109
Use antifreeze, radiator117
V
Vehicle keys28
Vehicle Memory54
Vehicle weight142
Vehicle, starting55
Ventilation85, 88
draft-free87, 90 W

Warning lamps17
Warning messages67
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)119
Washer fluid, adding114
Washer reservoir, filling114
Washing your vehicle, refer
to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Water on roadways105
Weights142
Wheel and tire
combinations110
Wheels and tires107
Windshield washer system
capacity143
filling114