automatic transmission BMW 325I 2004 User Guide

74
KickdownIn the kickdown mode, you achieve
maximum acceleration and top speed
in position D.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S manual operation and Sport
programMove the selector lever from D to M/S
to activate the Sport program; SD
appears in the display panel. The M/S
mode is recommended for perfor-
mance-oriented driving.
Once in the M/S mode, you can tap the
selector lever to switch the automatic
transmission from the Sport program to
its manual mode.
This mode allows you to execute
upshifts manually by tapping the lever
toward +, while downshifts are selected
by tapping in the – direction. The dis-
plays M1 through M5 appear in the dis-
play panel to indicate your current gear
selection.
The transmission will only execute
upshifts and downshifts that will result
in an appropriate combination of vehi-
cle speed and engine rpm. For
instance, downshifts that would result
in excessive engine speed are not exe-
cuted. The desired, then the actual
gear, briefly appear in the instrument
cluster.
To accelerate quickly in the man-
ual mode for maneuvers such as
passing another vehicle, shift down
manually or employ the kickdown
mode.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever
positions P, R and N is possible only by
going through D.
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*

75
Available displaysP R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
parking brake and turn the engine off –
ignition key to position 0.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
you can place the selector lever in all
positions. However, the vehicle will now
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW center.
Never work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear – for-
ward or reverse – is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the
information beginning on page 153.
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
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79
The speed stored in memory is deleted.To store and maintain speed or to
acceleratePress button + briefly:
The system stores and maintains the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
tap the button, the speed increases by
approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h.
Press and hold button +:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the button, the system
stores and maintains the current speed.
If on a downhill gradient the
engine braking effect is not suffi-
cient, the controlled speed can be
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill
grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient. When cruise control is active, every tap
of the button reduces the speed by
approx. 0.6 mph / 1 km/h.
Press and hold button –:
With the cruise control active, the sys-
tem automatically reduces the throttle
opening to slow the vehicle. When you
release the button, the system stores
and maintains the current speed.To interrupt the cruise controlWhen the system is activated, press the
button. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
whenever you want by calling up the
speed that was stored last.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically:
>When the brakes are applied
>When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal, or when you move the
automatic transmission selector lever
from D to N
>If you exceed or fall below the pro-
grammed speed for an extended
period – by depressing the accelera-
tor, for example.
To recall the stored settingPress button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.
Cruise control*
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91
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*The 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 vehi-
cle speeds below approx. 22 mph /
35 km/h. When driving down steep
hills, the vehicle reduces speed auto-
matically down to about double walking
speed – approx. 7.5 mph / 12 km/h –
and then maintains this speed at a con-
stant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this speed within a range from
approx. 3 mph / 5 km/h to approx.
15 mph / 25 km/h.
In conjunction with the multifunction
steering wheel, you can use the +/–
button to set the cruise control to a tar-
get speed in the range from
approx. 3 mph / 5 km/h to approx.
15 mph / 25 km/h.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
37 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
37 mph / 60 km/h, as well as whenever
you switch off the ignition.
To use HDCVehicles with 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.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
HDC is available for use in all ranges.System malfunctionsAre signaled by the indicator lamp,
which responds to problems by going
out while HDC is in operation or by fail-
ing to come on when you activate the
system:
HDC has been temporarily deactivated
as a result of high brake temperatures.
If the DSC indicator lamp comes
on at the same time:
Malfunction in HDC and DSC
system. Refer the problem to your
BMW center.
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121
General driving notes
Brakes: do not rest your foot on
the brake pedal while driving.
Even light but consistent pedal pres-
sure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.
Hydroplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and 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.
Rear parcel tray: never use it to store
heavy or hard objects; otherwise, occu-
pants could be injured if the vehicle is
braked hard.
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.<
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 the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum 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 87.
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 sys-
tem exploits all the benefits of ABS.Do not reduce the pressure exerted
against the brake pedal until the brak-
ing maneuver has been completed.
DBC is deactivated when you release
the brake pedal.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking dur-
ing high lateral acceleration, or when
braking during a lane change, vehicle
stability is improved and steering
response is enhanced.
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133
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 volumes 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
America 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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155
Towing the vehicle with the front
axle raisedVehicles with automatic transmission:
1. Maximum towing speed: maximum
45 mph / 70 km/h
2. Maximum towing distance: maximum
90 miles/150 km.
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG:
While the ignition is on move the selec-
tor lever to position N, then turn off the
ignition.325xi, 330xi: towing the vehicle
with the front or rear axle raised1. Place the transmission in Neutral
2. Switch off the engine
3. Maximum towing speed:
30 mph / 50 km/h
4. Maximum towing distance:
90 miles/150 km.
Remove the rear driveshaft for
longer towing distances with the
front axle lifted; remove the front drive-
shaft for towing over longer distances
with the rear axle lifted. Failure to com-
ply with this will result in damage to the
transfer box.<
Towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is stored in
the onboard tool kit; be sure that it
remains in the vehicle at all times. It can
be attached at the front or rear of the
vehicle. The towing eyelet should not
be used to pull a vehicle out of deep
snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.
Access to tow socketsFront:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
Towing the vehicle
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162
Weights
320i 325i 325xi 330i 330xi
Curb weight
with manual transmission/SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg3,142/1,425
3,219/1,4603,219/1,460
3,307/1,5003,461/1,570
3,527/1,6003,285/1,490
3,362/1,5253,483/1,580
3,538/1,605
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission/SMG
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg4,200/1,905
4,277/1,9404,277/1,940
4,365/1,9804,520/2,050
4,586/2,0804,343/1,970
4,420/2,0054,541/2,060
4,597/2,085
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,973/895 1,984/900 2,183/990 2,006/910 2,161/980
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,359/1,070 2,425/1,100 2,469/1,120 2,469/1,120 2,491/1,130
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 15.5/440 15.5/440 15.5/440 15.5/440 15.5/440
Approved axle loads and approved gross vehicle weight must never be exceeded.

163
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/63
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specification, refer to page 25
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoirquarts/liters approx. 5.6/5.3 Specifications, refer to page 132
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters 320i, 325i, 330i:
approx. 6.9/6.5
325xi, 330xi:
approx. 6.6/6.2BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications, refer to page 132
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer box and differential–Lifetime lubricant, no oil change
required
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 121
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 72
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 152
Activated-charcoal filter 106
ADB-X Automatic Differen-
tial Brake, all-wheel 89
Adding brake fluid 134
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 98
Air conditioning mode 100
automatic climate
control 104
Air distribution
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 104
Air distribution,
individual 104
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 98, 102
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 25, 124
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
100, 105Air supply
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 104
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 100, 104
Airbags 57
indicator lamp 18, 59
sitting safely 47
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 98, 102
Alarm system 41
avoiding unintentional
alarms 42
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 127
Antifreeze 134
coolant 134
washer fluid 132
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 121
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 32
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 41
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 162
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 162
Armrest
front 108
rear 109Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 110
rear 111
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 87
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 105
AUTO program, refer
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 104
Automatic
air distribution 104
air supply 104
cruise control 78
headlamp control 94
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 102
Automatic curb monitor 54
Automatic Differential Brake,
all-wheel ADB-X 89
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 56
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 105Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 73
indicator lamp 19, 75
interlock 65
selector lever lock 73
shiftlock 73
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 77
Average fuel
consumption 85
Average speed 85
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 42
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 162
B
Backrest, adjusting 49
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 48, 50
Backup lamps 68
bulb replacement 145
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Battery 151
charge 151
disposal 151
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 153
remote control 32, 33
Battery charge current 18