Brake system BMW 325I 2004 Owner's Manual

131
1Brake fluid reservoir134
2Engine oil dipstick132
3Coolant expansion tank134
4Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system132
5Engine oil filler neck133
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting153Engine compartment essentials
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

134
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in closed original
containers and in a location which is
out of reach of children. Antifreeze and
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.
For this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause serious burns. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
Checking the coolant level and
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape, then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck; see arrow. The end of the float
may stick out by a maximum of
3/4 in / 2 cm – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: the brake fluid
level is too low, refer to page 18.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss results in extended
pedal travel. Refer to the information on
page 122.

135
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by a
BMW center. Refer to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for US
models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its closed original container and in
a location which is out of reach of chil-
dren.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
Brake fluid
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

Everything from A to Z
167
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 51
Beverage holders 108, 109
Blower
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 104
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 133
BMW Maintenance
System 136
BMW sports seat 49
Bore, refer to Engine
data 160
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 108, 109
Brake fluid 134
indicator lamp 18, 134
level 134
Brake force display 93
Brake hydraulic system 122
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 145
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 82
Brake lights
brake force display 93
Brake pads
brake fluid level
18, 122, 134
breaking in 120
disc brakes 122Brake rotors
brake system 122
breaking in 120
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 121
brake fluid 134
breaking in 120
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 67
Break-in procedures 120
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 143
Bulb, replacing 143
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition 65
warning 138
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 108, 109
Capacities 163
Car battery 151
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 32Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car telephone
preparation 110
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 110
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 121
warning lamp 18
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 110
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 146Central locking system 32
button 37
passenger
compartment 37
Changing a wheel 147
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 82
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child safety locks 63
Child seats 60
Child-restraint systems 60
Chock 148
Cigarette lighter 110
Cigarette lighter socket 110
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 the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 78
Clock 83
12-/24-hour mode 83
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
169
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 87
indicator lamp 19, 87
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol 87
indicator lamp 19, 87
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 19, 121
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 87
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 87
indicator lamp 19, 87
E
Electric glass sunroof 44
Electric power windows 43
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 151
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 75
door lock 36
driver's door 36
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 46
luggage compartment
lid 38Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic Sta-
bility Control DSC 87
Emergency call 152
Emergency operation
doors 36
driver's door 36
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 46
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
38, 40
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 80
Energy control 80
Engine
breaking in 120
data 160
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 80, 160
starting 65
switching off 67
Engine compartment 130
Engine coolant 134
adding 134Engine oil
adding 133
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 133
capacity 163
consumption 132
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 133
types 133
viscosity 133
Engine oil level 19
check 132
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 160
Engine speed 80, 160
Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 80
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 87
Exterior mirrors 55
Eyeglasses
compartment 109
Eyelet, towing 155F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 42
Fastening the safety belts 51
Fault displays 82
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flashlight 108
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 108
Flat tire 147
Flat Tire Monitor 92
space-saver spare tire 147
Flat Tire Monitor 92
indicator lamp 18, 19, 93
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 124
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 132
Fog lamps 96
indicator lamp 20
Folding rear backrest 112
Follow me home lamps 94
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 121
Front airbags 57
Front center armrest 108
Front fog lamps 96
indicator lamp 20
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZFuel
display 81
quality 25
volume 163
Fuel consumption
display 80, 85
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 81
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 80
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 81
Fuel mixture preparation 160
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 81
Fuel tank capacity 163
Fuses 151
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 85
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 71, 75Gear lever
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 69
Gearbox
manual transmission 68
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 68
General driving notes 121
Glass sunroof
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 46
convenience operation
34, 36
remote control 33, 34
Glass sunroof, electric 44
Glove compartment 107
Grills, refer to Ventilation
98, 102
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 162
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 67
Hands-free system 110
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 107
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
HDC Hill Descent Control 91Head airbags 57
Head restraints 51
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 78
washer fluid 132, 163
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 94
Headlamp flasher 95
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 143
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 55
Heated rear window
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 105
Heated seats 54
Heating
exterior mirrors 55
rear window 100, 105
seats 54
Heating and ventilation
98, 102
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 115
Height adjustment
seats 48, 50
steering wheel 55
Height, refer to
Dimensions 161High beams 76, 95
bulb replacement 143
headlamp flasher 95
indicator lamp 21
Hill Descent Control
(HDC) 91
Holder for
beverages 108, 109
litter bag 109
Hood release 129
Horn 14
Hub cap 148
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 121
Hydraulic system
brakes 122
Hydroplaning 121
I
Ice warning 84
Ignition 65
Ignition key 32
positions 65
Ignition lock 65
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18

Everything from A to Z
171
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 42
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 81
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 93
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 81
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 104
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 64
Inflation pressure 124
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 92
Inflation pressure, tires 25
INSPECTION 82
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 95
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 138
Interior lamps 96
remote control 34Interior motion sensor 41
switching off 42
Interior rearview mirror 56
automatic dimming
feature 56
Interior temperature
adjusting 100, 104
Interlock, refer to Steering
wheel lock 65
Intermittent
mode, wipers 77
Interval
display, service 82
J
Jack 147
Jacking points 148
Jump-starting 153
K
Key Memory 64
Keys 32
with remote control 32
Kickdown 70, 74
L
Lamp defect 143
Lamps and bulbs 143
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 114
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 116Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 116
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 62
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 96
Length, refer to
Dimensions 161
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 147
Light switch 94
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 96
Lighter 110
LIGHTS ON warning 94
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 94
Litter bag holders 109
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 114
Loading
vehicle 114
Load-securing devices 116
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 37
Lock, steering wheel 65
Locking
from inside 37
from outside 33, 36Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 37
from outside 33, 36
Low beams 94
automatic 94
bulb replacement 143
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 82
Lug bolts 148
key 148
torque 148
Luggage compartment
capacity 162
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 38
floor mat 41
floor panel 40
lid 38
lighting 38
opening from outside 38
opening, remote
control 34
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 38
remote control 34
volume 162
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
173
Onboard tool kit 142
Opening and closing
from inside 37
from outside 33
via door lock 36
via remote control 33
Outlets, ventilation 98, 102
Outside temperature dis-
play 84
changing unit of
measure 84
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panel lighting 95
Panic mode – trigger
alarm 34
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 86
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 86
Parking brake 67
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 94
bulb replacement 144
Parking lamps/Low
beams 94
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 54
PDC Park Distance
Control 86
Pinch protection
glass sunroof 45
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Please fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 101
Pollen, refer to Mircrofil-
ter/Activated-charcoal fil-
ter 106
Power output, refer to
Engine data 160
Power seat 50
Power windows
safety switch 44
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 92
Pressure, tires 25, 124
Protective function
electric power windows 43
Putting the vehicle into stor-
age
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochureR
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master key with
remote control 32
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 77
Raising the floor panel 40
Range 85
Reading lamps
front 96
rear 96
Rear armrest, refer to Rear
center armrest 109
Rear backrest, folding 112
Rear center 3-point safety
belt 112
Rear center armrest 109
Rear lamps
bulb replacement 145
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 82
Rear window defroster
air conditioning 100
Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 105
Rearview mirror 55
Receiving assistance 152Recirculated-air mode
air conditioning 100
automatic climate
control 105
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
100, 105
Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 48, 50
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Releasing
hood 129
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 82
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 85
Remote control 33
luggage compartment
lid 34
malfunction 34
Replacement key 33
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 143
Replacing tires 125
Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 60
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 51
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZReverse
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 73
SMG gearbox 70
Reverse gear
manual transmission 68
Roller sun blind 106
Roof load capacity 162
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 117
Run Flat tires 126, 150
S
Safe seating position 47
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 52
Safety belts 51
sitting safely 47
warning lamp 18
Safety feature
glass sunroof 45
Safety precautions 5
Safety switch for rear win-
dows 44
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 121
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 87
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 142Seat adjustment 48
BMW sports seat 49
mechanical 48
power 50
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 51
Seat heating 54
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 53
Seat positions, storing 53
Seats 48
Securing cargo 116
Securing the vehicle
from inside 37
from outside 33, 36
Selector lever
automatic transmission 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 69
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock 69, 73
Selector lever positions
automatic transmission 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 69
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG 69
indicator lamp 19
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 136
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp 19Service interval display
82, 136
Shift paddles 70
Shifting gears
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 70
Shiftlock 69
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection 73
Side airbags 57
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 145
Sitting safely
with airbags 47
with safety belts 47
Size 161
Ski bag 113
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Electric glass sunroof 44
SMG sequential manual
gearbox 69
indicator lamp 19
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 110
Snow chains 128
Socket, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 110
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 152Space-saver spare tire
changing a wheel 147
Spare key 32
Spare tire 147
Spare wheel 150
Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
SPORT button 72
Sport program
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 74
Sports seat 49
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 87
Standing lamps 95
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 153
temperature 65
Starting help DSC 87
Starting the engine 65
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 65
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 65
Steering wheel, adjusting 55
Steptronic, refer to Manual
operation 74
Storage compartments 108
Storage nets 108