oil level BMW 325I 2005 Owners Manual

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Displays for active cruise control
*53
5Tachometer59
6Energy Control60
7Display for
>Clock59
>Outside temperature59
>Indicator and warning lamps658Display for
>Position of automatic transmission
*47
>Sequential manual gearbox SMG
*45
>Computer60
>Date of next scheduled service, and
remaining distance to be driven63
>Odometer and trip odometer59
>Initializing Flat Tire Monitor72
>Checking engine oil level
*119
>Settings and information61
9Fuel gauge60
10Resetting trip odometer59

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
61
To reset average fuel consumption: press the
button in the turn indicator stalk for approx.
2seconds.
Settings and information
Operating principle
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
2Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
>Calling up computer information60
3When the lights are switched on: instrument
lighting brightness78
4Calling up Check Control65
5Checking engine oil level*119
6Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor72
7Setting the time648Setting the date65
9Viewing service requirement display63
10Setting formats and units of measure,
resetting to factory settings62
11Adjusting settings
>Confirmation signals when locking and
unlocking the vehicle21
>Response during unlocking
procedure20
>Automatic locking22
>Pathway lighting76
>Daytime driving lamps77
>Triple turn signal activation49
>Seat and mirror memory35

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is
available. Your BMW Center will be glad to
advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced
rather than repaired.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW Center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW Center for
more information. Attach snow chains in pairs
and only to the rear wheels. Observe the manu-facturer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
You are not permitted to mount snow chains to
tires of the following sizes:
>255/40 R 17
>255/35 R 18
>255/30 R 19
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page68.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page121
2Washer fluid reservoir for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page503Jump-starting connection, refer to
page132
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
5Reservoir for brake fluid, under the cover of
the microfilter
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at
operating temperature, e.g. after uninterrupted
driving for at least approx. 6.5 miles/10 km. You
can have the oil level displayed while you are
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a
level surface and the engine is running.
You can have the oil level reading displayed in
the instrument cluster.1.Lightly push button 1 in the turn indicator
stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol is shown in the display,
accompanied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2 in the turn indicator stalk.
The oil level is checked and the reading dis-
played.

Under the hood
120
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at
a standstill on a level surface, or about
5 minutes while the car is on the move.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add 1US quart/1liter of engine oil as soon
as possible, refer also to Adding engine oil.
4Oil level is too high.
Too much oil will harm the engine.
Have the vehicle checked without
delay.<
5The oil level sensor is defective.
Do not add engine oil. You can continue
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer
to page123. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add the maximum amount of 1 US quart/
1 liter of engine oil until the following warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, or in
cars with gasoline engines until the oil level
monitor shows "+1qts" or "+1l".
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the warnings on
the containers. Otherwise, health hazards may
result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW Center or at
a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Your BMW Center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 5W-40 and
5W-30 classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is a mixture of water and an additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
are hazardous to your health.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamps light up in red
even though the handbrake has been
released. Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked without
delay.
Display of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
If you continue to drive the car, you may
have to depress the brake more and brak-
ing distances may be significantly longer.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<

Indicator and warning lamps
144Engine speed too high Select a higher gear if the driving situa-
tion permits you to do so.
Active cruise control deactivated:
>Driving stability control systems are
active or
>handbrake is applied or
>the vehicle has not achieved a
speed of 20 mph or 30 km/h or
>engaged gear not suitable for the
speed being driven orKeep a safe distance.
>radar sensor dirty Clean the radar sensor, refer to
page56.
Active cruise control failed Keep a safe distance.
Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failed Have the exterior lighting checked as
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp failed Have the low beams checked as soon
as possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps
checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw adjust-
ment system checked.
Adaptive Head Light failed
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, refer to
page121.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW Center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page119 for more information.
12Cause What to do

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data148
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant121
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery129
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control53
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements63
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control67
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door locking, confirmation
signals21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades114
Draft-free ventilation82,85
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Drive mode46
Drive-off assistant71
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams76
Driving notes98
Driving stability control
systems68
Driving through water99
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes98
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function85
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control68
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control68
– indicator lamps68Dynamic Driving Control46
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps69
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Electric seat adjustment32
Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electronic oil level check119
Emergency call131
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements63
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control60
Energy Control60
Engine
– breaking in98
– data148
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature59
– speed148
– starting43
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off43Engine compartment119
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant121
Engine oil
– adding120
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– checking level119
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements63
Engine output, refer to Engine
data148
Engine speed148
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine43
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control60
Error messages, refer to
Check Control65
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control68
Event data recorders124
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors37
– adjusting37
– automatic dimming
feature99
– automatic heating37
External audio device90
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away133
– for tying down loads101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control65
Failure of an electrical
consumer129
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts36

Everything from A to Z
156 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
First aid pouch131
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock42
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight89
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires116
Flat Tire Monitor FTM71
– indicating a flat tire72
– initializing the system72
– malfunction73
– snow chains72,117
– system limits72
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition115
Fog lamps78
– indicator lamp78,136
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely99
Footwell lamps79
For your own safety5
Front airbags74
Front seat adjustment31
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor71
Fuel106
– display60
– high-quality brands106
– quality106
– specifications106
– tank capacity151
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption60
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel filler door106
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction106Fuses129
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control86
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel106
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level119
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission44
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission47
– with manual transmission44
– with the sequential manual
gearbox SMG45
General driving notes98
Glass sunroof, electric28
– anti-trapping mechanism29
– closing after electrical
malfunction29
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing29
– operation with convenient
access26
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment89
– rechargeable flashlight89
Grills, refer to Air vents80
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights150
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs126
Handbrake44
– indicator lamp44
– manual release22
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight89
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags74
Headlamp control,
automatic76
Headlamp cover126
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,14,136
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs126
Head restraints33
– sitting safely31
Heated
– mirrors37
– rear window81,85
– seats34
Heating80
– mirrors37
– rear window81,85
– seats34
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat84
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo101
Height, refer to
Dimensions149
Height adjustment
– seats32
– steering wheel38
High beams78
– headlamp flasher78
– indicator lamp136
– replacing bulbs126
High water, refer to Driving
through water99
Hills99
Holders for cups90

Everything from A to Z
158
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires117
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system123
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control65
Manual air distribution81
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Manual operation
– door lock22
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Manual release
– fuel filler door106
Manual transmission44
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling83
Maximum speed
– with winter tires117
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory35
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– for air conditioner82
– for automatic climate
control85
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System123
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature99
Mirrors37
– automatic curb monitor37
– exterior mirrors37
– heating37
– interior rearview mirror37Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest89
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest89
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile phone in the vehicle98
Mobile phones, use inside the
car, refer to Mobile phone in
the vehicle98
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor71
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher48
– refer to Wiper system49
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints33
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments90
New tires116
Nose weight150
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles50
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data148
O
OBD socket124
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis124
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications106
Odometer59Oil
– capacity151
Oil, refer to Engine oil119
Oil consumption119
Oil level119
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal129
Onboard tool kit125
Opening and closing
– convenient access25
– from inside22
– from outside20
– using the door lock22
– via the remote control20
Opening and unlocking
– from the inside23
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation82,85
Outlets, refer to Air vents80
Output, refer to Engine
data148
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control84
Outside-temperature
display59
– changing units of
measure62
– in computer62
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature59
Overriding selector lever
lock48
P
Panorama glass roof
– closing after electrical
malfunction29
– convenient operation20
– remote control20
Parking
– vehicle43
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control67
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake44
Parking lamps/low beams76
– replacing bulbs127