manual transmission BMW 325I 2006 User Guide

Technology for driving comfort and safety
86 The warning lamps come on. xDrive
has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
The warning lamps come on. xDrive
and DSC have failed.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Hill Descent Control HDC 325xi, 330xi
HDC is a downhill driving assistant that reduces
your speed on steep downhill gradients and
makes it even easier to control your BMW's
handling under these conditions. The vehicle
then moves slightly faster than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically
reduced to slightly more than double walking
speed and maintained.
Increasing or decreasing speed
By accelerating or braking you can change the
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph,
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range using the cruise control stalk.
1To increase speed
2To decrease speed
Activating HDC
Press the button; the indicator lamp lights up.
The indicator lamp flashes when the vehicle is
being braked automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
HDC is deactivated instantly above a speed of
approx. 35 mph or 60 km/h, or approx.
10 seconds after the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.

Things to remember when driving
116
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Attempt to vary both engine and vehicle
speeds, but refrain from exceeding an engine
speed of 4,500 rpm or a driving speed of
100mphor 160km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period, page57.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the luggage compartment
lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air flow rate of the automatic
climate control considerably, refer to
page99.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage.<
Mobile phone in the vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-

Driving tips
117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
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 sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page195.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
On uphill slopes, drive off without delay.
Do not hold the vehicle in place by
depressing the accelerator pedal; apply the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, the transmis-
sion could overheat.<
Also use the drive-off assistant, refer to
page87.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<

Things to remember when driving
118 You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page58.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page36.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available

Giving and receiving assistance
214 headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. If the
electrical system fails, do not attempt to tow-
start or tow away the car. The electric steering
wheel lock cannot be disengaged and the car is
not steerable. Jump starting, refer to page212.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page57.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
With the ignition switched on, engage selector
lever position N, and then switch the ignition
back off.
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
323i*, 325i, 330i
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi, 330xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page212.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page212.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page52.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual gearbox SMG:
1.Have the vehicle tow-started with the selec-
tor lever in position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear is
automatically engaged.
325xi, 330xi: do not activate Hill Descent
Control HDC when the vehicle is being
tow-started, page86.<

Technical data
220
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
323i (Canada)325i325xi
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,274/1,485 3,285/1,490 3,560/1,615
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,329/1,510 3,351/1,520 3,605/1,635
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,332/1,965 4,343/1,970 4,619/2,095
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,387/1,990 4,409/2,000 4,663/2,115
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,083/945 2,072/940 2,282/1,035
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,403/1,090 2,425/1,100 2,480/1,125
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 16.2/460 16.2/460 16.2/460
330i330xi
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,417/1,550 3,627/1,645
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,450/1,565 3,671/1,665
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,475/2,030 4,685/2,125
> with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,508/2,045 4,729/2,145
Load lbs/kg 1,058/480 1,058/480
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,138/970 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,469/1,120 2,513/1,140
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 16.2/460 16.2/460

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio device,
external107,162
"Audio" tone settings145
"Auto. headlamps"94
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air flow rate98
– cruise control60,62
– headlamp control93
– service notification179
– storing of stations149
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
– settings via iDrive98
Automatic curb monitor46
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control99
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic station search149
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– interlock57
– overriding selector lever
lock58
– shiftlock57
– sport program58
"Automatic ventilation"101
AUTO program for automatic
climate control98
"Autostore"
– on the radio150
AUX-IN162
– port107
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units73
Average speed70
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation135
"Avoid highways" in
navigation135
Avoid highways in
navigation135
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation135
Axle loads, refer to
Weights220"A - Z"172
B
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width adjustment42
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs208
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps207
Balance, tone control145
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch212
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away214
Bass, tone control145
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control145
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass145
Battery209
– charging209
– disposal37,209
– jump starting212
– temporary power failure209
Battery renewal
– remote control37
Being towed213
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts45
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning69
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate99
BMW Assist178
– enabling178
– services offered179
"BMW Contact"182
"BMW Contact
Numbers"182
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System203
"BMW Service"180"BMW Service settings"179
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control84
Brake fluid202
– level too low202
– warning lamp202
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements74
Brake Force Display90
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes202
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display90
– replacing bulbs208
Brake pads, breaking in116
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS84
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– brake fluid202
– brake pads202
– breaking in116
– handbrake54
– service requirements74
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely117
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– brake fluid202
– brake pads202
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance211
Breaking in
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG116
Breaking in the clutch116
Breaking in the
differential116
Break-in period116

Everything from A - Z
230 Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– automatic climate
control100
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows100
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows100
"Delete address book" in
navigation134
"Delete all numbers" on the
mobile phone173
"Delete data" in
navigation134
"Delete" for mobile
phone173
Destination address
– deleting133
– entering125,128
Destination for navigation
– entry125
– navigation list131
– selecting from address
book133
– selecting using
information130
– storing132
Destination guidance136
– bypassing route
sections140
– canceling voice
instructions48
– changing specified
route134
– displaying route137
– displaying routes137
– distance and arrival136
– interrupting136
– starting136
– terminating/continuing136
– voice instructions139
– volume of voice
instructions139
Destination list for navigation
system131
Destinations recently driven
to131
"Dial" for mobile phone171
"Dial number"171Digital clock69
Digital compass104
Digital radio151
Dimensions219
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals58
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions139
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book132
Displacement, refer to Engine
data218
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting96
"Display off"21
Displays
– instrument cluster12
– on the Control Display16
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"77
Disposal
– coolant201
– remote control battery37
– vehicle battery209
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control62
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements74
"Distance to dest."71
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control83
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors, emergency
operation32
DOT Quality Grades194
Draft-free ventilation100
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Drive mode56
Drive-off assistant87Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams93
Driving notes116
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems84
Driving through water117
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control84
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control85
– indicator lamps85
DVD for navigation124
Dynamic Driving Control56
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps85
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution84
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof39
– panorama glass roof39
Electric seat adjustment41
Electronic brake-force
distribution84
Electronic oil level check199
Emergency call211
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof39
– panorama glass roof39
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– fuel filler door186
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission58

Everything from A - Z
232
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control103
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel186
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level199
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG55
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission54
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG55
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission57
– with manual transmission54
– with the sequential manual
gearbox SMG55
General driving notes116
Glass sunroof, electric38
– anti-trapping mechanism39
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– convenient operation30,32
– opening, closing38
– operation with convenient
access36
– raising38
– remote control30
Glove compartment106
– rechargeable flashlight106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124
Grills97
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights220
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs206
Handbrake54
– indicator lamp54
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio151
Head airbags90
Headlamp control,
automatic93
Headlamp cover206
Headlamp flasher58
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs206
Head restraints42
– sitting safely40
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window100
– seats43
Heating
– mirrors46
– rear window100
– seats43
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat99
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions219
Height adjustment
– seats41
– steering wheel47
High beams95
– headlamp flasher95
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs206
High Definition Radio151
High water, refer to Driving
through water117Highways, refer to Route
criteria135
Hills117
Holders for cups107
"Home address" in
navigation134
Homepage4
Hood198
Horn10
Hot exhaust system116
"Hour memo"78
"House number" in
destination entry128
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control84
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio151
Ice warning69
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track158
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness82
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control98
– changing language82
– date and time, setting77
– displays, menus17
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– selecting a menu item19
– status information20
– switching menu pages19
– symbols18
Ignition52
– switched off52
– switched on52
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness52
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on52
Ignition lock52