Page 76 BMW 325i SEDAN 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

© 2000 BMW AG
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the
written consent of BMW AG, Munich.
Order number 01 41 0 155 476
US English IX/00
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).
4n

Notes on the Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish to gain only an initial
overview of your vehicle, you will find
this in the first chapter.
The detailed list of contents that directly
follows the summary of contents is
intended to stimulate your curiosity
regarding your BMW and to encourage
you to read the manual.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please
remember to hand over this Owner's
Manual to the new owner; it is part of
the vehicle.
Should you have any further questions,
your BMW center will be glad to assist
at any time.

Symbols used

Indicates instructions or precau-
tions that must be followed
precisely in order to avoid the possi-
bility of personal injury and serious
damage to the vehicle.

<

Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.

<


Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.

<



<

Marks the end of a specific item of
information.

*
Indicates special equipment, country-
specific equipment and optional extras.
Identifies systems or components,
which your BMW center can either
activate or adapt to suit an individual
driver's requirements ("Car Memory",
"Key Memory"). Refer to page 53.

<



The individual vehicle

On purchasing your BMW, you have
decided in favor of a model with individ-
ualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
which you might not have chosen for
your vehicle. Any differences can easily
be identified, since all optional acces-
sories and special equipment are
marked with an asterisk

*
.
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's Manual
(car radio or telephone, for instance),
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are
enclosed. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.

Notes
Symbols
The individual vehicle

6n

For your own safety

Use unleaded gasoline only.
Fuels containing up to 10%
ethanol or other oxygenates with up to
2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE
or 3% methanol plus an equivalent
amount of co-solvent) will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (volatility,
composition, additives, for example)
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in drive-
ability, starting and stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental
conditions, such as high ambient
temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems that you suspect could be related
to the fuel you are using, we recom-
mend that you respond by switching
to a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
you are handling gasoline.

<

Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from
other manufacturers to verify if it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake

dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle,
compromise its safety, interfere with
the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. See your BMW center for
additional information.
Do not use a key or remote control to
lock the doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the car. Refer to
page 34 for more details.

<

Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.

<

Symbol on vehicle parts

Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.

For your own safety

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve75
2 Indicator lamp for turn signal
indicators23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control74
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator75
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC/DBC)20

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22

>

Brake pads22

>

Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)

*
20, 22

>

Airbags21

>

Please fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control

*
23
8 Set button for the clock769 Program display for automatic
transmission

*
66, 68
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission

*
21, 66
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

*
or DSC

*
and ADB

*
/
ADB-X

*
22
11 Indicator for:

>

Odometer74

>

Trip odometer74

>

Clock76

>

Service Interval76
Display for computer

*
, operation via
the turn signal lever, refer to
page 77:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Range

>

Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control76
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7414 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:

>

Front fog lamps

*
23

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level23

>

Electronic Engine Power Control
(EML)

*
23

>

Service Engine Soon23
You can display the outside
temperature and distance driven
in different units of measurement.

<

20n
Indicator and warning lamps Technology that monitors itself Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "l" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge l
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. If you do so, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check
the engine oil and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 86.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 121 and 143.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

21n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsRed and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
The brake warning lamp coming
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS and ASC+T/
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and
ASC+T/DSC and ADB/ADB-X/
DBC control system has failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Please have the system checked
by your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 80 and 119.
Indicator and warning lamps for
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC
and
ADB/ADB-X/DBC for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 64.Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts l
An acoustic warning signal
sounds simultaneously. Lights
up for a few seconds or until the safety
belt is fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 54.
Airbags l

Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 55 and 179.
Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center
Automatic transmission
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 66.

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 119.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 139.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: Add more engine
oil the next time you stop for gas.
For additional information, refer to
page 139.
Brake pads l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 121.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 28 and 86.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off via the
button, or it is defective, or, the DSC
has been turned off, ADB is in ready
mode.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
ASC+T beginning on page 80.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
The DSC has either been turned off or
is defective. ADB-X is in ready mode. If
the warning lamp does not go out after
pressing the DSC button repeatedly,
then both the DSC
and ADB-X are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 84.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC and ADB/DBC have
been switched off by means of the
button or are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective. ADB-X
cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 81.
Indicator and warning lamps
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC for
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low, refill
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 138.

23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 154.
"Service Engine Soon" warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
* l
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics allow for continued driving
with reduced engine output or rpms.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top
up the coolant at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 142.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal
indicator is actuated. Rapid
flashing indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 69.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise
control is activated. Available for
operation by using the multifunction
steering wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 72.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 89.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 69 and 89.

27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 172.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
460de004
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full, whenever the fuel
nozzle shuts off the first time, as is
specified for proper service.
Tank capacity: refer to page 195.
460de005
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<

28n
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
Proper inflation pressures are on a
sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.Check tire pressuresOn the next page you will find all the tire
pressure and ambient air temperature
specifications stated in the units usually
used in your country (psi; kilopascal).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC):
After a correction of the tire inflation
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer
to page 86.460de163
Check tire inflation pressures Ð
including the space-saver spare
tire, or spare tire Ð regularly, at least
every two weeks and before beginning
a longer trip. Incorrect tire pressure can
otherwise lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.
Inflate the spare tire to the highest tire
inflation pressure specified for your
vehicle.<

29n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire inflation pressureComply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers. You will find
a list of approved tires sizes beginning
on page 130.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards.
We recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
320iAll summer tires 29 (200) 33 (230) 33 (230) 41 (280)
All winter tires 32 (220) 36 (250) 36 (250) 44 (300)
325i
325xiAll summer tires 30 (210) 35 (240) 35 (240) 42 (290)
All winter tires 33 (230) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
330i
330xiAll summer and winter tires 33 (230) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
All Space-saver spare tire 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.
BMW 320i, 325i, 325xi: when using the tire 205/50 R 17 93 W extra load, the
inflation pressure increases by 3 psi (20 kilopascal).
330i/330xi: when using the tires 225/45 R 17 91 W and mixed tires 225/45 ZR 17
(front) + 245/40 ZR 17 (rear) the inflation pressure decreases by 3 psi
(20 kilopascal).