maintenance BMW 325I SEDAN 2005 E90 User Guide

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169Reference
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Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
The minimum octane rating is 91.
If you use gasoline with this minimum octane
rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside tempera-
tures. This has no affect on the engine life.
Minimum octane rating corresponds to the Anti
Knock Index AKI and is determined according
to the so-called (R+M)/2 method.
Do not fill the tank with leaded fuel, as this
would cause permanent damage to the
catalytic converter.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 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.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

Wheels and tires
170
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using
Run-Flat Tires. A flat tire will seriously impair
your vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of
control over the vehicle.<
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting tire inflation pressures,
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page80.<
Inflation pressure specifications for
factory-installed tires
The inflation pressures for your factory-
installed tires at ambient temperature can be
found on the door post when you open the
driver's door.
Inflation pressure specifications for
other tire sizes
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available
from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
traveling speeds column for normal driving at
speeds up to a maximum of 100 mph or
160 km/h to achieve optimum driving comfort.
The maximum permissible speed for
these tire pressures is 100 mph or

Mobility
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Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air. The
objective is to optimize efforts with respect to
minimal vehicle maintenance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates
displayed, refer to page69:
>Engine oil
>Brakes: separately for front and rear
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this data from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in
for servicing you should therefore hand your
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit
that you last used.
Make sure that the date is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page72; otherwise the
effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<

Maintenance
186
OBD Socket
The Onboard Diagnostics OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's side
under the instrument panel and under a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure
proper operation of the emissions control sys-
tem for the vehicle's lifetime. The system mon-
itors emissions-related components and sys-
tems for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of
the need for service, not of the need
to stop the vehicle. However, the sys-
tems should be checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
Display of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
Under certain conditions, the indica-
tor will blink or flash. This indicates a
rather severe level of engine misfire. When this
occurs, you should reduce speed and consult
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short period
of time can seriously damage emissions control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
When the gas cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
vapor leak and the indicator will light up. If the
gas cap is subsequently tightened, the indicator
should go out within a few days.<
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.

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Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is stored in a compartment
on the right-hand side of the luggage compart-
ment. Remove the cover.
Wiper blade replacement
1.Fold up the wiper arm.
2.Remove the cover. To do so, press the hook
on the bottom, see arrow.
Swing the
3.Fold the wiper blade upwards.
4.Remove the wiper blade in the direction of
the windshield, see arrow.In order to avoid damage, make sure that
the wiper arms are against the windshield
before you open the engine compartment.<
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. They should, therefore,
be handled carefully. BMW recommends hav-
ing your BMW center perform any work that you
do not feel competent to perform yourself or
that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean tissue, cloth or similar, or hold the bulb by
its base.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.
When working on electrical systems,
always begin by switching off the con-
sumer in question, as otherwise short-circuits
could result. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps,
please follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
If the routine for changing a particular
bulb is not described here, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.<
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. If a xenon lamp fails neverthe-
less, switch on the fog lamps and continue the

Mobility
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according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
c e n t l e n s e s s e r v e a s t h e l i g h t s o u r c e f o r m a n y o f
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers or expose the
eyes directly to the unfiltered light source
for several hours at a time, as this could cause
irritation to the retina.<
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with Run-Flat Tires as
standard. This removes the need to change a
wheel immediately in the event of a puncture.
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-Flat Tires, page178.
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. Refer also to New wheels and tires,
page178.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page194.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
secure the battery against tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be repro-
grammed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page71.

Reference 207
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Controls
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Mobility
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control91
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC91
Automatic station search139
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic51
– interlock51,52
– overriding selector lever
lock53
– shiftlock52
– sport program52
– towing away195
– tow-starting195
AUTO program for automatic
climate control90
"Autostore"
on the radio140
AUX-IN149
– port97
Average fuel consumption66
– setting the units68
Average speed65
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation124
Avoid freeways for
navigation123
"Avoid highways" in
navigation123
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation124
Axle loads, refer to
Weights201
"A - Z"154
B
Backrests, refer to Seats39
Backrest width adjustment40
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints41
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs190
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps189
Balance, tone control135Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away196
Bass, tone control135
Battery191
– charging191
– disposal191
– jump starting194
– temporary power failure191
Being towed195
Belts, refer to Safety belts43
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts43
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders98
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning64
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate91
BMW Assist160
– enabling160
– services offered161
"BMW Contact"164
"BMW Contact
Numbers"164
BMW Maintenance
System185
"BMW Service"162
"BMW Service settings"161
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control78
Brake fluid184
– level too low184
– warning lamp184
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements69
Brake Force Display82
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes184
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulbs190
Brake pads, breaking in106
Brake rotors108
– brakes106
– breaking in106Brakes
– ABS78
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– brake fluid184
– brake pads184
– breaking in106
– handbrake51
– service requirements69
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely107
Brake system106
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– brake fluid184
– brake pads184
– breaking in106
– disc brakes108
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance193
Breaking in the clutch106
Breaking in the
differential106
Break-in period106
"Brightness"76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs187
Button for starting engine49
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
"Call"154
Call
– accepting153
– displaying accepted155
– ending154
– in absence155
– starting153
Calling
– from phone book154
– from Top 8 list155
– redialing155
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Capacities201

Everything from A - Z
210 Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting87
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
Displays and controls10
"Display settings"72
Disposal
– of coolant183
– vehicle battery191
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control57
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements69
"Distance to dest."66
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control77
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Door lock31
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors, emergency
operation31
DOT Quality Grades176
Draft-free ventilation92
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Drive-off assistant80
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams85
Driving notes106
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route126
Driving stability control
systems78
Driving through water107
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes106
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function92
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control78
– indicator lamps79DTC Dynamic Traction
Control79
– indicator lamps79
DVD for navigation114
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator lamps79
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps79
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution78
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player134
Electrical malfunction
– door lock31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
Electric seat adjustment39
Electronic brake-force
distribution78
Electronic oil level check181
Emergency call193
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock31
– fuel filler door168
– glass sunroof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission53
Emergency release of luggage
compartment lid from
luggage compartment's
interior33
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance193
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements69
"Enable services"161
"End call"154
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control64
Energy Control64Engine
– breaking in106
– data200
– speed200
– starting49
– switching off50
Engine compartment181
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant183
Engine oil
– adding183
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– checking level181
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements69
"Engine oil level"182
Engine output, refer to Engine
data200
Engine speed200
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine49
"Enter address"116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
"Entertainment"134
"Entertainment settings"135
Entry map for destination118
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control136
Error messages, refer to
Check Control73
"ESN"142
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control78
Event data recorders186
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system106
Exterior mirrors43
– adjusting43
– automatic dimming
feature107
– automatic heating44
External audio device97,149

Reference 213
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Lighting"85,86
Lighting
– instruments87
– lamps and bulbs187
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps85
Light switch85
"Limit"75
Limit, refer to Speed limit75
Loading
– securing cargo109
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo109
Location
– drive for navigation DVD and
audio CD114
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking32
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone
control136
Low beams85
– automatic85
– replacing bulbs188
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support39
Luggage compartment
– capacity201
– lamp87
– lid32
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– volume201
Luggage compartment lid32
– locking or unlocking
separately33
– opening and closing33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– unlocking with remote
control30Luggage compartment net,
refer to Securing cargo109
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack109
Lumbar support39
LW, waveband138
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires179
Maintenance, refer to Service
Booklet
Maintenance system185
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control73
Manual mode of automatic
transmission52
"Manual"
on the radio139
Manual operation
– door lock31
– glass sunroof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission53
Manual release
– fuel filler door168
Manual transmission51
Map
– changing scale127
– destination entry118
"Map direction of travel"127
"Map facing north"127
Master key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Maximum cooling90
Maximum speed
– for winter tires179
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– for automatic climate
control92
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System185Microphone
– for hands-free system152
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature107
Mirrors43
– automatic curb monitor44
– exterior mirrors43
– heating44
– interior rearview mirror44
"Missed calls"155
Missed calls155
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor80
"Monitor on / off"45
Most recent portable phone
numbers155
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher53
– refer to Wiper system
54
Music track
– finding146
"Mute on / off"45
N
"Navigation"115
Navigation address
– home address122
Navigation destination
– manual entry115
– selecting via map118
Navigation drive, location114
Navigation DVD114