ABS BMW 325I SEDAN 2006 E90 Owner's Manual

Driving
62 >When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG's neutral position N
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
cruise control has been automatically
deactivated by engaging the hand-
brake or as a result of DSC intervening. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Briefly press the button, arrow 4. the stored
speed is resumed and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are
intervening
>In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>With automatic transmission/SMG: when
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2Selected speed is displayed brieflyIf --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met.
Calling up Check Control messages, refer to
page80.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. A message
appears on the Control Display. You
can find more information starting on page79.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control, you can select a
desired speed which is not only automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active cruise control is a technological advance
over the familiar cruise control and is a welcome
relief from the constant adjustment of speed
that can accompany driving in traffic on high-
ways or other high-speed thoroughfares. Espe-
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce
fatigue and tension, while increasing your
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and
responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system
automatically adapts the car's speed to that of a
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify
the distance to be maintained from the vehicle
in front in four stages. For safety reasons, the
distance is speed-dependent. Based on your
selected distance setting, the system automat-
ically decreases the throttle setting and lightly
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle
brake lamps will automatically illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to take action. In addition,
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver
to downshift, depending on the kind of trans-
mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain the distance setting selected. If the vehicle
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead

Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Use good judgement to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, you may be in violation of the law or
an accident could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer disappear.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>When you brake the vehicle
>When the speed is reduced to below
20 mph or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>When you switch gears very slowly or shift
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG's neutral position N
>When you activate the Dynamic Traction
Control DTC
>When you deactivate the Dynamic Stability
Control DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
>When the system does not recognize any
objects for a longer period of time, e.g. on infrequently traveled roads without a shoul-
der or guard rails, or if the radar sensor is
covered with dirt, refer to page66
>When you apply the handbrake
When the system is deactivated, you
must brake the vehicle yourself and/or
maneuver as necessary, otherwise there is a
risk of accident.<
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when
active cruise control has been auto-
matically deactivated due to a driving
speed below 20 mph or 30km/h, an application
of the handbrake or a DSC intervention. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
Briefly press the button, arrow 4.
The stored speed and distance are regained
and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are
intervening
>In cars with manual transmission: when you
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>With automatic transmission/SMG: when
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Shows yellow: vehicle detected ahead Distance 3
This distance is always set when
the system is used for the first
time after starting the engine.
Distance 4

Driving
66 Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control
systems are intervening; cruise control is
deactivated
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control
messages, refer to page80.<
Warning lamps
The indicator2 flashes in red; a
signal sounds.
The system indicates that you
must brake and/or maneuver the
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to
the vehicle ahead.
This indicator does not release you from your
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow.
The prerequisites for operating
active cruise control are not met,
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC interventions. Active cruise control is deacti-
vated. You can reactivate the system, if desired,
by tapping or pulling the lever when road and
traffic conditions permit. It is not possible to
resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt,
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure
to use particular care when removing any layers
of snow or ice from the sensor.
When the radar sensor is not properly posi-
tioned, active cruise control cannot be activated
at all.
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when
the system has failed. A message
appears on the Control Display. You
can find more information starting on page79.
System limitations
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a

Technology for driving comfort and safety
84 1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "PDC" is selected and press the con-
troller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
6. The PDC screen is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
The display is shown on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as a curb, may
enter the sensors' dead areas before a continu-
ous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding
objects, such as ledges, may not be detectable.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page117.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the brake application. If the brake is
released, DBC will be switched off.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also recognizes unstable driving
conditions, for example if the rear of the car is
about to swerve or if momentum is acting at an
angle past the front wheels. In these cases,
DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course
within physical limits by reducing engine output
and through braking actions at the individual
wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks.<

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
100 mph or 160 km/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.<

Wheels and tires
196
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 0705 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 07 of 2005.
Run-Flat Tires
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-
supporting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page89.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW Center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW Center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.

Everything from A - Z
226
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System84
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control62
Acceleration assistant with
the sequential manual
gearbox SMG57
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control101
"Activation time"101
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps65
– malfunction66
– selecting distance64
– sensor66
Active steering89
– warning lamp89
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive Head Light95
"Add digits" for mobile
phone172
Additives
– coolant201
"Address book" in
navigation132
Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering125,128,132
– selecting133
– storing132
– storing current position132"Add to destination
list"128,129
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control98
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control145
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear145
– right/left balance145
Airbags90
– sitting safely40
– warning lamp92
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air distribution
– automatic98
– individual98
Air flow rate99
Airing, refer to Ventilation100
Air pressure, tires188
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
"Air recirculation on / off"47
Air supply
– automatic climate control98
– ventilation100
Air vents97
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications186
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off an alarm34
– tilt alarm sensor35
"All channels"154
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires197
"All stations", calling up on
radio148"AM", waveband144,148
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode99
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant201
– washer fluid60
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system30
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric39
– windows37
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights220
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights220
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest106
Arrival time
– computer71
– destination guidance136
"Arrow display" in
navigation137
Ashtray
– front107
– rear108
Assist, refer to BMW
Assist178
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC84
Assistance window20
– refer to iDrive20
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control99
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
"Audio Aux"
144,162

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
228 "Brightness"on the control
display82
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs205
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption71
Button for starting engine52
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
"Call"172
Call
– accepting170
– displaying accepted172
– ending171
– in absence172
– starting171
Calling
– from phone book171
– from Top 8 list172
– redialing172
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities221
Capacity of luggage
compartment220
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery209
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"71
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing119
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureCaring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car jack
– jacking points209
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Car phone166
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– refer to Mobile phone166
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio148
Car wash118
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system116
"Categories"154
CBS Condition Based
Service203
"CD"144,156
CD changer156
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse160
– installation location160
– playing a track158
– random order159
– repeating a track159
– selecting a CD156
– selecting a track157
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145CD player156
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse160
– playing a track158
– random order159
– repeating a track159
– selecting a track157
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
Center armrest106
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulbs208
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside29
Central locking system29
– convenient access35
Changing bulbs205
Changing the language on the
Control Display82
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display73
Changing wheels209
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment199
Check Control79
"Check Control
messages"80
Check Gas Cap186
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure188
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH50
Child-restraint systems49
Child-safety lock51
Child seats49
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter108
– socket108