traction control BMW 325i TOURING 2003 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

9

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags52
Transporting children safely54
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory58

Driving:

Ignition lock59
Starting the engine59
Switching off the engine61
Parking brake61
Manual transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*63
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher66
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*67
Cruise control*69

Everything under control:

Odometer71
Tachometer71
Energy control71
Fuel gauge72
Engine coolant temperature
gauge72
Service interval display73
Check Control73
Clock74
Computer*75

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*77
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)*78
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)*80
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) –
BMW 325xi82
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*84
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)*85
Flat Tire Monitor*86

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams89
Instrument lighting90
High beams/Standing lamps90
Fog lamps*91
Interior lamps91

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning92
Automatic climate control*96

Interior conveniences:

Premium sound system*101
Glove compartment101
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone*103
Ashtray, front*104
Ashtray, rear*104
Socket105

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag*106
Cargo area107
Cargo loading109
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*111

Controls and features

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19
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 47
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 52

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Automatic transmission
The transmission has
responded to a malfunction by
reverting to operation in its emergency
default program. Please consult the
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 63

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than approx. 30
miles/50 km before refilling.
For additional information: refer to
page 126
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at the earliest opportunity – next time
you stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to
page 126
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 116
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)/Flat
Tire Monitor

●

Check tire inflation pressures.
Refer to pages 25, 85, 86

Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)

●

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
The ASC+T has been switched off via
the button, ADB is operational; or DSC
has been switched off using the button,
DTC is operational.
Please contact the nearest BMW center
in case of a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on
page 78
BMW 325xi:
DSC has been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
ADB-X is operational. If the warning
lamp fails to go out when you press the
DSC button again, this indicates a sys-
tem malfunction affecting both DSC
and ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
For additional information: refer to
page 82

Indicator and warning lamps
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20
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp

●

The indicator lamps remain on:
The ASC+T/ADB or DSC/DTC
have been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Additional information beginning on
page 80
BMW 325xi:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction.
There is no provision for switching off
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
DSC and ADB indicator and
brake warning lamps for Cana-
dian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 115

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low.
Top off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 126
CHECK FILLER CAP

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 132
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Engine electronics

●

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to
page 128

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signals
are on.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information: refer to
page 66
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated: ready for oper-
ation via the steering wheel with multi-
function buttons.
For additional information: refer to
page 69

Indicator and warning lamps

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78
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)*The conceptASC+T optimizes vehicle stability and
traction, especially when just starting
off, when accelerating or when going
through curves.
ASC+T is ready each time you start the
engine.
ASC+T incorporates the Automatic Dif-
ferential Brake (ADB) and Cornering
Brake Control (CBC) functions.
Additional information on ASC+T is
found in the "Technology" brochure.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition,
refer to pages 18, 19, 20.
>The indicator lamp flashes: ASC+T
controls the drive and braking forces
>The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC+T
has been switched off with the but-
ton; ADB is operational. ADB control
intervention is not indicated.
The indicator and the brake
warning lamps will remain on
continuously yellow:
The ASC+T and ADB have been
switched off manually or there is
a system malfunction.
You can still drive the vehicle perfectly
well without ASC+T.
In the event of a fault, please consult
your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Switching off the ASC+T/
activating the ADBPress the ASC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
ASC+T has been switched off; ADB is
operational.
In the following rare situations, it may
be effective to activate the ADB for a
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible.<
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79
Deactivating the ASC+T and ADBPress the ASC button for at least 3 sec-
onds; the indicator lamps and the yel-
low brake warning lamp come on and
stay on.
The systems for enhancing stability and
traction are deactivated, and there is no
active braking intervention or torque
control.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible. cator lamp or the indicator lamps will go
out. ADB is deactivated.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. This is why you should not
use the additional safety margin the
system provides as an excuse to take
risks. OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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80
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
DSC is operational every time you start
the engine.
DSC incorporates the Dynamic Traction
Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake
Control (CBC) functions.
Additional information on DSC is found
in the "Technology" brochure.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition,
refer to page 19.
>The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con-
trols the drive and braking forces
>The indicator lamp stays lit: DSC has
been switched off with the button;
DTC and DBC are operational. DTC
control intervention is not indicated.
The indicator and the brake
warning lamps will remain on
continuously yellow:
The DSC, DTC and DBC have
been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please consult your
BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Deactivating the DSC/activating
the DTCPress the DSC button briefly, the indi-
cator lamp comes on and remains lit.
DSC is deactivated; DTC is operational.
In the following rare situations, it may
prove useful to activate the DTC for a
brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.
Traction is increased by deactivating
the control systems that enhance trac-
tion under normal conditions.
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81
Deactivating the DSC and the
DTCHold the DSC button down for at least
3 seconds. The indicator and the yellow
brake warning lamps will remain on
continuously.
The systems for enhancing stability and
traction are deactivated, and there is no
active braking intervention or torque
control.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated whenever possible. cator lamp or the indicator lamps will go
out. DTC is deactivated.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. This is why you should not
use the additional safety margin the
system provides as an excuse to take
risks.
Whenever the DTC is activated, the
DSC is switched off and performs minor
stabilizing intervention.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)*
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114Special operating instructions
Break-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following information.Engine and differentialUp to 1,250 miles/2,000 km:
Constantly vary both engine and vehicle
speeds, remembering not to exceed
4,500 rpm or 100 mph / 160 km/h dur-
ing this period.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Do not use full throttle, and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point during these initial
miles.
You can then proceed to increase both
engine and vehicle speeds once the ini-
tial 1,250 miles/2,000 km have elapsed.
You should also observe the same
break-in procedures if the engine or dif-
ferential should have to be replaced
later in the course of the vehicle's life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
after an initial break-in period. We thus
ask you to drive with extra care during
the first 200 miles/300 km.
Always obey all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads. before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and an extended service life
later on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill – at a traf-
fic signal, for instance – provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off –
when towing, for example – substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. before the clutch starts to operate at
optimum efficiency. Remember to
engage the clutch carefully during this
initial period.
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118
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels or its tires inspected.
Tire damage, up to and including sud-
den and complete air loss, can endan-
ger the lives of both the vehicle occu-
pants and other road users.<
Tire replacementTo maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer.DOT quality gradesTread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades. rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half – 1
1/2 – times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics. highest – B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-
perature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
Tire condition
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119
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure. applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
BMW advises against using
retreaded tires, since driving
safety may be impaired. This is due to
the possible variations in casing struc-
tures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT... 3502 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 35 of the year
2002.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires – including the spare tire* –
when the tires are no more than 6 years
old, even if a tire life of 10 years is pos-
sible.Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains pos-
sible to a restricted degree. The vehicle
is equipped with a Tire Pressure Moni-
tor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor, which
indicate a flat tire. For additional infor-
mation on the Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 85 or 86.
Run Flat tires are only possible in
conjunction with the Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Moni-
tor.<
Tire replacement
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