ABS BMW 325XI 2001 Owners Manual

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Side lamps/Headlamps88
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Parking lamps89
Fog lamps89
Interior lamps89

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Air conditioner92
Automatic climate control98
Seat heating103
Roller sun blind103

Interior conveniences:

HiFi system104
Glove compartment104
Storage compartments105
Cellular phones107
Ashtray, front107
Cigarette lighter108
Ashtray, rear108

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system109
Ski bag110
Cargo loading112
Roof-mounted luggage rack113

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures116
Driving notes117
Catalytic converter117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)118
Disc brakes120
Brake system121
Winter operation121
Power steering123
Cellular phones124
Radio reception124

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures125
Tire condition125
Tire replacement126
Tire rotation127
Wheel and tire
combinations128
Winter tires129
Snow chains129
Approved wheel and tire
specifications130

Under the hood:

Hood134
Engine compartment136
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Engine oil139
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Vehicle Identification
Number144

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System145
Caring for your vehicle146
Airbags151
Vehicle storage152

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications to the
vehicle153
California Proposition
65 Warning153
OBD interface socket154

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.

<

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.

40n
Luggage compartment lidOpening from the inside
*
If the luggage compartment lid has not
been locked separately, you can open it
with this button in the footwell on the
driver's side when the vehicle is
stationary.460de011
To closeThe handle recesses in the interior trim
panel of the luggage compartment lid
(arrows) make it easier to pull the lid
down.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the luggage
compartment lid is clear when it is
closed, as with all closing procedures.<460de067
Do not drive with the luggage
compartment lid open, since
exhaust fumes could penetrate the inte-
rior of the vehicle. Should it be abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle
with the luggage compartment lid open:
>Close all windows and the sliding/tilt
sunroof.
>Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or the automatic climate
control to a high level. Refer to
page 92 or 98.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Under the hood:
Hood134
Engine compartment136
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Engine oil139
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Vehicle Identification
Number144
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System145
Caring for your vehicle146
Airbags151
Airbags152
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the
vehicle153
California Proposition
65 Warning153
OBD interface socket154
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures116
Driving notes117
Catalytic converter117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)118
Disc brakes120
Brake system121
Winter operation122
Power steering123
Cellular phones124
Radio reception124
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure125
Tire condition125
Tire replacement126
Tire rotation127
Wheel and tire
combinations128
Winter tires129
Snow chains129
Approved wheel and tire
specifications130

118n
Catalytic converter Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to comply with the
instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata-
lytic convertor. If you do not, the cata-
lytic converter could respond by
overheating, leading to serious
damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply under-
coating to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the
vehicle, take extra care to avoid contact
between the exhaust system and flam-
mable materials (grass, hay, leaves,
etc.). Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking
under braking. This is because locked
wheels are dangerous. When the front
wheels slide, the driver loses steering
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at
the rear wheels can cause the rear end
to break into an uncontrolled skid.
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help maintain steering control and
maneuverability Ð on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud, wet
road surfaces, snow, ice).Braking with ABSThe system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). Below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h), it is once again deactivated.
This means that the wheels can lock in
the final phase of a panic stop Ð a factor
of no significance in actual use.If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum brake pressure ("panic
stop"). Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort, despite the full brake
application.
The ABS system closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second. A
pulsation at the brake pedal, together
with the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range and reminds you that you
should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel or snow, for
example), or when snow chains are
mounted, braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.
However, ABS continues to provide
enhanced vehicle stability and steering
response under these conditions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS cannot prevent the

119n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)consequences of brake applications
with inadequate clearances for safety
between vehicles, when exceeding the
speed limit, or the risks involved when
aquaplaning occurs. Responsibility for
these types of situations remains in the
hands (and at the feet) of the driver. You
should never allow the added safety of
ABS to mislead you into taking
increased risks.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system. Service proce-
dures on ABS are to be performed by
authorized technicians only. Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
opment of ABS. When braking during
cornering with high lateral accelera-
tion, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is improved
and the steering response is enhanced.In the event of a fault
If the ABS in the instrument
cluster lights up, refer to
page 22. The brake system then
reverts to conventional operation as on
vehicles without ABS. However, have
the brake system checked by your
BMW center as soon as possible. To
prevent undetected defects and cumu-
lative faults from adversely affecting the
brake system, refer any problems to
your BMW center at the earliest oppor-
tunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the indi-
cator lamps for ABS and
ASC+T/DSC, refer to page 21,
the entire ABS, CBC and
ASC+T/DSC control system has
failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake applications. This could
cause the vehicle to lose stability and
you might no longer be able to control
it.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible by your BMW center.
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC
and
ADB/ADB-X/DBC indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 84.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow brake warning lamp
comes on. Normal braking effi-
ciency and ABS are still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
Please observe the section "Infor-
mation for your safety" concerning
the ABS system, which also applies to
the DSC system.<

120n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in oper-
ating conditions where brake applica-
tions are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat that is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique described on
page 122.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 66.Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic), releasing the pedal,
and then repeating the application
(staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the shift lever
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: have brake inspec-
tions performed at a BMW center only.
If you do not, parts of the four-wheel
drive system could be damaged.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<

122n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture
provides protection against freezing
down to approx. -34 7 (-37 6).
Replace the coolant every four years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After its use, treatment with BMW lock
barrel grease is recommended.Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains BMW snow chains can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this situation, it may be appropriate
to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC for a
short period of time. Refer to page 80.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one
side or you cannot access one tire, then
a chain may be attached to one rear
wheel for a short period of time.Starting offWhen starting from a full stop in deep
snow or for "rocking" the vehicle to free
it, it may be effective to deactivate the
ASC+T/DSC system. Refer to page 80.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. On down-
grades or slopes, shift down to the next
lower gear at an early point. Maintain an
adequate distance between yourself
and the vehicle ahead.BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that braking distances will
be significantly longer as a result.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this procedure. This type of
staggered braking will reduce the
braking distance, and the vehicle still
remains responsive to steering. It allows
you to steer around hazards once you
have reduced the pressure on the brake
pedal.