tow BMW 325XI 2005 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
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Driving tips
Mobility
85
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and
front side windows.
Switching cooling function on/off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before also reheating it as
required, according to the temperature setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program. The passen-
ger compartment can only be cooled while the
engine is running.
Rear window defroster
The defroster switches off auto-
matically after a certain time.
Ventilation
1Use the knurled wheels to smoothly open
and close the air vents
2Use the lever to change the direction of the
airflow
3Knurled wheel for more or less cool air from
the vents for the upper body area
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance if it has become
too hot in the car.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and not straight at you.
Ventilation in the rear
1Use the knurled wheel to smoothly open
and close the air vents
2Use the knurled wheel to adjust the temper-
ature:
>Turn toward blue: colder
>Turn toward red: warmer
3Use the lever to change the direction of the
airflow
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
The microfilter traps dust and pollen in the
incoming air. The activated-charcoal filter pro-
vides additional protection by filtering gaseous
pollutants from the outside air. Your BMW Cen-
ter replaces this combined filter during routine
maintenance.
You can call up further information in the service
requirements display, refer to page63.

Practical interior accessories
94 Equipment version with drawer:
Take the retaining strap on the right-hand side
of the drawer out of the bracket and use it to fix
the cargo luggage compartment panel in place.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
load of 55 lbs/25 kg for the storage com-
partment under the floor panel, otherwise dam-
age could result.<
Lashing eyes
You will find lashing eyes in the luggage com-
partment for securing luggage items with nets
or tensioning straps, refer to page101.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
of up to 6 ft 10 in/2.10 m. When skis of 6 ft 10 in/
2.10 m length are loaded, the overall capacity of
the ski bag is reduced due to its tapered design.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest.
2.Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover.
3.Open the Velcro fastener, spread the ski
bag between the front seats and insert the
skis or snowboards.
The zip fastener makes objects in the ski
bag easier to reach.4.Insert the latch plate of the ski bag's retain-
ing strap in the center belt buckle.
Make sure to load only clean skis into the ski
bag. Wrap sharp edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in the manner
described, otherwise it could endanger
the car's occupants, e.g. in case of heavy brak-
ing or sudden swerving.<
To store the ski bag, perform the steps
described for loading in reverse order.
Removing the ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
fa ster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.

Reference
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Controls
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Mobility
101
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backs.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Smaller and relatively light items can be
retained with tensioning straps or draw
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW Center. Four lashing eyes are
provided for attaching the cargo straps.
Two are located on the inside rear wall of
the luggage compartment 1, and two others
are on the side walls of the luggage com-
partment 2.
Comply with the information provided with
the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page150, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Comply with the precautions
included with the installation instructions.

Reference
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115
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
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 temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle 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 sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – Run-Flat Tires
You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page116.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazard and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW Center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there.
Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for
vehicle occupants and other road users.<

Replacing components
128 1Brake lamp
2Roadside parking lamp/tail lamp
3Turn signal
4Backup lamp
5Tail lamp
6Brake lamp
Fender-mounted lamps
1.Using a screwdriver, pry off the cover in the
luggage compartment or release the turn-
lock fastener by turning it counterclockwise
and remove the cover.
2.Unfasten the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and pull out.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the cover in the luggage compart-
ment.
Lamps in the luggage compartment lid
1.Pry out the plastic plugs in the trim of the
luggage compartment lid using a screw-
driver and remove the trim.
2.Unfasten the bulb holder at the clip, see
arrow, and remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5.Reattach the trim of the luggage compart-
ment lid.
License plate lamp
5 watt bulb, C 5 W
1.Using a screwdriver, push the lamp to the
right in the flap of the lamp housing.
2.Take out the lamp towards the left and
change the bulb.
3.Insert the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW Center or a workshop that works

Reference
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133
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any occupants other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the luggage
compartment, refer to page125.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Check that the car is radio-ready and that
the electric steering wheel lock is not
engaged, otherwise the car would not be steer-
able. If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car. The
electric steering wheel lock cannot be disen-

Giving and receiving assistance
134 gaged and the car is not steerable. Jump start-
ing, refer to page132.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page47.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
With the ignition switched on, engage selector
lever position N, and then switch the ignition
back off.
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
323i*, 325i, 330i
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi, 330xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
135
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page132.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page132.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page42.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual gearbox SMG:
1.Have the vehicle tow-started with the selec-
tor lever in position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear is
automatically engaged.
325xi, 330xi: do not activate Hill Descent
Control HDC when the vehicle is being
tow-started, page69.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs128
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps127
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch131
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away134
Battery129
– charging129
– disposal27,129
– jump starting132
– temporary power failure129
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed133
Belts, refer to Safety belts36
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts36
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders90
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning59
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81,84
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System123
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control68
Brake fluid121
– level too low121
– warning lamp121,122
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements63
Brake Force Display73
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes121
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display73
– replacing bulbs128
Brake pads, breaking in98Brake rotors100
– brakes98
– breaking in98
Brakes
– ABS68
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– brake fluid121
– brake pads122
– breaking in98
– handbrake44
– service requirements63
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely99
Brake system98
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– brake fluid121
– brake pads122
– breaking in98
– disc brakes100
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Breaking in
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG98
Breaking in the clutch98
Breaking in the differential98
Break-in period98
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption60
Button for starting engine42
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Capacities151
Capacity of luggage
compartment150
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery129Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing101
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo101
– vehicle100
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring 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 points129
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest89
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash100
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CBS Condition Based
Service123
Center armrest89
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulbs128

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data148
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant121
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery129
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control53
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements63
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control67
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door locking, confirmation
signals21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades114
Draft-free ventilation82,85
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Drive mode46
Drive-off assistant71
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams76
Driving notes98
Driving stability control
systems68
Driving through water99
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes98
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function85
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control68
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control68
– indicator lamps68Dynamic Driving Control46
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps69
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Electric seat adjustment32
Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electronic oil level check119
Emergency call131
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements63
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control60
Energy Control60
Engine
– breaking in98
– data148
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature59
– speed148
– starting43
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off43Engine compartment119
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant121
Engine oil
– adding120
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– checking level119
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements63
Engine output, refer to Engine
data148
Engine speed148
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine43
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control60
Error messages, refer to
Check Control65
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control68
Event data recorders124
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors37
– adjusting37
– automatic dimming
feature99
– automatic heating37
External audio device90
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away133
– for tying down loads101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control65
Failure of an electrical
consumer129
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts36