air condition BMW 325xi SEDAN 2002 E46 User Guide

88n
Automatic climate control
*
1 Air onto the windshield and onto the
side windows
2 Air for the upper body area90
3 Air for the footwell
4 Recirculated-air mode/Automatic
recirculated-air control (AUC)905 Air supply89
6 Temperature89
7 Automatic air distribution89
8 Individual air distribution89
9 Interior temperature sensor Ð please
keep clear and unobstructed10 Display for temperature and air
supply89
11 To defrost windows and remove
condensation 89
12 Air conditioning89
13 Rear window defroster90

89n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system Ð switch on
with AUTO button 7. Select the desired
interior temperature.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program adjusts the
air distribution and the air
supply for you and Ð in addition to that Ð
adapts the temperature to external
influences (summer, winter) to meet
preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
While the AUTO program is then deacti-
vated, the automatic airflow control
remains in operation. The system
directs air to the windows , the upper
body and into the footwells . You
can reactivate the automatic air distri-
bution mode by selecting the AUTO
button.
Temperature
The interior temperature that
appears in the display panel is a
general figure intended for reference
purposes. We recommend 72 7
(+22 6) as a comfortable setting, even
if the air conditioning is on. When you
start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It then
maintains this temperature, regardless
of the season.
Air supply
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. This deactivates the auto-
matic control of the air supply, AUTO
disappears from the display panel.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged. You can
reactivate the automatic air distribution
mode by selecting the AUTO button.
When the lowest blower speed is set
and you press the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioning are
switched off. The outside air supply is
blocked. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and the side windows.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. Switching on the air
conditioning will reduce condensation
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms during opera-
tion of the air conditioning system,
which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<

91n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*Roller sun blind
*
Premium sound system
*
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filterThe built-in microfilter removes dust
and pollen from the incoming air. The
activated-charcoal filter provides addi-
tional protection by filtering gaseous
pollutants from the outside air. Your
BMW center replaces this combined
filter as a standard part of your sched-
uled maintenance. A substantial reduc-
tion in airflow indicates that the filter
needs to be replaced before scheduled
maintenance.
To activate, press the button briefly
with ignition key in position 1 or 2.
The illustration depicts the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. The arrangement may vary,
depending on the equipment actually
installed.
Harman Kardon premium sound
systemPress the button to activate and deacti-
vate the acoustic enhancement.
The system creates the acoustic
impression of a much larger passenger
compartment accompanied by
improved stereophonic sound at all
seating positions.
The system responds to poor reception
conditions by repeatedly alternating
between the stereo and monophonic
modes. You should then switch the
system off.

107n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
a frequent cause of tire damage.
Tire pressure also has a major effect on
your BMW's handling response. Be
sure to check the tire inflation pressure,
including the space-saver spare tire or
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at
least twice a month and before every
extended journey, refer to page 24.
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
lead to poor handling, to tire damage
and accidents.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though the
legally specified minimum tread depth is
0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear indicators
(arrow) are embedded in the base of the
tire's tread. Their locations are indicated
by the legend TWI Ð Tread Wear Indicator
Ð at various points on the tire's shoulder.
When the tread reaches a depth of
0.063 in (1.6 mm), these indicators
appear to signal that the tires have worn
to the minimum legal level. Below 0.12 in
(3 mm) tread depth, there is an increased
risk of aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire inflation pressures

Tire condition

108n
Tire condition Tire replacementTire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete air loss) can
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users. 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 vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
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 g) 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.
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.< TemperatureThe 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 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
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are
intended for mounting on summer or
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels
only.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in an extreme emer-
gency Ð for instance, with the vehicle
stuck on one side, or when obstruc-
tions make it impossible to reach one
tire Ð a chain may also be mounted on
just one tire for the limited period
needed to resolve the problem.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17

115n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oilChecking oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.

119n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.

Service Interval Display

While conventional systems rely on
milage alone to determine when service
is due, the BMW Maintenance System
reflects the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated: some
miles are more strenuous than others.
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumu-
lated in short-distance urban driving are
not the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate cruising speeds in
long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System moni-
tors actual operating conditions as the
basis for defining when the Engine Oil
Service and Inspections I and II are
due.
This service strategy accurately reflects
your own vehicle's specific needs by
defining maintenance intervals
according individual operating condi-
tions. However, drivers who cover only
extremely short distances Ð substan-
tially less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km)
annually Ð should still have the engine
oil changed at least every 2 years, as it
continues to age regardless of whether
the vehicle is used on a regular basis.

Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)

For additional information on specified
maintenance intervals and procedures,
please refer to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US
models), or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
As a precaution against corrosion, if
your vehicle is exposed to potential
damage from unimproved road
surfaces we suggest that you have the
body checked for damage from stone
chips and gravel at the same time.
We recommend that you refer all
maintenance and repair opera-
tions to your BMW center.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models), or in
the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models). These
entries confirm that your vehicle has
benefitted from regular maintenance,
and are also required for warranty
claims.

<

The BMW Maintenance System

133n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Battery FusesBattery careThe battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions.
Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. The battery is
completely maintenance-free; the
following section is provided for your
information only.<
Never disconnect the battery
when the engine is running; the
ensuing voltage surge would seriously
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronic systems.<
Charging the batteryWhen charging the battery in the
vehicle, leave the engine off at all times.
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment, for
information on terminal locations, refer
to Jump-starting on page 134.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting during trans-
port.<
The fuses are located in the glove
compartment behind a cover secured
by two snap clips.
Do not attempt to repair a blown
fuse or replace it with a fuse
having a different color or amperage
rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.<

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 105
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal filter91
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)60
ADB (Automatic Differential
Brake)73
Adding
brake fluid118
coolant117
engine oil115
washer fluid114
Adjusting
head restraints44
lumbar support43
manual seats42
mirrors48
power seat43
steering wheel47
thigh support42
Air conditioning85
temperature settings86
Air distribution86, 89
Air nozzles85 Air outlets,
ventilation85, 88
Air supply86, 89
Airbags18, 49
sitting correctly41
Alarm system36
Antifreeze117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 105
Anti-theft system36
Aquaplaning104, 105
Armrest92
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)72
Ashtray
front95
rear95
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)60
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner95
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)90
Automatic climate
control88
temperature settings89
Automatic cruise control64
Automatic curb monitor47 Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB)73
Automatic headlight
control82
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)90
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)72
Automatic transmission59
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic18, 59
Automatic-dimming feature,
mirrors49
Average consumption70
Average speed70
Axle loads142
B
Backrest, adjusting42
Backup lamps58
bulb replacement127
Battery133
care133
charge current
indicator17
charging133
Belts, safety45
Beverage holder93 Blower86, 89
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil116
BMW Maintenance
System119
BMW sports seat
electrical adjustment43
manual adjustment42
Bore140
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Brake fluid118
add118
warning lamp17
Brake lamps
bulb replacement127
Brake system104, 106
brake fluid118
brake fluid level106
brake pads106
brake pads, indicator
lamp19
disc brakes106
Break-in procedure104
Bulbs and lamps,
replacement124

A-Z