oil level BMW 325xi SEDAN 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

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Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs an operational check
on the indicator and warning lamps
identified with the

l

symbol each time
you switch on the ignition. They each
light up once for different periods of
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure


l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to comply with
the instructions on pages 106 and 118
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to
pages 78 and 80

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Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 105
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 115
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add engine oil at
your earliest opportunity (next time you
stop to refuel). For additional informa-
tion: refer to page 115
Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 106

Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor

l

Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 24, 78, 80
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)


l

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off with the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in case of a malfunction.
For additional information: beginning on
page 72
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC has been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
ADB-X is operational in its standby
mode. If the warning lamp fails to go
out when you press the DSC button
again, this indicates a system malfunc-
tion affecting both DSC and ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 75

Indicator lamp for 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 with the button or are defec-
tive.
Please consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 73
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X system malfunction.
There is no provision for deactivating
ADB-X.
Please consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 75
DSC and ADB indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

l

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible. For addi-
tional information: refer to page 74

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Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval DisplayOnce the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
For information on the fuel tank
capacity, refer to page 143.
Certain operating conditions (such as
those encountered in mountainous
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Shut off the engine immediately
and allow it to cool down.
For instructions on checking the
coolant level, refer to page 117.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector in normal operation.
Remaining distance to serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or INSPEC-
TION, together with the distance
remaining in miles (kilometers) before
the next scheduled service. The
computer bases its calculations of the
remaining distance on the preceding
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.

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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.

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

Everything from A to Z
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C
California Proposition
65 Warning120
Capacities143
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car key28
Car phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo loading99
Cassette operation, refer to
the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)18, 73
CD operation, refer to the
"Radio Owner's Manual"
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"94 Center (high-mount) brake
lamp128
Center armrest92
Central locking system28
button32
Changing a wheel/tire129
Check Control68
Checking coolant level117
Checking engine oil
level115
Child-restraint systems52
Clean the headlamps63
Cleaning windshield63
Clock68
refer to the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
Cockpit14
Coin box93
Compartments92
Compression ratio140
Computer69
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"69
Configuring individual
settings via Vehicle and
Key Memory55 Consumption70
display67
Convenience operation via
the door lock
sliding/tilt sunroof31
windows31
Coolant117
add117
capacity143
checking level117
Coolant temperature
gauge67
Cooling system including
heater circuit,
capacity143
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)18, 73
Correct sitting posture41
Cover, sun blinds91
Cruise control64
Cruising range70
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Curb monitor47
Curb weight142
Current check indicator17
D
Data
dimensions141
engine140
weights142
Daytime driving lamps82
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)73, 74
Deep water105
Defrost windows and
remove
condensation87, 89
Defroster, rear
window86, 90
Digital clock68
Dimensions141
Dipstick, engine oil115
Displacement140
Display lighting83
Displays15
Distance warning71
Divided rear-seat
backrest96
Door key28

Everything from A to ZDoor mirror48
Doors
electrical malfunction31
locking and unlocking29
manual operation31
DOT Quality Grades108
Draft-free ventilation87, 90
Drive belt17
defect17
Driving notes105
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)73
indicator lamp19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)73, 74
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)73
indicator lamp19 E
Electric power windows37
Electrical malfunction
doors31
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid33
sliding/tilt sunroof40 Elements of operation14
Emergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior35
Energy control66
Engine compartment
essentials113
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine data140
Engine oil
add115
capacity143
consumption115
level19
level, check115
level, indicator lamp17
pressure17
pressure, indicator
lamp17
Engine, starting56
Engine, switching off57
Exterior mirrors48
F
Failure messages68
Filling capacities143
Fittings, tow starting and
towing135
Flat tire132
Flat Tire
Monitor80, 109, 132
warning lamp17
Flat tires107, 129
Fog lamps83
Follow me home lamps82
Front seat adjustment41
Fuel consumption70
display67
Fuel filler door22
electrical malfunction22
manual operation22
Fuel gauge67
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp67
Fuel specifications23
Fuel tank capacity143
Fuel tank gauge67
Fuel-injection system140
Fuses133
G
Gasoline gauge67
Glove compartment92
Grilles88
Gross vehicle weight142 H
Handbrake58
Hands-free system94
Hazard warning triangle22
HDC (Hill Descent
Control)77
Head restraints44
Headlamp flasher61, 83
Headlamp washer
system114
Headlight control82
Headrests44
Heated seats47
Heavy cargo99
Height141
High beams20, 61, 83
bulb replacement125
Hill Descent Control
(HDC)77
Holder for canned
beverages93
Hood112
Horn14

Everything from A to ZN
Navigation system, refer to
the Radio or Onboard
Computer "Owner's
Manual" O
OBD interface socket121
Odometer66
Oil
additives115
capacity143
consumption115
level, checking115
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet/
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet
Oil dipstick115
Oil filter change143
OIL SERVICE67
Onboard Computer, refer to
the "Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual"
Onboard tool kit124 Opening and closing
from the inside32
via the door lock31
via the remote control29
Outlets, ventilation88
Outside temperature
display69
P
Paintwork, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Park assistant71
Park Distance Control
(PDC)71
Parking aid71
Parking brake58
Parking lamps82
bulb replacement125
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function47
PDC (Park Distance
Control)71
Phone, refer to cellular
phone
Power140
Power windows37
safety switch38
Premium sound system91
Q
Quality Grades, tires108 R
Radiator143
Rain sensor62
RDC (Tire Pressure
Monitor)78
warning lamp17
Reading lamps
front84
rear84
Rear center 3-point belt96
Rear lamps127
Rear reading lamps84
Rear window
defroster86, 90
Rear-seat backrest,
removable96
Rearview mirror48
Recirculated-air mode86
Reclining seat41
Refueling22
Remote control29
Removable rear-seat
backrest96
Reporting safety defects11
Roller sun blind91
Roof weight142
Roof-mounted luggage
rack100
S
Safe with safety belts41
Safety belts45
height adjustment45
Safety defects, reporting11
Safety tires109, 132
Seat adjustment41
Seat heating47
Seat memory46
Seat, manually adjusted42
Seats41
Securing cargo99
Securing child-restraint
system54
Selector lever, automatic
transmission59
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US
models)119
Service Interval
Display67, 119
Setting temperature86
Shiftlock59
Side airbags49
Side Impact Head Protection
System49
Sitting correctly with
airbags41
Ski bag97