automatic transmission BMW 325XI TOURING 2006 E91 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
65
Technology for driving comfort and safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals warn you of
the presence of an object in front of
* or behind
your car. To measure the distance, there are
four ultrasonic sensors in each bumper.
An acoustic warning sounds once an object is
closer than approx. 2 ft/60 cm to the front sen-
sors
* or both rear corner sensors, or closer than
approx. 5 ft/1.50 m to the rear center sensors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an objec t a t h i g h s p e e d , o t h -
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse
gear or move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to position R. Wait this short period
before driving.
Switching on manually
Press the button, the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.The system is automatically deactivated once
the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft/50 m or
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h;
the LED goes out. You can reactivate the sys-
tem as needed.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, the tone sounds at the rear if the system
detects an object behind the car. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
The warning signal is canceled after approx.
3 seconds, if you are moving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
Manual mode
The LED above the button flashes in addition.
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and couplings,

Technology for driving comfort and safety
68
Activating HDC
Press the button; the indicator lamp lights up.
The indicator lamp flashes when the vehicle is
being braked automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
HDC is deactivated instantly above a speed of
approx. 35 mph or 60 km/h, or approx.
10 seconds after the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction
The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.
Malfunction in driving stability control
systems
The warning lamps come on. DSC
including DTC and DBC is malfunc-
tioning.
The vehicle remains operational.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead,
otherwise unstable driving conditions
could result.<
With xDrive 325xi
If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, drive cautiously and think
well ahead. Also avoid situations that require full
braking, otherwise accidents could result.
Avoid driving on rough tracks and pressing the
accelerator pedal down to full throttle or kick-
down position, otherwise the drive system
could be damaged.<
The warning lamps for the brake sys-
tem come on in red, together with the
yellow indicator lamps for driving sta-
bility control systems and FTM:
The driving stability control systems
and the Flat Tire Monitor have failed.
All warning lamps come on in yellow:
The driving stability control systems and the
Flat Tire Monitor have failed. The electronic
brake-force distribution is still active.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Display
* of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
Display
* of this malfunction on Cana-
dian models.

Things to remember when driving
96
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Attempt to vary both engine and vehicle
speeds, but refrain from exceeding an engine
speed of 4,500 rpm or a driving speed of
100 mph or 160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the tail-
gate and rear window are closed. Other-
wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate or rear window
open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air flow rate of the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control consid-
erably, refer to page79 or82.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
When driving, standing at idle and while park-
ing, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, with the
risk of serious personal injuries and property
damage.<
Mobile phone in the vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
97
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature*
The automatic dimming feature of the interior
and exterior mirrors
* is controlled by two photo
cells in the interior rearview mirror. One photo
cell is in the mirror frame, see arrow; the other is
on the back of the mirror.
In order to ensure that the system functions
correctly, keep the photo cells clean, do not
cover the area between the interior rearview
mirror and windshield, and do not affix adhesive
labels or stickers of any kind to the windshield
directly in front of the mirror.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning,
means that the tire can completely lose contact
with the road surface, so that neither the car can
be steered nor the brake be properly applied.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases with declin-
ing tread depth on the tires, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page109.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Use the handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
Also use the drive-off assistant, refer to
page69.
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. Applying the brakes fully is the most
effective way of braking in situations in which
this is necessary. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Down-
shifting in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, refer to page45.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in idle or with the
engine switched off; otherwise, engine braking
action will not be present or there will be no

Things to remember when driving
98 power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page27.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
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.

Giving and receiving assistance
128 gaged and the car is not steerable. Jump start-
ing, refer to page126.
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
page45.
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.<
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
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
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-
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page126.<
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
page126.<

Indicator and warning lamps
136Light up in yellow and red:
>Tire is deflated Carefully bring the car to a stop. Comply
with the additional information starting
on page69.
>Flat Tire Monitor not initialized Initialize Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page69.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicatedHave the system checked.
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home program
active with restricted range of
gears, possibly with reduced accel-
eration.
Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the system checked
without delay.
Always depress the brake to engage a
gear.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orOverriding selector lever lock, refer to
page46.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is at
a standstill, always step on the brake.
Before leaving the vehicle, move the
selector lever to position P and switch
off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate your
speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do

Technical data
144
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
325xi
Curb weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 3,737/1,695
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 3,781/1,715
Approved gross weight
>with manual transmission lbs/kg 4,839/2,195
>with automatic transmission lbs/kg 4,883/2,215
Load lbs/kg 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,293/1,040
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 16.2/460 - 48.9/1,385

Everything from A to Z
146
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System66
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control50
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control83
Active cruise control50
– indicator lamps53
– malfunction54
– selecting distance52
– sensor54
Active steering70
– warning lamp71
Adapter for spare key18
Adaptive Head Light75
Additives
– coolant115
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control81
Airbags71
– sitting safely31
– warning lamp73
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation80,83
Air distribution
– automatic82
– individual79
– manual79
Air flow rate79,82
Airing, refer to
Ventilation80,83Air outlets, refer to Air
vents78
Air pressure, tires106
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,82
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control81
– ventilation80,83
Air vents78
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications105
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires111
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode79,82
Antifreeze
– coolant115
– washer fluid48
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system25
Anti-theft system19
Anti-trapping mechanism
– windows28
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest87
Ashtray
– front88
– rear89Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC66
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control82
Audio device, external87
Automatic
– air distribution82
– air flow rate82
– cruise control48,50
– headlamp control74
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution82
Automatic curb monitor37
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC82
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic44
– interlock44,45
– overriding selector lever
lock46
– shiftlock45
– sport program45
AUTO program for automatic
climate control82
AUX-IN
– port87
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144
B
Backrests, refer to Seats31
Backrest width adjustment33
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs122

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
149
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals46
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting76
Displays
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant115
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery123
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control50
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements61
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control65
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door locking, confirmation
signals21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades108
Draft-free ventilation80,83
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders88
Drive-off assistant69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes96
Driving stability control
systems66
Driving through water97
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes96
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function83
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control66
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control66
– indicator lamps66Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps67
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution66
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass sunroof30
– panorama glass roof30
Electric seat adjustment32
Electronic brake-force
distribution66
Electronic oil level check113
Emergency call125
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof30
– panorama glass roof30
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission46
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance125
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements61
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control58
Energy Control58
Engine
– breaking in96
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature57
– speed142
– starting43
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off43
Engine compartment113
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant115Engine oil
– adding114
– BMW Maintenance
System117
– checking level113
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements61
Engine output, refer to Engine
data142
Engine speed142
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine43
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control58
Error messages, refer to
Check Control63
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control66
Event data recorders118
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system
96
Expanding the cargo area90
Exterior mirrors36
– adjusting36
– automatic dimming
feature97
– automatic heating37
External audio device87
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away127
– for tying down loads99
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control63
Failure of an electrical
consumer124
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts36