BMW 325xi Wagon (2001 year). Instruction - part 9
112n
113n
Special operating instructions:
Under the hood:
Overview
Break-in procedures
114
Hood 130
Driving notes
115
Engine compartment
132
Catalytic converter
115
Washer fluids
134
Antilock Brake System
Washer nozzles
134
(ABS)
116
Engine oil
135
Controls and features
Disc brakes
118
Coolant
137
Brake system
120
Brake fluid
138
Winter operation
121
Vehicle Identification
Power steering
123
Number 139
Operation, care
Cellular phone
123
Care and maintenance:
Radio reception
123
and maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
Wheels and tires:
System 140
Tire inflation pressure
124
Caring for your vehicle
141
Tire condition
124
Airbags
147
Owner service procedures
Tire replacement
125
Vehicle storage
147
Tire rotation
126
Laws and regulations:
Wheel and tire
Technical modifications
148
combinations
127
California Proposition
Advanced technology
Winter tires
128
65 Warning
148
Snow chains 128
OBD interface socket
149
Approved wheel and tire
specifications
129
Technical data
Index
Car care
114n
Break-in procedures
To ensure maximum economy and a
Tires
Brake system
long service life, we request that you
Due to technical factors associated
After approximately 300 miles (500 km),
observe the following suggestions.
with their manufacture, tires do not
the brake pads and discs achieve the
achieve their full traction potential until
optimal pad surface and wear patterns
Engine and differential
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
required for trouble-free operation and
Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Thus drive with extra care during the
long service life.
Drive at varying engine speeds and road
initial 200 miles (300 km).
To break in the separate parking brake
speeds, but do not exceed the following
Obey your local and state maximum
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
engine or road speeds during this time:
speed limits.
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
4,500 rpm or 100 mph (160 km/h).
signal, for instance), provided that
Obey your local and state maximum
When the vehicle is operated on
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
speed limits.
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
water may form between the tire and
dure from time to time.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
the road surface. This phenomenon is
pressing the accelerator beyond the
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydropla-
The brake lamps do not come on
"kickdown" point.
ning, and can lead to partial or
when the parking brake is applied.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
complete loss of traction, vehicle
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
control and braking effectiveness.
on your BMW is available only when the
the engine and road speeds.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
engine is running. When you move the
You should also comply with these
vehicle with the engine off - when
break-in procedures if the engine or
towing, for example - substantially
differential is replaced at a later point.
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The clutch will also begin to function
optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.
Driving notes
Catalytic converter
115n
Brakes:
Clothes hooks:
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
Do not drive with your foot resting
When suspending clothing from the
exhaust emissions, and is designed for
on the brake pedal. Even light but
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
use with unleaded fuel only.
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
Even minute quantities of lead would be
high temperatures, brake wear, and
objects on the hooks. If you do, such
enough to permanently damage both
possibly to brake failure.
objects could pose the risk of personal
the catalytic converter and the system
Aquaplaning:
injury during braking or evasive maneu-
oxygen sensor.
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
vers.<
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
operation and to avoid potential
wedge of water may form between the
damage:
tires and the road surface. This
> Be sure to comply with the scheduled
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
maintenance requirements.
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
> Fill the fuel tank well before it is
ized by a partial or complete loss of
empty.
contact between the tires and the road
> Tow-start only when the engine is
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
steering and braking control.
a warm engine, unburned residual
Driving through water:
fuel in the catalytic converter could
When there is water on the roads, do
ignite and cause damage. It is better
not drive in it if it is deeper than 1 ft
to start the vehicle with an outside
(30 cm), and then only at walking speed
starting aid.
at the most, otherwise the vehicle can
> Avoid other situations in which the
sustain damage to the engine, the elec-
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
trical systems and the transmission.
pletely, such as engaging the starter
Roll-up cover:
frequently or for extended periods, or
Never use the rear window shelf to
repeated start attempts in which the
store heavy or bulky objects. If you do
engine does not start (stopping and
so, such objects could injure vehicle
restarting an engine which is running
occupants during braking or evasive
properly does not present a problem).
maneuvers or in a crash.
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables
disconnected.
116nCatalytic converter
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to observe the instruc-
The concept
Braking with ABS
tions above to prevent unburned
ABS enhances active driving safety by
The system is operative once the
fuel from reaching the catalytic
helping to prevent the wheels from
vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
converter, otherwise, the catalytic
locking under braking. The reason:
6 mph (10 km/h). It is deactivated once
converter could overheat and be
locked wheels are dangerous. When the
again below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h).
damaged.
front wheels slide, the driver loses
This means that the wheels can lock in
High temperatures occur in any vehicle
steering control over the vehicle. Trac-
the final phase of a panic stop - a factor
equipped with a catalytic converter.
tion loss at the rear wheels can cause
of no significance in actual use.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to
the rear end to break into an uncon-
If you are in a situation that requires full
some sections of the exhaust system.
trolled skid.
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
Never remove these shields; do not
The system can achieve the shortest
of the ABS system if you apply
apply undercoating to their surfaces.
braking distances possible under most
maximum brake pressure ("panic
When driving, standing at idle, and
conditions (on straight-aways and in
stop"). Since the vehicle maintains
parking the vehicle, take care to avoid
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
steering responsiveness, you can
contact between the exhaust system
surfaces, etc.).
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
and flammable materials (grass, hay,
with a minimum of steering effort.
leaves etc.). Such contact could lead to
ABS is designed to meet two essential
a fire, resulting in personal injury and
requirements during every brake appli-
The ABS closed-loop control circuit
property damage.<
cation:
cycles in fractions of a second. A pulsa-
tion at the brake pedal, together with
> To help provide vehicle stability.
the sounds associated with the
> Assured ability to steer and
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
maneuver - on the various road
brake system is within its maximum
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, dirt,
limit range, and reminds you that you
wet conditions, snow, ice).
should adapt road speed to the road
The system can achieve the shortest
conditions.
braking distances possible under most
On road surfaces that have a loose
conditions (on straight-away and in
surface layer on a firm base with good
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
traction (on gravel or snow, for
surfaces, etc.).
example), or when snow chains are
mounted, braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
117n
Nevertheless, ABS possesses the
In the event of a malfunction
CBC, ABS und ASC+T/DSC
advantage of vehicle stability and
indicators and warning lamps
If the ABS warning lamp in the
steering response.
for Canadian models.
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
Information for your safety
system then reverts to conventional
Not even ABS can suspend the laws
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
of physics. The consequences of brake
However, have the brake system
applications with inadequate clea-
checked by your BMW center as soon
rances for safety between vehicles,
as possible. To prevent undetected
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
defects and cumulative faults from
occurs are always the responsibility of
adversely affecting the brake system,
the driver. You should never allow the
refer any problems to your authorized
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
BMW center at the earliest opportunity.
false sense of security, or mislead you
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
into taking risks that could affect your
model.
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
If the brake warning lamps light
the ABS system.
up together with the indicator
Service procedures on ABS are to be
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC
performed by authorized technicians
- refer to page 19 - then the
only.<
entire regulating system, the
ABS, CBC and ASC+T/DSC and
Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
ADB/ ADB-X/DBC have failed.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica-
CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
tions. This could cause the vehicle to
opment of ABS. When braking while
lose stability and you might no longer
cornering at high speed or braking
be able to control it.
during high lateral acceleration, or
Have the system checked by your BMW
when braking during a lane change,
center as soon as possible.
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
118nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
Disc brakes
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
fade resistance under heavy use.
information beginning on page 81.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
sionally, during extended periods when
system automatically produces
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
maximum braking force boost and thus
operating conditions where brake appli-
helps to achieve the shortest possible
cations are less frequent, there is an
braking distance during "panic stops."
increased tendency for corrosion of the
All of the benefits of the ABS system
discs and accumulation of contamina-
are exploited under these circum-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
stances.
because the minimal pressure that must
Do not reduce the pressure on the
be exerted by the pads to clean the
brake pedal for the duration of the
discs by brake applications is not
brake application. When the brake
reached.
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
vated.
tend to respond to braking with a
In the event of a malfunction,
pulsating effect that even extended
the yellow warning lamp comes
brake applications will fail to cure.
on. Normal braking efficiency
and the anti-lock braking system are
For your own safety: use only
still fully available.
brake pads which BMW has
Have the system checked and repaired
approved for your specific vehicle
at your BMW center as soon as
model. BMW cannot evaluate
possible.
non-approved brake pads to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore
Refer to the "Information for your
cannot ensure the operating safety of
safety" covering the ABS system.
the vehicle if they are installed.<
This information also generally applies
for DBC.<
Disc brakes
119n
Driving notes
If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid
When driving in wet conditions and in
extended, continuous braking. Instead
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
pressure to the brakes every few miles
sure over an extended period of time,
or kilometers. Watch traffic conditions
you should decelerate by applying
to ensure that this maneuver does not
more substantial pressure to the brake
endanger other drivers. The heat which
pedal (watch for following traffic),
is generated by the brake applications
releasing the pedal, and then repeating
helps to dry the brake pads and discs.
the application (staggered braking). The
Maximum braking force is obtained
cooling phases between active braking
while the wheels are not locked, but
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
rather when they are still barely turning
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
capacity remains available at all times.
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
Do not allow the vehicle to coast
braking technique (refer to page 122).
when the clutch is depressed or
Extended or steep mountain descents
by shifting into neutral while moving. Do
should be driven in the gear in which
not drive when the engine is switched
only minimal periodic brake application
off. The engine provides no braking
is required. This avoids excessive strain
control when the clutch is depressed or
on the brakes and possible
the transmission is in "Neutral" and
impairment of the braking effect.
there is no power-assist for the brakes
The braking effect of the engine can be
when the engine is shut off.
further increased by downshifting, into
BMW 325xi: have brake inspections
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
performed at a BMW center only. If you
mode of the automatic transmission,
do not, parts of the four-wheel drive
you can also downshift into first gear.
system could be damaged.
Refer to page 66.
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.<
120nBrake system
Brake fluid level
Brake linings
The warning lamp for the brake
The warning lamp for the brake
comes on with the parking
pads comes on:
brake released:
The brake pads have reached
The brake fluid level is too low in the
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
reservoir (refer to page 138).
to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
For your own safety: use only
ably longer, there may be a defect in
BMW approved brake pads for
one of the brake system's hydraulic
your specific vehicle model. BMW
circuits.
cannot evaluate non-approved brake
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
pads to determine if they are suited for
dian models.
use, and therefore cannot ensure the
operating safety of the vehicle if they
are installed.<
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Winter operation
121n
Winter is often accompanied by rapid
Rubber seals and components
Starting off
changes in weather. Adaptions in
To prevent the weather stripping from
When starting off from a full stop in
driving style should be accompanied by
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
deep snow or when "rocking" the
preparations on the vehicle itself to
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
vehicle to free it, it may be effective to
ensure that your vehicle operates safely
and tailgate seals.
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for
and trouble-free throughout the winter
a short period. Refer to page 79.
months.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Driving on low-traction road
Coolant
surfaces
Be sure that the coolant mixture
Snow chains*
Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
BMW snow chains can be mounted on
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
both summer and winter tires. Mount
engine speeds and shift to the next
tion. This mixture will resist freezing to
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
higher gear at an early point. Downshift
approx. -34 7 (-37 6). Replace the
and comply with the manufacturer's
into the next lower gear on ascents or
coolant every four years.
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
descents. Maintain an adequate
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
distance between yourself and the
Locks
In this type of exceptional situation
vehicle ahead.
BMW door lock deicer can be used to
where the snow chains are mounted,
free them if frozen. This deicer also
deactivate the ASC+T/DSC. Refer to
contains lubricant.
page 79.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
BMW lock cylinder grease is recom-
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
mended.
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
122nWinter operation
Braking
Do not shift down on slick road
Parking
surfaces - if you want to decel-
Winter road conditions substantially
Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your
erate. Doing so could cause the rear
reduce the amount of traction available
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
wheels to lose traction and skid, which
between the tires and the road surface.
transmission, place the selector lever in
could result in the loss of vehicle
Keep this in mind, because the braking
"Park." On vehicles with manual trans-
control.<
distance increases substantially.
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
Depress the clutch during hard
order to prevent the parking brake pads
from locking during brake applications,
braking on road surfaces that
from locking due to frost or corrosion,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
dry them by gently applying the parking
and steering response.
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
Skid control
stop. Make sure that following traffic
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Depress the clutch and release the
is not endangered.
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
accelerator pedal, or place the selector
until the wheels just start to roll again
lever of the automatic transmission into
The brake lamps do not come
while still maintaining enough force to
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
on when the parking brake is
continue braking.
carefully and attempt to regain control
applied.<
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
of the vehicle.
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce braking distances while helping
you maintain steering control.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Power steering
Cellular phone*
Radio reception
123n
Changes in steering response, e. g. high
Only mobile communications systems
The reception and sound quality
steering effort:
(cellular phone, radio, etc.) with an
obtained from mobile radios vary
Consult a BMW center to have the
output up to 10 watts are permitted.
according to a variety of factors,
system checked.
Mobile communications devices not
including the broadcast range of the
specifically designed for use in your
transmitter and the directional orienta-
If the power steering fails,
vehicle may trigger malfunctions while
tion of the antenna. Interference factors
increased effort will be required to
operating your vehicle. BMW can
such as high-tension power lines,
steer the vehicle.<
neither test nor assume responsibility
structural or natural obstructions can all
for every individual product being
lead to unavoidable reception interfer-
offered on the market. We recommend
ence, regardless of how well the vehicle
that you consult your BMW center
sound system is operating.
before purchasing any device of this
Climatic factors such as intense solar
kind.
radiation, fog, rain and snow can also
interfere with reception.
To ensure that your BMW continues to
provide reliable and trouble-free opera-
Cellular or portable phones not recom-
tion, do not use a cellular phone or
mended by BMW can also generate
other radio device with an antenna
interference in the radio when making
located inside the passenger compart-
telephone calls. This phenomenon
ment. The antenna should always be
assumes the form of a low-pitched hum
mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
emanating from the speaker system.
Please refer to the Owner's Manual
Before loading the vehicle on a
provided with your sound system for
car-carrier train or driving it
detailed information on its use.
through a car-wash, remove the
antenna.<
124n
Tire inflation pressure
Tire condition
Information for your safety
Never continue driving on a
deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly
The factory-approved radial tires are
impairs steering and braking response,
matched to the vehicle and have been
and can lead to complete loss of
selected to provide optimum safety and
control over the vehicle.
driving comfort on your vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
the permitted load on the tires is not
also driving comfort and - above all
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
else - driving safety that depend on the
overheating and increases the rate at
condition of the tires and the mainte-
which damage develops inside the
nance of the specified tire pressure.
tires. You could have a blowout as a
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
result.
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
Unusual vibrations encountered during
Tire tread - tire damage
cantly influences the roadholding ability
normal vehicle operation can indicate
of your BMW.
Inspect your tires frequently for tread
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
The same applies to irregularities
Check the tire inflation pressure -
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
related to your usual driving style, such
for the space-saver spare tire or
tread depth.
as pulling hard to the left or right.
spare tire - on a regular basis (refer to
Tread depth should not be allowed to
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
page 28), at least twice a month, and
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
ately reducing your speed. Proceed
before starting out on any extended
the legally specified minimum tread
carefully to the nearest BMW center or
trip. If this is not done, incorrect tire
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
professional tire center, or have the
pressures can cause driving instability
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires
and tire damage, ultimately resulting in
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
inspected.
an accident.<
groove base indicate that the wear
Tire damage (up to and including
limit - applicable by law throughout
sudden and complete air loss) can
Europe - has been reached. Below
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there is an
occupants and other road users.<
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road.
Tire replacement
125n
To maintain good handling and vehicle
Traction
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
response, use only tires of a single
dard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
The traction grades, from highest to
tread configuration from a single manu-
sent higher levels of performance on
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
facturer. BMW tests and approves
the laboratory test wheel than the
Those grades represent the tire's ability
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to
minimum required by law.
to stop on wet pavement as measured
page 129.
under controlled conditions on speci-
The temperature grade for this tire
fied government test surfaces of asphalt
DOT Quality Grades
is established for a tire that is
and concrete. A tire marked C may have
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Treadwear
poor traction performance.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or
Traction AA A B C
excessive loading, either separately or
Temperature A B C
The traction grade assigned to
in combination, can cause heat buildup
this tire is based on straight-
and possible tire failure.<
All passenger car tires must
ahead braking traction tests, and does
conform to Federal Safety
not include acceleration, cornering,
Requirements in addition to these
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
grades.<
teristics.<
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
Tread wear
Temperature
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
The tread wear grade is a comparative
The temperature grades are A (the
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
highest), B, and C, representing the
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
when tested under controlled condi-
tire's resistance to the generation of
Temperature A
tions on a specified government test
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
course.
when tested under controlled condi-
Do not use retreaded tires. Driving
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
safety may be impaired by their
For example, a tire graded 150 would
test wheel.
use. This is due to the possible varia-
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
Sustained high temperature can cause
tions in casing structures and, in some
well on the government course as a tire
the material of the tire to degenerate
cases, to their extreme age, which can
graded 100. The relative performance
and reduce tire life, and excessive
lead to a decrease in their durability.<
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
temperature can lead to sudden tire
tions of their use, however, and may
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
depart significantly from the norm due
level of performance which all
to variations in driving habits, service
passenger car tires must meet under
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.