BMW 325i Sedan (2006 year). Instruction

Practical interior

accessories

Sockets in the rear center console*

Remove corresponding cover.

Socket in the luggage compartment*

Open the cap.

Through-loading system*

Opening

Open the belt lock of the rear center safety
belt. To do so, press the button, see arrow,
and release the latch plate.

Insert the latch plate at the end of the belt
into the specially designated fixture on the
rear window shelf.

Push the corresponding head restraint
down as far as it will go, refer to page

To release the rear seat back, pull the corre-
sponding lever in the luggage compart-
ment.

The unlocked rear seat back moves forward
slightly. Fold the seat back forward by the
head restraint.

Closing

Return the rear seat back to its upright posi-
tion and engage it.

When returning the backrest into its
seating position, make sure that the

seat's locking mechanism engages prop-
erly. Otherwise, cargo could be thrown
around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.

Release the latch plate from the fixture on
the rear window shelf and insert it into the
belt lock of the center safety belt. Make sure
you hear the latch plate engage in the belt
buckle.

The lashing eyes in the luggage compartment
provide you with a way to attach luggage com-
partment nets

or draw straps for securing suit-

cases and luggage, refer to page

101

Storage spaces in the

luggage compartment

Left storage compartment, suitable e.g. for
storing a box of cleaning tissues or up to 12 CD
cases, depending on vehicle equipment ver-
sion.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
following additional storage spaces can be
found in the luggage compartment:

Net

for securing smaller objects, to be

attached to the fixtures on the floor panel

Hooks for hanging up, e.g., shopping bags
or tote bags

Rubber strap on the left trim panel for
securing small objects such as a folding
umbrella

Net for small objects on the right trim panel

Retaining straps next to the rear lashing
eyes, e.g. for securing an umbrella

Folding, removable box

under the floor

panel, e.g. for wet or dirty items

Insertable dividers

and removable storage

tray for the storage compartment under the
floor panel

Drawer for storing small items. Pull the han-
dle firmly to release the drawer. If neces-
sary, you can pull out the drawer entirely,
refer to the information below

Do not drive or close the luggage com-
partment lid while the drawer is pulled

out.
On uphill gradients, release the drawer with
caution, otherwise it could slide out on its own
and cause injury.
Do not exceed a maximum load of 11 lbs/5 kg
for the drawer, otherwise damage could
result.

Removing the drawer

Push the drawer all the way in.

Turn the catches on the left and right all the
way out.

Remove the drawer by pulling it down and
backwards.

Reinserting the drawer

Hook the guides of the drawer into the front
of the yellow guide aids on the underside of
the luggage compartment.

Insert the catches into the mounts on the
underside of the luggage compartment.

Turn the catches on the left and right all the
way in.

Folding up the luggage compartment
floor panel

Press the floor panel against the top of the lug-
gage compartment; a locking device holds the
luggage compartment floor panel in place. To
detach the floor panel, pull it out of the locking
device.

Practical interior

accessories

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 page

101

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

Fold down the center armrest.

Press the button, reach into the recess and
fold down the cover.

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.

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
faster drying or to allow you to use other inserts.

Fold down the center panel in the rear seat
backrest.

Pull the handle, arrow

Pull out the insert, arrow

For more information on the various
inserts available, contact your BMW Cen-

ter.

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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.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period, page

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 luggage compartment lid

Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is closed. Other-

wise, exhaust fumes could enter the interior of
the vehicle.

If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the luggage compartment
lid open:

Close all windows and the glass sunroof.

Increase the air flow rate of the air condi-
tioner or automatic climate control consid-
erably, refer to page

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,
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 page

115

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.

Sequential manual gearbox SMG

On uphill slopes, drive off without delay.
Do not hold the vehicle in place by

depressing the accelerator pedal; apply the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, the transmis-
sion could overheat.

Also use the drive-off assistant, refer to
page

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.

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100

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 page

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
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 page

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

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.

Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.

Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.

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.

Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available

101

cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.

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

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 page

150

, 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.

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102

Mounting points

Open the covers.

Loading roof-mounted luggage rack

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights on page

150

The roof load must be uniformly distributed and
should not be too large in area. Heavy items
should always be placed at the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the luggage
compartment lid.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

fueling

106

Refueling

Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, otherwise, fuel cannot be added to

the tank and a message will be displayed.

Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations when

handling fuel. Do not carry any spare fuel con-
tainers in your vehicle. They can develop a leak
and cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident.

Gas cap

Opening

Open fuel filler door. To do so, lightly press
the rear edge.

Turn the gas cap counterclockwise.

Place the gas cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler door.

Closing

Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.

Do not jam the strap attached to the gas
cap between the gas cap and the vehicle.

A message will be displayed if the gas cap is
loose or missing.

Manually releasing the fuel filler door

In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
release the fuel filler door manually:

Remove the cover from the right-hand side
panel of the luggage compartment.

Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol.
The fuel filler door is released.

Observe the following when refueling

When handling fuels always observe any
safety guidelines posted at the service

station.

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler nozzle
during refueling leads to

premature pump shutoff

a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor
recovery system.

The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.

Fuel tank capacity

Approx. 16.1 US gallons/61 liters, including the
reserve capacity of 2.1 US gallons/8 liters.

Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/

50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.

Fuel specifications

Do not fill the tank with leaded fuel, as this
would cause permanent damage to the

catalytic converter.

107

Required fuel

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

The minimum octane rating is 91.
If you use gasoline with this minimum octane
rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside tempera-
tures. This has no affect on the engine life.
Minimum octane rating corresponds to the Anti
Knock Index AKI and is determined according
to the so-called (R+M)/2 method.

Do not fill the tank with leaded fuel, as this
would cause permanent damage to the

catalytic converter.

Use high-quality brands

Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight,
that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.

The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems

especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.

eels

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tire

108

Wheels and tires

Tire inflation pressures

Information for your safety

It is not merely the tires' service life, but also
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving
safety that depend on the condition of the tires
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.

Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a

month and before starting long trips. If you fail
to observe this precaution you may be driving
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using
Run-Flat Tires. A flat tire will seriously impair
your vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of
control over the vehicle.

Checking pressure

Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.

After correcting tire inflation pressures,
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,

refer to page

Inflation pressure specifications

The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.

The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes approved and tire brands recom-

mended by BMW; a list of these is available
from your BMW Center.

For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:

Tire sizes for your vehicle

Load conditions

Maximum allowable driving speed

Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h

For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found
on the driver's-side door post when the driver's
door is open.

The maximum permissible speed for
these tire pressures is 100 mph or

160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed, otherwise
tire damage and accidents could occur.

Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph or 160 km/h

In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust

pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise tire
damage and accidents could occur.

Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits, otherwise violations of the laws could
occur.

109

Tire inflation pressures for the 323i, for Canada only

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

Traveling speeds

up to a max. of

100 mph / 160 km/h

Traveling speeds

including those exceeding

100 mph / 160 km/h

All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in
psi/kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature

without Sports package

225/50 R 16 92 V
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S

29/200

33/230

29/200

33/230

30/210

38/260

225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL

29/200

35/240

29/200

35/240

32/220

39/270

Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL

35/240

30/210

35/240

Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL

39/270

33/230

39/270

with Sports package

225/50 R 16 92 V
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S

29/200

33/230

29/200

35/240

42/290

225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL

29/200

35/240

30/210

38/260

36/250

45/310

Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL

35/240

33/230

38/260

Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y_XL

39/270

36/250

42/290

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page

150

eels

and

tire

110

Tire inflation pressures for the 325i

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

Traveling speeds

up to a max. of

100 mph / 160 km/h

Traveling speeds

including those exceeding

100 mph / 160 km/h

All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in
psi/kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature

without Sports package

225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL

33/230

41/280

33/230

41/280

Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V

29/200

32/220

Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V

32/220

35/240

Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL

35/240

32/220

35/240

Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL

41/280

35/240

41/280

with Sports package

225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S

33/230

41/280

35/240

42/290

225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL

33/230

41/280

38/260

45/310

Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V

29/200

35/240

Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V

32/220

33/230

39/270

Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL

35/240

33/230

38/260

Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL

41/280

36/250

42/290

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page

111

Tire inflation pressures for the 325xi

Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa

Traveling speeds

up to a max. of

100 mph / 160 km/h

Traveling speeds

including those exceeding

100 mph / 160 km/h

All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in
psi/kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature

without Sports package:

205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL

30/210

36/250

30/210

33/230

35/240

41/280

Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V

30/210

35/240

Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V

32/220

35/240

Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL

39/270

35/240

39/270

Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL

41/280

35/240

41/280

with Sports package:

205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S

30/210

36/250

30/210

33/230

35/240

41/280

225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL

30/210

36/250

35/240

38/260

39/270

45/310

Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V

30/210

33/230

38/260

Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V

32/220

33/230

39/270

Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL

39/270

38/260

42/290

Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL

41/280

38/260

44/300

More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page

150

BMW 325i Sedan (2006 year). Instruction - part 6