To deactivate DSC Press the DSC button; the indicator lamp comes on and stays on. DSC is now off, and ADB-X reverts to its maximum torque-transfer mode. In the following exceptional circum- stances, it may be effective to deacti- vate the DSC for a short period: > When rocking the vehicle or starting off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
> When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with the DSC acti-
vated whenever possible.<
90
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) – 325xi, 330xi
Reactivating the DSC Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the driver. We therefore urge you to avoid using the additional safety margin of the sys- tem as an excuse for taking risks. The system does not intervene to enhance vehicle stability when switched off. Do not make any modifications to the DSC system. Allow only authorized technicians to perform service proce- dures on the DSC.<
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*
The concept By reducing the vehicle's speed on steep downhill stretches, HDC main- tains predictable vehicle handling response to provide you with control of your BMW during extreme descents. The vehicle slows to a pace just slightly faster than walking speed. HDC is available for activation at vehi- cle speeds below approx. 22 mph / 35 km/h. When driving down steep hills, the vehicle reduces speed auto- matically down to about double walking speed – approx. 7.5 mph / 12 km/h – and then maintains this speed at a con- stant. You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary this speed within a range from approx. 3 mph / 5 km/h to approx. 15 mph / 25 km/h. In conjunction with the multifunction steering wheel, you can use the +/– button to set the cruise control to a tar- get speed in the range from approx. 3 mph / 5 km/h to approx. 15 mph / 25 km/h. HDC is automatically deactivated once vehicle speed again exceeds approx. 37 mph / 60 km/h.
To activate the system Press the HDC button; the green indi- cator lamp integrated within the button comes on. The indicator lamp flashes whenever the system is actively intervening to control your speed with automatic brake applications.
To deactivate the system Press the button again, the indicator lamp goes out. HDC is automatically deactivated once the vehicle accelerates to more than 37 mph / 60 km/h, as well as whenever you switch off the ignition.
91
To use HDC Vehicles with manual transmission: You should always ensure that either reverse or first gear is engaged before using HDC, as the engine's braking effect is most pronounced in these gears, and only reduced engine braking is available in higher gears. Vehicles with automatic transmission: HDC is available for use in all ranges.
System malfunctions Are signaled by the indicator lamp, which responds to problems by going out while HDC is in operation or by fail- ing to come on when you activate the system: HDC has been temporarily deactivated as a result of high brake temperatures.
If the DSC indicator lamp comes on at the same time: Malfunction in HDC and DSC
system. Refer the problem to your BMW center.
92 Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept As you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of pressure levels in all four tires. The system alerts you whenever the inflation pressure of a tire falls sig- nificantly below the pressure of another tire. The system actually detects pressure loss by monitoring differences in the relative speeds of the four wheels. It interprets variations outside specified limits as severe pressure loss, and then responds by generating a warning.
Functional requirements In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to learn the correct tire inflation pressure, please do the following: 1. Check the tire inflation pressures in
all tires
2. Compare them with the tire inflation pressure table on page 26 and cor- rect them, if necessary
3. Initialize the system.
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro- vide you with advance warning of sudden and severe tire damage caused by external factors and does not detect the balanced and very gradual pressure loss that takes place in all four tires over an extended period of time.<
On the other hand, the following situa- tions can lead to a delayed detection of pressure loss and even to the system not functioning: > Driving on snow-covered or slippery
roads
> Performance-oriented driving: slip at the drive wheels, high levels of lateral acceleration
> When driving with snow chains, false
warnings and undetected pressure losses may occur
> When driving with a space-saver
spare tire, the Flat Tire Monitor can- not function.
Initializing the system
Each time you correct the pres- sure in a tire, or change a wheel or tire, reinitialize the system immediately afterwards. This requires a bit of driv- ing.<
1. Before driving off, start the engine
but do not start driving
2. Press the button as long as you need
to until the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a few seconds
3. Drive off. It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue a warning.
Flat Tire Monitor*
When driving with snow chains or a space-saver spare tire, do not
initialize the system.<
Flat tire
The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster lights up red. This visual alert is accompanied by
an acoustic warning signal. 1. Carefully reduce speed and come to
a stop. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers
2. Determine which wheel is damaged
If this cannot be determined, con- tact your BMW center.<
Because the sides of Run Flat tires are reinforced, a drop in infla-
tion pressure usually cannot be detected from the outside, refer to Run Flat tires, page 150.<
2. To continue driving, follow the
instructions under Driving with a damaged tire on page 151.
System malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster lights up yellow. The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc- tioning or out of order. Please refer the problem to your BMW center.
Brake force display
93
The brake force display indicates to the driver of the vehicle behind you how hard you are braking your vehicle. The display has two levels: > Normal braking: the brake lamps
among the rear lamps and the center brake lamp light up
> Hard braking or use of ABS: the tail lamps light up with the same bright- ness as the brake lamps and thereby intensify the visual effect of the brake lamps.
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 147.
After replacing the damaged tire, initial- ize the system. Vehicles with Run Flat tires: 1. Carefully reduce your speed to under
50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid strong braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Lamps Parking lamps/Low beams
94
Follow me home lamps When you activate the headlamp flasher after parking the vehicle with the lamps turned off, the low-beam head- lamps will come on for a short time.
You can also have this function deactivated.<
LIGHTS ON warning When you open the driver's door after having turned the ignition key to posi- tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal for a few seconds to remind you that the lamps have not been switched off.
Daytime driving lamps* If you desire, the light switch can be left in the second position: when the igni- tion is switched off, the external lighting is also switched off.
You can have the activation set- tings for the daytime driving lamps
programmed on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is set to this position, the system automati- cally activates and cancels the low beams in response to changes in ambient light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. – and in the event of rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights remain on constantly when you
switch on the front fog lamps after the headlamps have come on automati- cally.<
Automatic headlamp control can- not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgement in determining when the vehicle lights should be switched on. For example, the sensors are not able to detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you should respond to these kinds of low-visibility situations by switching the headlamps on manually.<
You can have the sensitivity of your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Parking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the parking lamps to signal
the position of the vehicle when it is parked. For lighting on one side for parking as an additional feature, refer to page 95.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off while the low beams are on, the headlamps go out and only the
parking lamps remain on.
Instrument lighting
High beams/Standing lamps
95
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi- nation intensity.
1 High beams – blue indicator lamp 2 Headlamp flasher – blue indicator
lamp
3 Parking lamps
Standing lamps, left or right As an additional feature, you can illumi- nate your vehicle on either side for parking: With the ignition key in position 0, engage the lever in the appropriate turn-signal position.
96 Fog lamps*
Interior lamps
Front fog lamps
The green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up to indicate that the front fog lamps
are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is on, the low beams will come on
automatically whenever you activate the front fog lamps.<
The interior lamps operate automati- cally. To switch the interior lamps on and off manually Press button 1 briefly: If you want the interior lamps to remain off all the time, press and hold the but- ton for approx. 3 seconds. Press the button briefly to revert to nor- mal operation.
Front reading lamps* Switch on and off with the button 2 adjacent to each lamp.
Rear reading lamps Switch on and off with the button adja- cent to each lamp.
In order to prevent battery dis- charge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are automatically switched off approx. 15 minutes after you turn the ignition key to position 0.<
Light-emitting diodes Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed behind translucent lenses serve as the light sources for many of the controls and displays in your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes are related to con- ventional lasers, and legislation defines them as light-emitting diodes, Class 1.
Interior lamps
Do not remove the protective lens and avoid staring directly at the unfiltered beam for several hours, as inflammation of the retina could result.<
97
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving Air conditioning
98
Air conditioning
1 Air onto the windshield and the side
windows
2 Air for the upper body area 101
3 Air to the footwell
4 Air supply/Blower 100
5 Temperature 100
6 Air distribution 100
7 Rear window defroster 100
8 Air conditioning 100
9 Outside air/Recirculated-air
mode 100
99
Outside air/Recirculated-air mode You can respond to unpleasant external odors by temporarily
blocking the supply of outside air. The system then recirculates the air cur- rently within the vehicle.
If the windows should fog over in the recirculated-air mode, switch this mode off and increase the air sup- ply as required.<
100
Air conditioning
Air supply/Blower
Rear window defroster
You can select blower speeds from 1 to 4. The heating and ventilation become more and more effective as the air sup-
When the rear window defroster is activated, the indicator lamp comes on. The rear window defroster switches off automatically.
ply settings are increased. In position 0, the blower and the heater are switched off. The outside air supply is blocked in position 0.
Temperature
In order to increase the tem- perature of the passenger compartment, turn to the right toward the red zone. The tem- perature of the incoming air is kept con- stant.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto , toward your the windows upper body or into the footwell
. All intermediate
settings are possible. In the setting there is a low flow of air onto the win- dows to keep them free of condensa- tion.
You can have your vehicle pro- grammed in such a way that the
rear window defroster switches on automatically. This occurs within 5 min- utes after starting the engine when out- side temperatures are below approx. 397/+46.<
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi- fied and – depending on the
temperature setting – rewarmed. Depending on the weather, the wind- shield may fog over briefly when the engine is started. Air conditioning helps prevent the windows from fogging up.
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.<
Air conditioning
101
Microfilter The built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen from the incoming air. Your BMW center will replace it during rou- tine maintenance. A substantial reduc- tion in airflow indicates that the filter needs to be replaced before scheduled maintenance.
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the blower controls for the upper body area to obtain the opti- mum airflow rates and directions for your personal requirements: 1 Rotary dials for infinitely variable
opening and closing of the vent out- lets
2 Levers for airflow direction 3 Rotary dial allows you to control the temperature of the airflow from these outlets as desired
To defrost windows and remove condensation 1. Set the blower speed control for the
air supply to position 4
2. Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right to the red zone
3. Turn the rotary control for air distri-
bution to position
4. Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window.
102 Automatic climate control*
Automatic climate control*
1 Air onto the windshield and the side
windows
2 Air for the upper body area 105
3 Air to the footwell
4 Air inlet for interior temperature
sensor – please keep clear and
unobstructed
5 Outside air/Automatic recirculated-
air control (AUC)/Recirculated
air 105
6 Automatic air distribution and
supply 104
7 Individual air distribution 104
8 Temperature 104
9 Display for temperature 104
and air supply 104
10 Air supply/Blower 104
11 To defrost windows and remove
condensation 104
12 Air conditioning 104
13 Rear window defroster 105
103
104
Automatic climate control*
Tips for pleasant driving Use the automatic mode – switch on with AUTO button 6. Select the desired interior temperature. Detailed setting options are described for you in the following section.
You can make the settings of your vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the vehicle with the remote control of your personal key, your own personalized setting for the automatic climate control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the air distribution and the air sup- ply for you and in addition adapts the temperature to external influences – summer, winter – to meet preferences you can specify.
, toward the upper , and into the footwell
vated, the automatic airflow control remains in operation. Air flows onto the windows body You can reactivate the automatic air distribution mode by selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
The interior temperature that appears in the display panel is a general figure intended for refer- ence purposes. We recommend 727/ +226 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. To select the units of measure, 6 or 7, for the display, refer to page 84.
Individual air distribution
Air supply/Blower
You can cancel the AUTO pro- gram by selecting specific dis- tribution patterns to suit your own individual requirements.
While the AUTO program is then deacti-
By pressing the upper or lower button, you can vary the air sup- ply. This deactivates the auto-
matic control of the air supply, AUTO disappears from the display panel. Nev-
ertheless, the automatic air distribution 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 lower 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 – depending on the
temperature setting – rewarmed. Depending on the weather, the wind- shield may fog over briefly when the engine is started. Air conditioning helps prevent the windows from fogging up.
Automatic climate control*
105
Condensation forms during opera- tion of the air conditioning system,
recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.
which then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this kind are thus normal.<
Outside air/Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC)/ Recirculated air
You can respond to unpleasant external odors or pollutants by
temporarily stopping the flow of outside air. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle. Press the button repeatedly to select one of three different operating modes. > Indicator lamps off: outside airflow is
on
> Left indicator lamp on – AUC mode: the system recognizes pollutants in the outside air and blocks the flow of air when necessary. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle. Depending on the air quality, the automatic system then switches back and forth between outside air supply and recirculation of the air within the vehicle
> Right indicator lamp on: the flow of
external air into the vehicle is perma- nently blocked. The system then
If the windows should fog over in the recirculated-air mode, switch this mode off and increase the air sup- ply as required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster is activated, the indicator lamp comes on. The rear window defroster switches off automatically.
You can have your vehicle pro- grammed in such a way that the
rear window defroster switches on automatically. This occurs within 5 min- utes after starting the engine when out- side temperatures are below approx. 397/+46.<
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the blower controls for the upper body area to obtain the opti- mum airflow rates and directions for your personal requirements: 1 Rotary dials for infinitely variable
opening and closing of the vent out- lets
2 Levers for airflow direction 3 Rotary dial allows you to control the temperature of the airflow from these outlets as desired
106
Automatic climate control*
Roller sun blind*
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter The 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 fil- ter as a standard part of your scheduled maintenance. A substantial reduction in airflow indicates that the filter needs to be replaced before scheduled mainte- nance.
To actuate, press the button briefly with the ignition key in position 1 or higher. The illustration depicts the arrangement of the buttons if the vehicle is fully equipped. The arrangement may vary depending on the equipment actually installed.
Interior conveniences Premium sound system*
Glove compartment
107
Harman Kardon premium sound system Press 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 sys- tem off.
To open Pull the handle. The lamp in the glove compartment comes on.
To close Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an accident, close the glove com-
partment immediately after use.<
To lock Lock with one of the master keys. A master key will also be required to unlock the glove compartment.
108
Glove compartment
Storage compartments
If – for example for valet parking – you turn over only your spare key,
refer to page 32, then access to the locked glove compartment is not possi- ble.<
Rechargeable flashlight The flashlight is located on the left side of the glove compartment. It features integral overload-protection, so it can be left in its holder continu- ously.
To avoid completely discharging and possibly damaging the flash- light, always ensure that it is switched off before inserting it in the socket.<
Beverage holders, coin box A coin box and two beverage holders are provided in the center console.
Front center armrest To open: press the button and fold up.
Additional compartments and nets* You will find additional storage com- partments in the front doors and in the center console. Storage nets are on the front seat backrests.
Storage compartments
109
Rear center armrest* Without through-loading system: The rear center armrest includes a stor- age compartment, a beverages holder and a litter bag holder. 1 Storage compartment: pull up 2 Beverages holder: press
Rear center armrest* With through-loading system: The rear center armrest includes a bev- erages holder and a litter bag holder. > Beverages holder: press
Storage package* For your convenience, there are: > Two flip-out sockets on the rear cen-
ter console
> An eyeglasses compartment*, not shown, in the front center console.
110 Cellular phone*
Ashtray, front*
Cigarette lighter socket Suitable for attaching power supplies for flashlights, car vacuum cleaners, etc., up to a rating of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. Avoid damage to the socket caused by inserting plugs of different shapes or sizes.
Hands-free system On vehicles that are wired for a tele- phone* or equipped with a communica- tions package*, the cover for the hands-free microphone is located in the headliner near the interior lamp. For further information on using your cellular phone, refer to the separate Owner's Manual for the telephone.
To empty Press on the edge of the open cover: the ashtray moves up and can be removed.
Cigarette lighter
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could result in burns. The cigarette lighter remains opera- tional when the ignition key has been removed. For this reason, children should never be left in the vehicle unat- tended.<
Press lighter 1 in. You can remove the lighter from its socket for use as soon as it springs back out.
Ashtray, rear*
111
To empty Press on the edge of the open cover in the opening direction: the ashtray moves up and can be removed.
Loading and transporting Through-loading system*
112
Rear center 3-point safety belt* You can roll up the rear 3-point belt before folding back the through-loading system: > Release the belt and insert its latch in the recess provided for this purpose in the rear tray.
1. Pull the corresponding lever to
2. The backrest moves forward slightly
release
when released. Reach into the gap and fold it down.
When folding the backrest back into its original position always
ensure that the detent engages securely. A loose backrest might fail to prevent cargo from entering the pas- senger compartment during sudden braking or evasive maneuvers, posing a potential hazard to occupants.<
The fittings at the corners of the lug- gage compartment provide you with a convenient means of attaching luggage compartment nets* and flexible straps for securing luggage. Refer also to Cargo loading on page 114.
Ski bag*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean transport of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to two snowboards. The length of the ski bag and the addi- tional space provided in the luggage compartment make it possible to carry skis up to 6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m long. Because of the tapered shape of the bag, only two pairs of skis longer than 6 ft 10 in / 2.10 m can be carried.
113
5. Use the magnetic retainers to attach the cover panel to the upper surface – metal surface below rear tray – of the luggage compartment.
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in reverse sequence.
Loading Vehicles without through-loading sys- tem: 1. Fold the center armrest outward.
Loosen the trim from the upper Velcro® fastener and place it on the armrest
2. Press the button – see arrow 1, from inside the passenger compartment: this releases the cover panel in the luggage compartment
3. Press the detent levers inward – see arrows 2 – and fold the cover to the front
4. Extend the ski bag between the front
seats. The zipper provides conve- nient access to stored items. It may be opened to allow the ski bag to dry
114
Ski bag*
Cargo loading
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading can lead to overheating and internal tire damage. The ultimate result can assume the form of a sudden air loss.<
Securing cargo
Secure skis and any other objects stored in the bag by tightening the
retaining strap at the buckle.<
Be sure that your skis are clean before loading them into the bag. Avoid damage from sharp edges during loading.<
Loading Vehicles with through-loading system: 1. Fold the center armrest outward.
Loosen the trim from the upper Velcro® fastener and place it on the armrest
2. Press the button downward – see arrow 1 – and swing the cover for- ward
3. Extend the ski bag between the front
seats. The zipper provides conve- nient access to stored items. It may be opened to allow the ski bag to dry
4. Press the button – see arrow 2: the
cover in the luggage compartment is unlocked.
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in reverse sequence.
Cargo loading
115
4. The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehi-
cle, 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,
load from your trailer will be trans- fered 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.
Stowing cargo > Load heavy cargo as far forward as possible – directly behind the back- rests or the luggage compartment partition – and as low as possible
> Cover sharp edges and corners > Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
Determining the maximum load 1. Locate the following statement on
your vehicle's placard*:
The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs., as this could otherwise result in damage to the vehicle or 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
116
Cargo loading
> For transporting very heavy loads
when the rear seat is not occupied, secure the outer safety belts in the opposite buckles, refer to the illustra- tion.
Securing cargo > For small, light items, use the rubber-
lined, non-skid side of the floor mat
or secure using a luggage compart-
ment net* or elastic straps, refer to
page 40
> For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing devices*. Anchorages located in the luggage compartment can be used for fastening the load-securing devices.
Read and comply with the instructions enclosed with the load-securing devices.
Always position and secure loads correctly. If you do not, the load can endanger the passengers during braking or evasive maneuvers. Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle weight or the approved axle loads, refer to page 162. Otherwise the vehicle's operating safety is no longer assured and the vehicle will not be in compliance with the certification regu- lations. Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment without securing them. Otherwise they would be thrown around during braking and evasive maneuvers and could endanger the passengers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
117
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. These weights are listed under Technical data on page 162. Make sure that the load is not too heavy, and attempt to distribute it evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces first so that they are at the bottom. Be sure that adequate clearance is main- tained for raising the glass sunroof, and that objects do not project into the opening path of the luggage compart- ment lid. Secure the roof-mounted luggage cor- rectly and securely to prevent it from shifting or being lost during driving. Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Do not corner at high speeds. The roof-mounted luggage rack and the roof load increase the aerodynamic resistance: increased fuel consumption and additional stress on the vehicle's body are the result.
A special roof-rack system is available as an optional extra for your BMW. Please observe the precautions included with the installation instruc- tions.
Anchorages Access to the anchorages: To fold up the covers, please use the tool provided with the roof-rack system.
Loading and driving notes Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the center of gravity of the vehicle when they are loaded. For this reason, they exercise a major effect on the vehicle's handling and steering response.
118
119
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
Special operating instructions Break-in procedures
120
To ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request that you observe the following suggestions.
Engine and differential Up to 1,250 miles/2,000 km: Constantly vary both vehicle and engine speeds, remembering not to exceed 4,500 rpm or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph / 160 km/h: Obey your local and state maximum speed limits. Do not use full throttle, and avoid pressing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point during these initial miles. You can then proceed to increase engine or vehicle speeds once the ini- tial 1,250 miles/2,000 km have elapsed. Please remember to observe these same break-in procedures if either the engine or the differential should have to be replaced later in the course of the vehicle's service life.
Tires Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction potential until an initial break-in period has elapsed. Thus drive with extra care during the initial 200 miles/300 km. Obey your local and state maximum speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water may form between the tire and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplaning, and can lead to partial or complete loss of trac- tion, as well as loss of vehicle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse before the brake pads and rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns required for trouble-free operation and long service life later on.
To break in the separate parking brake drums, apply the parking brake lightly when coasting to a standstill – at a traf- fic signal, for instance – use caution to avoid posing a danger to other road users. To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce- dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit on your BMW is available only when the engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – when tow- ing, for example – substantially higher levels of pedal force will be required to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse before the clutch starts to operate at optimum efficiency. Remember to engage the clutch carefully during this initial period.
General driving notes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
121
Do not reduce the pressure exerted against the brake pedal until the brak- ing maneuver has been completed. DBC is deactivated when you release the brake pedal.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering design of the ABS. When braking while cornering at high speed or braking dur- ing high lateral acceleration, or when braking during a lane change, vehicle stability is improved and steering response is enhanced.
Brakes: do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
Even light but consistent pedal pres- sure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure. 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 surface. This phenomenon can lead to partial or complete loss of contact between the tires and road surface, as well as loss of vehicle control and braking ability. Driving through water: do not drive through water on the road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk- ing speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the transmission may be damaged. Rear parcel tray: never use it to store heavy or hard objects; otherwise, occu- pants could be injured if the vehicle is braked hard. Clothes hooks: when hanging clothing from the hooks, be sure that they will not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so, they could cause personal injury during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
The concept ABS keeps the wheels from locking during braking, thereby enhancing active driving safety.
Braking with ABS If you are in a situation that requires full braking, you will exploit the full benefits of the ABS system if you apply maxi- mum pedal pressure – panic stop. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort, despite the full brake application. Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) DBC is included in the DSC, refer to page 87. The system responds to sudden, high- intensity applications of force to the brake pedal by automatically braking the vehicle with maximum boost to achieve the shortest possible braking distances during panic stops. This sys- tem exploits all the benefits of ABS.
122 Brake system
Brake fluid level Low brake fluid level in the reservoir combined with longer than usual pedal travel may indicate a defect in one of the brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen- ter. It may be necessary to apply higher levels of pressure to the pedal when stopping and braking distances may also be longer. Please remember to adapt your driving style accord- ingly.<
Disc brakes When the vehicle is driven only occa- sionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake appli- cations are less frequent, there is an increased tendency for corrosion of the rotors and accumulation of contamina- tion on the brake pads. This occurs because the minimal pressure that must be exerted by the pads to clean the rotors by brake applications is not reached. Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a running or pulsation during braking; even extended subsequent braking will not cure this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the brakes with a gentle application when driving in rain and on wet roads. Watch 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 your brake system will respond with undiminished efficiency when you need it. When descending steep hills and extended grades, downshift to a gear that will allow you to continue safely with only a minimal amount of braking. This helps avoid placing excessive loads on the brake system. Use care to avoid exceeding the approved engine- speed range, refer to page 80.
Do not coast with the clutch depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with the engine shut off. The engine provides no braking effect when the clutch is depressed and there is no power-assist for braking or steering when the engine is not running. 325xi, 330xi: always refer all brake inspection and service work to your BMW center, as failure to observe the special procedures could result in dam- age to components of the all-wheel drive. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals and obstruct their move- ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only brake pads which BMW has approved for your specific vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non- approved brake pads to determine if they are suitable for use, and therefore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they are installed.<
Brake system
Portable phone in the vehicle BMW recommends using mobile com- munications devices, e.g. portable phones, inside the vehicle with a suit- able outside antenna. Otherwise, it can- not be ruled out that the vehicle elec- tronics and portable phone may interfere with each other.
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wall with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. At a tread depth of 1/16 in / 1.6 mm, the indicators signal that the legally permis- sible wear limit has been reached.
Wheels and tires Tire inflation pressure
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Tire condition
Information for your safety The factory-approved tires are matched to your vehicle and have been selected to provide optimum safety and driving comfort when used properly. It is not merely the tire's service life, but also driving comfort and – above all else – driving safety that depend on the con- dition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire inflation pressure. Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a fre- quent cause of tire damage. Tire pres- sure 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 25. If this is not done, incorrect tire pressures can cause driv- ing instability and tire damage, ulti- mately resulting in accidents.<
Tire tread – tire damage Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the