BMW 325i Wagon (2002 year). Instruction - part 8
Tire inflation pressure
Tire condition
107n
Information for your safety
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
The factory-approved radial tires are
amounts of water on the road.
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
driving comfort.
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
steering and braking response, and can
also driving comfort and - above all else
lead to complete loss of control over
- driving safety that depend on the
the vehicle.
condition of the tires and the mainte-
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
nance of the specified tire inflation
the permitted load on the tires is not
pressure.
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
Tire tread - tire damage
tires. The ultimate result can assume
a frequent cause of tire damage. It
Inspect your tires frequently for tread
the form of a sudden air loss.
also significantly influences the road-
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
Unusual vibrations encountered during
holding ability of your BMW. Be sure to
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
check the tire inflation pressure,
tread depth.
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
including the space-saver spare tire or
Tread depth should not be allowed to
tion. The type of problem can be
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
least twice a month and before every
the legally specified minimum tread
is also true for irregularities in the
extended journey, refer to page 24. If
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
this is not done, incorrect tire pressures
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
can cause driving instability and tire
base of the tire's tread. Their locations
left or right. Should this occur, respond
damage, ultimately resulting in an
are indicated by the legend TWI - Tread
by immediately reducing your speed.
accident.<
Wear Indicator - at various points on
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
the tire's shoulder. When the tread
center or professional tire center, or
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm),
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
these indicators appear to signal that
wheels and tires inspected.
the tires have worn to the minimum
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
108nTire condition
Tire replacement
Tire damage (up to and including
To maintain good handling and vehicle
Traction
sudden and complete air loss) can
response, use only tires of a single
The traction grades, from highest to
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
tread configuration from a single manu-
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
occupants and other road users.<
facturer.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
DOT Quality Grades
under controlled conditions on speci-
Tread wear
fied government test surfaces of
Traction AA A B C
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
Temperature A B C
may have poor traction performance.
All passenger vehicle tires must
The traction grade assigned to
conform to Federal Safety
this tire is based on straight-
Requirements in addition to these
ahead braking traction tests, and does
grades.<
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
Tread wear
teristics.<
The tread wear grade is a comparative
Temperature
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
The temperature grades are A (the
tions on a specified government test
highest), B, and C, representing the
course.
tire's resistance to the generation of
For example, a tire graded 150 would
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
wear one and one-half (1 g) times as
when tested under controlled condi-
well on the government course as a tire
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
graded 100. The relative performance
test wheel.
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
Sustained high temperature can cause
tions of their use, however, and may
the material of the tire to degenerate
depart significantly from the norm due
and reduce tire life, and excessive
to variations in driving habits, service
temperature can lead to sudden tire
practices and differences in road char-
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
acteristics and climate.
level of performance which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet
Tire replacement
109n
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Tire age
Safety tires*
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
The date on which the tire was manu-
Safety tires consist of self-supporting
represent higher levels of performance
factured is indicated by the code on the
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
on the laboratory test wheel than the
sidewall:
forcement ensures that the tire retains
minimum required by law.
DOT ... 4101 indicates that the tire was
some residual safety in the event of
manufactured in Week 41 of the year
pressure drop and driving remains
The temperature grade for this tire
2001.
possible to a restricted degree. The
is established for a tire that is
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Although tires may have a theoretical
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
service life of up to 10 years, BMW
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
which indicate a flat tire.
strongly recommends that you replace
excessive loading, either separately or
For additional information on Tire Pres-
all tires after an absolute maximum of
in combination, can cause heat buildup
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
6 years.
and possible tire failure.<
refer to page 78 or 80.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Safety tires are only possible in
Quality grades can be found where
conjunction with Tire Pressure
applicable on the tire sidewall between
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired.
This is due to the possible variations in
casing structures and, in some cases,
to their extreme age, which can lead to
a decrease in their durability.<
110nWheel and tire combinations
The right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically
approved by BMW for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels
and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors
such as manufacturing tolerances can
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. BMW can not evaluate all tires
and wheels on the market, and is thus
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are
mounted.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems
that would otherwise be impaired, for
example ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/ADB-X/DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as
possible.<
Winter tires
111n
Choosing the right tire
Never exceed the maximum
Storage
speed for which the winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
are rated.
radial tires) for operation under
Store them away from light whenever
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
inclement winter driving conditions.
possible. Protect the tires against
service tires can lead to damage and
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
accidents.
tion) provide better winter traction than
Have this work performed by trained
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
Snow chains*
professionals only. Any BMW center
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
Use BMW narrow-link snow chains on
has the required technical knowledge
achieve the performance of winter tires.
summer or winter tires in pairs only and
and the proper equipment and will be
In the interest of safe tracking and
only on the rear wheels.
happy to assist you.<
steering response, install winter tires
BMW 325xi: in an extreme emergency -
made by the same manufacturer having
Tire condition, tire pressure
for instance, with the vehicle stuck on
the same tread configuration on all four
one side, or when obstructions make it
Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in
wheels.
impossible to reach one tire - a chain
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
may also be mounted on just one tire
tible decrease in their ability to cope
for the limited period needed to resolve
with winter driving conditions, and
the problem.
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures — and be sure to have the
You cannot mount snow chains on the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
following tires:
every time you change the tires.
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17
112n
Hood
To release
To open
To close
Pull the lever located under the left-
Pull the release handle and open the
Allow the hood to fall from a height of
hand side of the instrument panel.
hood.
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
required technical background. Failure
travel path of the hood is clear
to work in an informed, professional
when it is closed, observing the same
manner when servicing components
precautions as with all closing proce-
and materials constitutes a safety
dures.
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
If you determine that the hood is not
road users. If you are not familiar with
completely closed while driving, stop
the guidelines, please have the opera-
immediately and close it securely.<
tions performed by your BMW center.<
Engine compartment essentials
113n
1 Brake fluid reservoir
118
3 Coolant expansion tank
117
5 Engine oil filler neck
115
2 Engine oil dipstick
115
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and
6 Auxiliary terminal for
windshield washer system
114
jump-starting
134
114nWasher fluids
Antifreeze agents for the washer
systems are highly flammable. For
this reason, keep them away from
sources of flame and store them only in
their original containers. Store it inac-
cessible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Headlamp* and windshield
Rear window washer reservoir
washer system
Capacity approx. 2.4 US quarts
Capacity approx. 5.6 US quarts
(2.3 liters)
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and - if required - with a
Fill with water and - if required - with a
washer antifreeze, according to manu-
washer antifreeze, according to manu-
facturer's recommendations.
facturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
the reservoir.<
Engine oil
115n
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
Checking oil level
Adding engine oil
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
Wait until the level has dropped to just
2. Switch the engine off after it has
above the lower mark before adding oil.
reached normal operating tempera-
However, you should never let the oil
ture
drop below the lower mark.
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
BMW engines are designed to
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
operate without oil additives; the
similar material
use of additives could lead to damage
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
in some cases. This is also true for the
way into the guide tube and pull it
manual transmission, the automatic
out again
transmission, the differential, and the
5. The oil level should be between the
power steering system.<
two marks on the dipstick.
Recommendation: have the oil changed
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
by your BMW center.
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
116nEngine oil
Continuous exposure to used oil
Specified engine oils
Viscosity ratings
has caused cancer in laboratory
The quality of the engine oil is
Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
extremely important for the function
lished in SAE classes.
that come into contact with oil should
and service life of an engine. Based on
The selection of the correct SAE class
be thoroughly washed with soap and
extensive testing, BMW has approved
depends on the climatic conditions in
water.
only certain grades of engine oil.
the area you drive your BMW.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
Use only approved "BMW High
reach of children. Comply with all
Performance Synthetic Oil".
Approved oils are in SAE classes
warning labels and information on
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
containers.<
If you are unable to obtain an approved
"BMW High Performance Synthetic
These kinds of oil may be used for
Comply with the applicable envi-
Oil", you may use small volumes of
driving in all ambient temperatures.
ronmental laws regulating the
other synthetic oils for topping up
disposal of used oil.<
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the specification API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
synthetic oils that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain
this information.
Coolant
117n
Do not add coolant to the cooling
Comply with the applicable envi-
system when the engine is hot. If
ronmental laws regulating the
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
can cause burns.
with corrosion inhibitor.<
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their original
Checking coolant level
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children.
Correct coolant level when the engine
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
is cold (approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
substance ethylene glycol. For this
by turning it slightly counterclock-
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
to escape, then open
engine parts. It could ignite and cause
2. The coolant level is correct when the
serious burns.<
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it - that is, up to the second
mark on the float (refer also to the
schematic diagram next to the filler
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the
coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached - do
not overfill.
118nBrake fluid
Brake fluid loss results in extended
brake pedal travel. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 106.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by a
BMW center, refer to page 66 or to the
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
Indicator lamp
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
The brake warning lamp comes
models).
on when the parking brake is
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
not engaged: the brake fluid
vehicle's paint. You should always store
level is too low, refer to page 17.
it in its original container and in a loca-
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
tion which is out of reach of children.
dian models.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
Adding brake fluid
cause serious burns.<
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
Comply with the applicable envi-
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
ronmental laws regulating
center. Your BMW center is familiar
the disposal of brake fluid.<
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
The BMW Maintenance System
119n
Service Interval Display
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
While conventional systems rely on
distance traveled alone to determine
and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models)
when service is due, the BMW Mainte-
nance System has for years considered
For additional information on required
the actual conditions under which the
maintenance intervals and procedures,
vehicle operates, because miles can be
please refer to the Service and
traveled in many different ways:
Warranty Information Booklet (US
From a maintenance point of view,
models), or the Warranty and Service
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
distance urban driving cannot be
As a precaution against corrosion, it is
compared with 62,000 miles
advisable to have the body checked for
The BMW Maintenance System has
(100,000km) of long-distance highway
damage from rocks or gravel at the
been designed as a reliable means of
travel.
same time, depending upon operating
providing maximum driving and oper-
The BMW Maintenance System
conditions.
ating safety - and as cost-effectively as
includes the Engine Oil Service and
possible for you.
Inspections I and II.
We recommend that you refer all
Please keep in mind that regular main-
maintenance and repair opera-
Determining the maintenance intervals
tenance is not only necessary for the
tions to your BMW center.
according to the actual use of the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
Be sure that all maintenance work is
vehicle covers every kind of operating
significant role in maintaining the resale
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
situation. However, drivers who cover
value of the vehicle.
Information Booklet (US models), or in
only extremely short distances -
the Warranty and Service Guide
substantially less than 6,200 miles
Booklet (Canadian models). These
(10,000 km) annually - should still have
entries confirm that your vehicle has
the engine oil changed at least every
benefitted from regular maintenance,
2 years, as it continues to age regard-
and are also required for warranty
less of whether the vehicle is used on a
claims.<
regular basis.
120n
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
Engine exhaust, some of its
source for many of the controls and
constituents, and certain vehicle
displays in your vehicle. These LEDs
components contain or emit chemicals
use a concept related to that of conven-
known to the State of California to
tional lasers.
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<