BMW 325i (2006 year). Instruction

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Energy Control

Displays the current fuel consumption. This
allows you to see whether your current driving
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini-
mum exhaust emissions.

Fuel gauge

Fuel tank capacity: approx. 15.9 US gallons/
60 liters. You can find information on refueling
on page

106

If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.

Reserve

Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve
zone of approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 liters, the indi-
cator lamp and cruising range for the remaining
amount of fuel are displayed briefly. The indica-
tor lamp remains permanently on if the remain-
ing range is less than approx. 30 miles/50 km.

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.

Computer

Displays in the instrument cluster

To call up the information, press the button in
the turn indicator stalk.
The following items of information are dis-
played in the order listed:

Cruising range

Average speed

Average fuel consumption

To set the corresponding units of measure,
refer to Formats and units of measure on
page

Cruising range

Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The range is calculated
on the basis of the way the car has been driven
over the last 18 miles/30 km and the amount of
fuel currently in the tank.

Be sure to 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.

Average speed

Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine
switched off are not included in the calculations
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press the button in the
turn indicator stalk for approx. 2 seconds.

Average fuel consumption

The average fuel consumption is calculated for
the time during which the engine is running.

To reset average fuel consumption: press the
button in the turn indicator stalk for approx.
2 seconds.

Settings and information

Operating principle

1 Button for:

Selecting display

Setting values

2 Button for:

Confirming selected display or set val-
ues

Calling up computer information

3 When the lights are switched on: instrument

lighting brightness

4 Calling up Check Control

5 Checking engine oil level*

119

6 Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor

7 Setting the time

8 Setting the date

9 Viewing service requirement display

10 Setting formats and units of measure,

resetting to factory settings

11 Adjusting settings

Confirmation signals when locking and
unlocking the vehicle

Response during unlocking
procedure

Automatic locking

Pathway lighting

Daytime driving lamps

Triple turn signal activation

Seat and mirror memory

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Exiting displays

The outside-temperature reading and the time
reappear when you press button

2 or if you

make no entries within approx. 15 seconds. If
required, complete the current setting first.

Formats and units of measure

You can set formats and units of measure. The
settings are stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on
page

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display accompanied by the
word "SET".

Press button

Use button

1 to select desired format or

desired unit of measure, e.g. for fuel con-
sumption.

Fuel consumption: mpg, km/l,

l/100km

Distance covered: mls, km

Time: 12h, 24h mode

Date: day.month dd.mm,

month/day mm/dd

Temperature:

7, 6

Press button

Use button

1 to make the setting.

Press button

The setting is stored.

Resetting to factory settings

You can reset the settings for formats and units
of measure to factory settings. The settings are
stored for the remote control currently in use,
refer also to Personal Profile on page

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the symbol
appears in the display accompanied by the
word "SET".

Press button

Use button

1 to select "RESET".

Press button

2 until

is displayed.

The settings are reset.

Service requirements

The remaining driving distance and the date of
the next scheduled service are displayed briefly
immediately after you start the engine or switch
on the ignition.

The extent of service work required can
be read out from the remote control by

your BMW Service Advisor.

For certain maintenance operations, you can
view the respective distance remaining or due
date individually in the instrument cluster.

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol appears in the display,

accompanied by the words "SERVICE-
INFO".

Press button

Use button

1 to scroll through the individual

service items.

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Possible displays

1 Button for selecting functions
2 Service requirements
3 Engine oil
4 Exhaust emissions test

5 Roadworthiness test

6 Microfilter

7 Spark plugs
8 Brakes, front
9 Brakes, rear
10 Brake fluid
More information on the BMW Maintenance
System can be found on page

123

Clock

Setting the time

To set the 12h/24h mode, refer to Formats and
units of measure on page

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-

priate symbol appears in the display,
accompanied by the time and the word
"SET".

Press button

Use button

1 to set the hours.

Press button

Use button

1 to set the minutes.

Press button

The system displays the new time.

Use button

2 to save the new time.

Date

Setting the date

To set the dd/mm or mm/dd date format, refer
to Formats and units of measure on page

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol appears in the display,
accompanied by the date and the word
"SET".

Press button

Use button

1 to set the day of the month.

Press button

Set the month and the year in the same way.

Press button

The system displays the new date.

Use button

2 to save the new date.

Check Control

The concept

The Check Control monitors vehicle functions
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Such a Check Control mes-
sage includes indicator or warning lamps in the
instrument cluster and, in some circumstances,
an acoustic signal.

Indicator and warning lamps can light up in both
the indicator area

1 and the display 2 in various

combinations and colors.

What to do in case of a malfunction

The meaning of each lamp in the event of a mal-
function and tips on how to respond are listed
starting on page

136

Hiding Check Control messages

Press the button in the turn indicator stalk.
Some Check Control messages remain visible
until the malfunction in question has been recti-
fied. They cannot be hidden. If several malfunc-
tions occur at the same time, the Check Control
messages are displayed in succession.
Other Check Control messages are automati-
cally hidden after approx. 20 seconds, but
remain stored.

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indicates that Check Control messages have

been stored. You can view the Check Control
messages whenever it is convenient for you.

Viewing stored Check Control
messages

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol appears in the display,
accompanied by the words "CHECK CON-
TROL".

Press button

"CHECK OK" appears if there are no Check
Control messages.
If a Check Control message has been
stored, the corresponding lamp comes on.

Lightly push button

1 to check for other

messages.

Press button

The display again shows the outside tem-
perature and the time.

Technology for driving comfort and safety

PDC Park Distance Control*

The concept

The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight
parking spaces. Acoustic signals warn you of
the presence of an object in front of

or behind

your car. To measure the distance, there are
four ultrasonic sensors in each bumper.
An acoustic warning sounds once an object is
closer than approx. 2 ft/60 cm to the front sen-
sors

or both rear corner sensors, or closer than

approx. 5 ft/1.50 m to the rear center sensors.

PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached

slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, oth-
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the
system warning being issued too late.

Automatic mode

With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse
gear or move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to position R. Wait this short period
before driving.

Switching on manually

Press the button, the LED lights up.

Switching off manually

Press the button again; the LED goes out.

The system is automatically deactivated once
the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft/50 m or
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h;
the LED goes out. You can reactivate the sys-
tem as needed.

Signal tones

When nearing an object, its position is indicated
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, the tone sounds at the rear if the system
detects an object behind the car. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases,
the intervals between the tones become
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
The warning signal is canceled after approx.
3 seconds, if you are moving parallel to a wall.

Malfunction

The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. Have the system checked.

To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that
they will continue to operate effectively. When
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the
sensors for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.

Manual mode

The LED above the button flashes in addition.

System limitations

Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the

vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those
encountered with trailer towbars and couplings,

chnology for

driving comfort

and

safe

thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as a curb, may
enter the sensors' dead areas before a continu-
ous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding
objects, such as ledges, may not be detectable.
Loud sound sources outside or inside the car
can drown out the PDC signal.

Driving stability control

systems

Your BMW has a number of systems that help
to maintain the vehicle's stability even in
adverse driving conditions.

ABS Antilock Brake System

ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page

Electronic brake-force distribution

The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.

DBC Dynamic Brake Control

When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the brake application. If the brake is
released, DBC will be switched off.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also recognizes unstable driving
conditions, for example if the rear of the car is
about to swerve or if momentum is acting at an
angle past the front wheels. In these cases,
DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course

within physical limits by reducing engine output
and through braking actions at the individual
wheels.

The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving

style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks.

Deactivating DSC

Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamps for DSC in the instrument cluster
light up. Dynamic Traction Control DTC and
DSC have been simultaneously deactivated.
Stabilizing and drive-output promoting actions
are no longer executed.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.

Activating DSC

Press the button again; the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.

To control

If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DSC has been completely deacti-
vated.

DTC Dynamic Traction Control

DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with

reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:

When driving uphill on snow-covered roads,
in slush or on unplowed, snow-covered
roads

When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground

When driving with snow chains

Activating DTC

Briefly press the button; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster come on.

To control

If the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
If the indicator lamps are on:
DTC has been activated.

Deactivating DTC

Press the button again; the DTC indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.

xDrive 325xi, 330xi

xDrive is your BMW's four-wheel-drive system.
The combined efforts of xDrive and DSC help to
further optimize traction and driving dynamics.
The xDrive four-wheel-drive system distributes
driving power variably to the front and rear axles
depending on the driving situation and road
conditions.

Malfunction

In case of any of the malfunctions
described below, drive cautiously and

think well ahead. Avoid driving on rough tracks
and pressing the accelerator pedal down to full
throttle or kick-down position, otherwise the
drive system could be damaged or accidents
could result.

The warning lamps come on. xDrive
has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
The warning lamps come on. xDrive
and DSC have failed.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.

Hill Descent Control HDC 325xi, 330xi

HDC is a downhill driving assistant that reduces
your speed on steep downhill gradients and
makes it even easier to control your BMW's
handling under these conditions. The vehicle
then moves slightly faster than double walking
speed without the driver needing to intervene.
HDC can be activated as long as you are driving
under approx. 20 mph or 35 km/h. When driving
downhill at a speed of under approx. 20 mph or
35 km/h, the vehicle's speed is automatically
reduced to slightly more than double walking
speed and maintained.

Increasing or decreasing speed

By accelerating or braking you can change the
speed within a range from approx. 3 to 15 mph,
approx. 5 to 25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range using the cruise control stalk.

chnology for

driving comfort

and

safe

1 To increase speed
2 To decrease speed

Activating HDC

Press the button; the indicator lamp lights up.
The indicator lamp flashes when the vehicle is
being braked automatically.

Deactivating HDC

Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
HDC is deactivated instantly above a speed of
approx. 35 mph or 60 km/h, or approx.
10 seconds after the ignition is switched off.

Using HDC

In cars with manual transmission:
Use HDC in lower gears and in reverse gear.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in any drive position.

Displays in the instrument cluster

1 Display for target speed
2 HDC display

Malfunction

The HDC display disappears during HDC oper-
ation, or does not appear:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to exces-
sive brake temperature, or DSC has failed.

Malfunction in driving stability control
systems

The warning lamps come on. DSC
including DTC and DBC is malfunc-
tioning.
The vehicle remains operational.

Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Drive cautiously and think well ahead,
otherwise unstable driving conditions

could result.

323i*, 325i, 330i

The warning lamps for the brake sys-
tem come on in red, together with the
yellow indicator lamps for driving sta-
bility control systems and FTM:
The driving stability control systems
and the Flat Tire Monitor have failed.

All warning lamps come on in yellow:
The driving stability control systems and the
Flat Tire Monitor have failed. The electronic
brake-force distribution is still active.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.

Drive cautiously, think well ahead and
avoid full brake applications, otherwise

accidents could result.

Display

of this malfunction on Cana-

dian models.

Display

of this malfunction on Cana-

dian models.

With xDrive 325xi, 330xi

If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, drive cautiously and think

well ahead. Also avoid situations that require full
braking, otherwise accidents could result.
Avoid driving on rough tracks and pressing the
accelerator pedal down to full throttle or kick-
down position, otherwise the drive system
could be damaged.

Display

of this malfunction on Cana-

dian models.

Display

of this malfunction on Cana-

dian models.

Drive-off assistant

The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary
to use the handbrake for this.

Hold the car in place by depressing the
brake.

Release the brake and drive off without
delay.

The drive-off assistant holds the car in
place for approx. 2 seconds after the

brake is released. Depending on vehicle load,
the car may roll backwards a little during this
time span. Drive off without delay after releas-
ing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off assistant
will no longer hold the car in place after approx.
2 seconds and the car will start to roll back-
wards.

Malfunction

The warning lamps for the brake sys-
tem light up in yellow. The drive-off
assistant has failed. The car will not
be held in place after the brake is

released. Have the system checked as soon as
possible.

Canadian models display these warn-
ing lamps.

Flat Tire Monitor FTM

The concept

The Flat Tire Monitor monitors tire pressures
while the car is being driven. The system
reports any significant loss of pressure in one
tire in relation to another.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling radius
changes, and this in turn alters the speed of
rotation. This change is detected and is
reported as a flat tire.

Functional requirement

In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.

chnology for

driving comfort

and

safe

The system must be reinitialized each
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-

rected or a wheel or tire has been changed.

System limitations

The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage

caused by external factors, nor can it identify
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of
time.

In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:

System has not been initialized

Driving on snowy or slippery road surface

Performance-oriented style of driving: slip
in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration

If snow chains are attached

Initializing the system

The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time.

When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.
Do not initialize the system while snow chains
are attached.

Operating principle, refer to page

Start the engine immediately before pulling
away, but do not drive off yet.

Lightly push button

1 in the turn indicator

stalk up or down repeatedly until the appro-
priate symbol appears in the display,
accompanied by the word "INIT".

Press button

2 to confirm your choice of the

Flat Tire Monitor.

Press button

2 for approx. 5 seconds, until

the reading shown below is displayed.

Start to drive.
Initialization is completed while the car is on
the move, without any feedback.

Indication of a flat tire

The warning lamps come on in yellow
and red. In addition, an acoustic sig-
nal sounds. There is a flat tire or sub-
stantial loss of tire pressure.

Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph
or 80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed
of 50 mph or 80 km/h.

If the car is not equipped with Run-
Flat Tires, refer to page

116

, the stan-

dard equipment by design, do not continue
driving. Otherwise a severe accident could
result after a tire puncture.

At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.

If all four tires are inflated to the cor-
rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor

might not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized.

In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guidelines:

With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km

With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or

4 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km

With a full load:
4 or more persons, luggage compart-
ment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km

Drive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph or 80 km/h. In the event

of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibration or loud noises occur during
the journey, this may be an indication that the
damaged tire has finally failed. Reduce your
speed and pull over to the side of the road at the
earliest opportunity. Otherwise, parts of the tire
could come loose and cause an accident. Do
not continue driving. Contact your BMW Cen-
ter.

Malfunction

The warning lamps come on in yel-
low. The Flat Tire Monitor has a mal-
function or has failed. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.

Active steering*

The concept

Active steering varies the turning angle of the
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road-speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct, and less effort is required to turn the
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle is reduced more and
more. This improves the handling capability of
your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle

before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simultaneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page

Malfunction

The warning lamps come on. Active
steering is no longer operational. At
low speeds, greater steering wheel
movements are required, whereas at

higher speeds the vehicle reacts more sensi-
tively to steering wheel movements. Drive cau-
tiously and think well ahead. Have the system
checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first
engine starting following a power supply inter-
ruption, the system must be activated by being
initialized.

Brake Force Display*

The brake lamps light up in two stages,
depending on how sharply you apply the
brakes.

Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the center brake lamp
light up.

Sharp braking:
The illuminated surface of the brake lamps
is enlarged, as long as the rear fog light is
not switched on.

chnology for

driving comfort

and

safe

Airbags

The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1 Front airbags
2 Head airbags
3 Side airbags

Protective action

Observe the adjustment instructions on
page

to ensure the best possible per-

sonal protection.

The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags will purposely not be activated by
every collision, e.g. not by more minor acci-
dents, certain roll-over situations and rear-end
collisions.

Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or

modify them in any other way. Do not attach
seat covers, cushions or other objects not spe-
cifically approved for seats with integral side air-
bags to the front seats. Do not hang items of
clothing such as coats or jackets over the back-
rests. Do not attempt to remove the airbag
retention system from the vehicle. Do not mod-
ify the individual components of the system or
its wiring in any way. This includes the uphol-
stered covers on the steering wheel, instrument
panel, seats and roof posts, as well as the sides

of the roof lining. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components imme-
diately after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Cen-
ter or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.

Warning notices and information about the air-
bags can also be found on the sun visors.

Automatic deactivation of the front

passenger airbags

An analysis of the impression in the front pas-
senger seat cushion determines whether and
how the seat is occupied. The front and side air-
bags for the front passenger are activated or
deactivated by the system accordingly.

The indicator lamp above the interior
rearview mirror shows the current status

of the front passenger airbags, deactivated or
activated, refer to Status of front passenger air-
bags below.

Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety precau-

tions and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page

The front and side airbags can also be deacti-

vated by adolescents and adults sitting in cer-
tain positions; the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags comes on. In such cases, the
passenger should change his or her sitting
position so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired airbag status cannot be achieved by
changing the sitting position, transport the rele-
vant passenger on a rear seat. Do not attach
seat covers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or
other items to the front passenger seat unless
they are specifically recommended by BMW.
Do not place any items under the seat which
could press against the seat from below. Other-
wise a correct analysis of the seat cushion is not
ensured.

Status of front passenger airbags

The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags shows the functional status of the front
passenger's front and side airbags in accor-
dance with whether and how the front passen-
ger seat is occupied. The indicator lamp shows
whether the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated or deactivated.

The indicator lamp comes on as intended
when a child in a specially designated child-
restraint system is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.

The indicator lamp does not come on as
long as a person of sufficient size and in a
correct sitting position is detected on the
seat.
The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are activated.

The indicator lamp does not come on if the
seat is empty.

The front and side airbags for the front pas-
senger are not activated.

Operational readiness of airbag system

As of radio readiness, refer to page

, the

warning lamp comes on briefly to indicate that
the entire airbag system and the belt tensioners
are operational.

Airbag system malfunction

Warning lamp does not come on along with
radio readiness

Warning lamp remains permanently on

In the event of a fault in the airbag system,
have it checked without delay, otherwise

there is the risk that the system will not function
as intended even if a sufficiently severe acci-
dent occurs.

BMW 325i (2006 year). Instruction - part 4