Powerchip Inc. Phone : 1800-495-0777 Fax : (949) matt@powerchipgroup.com
Digital Adrenaline For Your

BMW 325i E46 2.5 MY04

Powerchip technology enhances your BMW to its ultimate level, delivering faster, smoother acceleration in all driving conditions. Whether you enjoy a leisurely weekend cruise or a hard racetrack drive there is no easier and more effective way to release the potential from your 325i E46 2.5 MY04. The following information is an overview of the performance the Powerchip will deliver. If you have any questions, your Power Consultant will assist you as best as possible. We look forward to giving you the best performance possible from your BMW.
Make Model Engine Year Powerchip Code
BMW 325i E46 2.5 MY04 m54 Jan 04 to Dec 05 BMW0183
In standard form the BMW 325i E46 2.5 MY04 produces 184 hp at the flywheel, and Powerchip improves the engine power to 198 hp.

Power (hp) Standard

Bronze/ Silver

Gold 91

Gold 93
The extra performance achieved by the Powerchip allows your vehicle to respond much better than stock 325i E46 2.5 MY04s. You will notice an effortless push back into the drivers seat, to give you a much more enjoyable and at times safer driving experience. The Powerchip will tap into your BMWs hidden reserves, to give you an immediately noticeable improvement from your vehicle we guarantee it!

Torque

Torque is a measurement of your engines pulling power, and its torque that pulls you up hills, allowing your engine a more linear and aggressive acceleration curve. With the Powerchip, you notice the increase in torque right throughout the rev range, which gives you far greater flexibility at low engine revolutions. Towing will become less demanding, and you will no longer feel the need to take the engine to the redline in each gear to get the performance you demand. Its always there for you, when you really need it most!

Torque (lb.ft) Standard

Acceleration
Increased Power and Torque results in faster acceleration. And it is not just standing start acceleration that is improved, your in-gear acceleration is improved and faster. If overtaking is important to you, you will feel safe knowing that you spend less time on the wrong side of the road, improving the safety of your car, for you and your family or passengers. Perhaps you feel that you need that extra bit of power when you are lined up at the "traffic light grand prix" against another car with similar (or more) power? If you want to have the unfair advantage that will give you more GO away from the lights, you need a Powerchip performance software upgrade for your 325i E46 2.5 MY04.

Fitting Details

Your car contains the latest technology ECU that can be reprogrammed through the on-board diagnostic port (OBD-II). Specialised software interfaces with your vehicle`s engine management system to extract the electronic code via serial download. Once the information has been read, Powerchip technicians apply the performance changes and upload the performance program back through the OBD-II port. Installation cannot be performed by the end user. Programming must occur at an Authorized Powerchip Office in Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide. The programming takes approximately 2 hour's to complete.

On Road Development

Where Powerchip really shines out over its competitors is the emphasis and time spent refining the program for drivability and enjoyment. Much more a real world gain than full throttle horse power runs on a dyno, part throttle refinement is a gain everyone uses every time they drive the vehicle. Flat spots and poor off the line performance are smoothed out in this process, and transient throttle conditions are made razor sharp for the ultimate in response. Real time changes to tables like throttle response and power enrichment are done on road to fine tune the driving experience of the vehicle, with acceleration timing equipment used to ensure consistent and measurable gains in part throttle drivability.

Driveability

Beyond the impressive torque and power gains on full throttle, many hours were spent refining the part throttle timing maps for maximum throttle response and driveability. Both the full throttle and part throttle maps are changed for improved driveability in day-to-day driving. In other words, you dont need to be on the racetrack to notice the Powerchip performance improvement.

Manufacturers Tolerances

BMW unfortunately leaves large tolerances in the performance characteristics of its entire fleet to allow for drivers that are negligent on maintenance, and who are non-enthusiasts. The 325i E46 2.5 MY04 is de-tuned to be able to run on the poorest grade of fuel that the car is likely to encounter anywhere in the world, and also to allow for the small percentage of owners who put their cars reliability to the test due to their lack of mechanical understanding. In most cases, our clients are enthusiasts who place more emphasis on the performance characteristics of their vehicle, and therefore the Powerchip does not need to be programmed as conservatively as the stock software.

Modified Spark Advance

In the old days the ignition distributor controlled the engine spark timing. Changes to the position in the distributor will result in changed ignition settings, and is a good method of tune-up for older vehicles. Modern engine ignition is controlled by a series of tables or maps. These maps give the engine any instructions required to operate, under ALL load and rev per minute access points. Similar to the old systems, advancing the point of ignition within a cylinder results in increased horsepower and toque. It is important not to advance the timing beyond the capabilities of the fuel used, or else detonation can occur. Peak horsepower is achieved when ignition timing is set as close to the point of detonation as possible, without exceeding it. This is the primary purpose for asking the octane rating each client uses most frequently, so that the software is set to the correct level of ignition advance for the fuel used. The end result of ignition advance changes is increased horsepower and torque, resulting in better acceleration and various other driving benefits.

49 State Emissions Legal

The Powerchip complies with U.S. EPA Memorandum 1A, or it has not been found nor is believed to be unlawful for use under the provisions of the Clean Air Act. Currently, Powerchip is not legal in California for vehicles that may be used on a highway. Powerchip is currently undergoing testing for certification under the Californian Air Resources Board (CARB) exemption process.
Our Satisfaction Guarantee
Every Powerchip sold in North America comes with an unconditional 14-day money back guarantee. This ensures that the Powerchip will live up to your expectations, not ours! If for any reason you are unsatisfied with the Powerchip, you may return the Powerchip to your place of purchase for a full refund of the purchase price (not including shipping and handling, installation and removal etc.). Our satisfaction guarantee offers you total peace of mind, and makes the purchase of the Powerchip risk free. By purchasing a Powerchip you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Octane ratings

The Powerchip is designed to get the best from your engine, and to do this you must use a high performance fuel (91 Octane minimum). It is not possible to improve the performance on late model fuel injected vehicles using poor quality fuels, such as 87 or 89 octane. When ordering your Powerchip upgrade, your Power Consultant will ask you for the octane rating you would like your program to run. Powerchip Gold 91 is designed to run on fuel with an octane rating of either 91 or 92. Powerchip Gold 93 is designed to run on fuel with an octane rating of 93 or higher. We highly recommend that you use the highest-octane fuel available to you, such as 92, 93 or 94 octane if a higher than 91-octane fuel is available.

Warranty

All Gold 93 Powerchips come with a three year, unlimited mile warranty, which means that if anything occurs with the Powerchip in that time, we will replace it without charge to you. An optional extended Powerchip warranty is also available at an additional $90 at the time of ordering. This extends the warranty period on any Power chip to six years. The terms and conditions of the Powerchip warranties can be viewed in detail on our web site at
http://www.powerchipgroup.com/products/warranty.asp
To briefly summarize the information: if your car is covered by a new or dealer warranty, the dealer may not void a warranty simply because you have fitted an aftermarket product. SEMA, the automotive aftermarket industry body in North America has made the following statements regarding aftermarket products such as performance chips. "The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle." ".In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the (vehicle) manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warrant is not void under the law." "If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the (vehicle) manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)." The fitment of the Powerchip will not have a detrimental effect on your vehicle performance or engine longevity, and therefore does not interfere with the manufacturers warranty in any way.

Value for a Lifetime

The investment you make in the Powerchip will last for as long as you keep your car, and for most of our customers, that is normally for 3 or 4 years. So when you consider the benefits of the chip over a number of years, it is not a lot to pay for extra performance you will probably use nearly every day. As a percentage of the total cost of your car, the Powerchip works out to be very cost effective.

Cost Effectiveness

As we all know, modifying late model vehicles is not a cheap exercise, however, when you look at it on a hp per dollar basis, the Powerchip comes in ahead of any other modification you could make to your BMW. Have a look at just how well the Powerchip stacks up:

Price hp Gain Price/hp

$hp $35
The Powerchip is designed to offer excellent value for money compared with other modifications you might be planning in the future.
COST USD($) (not including shipping/handling) Bronze

Silver

Ask the Experts
Your Powerchip Power Consultant is trained to provide you with the best information about getting more performance for your car. We have a specific Power Consultant who is responsible for the BMW range, and he is an expert at answering all of your technical questions, especially about the 325i E46 2.5 MY04. If you would like to speak with your Power Consultant about any aspect of the upgrade, please telephone Toll Free North American headquarters in California on 1800-or email your BMW Power Consultant directly at tcattach@powerchipgroup.com
Powerchip Group, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction by any means is prohibited.
Gold 91 Performance Data for your.

BMW 325i E46 2.5 MY04 *

R.P.M. 6500 hp STD 181 hp Powerchip 186 hp Gain 5 lb.ft. STD 146 lb.ft. Powerchip 150 lb.ft Gain 4

hp Powerchip 140 hp 3000

hp STD

lb.ft. Powerchip

lb.ft. STD lb.ft. 0

R.P.M.

* This graph shows figures for Powerchip Gold 91
Max hp Max lb.ft. 0-60 Auto N/A N/A 0-60 Man N/A N/A
MODEL 325i E46 2.5 MY04 325i E46 2.5 MY04

ENGINE

VERSION Standard Gold 91

CAPACITY 2494cc 2494cc

m54 m54
Gold 93 Performance Data for your.
R.P.M. 6500 hp STD 181 hp Powerchip 190 hp Gain 9 lb.ft. STD 146 lb.ft. Powerchip 153 lb.ft Gain 7
* This graph shows figures for Powerchip Gold 93

VERSION Standard Gold 93

Important safety information!
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Owner service procedures

Technology Repairs Index Data

Advanced technology

Technical data

Contents

Car care
Operation, care and maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Overview

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 20 Multifunction steering wheel (MFL) 24 Sports steering wheel 25 Hazard warning flashers 26 Warning triangle 26 First-aid kit 26 Refueling 27 Fuel specifications 28 Tire inflation pressure 28 Opening and closing: Keys 32 Electronic vehicle immobilizer 33 Central locking system 34 Opening and closing from the outside 34 Opening and closing from the inside 38 Tailgate 38 Cargo area 40 Alarm system 41 Electric power windows 43 Sliding/tilt sunroof 44 Adjustments: Seats 46 Seat and mirror memory 49 Steering wheel 50 Mirrors 51 Car Memory, Key Memory 52 Passenger safety systems: Safety belts 53 Airbags 55 Transporting children safely 58 Driving: Steering/Ignition lock 61 Starting the engine 61 Switching off the engine 62 Parking brake 63 Manual transmission 64 Automatic transmission with Steptronic 65 Turn signal indicator/ Headlamp flasher 68 Washer/Wiper system 68 Rear window defroster 70 Cruise control 71 Everything under control: Odometer 73 Tachometer 73 Energy Control 73 Fuel gauge 74 Coolant temperature gauge 74 Service Interval Display 74 Check Control 75 Clock 75 Computer 76 Technology for safety and driving convenience: Park Distance Control (PDC) 78 Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) 79 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 80 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 85

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving: Air conditioner 90 Automatic climate control 96 Seat heating 100 Cabin convenience: HiFi system 101 Glove compartment 101 Storage compartments 102 Cellular phone 103 Ashtray, front 104 Cigarette lighter 104 Ashtray, rear 105 Power outlet 105 Loading and transporting: Ski bag 106 Cargo area 107 Cargo loading 110 Roof-mounted luggage rack 111

Maintenance and care

Lamps: Side lamps/Low beams 87 Instrument lighting 87 High beams/Parking lamps 88 Fog lamps 88 Interior lamps 88
Special operating instructions: Break-in procedures 114 Driving notes 115 Catalytic converter 115 Antilock Brake System (ABS) 116 Disc brakes 118 Brake system 120 Winter operation 121 Power steering 123 Cellular phone 123 Radio reception 123 Wheels and tires: Tire inflation pressure 124 Tire condition 124 Tire replacement 125 Tire rotation 126 Wheel and tire combinations 127 Winter tires 128 Snow chains 128 Approved wheel and tire specifications 129
Under the hood: Hood 130 Engine compartment 132 Washer fluids 134 Washer nozzles 134 Engine oil 135 Coolant 137 Brake fluid 138 Vehicle Identification Number 139 Care and maintenance: The BMW Maintenance System 140 Caring for your vehicle 141 Airbags 147 Vehicle storage 147 Laws and regulations: Technical modifications to the vehicle 148 California Proposition 65 Warning 148 OBD interface socket 149
Owner service procedures Advanced technology
Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit 152 Windshield wiper blades 152 Lamps and bulbs 153 Changing a wheel 159 Battery 162 Fuses 164 Microfilter/Activated-charcoal filter 165 In case of electrical malfunction: Fuel filler door 166 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 166 Tailgate 166 Assistance, giving and receiving: Jump-starting 167 Towing the vehicle 168 Airbags 172 Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 173 Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 173 Radio reception 174 Four-wheel drive 175 Safety belt tensioner 175 Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimmer 176 Rain sensor 177 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 178 Self-diagnostics 179 Xenon lamps 180
Engine data 184 Dimensions 185 Weights 186 Capacities 187 Electrical system 188 Drive belts 188
Everything from A to Z 192 Owner service procedures 198
15n Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 20 Multifunction steering wheel (MFL) 24 Sports steering wheel 25 Hazard warning flashers 26 Warning triangle 26 First-aid kit 26 Refueling 27 Fuel specifications 28 Tire inflation pressure 28

Battery charge current q The battery is no longer being charged. There is a malfunction of the alternator V-belt or in the charging circuit of the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW center. If the V-belt is defective, do not continue driving. The engine could be damaged due to overheating. If the V-belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.< Engine oil pressure q Stop the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level and refill as required. If the oil level is correct, please contact the nearest BMW center. Do not continue driving, otherwise, the engine could be damaged because of inadequate lubrication. < Tire Pressure Control (RDC) q In addition, an acoustic signal will go off: a tire failure has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake applications. Do not oversteer. For additional information, refer to page 85. Brake warning lamp q If the lamp comes on when the parking brake is not engaged, check the brake fluid level. Before driving further, be sure to read the notes on pages 122 and 138. Brake warning lamp for Canadian models.
Technology that monitors itself
Many of the systems of your BMW monitor themselves automatically, both during engine starts and while you are driving. Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by "q" are tested for proper functioning whenever the ignition key is turned. They each light up once for different periods of time. If a fault should occur in one of these systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started or it will light up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.
Indicator and warning lamps
Brake warning lamp If the brake warning lamp comes Comes on when the parking on together with the yellow indibrake is applied an additional cator lamps for ABS and ASC+T/ acoustic signal sounds when starting DSC: off. Then the entire ABS, CBC, For additional information, refer to ASC+T/DSC and ADB/ADB-X/ page 63. DBC control system has failed. Brake warning lamp for CanaContinue driving cautiously and dian models. defensively. Avoid hard brake applications. Please have the system Please fasten safety belts q checked by your BMW center as soon A warning signal will sound at as possible. the same time. Lights up for a For additional information, refer to few seconds or until the safety belt is pages 79, 80. fastened. CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and For additional information on safety ADB/ADB-X/DBC indicator and belts, refer to page 53. warning lamps for Canadian Airbags q models. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center. For additional information, refer to pages 55, 172.
Automatic transmission Because of a malfunction, the automatic transmission shifts only in the emergency program. Please consult the nearest BMW center. For additional information, refer to pages 65, 67.
Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously

Add washer fluid The washer fluid level is too low. Top up at the earliest opportunity. For additional information, refer to page 134.
Service Engine Soon q If the indicator lamp comes on either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emissions-related electronic systems. Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity. For additional information, refer to page 149. Service Engine Soon warning lamp for Canadian models. Engine electronics* There is a fault in the engine's electronic control system. The electronics allow for continued driving with reduced engine output or rpms. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center. Add coolant The coolant level is too low. Top off the coolant at the earliest opportunity. For additional information, refer to page 137.
Cruise control Comes on when the cruise control is activated. Available for operation via the multifunction steering wheel. For additional information, refer to page 71. Fog lamps Comes on whenever you switch on the fog lamps. For additional information, refer to page 88.
Turn signal indicator Flashes when the turn signal is operated. Rapid flashing indicates a system malfunction. For additional information, refer to page 68.
High beams Comes on when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher is actuated. For additional information, refer to pages 68, 88.
Green: for your information
Blue: for your information

24nMultifunction

steering wheel (MFL)
The controls integrated in the multifunction steering wheel (MFL) are provided so that you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You can operate:

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> Selected radio functions, > the cruise control, > selected cellular phone functions. In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding system controls must be activated.<
1 Press briefly: Receive a call, start dialing, terminate Refer to the individual accessory a call manuals for more detailed descriptions. Press longer: Voice recognition*: switch on and off 2 Radio/Cellular phone: select 3 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward or scan station keys or scroll through the phone listings 4 Radio/Cellular phone: volume 5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward or scan station keys or scroll through the phone listings
6 Horn: the entire surface 7 Cruise control: resume stored setting 8 Cruise control: store and accelerate (+); decelerate and store () 9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/ deactivate

Sports steering wheel*

The controls integrated in the sports steering wheel are provided so that you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You can operate:

The concept

The central locking system is ready for operation whenever the driver's door is closed. The system engages and releases the locks on the > doors > tailgate and rear window > fuel filler door. The central locking system can be operated > from outside via the door lock and using the remote control > from inside by pressing a button. Activating the central locking system from inside does not lock the fuel filler door (see page 38). When it is actuated from the outside, the anti-theft system is activated simultaneously. Both the door locks and release handles remain locked. The alarm system is also armed or disarmed. If locked from the inside, the central locking system unlocks automatically in the event of an accident. But the system only unlocks those doors that were not locked separately using the safety buttons, refer to page 38. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and interior lamps come on.

Using the key

One turn of the key in the driver's door lock unlocks the driver's door only. Turning the key a second time unlocks all of the remaining doors, the tailgate and the fuel filler door. You can have a signal set as an acknowledgment message that the vehicle is closed correctly.<

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Manual operation
(in the event of an electrical malfunction) Turn the key to the extreme left or right to unlock/lock the door.

Using the remote control

The remote control gives you an exceptionally convenient method for unlocking and locking your vehicle. Furthermore, it provides two additional functions that only the remote control can execute: > Switching on the interior lamps, refer to page 38. With this function, you can also "search for" your car when parked in an underground garage, for instance. > Opening the rear window, refer to page 39. The rear window will open slightly, regardless of whether it was previously locked or unlocked. When you unlock the vehicle, the antitheft system is deactivated, the alarm system is disarmed, and the interior lamps are turned on. When you lock the vehicle, the systems are activated and armed, and the lamps go off. You can have a signal set as an acknowledgment message that the vehicle is closed correctly.<

1 Push the locking lever downward. 2 Adjust the steering wheel (fore/aft and up/down) to the desired position. 3 Pull the lever back in to clamp the steering wheel in the new position. Do not adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving. If you do so, there is a risk of accident from unexpected movement.<

Mirrors

You can also adjust the mirrors manually by pressing against the outer edges of their lenses. The mirror on the passenger's side features a lens with a more convex surface than the mirror installed on the driver's side. When estimating the distance between yourself and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects reflected in the mirror are closer than they appear. Estimating the distance between you and the traffic behind you is therefore imprecise.<

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Exterior mirrors

1 Switch for 4-way adjustment 2 Button for switching from one mirror to the other

Interior rearview mirror

To reduce glare from vehicles behind you when you are driving at night, tilt the mirror by turning the button.
Both mirrors are automatically defrosted with the ignition key in position 2.

Lighted vanity mirrors*

Fold down the sun visor and slide the cover panel to the side as required. The mirror lamps operate in ignition key positions 1 and 2.

Sun visors

These can be folded down toward the windshield or swiveled out against the side windows. Data Index

Electric defrosting

52nMirrors

Car Memory, Key Memory

adjustments accordingly. So that you can distinguish among the different keys, colored decals are supplied along with the keys.

What the system can do

Your authorized BMW center can provide you with details on the capabilities of the Car Memory and Key Memory systems. A few examples follow below: Examples for Car Memory: > Various signals used as acknowledgement when locking or unlocking your vehicle. > Deactivating/activating the FollowMe-Home lamps function. > Activating/deactivating daytime running lamps*. Examples for Key Memory: > Automatically setting the driver's power seat. > Locking your vehicle after starting off. When unlocking your vehicle, first unlock the driver's door, then the rest of the vehicle. You will see this symbol throughout the Owner's Manual. It is to remind you at appropriate places of the settings that are available to you.<

To avoid sustaining hand and arm injuries, always grasp the steering wheel on the rim with the hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Do not place your hands on the center pad. Never allow any objects to obstruct the area between the airbag and an occupant. Do not use the cover panel above the passenger-side airbag as a storage area. Do not apply adhesive materials to the cover panels of the airbags, cover them or modify them in any other way. Do not install a rear-facing child restraint system in the front passenger seat of this car. Children under 13 years of age and children less than 5 feet (150 cm) tall should only ride in the rear seat. Infants or small children should never be held on the lap of a passenger. If your car is equipped with side airbags in the rear passenger area*, be sure that child restraints are mounted correctly and provided with the greatest-possible distance between the airbags in the side trim panels. Do not allow children to lean out of the child's seat in the direction of the side trim panels. If they do so, serious injuries can occur if the airbag is triggered.<
At all times, occupants should sit upright and be properly restrained (infants and small children in appropriate child restraint systems; larger children and adults using the safety belts). Never let an occupant's head rest near or on a side airbag, because as the inflating airbag could cause a serious or fatal injury. Please note that the word "Airbag" imprinted on the door trim panel indicates the airbag's location. Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. However, a child sitting in the rear seat and not properly restrained may place his or her head on or near the airbag, if so equipped. For example, a child even though belted may fall asleep with his or her head against the side airbag. It may be difficult for a driver to ensure that children in the rear seat will remain properly positioned at all times and not place their heads on or near the side airbag. Therefore, we recommend that the rear seat side airbags, if so equipped, be deactivated if children will travel in the rear seat. The rear seat side airbags may already have been deactivated, either at the time of manufacture or by a BMW
center. Labels in the rear door opening should indicate the status of your rear seat side airbags. If you are uncertain of their status, or wish to have the airbags activated or deactivated, please contact your BMW center.< Even when all these guidelines are observed, there is still a small residual risk of injuries to the face, hands and arms occurring from airbag deployment in isolated instances. The ignition and inflation noise may induce a mild temporary hearing loss in sensitive individuals. For additional information concerning the airbag system, refer to pages 147 and 172.

8 Cleaning rear window

Washer fluid sprayed on the rear window. Refer to page 152 for changing the wiper blades.
Do not use the washers if there is any danger that the fluid will freeze on the windshield. If you do so, your vision could be obscured. Use an antifreeze agent. Refer to page 134. Do not use the washers when the reservoir is empty. If you do so, the washer pump could be damaged.< The illustration shows the button set-up for vehicles equipped with automatic Windshield washer jets climate control. For other layouts, refer to page 90. The windshield washer jets are heated automatically* when the ignition key is To activate in position 2. > Press the button once: as long as the indicator lamp remains on, the rear window defroster continues at high output (rapid thaw). > Press button twice: the rear window defroster operates continuously.

To deactivate

If the indicator lamp is still on, press the button.

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Cruise control*
To store and maintain speed or to accelerate
Press button 2 briefly: The system registers and maintains the current vehicle speed. Every time you briefly touch the button, the speed increases by 0.6 mph (1 km/h).

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Do not use the cruise control on winding roads, when high traffic density prevents driving at a constant speed, when the road surface is slick (snow, rain, ice), or when the road surface is loose (rocks, sand).<

To activate the system

From ignition key position 2: Press button 1. The indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. You can now use the cruise control. Data
The vehicle can store and automatically maintain any desired vehicle speed above approx. 20 mph (30 km/h) that you input.
If, on a downhill gradient, the engine braking effect is not sufficient, the controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if the engine output is insufficient.<
Press and hold button 2: The vehicle accelerates without pressure on the accelerator pedal. When you release the button, the system registers and maintains the current speed.
Press and hold button 3: With the cruise control active, the system automatically reduces the throttle opening to slow the vehicle. When you release the button, the system registers and maintains the current speed.
Press button 3 briefly: If you are already driving with active cruise control, the speed is decreased by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) every time you briefly touch the lever.

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96nAutomatic

climate control*

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Automatic climate control*
1 Air onto the windshield and the side windows 2 Air flow toward the upper body The side rotary dials provide infinitely-variable regulation of the air supply, while the levers change the air-flow direction. The center rotary dial controls the temperature of the air as it flows out. Refer to page Front footwell ventilation There are corresponding air vents in the rear footwell as well 4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic recirculated air control (AUC) Air supply Temperature Automatic air distribution Individual air distribution Air grill for interior temperature sensor please keep clear and unobstructed 10 Display for temperature and air supply 98
12 Air conditioner Rear window defroster 70, 99 Index
11 Defrost windows and remove condensation 99

98nAutomatic

Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes the adjustment of the air distribution and the air supply for you and adapts the temperature to external influences (summer, winter) to meet preferences you can specify. This program maintains a comfortable in-car climate regardless of the season. Select an interior temperature that is comfortable for you we recommend +(+22 6). The selected temperature and AUTO for the air flow appear in the display 10 (refer to the overview on page 96). Open the air outlets for the upper body area. Switch on the air conditioner in warm weather. The maximum cooling capacity is achieved when you set rotary dial 3 (refer to page 100) to cold.
Tips for pleasant driving
Use the automatic system (switch on AUTO button 7). Select an interior temperature that is comfortable for you we recommend +(+22 6). When the outside temperature is above +(+5 6), you can also use the air conditioner 12. This will dry the air as well as preventing condensation on the window surfaces if there are passengers with damp clothing, for example. Set the outlets 2 so that the air flows past you and is not directed straight at you. Set the rotary dial between the air outlets 2 for the upper body to a medium position, since air that is somewhat cooler promotes driving without fatigue. Detailed setting options are described for you in the following section.
The figures in the display provide a general indication of interior temperature. We recommend +(+22 6) as a comfortable setting, whether the air conditioner is operating or not. When you start the vehicle, the system ensures that the selected temperature is reached as quickly as possible. It then maintains this temperature, regardless of the season. Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free ventilation" on page 100) to a medium setting, since air that is somewhat cooler promotes driving without fatigue. You can use this setting for mixing air to make minor comfort modifications. You can set uncontrolled heater output up to +(+32 6). At +(+16 6), full cooling output is available from an activated air conditioner.<

BMW door lock deicer can be used to free them if frozen. This deicer also contains lubricant. After using the deicer, treatment with BMW lock cylinder grease is recommended.
When starting off from a full stop in deep snow or when "rocking" the vehicle to free it, it may be effective to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC system for a short period. Refer to page 79.
Rubber seals and components

Starting off

122nWinter

operation

Do not shift down on slick road surfaces if you want to decelerate. Doing so could cause the rear wheels to lose traction and skid, which could result in the loss of vehicle control.< Depress the clutch during hard braking on road surfaces that provide only poor or uneven traction.<

Braking

Winter road conditions substantially reduce the amount of traction available between the tires and the road surface. Keep this in mind, because the braking distance increases substantially. ABS is intended to prevent the wheels from locking during brake applications, thus helping to maintain vehicle stability and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical braking situation and the wheels lock: reduce the pressure on the brake pedal until the wheels just start to roll again while still maintaining enough force to continue braking. Then increase the pressure, reduce the pressure when the wheels lock, reapply pressure etc. This staggered braking procedure will reduce braking distances while helping you maintain steering control. You can then attempt to steer around hazards after you have reduced pressure on the brake pedal.

Parking

Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, place the selector lever in "Park." On vehicles with manual transmission, also apply the parking brake when parking on inclined surfaces. In order to prevent the parking brake pads from locking due to frost or corrosion, dry them by gently applying the parking brake as the vehicle is coming to a stop. Make sure that following traffic is not endangered. The brake lamps do not come on when the parking brake is applied.<

Skid control

Depress the clutch and release the accelerator pedal, or place the selector lever of the automatic transmission into the "Neutral" position. Countersteer carefully and attempt to regain control of the vehicle.

Power steering

Changes in steering response, e. g. high steering effort: Consult a BMW center to have the system checked. If the power steering fails, increased effort will be required to steer the vehicle.<
Only mobile communications systems (cellular phone, radio, etc.) with an output up to 10 watts are permitted. Mobile communications devices not specifically designed for use in your vehicle may trigger malfunctions while operating your vehicle. BMW can neither test nor assume responsibility for every individual product being offered on the market. We recommend that you consult your BMW center before purchasing any device of this kind. To ensure that your BMW continues to provide reliable and trouble-free operation, do not use a cellular phone or other radio device with an antenna located inside the passenger compartment. The antenna should always be mounted on the outside of the vehicle. Before loading the vehicle on a car-carrier train or driving it through a car-wash, remove the antenna.<

Radio reception

The reception and sound quality obtained from mobile radios vary according to a variety of factors, including the broadcast range of the transmitter and the directional orientation of the antenna. Interference factors such as high-tension power lines, structural or natural obstructions can all lead to unavoidable reception interference, regardless of how well the vehicle sound system is operating. Climatic factors such as intense solar radiation, fog, rain and snow can also interfere with reception. Cellular or portable phones not recommended by BMW can also generate interference in the radio when making telephone calls. This phenomenon assumes the form of a low-pitched hum emanating from the speaker system. Please refer to the Owner's Manual provided with your sound system for detailed information on its use.

124nTire

inflation pressure

Tire condition

Never continue driving on a deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and braking response, and can lead to complete loss of control over the vehicle. Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the permitted load on the tires is not exceeded. Overloading can lead to overheating and increases the rate at which damage develops inside the tires. You could have a blowout as a result. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. The same applies to irregularities related to your usual driving style, such as pulling hard to the left or right. Should this occur, respond by immediately reducing your speed. Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW center or professional tire center, or have the vehicle towed in to have it and its tires inspected. Tire damage (up to and including sudden and complete air loss) can endanger the lives of both the vehicle occupants and other road users.<

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Checking the oil level

1 Park the vehicle on a level surface. 2 Shut the engine off after it has reached normal operating temperature. 3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar material. 4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way into the guide tube and pull it out again. 5 The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. As with fuel economy, oil consumption is directly influenced by your driving style and vehicle operating conditions.
BMW engines are designed to operate without oil additives; the use of additives could lead to damage in some cases. This also applies to the manual transmission, automatic transmission, differential and power steering system.<
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.

To add oil

Wait until the level has dropped to just above the lower mark before adding oil. However, never let the oil drop below the lower mark.

136nEngine

Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as established in SAE classes. The selection of the correct SAE class depends on the climatic conditions in the area where you drive your BMW. Approved oils are in SAE classes 5W-40 and 5W-30.< These kinds of oil may be used for driving in all ambient temperatures.

Specified engine oil

The quality of the engine oil is extremely important for the function and life of an engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW has approved only certain types of engine oils. Use only approved "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil." If you are unable to obtain "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil", you may use small volumes of other approved synthetic oils for topping off 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.

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Comply with the applicable environmental laws regulating the disposal of used oil.< Recommendation: have the oil changed by your BMW center only. Continuous exposure to used oil has caused cancer in laboratory testing. For this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of skin that come into contact with oil using soap and water. Always store oils, grease and similar materials so that they are inaccessible to children. Comply with warning labels and information on containers.<

Exterior finish

To provide effective corrosion protection, multilayer paintwork is applied at the factory. Cataphoretic immersion priming techniques are supplemented with special body-cavity protectants, by applying specially-developed and extensively tested materials. A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to the undercarriage. Following this, a comprehensive undercoating treatment with a wax-based protectant is applied. Regular maintenance makes an important contribution to maintaining the safety and value of your vehicle. Increasing awareness of the effects of harmful environmental factors on vehicle finishes have led paint and vehicle manufacturers to initiate programs designed to further improve the durability of their finishes. Despite this, environmental factors that occur locally or regionally can have negative effects on the finish of your vehicle. Use the factors to determine the frequency and extent of your efforts to maintain the vehicle finish.
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular washing is a preventive measure against long-term effects from substances that are harmful to the vehicle's finish, especially if you drive your vehicle in areas with high levels of air pollution or aggressive natural substances (tree resins, pollen). Nevertheless, you should immediately remove especially aggressive substances. Failure to do so can lead to changes in the paint's chemical structure or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled during refueling, oil, grease and brake fluid should always be cleaned away immediately, as should bird droppings. Any contamination remaining on the surface of the vehicle will be especially conspicuous after washing. Use cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove tar spots with tar remover. After cleaning, the affected areas should be waxed to ensure continued protection. Use the cleaning and car-care products available at your BMW center.<
Protect the finish using only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. The best way to determine when the finish needs to be waxed is by noting when water stops beading on the surface. You can use a glass cleaner to remove any wax or silicone that may have been left on the windows during waxing. Use the cleaning and car-care products available at your BMW center.<
You can touch up small areas of paint damage with a BMW spray paint or a BMW touchup stick. The paint color code for your car is provided on a sticker located on the righthand side under the hood and on the first page of your Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian models). Damage caused by flying stones, scratches, etc., must be touched up without delay to prevent rust from forming. If corrosion has started to form in an area with paint damage, remove all rust and clean the area. Then prime the area with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply the finish coat. Wait a few days, then polish the repaired area. Finish by applying a wax preservative. More extensive paint damage should be repaired professionally in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Your BMW center uses original BMW finish materials in accordance with approved repair procedures.