Content   ..  8  9  10  11   ..

BMW 325xi Wagon (2001 year). Manual - part 10

126nTire replacement

Tire rotation

Tire age

Between the axles

If different tire sizes are mounted

on the front and rear axles (refer to

The date on which the tire was manu-

The tread wear patterns at the front end

page 129), the wheels may not be

factured is indicated by the code on the

differ from those at the rear - the actual

rotated from one axle to the other.<

sidewall:

patterns will vary according to indi-

DOT ... 4100 indicates that the tire was

vidual driving conditions. In the inter-

manufactured during week 41 of the

ests of safety and maintaining optimal

year 2000.

handling characteristics, tire rotation is

not recommended.

BMW recommends the replacement of

all tires when the tires are no more than

If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires

6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years

is based on economic considerations,

is possible.

one should consider whether the costs

for the rotation are likely to be recap-

Spare tires over 6 years old should be

tured by any increase in the service life

used only in case of emergency. A tire

of the tires that might be realized. In

of this age should be replaced by a new

principle, interaxle rotation must be

tire immediately, and should not be

performed in short intervals, with a

mounted together with new tires.

maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km).

Consult your BMW center for more

information.

Should you decide to rotate the tires, it

is essential to comply with the following:

Rotate tires on the same side only, since

braking characteristics and road grip

could otherwise be adversely affected.

Following rotation, the tire inflation

pressure should always be corrected.

Wheel and tire combinations

127n

The right choice

Codes on tires and wheels

Winter tires:

Use only tires approved by BMW.

The tire codes will aid you in selecting

Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

Refer to the information beginning on

the correct tire.

T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

page 129.

H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

Codes on radial tires:

Due to the high speeds this vehicle can

Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:

For example:

205/60 R 15 91 W

reach, the use of specific brands, spec-

For example:

7

J x

15

H 2

Nominal width

ifications and sizes is mandatory.

in mm

Rim width

Consult any BMW center for details.

Aspect ratio in %

in inches

Comply with local/national regulations.

Radial tire code

Code letter for

Rim diameter in inches

flange type

The correct wheel-tire combina-

Load rating

Symbol for full-drop

tion affects different systems such

(not on ZR tires)

center rim

as ABS, ATC and ASC+T/DSC. The

Speed rating

Rim diameter in inches

function of these systems is impaired if

(before R on ZR tires)

Hump on the 2 rim shoulders

improper wheel-tire combinations are

used.

The speed rating indicates the approved

Protect tire valves from dirt by using

For this reason, use only tires of the

maximum speed for the tire.

screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the

same brand and tread pattern. In the

valves frequently leads to slow leaks.

Summer tires:

event of a flat tire, for example, remount

the approved wheel-tire combination as

S

= up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

soon as possible.<

T

= up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V

= up to 150 mph (240 km/h)

W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)

Y

= up to 187 mph (300 km/h)

ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h)

128nWinter tires

Choosing the right tire

Do not exceed specified

Storage

maximum speeds

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S

Always store tires in a cool, dry place.

radial tires) for driving in adverse winter

Never exceed the maximum speed

Store them away from light whenever

road conditions. So-called all-season

for which the tires are rated.

possible. Protect the tires against

tires with the M+S-identification mark

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to

contact with oil, grease and fuel.

do indeed possess better winter trac-

service tires can lead to damage and

tion than summer tires with the load

accidents.

Snow chains*

rating H, V, W, Y und ZR, but usually do

Have this work performed by skilled

The use of narrow-link BMW snow

not achieve the same level of perfor-

professionals only. Any BMW center

chains on summer or winter tires is

mance as winter tires.

has the required technical knowledge

approved only in pairs and only on the

and the proper equipment and will be

In the interests of safe tracking and

rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-

happy to assist you.<

steering response, install radial tires

turer's safety precautions when

made by the same manufacturer and

mounting the chains.

Tire condition, tire pressure

with the same tread configuration on all

BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,

four wheels if you elect to mount winter

Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in

i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side

tires.

(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-

or you cannot access one tire, then only

tible decrease in their ability to cope

Mount only winter tires which have

one chain may be attached to a rear

with winter driving conditions, and

been approved by BMW. Any BMW

wheel for a short period of time.

should be replaced in the interest of

center will be glad to provide you with

Comply with all manufacturer's safety

safety.

information on the best winter tires for

precautions when mounting the chains.

your particular driving conditions.

Comply with the specified tire inflation

pressures - and be sure to have the

wheel and tire assemblies balanced

every time you change the tires.

Approved wheel and tire specifications

129n

BMW 325xi

Tire specifications

Steel rim

Light-alloy wheel

(wheel rim)

For all tires, only light-alloy wheels must

be used.

All season tires

205/55 R 16 91 H M+S

7Jx16

7Jx16

Snow chains*

205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load

7Jx17

7Jx17

You cannot mount snow chains on the

following tires:

Summer tires

225/50 R 16 92 W

205/55 R 16 91 V

-

7Jx16

225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S

225/50 R 16 92 W

225/50 ZR 16

225/50 ZR 16

225/45 R 17 91 W

205/50 R 17 93 W extra load

-

7Jx17

225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S

225/45 ZR 17

225/45 R 17 91 W

-

8Jx17

Front: 225/45 ZR 17

-

7.5Jx17

Mixed tires

Rear: 245/40 ZR 17

-

8.5Jx17

For details concerning tire manufac-

Winter tires

turers for mixed tires, refer to the

vehicle documents.

205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S

7Jx16

7Jx16

225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S (not 325xi)

205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load

7Jx17

7Jx17

225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S

-

8Jx17

Spare wheel

T 115/90 R 16 92 M

3.0Bx16

T 125/90 R 16 98 M

3.5Bx16

-

T 125/80 R 17 99 M

3.5Bx17

-

Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle documents.

If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, this information must

be entered in the vehicle documents.

130n

Hood

Do not work on your vehicle with-

out appropriate skills. Always

switch off the engine and allow it to

cool down before working in the engine

compartment. Always disconnect the

battery before working on any electrical

systems or equipment, especially when

these are located within the engine

compartment. Comply with all applica-

ble instructions and warnings. Failure to

work in an informed, professional man-

ner when servicing components and

materials constitutes a safety hazard for

To unlock

To open

vehicle occupants and other road

Pull the lever located under the left-

Pull the release handle and open the

users. If you are not familiar with the

hand side of the dashboard.

hood.

guidelines, please have the operations

performed by your BMW center.<

Hood

131n

To close

Allow the hood to fall from a height of

about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly

engages.

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the hood is clear

when it is closed, as with all closing

procedures.

If it is determined that the hood is not

completely closed while driving, stop

immediately and close it securely.<

132nEngine compartment - BMW 325i, 325xi

134nWasher fluids

Washer nozzles

Windshield washer

The spray from the nozzles should be

directed at the front windshield and the

rear window in such a way they will be

properly cleaned even at high speeds.

Use a needle to adjust the nozzles as

required, or have them adjusted by your

BMW center.

Headlamp washer system*

Have this system adjusted by your

BMW center as required.

Headlamp* and windshield

Windshield washer system

washer system

(rear window)

Capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts

Capacity: approx. 2.4 US quarts

(5.3 liters).

(2.3 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.<

Antifreeze for the washer systems

is flammable. For this reason, keep

it away from sources of flame and store

it only in its original containers. Store it

so that it is inaccessible to children.

Comply with the instructions on the

containers.<

Engine oil

135n

Checking the oil level

The oil volume between the two marks

To add oil

1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.

on the dipstick corresponds to approx.

Wait until the level has dropped to just

2 Shut the engine off after it has

1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond

above the lower mark before adding oil.

reached normal operating tempera-

the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess

However, never let the oil drop below

ture.

oil will damage the engine.

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 way

in some cases. This also applies to the

into the guide tube and pull it out

manual transmission, automatic trans-

again.

mission, differential and power steering

5 The oil level should be between the

system.<

two marks on the dipstick.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

136nEngine oil

Specified engine oil

Viscosity ratings

The quality of the engine oil is

Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-

extremely important for the function

lished in SAE classes.

and life of an engine. Based on exten-

The selection of the correct SAE class

sive testing, BMW has approved only

depends on the climatic conditions in

certain types of engine oils.

the area where you drive your BMW.

Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-

mance Synthetic Oil."

Approved oils are in SAE classes

5W-40 and 5W-30.<

If you are unable to obtain "BMW High

Performance Synthetic Oil", you may

These kinds of oil may be used for

use small volumes of other approved

driving in all ambient temperatures.

synthetic oils for topping off between oil

changes. Use only oils with the specifi-

cation 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.

Engine oil

Coolant

137n

Comply with the applicable envi-

Do not add coolant to the cooling

ronmental laws regulating the

system when the engine is hot.

disposal of used oil.<

If you do, escaping coolant can cause

burns.

Recommendation: have the oil changed

To avoid the possibility of damage later

by your BMW center only.

on, never use anything other than

factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-

Continuous exposure to used oil

free extended-duty antifreeze with

has caused cancer in laboratory

corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is

testing.

familiar with the approved specifica-

For this reason, thoroughly wash any

tions.

areas of skin that come into contact

Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are

with oil using soap and water.

hazardous to health. You should always

Checking coolant level

Always store oils, grease and similar

store it in its original container and in a

Correct coolant level when the engine

materials so that they are inaccessible

location that is inaccessible to children.

is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):

to children. Comply with warning labels

Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-

and information on containers.<

sion inhibitor contains the flammable

Unscrew the cap from the expansion

substance ethylene glycol. Therefore,

tank.

do not spill antifreeze with corrosion

The coolant level is correct when the

inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could

upper end of the red float is at least

ignite and cause burns.<

even with the upper edge of the filler

neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-

Comply with the applicable envi-

tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)

ronmental laws regulating the

above it - that is, up to the second mark

disposal of extended-duty antifreeze

on the float (refer also the schematic

with corrosion inhibitor.<

diagram next to the filler neck).

138nCoolant

Brake fluid

Adding coolant

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,

it absorbs moisture from the air

Wait until the engine cools before

over time.

removing the cap from the expansion

In order to ensure the safety and reli-

tank. The needle of the coolant gauge

ability of the brake system, have the

in the instrument cluster must be

brake fluid changed every two years by

located in the blue zone. If it is not,

a BMW center. Refer also to the Service

there is a danger of scalding.

and Warranty Information Booklet

1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-

(US models) or the Warranty and

wise in order to allow accumulated

Service Guide Booklet (Canadian

pressure to escape, then open.

models).

2 If the coolant is low, slowly add

Brake fluid is toxic and damages the

coolant until the correct level is

vehicle's paint. You should always store

reached - do not overfill.

If the brake warning lamp comes on

it in its original container and in a loca-

and the parking brake has been

The coolant is a mixture of water and

tion inaccessible to children.

released:

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the

Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the

inhibitor. Always maintain the

brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"

top mark ("MAX") if necessary.

prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture

mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon

For adding brake fluid or for deter-

ratio for year-round protection against

contact with hot engine parts and cause

internal corrosion. No other additives

mining and correcting the cause of

serious burns.<

brake fluid loss, consult your BMW

are required.

center. Your BMW center is familiar

Replace the coolant every four years.

Comply with the applicable envi-

with the specifications for factory-

ronmental laws regulating the

approved brake fluids (DOT 4).

disposal of brake fluid.<

Brake fluid loss can result in extended

pedal travel. Comply with the informa-

tion provided on page 120.

Vehicle Identification Number

139n

In the engine compartment, on the

right-hand strut dome (arrow).

Content   ..  8  9  10  11   ..