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BMW 325xi Wagon (2001 year). Manual - part 11

140n

The BMW Maintenance System

actual conditions under which the

Service and Warranty Information

vehicle operates, because miles can be

Booklet (US models)/Warranty and

traveled in many different ways:

Service Guide (Canada models)

From a maintenance perspective,

For additional information on mainte-

62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-

nance intervals and procedures, please

distance urban driving are not equiva-

refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-

lent to 62,000 miles (100,000 km)

mation Booklet (US models) or to the

covered at moderate speeds in long-

Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian

distance highway travel.

models).

The BMW Maintenance System

As a precaution against rust, it is

includes the Engine Oil Service and

advisable to have the body checked for

Inspections I and II.

damage from rocks or gravel at the

The BMW Maintenance System has

Determining the maintenance intervals

same time, depending upon operating

been designed as a reliable means for

according to the actual use of the vehi-

conditions.

providing maximum driving and operat-

cle covers every kind of operating situa-

ing safety - and as cost effectively as

tion. However, even those who drive

Have your BMW center perform

possible for you.

only short distances - significantly less

maintenance and repair.

Please keep in mind that regular main-

than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annually -

Your BMW center is always "up to date"

tenance is not only necessary for the

should have the engine oil changed at

on the latest maintenance work and

safety of your vehicle, but also plays a

least every 2 years since oil deterio-

repair techniques and equipped with

significant role in maintaining the resale

rates over time, regardless of use.

the required special tools. In addition,

value of the vehicle.

checking parts known from experience

to be subject to wear is a permanent

Service Interval Display

part of the maintenance specifications.

Be sure that all maintenance work is

Advanced technology is employed

confirmed in the Service and Warranty

to calculate the optimal maintenance

Information Booklet (US models) or the

intervals. These are then indicated in

Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian

the Service Interval Display. While

models). These entries will constitute

conventional systems rely on distance

your proof that the vehicle has received

traveled alone to determine when

regular maintenance. They are also

service is due, the BMW Maintenance

required for warranty claims.<

System has for years considered the

Caring for your vehicle

141n

Washing your vehicle

Turn the rain sensor off (refer to

When cleaning the headlamps,

page 69) when passing through an

please observe the following:

You can wash your BMW at an auto-

automatic car wash. Failure to do so

do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth

matic car wash, even when it is new.

could result in damage caused by unin-

(scratches). Never use abrasives or

Brushless systems are preferable.

tended wiper activation.<

strong solvents to clean the covers.

Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and

Remove dirt and contamination (such

remove dead insects before washing

Parts of the vehicle which are

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

the vehicle.

inaccessible to the automatic washer -

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

In order to avoid spots, do not wash

such as door sills, door and hood

of water. Always use a deicer spray to

the vehicle when the hood is warm, or

edges, etc. - should be cleaned by

remove accumulated ice and snow -

during or immediately after exposure to

hand.

never use a scraper.<

strong sunlight.

In the winter months, it is especially

When using an automatic car wash, be

important to ensure that the vehicle is

After washing the vehicle, apply

sure that:

the brakes briefly to dry them.

washed on a regular basis. Large quan-

Braking efficiency might otherwise be

> The car wash system is suited for the

tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to

reduced by the moisture and the brake

dimensions of your vehicle.

remove, and they also damage the

rotors could be corrode.<

> No damage will occur to vehicles

vehicle.

with attached body accessories (such

as spoilers or antennas). Consult the

If spray wands or high-pressure

car wash operator if necessary.

washers are used, be sure to

> The wheels and tires of your vehicle

maintain an adequate distance between

cannot be damaged by the convey-

the spray source and the vehicle's

ance devices of the car wash system.

surface. Inadequate distance and

> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum

excessive pressure can damage or

brush pressure, and that ample water

weaken the finish, making it more

is available for washing and rinsing.

susceptible to subsequent attack. In

addition, moisture could penetrate to

Vehicles with rain sensor:

vehicle components, leading to long-

Clean the windshield regularly. Wax

term damage.<

from automatic car washes or insects

can cause malfunctions in the function

of the rain sensor.

Caring for your vehicle

143n

Caring for the vehicle finish

Waxing your vehicle

Paint damage

Regular washing is a preventive

Protect the finish using only carnauba

You can touch up small areas of paint

measure against long-term effects from

or synthetic-based waxes.

damage with a BMW spray paint or a

substances that are harmful to the

BMW touchup stick.

The best way to determine when the

vehicle's finish, especially if you drive

finish needs to be waxed is by noting

The paint color code for your car is

your vehicle in areas with high levels of

when water stops beading on the

provided on a sticker located on the

air pollution or aggressive natural

surface.

righthand side under the hood and on

substances (tree resins, pollen).

the first page of your Service and

You can use a glass cleaner to remove

Nevertheless, you should immediately

Warranty Information Booklet

any wax or silicone that may have been

remove especially aggressive

(US models) or Warranty and Service

left on the windows during waxing.

substances. Failure to do so can lead to

Guide (Canadian models).

changes in the paint's chemical

Use the cleaning and car-care

Damage caused by flying stones,

structure or to discoloration. Gasoline

products available at your BMW

scratches, etc., must be touched up

spilled during refueling, oil, grease and

center.<

without delay to prevent rust from

brake fluid should always be cleaned

forming.

away immediately, as should bird

If corrosion has started to form in an

droppings.

area with paint damage, remove all rust

Any contamination remaining on the

and clean the area. Then prime the

surface of the vehicle will be especially

area with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally,

conspicuous after washing. Use

apply the finish coat. Wait a few days,

cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean

then polish the repaired area. Finish by

cloth or cotton pad to remove. Remove

applying a wax preservative.

tar spots with tar remover. After clean-

More extensive paint damage should

ing, the affected areas should be waxed

be repaired professionally in accor-

to ensure continued protection.

dance with the manufacturer's instruc-

tions. Your BMW center uses original

Use the cleaning and car-care

BMW finish materials in accordance

products available at your BMW

with approved repair procedures.

center.<

144nCaring for your vehicle

Caring for the windows

Caring for other vehicle

Rubber components should be cleaned

components and materials

with water only; a rubber treatment or

You can use window and glass cleaner

silicone spray may also be applied.

to clean inside window surfaces and

Light-alloy wheels should be treated

mirrors without smearing and streaking.

with alloy wheel cleaner, especially

Safety belts should be cleaned with a

Never use polishing pastes or abrasive

during the winter months. However, do

mild soap and water solution without

(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.

not use aggressive products contain-

being removed from the car. Never

ing acids, strong alkalis or abrasives.

attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as

Clean the wiper blades with soapy

Do not use steam cleaners operating at

damage to the belt fabric could result.

water. The wiper blades should be

temperatures above +140 7 (+60 6).

replaced twice a year - before and after

After cleaning, never allow the inertia

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

winter. This is especially important for

reel to retract the belts until they are

vehicles with a rain sensor.

If your vehicle has chrome parts*, such

completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-

as the window frames and door

vent the inertia reel mechanism from

Use only wiper blades approved

handles, be especially careful about

retracting the strap properly, and thus

by BMW.<

cleaning them with plenty of water and

constitute a safety hazard.

possibly a shampoo supplement as well

Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*

after the roads have been salted.

can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.

Use a chrome polish for an additional

The floor mats can be removed from

treatment.

the vehicle for cleaning.

Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,

Use only a damp cloth to clean trim

headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover

panels made of real wood* and other

of the instrument cluster and compo-

parts constructed of real wood*. Follow

nents with a sprayed dull black surface

up by drying with a soft cloth.

can be cleaned with water and a

synthetic cleaner (if necessary). Do not

Use the cleaning and car-care

allow moisture to soak through the

products available at your BMW

seats or headliner. Never use solvents

center.<

such as lacquer thinner, heavy-duty

grease remover, fuels, or similar

substances.

Caring for your vehicle

145n

Care of upholstery materials

The buildup of an electrostatic charge

Leather care

on the seat covers, particularly if

Depressions in the upholstery that

The leather* upholstery used by BMW

atmospheric humidity is low, can give

result from everyday use can be

is a natural product of the highest

the occupants an unpleasant electric

brushed smooth by brushing against

quality, processed using state-of-the-

shock if they touch metal body parts

the nap with a lightly dampened brush.

art methods to ensure that it will main-

after leaving the vehicle. Although this is

tain its high quality for years to come,

The tendency of the pile to lie in a

not dangerous in any way, it can be

provided that it is properly cared for.

particular direction on velour upholstery

avoided by touching a bare or polished

is not a quality defect, and, just as on

Because this product is manufactured

metal part of the vehicle while getting

home textiles or clothing, cannot be

using natural materials, you must make

out.

avoided.

allowance for its special characteristics

and for the peculiarities of its use

Lint on upholstery materials, textile or

and care.

leather remnants that have been worn

into the upholstery may be removed

Regular periodic cleaning and care

with a lint brush or a Velcro‚ brush. A

are essential, as dust and road dirt act

cleaning glove is available for especially

as abrasives in the pores and creases

"stubborn" lint. Stains and fairly large

of the material. This leads to wear

areas of dirt should be cleaned off with-

spots and premature brittleness on

out delay, using lukewarm water and an

the surface of the leather. We there-

interior cleaner, stain remover or appro-

fore suggest that you clean the leather

priate cleaning fluid. Brush the fabric

with a vacuum cleaner or cloth at

afterwards to restore its appearance.

frequent intervals.

If the vehicle is to be stored for an ex-

For cleaning, use BMW leather

tended period, or if it is exposed to in-

cleaning foam.

tense sunlight, cover all the seats or the

Since dirt and grease gradually attack

windows to prevent fading.

the protective layer of the leather, the

cleaned surfaces should be treated

Use the cleaning and car-care

with BMW leather care agent. This also

products available at your BMW

acts as an antistatic agent.

center.<

For protection against dampness

or moisture, treat the leather with an

impregnating agent made by BMW.

146nCaring for your vehicle

We recommend that you perform this

Cleaning agents can contain

procedure twice a year on leather

substances that are dangerous or

exposed to normal use.

pose health risks. Therefore, always

comply with the warnings and danger

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

labels on the package.

Remove grease and oil stains by

Open the doors or windows on your

dabbing with with spot remover. Avoid

vehicle when cleaning the interior.

rubbing.

Never clean your vehicle with solvents

If the upholstery is to be exposed to

or other materials not specifically

intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

intended for this purpose.<

stored for an extended period, cover

all leather surfaces (or, better yet, the

windows) to prevent fading.

Use the cleaning and car-care

products available at your BMW

center.<

Airbags

Vehicle

storage

147n

Modifications may not be made on

Consult your BMW center regarding

either the wiring or the individual

special procedures if you intend

components in the airbag system.

to store the vehicle for more than

These include the padded steering

three months.

wheel hub, the instrument panel, the

side trim panels of the front or rear

doors and the roof pillars or the sides

of the headliner. Do not apply adhesive

materials to these components, cover

or modify them in any way. Do not

attempt to remove or dismantle the

steering wheel.

To ensure compliance with official

1

Front airbags for driver and

safety regulations, entrust disposal of

passenger

airbag generators to a BMW center.

2

Side Impact Head Protection

Unprofessional attempts to service

System for driver and passenger

the system could lead to failure in an

(front)

emergency or undesired airbag activa-

3

Side airbags for driver and passenger

tion, either of which could result in

(front and rear*)

personal injury.<

Important safety notices

Do not remove the airbag restraint

system's gas generator. Have

testing and service procedures per-

formed by specially qualified techni-

cians only. In the event of a malfunc-

tion, deactivation or triggered actuation

(as a response to an accident) of the

airbag restraint system, consult your

BMW center for repairs or service

operations.

148nTechnical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning

Any BMW center will be glad to advise

California laws require us to state the

you concerning the advisability, legal

following warning:

implications and factory recommenda-

tions for technical modifications to the

Engine exhaust, some of its con-

vehicle. For this purpose, the BMW cen-

stituents, and certain vehicle com-

ter will require the Vehicle Identification

ponents contain or emit chemicals

Number and, in some cases, the engine

known to the State of California to

number as well.

cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.<

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light-emitting diodes installed behind

translucent lenses serve as the light

source for many of the controls and dis-

plays in your vehicle. The concept be-

hind their operation is related to that

employed for lasers.

Do not remove the protective lens

and avoid staring directly at the

unfiltered beam for extended periods

(several hours). To do so could result in

inflammation of the iris.<

OBD interface socket

149n

An illuminated indicator informs

you of the need for service, not

that you need to stop the

vehicle. Your system should be

checked, however, at the earliest possi-

ble opportunity.

If the indicator blinks or flashes, this

indicates a high level of engine misfire.

Reduce speed and contact your near-

est BMW center immediately. Severe

engine misfire over even a short period

of time can seriously damage emission

The interface socket for onboard diag-

control components, especially the

nostics is located on the driver's side at

catalytic converter.

the left-hand bottom of the dashboard

Service Engine Soon warning

and under a cover. The cover has the

lamp for Canadian models.

letters "OBD" on it.

The purpose of the OBD system is to

ensure proper emission control system

If the fuel filler cap is not properly

operation for the vehicle's lifetime by

tightened, the OBD system can

monitoring emission-related compo-

detect leaking vapor and the indicator

nents and systems for deterioration

will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then

and malfunction.

tightened, the indicator will usually go

out after a short period of time.<

150n

151n

Replacement procedures:

Overview

Onboard tool kit

152

Windshield wiper blades

152

Lamps and bulbs 153

Changing a wheel

159

Battery

162

Controls and features

Fuses

164

Microfilter/Activated-charcoal

filter

165

In case of electrical

Operation, care

malfunction:

and maintenance

Fuel filler door

166

Sliding/Tilt sunroof

166

Tailgate

166

Owner service procedures

Assistance, giving and

receiving:

Jump-starting

167

Towing the vehicle

168

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

Repairs

152n

Onboard tool kit

Windshield wiper blades

The onboard tool kit is stowed under

Windshield

Rear window

the cargo area floor panel.

1 Move the wiper to a fold-out position.

1 Move the wiper to a fold-out position.

To raise the cargo area floor panel,

2 Position the wiper blade at an angle

2 Remove the wiper blade (arrow).

refer to page 109.

and pull the release spring (arrow).

3 Insert a new wiper blade and apply

3 Fold the wiper blade down and

pressure until you hear it engage.

unhook it toward the windshield.

4 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper

arm toward the top.

5 Insert a new wiper blade and apply

pressure until you hear it engage.

Use only BMW approved wiper

blades.<

Lamps and bulbs

153n

The lamps and bulbs are essential

When cleaning the headlamps,

factors contributing to the safety of your

please observe the following:

vehicle. Therefore, comply fully with the

do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth

following instructions during bulb

(scratches). Never use abrasives or

replacement. If you are not familiar with

strong solvents to clean the covers.

any of the procedures, consult your

Remove dirt and contamination (such

BMW center.

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

Do not touch the glass portion of

of water. Always use a deicer spray to

a new bulb with your bare hands

remove accumulated ice and snow -

since even small amounts of impurities

never use a scraper.<

burn into the surface and reduce the

service life of the bulb. Use a clean

The illustration shows the left-hand side

cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-

of the engine compartment.

rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic

base.<

1 Low beams

H7 bulb, 55 watts

A replacement bulb set is available from

your BMW center.

2 High beams

Whenever working on the

H7 bulb, 55 watts

electrical system, switch off the

electrical accessory you are working on

The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-

or disconnect the cable from the nega-

fore, wear safety glasses and

tive terminal of the battery. Failure to do

protective gloves. Failure to comply

this could result in short circuits.

with this precaution could lead to injury

To prevent injuries and damage,

if the bulb is accidentally damaged

comply with any instructions provided

during replacement.<

by the bulb manufacturer.<

1 Press the two locks at the front and

turn left to release the bulb holder.

2 Remove and replace the bulb.

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