battery BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

Repairs
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter180

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)188
Airbags189
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
Safety belt tensioner190
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature191
Rain sensor191
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)192
Self-diagnostics192
Rollover protection system193
Xenon lamps193Engine data196
Dimensions197
Weights198
Capacities199
Electrical system200
Drive belts200

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve82
2 Turn signal indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and
Energy control81
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator82
7 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)/DBC20

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22

>

Brake pads22

>

Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)

*
20, 22

>

Rollover protection system67

>

Airbags21

>

Adjust and lock backrest/Please
fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control23
8 Set button for the clock849 Program display for automatic
transmission

*
75
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission

*
21, 75
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

*
and ADB22
11 Indicator for:

>

Odometer81

>

Trip odometer81

>

Clock84

>

Service Interval82
Indicator for computer,
operation using the turn signal lever,
refer to page 83:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Range

>

Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control83
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8114 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:

>

Front fog lamps23

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level23

>

Electronic Throttle Control
(EML)

*
23

>

Service engine soon22
You can display the outside
temperature and distance driven
in different units of measurement.

<

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

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 "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion 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 lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge

l


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, otherwise, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.

<

Engine oil pressure


l


Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.

<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 91.
Brake warning lamp l
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 126 and 148.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

32n
Keys1 The remote control master keys
determine Key Memory functions.
Refer to page 59
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
At least once a year, drive for an
extended period with a master key that
you do not use otherwise to charge the
battery. Refer also to page 35.<
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for constant use 46cde059
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key Ð
this is recommended for valet
parking, for instance
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center.
Checking vehicle ownership is manda-
tory, since the keys are part of a secu-
rity system. (Refer to "Electronic vehicle
immobilizer" on page 33).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn that key to position 2 in
the ignition lock once (ignition switched
on) and then back. This allows the elec-
tronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the
new key.<

35n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from the outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for
unlocking and locking your vehicle.
Furthermore, it provides two additional
functions that can only be executed by
means of the remote control:
>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to
page 36.
With this function, you can also
"search for" your vehicle Ñ when
parked in an underground garage for
instance.
>To open the luggage compartment,
refer to page 36
The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly, regardless of whether it
was locked or unlocked.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated simultaneously when you unlock
the vehicle, 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.<
Master keysKeys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 32.
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this
reason, always take the vehicle keys
with you so that the vehicle can be
opened again from the outside at any
time.<46cde020
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle using the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to recharge the battery. Refer
also to page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the
remote control, surrender only the door
and ignition key or the spare key (refer
to page 32) e. g. whenever leaving the
vehicle for valet parking.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<

42n
Alarm system
*
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the
luggage compartment lid is opened.
>To movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor).
>To a change of the vehicle's tilt Ð if
someone attempts to steal the
wheels or tow the vehicle without
authorization, for example.
>If there is an interruption in battery
voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an alarm for 30 seconds.
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes.
>The high beams flash on and off in the
same rhythm.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
by using a key or with the remote
control, the alarm system is also simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and the tilt
alarm sensor are activated approx.
30 seconds after you have finished
locking the vehicle.
If the alarm system has been armed
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
flash once.
You can have a signal set as
acknowledgment for both arming
and disarming the alarm system.<
You can also open the luggage
compartment lid when the system is
armed by pressing button 3 of the
remote control (refer to page 36). When
it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the
interior rearview mirror.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes while the
system is being armed: the door(s),
the hood or luggage compartment lid
are not completely closed. Even if
you do not close the alerted area(s),
the remaining areas are secure, and
the indicator lamp will flash continu-
ously after 10 seconds. However, the
interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp goes out when the
system is disarmed: no manipulation
or attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed.46cus033

48n
The manual convertible top
The fully automatic convertible top
*
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger
compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a vacuum does not occur in the
vehicle.<
The completely automatically operated
convertible top combines assured
protection against the elements
together with simple, convenient
handling. So that you will get the most
out of enjoying your convertible, here
are a few tips:
It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
keep valuables only in the locked
luggage compartment, even with the
convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
Ð 10 6.
To conserve the battery, only operate
the top with the engine running if
possible.
The convertible top operation is
completely automatic. You will hardly
ever need to support it by hand, refer to
page 49.
Operate the convertible top only if
the vehicle is parked and do not
start driving while the convertible top is
in motion, because at certain points,
this could possibly interrupt the
process. A partially open convertible
top can possibly lead to damage or
injury.
If you initiated convertible top operation
while the vehicle was standing still, and
then start to drive off, you can complete
the process at a traffic light, for
example, while traveling at a moderate
rate of speed. To do this, keep pressing
the proper switch.
Traffic laws applicable in your area take
precedence when you operate the
convertible top, otherwise you may be
breaking the law.
Before closing the convertible top,
remove any objects from the windshield
frame that could keep the convertible
top from closing properly.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they will fall off when the
convertible top is in motion and cause
damage or injuries.
To close the electric power windows
while driving, always be sure to close
either the rear windows first, or all
four windows at the same time, other-
wise, at high speeds, the windows may
not close tightly.

70n
Starting the engine Switching off the engine Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time, but do not actuate it
for more than approx. 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate
engine speed.<
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
starting at about +57 (Ð156) and
at high altitudes over 3,300 ft
(1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds).
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always deactivate elec-
trical devices that are not in use. Switch
the ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving.
If you did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
Whenever you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and lock the
steering wheel.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always apply the parking brake
when parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since placing the shift lever
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."<

95n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interior lampsReading lamps frontThe reading lamps can be switched on
and off by their respective button,
which is next to them.46cde113
Reading lamps rearIn the hardtop, the reading lamps are
located in the rear as well, refer to
page 130 or 172.
The reading lamps can be switched on
and off by their respective button,
which is next to them.460de155
In order to prevent battery
discharge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key has been turned to position 0.<

140n
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. Comply with all
applicable instructions and warnings.
Failure to work in an informed, profes-
sional manner when servicing compo-
nents and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel. 460us012
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.462de269
Hood