brake fluid BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures122
Driving notes123
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)123
Brake system124
Hardtop*125

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure127
Tire condition127
Tire replacement128
Wheel and tire
combinations130
Winter tires130

In the engine compartment:

Hood132
Engine compartment
essentials134
Washer fluid136
Engine oil136
Coolant138
Brake fluid139

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System140

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning141
OBD interface socket141

Owner service procedures

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit146
Windshield wiper blades146
Lamps and bulbs147
Changing a wheel151
Run Flat tires*155
Battery156
Fuses156

Giving and receiving
assistance:

Jump-starting157
Towing the vehicle158

Technical data

Engine data162
Dimensions163
Weights164
Capacities165

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18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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 in the follow-
ing section.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)/Flat
Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution to avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to
pages 92, 93
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 124 and 139.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when you start
off.
For additional information: refer to
page 72
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety
belts

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety belts are
fastened. Flashes if the backrest is not
locked.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 56
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 61

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20
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) and brake
warning lamp

●

The indicator lamps remain on:
The ASC+T/ADB or DSC/DTC
have been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Additional information beginning on
page 88
DSC and ADB indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 123
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 136
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 141
SERVICE ENGINE SOON warn-
ing lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.

Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information: refer to
page 138
CHECK FILLER CAP

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24
Rollover protection system

●

The rollover protection system
has been deactivated due to a
malfunction. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center at the
earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 67

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information: refer to
page 77

Indicator and warning lamps

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124
Brake systemBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest autho-
rized BMW center. It may be nec-
essary to apply higher levels of pres-
sure to the pedal when stopping and
braking distances may also be longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<Disc brakesLimited vehicle use, extended periods
with the vehicle parked or in storage,
and operating conditions in which brak-
ing is restricted to gentle, low-pressure
applications will all increase the ten-
dency for corrosion to form on the
rotors; this is often accompanied by a
simultaneous accumulation of contami-
nation on the brake pads. The pads
must exert a certain minimal level of
pressure against the rotors for the disc
brakes' inherent self-cleaning effect to
remain effective.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is useful to apply light pressure
to the brake pedal every few miles.
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
to you or to other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors to ensure that your
brake system will respond with undi-
minished efficiency when you need it.
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the
approved engine-speed range, refer to
page 81.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not
coast with the engine shut off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
released for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suitable for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
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135
1Brake fluid reservoir139
2Engine oil dipstick136
3Coolant expansion tank138
4Reservoir for the headlamp and wind-
shield washer system136
5Engine oil filler neck137
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting157Engine compartment essentials
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139
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: the brake fluid
level is too low, refer to page 18.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss results in extended
pedal travel. Refer to the information on
page 124.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by a
BMW center. Refer also to page 83 and
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet Booklet for
Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
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Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 123
indicator lamp 19
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 108
ADB Automatic Differential
Braking 88
Adding brake fluid 134, 139
Air conditioning
100, 102, 106
Air distribution 102
automatic 106
individual 106
Air nozzles 100, 104
Air outlets 100, 104
Air pressure 127
check 25
Air supply 102, 106
Air supply/Blower
recirculated-air mode 107
Airbags 61
warning lamp 18
Alarm system 38
avoiding false alarm 39
indicator lamp 39
interior protection 38
tilt alarm sensor 38
Antifreeze 138
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 123
indicator lamp 19Anti-theft system 30, 38
Armrest 112
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 88
indicator lamp 19
Ashtray
front 113
rear 114
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 107
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 104
Automatic cruise control 79
Automatic curb monitor 58
Automatic Differential Brak-
ing (ADB) 88
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 60
Automatic headlamp
control 96
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 107
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 88
indicator lamp 19
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 74
indicator lamps 19Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 134, 157
Average fuel
consumption 86
Average speed 86
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 164
B
Backrest
unlock 55
Backup lamps 73
replacing bulb 149
Battery 156
charge 156
charge current 18
charge indicator lamp 18
Belts 56
Beverage holder 113
Blower 100, 102, 106
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 137
BMW Maintenance
System 140
BMW Universal
Transmitter 110
Bore 162
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Brake
warning lamp 18Brake fluid level 124
warning lamp 18, 139
Brake hydraulics
warning lamp 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 149
Brake pads 124
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
driving notes 123
malfunctions 124
parking brake 72
Break-in procedures 122
Bulb, replacing 147
C
California Proposition
65 warning 141
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Capacities 165
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
Car telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 114
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Everything from A to Z
173
Steptronic 74
Storage compartments 112
Stroke 162
Summer tires 130
Switching off the engine 72
Symbols 4
Synthetic oils 137
T
Tachometer 16, 81
Tail lamp assembly
replacing bulb 149
Tail lamps 149
replacing bulb 149
Tank capacity 165
Technical data 162
Technical modifications 5
Telephone hookup 113
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Temperature adjustment
102, 106
Temperature display
engine coolant 82
interior temperature 106
outside temperature 85
Temperature layering
103, 107
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 53
Third brake lamp 150Tilt alarm sensor
remote control 32
switching off 32, 39
Time 84
Tire damage 127
Tire inflation pressure
25, 127
pressure specifications 25
Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM) 92
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Tire replacement 128
Tire tread 127
Tires
labels 130
Tools 146
Torque 162
Towing eyelet 158
Towing the vehicle 158
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor 92
indicator lamp 19
Track 163
Transmission 73
Transporting children
safely 63
Tread depth, tires 127
Tread wear indicator 127
Trip odometer 81
Trunk, see Luggage com-
partment 35, 164Trunk lid, see Luggage com-
partment lid 35
Turn signal indicator 77
indicator lamp 20
replacing bulb 148
Turning circle 163
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 129
Universal Transmitter 110
Used batteries 156
V
Vacuum cleaner, connect-
ing 114
Vehicle
break-in procedures 122
starting 70
switching off 72
Vehicle battery 156
Vehicle Memory 69
Vehicle weight 164
Ventilation 100, 104
draft-free 103, 107
W
Warning lamp "Fasten safety
belts" 18
Warning lamps 18
Warning messages 83Warranty and Service
Guide 140
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 6
Washer fluid
adding 136, 165
indicator lamp 19
Washer reservoir
filling 165
Washer/wiper system 78
Water on roadways
deep water 123
Wear indicator for tires 127
Weights 164
Wheel slip control, see
DSC 90
Wheel, changing 151
Wheelbase 163
Wheels and tires 130
Width 163
Wind deflector 50
Window condensation
removing 103, 106
Windows
convenience operation 33
defrosting 103, 106
Windshield washer reservoir
filling 136, 165
Windshield wipers 78
Winter tires 130
Wiper blades, replacing 146
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