engine oil BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 User Guide

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Always comply with all environ-
mental protection guidelines and
regulations when disposing 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.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than fac-
tory approved nitrite and amino-free
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Your BMW center is familiar
with the factory specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original container
and in a location that is inaccessible to
children. Extended duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor contains ethylene
glycol, a flammable substance. There-
fore, do not spill antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It
could ignite and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 inches
(2 cm) above it – that is, up to the
second mark on the float (refer also
to the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck).46cde036

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The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means for
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost effectively as
possible for you. Once again, with re-
spect to the previous version, mainte-
nance costs were able to be reduced
due to technical innovations.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining its
resale value.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals. These are then indicated in the 46cus018
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-dis-
tance urban driving are not the same as
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of long-dis-
tance highway driving.
In response to this fact, the BMW Main-
tenance System monitors operating
conditions as the basis for determining
the optimum service intervals for your
individual vehicle. The BMW Mainte-
nance System includes the Engine Oil
Service and Inspections I and II.
Determining maintenance intervals ac-
cording to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
Even those who drive very little – signif-
icantly less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
annually – should still have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years because
engine oil deteriorates over time, re-
gardless of the amount of wear and tear
to which it has been subjected.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide (Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or to the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for dam-
age from rocks or gravel at the same
time, depending upon operating condi-
tions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always up-to-date
on the latest maintenance work and re-
pair techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models). These entries will constitute
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also
required for warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Vehicle storage
If you intend to store the vehicle
for more than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the fol-
lowing procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in ac-
cordance with approved repair pro-
cedures. Washing the vehicle, any in-
terior cleaning and subsequent paint-
and chrome care, and cleaning any
rubber seals for the hood and doors,
should be carried out in compliance
with approved procedures as well
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine when refueling in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
5 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).
Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrakes
completely to keep the brake discs
and drums from corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated space. Place the
transmission in first gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling if necessary. Do not
apply the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately. Refer to page 121
5 Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be ser-
viceable. Every time the battery drains,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 162.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide (Canadian models).

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: page 27
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system
*
quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)For details: page 132
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) For details: page 135
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5) BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
For further information, refer to
page 134
Manual and automatic
* transmission and
differential– Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)22, 114
Accessories6
Activated charcoal filter98
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)74, 172
Adding engine oil133
Adding washer
fluid132, 185
Adjust seats53
Adjust the temperature96
Adjusting the steering
wheel58
Air distribution96
Air outlets94
Air pressure123
Air supply97
Airbags21, 63, 146, 173
sitting properly with64
Alarm system42
Antenna120
Antenna, Diversity174
Antifreeze135
Antifreeze, radiator118
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22, 114
Anti-theft alarm system42
Aquaplaning113, 123
Armrest102
Ashtray
front103
rear104Assisted rear entry56
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)74, 172
Attaching vehicle vacuum
cleaner104
AUC (Automatic recirculated
air control)97
Automatic car washes139
Automatic climate
control94
remove window
condensation97
Automatic cruise control80
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror59
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)97
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic22, 74
Automatic windshield
washer78
Average consumption86
Average speed86
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43
Axle loads184
BBackrest
release56
Backup lamps73
bulb replacement155Battery162, 186
capacity186
charge164
charge current20
drained168
removal and
installation164
Belts61
Blower97
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils134
BMW Sports Seat55
BMW Universal
Transmitter100
Bore182
Brake fluid136
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155
Brake pads22
Brakes116
malfunctions117
Break-in procedure112
Breaking in the vehicle112
Bulb replacement152
CCapacities185
Car Memory60
Car radio120
refer also to the separate
Owner's ManualCar radio
reception120, 174
Car wash139
Care
convertible top144
exterior140
interior141
Care of upholstery142
Cargo loading106
Caring for the vehicle
finish140
Caring for wool velour142
Cassette operation, refer to
the Radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter113
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 115
CD operation, refer to the
Radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone103, 120
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest102
Center brake lamp157
Central locking system34
key38
Changing tires159
Check Control84
Child restraint
systems61, 66, 67
installation67
Child's seat61, 66
Everything from A to Z

Everything from A to Z
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cigarette lighter104
Clock84
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Coin box, cup holder103
Combination switch77
Compression182
Computer85
Configure settings60
Consumption86
Consumption display83
Convertible top
care144
electrical defect166
Convertible top
compartment panel41
Convertible top operation,
fully automatic convertible
top49
Coolant118, 135, 185
antifreeze118
Coolant temperature
gauge83
Cooling system185
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 115
Cruise control80
Cruising range86
Curb weight184
Current check indicator20
DDash lighting91
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions183
engine182
technical182
weights184
Daytime-driving lamp
switch91
Defrost setting97
Defrosting the
windows97, 98
Digital clock84
Dimensions183
Dipstick, engine oil133
Disc brakes116
Displacement182
Display lighting91
Displays18
Distance warning87
Diversity Antenna174
Door key32
Door locks, care118
Doors
emergency actuation34
remote control35
unlocking and locking34
Drive belts186
Driving hints113
Driving in winter118Driving lamps91
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22, 88, 173
EElectric power windows44
Electrical accessories,
failure165
Electrical system186
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16
Emergency actuation
doors34
fuel filler door165
fully automatic convertible
top166
Emergency closure166
Energy Control82
Engine compartment130
Engine coolant135, 185
Engine data182
Engine oil
capacity185
consumption133
pressure20
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Engine oil level21
check133Engine speed182
Engine, starting70
Entry to the rear56
Exterior mirrors58
Eyes169
FFailure messages84
Fault displays84
Fault, ABS115
Filler cap cover26
Filling capacities185
Filling the washer
reservoir185
First-aid kit25
Flashlight99
Flat tire123, 159
Fog lamps92
bulb replacement155
"Follow-Me-Home"
lamps91
Footbrake116
Footwell lamps92
bulb replacement158
Front seat adjustment53
Frost protection,
radiator135
Fuel27
gauge83
preparation182
quality27
Fuel consumption86

Everything from A to ZService and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)138
Service Interval
Display83, 138
Shiftlock74
Side airbags63
Side lamps91
bulb replacement154
Sitting properly53
using airbags64
Ski bag105
Skid control119
Slippery roads118
Snow chains118, 128
Socket104
Space-saver spare tire159
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Spark plugs186
Speaker103
Speedometer18
Starting70
Starting problems113, 168
Steel wheels128
Steering120
Steering wheel lock70
Steptronic74
Stopping the vehicle71
Storage compartments102
Storing your vehicle147
Stroke182
Summer tires126Switching off the engine71
Symbols4, 163
Synthetic oils134
TTachometer82
Tail lamps155
bulb replacement155
Tank capacity185
Tank cover
unlock in case of electrical
fault165
Technical data182
Technical
modifications6, 148
Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup103
Temperature display
outside temperature85
Temperature gauge
engine coolant83
Temperature layering98
Tether anchorage for child
retsraint66
Third brake lamp157
Tilt alarm37
remote control37
Tilt sensor alarm system43
Tire codes126
Tire damages123Tire inflation
pressure27, 123
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)89, 177
Tire pressure
monitoring89, 177
Tire pressure, checking27
Tire replacement124, 125
Tire specifications128
Tire tread123
Tools152
Torque182
Tow fittings169
Towing169
Track183
Traction Control System
refer to DSC88
Transmission73
Tread depth, tires123
Trip odometer82
Trunk39
locking separately39
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid39
Turn signal indicator23, 77
Turn signals
bulb replacement154
Turning radius183
Two-way radios120
UUniform Tire Quality
Grading124Universal Transmitter100
Used batteries164
VVehicle
battery162, 186
identification137
immobilizer33
painting140
starting70
storage147
weight184
Vehicle care
exterior140
interior141
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)137
Ventilation94
draft-free98
Vinyl upholstery, care142
Visors59WWarning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warning messages84
Warranty and Service Guide
(Canadian models)138
Washer reservoir, filling132
Washing your car139
Water on roadways
deep water113

Owner service proceduresAAdding brake fluid136
Adding engine coolant136
Adding engine oil133
Avoiding a false alarm43
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43BBackup lamps
bulb replacement155
Battery
add distilled water163
charging164
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155
Brakes, brake faults117CChanging the tire159
Check Control84
Checking engine oil
level133
Checking tire pressure27DDefrosting the windows97
Difficult steering120
Doors
emergency actuation34
EElectrical accessories,
failure165
Electrical failure
fuel filler door165
Emergency actuation
doors34
fully automatic convertible
top166
Emergency release
fuel filler door165
Engine oil
add133
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Eyes169FFailure messages84
Fault displays84
First-aid kit25
Flat tire159
Fog lamps
bulb replacement155
Footwell lamps
bulb replacement158
Fuel filler door
manual release after
electrical fault165
Fuses, replacing165
GGlove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158HHazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Headlamp cover, care153
High beams
bulb replacement153IIndicator lamps20
Inflation pressure27, 123
Interior lights
bulb replacement157JJack159LLicense plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Low beams
bulb replacement153
Luggage compartment
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement158
Luggage compartment lid
emergency release39
MMaintenance138
Malfunction displays84OOil
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Onboard tool kit152PParking lamps
bulb replacement154
Pressure, tires27RReleasing the hood129
Removing condensation
from the windows97
Replace windshield wiper
blades152
Replacement key32
Replacing lamp bulbs152
Return used batteries164
Rollover protection system
lowering68SSpace-saver spare tire159
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Owner service procedures

So that you will have important
specifications available when you
stop to refuel, we recommend that
you supplement this table with data
which apply to your vehicle.
Fuel
Engine oil The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
AKI: minimum
AKI: for rated performance
AKI: for enhanced
performance
QualityTire inflation pressure
Summer Winter
Front Rear Front Rear
2 persons
4 persons plus luggage
Refueling