lock BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Workshop Manual

122n
Hardtop
*
4 Open both front locking levers. To do
this press the buttons. The levers will
loosen somewhat. Flip the levers
open until they hit the stop46cde0089
5 Fold the cover panels that are on
the right and left side and below the
interior lamps downward before
mounting the hardtop. Press against
the small bulge on the cover panel.
There is a bracket in the cover panel
for secure storage of the the trim
pieces that have been removed (1)
6 Open the red locking lever all the
way (2)
7 Position the hardtop onto the sup-
ports with the help of a second per-
son. Be sure to place the supports
right in the brackets provided
8 In the back, close the red locking
levers by turning them inward until
they hit the stop behind the trim. Fold
the cover panels back 46cde077
9 To lock the hardtop in front, keep
closing the front locking levers until
you hear them engage.
Raise the hardtop carefully. Be
very careful not to displace the
seals. Seals that have been accidentally
displaced or pulled out lead to leaks.cRemovingRemove the hardtop in the opposite
order of installation.

129n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the dashboard.
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 vehicle occupants and other road
users. If you are not familiar with the
guidelines, please have the operations
performed by your BMW center.<460us012
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.462de269
To closeAllow 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 being 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.<462de270
Hood

136n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before re-
moving the cap from the expansion
tank. The coolant gauge needle in the
instrument cluster must be located in
the blue zone. If it is not, there is a
danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open
the cap
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached – do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
for year-round protection against inter-
nal corrosion. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every four years.If the warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem comes on and the parking brake
has been released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For 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 can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 117.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (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 inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the 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 dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

145n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cleaning and caring for your convertible topDo not use spot removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, gasoline or similar sub-
stances for removing spots from the
convertible top or from the rear win-
dow. These materials destroy the rub-
ber layer, which will lead to leaks. Use
only BMW-approved cleaners.
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or
that pose health risks. For this reason,
always comply with the warnings and
danger notices on the packaging.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
not specifically intended for it.c
Getting your vehicle ready for
cleaningIn order to maintain free access to your
convertible top compartment, rest the
rear convertible top bar against the
convertible top compartment lid (refer
to illustration).
Release the lid locks for the con-
vertible top first; refer to page 45
or 50.<46cde072
Hardtop
*
Please note and follow the information
about caring for your vehicle, which
starts on page 139.

159n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat sur-
face. Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and en-
gage the steering lock. Shift into 1st or
reverse (selector lever in "Park" with au-
tomatic transmission) and engage the
parking brake.
Have all passengers leave the vehicle
and remain well away from your immedi-
ate working area (behind a guardrail, for
instance).
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. Avoid jack-
ing the vehicle on a soft or slippery sup-
port surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack, otherwise, the
jack might not be able to reach its full
support capacity because of the limited
height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack. Failure to comply with this cre-
ates a risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW has a space-saver spare
tire for temporary use to ensure your
mobility.
To remove the space-saver spare
tire, lift the floor panel in the lug-
gage compartment completely out
(refer to page 41).<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack (1)
Raise the floor panel in the luggage
compartment (refer to page 41) and
unscrew the red wing nut (arrow).
When you have completed your work,
screw the jack all the way back down.
Fold the handle back and insert it into
its holder
>Wedge (2)
The wedge, or wheel chock, is lo-
cated behind the jack on the luggage
compartment's rear wall. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it46cde038

162n
Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed
of 45 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking re-
sponse, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties
when approaching stability limits.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced in con-
junction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time. Re-
install wheels and tires of the same size
and specification as soon as possible.
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to
page 28.<
Installation locationThe battery is located at the right-rear
of the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 40). Release the two fasteners
plus an additional fastener in the upper-
center side trim panel by turning a
screwdriver or a coin 1/4-turn counter-
clockwise. In order to remove the stor-
age tray, slide the side trim panel
slightly upward.46cde045
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
*
(= hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not adequately charged. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for driving
short distances, be sure to check the
charge status often.<
46cde044

163n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryBattery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-
free, that is, the original acid will nor-
mally last for the service life of the
battery under temperate climatic
conditions.
For all questions regarding the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following infor-
mation is for your use only.<
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. For your safety,
please be cautious whenever you work
with or near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
Wear eye protection. Do not al-
low particles containing battery
acid or lead to come into con-
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your
clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children to have
access to batteries and battery
acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-
tery. Avoid sparks from electrical cables
or electrical equipment. Turn the key to
position 0 in the steering lock when dis-
connecting or connecting the battery.
Do not short-circuit the battery termi-
nals. This creates a risk of injury from
high-energy sparks.
A highly explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in
your eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Consult a physician immediately. If you
get acid spray on your skin or clothing,
rinse with plenty of water. If acid is ac-
cidentally ingested, consult a physician
immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A drained battery can freeze. Store the
battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.

166n
Fully automatic convertible top
*
Closing manually in the event
of an electrical malfunction
Closing the convertible top manu-
ally is best done from the outside
with the driver's door open and the
driver's seat tilted forward. The rear
seat should not be occupied while this
operation is taking place.c
1 Remove the filler piece from between
the rear seats. Remove the trim from
the guide rod and tilt it forward. Press
forcefully on the emergency lock op-
eration (arrow). Doing this will unlock
the mechanisms for the convertible
top compartment lid after a short
delay
46cde071
2 With the luggage compartment lid
closed, open the convertible top
compartment lid all the way
3 Take hold of the convertible top by its
lateral guide section and its front
convertible top frame and lift it out
(arrow). Position the rear convertible
top bar vertically and close the con-
vertible top compartment lid. Flip the
rear convertible top bar downward46cde075
4 Using a screwdriver, lift out the cover
panel in the center of the front con-
vertible top frame
5 Put the dual-end Allen wrench
(stored next to the emergency lock,
see left column) into the hex slot
(arrow)
6 Pull the front convertible top frame
downward as far as possible. Con-
tinue the closing process by turning
the Allen wrench to the left; keep on
turning until the front convertible top
frame is locked onto the windshield
frame. The rear convertible top frame
will be automatically pressed onto
the convertible top compartment lid,
and because of the pressure, will be
sealed off when closed.46cde069

167n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fully automatic convertible top
*
Please refer to your BMW center
to have the defect corrected.c
In the event of an electrical defect,
never open the convertible top by
hand. The convertible top compartment
lid cannot be locked and would open
while driving.c

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