battery BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs152
Changing a wheel159
Battery162
Fuses165

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door165
Fully automatic convertible
top166

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting168
Towing the vehicle169Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)172
Airbags173
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)173
Radio reception174
Safety belt tensioner174
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimmer175
Rain sensor176
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)177
Self-diagnostics178
Rollover protection system179
Xenon lamp179Engine data182
Dimensions183
Weights184
Capacities185
Electrical system186
Drive belts 186

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve83
2 Turn signal indicator lamp23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control82
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator83
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)20

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22

>

Brake pads22

>

Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)

*
20, 22

>

Rollover protection system68

>

Airbags21

>

Please fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control23
8 Reset button for

>

Clock849 Program display for automatic
transmission

*
76
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission

*
22, 76
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)22
11 Display for

>

Odometer82

>

Trip odometer82

>

Clock84

>

Service Interval83
Display for onboard computer

*
,
operation via the turn signal lever,
refer to page 85:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Cruising range

>

Average speed
12 Display for Check Control84
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8214 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for

>

Fog lamps23

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level23

>

Electronic Engine Power
Control (EML)

*
23

>

Engine22
You can display the outside tem-
perature 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 will light up while the vehicle is mov-
ing. 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 charg-
ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-
tact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. The engine
could be damaged due to overheating.
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 level and refill 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 will go
off: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately to
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake ap-
plications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 89.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged,
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to read the notes on
pages 117 and 136.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

32n
Keys1 The master keys with remote control
determine the functions for the Key
Memory, refer to page 60
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the steering
lock as you drive.
If you have a master key that is not
being used, use that key at least once a
year by driving with it for an extended
period to recharge the battery. Refer
also to page 35.<
2 Keep your spare key in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous 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 –
this is recommended for valet park-
ing, for instance.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Since
the keys are part of a security system,
vehicle ownership must be checked
before a replacement key can be issued
(refer to "Electronic Vehicle Immobi-
lizer" on page 33).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your re-
placement key. After getting a replace-
ment key, turn it to position 2 in the
ignition lock once (ignition switched on)
and then back. This allows the passive
anti-theft system to "learn" the new
key.<

35n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing – from outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an excep-
tionally convenient method for unlock-
ing and locking your vehicle. Further-
more, it provides two additional func-
tions that only the remote control can
execute:
>Switching on the interior lamps
Using this function, you can also
"search" for your vehicle e. g. when-
ever it is parked in an underground
garage
>Opening the luggage compartment
lid
It will open slightly, regardless of
whether it was previously locked
or unlocked.
When you unlock the vehicle, the anti-
theft system is deactivated, 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
acknowledgement 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 rea-
son, 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 steering
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to lock the
vehicle via the remote control, the
battery is drained. 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) when leaving the vehicle for
valet parking, for example.
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 lug-
gage compartment lid is opened
>Movements inside the vehicle
>To a change in the vehicle's tilt –
if someone attempts to steal the
wheels or tow the vehicle without
authorization, for example
>If there is an interruption of battery
voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
>Activating the hazard warning
flashers for approx. five minutes
>Flashing the high beams on and off in
tandem with the hazard warning
flashers.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
by using a key or the remote control,
the alarm system is also armed or dis-
armed at the same time.
The interior protection and tilt sensor
alarm systems are activated approx.
30 seconds after you have shut the last
door.
If the alarm system has been armed
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
flash once.
You can have one signal set as
acknowledgment when arming
and disarming.<
You can also open the luggage com-
partment lid when the system is armed
by pressing button 3 of the remote con-
trol (refer to page 37). When it is closed,
the lid is once again secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the
inside rearview mirror.
>When the indicator lamp flashes con-
tinuously, the system is armed>The indicator lamp flashes when it
is armed. Doors, the hood or luggage
compartment lid are not closed
properly. Even if you do not close the
alerted area, the remaining areas are
deadlocked, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after 10 seconds.
However, the interior protection
system is not activated>If the indicator lamp goes out when
the system is disarmed, no manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have
been detected in the period since the
system was armed46cus033

49n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The fully automatic convertible top
*
The fully automatic convertible top
combines assured protection from the
weather with a one-touch operation.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you
get the most enjoyment out of driving
your convertible.
It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from un-
foreseeable damage from the weather,
it also provides a certain degree of theft
protection. In addition, keep valuables
only in the locked luggage compart-
ment, 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
14 7 (–10 6).
To conserve the battery, operate the
convertible top only with the engine
running if at all possible.
The convertible top operation is
completely automatic. In rare in-
stances, some manual support may be
necessary (see Note in next column
but one).
Operate the convertible top only when
the vehicle is stationary. Do not start to
drive while operating it, either, because
the procedure could be interrupted
when the top hits certain positions.
A partially open convertible top can
lead to damage or injury.
If you initiate convertible top operation
with the vehicle stationary and then
start driving, e.g. at a traffic light, you
can completely carry out the initiated
operation. To do this, press and hold
the corresponding button again.
Give the respectively applicable traffic
rules preference during convertible top
operation, as otherwise you will be in
violation of the law.
Remove any foreign objects from the
windshield frame before closing the
convertible top, otherwise, they could
hinder the opening and closing of the
convertible top.
Do not place any objects on the con-
vertible top, since they would fall off
when the convertible top is operated
and cause damage or injuries.
While driving, always close the rear
power windows first, or close all 4 win-
dows at the same time, otherwise the
windows may not shut tightly at higher
speeds.cDo not reach into the convertible
top mechanism during opening
and closing. Keep children away from
the moving parts of the convertible top
during operation.
The automatic process is immediately
interrupted if the button for actuating
the convertible top is released. The pro-
cess can be continued in the direction
desired by pressing the switch.c
If the convertible top has been
stored in the convertible top com-
partment for an extended period of
time, e.g. during the winter months be-
cause the hardtop
* has been used, it
may be necessary to manually support
the top when closing it automatically for
the first time:
Should the convertible top stop shortly
before it reaches the end of the closing
operation, press from outside against
the front of the convertible top frame
while pressing the switch to help the
top along until it begins moving again
on its own.c

93n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Reading lamps

Reading lamps are in the front
next to
the interior lamp. They can be switched
on and off with the switch adjacent to
each lamp.
In order to prevent draining the
battery, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key has been turned to 0.<

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

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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).