cooling BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Owner's Manual

96n
Automatic climate controlTips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO button 7). Select an interior tem-
perature that is comfortable for you –
we recommend 72 7 (+22 6). When
the outside temperature is above 41 7
(+5 6), you can also use the air condi-
tioner 12. This will dry the air as well as
preventing condensation on the win-
dow surfaces – if there are passengers
with damp clothing, for example. Set
the outlets 2 so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Set the rotary dial between the air out-
lets 2 for the upper body to a medium
position, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
When you unlock the vehicle
using your personalized remote
control key, your vehicle is set up so
that it will retrieve and initiate your
customized setting for the automatic
climate control.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and
adapts the temperature to external influ-
ences (summer, winter) to meet prefer-
ences you can specify. This program
maintains a comfortable in-car climate
regardless of the season. Select an inte-
rior temperature that is comfortable for
you – we recommend 72 7 (+22 6).
The temperature selected and AUTO
for the air flow appear in the display 10
(refer to the overview on page 94). Open
the air outlets for the upper body area.
Switch on the air conditioner in warm
weather. The maximum cooling capac-
ity is achieved when you set rotary dial 3
(refer to page 98) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO pro-
gram by selecting specific dis-
tribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the win-
dows toward the upper body , and
into the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display pro-
vide a general indication of inte-
rior temperature. We recommend 72 7
(+22 6) as a comfortable setting,
whether the air conditioner is operating
or not. When you start the vehicle, the
system ensures that the selected tem-
perature is reached as quickly as possi-
ble. The system then maintains this
temperature, regardless of the season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 98) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output up to 90 7 (+32 6).
At 60 7 (+16 6), full cooling output
is available from an activated air
conditioner.<

98n
Automatic climate controlRear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically. Refer to
page 79.
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the opti-
mum airflow rates and directions for
your personal comfort:
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range. You can adjust the direction of
the airflow with rotary dial 2.
Set the air outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you.
Rotary dial 3 allows you to mix the the
air from the outlets for your upper body
by warming or cooling the air as de-
sired.460de040
Activated charcoal filterAn activated charcoal filter has been in-
stalled in your BMW to filter the outside
air and to catch any incoming dust and
pollen. It provides additional protection
by filtering gaseous pollutants from the
outside air. Your BMW center can re-
place the combined filter as a standard
part of your scheduled maintenance.
A substantial reduction in air flow indi-
cates that the filter needs to be replaced
early.

116n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that
must be exerted by the pads to clean
the rotors by brake applications is
not reached.
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.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has ap-
proved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-ap-
proved brake pads to determine if they
are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles or kilometers. Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other drivers. The heat
which is generated by the brake appli-
cations helps to dry the brake pads and
rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique described on
page 119.
Extended or steep mountain descents
do not necessarily lead to reduced
braking efficiency if you drive downhill
with the transmission in a gear that
allows minimal brake applications (or,
with automatic transmission
*, in an
appropriate lower gear).
You can further increase the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ing the selector lever in position 1.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid ex-
tended, continuous braking. Instead of
maintaining low to moderate pressure
over an extended period of time, you
should decelerate by applying more
substantial pressure to the brake pedal
(watch for following traffic), releasing
the pedal, and then repeating the appli-
cation (staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from overheat-
ing, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the shift lever or
selector lever in "Neutral". Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in "Neutral", and there is no power
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator, which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<

135n
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

185n
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 Z
191n
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