fuel cap 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

26n
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system malfunctions, refer to
page 165.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event
of a collision.<
462de275
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Place (or put) the filler cap in the
bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank will be full whenever the
filler nozzle has been used properly and
shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 185.
460de005
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
Service Engine Soon lamp.<

83n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel gauge
Coolant temperature gauge
Service Interval Display
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
Once the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx. 2.1 gal-
lons (8 liters) of fuel left in the fuel tank.
For fuel tank capacity, refer to page 185.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for exam-
ple), there may be slight fluctuations of
the needle.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<462us020
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle the engine is overheated.
Shut off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to go as far as the
edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.Checking coolant level, refer to page 13 5.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the remaining distance
before scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the rate of
fuel consumption in the period immedi-
ately preceding your data request.
A flashing display and a "–" in front of
the number indicate that service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the
distance shown in the display. Please
contact your BMW center for an
appointment.46cus006

140n
Caring for your vehicleExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
with special body-cavity protectants,
by applying specially developed and
extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to
the undercarriage. Following this, a
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is
applied. Regular maintenance makes
an important contribution to maintaining
the safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on vehi-
cle finishes have led paint and vehicle
manufacturers to initiate programs de-
signed to further improve the durability
of their finishes. Despite this, environ-
mental factors that occur locally or re-
gionally can have negative effects on
the finish of your vehicle. Use the fac-
tors to determine the frequency and
extent of your efforts to maintain the
vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type of
impact (perforation of paint layer), phys-
ical stresses from sand, road salt, gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to
start extending beneath the finish, start-
ing at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-
mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and
tree excretions (resins and pollen) all
contain substances capable of causing
damage when allowed to remain on the
finish of your vehicle for any extended
period of time. This includes spots,
etching, flaking, and separations in the
top coat.
In industrial areas, flue dust deposits,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the
vehicle's finish unless adequate care is
provided – even though this is generally
limited to the outside horizontal sur-
faces.
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote
corrosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over
105 7 (+40 6) in the shade prevail, in
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation
and high humidity. Under these condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures up to 175 7 (+80 6) and dark
paints up to 250 7 (+120 6).
Caring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar
spots with tar remover. After cleaning,
the affected areas should be waxed to
ensure continued protection.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<

149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The interface socket for the onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the
dashboard and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper emission control system
operation for the life of the vehicle by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehicle.
Your system should be checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over only a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Warning lamp: "Service Engine
Soon" for Canadian models
When the fuel filler cap is not pro-
perly tightened, the OBD system
can detect the vapor leak and the indi-
cator will light up. If the fuel filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator will usually
go out after a short period of time.<

184n
Weights
BMW 323Ci
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
*
lbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,560 (1,615)
3,627 (1,645)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
*
lbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,442 (2,015)
4,508 (2,045)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,094 (950)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,469 (1,120)
Permissible roof load for the hardtop
*
lbs. (kg) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity
with raised convertible top compartmentcu ft (l)
cu ft (l)9.2 (260)
10.6 (300)
Permitted axle loads and permitted total vehicle weight may not be exceeded.

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

Everything from A to ZFuel consumption
display83
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp83
Fuel tank capacity185
Fuel tank gauge83
Fully automatic convertible
top
actuation49
emergency closure166
one-touch operation34
Functional status178
Fuses165GGarage-door opener100
Gasoline27
Gasoline gauge83
Glove compartment99
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158
Grills94
Gross vehicle weight184HHandbrake72
Hands-free system103
Hanging the luggage
compartment floor up by
the hook40
Hardtop121
Hazard warning flashers25Hazard warning triangle25
Head restraints54
Headlamp covers,
care139, 153
Headlamp flasher92
Headlamp washer
system79, 132, 185
Heated seats99
Heater and ventilation94
Heavy loads106
Height183
High beams23, 77, 92
bulb replacement153
Hood release129
Horn17
Hub cap160
IIce warning85
Identification, tires126
Ignition key32
Ignition lock70
Increasing the space in the
luggage compartment41
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure27, 123
Inflation pressure
monitoring89, 177
INSPECTION83
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting91Interaxle tire rotation125
Interface socket for On-
Board Diagnostics149
Interference
cellular phones120
Interior lamps37, 92
bulb replacement157
remote control37
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature59, 175
Interlock70
Intermittent wipe77
ISOFIX Attachment of the
child seat62
JJack159
Jets94
Jump starting168KKey32
Key Memory60
Key with remote control32L"Lamps on" warning91
Lashing eyes107
Leather care143
Length183License plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Light switch91
Light-alloy wheels128
Lighter104
Load-securing devices107
Low beams91
bulb replacement153
Lug bolts160
Luggage compartment39
capacity184
emergency release39
floor panel41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement158
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack108
Lumbar support56
MM+S tires127
Maintenance83, 138
Malfunction displays84
Manual convertible top
operation in the event of an
electrical malfunction166

Everything from A to Z
193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Manual transmission73
Manually controlled
recirculated-air97
Memory57
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)24
Mirror memory57
Mirrors58
Mobile phones120
Modifications,
technical6, 148
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24NNavigation system, refer to
the Radio Owner's ManualOOBD interface socket149
Odometer82
Oil
additives133
capacity185
consumption133
dipstick133
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information BookletOil filter change185
Oil level
check133
Indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE83
Onboard computer85
also refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit152
Opening and closing
from inside38
from outside34
Operating the convertible
top
manual convertible top45
Outlets, ventilation94
Outside temperature
display85
PPaint blemishes140
Paint, care140
Paintwork, minor
repairs141
Paintwork, waxing141
Park Distance Control
(PDC)87
Parking brake72
Parking help87
Parking lamps92Parking, winter119
PDC (Park Distance
Control)87
Performance182
Pocket lamp99
Pollen98
Power seats53
Power steering120
Power windows44
Pressure monitoring,
tires89, 177
Pressure, tires27, 123
RRadiator185
Radio Data System
(RDS)174
Radio reception120, 174
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor78, 176
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)89, 177
RDS (Radio Data
System)174
Reading lamps93
Rear lamp155
Rear window
defroster79, 98
Rearview mirror58, 59
Reclining seat53
Refueling26Remote control35
Remote control key32
Remove condensation,
windows97
Replacement key32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system61, 66
Reverse17, 73
Rollover protection
system68, 179
lowering68
Roof load capacity184
Roof luggage rack108
Roof-carrier assembly121
Rubber parts118
SSafety belt tensioners174
Safety belts61
Safety buttons38
Seat heating99
Seat memory57
Seat-integrated safety belt
system56
Seats
sitting properly53, 64
Securing cargo107
Securing loads107
Selector lever, automatic
transmission74
Self-defrosting mirrors59
Self-diagnostics178