lights BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: stop immediately
Engine oil level

Comes on while driving:
Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. The oil level
is at the absolute minimum.
For additional information, refer to
page 133.
Do not continue driving until you
have refilled the engine oil. If you
continue to drive, the engine could be
damaged because of inadequate
lubrication.<
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) l
If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC

control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and defensively.
Avoid hard brake applications. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 88, 115.
CBC, ABS and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 72.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts l
An acoustic warning signal
sounds at the same time. Lights
up for a few seconds or until the safety
belt is fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 61.
Airbags l
Please have the system in-
spected by your authorized
BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 63, 173.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Engine Power Control (EML)
* l
Malfunction in the EML. Please
have the system inspected by
your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top
off the coolant at the earliest op-
portunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 135.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicators
Flashes when the turn signal
indicators are operated. Rapid
flashing indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 77.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 80.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 92.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 77, 92.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Alarm system
*
>If the indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is dis-
armed, an attempted entry has been
detected in the period since the sys-
tem was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding an unintentional alarm The tilt sensor alarm system and interior
protection system can be deactivated.
Doing this prevents a false alarm from
being triggered (in garages with eleva-
tor ramps, for instance), or when the
vehicle is transported by trailer or train:
Lock the vehicle twice (= arm the sys-
tem). Press button 2 on the remote
control twice in succession or lock the
vehicle twice with the key (refer to
page 34).
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt sen-
sor alarm system and interior protection
system are deactivated until canceled.
Re-arm the anti-theft alarm system to
re-activate the tilt sensor alarm system
and interior protection system.
Interior protection systemThe transmitter and receiver of the inte-
rior protection system are located in the
front area of the center console, hidden
from the driver, and in the rear area of
the center console under a cap.
However, deactivate the interior protec-
tion system (see previous column) when
children or animals are to remain in the
vehicle.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units com-
ply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal
Communication Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the
following:
FCC ID: LTQSDR2G5
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to
these devices could void the
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.c

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Manual convertible topThe fabric top offers perfect weather
protection, and can easily be opened
and closed by one person.
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 compart-
ment from unforeseeable damage from
the weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection.
In addition, keep valuables only in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
To close the power side windows
while driving: be sure to close
either the rear windows first, or all win-
dows at the same time, otherwise, they
may not close all the way at higher
speeds.c
To open the convertible top
Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.
To prevent damage, the convertible top
compartment lid can not be opened if
the luggage compartment lid is open.c
1 Flip the locking handle out and turn
it until it hits the end stop
2 Raise the convertible top slightly
(reduces the tension)
46cde064
3 Press the button to unlock the top.
The lid locks for the convertible top
are unlocked and the side windows
lower slightly
If the convertible top compartment
lid has been raised, then the lid
locks for the convertible top will be
blocked. If the indicator lamp lights up
when you press the button, then you
cannot unlock. Flip the convertible top
compartment lid down; refer to page 41,
and close the luggage compartment
lid.c46cus003

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The fully automatic convertible top
*
Opening and closing1 Closing
2 Opening
Keep pressing the button for operating
the convertible top until the opening or
closing process has ended.
The side windows will lower slightly
during the opening process. If you
continue to press the button after the
convertible top has been closed and
locked, the side windows will close,
too.
The red indicator lamp lights up while
the convertible top is being operated.
After releasing the button, the lamp will
start blinking if the opening or closing
process has not been fully completed.46cus004
If the convertible top compartment
panel has been raised, then the con-
vertible top cannot be moved. In this
event, the yellow indicator lamp stays
on when the button is pressed and indi-
cates that it is not possible to operate
the convertible top.
Flip the convertible top compartment
panel down, refer to page 41.
If the opening or closing process
has been interrupted, then the
convertible top will remain stationary
in that position for 15 minutes.
After that, the convertible top can be
operated manually. This can also be
carried out with the ignition key in
position 0.
The luggage compartment cannot be
opened while operating the convertible
top.
The side windows are lowered slightly
when pressing the convertible top but-
ton and are raised back up after com-
pleting the opening process, if you have
continued holding the button down for
more than 2 seconds after the indicator
lamp has gone out.c
While the convertible top is
moving, the side windows lower
slightly. If the convertible top closing
or opening operation is interrupted, do
not close the side windows by using the
power window buttons.
Sometimes the luggage compartment
lid cannot be opened, either, if the
opening or closing process has been
interrupted.
To avoid any damage from constant
damp, never put the convertible top
away wet.
The rear window will move toward the
passenger area while the convertible
top is in operation, and it will also lightly
press the heads of the passengers sit-
ting in the rear toward the front. As a
rule, there is no danger in this. To avoid
any possible pinching, however, the
rear passengers should tilt their heads
slightly forward while the convertible
top is in motion.c

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Seat and mirror memory
*
You can store and recall three different
driver's seat and outside mirror posi-
tions. The illustration shows the buttons
on the driver's seat, for making these
position adjustments.
The setting for the head restraint
is stored in memory, but the set-
ting for the lumbar support is not. 1 or 2
2 Set the desired positions for the seat,
head restraint and outside mirror
3 Press the
M
EMORY button: the indi-
cator lamp in the button lights up
4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired. Indicator lamp goes out.
46cde014
To select a stored setting Convenience function:
1 Open the driver's door after unlock-
ing or set the ignition key in posi-
tion 1
2 Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,
as desired.
The adjustment cycle is canceled im-
mediately if you press a seat adjust-
ment switch or one of the memory
buttons.
Security function:
1 With the driver's door closed and the
ignition key either removed or in posi-
tion 0 or 2
2 Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button (1, 2 or 3) until the
adjustment process is completed.
If you press the
M
EMORY button acci-
dentally: press the button again; the
indicator lamp goes out.
Do not select a memory position
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected seat movement.<
Your BMW center can adjust your
vehicle's systems in such a man-
ner that your personalized settings are
automatically set for the seat, head
restraint and outside mirror positions
when you unlock the vehicle with your
personal remote control.<
If you make use of this method of
adjustment, be sure that the foot-
well behind the driver's seat is unob-
structed before unlocking the vehicle.
If you fail to do so, any persons or ob-
jects behind the seat could be injured
or damaged by a rearward movement
of the seat.<

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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

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering de-
sign of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking dur-
ing high lateral acceleration, or when
braking during a lane change, vehicle
stability is improved and steering re-
sponse is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
system then reverts to conventional
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
However, have the brake system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible, to prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the indi-
cator lamps for ABS and DSC –
refer to page 21 – the entire
ABS, CBC and DSC control sys-
tem has failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake applications.
This could cause the vehicle to lose
stability and you might no longer be
able to control it.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible by your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.

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Brake systemBrake fluid level
If the warning lamp for the brake
system comes on with the park-
ing brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 136).
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the hydraulic circuits of the
brake system.
Warning lamps or the brake
system for Canadian models.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Increased brake applica-
tion pressure may be necessary under
these conditions, and brake pedal
travel may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
Brake linings
If the warning lamp for the brake
pads lights up:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
BMW approved brake pads for
your particular vehicle model. BMW
cannot evaluate non-approved brake
pads to determine if they are suited for
use, and therefore cannot ensure the
operating safety of the vehicle if they
are installed.<

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