page 81 BMW 323Ci COUPE 2000 E46 Owner's Guide

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Wiper/washer system Rear window defroster Headlamp washers
*
When the vehicle's lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps will also be
cleaned every fifth time the automatic
windshield washer is activated.
Do not use the washers if there is
any danger that the fluid will freeze
on the windshield, otherwise vision
could be obscured. Use an antifreeze
agent. Refer to page 122.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty, otherwise damage to the
washer pump could result. automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2
*.
To activatePress the button: As long as the indica-
tor lamp remains on, the rear window
defroster continues at high-output
(rapid thaw).
After the indicator lamp goes out, the
defroster continues operating at re-
duced power for a limited period before
deactivating automatically. 460de026
To deactivatePress the button if the indicator lamp is
on.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
Once the indicator lamp begins to light
up continuously, there are still approx.
2.1 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Tank capacity: page 173.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, e.g.,
when you are driving in mountainous
areas, this may cause the needle to
fluctuate slightly.
Please refuel early, as 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
indicator 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.
Switch the engine off immediately and
allow it to cool down.460de082
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to rise as far as the
edge of the red zone in response to high
outside temperatures or severe operat-
ing conditions.
Checking coolant level: page 126.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Graphic display

The following information and/or condi-
tions are indicated using symbols, start-
ing with the ignition key position 2, until
the interference has been fixed:
1 Inspect the low-beam and high-beam
headlamps, as well as the side
marker lamps
2 Door open
3 Luggage compartment lid open
4 Check brake and taillamps.
After the completion of a trip and when
the driver's door is opened, an acousti-
cal signal is given for "Lamps on" if the
lamps have not been switched off.462de272
Mode selectionIn ignition key positions 1 and 2, you
can call up information from the on-
board computer using the button in the
turn signal lever. By pressing the button
briefly in the direction of the steering
column, you can call up a new function
for display.
The displays appear in the following
order:
Time, outside temperature, average fuel
consumption, cruising range, average
vehicle speed.
The function that was last selected will
be indicated when the ignition is
switched on.462de222
Set the clockIn ignition key position 1 and 2
To set ahead: Turn the button to the
right.
To set back: Turn the button to the left.
The adjustment speed will increase the
longer you continue to hold the button.
To change the display mode: Press the
knob briefly.
Every time you press the knob, the
clock display alternates between the
12-hour or 24-hour mode.
In ignition key position 0
The time is displayed for a few seconds
after you press the left button (refer to
"odometer", page 74).462us021
Check Control

Onboard computer

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
DSC Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) This system provides enhanced driving
stability, especially when you are just
starting off or accelerating, and provide
increased traction on curves.
In addition to optimizing road traction
and vehicle stability when the vehicle is
accelerating or starting, the system also
provides enhanced stability when cor-
nering within physically feasible limits.
The system starts up automatically
each time you start the engine.462us026
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to pages 21 and 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque in response to monitored vehicle
operating conditions.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or comes on dur-
ing the course of normal vehicle opera-
tion:
If the system has not been deactivated,
there is a system malfunction. The vehi-
cle remains operational, but without
DSC.
Please consult your authorized BMW
center for repairs.
To deactivate the systemPress the button. The indicator lamp
will come on.
The illustration depicts the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. This may vary, depending on
the equipment actually installed.
When the DSC is deactivated, you are
operating with conventional torque
transfer.
In exceptional instances, it is effective
to deactivate the system:
>when rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>or when driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 110.To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be re-
pealed, even with DSC. Any con-
sequences arising from traction loss
due to excessive vehicle speed remain
the responsibility of the driver. We
therefore urge you to avoid using the
additional safety margin of the system
as an excuse for taking risks.<
For additional details concerning DSC,
please refer to the chapter "Advanced
technology" on page 161.

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Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptThe RDC monitors the tire pressures at
all four wheels, even when the vehicle is
moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the RDC to "learn" the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure, first check
the tire inflation pressure in all tires.
Then compare these pressures with the
tire inflation pressure chart (page 28)
and adjust if necessary. Then activate
the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster informs you when-
ever the tire pressure is not nor-
mal.
Activate the system1 Turn ignition key to position 2
2 Press the switch long enough for the
indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter to light up yellow for a few seconds
3 After a few minutes of driving, the
RDC sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target value to
be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure if the tire inflation pressure must
be corrected. Otherwise, the RDC func-
tions automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2, and thus operates
whenever the vehicle is driven.462de228
Loss of tire pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped too
much over a period of time (which is
normal for any tire), the indicator lamp
will come on with a yellow lamp.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated
to the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a cor-
rection has been made, this indicates
that the corrected values were not ac-
curate. Please check the inflation pres-
sure again and make corrections ac-
cording to the inflation pressure table.
Then activate the system once again.<

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Parking lamps
With the switch in this position,
vehicle lighting is illuminated on
both sides. For lighting on one
side for parking, see page 85.
Low beam headlamps
When you switch the ignition off
with the low beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
"Follow-Me-Home" lamps:
If you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the car, then the
low-beam headlamps will come on for a
short time. You can also have this func-
tion deactivated.<
460us035
LAMPS ON warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0, a
warning signal sounds for a few sec-
onds to remind you that the headlamps
have not been switched off
.
Daytime-driving lamps
*
If desired, the lamp switch can be left in
the second position: When the ignition
is switched off, the external lighting is
also switched off.
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.
460us036
Parking lamps/Headlamps Instrument panel rheostat

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic climate control1 Air on the windshield and on the
side windows
2 Air flow toward upper body
The side rotary dials provide infi-
nitely-variable regulation of the air
supply, while the levers change the
air-flow direction. The center rotary
dial adjusts the temperature of the
air as it flows out, see page 92
3 Front footwell ventilation
There are corresponding air vents
in the rear footwell as well
4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic
recirculated-air control (AUC)
*
91, 92
5 Air supply91
6 Temperature90
7 Automatic air distribution90
8 Individual air distribution90
9 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor – please keep clear and
unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air
supply90
11 Defrost the windows and remove
condensation91
12 Air conditioner91
13 Rear window defroster71, 92

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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 707 (226) as a
comfortable setting. When the outside
temperature is above 407 (+ 56), you
can also use the air conditioning system
(12). This system dries the air and pre-
vents condensation on the windows
(e.g. if persons are wearing damp cloth-
ing). Set the outlets (2) so that the air
flows past you and is not directed
straight at you. Set the rotary dial be-
tween the air outlets (2) for the upper
body to a medium position, since air
that is somewhat cooler promotes driv-
ing without fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
You can make the settings of your
vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the car with your per-
sonalized remote control, your own per-
sonalized setting of the automatic cli-
mate control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and in
addition adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you – we recommend 707
(226). The temperature selected and
the word AUTO for the air supply
appear in display (10) (refer to the over-
view on page 88). Open the air outlets
for the upper body area. Switch on the
air conditioner in warm weather. The
maximum cooling capacity is achieved
when you set rotary dial (3) (refer to
page 92) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO pro-
gram by selecting specific distri-
bution patterns to suit your own
individual requirements. You
can direct air to flow onto the windows
, toward the upper body , and into
the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display provide
a general indication of interior
temperature. We recommend 707
(226) as a comfortable setting, whether
the air conditioner is operating or not.
When you start the vehicle, the system
ensures that the selected temperature is
reached as quickly as possible. It then
maintains this temperature, regardless
of the season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 92) 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.
The full, uncontrolled heater out-
put is available starting at an inte-
rior temperature setting of 907 (326).
At a setting of 607 (166), the full cool-
ing output is available when the air con-
ditioner is activated.<

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Automatic climate controlAutomatic recirculated-air control
(AUC)
*You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
blocking outside air. The system then
recirculates the air already within the
vehicle. By repeated actuations of the
button, you can select one of three dif-
ferent operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: Fresh air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on – AUC
mode: The system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehi-
cle. Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: The
flow of outside air into the vehicle is
permanently blocked. The system re-
circulates the air already within the
vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the re-
circulated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically. Refer to
page 71.
Draft-free ventilation The air outlets for the upper body may
be adjusted to meet your personal re-
quirements:
Use the rotary dials (1) for an infinitely-
variable opening and closing of the
vents. You can use the levers (2) to
adjust the flow direction.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
The rotary dial (3) allows you to mix the
air from the outlets for your upper body
by warming or cooling it as desired.460de040

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic climate control Heated seats
*
Roller sun blind
*
Microfilter, activated charcoal
filter
*
A microfilter traps dust and pollen from
the outside air. The activated-charcoal
filter provides additional protection by
filtering gaseous pollutants from the
outside air. Your BMW center replaces
this combined filter
* as a standard part
of your scheduled maintenance. A sub-
stantial reduction in air flow indicates
that the filter needs to be replaced
early.
For additional details on the filter
change, please refer to page 154.The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated with ignition key in position 2.
By repeated actuation of a button, you
can select one of three different opera-
tion modes.
>Two indicator lamps on: Heating at a
high temperature
>One indicator lamp on: Heating at a
low temperature
>Indicator lamps off: Seat heating de-
activated.
462us027
To actuate, press the button briefly with
ignition key in position 2.
The illustration depicts the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. This may vary, depending
on the equipment actually installed.462us028