warning BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 User Guide

34n
Central locking system Opening and closing Ð from the outside The conceptThe central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door
is closed. The system engages and
releases the locks on the
>doors
>luggage compartment lid
>fuel filler door
>glove compartment
at the same time.
The central locking system can be
operated
>from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
>from inside by pressing a button.
Activating it from inside does not lock
the fuel filler door (see page 38). When
the system is actuated from the
outside, the anti-theft system is acti-
vated simultaneously. Both the door
locks and the safety lock buttons
remain locked. The alarm system is also
armed or disarmed.
The central locking system unlocks
automatically in the event of an acci-
dent. In addition, the hazard warning
flashers and interior lamps come on.
Using the keyTurning the key once in the driver-side
door will unlock only the driver's door.
Turning the key a second time will
unlock the passenger-side door, the
luggage compartment lid, the fuel filler
door and the glove compartment.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<460de006
Convenience operationYou can also operate the power
windows and the fully automatic
convertible top from the door lock.
>To open: with the door closed, hold
the key in the "Unlock" position.
>To close: with the door closed, turn
the key to the "Lock" position and
hold it.
Watch during the closing process
to be sure that no one is injured.
Releasing the key stops the operation. Turn the key to the extreme left or right
to unlock/lock the door.

42n
Alarm system
*
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the
luggage compartment lid is opened.
>To movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor).
>To a change of the vehicle's tilt Ð if
someone attempts to steal the
wheels or tow the vehicle without
authorization, for example.
>If there is an interruption in battery
voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an alarm for 30 seconds.
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes.
>The high beams flash on and off in the
same rhythm.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
by using a key or with the remote
control, the alarm system is also simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and the tilt
alarm sensor are activated approx.
30 seconds after you have finished
locking the vehicle.
If the alarm system has been armed
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
flash once.
You can have a signal set as
acknowledgment for both arming
and disarming the alarm system.<
You can also open the luggage
compartment lid when the system is
armed by pressing button 3 of the
remote control (refer to page 36). When
it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the
interior rearview mirror.
>The indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously: the system is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes while the
system is being armed: the door(s),
the hood or luggage compartment lid
are not completely closed. Even if
you do not close the alerted area(s),
the remaining areas are secure, and
the indicator lamp will flash continu-
ously after 10 seconds. However, the
interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated.
>The indicator lamp goes out when the
system is disarmed: no manipulation
or attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the
system was armed.46cus033

81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
1 Odometer You can activate the displays shown in
the illustration with the ignition key in
position 0 by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster (arrow).2 Trip odometerTo reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button (arrow) with the igni-
tion key in position 1 and up.462us005
Avoid engine speeds in the red warning
zone of the gauge.
To protect the engine, the fuel supply is
automatically interrupted in this zone;
you will notice a loss of power.462us017
Indicates current fuel consumption in
mpg (in l/100 km on Canadian vehicles).
You can check your current driving
style to see whether it is conducive to
economy and minimum exhaust emis-
sions.
When the vehicle is stationary, the
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on
Canadian vehicles).462us018
Odometer Tachometer Energy Control

85n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
ComputerIce warning If the outside temperature drops to
about 37.5 7 (+3 6), then the com-
puter will automatically switch to show
the outside temperature. In addition, a
signal sounds as a warning and the
display flashes for a brief period.
This warning will repeat itself whenever
the temperature climbs to at least 43 7
(+6 6) since the last warning, and has
then drops back to 37.5 7 (+3 6).
Ice warnings do not exclude the
possibility that surface ice can still
occur at temperatures above 37.5 7
(+3 6), e. g. on bridges and shady
roads.<
Average fuel consumption If you continue to hold the button on the
turn signal lever, the average fuel
consumption last displayed is recalcu-
lated from that point in time.46cus009
Range The computer bases its calculations
of the cruising range on the previous
driving style and the amount of fuel
remaining.46cus010

87n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptThe PDC assists you when you back
into a parking space. A signal warns
you of the distance to an obstacle. To
do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the
rear bumper measure the distance to
the nearest object. The range for the
sensors located at both rear corners
ends approx. 2 ft (60 cm) behind the
bumpers. The two center sensors
cover a distance of approx. 4.9 ft
(1.50 meters).
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you select
reverse with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2. PDC is deactivated when you
shift back out of reverse.
Acoustical signalsThe distance to the nearest object is
indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between
vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates
the presence of an object less than 1 ft
(30 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to
the obstacle remains constant during
this time (if you are moving parallel to
a wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please refer the problem to your
BMW center.The PDC does not remove the
driver's personal responsibility for
evaluating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical limits of ultra-
sonic measurement, as occurs with tow
bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin and painted objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not subject the sensors to high-
pressure washers for a prolonged
period of time. Always maintain a
distance of more than 4 in (10 cm).<
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*

89n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
ASC+T DSC*Reactivating ASC+TPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. This is why you should not
use the additional safety margin the
system provides as an excuse to take
risks.<
For additional details concerning
ASC+T, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced Technology" on page 189.
The conceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keeping the car on a
steady course by reducing the RPMs
and brake applications to the individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC includes the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 123.
The ADB (Automatic Differential
Braking) copies the function of conven-
tional differential and transverse lock
through brake intervention, and
increases traction whenever conditions
merit, e. g. when driving on snow-
covered roads.
If the DSC is switched off the ADB will
still be in ready mode.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 21, 22.
Indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the
button; ADB is operational.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator and the brake
warning lamps will remain on
the continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been switched off via the button
or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center. Refer to page 21, 22.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.

90n
DSC*Switch DSC off/activate ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp comes on and stays on.
DSC has been switched; ADB is opera-
tional.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the ADB for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
>When driving on snow-covered
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 128.
The gain in traction is achieved by a
reduction in stabilizing intervention.46cus045
Switch DSC and ADB off>Hold the DSC switch down for at
least 3 seconds. The indicator lamp
and the yellow brake warning lamps
will remain on continuously.
In this case, no interventions to
increase stability and traction for engine
and brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with DSC switched
on as often as possible.<
Switch DSC and ADB on againPress the button again; the indicator
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
The DSC will not carry out any stabi-
lizing intervention when the ADB is in
ready mode.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform service proce-
dures on the DSC.<
For additional details concerning DSC,
please refer to the chapter "Advanced
technology" on page 189.

93n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Side lamps
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on.
For lighting on one side for parking as
an additional feature, see page 94.
Low beam headlamps
When you switch the ignition off
with the low beam headlamps
on, only the side lamps will
remain on.
"Follow-me-home" lamps:
If you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle, the
low-beam headlamps will come on for a
short time. You can also have this func-
tion deactivated.<
460us035
"LIGHTS ON" warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0,
a buzzer sounds for a few seconds to
remind you that the headlamps have
not been switched off.Daytime running lamps
*
If you desire, the light 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
illumination intensity.
460us036
Side lamps/Low beams
Instrument panel lighting

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
119n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures120
Driving notes121
Catalytic converter121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)122
Disc brakes125
Brake system126
Winter operation127
Power steering129
Cellular phones129
Radio reception129
Hardtop130
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure132
Tire condition132
Tire replacement133
Tire rotation134
Wheel and tire
combinations135
Winter tires136
Snow chains136
Approved wheel and tire
specifications137Under the hood:
Hood140
Engine compartment142
Washer fluids144
Washer nozzles144
Engine oil145
Coolant147
Brake fluid148
Vehicle Identification
Number149
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System150
Caring for your vehicle151
Cleaning and care of the
convertible top157
Airbags159
Vehicle storage160
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications161
California Proposition
65 Warning161
OBD interface socket162
Car care

123n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction
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
chekked by your BMW center as soon
as possible. To prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system,
refer any problems to your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
The brake-warning lamp comes
on along with the indicator
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC,
refer to page 21, then the entire
control system for ABS, CBC
and ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC
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 by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.