warning BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Guide

124n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 89.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow. Normal braking effi-
ciency and ABS are still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
Please observe the section "Infor-
mation for your safety" concerning
the ABS system, which also applies to
the DSC system.<

126n
Brake systemBrake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 148).
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.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The brake pads warning lamp
lights up:
Only the minimum pad thick-
ness still remains on the brake pads.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center
as soon as possible to have the pads
replaced.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved 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.<

140n
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment. Comply with all
applicable instructions and warnings.
Failure to work in an informed, profes-
sional manner when servicing compo-
nents and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel. 460us012
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.462de269
Hood

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Always observe all environmental
protection laws 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 attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains ethylene glycol, a
flammable substance. For this reason,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could
ignite and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine
(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 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).46cde036

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Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
ature gauge in the instrument cluster
must be located in the blue zone. If it
is not, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.The brake warning lamp comes on
when the parking brake has been
released:
Check the brake fluid level and if
necessary, top up to the "MAX" mark.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 126.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
an authorized BMW center. Refer also
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models). Brake fluid is hazardous to
health and damages the vehicle's paint.
You should always store it in its original
container and in a location that is
inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable
environmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<

156n
Caring for your vehicleWe recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather
exposed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains by
dabbing with spot remover. Avoid
rubbing.
If the upholstery is to be exposed to
intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover all
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the
windows) to prevent fading.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Cleaning agents can contain
substances that are dangerous or
that pose health risks. For this reason,
always comply with the warnings and
danger notices on the packaging.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle whenever cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.<

158n
Cleaning and care of the convertible topDo not use spot removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, gasoline or similar
substances for removing spots from the
convertible top or from the rear
window. These materials destroy the
rubber seals, which will lead to leaks.
Use only BMW-approved cleaners.
Cleaning agents can contain
substances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore, always
comply with the warnings and danger
notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle whenever cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.c
Positioning for cleaningIn order to have free access to the
convertible top compartment, lean the
rear convertible top bow against the
convertible top compartment lid (see
illustration).
First release the convertible top
locks, see page 45 or 50.<46cde072
Hardtop
*
Please follow the information for caring
for your vehicle, which starts on
page 151.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Any BMW center will be glad to inform
you of the advisability, legal require-
ments and factory recommendations
regarding technical modifications on
your vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number and, in some
cases, also the engine number. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning

162n
OBD interface socketThe OBD interface socket for onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side, on the left-hand bottom of the
instrument panel and under a cover
panel. The cover is marked with the
letters "OBD".
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime 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, how-
ever, at the earliest possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact the nearest
BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over even a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<

173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel
Take these precautionary
measures if you have either a flat
tire or are changing the tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position, remove the key
and engage the steering lock. Shift into
1st or reverse gear (selector lever in
"Park" with automatic transmission) and
engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
Set up a warning triangle
* or portable
hazard warning on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of
the vehicle. Comply with all safety
guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW has a space-saver spare tire
for temporary use to ensure your
mobility.
To remove the space-saver spare
tire, take out the floor panel in the
luggage compartment completely (refer
to page 41).<
You will need the following:In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack (1)
Raise the floor panel in the luggage
compartment (refer to page 41) and
unclip the jack from where it is stored
(arrow).
After use, swing the crank back and
clip into place.
>Wedge (2)
Located behind the jack on the wall
in the luggage compartment. Loosen
the wing nut to remove it.46cde038